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tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-80298480822875448782018-09-16T23:55:21.172-07:00The Lyons Family"We witness a miracle every time a child enters into life. But those who make their journey home across time and miles, growing within the hearts of those who wait to love them, are carried on the wings of destiny and placed among us by God's very own hands." -Kristi LarsonElizabeth Lyonshttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-8029848082287544878.post-2296335142499366212009-05-11T14:18:00.000-07:002010-09-19T13:03:56.426-07:00So Long, FarewellIn the past, when adoptive families whose blogs I've religiously followed have "shut down" said blogs, I've found myself nearly bereft. It often felt as though my glimpse into their journey was forced to abruptly end, long before I was ready for it to do so. I wondered, "Isn't it written somewhere that they must ask my permission before disappearing from sight on their trip down the yellow brick road?"

However, at this point, I must say that I understand the psychology behind it all. This blog, Seven Lyons, was originally created to document the journey to our Nina--a journey which, by the grace of God, is now complete. And I find myself not having as much to say about that journey specifically, and more to say about THE journey that is parenting five children amidst all the other crazy things David and I choose to do on a daily basis.

Don't worry; I'm not leaving cyberspace all together. I'm simply bidding adieu to this blog. If you'd like, please follow us on my new blog, ElizabethLyons.com/blog. Yes, it is my "professional" blog, but it chronicles (among other things) the antics of ALL of our kids, the hair-raising moments of a frazzled mother/wannabe organic gardener/aspiring zulu knot creator, and the 2-year-long process of house-training the most lovable Cockapoo on the planet.

I won't delete this blog. I hope it serves as inspiration and/or information for those embarking on the incredible journey of international adoption. And, of course, I need to get it printed out in some way, shape, and form so that Nina will forever have documented our journey to her.

I am incredibly grateful to everyone who's supported and befriended us along the way. The international adoption community is unlike anything I anticipated and it far exceeded my expectations. The friendships we've built, the connections we've made--albeit through cyberspace--and the support we've received have been tremendous. I cherish each and every one of you, and hope to maintain each of our relationships for years and years to come.

Don't be dismayed by good-byes. A farewell is necessary before you can meet again. And meeting again, after moments or lifetimes, is certain for those who are friends.

--Richard Bach

Elizabeth Lyonshttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-8029848082287544878.post-8063113484149233792009-04-20T19:06:00.000-07:002009-04-20T19:11:20.149-07:00Happy 1st Birthday!Happy Birthday to Nina! We can hardly believe she's one already. Walking everywhere, into everything, and every bit as much a joy as the day she came home (probably more).

Elizabeth Lyonshttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-8029848082287544878.post-49436023853443096972009-03-23T16:49:00.000-07:002009-03-23T17:47:35.995-07:00FormalitiesThis post puts to rest (hopefully) many of the questions and confusion regarding the ins, outs, ups, and downs of re-adoption, obtaining a new birth certificate, obtaining a social security number, and obtaining citizenship for an adopted child born in a country other than the U.S.A.

Questions related to this topic have generated thousands of threads on many a blog and group site. There are about a kazillion ideas on how all this is to be done, and it's enough to drive anyone slightly mad. After many months, and many incorrect suggestions (including one directly from a state-sponsored attorney), I thought I'd document my experience with what has worked. We have only one step left, and I'm confident that I know how to do it (I hope).

*Please note: this is only my experience, and it reflects only Arizona processes. In addition, this information is valid only under circumstances in which a child was not granted U.S. citizenship upon entry into the U.S. If they come in with citizenship (as denoted by an IR-4 visa), the processes are likely a bit different (and probably a bit easier!).

Let's just start at the beginning, shall we?

Re-adoption
The first thing you need to do is go through re-adoption. Re-adoption is not required in every state, but the following states do not recognize a foreign adoption decree, so it's best, in these states at least, to go through the process of re-adoption.

Alabama

Arizona

Kentucky

Louisiana

Michigan

Mississippi

Nebraska

Nevada

New Jersey

New York

Rhode Island

South Dakota

Utah

Virginia

West Virginia

Wyoming

American Samoa

Guam

Puerto Rico

U.S. Virgin Islands

Keep in mind that if you presently live in a state that does recognize a foreign adoption decree, but you later move, your new state may not recognize the adoption. So, again, in my humble opinion, it's best to just do the re-adoption.

In addition, re-adoption is the only way to legally change your child's name. Considering that the formal name of most children coming from Ethiopia will read as their first name plus your husband's first and last name on their passport, changing their name may be something you consider essential. I doubt our daughter would be terribly pleased as a 16-year-old with David as her middle name!

We thought it would be fairly easy to do the re-adoption without an attorney and, as I understand it, it is in some states. Not Arizona. However, thankfully, the state of Arizona does provide a state-sponsored attorney to you at no charge to facilitate the adoption proceedings. The only charge we incurred was for our social worker's re-adoption report (much like a home study report only slightly abbreviated; it only requires one home visit) which had to be submitted to the state. This cost us $300.

Ask your social worker (the one who did your home study) who you need to call to facilitate re-adoption in your state. The woman we called in Arizona was Kim Redmond and she was lovely and very helpful.

The re-adoption process can take anywhere from 3 - 8 months, depending on when you get your court date.

Obtaining a New Birth Certificate
Once the re-adoption is complete, you'll go to the court house and go through a quick proceeding in which your child becomes legally yours according to Arizona law. You'll receive a formal adoption decree which you can (and will want to) have certified before leaving the court house. The cost for certification is, I believe, $28.

After this is completely, you'll want to apply for a birth certificate for your child. We were told that the Department of Vital Statistics would send us an application after they received and processed our daughter's information post re-adoption. This did not happen. So, be prepared that if you don't hear from them within 6 weeks or so you'll have to head down to the Department of Vital Statistics.

However, you'll have to head there in person anyway. You need to go to the Department of Vital Statistics office at 1818 N. Adams Street. They are open M-F from 8-5 but after 4:00 you can only get information, not apply for a birth certificate. So go before 4:00. Their phone number is 602.364.1300.

Whether you get the application via mail or print it out yourself from their online site, fill it out as follows:

Name: Your child's legal name as specified in the re-adoption
Date of Birth: as specified in re-adoption

Most of the rest of it is self-explanatory.

When you go, expect the DMV. Expect for it to take a while. If you can avoid it, do NOT take any children with you! You'll need your child's "foreign born" number, so if you don't know what that is, attempt to get it from the attorney who facilitated your re-adoption. This is the number under which your child is registered with, among other places I'm sure, the Department of Vital Statistics.

If you cannot obtain the foreign-born number from your attorney, simply tell the person at the "triage window" (yes, they do call it that) at the Dept. of Vital Statistics that you are there to apply for a foreign-born birth certificate for your recently adopted child but that you don't know what their foreign-born number is. They will likely send you to the Corrections room to obtain the foreign-born number. Once you obtain that, you go BACK to the triage window and get a number to get in line to apply for the birth certificate.

The reason you need to be there in person is that they will need to see the certified copy of the re-adoption, which I doubt you'll want to put in the mail. At $28 each, we only got one copy!

Then, you wait a while. I waited for about 45 minutes. When your number is called, you present your application, a credit card, debit card, or cash in the amount of $10 per certificate requested (though I hear it's going up to $15 per certificate as of 4/1/2009), and then you go home. The birth certificate is mailed to you within 5-10 business days (we got ours in 4 business days).

Social Security Number
In order to obtain your child's SSN, you MUST have a foreign-born birth certificate and you MUST appear in person at the Social Security Office. I HIGHLY recommend the office on North Tatum. It is north of Greenway and south of Bell on Tatum on the east side of the street. It's a big building and not hard to find. Go in and go around back on the left side of the building to Suite B.

It is very clean, and not NEARLY as crowded as the Social Security Office in downtown Phoenix. After confirming that I had not brought in a gun, a knife, any other weaponry, or pepper spray, I was given a number and quietly told to take a seat. So quietly that I said, "Huh?" to the security guard. Not so good. I waited only 3 minutes to be called to the window.

Present your application, your child's certified birth certificate, your certified re-adoption documents, and your child's Ethiopian passport and resident alien card. There was only one space on the application I was confused by and it was the field that asked whether my child was a U.S. citizen, a something-or-other, or other. The correct answer is "other."

It is free to apply for a SSN (finally, something is free!). They will likely tell you that the information didn't get through Homeland Security the first time, but this is only because the kids' info is often typed into Homeland Security's system incorrectly to begin with so it doesn't match and takes a human to look at it and approve it. It's all very efficient. :)

Your child's Social Security card should arrive in 2 weeks. If it does not, you need to return to the Social Security Office to inquire as to what the problem might be.

Citizenship
This is an area in which a TON of confusion has arisen. A few salient points:

- Your child is NOT a citizen of the U.S. upon entering the U.S. unless he or she comes in on an IR-4 visa.

- Your child is NOT a citizen of the U.S. upon finalization of the re-adoption (even though our attorney says otherwise).

- Your child is NOT granted citizenship by obtaining a U.S. passport. In fact, they should not be able to even get a U.S. passport without a valid foreign-born birth certificate, but I know a few folks in Arizona who have managed to get their child a U.S. passport without doing the above and think it gives them citizenship. I don't know, but according to the gal at the Social Security office, who truly seemed to know what she was doing, it does not.

Now, you CAN, technically, apply for U.S. citizenship without a SSN. So, you can do the citizenship application and the SSN application simultaneously if you want. But I like order and structure and one thing at a time so I say get the SSN first. But that's just me.

Once you receive your child's SSN in the mail, you can begin the application process for U.S. citizenship through Homeland Security. You MUST have an appointment for this. You cannot just walk in to a Homeland Security office the same way you can walk in to the Dept. of Vital Statistics or the Social Security Office.

The number/address for Homeland Security in Phoenix is:
2035 N. Central Ave. Phoenix, AZ 85004
800.375.5283

Call and make an appointment to apply for U.S. citizenship for your child.

Modify SSN
When you initially get your child's SSN, it will reflect "resident alien" status (which terribly confuses our other children who now swear that Ethiopia sits somewhere near Jupiter). When your child is granted U.S. citizenship, take the citizenship paperwork BACK to the Social Security Office and they'll amend your child's record to note that s/he now has U.S. citizenship. They don't get a new card or a new number; their status is simply modified in the system.

U.S. Passport
NOW you can apply for a U.S. passport for your child at your local post office. You'll need to take every bloody thing you've acquired to date!

If you have any questions about this process in Arizona, please feel free to contact me. I feel very well equipped at this point to open up shop as a How To Get Your Child All S/He Needs to Function as a Citizen of the U.S. of A. consultant!Elizabeth Lyonshttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-8029848082287544878.post-83081210587062812102009-03-19T11:46:00.001-07:002009-03-19T12:02:15.462-07:00What Can We Do?This was the first question I asked myself when I heard about Haregewoin's passing. After all, she has 50+ children, many of them HIV+, still living at her homes throughout Addis Ababa. Surely, these children are sad and scared.

The following was on Melissa Faye Greene's blog this morning and it shows us how we each can contribute something, should we so choose. It's amazing, truly, how much it costs to care for children in such a poverty-infected country. But, given that the cost of the washer and dryer for Hannah's Hope was nearly $20,000 (that is not a typo) it's not terribly surprising.

$1 may not feel like a large donation but if everyone who reads my blog in a month donated $1, it would be almost $1000 toward this effort (that's assuming that my parents aren't reading my blog 998 times a month, but who knows).

***********

THE CHILDREN!

2009-03-19
*from the blog of Melissa Faye Greene, author of There is No Me Without You.

Haregewoin Teferra 1946 (est.) - 2009

Dear Friends,

By now you may have learned the shocking news that Mrs.
Haregewoin Teferra has died suddenly after a short
illness. We don't know what caused her death; she felt
sick for a couple of days, went to the doctor, came
home without a diagnosis, felt sick again, laid down,
and that was the end.

We are grieving, yet we have no time to spare: 59
children survive her, many of them toddlers and babies,
the majority HIV-positive.

Worldwide Orphans--the New York-based organization that
has provided pediatric care to Haregewoin's children
for many years--has stepped into the breach. They have
assumed full custody of the 42 HIV-positive kids and
are prepared to take responsibility for the 17
HIV-negative children, as needed, most of them babies
and toddlers. Those small children are still at
Haregewoin's foster home; their caregivers have
stayed on; and the Atetegeb board has taken charge of
their well-being for the present.

These heroic measures come at high cost: it is
estimated to require about $4,600 per child to cover
food, healthcare and medicine, education, clothing, and
caregivers. Once the children's basic needs are secure,
their paperwork will be sorted out: some may be
eligible for adoption, others may have extended families
in a position to take them in; others may find new
placements.

No one knows, at this moment, whether Haregewoin had made
financial plans for the children in the event of her
death. All that can be sorted out in the future. The
crisis is NOW: keeping the children fed and clothed,
paying the salaries of loving caregivers to act as
stand-ins for their late parents and long-devoted
foster mother, and making sure there is no lag-time
in their life-saving medical treatment.

At Little Atetegeb, for positive children

Haregewoin lived with these children seven days a week,
24 hours a day, for ten years. She is irreplaceable.

The youngest children, of course, have no idea what
has just happened. Please let us work together to
act as foster parents in absentia for them and to
provide financial sustenance to the adults on the
ground in Addis during this transitional time.

Thank you in advance for any amount you can give.

Online contributions can be made at
https://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/2669/shop/custom.jsp?donate_page_KEY=2749

Checks may be sent to:
WWO
511 Valley Street
Maplewood, New Jersey 07040

Sincerely,
Melissa

Haregewoin's children

Elizabeth Lyonshttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-8029848082287544878.post-59139713287203939682009-03-17T19:33:00.000-07:002009-03-17T19:52:23.221-07:00An Angel Goes HomeA little over a year ago, when the road we'd been pleasantly traveling suddenly dead-ended into a hillside named "Guatemalan Adoptions Now Closed mountain" (it really was called that, I swear), we weren't sure what to do. We wondered whether to turn left, or turn right, or turn around and simply go back to where we'd come from -- a place with our four beautiful (albeit unruly) kids and a bit less confusion over a message we thought we'd heard so clearly.

The first book I picked up in an effort to get some clarity was There Is No Me Without You by Melissa Faye Greene. It is a stunning story documenting Melissa's time in Ethiopia, first as a journalist and later as an adoptive mother of, ultimately, two Ethiopian-born children.

The book centered around a woman named Haregewoin Teferra (shown in the middle of this picture surrounded by many of "her" children). Haregewoin Teferrra was "a middle-class Ethiopian woman who found herself at the heart of a global health crisis...transformed her home into an orphanage and began facilitating adoptions to homes all over the world." It is a fantastic book, and one my mom bought and sent to a number of people prior to Nina's homecoming.

On the day of Nina's re-adoption, I was so blessed to meet the adoptive family of one of the children featured in There Is No Me Without You, to put a face with that part of the story that touched me so deeply. In fact, when I learned that this little boy had made his way all the way from Ethiopia to, of all places, Phoenix, I thought that, surely, that was just another sign that we were heading in the right direction, both literally and figuratively.

It was in reading this book that I knew wholly and completely that while I was initially so unwaveringly sure of our journey to Guatemala, the place we were meant to go was Ethiopia. I don't know how to describe the knowledge more deeply than that, but I know my friends with Ethiopian-born children understand what I'm saying.

I've been thinking lately that I need to re-read it, this time from the perspective of someone who's adopted from Ethiopia and been to Ethiopia as opposed to someone who's merely considering those activities.

Haregewoin died suddenly today in Ethiopia. Not many details are yet known other than that she called a friend and then died in her home.

Ethiopia has lost a true hero in the war against children without home or family. Tonight, Haregewoin is where she belongs, resting among all the other angels in heaven, having most rightfully earned her place there.

And tonight, to honor her for indirectly opening my heart so fully to welcome home an angel of my own, I will begin re-reading her story.Elizabeth Lyonshttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-8029848082287544878.post-76022338542732057772009-03-10T11:40:00.000-07:002009-03-10T11:54:26.781-07:00Water Is Life
The family profiled below are friends of ours. Their daughter is in Grace's class. We think this is incredible and hope you'll be moved to help.

WORLD WATER DAY, March 22 - Phoenix Family Turns Off House Water for One Week to Save a Child's Life for a Year!

A Phoenix family turns off their house water for one week to save a child's life for one year!

This family of four will shut off their Phoenix suburban house water for one week. They will fulfill their daily water needs by carrying water in buckets from their 'water well' to their home each day, perhaps a few times a day if necessary. They will fill their buckets at the local well - the Verrado Village Sport and Health Club - and carry their water up Main Street to their home which is approx. one mile round trip. They have chosen to give up their house water as a representation of how challenging it is around the world to obtain clean water each day.

They are hopeful that they will generate awareness to help solve the global pure water crisis - all in honor of World Water Day. Watch and share in their daily experiences at www.waterislife.com.

They are giving up water for one week (Sunday, March 22 - Sunday, March 29) to save a child's life for one year. Their hope is that people will recognize and acknowledge their efforts by donating a simple $10 to save a child's life for one year. Each $10 donation purchases a water filter that hangs around a child's neck and filters out bacteria that causes waterborne diseases, which kills 4500 children each day. Visit www.waterislife.com for more information on how you can help, and to save a child's life from waterborne disease for one year. The water filters will be distributed in Kenya in August, 2009.

The family resides just outside of Phoenix, Arizona and includes two daughters, Picabo (13) and Livvie (10). They will be ready to shut off their house water on Sunday, March 22 at 5 pm in honor of WORLD WATER DAY 2009. (Maybe girls not so ready!)

 Elizabeth Lyonshttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-8029848082287544878.post-10861623656386319922009-02-26T18:26:00.000-08:002009-02-26T18:33:10.073-08:00Bring on the Zulu Knots!It's getting harder to do Nina's hair simply because she's mobile so she'd prefer to move than sit. But she's still awfully patient with me. I decided the other day that it was time to try Zulu Knots. Her hair is so long that when I made the initial ponytail and started wrapping it, I actually tied it in a knot and then wrapped it all the way around! Her hair is about 10 inches from root to end at this point if you pull her gorgeous curls out.

Be patient NeeNee, we're in for another hour of styling!
(She looks just thrilled, doesn't she?)

A close up - almost done!

Finis (and it lasted 3 days!)

Elizabeth Lyonshttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-8029848082287544878.post-70598882546319475632009-02-20T10:08:00.001-08:002009-02-20T10:46:40.058-08:00As Promised
 The kids reading their Valentine's Day magazines from Grammy and Poppy. They each got a 1-year subscription to magazines by the Cricket group and they love them! (and Nina is enjoying Mama's National Geographic!)

The Nina

She'll be running around before we know it.

I found the neatest organization this morning. I've again taken up knitting (much to my mother's dismay, as I have to call her every 8 seconds asking, "Now the directions say to do such-and-such. What does that mean?" as though she can "describe" how to knit over the phone). I subscribe to the Lion Brand newsletter, and this month they are featuring a neat charity called Knit-A-Square.

Their tagline is: Knit a Square to Keep a Cold Child Warm.

You can read all about them on their site but, basically, they ask knitters to knit a square (or two, or seventeen) and mail them to them. They then mail them to South Africa where the Soweto Comfort Club (a group of women from a church in South Africa) stitch the squares together to create warm blankets for the children of the region who often suffer through cold nights with no blankets.

The site gives tons of information on the organization, the process, and even how to knit! I promise, knitting a square is an easy undertaking if you're patient. It's quick and very rewarding. Once you start, you may not stop! Who knows what is in your knitting future? Blankets, scarves, sweaters, booties, hats? The options are endless!

If anyone is interested in this, let me know. I may set a goal for Believe Impossible Things to collect xx number of knitted squares to send to Knit-A-Square and on to South Africa. Think how many blankets we could provide to keep children warm at night!

We can even do an online knitting tutorial for those of you interested in getting started. I promise, if I can do it, anyone can do it!

Come on Katie - you need to be rewarded with the joy of completing more than the eyebrow warmer you created 7 years ago!Elizabeth Lyonshttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-8029848082287544878.post-43823540279690625732009-02-14T11:10:00.000-08:002009-02-14T11:19:12.494-08:00Help!I promise, promise, promise new pictures are coming.

For today, I need a bit of help. Consider it a Valentine's Day gift. I won't get one otherwise. The kids won't even share so much as a Hershey Kiss with me.

I've entered a blog contest at JuiceBoxJungle.com. Frankly, it's a pretty cool site.

If you have a moment, would you go to JuiceBoxJungle.com, click on Current Episode at the top, and then scroll down and find my post underneath their video? It's presently #2 under the Most Recent tab. It's titled Dads of Twins: God Love 'Em.

In the narrow column to the left of each post summary are 3 categories: funny, helpful, & honest. All you have to do to vote is click on one (or all!) of the categories. I'd love to win funny, but I'll take anything! You can click on all 3 categories and cast a vote in each one, if you'd like.

I'm presently in 2nd place for Funny, so I need to call on all my peeps out there to give me a hand. I asked my kids for help, and then said, "Sorry Mom, we're heading out into the snow."

Super.

Thank you!

And I shall reward you with recent photos of my glorious princes and princesses within 72 hours (though this is dependent upon my glorious husband's photo editing timelines).
Elizabeth Lyonshttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-8029848082287544878.post-5958826256044670082009-01-24T18:31:00.000-08:002009-01-24T18:55:10.066-08:00Not Any Other SaturdayToday was interesting.

David went hunting in Sedona and took Grace with him. He dropped her off at her cousin's to spend the night. Both she and Casey (said cousin) were so excited that neither of them slept last night, so I don't know how well their plans to stay up until 2AM will go.

Anyhoo, here I was with Jack, Henry, George, and Nina until 4:30.

Now, you may have gleaned that I've been spending a lot of one-on-one time with Jack lately.

Grace and I have many girly days where we go shopping, out to eat, or whatever. We've also gone on several trips together.

I spent the vast majority of Henry's life with him from the age of 4 months until he turned 3. He was receiving so much therapy outside the house and I was required to do so much inside the house that we were pretty much connected to one another for many years. Not surprisingly in hindsight, Jack (even at only 18 months) often acted as the therapist's "assistant" with Henry. The kid could totally fend for himself while Henry wouldn't touch food or move a limb to get anything he wanted, so I thanked God for Jack's self-sufficient nature and went to grab Henry a rattle. Or a Cheerio.

George, as I've mentioned, didn't cut the cord until he was 3 1/2. He now wants nothing to do with me, which is somewhat upsetting, but he's a bit of a "Daddy's Boy" these days. Truly, he was on my hip, like an interesting fashion accessory, for the first 3 1/2 years of his life.

And Nina, well, Nina is obviously with me most of the time these days.

So Jack has sort of gotten the shaft, as they say. And I'm greatly enjoying making it up to him.

The kid is so multi-faceted it's unbelievable. He's athletic and domestic and kind and funny.

This afternoon I asked him to go with me on a mountain bike ride into...can you guess...the mountains. Our neighbors told us about a trail up into the mountains behind our house that sounded fun.

Of course, he agreed.

On the way up the hill (the very steep hill), I hear him behind me profess, "I love my life."

Now, most 7-year-olds love a lot of things: their toys, Wii, days off from school, ice cream...

But to say, "I love my LIFE" as a 7-year-old?

I somehow doubt that happens all that often.

It was the most Zen statement he's ever made --- totally void of materialism --- and only focusing on how beautiful the day was, the fact that he was out enjoying it on his bike and, I like to think, the fact that we were out and about together.

So then we head up to this trail.

Now, let me preface all this by saying that I was not wearing a helmet. But I survived. Barely. And I wrote Liz Helmet on the Target list the minute we returned home. My dad will have a heart attack over this. But, like I said, I'm fine. Barely.

Now, when you're mountain biking with your 7-year-old (and looking muy cool with the baby seat on the back of your most fab Diamondback mountain bike that was given to you by your fab husband 11 years ago --- and hasn't been ridden until...well...today...you know, because I got pregnant about 6 minutes after the gift was presented and stayed that way until...well...recently) and every 8 minutes or so that 7-year-old turns his head 180-degrees to the right to inquire, "Mom? You okay back there?" you start to feel a bit...well...old.

Then, we hit this huge downhill...all rocks...and, did I mention, I didn't have a helmet.

I told Jack, as we sat perched at the top of this very steep hill aware that there was nowhere to go BUT down, that this is why we wear helmets. So if you go over the handlebars and hit your head on a rock, the helmet protects your very delicate and important brain.

The whole way down I'm going, "Do not go over the handlebars. Do not go over the handlebars."

We made it, and Jack goes, "Mom, if we hit another hill like that, I'm going first. I think I need to test it for you. And do you have a CLUE where this path will end up?"

No sir. I do not.

So, another hill we hit and, as promised, Jack raised his hand and said, "Stop. I'm going first."

I truly felt like I was younger than he is.

So, after we made it down that hill (with the damn baby seat bouncing like mad the whole way down), Jack goes, "Mom, you really do need a helmet. Because if you fall and get hurt, I'll be lost."

"Jack, somehow I am quite confident that you would find your way home."

"Well, that's true," he confided. "But I wouldn't know what to do with your body."

Lovely.

I said, "Jack, this raises an excellent point. Next time we do this, I'm bringing (along with a helmet) my cell phone."

Jack says, "Yeah, you need to teach me how to use that. In case I have to get someone to come get your body."

Also lovely.

So, an hour later we finally arrived at an outlet from which I thought we could get home. And as we came up over the hill, we saw David, Nina, and George. David was like, "Good God - where did you come from?"

Jack answered, "Don't ask."

I love that I have 5 kids who are all SO different from one another that I can so clearly identify what it is about each of them that is special and unique. I can have 5 special and oh-so-different relationships at the same time. I know without doubt that two of them will scream at me for much of the day, two of them will be eager to go on any adventure with me, and one of them will do something amazing each day like clap or laugh or get a tooth.

As Jack said so well, I love my life.Elizabeth Lyonshttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-8029848082287544878.post-33804806410397627812009-01-22T13:03:00.001-08:002009-01-22T13:12:55.709-08:00My GirlBefore I update on the Neenster (as George calls her), let me show you this fine image of my Jack. The other day, I asked Jack if he wanted to go to the mall with me. He darted upstairs to put on his new clothes AND style his hair.

Off to the mall we went. He learned very quickly how to spot a sale, and insisted on carrying all of my bags through the mall. He's 7!

He can just as quickly come home and grab his football and head outside for some throwing practice.

One day, he's going to be the best husband. He reminds me so much of David because he'll carry his wife's bags through the mall and then come home and sit down to the Superbowl. He's fantastic.

Henry will undoubtedly have to live with Jack forever since he refuses to pick up even a sock. In fact, he hung around all day the other day with only one sock on. Apparently, it was far too exhausting to find the other one (or take the one he was wearing off).

On to the Neenster. So, my girl spent most of yesterday under the end table in the family room. I don't know what this is all about, but I think she'll be a fort builder when she's 2.

She had her 9-month appt yesterday and she weighed in at 20 pounds, 12 ounces (80th percentile). She was 28" (70th percentile) and her head was in the 90th percentile (but, frankly, I think the nurse was challenged by the amount of hair Nina has, so it's possible that it's not quite as big as it measured).

She's doing great...crawling all OVER this house. She says "Mama" and "Hi" and will often clap when asked to clap. Her hair is finally beginning to grow down instead of out! Peek-A-Boo is by far her favorite game and she can often be heard just laughing at herself (or something!) for no reason whatsoever.

I truly never knew the joy I would feel being a mother to this gorgeous little girl! I am so thankful for her each and every second (though right now I'm really hoping she'll opt for a nap instead of continuing to yell "Mama" from her crib!)Elizabeth Lyonshttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-8029848082287544878.post-25225206830193031112009-01-12T12:53:00.001-08:002009-01-12T13:02:20.127-08:00A New 'Do for a New YearIf you could hear Nina right now you would die. She just sits on the floor and plays and sings to herself. We are all having SO much fun with her. She's just got the best disposition on earth and she's ALL OVER this house. Crawling everywhere.

Last night, David was trading baseball cards with the bigger kids (I don't know who's more excited about this, the kids or David) and Nina was crawling right into their stacks of cards.

Jack was so good about it. He'd just joke with her and pick her up and put her on the other side of the room. But by the time he got back to his spot, she was already there! He had a great attitude about it though. Good she chose him and not Henry.

Here are some pictures of a recent hairstyle I tried. I got the idea from my friend Aimee. Only took an hour, but thankfully if you put a bucket of toys in front of her, she'll sit for that long quite happily.

She also now does the sign for "more" and laughs at herself in the mirror in her crib all the time. It's hilarious.

As Uncle Michael says, "What up, yo?"

"Like my farm? Me too."

Details of the 'do

Elizabeth Lyonshttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-8029848082287544878.post-64158408737767032032009-01-06T14:35:00.000-08:002009-01-06T14:41:27.566-08:00A little humor...Maybe it's just me, but I laugh every time I watch this...

<object width="340" height="285"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Vz2aNtGybNw&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0x234900&color2=0x4e9e00&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Vz2aNtGybNw&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0x234900&color2=0x4e9e00&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="340" height="285"></embed></object>Elizabeth Lyonshttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-8029848082287544878.post-14463522149457521982009-01-01T08:59:00.001-08:002009-01-01T09:25:07.479-08:00Happy New Year!
Here is a photo from yesterday, when the temperature was 72. Don't you just want to butter her up and have her for dinner? She's so fantastic. And she has hardly any hair. If you want to see the photo bigger, just click on it.

Another uneventful New Year's Eve is behind us. David and I made it until 10:30; it was a record. I had to see Dick Clark, who is a staple of my New Year's Eves, and I did that. Anything beyond that was gravy.

Today the kids made New Year's Resolutions. They were interesting.

George
1. Play soccer, football and games with my family.
2. Play with Nina.

I suggested that he could perhaps agree to actually sit by me for 2 minutes per day. He declined.

Henry
1. Sit by mom when she's sick (?) and other stuff.
2. Stop screaming and yelling

The "sick" comment likely is because I have no voice today. The kids are thrilled.
I can't wait for #2 to become a reality.

Jack
1. Play lots of games with my family.
2. Spend 1/2 the year doing everything with Papa and then spend the other 1/2 of the year doing everything with Mama.
3. Do things with Mama. Because no one ever does anything with Mama.

Amen to #3.

Grace
1. Finish my novel, Amazing Amy
2. Make new friends
3. Get straight A+ on report card
4. Stop chewing with my lips open
5. Save more money

She's not at all an over-achiever.

I'm only making one resolution for myself because I'm smart enough to know, at the ripe age of 36, that even one may not make it to fruition. But it's to finish MY novel (of which I've written a whopping 4 pages).

Okay, I do have one more. I'd like to get good at my guitar, which I've owned for 2 whole weeks. I'm terrified even to get it out of the case lest I can't play like Eric Clapton within 24 hours.

David won't let me post his resolutions. But they are very "organic," I'll say that.

Here are some photos from Christmas Eve:

Grace won't let an opportunity to get matching outfits for her and her sister go by!

This is as close to me as George got this holiday season. He is showcasing his watch from Aunt Mollie and Uncle Gary which was the hit of the season. Little did they know he'd been BEGGING for his own watch! It goes everywhere with him.
The boys. This is how we now photograph our family without an extra around to capture all of us together: boys in one shot, girls in another. The boys are wearing their shark tooth necklaces from Fiji, compliments of Grandpa Bill! They love them, and the sharks' teeth are really sharp! (I hope they don't decide to use them as weapons anytime soon.)

Happy New Year everyone!!Elizabeth Lyonshttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-8029848082287544878.post-13310144243342476202008-12-29T12:37:00.000-08:002008-12-29T12:48:51.864-08:00Newsflash!I have some VERY IMPORTANT BREAKING NEWS on my twins blog about baby bottles. If you have a baby in the house, read it! (If you don't have a baby in the house, read it; surely, you know someone who has a baby in the house.)

If you like me AT ALL, I mean even a teeny, tiny bit, do me a favor and post a quick comment -- not on this blog, on the GotCrazyTwins.com blog.

Note: I don't mean to totally direct you, but just so you know, GotCrazyTwins is not just me. Okay, it is. But the world at large isn't supposed to know that.

So, if you comment (please comment), while I'd SO love you to say "Liz, you are SOOO great!" do me a favor and just comment about how helpful GotCrazyTwins is, how timely the info is, how there's nothing like it, etc.

Then you can send me a personal message and tell me how great I am, if you really feel the need.

Thank you ever so much! You can consider this a birthday gift. Even though my birthday was 2 weeks ago. You missed it, didn't you. That's okay. You have a chance to make up for it. Consider this the best birthday gift ever. Albeit belated.

Click Here to see the post on GotCrazyTwins.com.

GotCrazyTwins.comElizabeth Lyonshttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-8029848082287544878.post-49422329454823809532008-12-23T12:21:00.001-08:002008-12-23T12:37:35.477-08:00Tagsies and Good CoffeeFirst of all, if you've not yet been to Nell Ann's Etsy store, Nifty Giftys, go there now. Don't pass go, don't collect $200 (unless you want to spend it all at Nell Ann's store), don't do anything but go to this site:

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6196328

Nell Ann is selling these fantastic burp cloths and tagsies for both boys and girls, all with an African theme (or most, anyway, with an African theme). I ordered one for Nina and I must say that it's about 300 times better in person than it is in photos (and it was pretty great in photos). This is such a unique gift AND it helps support orphan care in Ethiopia.

Next, onto my morning with Ralph.

Ralph is the 80+ year old barista at the Starbucks in our local grocery store. I can't grocery shop -- and certainly not 2 days before Christmas -- without a latte in hand and thanks to Heather and Michael, I now have a gift card that will allow me 15-20 lattes depending on their size and whether or not I feel I need whip on any particular day. Most exciting.

Anyhoo, when Ralph scanned my Starbucks card and saw that I had $47 left, he said, "Wow! Nice gift card!"

"Yes," I replied. "From my fantastic peeps."

I think I lost him.

"You know," he continued, "The only thing better than using a gift card to buy yourself a coffee is..."

I seriously thought he was going to ask me to buy him a coffee. He should have. I would have told him to make it a venti AND add whip.

He pulled out a gift tin of Ethiopian coffee and said, "This precious gift tin of Ethiopian coffee is rare. It has sundried cherries in it."

"Is that good Ralph? Coffee with sundried cherries?"

"Well, ma'am, I don't know. But it sounds good. AND it's 20% off today."

"Wow!" I replied. "So how much does that make that fine tin of Ethiopian coffee with sundried cherries?"

"Well, today only," informed Ralph, "only $10!"

"Well, Ralph, that is most interesting," I noted. "You see, my daughter was born in Ethiopia."

"Really?" asked Ralph. "That is most interesting."

"I'll take it Ralph. You're a good salesman. Wrap it up!" I requested.

He leaned WAAAAAAY over so as to better see the card reader he needed to run my debit card through, and as he waited for it to respond, he looked up with only his eyes, looked at Grace, and inquired, "You mean that she was born in Ethiopia?"

"No, she was born in Illinois. My other daughter was born in Ethiopia."

"Oh, wow!" he exclaimed, slowly bringing himself again to an upright position. "So, what happened? Were you on safari or something?"

I paused. And then, I couldn't resist.

"Yes, Ralph, I was on safari and right there in the bush I had to hop off my elephant and deliver a child."

His eyes got as wide as prize-winning watermelons at the state fair.

"I'm kidding Ralph. She was adopted."

"Oh!" You could see him visibly deflate with relief.

"That's very cool!" he commented.

"Thanks!" I said. "And thanks for the deal on the coffee!"

"Sure thing," he said. "Just come back and tell me how it is. I need to know how that Ethiopian coffee with sundried cherries tastes."

You and me both, Ralph. I'll be sure to let you know.Elizabeth Lyonshttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-8029848082287544878.post-77998992448776689092008-12-16T07:22:00.000-08:002008-12-16T07:43:02.421-08:00Nina UpdateI realize I haven't posted pictures lately, so on this cold, rainy day (and by cold, I mean 50) here in Arizona, I did a little video of The Bean.

The child is HUGE. 20 pounds a couple of weeks ago. To put that in perspective, my niece weighs, like, 22 pounds and she's 7 months older than Nina! David says Nina's going to be the tallest Ethiopian woman ever. Of course she is. Because I'm the destined to be the shortest person in this family! She's also starting to "talk" which you can hear in the video.

Additionally, I got her ears pierced. For the record, I don't recommend this. I mean, I do, but I think that all moms who want their baby's ears pierced should have some sort of hired helper to take the child. It wasn't fun.

David, on the other hand, believes that any mother who would willingly put her child through this unbearable torture should have to endure it right there alongside her (screaming) child.

Needless to say, he did not accompany us.

But I think it was worth it, and this morning Nina looked at herself in the mirror, marveled over her beauty, and agreed. She said she's completely forgiven me and even thanked me.

(To be fair to those up-and-comers who are thinking of doing this but have not yet, while she cried for 90 minutes, after that it was a done deal. Hasn't so much as thought about it since.)

Elizabeth Lyonshttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-8029848082287544878.post-32779366857403230602008-12-13T09:16:00.000-08:002008-12-13T09:38:16.978-08:00Happy Birthday to MeAnyone who knows me well knows that my birthday isn't a day. It's a week. It's a national holiday.

I don't know where this comes from. Possibly the fact that my birthday falls 2 weeks shy of Christmas and, therefore, I've sought out ways to differentiate it from the "other" December holiday. Possibly it's simple self indulgence brought on by the fact that every day is about every one EXCEPT me, and I use this occasion to focus on myself and force everyone else to do the same (usually against their will).

Anyway, today is the day. And for the first time in (gulp) 36 years I could care less that it's my birthday.

"Why?" you might ask.

(Whether or not you asked, I'll tell you. Because it's my birthday. And I'll do what I want.)

Because yesterday, December 12, I got the best birthday present anyone could ask for or receive.

For all of you who said a prayer for my sweet Heather, you were heard! After one month in the hospital, Heather delivered a beautiful (and I mean BEAUTIFUL) baby girl yesterday.

After one month of not complaining even once. After ONE MONTH of dealing with shots and IVs and conflicting information and hospital food (which, admittedly, looked quite good even to me), and no fresh air, and about 7 (bad) channels on the TV, and no Starbucks, and a sugar-free diet for, like, 5 days, and infrequent showers, and only one visit from her precious dog Churchill, and her amazing husband sleeping on a rock of a bed.

And did I mention? She never complained. Not once. Their favorite nurse, Brittney, even told Heather: "I've had a lot of patients. And you are the ONLY one who NEVER complained. Not once."

There is nothing that Heather and Michael would not have done and would not do for this baby.

At 28 weeks, their sweet daughter was expected to weigh a little under 2 1/2 pounds. But, as only she could, she surprised us all weighing in at 3 lbs. 4 oz.

This little girl AND her mother defied all the odds presented to them. As statistics were given (I hate statistics), I had to continually remind myself that while xx% of cases turn out in an unfortunate way, SOMEONE has to make up the remaining xx%, no matter how small a number that might be.

And so they did.

Truly, the time from when I heard Heather was going into surgery to the time we knew she was out and that both Heather and the baby had come through with flying colors was the longest 1 1/2 hours of my entire life.

I don't have an emotional bone in my body, but when Michael walked into that waiting room in his navy blue scrubs (which he was sort of swimming in) and announced, "You guys, she's doing great!" even the most unemotional person on earth couldn't keep it together.

Welcome to the world Giovanna Rosemary! I cannot wait to get to know you. We are going to have crazy cool co-birthday parties for the rest of our lives (and I'll even let them be all about you because you're just that great).

I could not be more proud to know Heather and Michael and I could not be more blessed to have them in my life. To watch them go through every minute of this experience together was awe-inspiring. I learned a lot. I have never known a couple so supportive of one another or in love with each other. And that love is what created Giovanna and made her the fighter she is.

I slept better last night than I have in a long time. All is right with the world.

Happy Birthday to Me.Elizabeth Lyonshttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-8029848082287544878.post-88992196840503408422008-12-05T14:53:00.001-08:002008-12-05T15:00:00.360-08:00Packages and RealityIt's been a week.

Jack is 7. One of Jack's seven girlfriends (one for every year of his life, apparently) moved out of the area last week. When Jack announced this to us he said, "Paisley's gone. I'm just a wreck!"

The doorbell rang a bit ago. Everyone went running as though Santa himself had rung. I understand. There's not much excitement around here. So when the doorbell rings, the very idea of just who it could be is enough to get any of the kids up from their Wii marathon for a moment or two.

Not Santa. Just UPS. By the way, I love how the UPS guys wear red Santa hats this time of year. Hey - I just realized, it's sort of like it was Santa at our door.

Anyhoo, the UPS Santa left 2 boxes.

When I brought them in, the kids asked, in unison, "What is that? Who is that for?"

"They're Christmas presents," I answered flatly.

"For who?" Jack asked.

"Whom," I corrected.

"Huh?" he replied.

"Nothing. They're for nice people."

"Nice people?" Jack asked.

"Yeah. You know, people who are nice to me. Those are the people who'll get the presents."

"Well shoot," responds Jack. "Guys, don't get excited," he screams to his siblings. "The presents are for Michael and Heather."Elizabeth Lyonshttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-8029848082287544878.post-13583450695735481332008-12-02T16:40:00.000-08:002008-12-02T16:49:12.369-08:00Just another afternoon...Today, Henry began reading the Harry Potter series (out loud, while Jack sat 8 feet away reading Wacky Wednesday. Out load).

Henry: "Professor McDougal went..."

Liz: "McGonagall"

Henry: "Oh. It's a hard word to announce."

Liz: "Pronounce."

Henry: "Dad, this is so mean. Listen to this. 'Harry had a thin face, knobbly knees, black hair, and bright green eyes. He wore round glasses held together with a lot of Scotch tape because of all the times Dudley had punched him on the nose.'"

George: "Is he bleeding?"

Henry: "NO GEORGE. THIS IS A BOOK! IT'S NOT REAL!"

Jack: (running in the door with his remote control dragonfly): "This thing is out of juice."

George: "I want some juice!"

Liz: "No, he means..."

George: "But I WANT SOME JUICE!"

Liz: "George, we're not having juice."

George: "But Jack is! Jack, you're going to be on the naughty list."

Jack: "No I'm NOT George! My dragonfly is out of BATTERIES!"

Henry: "Professor McDoogal..."

Liz: "McGonagall"

Henry: "Whoever."

George: "JUUUIIIIICE!!!!"

'Tis the season to be...insane. Oh, wait, that has nothing to do with any particular season.Elizabeth Lyonshttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-8029848082287544878.post-76004154415323487122008-11-28T13:58:00.000-08:002008-11-28T14:09:11.808-08:00New venturesWell, folks, after great amounts of stress (technology is hardly my thing), setbacks large enough to allow me the privilege of keeping Tylenol in business, and roadblocks the size of Rhode Island, I'm pleased to announce that my latest business venture has lifted off. Granted, it's barely off the runway, but hopefully it'll keep climbing.

This new blog/website, Got Crazy Twins (http://www.gotcrazytwins.com), will be filled with articles, audio files, video files, tips, humor, brain-cell boosters, must-have lists, favorite products, and much more to keep both expectant and seasoned parents of multiples happy and sane.

So, if you have twins, or know anyone who does, please check out the site or pass it along.

If you read (or listen to...or watch) a post that you enjoy, please post in the comment section of that post. That way, I don't feel like I'm hanging out alone in cyberspace. I'm lonely enough sitting on the corner of my worn out couch with my leftover green bean casserole and a dictionary as I determine the best words to include in the Word of the Day section for December -- you know, since we're feeling less intelligent by the second (hint: Word of the Day is included in the Sanity section of the site).Elizabeth Lyonshttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-8029848082287544878.post-17390835854038716892008-11-27T09:21:00.001-08:002008-11-27T09:27:21.805-08:00ThanksOn this day of giving thanks, I wanted to say Thank You to everyone who helped fund the test Etagegne needed to take to get her nursing license. If you've no idea what I'm talking about, you can refer to this post.

As you can see from the photo below, Almaz arranged for Etagegne to take the test with the $500 we raised, and she passed. Thanks to you, this beautiful woman can now care for her family in a more reasonable way --- with one job that allows her reasonable working hours instead of three that only allow her to be home for a few hours each day (and probably don't provide nearly the income combined that her new nursing job will provide).

Thank you!

Elizabeth Lyonshttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-8029848082287544878.post-25643708564292384662008-11-19T13:14:00.000-08:002008-11-19T13:27:45.621-08:00TogethernessAs I mentioned, David is out of a job. In the short term, this is terrific because we've been passing in the night for, like, 9 years and we're thoroughly enjoying having our days to spend together and the bit of extra flexibility it provides with 5 children (as in, thank you that I don't have to take all 5 children with me to the gynecologist).

We'll worry about the long-term later. Like, after Christmas. David is spectacularly good at what he does (even though I'm not completely clear on what he does, but it has something to do with testing and quality assurance in the IT realm) and I know something will work out. But right now, he's very happy being one of the many men at the park who stand around and kibbitz about how long they've been out of work.

The word kibbitz made me think of Mollie. Mollie, if you're reading this, I miss you!

I told David not to worry about looking for a new job until after the holidays. "It's been a long couple of years," I said. "Take some time and enjoy the kids and your time. Go hunt something." (I can't believe I suggested that.)

Today we went to Target. (We're trying to stimulate the economy. Is that so bad?). I suggested we get some cans of soup for dinner. You know, to conserve cash.

"I don't want to buy cans of soup. I want to make my own soup," David announced.

Okay?

"But I don't know what to make. I can't focus. I don't have a recipe. Should we go home right now and let me look through cookbooks and come up with something and then we can come back?"

No.

He threw some items in the cart and agreed to figure it out later.

We then got to the toy aisle.

"Oh, look at the Lego sets," he commented. "These are fantastic. The boys would love these."

"David, have you noticed how many pieces that kit has? 753. Have you lost your mind?"

"No, but I'm just saying..."

I was already 2 aisles over.

"David," I inquired. "Didn't you say you needed socks?"

"Yes, but we're not spending money on socks. Can't you darn them?"

I almost didn't acknowledge that I'd heard him but my second personality took over before I could stop her.

"This is the year 2008. No one darns socks. Buy a freaking bag of socks."

"That's okay," he answered. "Socks can wait."

Okay?

And then, every aisle went something like this:

"David, we need wrapping paper."

"Can't we make that?"

No.

"David, we need formula."

"Can't you make that?"

No.

"David, we need shampoo."

"Can't you make that?"

No.

"Liz, I need eggnog."

Yeah, No.

By the time we exited, I said, "David, watcha doin' this afternoon?"

"Nothing, why?"

"Oh, I don't know. Feel like job hunting?"Elizabeth Lyonshttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-8029848082287544878.post-60089321615361359432008-11-17T18:29:00.001-08:002008-11-17T18:56:35.561-08:00It's Official!First of all, I would like to ask everyone reading this to take just a moment and say a prayer for my fabulous Heather (Nina's godmother) and Michael (Nina's godfather). I know that most of you don't know them, but I also know that the blogging community is so supportive and that when prayers are requested, they're given. And they work. Heather and Michael or so important to our family and they can use as many prayers as can be said right now.

Heather's water broke on Saturday. She's 24 weeks pregnant with a female gymnast (seriously, that baby flips around in her like nothing I've ever seen!) I simply ask you to say a prayer for the baby to stay strong and safe for a few more weeks and for Heather and Michael to be strong and stay positive.

On Saturday (National Adoption Day) we were able to finalize Nina's re-adoption. Re-adoption is required in some states. Arizona is not one of them. However, it was important for us to do it for two reasons:

1. It covers us should we ever move to a state in which readoption is necessary.

2. It allowed us to legally change Nina's name from Rahel David Lyons to Nina Rahel Elizabeth Lyons. This was most important, if for no other reason, because I'm getting tired of people calling and asking for the mother of Rachel!

We honestly expected it to be a rather sterile experience, but it was anything but that. Our judge was the kindest woman. She was so genuinely thrilled to officially declare Nina our daughter according to Arizona law. She said 21 judges volunteered their time on Saturday to preside over these hearings.

We can now apply for Nina's citizenship! This process, admittedly, stirs mixed feelings in me. Of course I want Nina to be a U.S. citizen and it's what her first mother wanted for her as well because of the opportunities she knew it would afford her. However, the U.S. does not recognize dual citizenship. So, to get U.S. citizenship, Nina has to renounce her Ethiopian citizenship. Now, Ethiopia does (I believe) recognize dual citizenship. So, until she's 5 (when her Ethiopian passport expires) I believe that Ethiopia still recognizes her as an Ethiopian citizen. But unless I want to travel back over there with her when she's five to renew that, she'll lose her Ethiopian citizenship then. And that makes me sad. I so wish she could have both forever.

Anyhoo, here are some recent photos:

Henry and Nina (don't you just want to eat her?)

This is her "What you talkin' about Willis?" look

All of us with Judge Eileen Willett at Nina's re-adoption

As you can imagine, Henry had 18,000 questions. Judge Willett answered them all. I told him that all he needed to know was that he needed to ask all of his questions now because this was the only time we intended for him to see the inside of a courtroom.

Judge Willett congratulating David

Grace in the judge's seat. The judge was taking off her robes so Grace could wear them, but Grace declined. Her exact response was, "Maybe next time." David said, "Yeah, there isn't going to be a 'next time,' so it's now or never!"

Judge George

Judge Henry

Judge Jack

Listening to the judge declaring us a family

Elizabeth Lyonshttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-8029848082287544878.post-69595034384717802252008-11-13T15:13:00.000-08:002008-11-13T15:28:44.079-08:00Trim TimeI caught a glimpse of myself in a full-length mirror at Kohl's yesterday and my first thought was, "Who lets their wife out of the house looking like that?" Then I realized it was me in the mirror.

So I called David. "How could you let me leave the house this morning in this condition?"

"Liz, you looked fine. Same as every other day."

Not reassuring.

I determined it was time to stop slicking my wet hair into a ponytail each morning and get a trim. I mean, it hasn't been cut since 6 weeks before I left for Ethiopia. I've been home almost 4 months. Tired of looking like a hobo.

And where does the word "hobo" come from? Probably the fact that David and I have been subjected to no fewer than 784 viewings of Kitt Kittredge in the last week. It's the movie du jour right now. And it's about hobos. Well, okay, not hobos per se. But the Depression. And there were hobos.

And in trying to find ways to stomach the movie yet again I've begun looking at it more closely for tips on how to save money these days since, according to all accounts, our economy is seeming a bit Depression-like. The only thing I've come up with is to have a chicken coop in the backyard and sell eggs for 15-cents a dozen.

So Henry asks, in the middle of his 457th viewing, "Dad, what's a hobo?"

"Well, it's sort of hard to explain," David answers.

"I know," responds Henry, making me wonder why he asked in the first place. "It's someone who does work for someone else and then kills them."

Um, no.

David then had to come up with a more Webster-approved response than "it's sort of hard to explain."

Grace chimed in because she's writing a book and knows all about these things. Not hobos, exactly. But depressive times. Her book is about a girl who was born in Paris but lives in London and has to go live at an orphanage called Snoggage in Scotland because her parents can no longer care for her after her dad loses his job.

This is only slightly comical as David just lost his job. However, the storyline started long before this occurred.

She's aware that Nina lived in an orphanage, but her fascination with such places started after she watched the American Girl Samantha movie in which Jenny comes to live with Samantha --- after she lived in an orphanage. These American Girl movies are killing me.

So while you might think my child has been irreparably damaged by having a sister who lived in an orphange for 14 weeks and a father who's lost his job, the reality is that, in our case, life is imitating art! Maybe she's got some sort of psychic ability. Who knows.

In any event, I hope Jamie, my haircut gal, is in a good mood today.Elizabeth Lyonshttp://email@example.com


text:
Content Count117
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About Kelly28
Cool Cruiser
About Me
Porcupine Ontario
Kelly28 started following Yet another 5/11/12 Equinox Mediterranean review! :), Dat trip from Malaga Spain to Morocco, Day trip from Malaga Spain to Tangier Morocco and and 6 others
Day trip from Malaga Spain to Tangier Morocco
Kelly28 replied to Kelly28's topic in Spain PortsThank you, that was very helpful. Have a good evening!
Day trip from Malaga Spain to Tangier Morocco
Kelly28 posted a topic in Spain PortsHi, anyone out there who has stop on a cruise and done a day trip from Malaga to Morocco on the ferry? Thanks Kelly Sent from my iPad using Forums
Dat trip from Malaga Spain to Morocco
Kelly28 replied to Kelly28's topic in Northern Europe & Baltic SeaSorry about that and thank you[emoji3] Sent from my iPad using Forums
Dat trip from Malaga Spain to Morocco
Kelly28 posted a topic in Northern Europe & Baltic SeaHi, we have a stop I Malaga on the Celebrity Eclipse. Has anyone done a day trip to Morocco? If so did you do it with a tour company? Thanks! Kelly Sent from my iPad using Forums
Fleetwood Mac Cruise on Equinox 2018
Kelly28 replied to MeCruise2's topic in Celebrity CruisesDoes Celebrity ever have band cruises in the Mediterranean? Sent from my iPad using Forums
Better/best promo ends tomorrow...any new offers coming? !
Kelly28 replied to Pier290's topic in Celebrity CruisesWill Celebrity be extending the perk promotion? Right now it is only good for cruise dates before April 2018 and I booked for September 2018?? Sent from my iPad using Forums
Istanbul by night
Kelly28 replied to Anhe2823's topic in Celebrity CruisesHello, we are going to be docked overnight in Instanbul and we are on the Equinox Celebrity. Does anyone know if the ship brings on local entertainment? Thanks, Kelly
Luggage Tags
Kelly28 replied to Sox59's topic in Celebrity CruisesMy husband and I are sailing on the Equinox in September. I just finished my on line check in and requested my luggage tags. Here is the response I received only minutes ago, "Your ship luggage tag request has been submitted for processing. You can expect to receive these tags by mail within several business days. Please print a copy of this confirmation page for your records. We look forward to welcoming you onboard.". Kelly
[quote name='lovestx']I don't remember the name but it was one of the three that Rick Steve's has in his book (and I can't find that book right now, sorry to say) on Cruising the Med. The restaurant was in the part of town closest to the center point and you walked down from the promenade/street to get to it. It was very good but I am sure there are other good restaurants in Oia. Have a wonderful trip![/QUOTE] Thank you soj much for responding. I have the book so I will check it out :)
[quote name='lovestx']We returned from our FABULOUS Equinox trip to the Eastern Med and cannot rave enough about what a great trip it was. Only disappointment was that we had strong winds in the Greek isles and they closed the port of Mykonos for two days. Our Captain detoured to Crete where we had a nice town/beach day. But I had really wanted to see Mykonos and visit the St. John resort. Oh well. Here's the info from our Santorini day. I tried to keep good mental notes so I could share info here: Tender tickets were going to be available at 10 a.m. We got in line at 9:30 a.m. and I would say there were 30 to 40 people in front of us. Some folks got in line at 7 a.m.! They started giving out tickets at 9:55 a.m. We got Tender #7 and were told it would leave at 2:30 p.m. We probably anchored at Santorini (which was so cool!) around 1:30 p.m. We missed the call for our tender (just after 2 p.m. I'm guessing) as the announcement cannot be heard in your room. So we went down and got on the next tender at 2:15 p.m. We were at the top of the funicular at 3:05 p.m. The funicular line was quite long (almost back to where we got out of the tender) but it probably only took 20 to 25 minutes to get through it). Our entire group of 23 people were incredibly on time and all made it over before our 3:30 meeting time. Too bad that the NST bus driver was about 10 minutes late but it was o.k. Had a great trip over to Oia, walked around the town, had drinks (it was hot) at the very southern end of the walk, did some shopping and then had a lovely dinner overlooking the water. Oia is as charming as everyone says and it was even more so as the evening wore on and the other four boats who were in port departed. We arranged to meet our NST driver at 7:30 p.m. for the return trip to Fira (about a 15 minute drive). Got a bit lost looking for the cable car station and found a bit of a line for the ride down. But at 8:00 p.m. at night, it only took 15 minutes to get to the front of the line, ride the cable car down, catch the tender and get back on the boat. We found that many people did not eat dinner in Oia and had dinner on the ship. We truly enjoyed our dinner looking out over beautiful Oia. Hope that's helpful to future planners. And I had considered doing the hike and, upon seeing how long it really was once we got there, I am glad we arranged for the bus. It was hot on Santorini and it would have been a long slog with teens in tow![/QUOTE] Thank you for the great review. We will be on the Equinox in September and plan on DIY in Santorini. Would you recommend the restaurant in Oia? If so, what was the name of the restaurant? Thank you, Kelly
Turkish Bath in Kusadasi
Kelly28 posted a topic in Other Mediterranean PortsHello, Has anyone out there attended a Turkish bath in Kusadasi? We have a 1/2 day tour booked and we are thinking perhaps a bath in the afternoon would be interesting???? Any ideas? Names of places? Close to the port?? Cost?? thanks, Kelly
Bosphorus Cruise
Kelly28 replied to wine girls's topic in Other Mediterranean Ports[quote name='iancal']Yes, several times. A number of these boats leave from the Galata Bridge area. Some are narrated, others are not. They leave fairly often. Galata Bridge is very close to the cruise dock...you can walk or hop the tram. Very inexpensive and very enjoyable. We also took a ferry over to the Asian side and walked around a little.[/QUOTE] Thanks for the info. Did you take the ferry in the evening? Did you need your passport to get onto the Asian side? Kelly
Just back from June 11th Equinox
Kelly28 replied to MarieLill's topic in Celebrity Cruises[quote name='MarieLill']There were day 1 discounts...I think 20% off if you ate in one of the specialty restaurants the first night...but can't be positive because we weren't interested in booking. Santorini was very easy since we got there at 1:30. We anchored in one place and all the ships tour people got off first, then they started general tendering. We had tender ticket number 8 after being in line about 30 minutes before they started handing out tickets. Later our room steward left priority tickets in our room since we are Elite members (didn't realize this before hand). Since only 2 out of our group of 9 are Elite, I asked our room steward if he could get us 7 more tickets and he did. We ended up missing the announcement for priority and left with groups 1-8. There was about a 5 minute wait for the cable car. Once on the top, we had arranged with a tour company to pick up our group and take us to Oia...this worked out great! Our guide showed us a great restaurant to have dinner with beautiful views and then picked us back up at 7:30, took us to the black sand beach then back to Fira. There was a line to get back down on the cable car, so we went to the restaurant right there by the cable car entrance, had a drink and watched the sunset. The last tender was at 9:30 and we went down at 9:00 with no line.[/QUOTE] Thanks for the tips as we are doing the Med. on the Equinox in September. Would you mind sharing what the name of the company was that drove you to Oia and what the cost was? Also, what was the name of the restaurant and did it have a patio overlooking the water? Last question, how was the sunset from Fira? Thank, Kelly
Yet another 5/11/12 Equinox Mediterranean review! :)
Kelly28 replied to Shooraq's topic in Celebrity Cruises[quote name='Shooraq']Ellen remembered the name! It was Skala Restaurant.[/QUOTE] Thank you so much....I have it noted :)
Yet another 5/11/12 Equinox Mediterranean review! :)
Kelly28 replied to Shooraq's topic in Celebrity Cruises[quote name='Shooraq']I can't remember the name - shame on me! Usually I take a photo so I can remember and add it to my photo captions. But I didn't. I'm asking my friends who we had lunch with if they remember the name. I will let you know if I come up with it. But I did think the restaurant was fine. Was it the best? They may have been better, most likely. But it worked for just ordering appetizers and not spending a fortune. And yes, we did select dining. 6pm is too early for dinner and 8:30 is too late. I like eating at 7 or 7:30pm, so I choose select dining, then pre-reserve dining time for one of those times. Then if I need to adjust on the ship, I can do so. Works great and I will continue doing it that way whenever possible.[/QUOTE] Thank you so much for the quick reply and useful information. I am anxiously awaiting the review for Myknos:)

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Tinder. Who out there has a Tinder account? I signed up for Tinder in July of 2016. I was actually still dating my ex when I signed up for it; I had no intentions of meeting anyone, though. I was hanging out with my best friend at a flag football game, and she was swiping through her app. I was intrigued about just being able to see new people, all who appeared to be so different, so I thought I'd jump on the Tinder train an see all the different people and kill some boredom in the process.
When I downloaded the app, I was fully aware that my relationship with my ex was absolutely failing, but, like I said, I had no intentions of ever actually using Tinder to meet anyone. I really didn't even want to talk to anyone; the thought of just reading bios and swiping was what convinced me to download it. Little did I know, though, that five months after downloading the app and barely even using it, I'd meet someone that I'd quickly fall totally head-over-heels for.
|Right after our New Year's kiss.


text:
1. Letting that new journal/stationery set/yarn and needle/pull-up bar collect dust.
We all have good intentions when it comes to picking up a new hobby. And there's something to be said for taking that first step! But if you still haven't gotten around to it, or you started but quickly found out that your interest level plummeted, don't sweat it. This is supposed to be a pastime, not a chore.
2. Acting like you're 21 again.
So happy hour turned into something of a rager, and you woke thinking, Ugh I am TOO OLD for this, wondering if you did anything embarrassing. Most people have been there. The people you were drinking with are probably there right now. One night revisiting the habits of your younger, wilder years doesn't negate all of the maturity you've gained. It's just going to hurt more than it used to. (Disclaimer: This isn't to encourage regular, excessive drinking, and obviously if you feel like these crazy nights are getting in the way of your life it's time to re-evaluate.)
3. Canceling plans (with warning!).
This, like failed hobbies, is about (sometimes) having overly optimistic ideas of our future selves. It may feel like future you will be pumped to check out that band with your friend at 10 on Thursday night, but sometimes your Thursday self is like, Ugh this is a weekday, what was I even thinking. Most social plans are made with the assumption that there's, say, a 30% chance of cancellation. Your friend might be disappointed, but they'll forgive you. They've probably done the same to you.
4. Relatedly, you don't have to go out just because it's Saturday.
Saturday is a day that can ruin your Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, if you let it—it's then that you start thinking about what you're doing on the weekend, and possibly worrying if the answer is "nothing." But spending a Saturday in to read or watch like five hours of TV can feel both relaxing and rebellious. Don't let Big Calendar determine how you spend your free time!
5. Not having as much money in your savings account as you'd like.
Are you paying your rent? Getting your bills in on time? That is honestly a feat in itself. Yes, it's never too soon to start saving, but sometimes it's just unrealistic to put aside quite as much as the recommended percentage of your paycheck. You're thinking about saving, and that's something.
6. Skipping the gym to read. (Or whatever.)
There are days on which you wake up or reach the end of work and feel like exerting a single extra ounce of physical effort might actually kill you. While this is almost definitely not true, that doesn't mean you have to fight that feeling EVERY time. Working out is good for you, but so is knowing when you need a day off to read or sleep or lie on a blanket in the park.
7. Losing touch with someone whom you don't want/need a close relationship with anymore.
We may have an increasing number of tools at our disposal with which we CAN stay in touch with old friends and acquaintances and people whom we no longer see as much, but that doesn't mean we HAVE to: Sometimes it's just not meant to be. If you and an old connection are fading out, and that feels right, that's OK.
8. Having coffee every morning. Sometimes twice.
Occasionally you might read a news item that suggests you'd be better off without coffee, and you know it's probably true, so you think briefly about trying to quit cold turkey anyway, even though you love it and really only drink a cup or two a day. Just don't. Withdrawal can be horrible. Coffee isn't so bad for you, and maybe even good; quitting is not worth the pain.
9. Needing to make an ice cream/cupcake/coffee/fancy cookie trip.
We are of the opinion that any item that costs between $2-7 which does not hurt anyone, gives you an excuse to take a short walk or drive to pick it up, and brings you happiness in the form of sugar and/or caffeine is practically free, when you think about it.
10. Quitting a book/TV/movie you hate, even if everyone else loves it.
Just because seemingly everyone you've ever met tells you that no, you would REALLY love "Friday Night Lights" if you gave it a chance, or that you HAVE to read The Goldfinch because everybody else is and it's amazing and if you don't like it you must not "get it," does not mean you have to keep watching that show or reading that book if you're not into it. Just put it down. We won't tell.
11. Not online dating just because you're single.
You are allowed to be a single person, who wants to eventually meet someone, who doesn't want to do it using dating websites or apps. People in couples love to tell single people they should "get online!" Ignore this so-called advice at will.
12. Overusing social media.
There have been roughly a million thinkpieces written about our modern dependency on social media: how it's narcissistic and it'll ruin interpersonal relationships forever and ever. Maybe you're starting to question your own use of Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, et. al. Here's a foolproof way to figure out if it's good or bad: Does communicating with friends/family/strangers on these networks feel good? Then it's good! You now have permission to chill out.
13. Having an unproductive day (or week) of work.
We know it can seem like every single one of your colleagues is a paragon of efficiency, but the reality is that no one can be on all the time. If you find that you've lost a day or two to fruitless "brainstorming," that's kind of par for the course. You're good at your job — that's why you have it — and chances are, your boss isn't spending the day focusing on (AND BEING SO DISAPPOINTED BY) your output.
14. That dumb thing you said at that social gathering.
No one thought it was dumb. Literally no one even remembers you saying it. You can stop reliving the moment in your head at night and just go to bed.


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HP Officejet Pro 6810 Driver
HP Officejet Pro 6810 Driver– The 8610 highlights this important MFP combines print, examine, and fax, including more than a system. It can also function as copiers and fax machines, and can both output and print from a USB memory key. Additional printer offers versatile printing, with the capacity to print from iOS, Android, and Blackberry phones and tablets. The interface to your system with Ethernet or Wi-Fi, and you can print to it but Wi-Fi access point. Set it up as an individual printer with a USB link bit, and you can print from your phone by hooking straightforward utilizing HP Wireless Direct-identical to the Wi-Fi Direct. Note that the printers connected to the system associated with the Internet also gives you an opportunity to score but clouds and exploit HP print apps. The 8610 is taking care of the paper for printing rather limited, with a 250-sheet paper plates and a duplexer (for two-sided printing). In the examination, Epson WF-3640 boasted two 250-sheet drawer and the food is manual. To check, which supplements the 8610 letter-size flatbed with 35 pages of notes programmed feeder (ADF) that can check up to legal size. Here again, which should be enough for most workplaces miniature scale, but it was not a match for Epson WF-3640 is duplexing ADF, which can turn the page over to check on both sides.
HP Officejet Pro 6810 Driver
In hpdriverdownloads.com you can download a driver for all HP printers, to download a driver here you can directly download in the download table we have some.
This is How to Install Driver
Below is totorial install the HP printer driver, the steps as follows.
- Download driver on the link provided in the table below.
- after the download is complete open the download folder and double-click or right-click to install the driver.
- Follow the instructions provided and click next and then finish.
Note: the above tutorial has been tested on operating systems that use Windows 7 and 8, the steps to install may vary with other operating systems.
HP Officejet Pro 6810 Driver for Windows
Operating System
Windows 8.1 or Windows 8 32bit
Windows 8.1 or Windows 8 64bit
Windows Vista or Windows 7 or Windows XP 32bit
Windows Vista or Windows 7 or Windows XP 64bit
Operating System
OS X 10.9 or OS X 10.8
Mac OS X 10.7 or Mac OS X 10.6 or Mac OS X 10.6


text:
By measuring photographs and doing a little maths, courtesy of the NACA 0012 formula, I was able to discover what size and shape my new rudder (transom-hung, constant foil cross section) should be. Next problem: what materials?
My old rudder was a single piece, almost certainly a tropical hardwood, dense and strong. Marine plywood was an obvious option, except that no local suppliers had real marine-grade plywood (non-marine grade, which I have used for cabin furniture, can have voids and gaps within interior laminates, hidden weaknesses which could be fatal in a load-bearing structure). My old rudder was a single piece of tropical hardwood, which I also tried to source: a local supplier had lots of beautiful teak and iroko, but no planks wide enough to make a rudder in a single piece - they simply aren't there to be had (they've all been made into rudders already?). It might be just as well: a solid piece of timber can be sundered by a single stress-grown crack, not such a problem with laminates.
Abandoning nature, I talked to the very helpful Liam Phelan of mid.ie, and began to investigate the possibility of a synthetic foam core (Corecell) wrapped in fibreglass. To get an accurate spec on which foam and how much glass, Liam suggested I talk to Martin Armstrong, chief technologist at Gurit, a firm which supplies composite materials to pretty much everybody who builds composite structures - submarines, wind farms, huge racing yachts, aircraft, etc. Martin is a busy guy, but he spent half an hour talking an amateur sailor and novice builder through the materials and techniques necessary to fabricate a composite rudder.
First, the core: A550 foam (Corecell) for the rudder core; a single 8ft x 4ft x 25mm sheet would suffice. I wasn't sure how easy this would be to shape, but Martin reassured me that it is far less dense than wood, while also having no grain; normal wood working tools would suffice, it could even be sanded into shape; a surf form might be handy. Only one problem to watch: being an excellent insulator, it is really bad at dissipating heat, so power tools should have fresh, sharp blades to minimize friction.
Then, the exterior, from which will come much of the strength; Martin specified six layers of glass cloth:
Layer 1: 290g 4-harness satin, laid at a 45 degree angle, and with a 100mm overlap both sides at the leading edge, and a similar tail at the trailing edge
Layer 2,3,4: uni-directional 500g fabric running top to bottom (no overlap)
Layer 5: 290g 4-harness satin, 45 degrees again
Layer 6: 290g 4-harness satin, 0 degrees
This post is part of a series on making a fibreglass rudder with a foam core:
Designing a rudder, part 1
Designing a rudder, part 2
Making a rudder, part 1
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Designing a new rudder, part 2
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text:
President and preacher: the Bishop of Southwark.
All the clergy of the diocese renew their vows before their bishop and receive from him the oils for ministry in the coming year.
Southwark Cathedral London Bridge, London, SE1 9DAinfo • what's on @ • map
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Read the latest issue before signing up
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text:
To All COLA LO Members,
Lets take a look at what the candidates have told us during their interviews and more importantly what the voters have told the candidates!
There were two bond measures on the ballot this election and they received the most voter attention.
Voters stunningly defeated the library bond measure by 16% More voters voted on this measure than any other item on the ballot. Clearly the voters said no to not only more property taxes for a library but also to a library in a public/private real estate development partnership within an urban renewal district.
At the same time the voters very narrowly passed a bond measure for Boone's ferry road improvements. It passed by only 3% or 640 votes. The proponents of the measure sold it as "safer streets" for the area. Unfortunately the measure was only $5 million and will likely not improve the streets but be spent on engineering.
So its very likely that the new council will have street improvement as a major agenda item but only using existing general funds to pay for the improvements. We expect the new council will increase street improvement efforts by transferring funds from other areas or doing more with less.
Given that the new Mayor has said that he plans to develop a strategic plan for the city with the new council its likely it will include both streets and redirecting urban renewal efforts. The majority of the newly elected councilors also seem to favor less urban renewal by the city and more private development. They also have all stated that roads are a critical function of the city. Given this approach its likely that the new council will also focus on reducing the burden/regulations on business and attracting more private development in Lake Oswego.
So more road work, less urban renewal, and attracting private development may be on the new agenda. More to come in future posts........
Please notify all members, contacts, and friends.....


text:
It's a heartbreaking tale of an artist who left us too soon – and here's what we know about the 90-minute documentary so far:
I Am Heath Ledger will make its debut at Tribeca Film Festival on April 23, before a limited cinema run from May 3. Spike will air the documentary on televisions on May 17, and a physical release is slated for May 23.
People who have been interviewed for I Am Heath Ledger include Ben Harper, Naomi Watts, Christina Cache, Ben Mendehlson, sister Kate Ledger and childhood friend Trevor DiCarlo. In the trailer, filmmaker Matt Amato says that "he wanted fame, and then when he got it, he didn't want it." Brokeback Mountain director Ang Lee says "even as a supporting actor, he will steal the whole show. That's the power of Heath Ledger."
Not included in the documentary is Michelle Williams, who was Ledger's former girlfriend, colleague and mother to his daughter Matilda.
Interviews in the documentary will sit alongside never before seen footage recorded by Ledger himself, providing a candid insight into his life at home and behind the scenes.
The documentary will explore his game-changing roles throughout his career. "Before Brokeback Mountain came in, it would have been unthinkable to have a romantic tragedy involving two gay cowboys. This is one of the biggest heartthrobs on earth taking on that character. That's an artist," Ben Mendehlson says. According to Yahoo, "the documentary will also give a behind-the-scenes look at Heath preparing for his role as The Joker for The Dark Knight, a role that earned him a posthumous Oscar."
Following his tragic death in 2008, the documentary will explore what could have been.
Enter your email address below to subscribe to a regular(ish) dose of LWA goodness direct to your inbox.


text:
It's still me behind this new layout. I know this is my…what? Third layout change in the past month. Well, not really but it seems like it. Hopefully this one will stick. I can never find anything I absolutely love and can live with for a while. Maybe the simplicity and neutral colors wont bore me.
So, how does my seldom and select few readers like the new change? I've been MIA for a whole week trying to get this just perfect.
And wow! Tell me its not really October yet. Have I really been in hiding that long? I am in no way prepared for fall birthdays, dinner parties, and Halloween.
Happy Wednesday everyone. The workweek is almost over!


text:
Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me
Fuoco cammina con me ( Italy) Miasteczko Twin Peaks: Ogniu, krocz ze mna ( Poland) Twin Peaks (El diario de Laura Palmer) ( Spain) Twin Peaks - Der Film ( Germany) Twin Peaks - Fire Walk with Me ( France (DVD title)) Twin Peaks - Les 7 derniers jours de Laura Palmer ( France) Twin Peaks - Ogenj hodi z menoj ( Slovenia) Twin Peaks - tüz jöjj velem ( Hungary) Twin Peaks - tuli kulje kanssani ( Finland) Twin Peaks: El fuego camina conmigo ( Spain) Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me, Teresa Banks and the Last Seven Days of Laura Palmer ( USA (working title)) Twin Peaks: Laura Palmers sidste dage ( Denmark) Twin Peaks: Os Últimos Dias de Laura Palmer ( Brazil) Twin Peaks: Os Últimos Sete Dias de Laura Palmer ( Portugal)
Essentially a prequel to David Lynch and Mark Frost's earlier TV series "Twin Peaks". The first half-hour or so concerns the investigation by FBI Agent Chet Desmond (Chris Isaak) and his partner Sam Stanley (Kiefer Sutherland) into the murder of night-shift waitress Teresa Banks in the small Washington state town of Deer Meadow. When Desmond finds a mysterious clue to the murder, he inexplicably disappears. The film then cuts to one year later in the nearby town of Twin Peaks and follows the events during the last week in the life of Laura Palmer (Sheryl Lee) a troubled teenage girl with two boyfriends; the hot-tempered rebel Bobby Briggs (Dana Ashbrook) and quiet biker James Hurley (James Marshall), her drug addiction, and her relationship with her difficult (and possible schizophrenic) father Leland (Ray Wise), a story in which her violent murder was later to motivate much of the TV series. Contains a considerable amount of sex, drugs, violence, very loud music and inexplicable imagery.
Download Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me
- Runtime:
- 135 minutes
- Language:
- English
- Subtitles:
- No
- Resolution:
- 480x256 px
- Quality:
- Normal
- Price:
- $0.65
Actors movie: Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me
- Special Agent Chester Desmond
- Annie Blackburn
- Teresa Banks
- Albert Rosenfeld
- Leo Johnson
- Phillip Jeffries
- Ronette Pulaski
- Bobby Briggs
- Shelly Johnson
- Leland Palmer


text:
By GAVIN MADELEY
The couple on their wedding day in May 2008
In a tribute on Twitter, 28-year-old Miller posted a photograph of the couple's wedding and wrote: 'Saddest day of my life. RIP Donna... you will always be loved. A wonderful mum to our beautiful boys. They will never forget you xxx.'
Messages of condolence flooded in from family and former team-mates, including Aberdeen goalkeeper Jamie Langfield, who wrote: 'So sorry to hear about that mate. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and the boys. If you ever need anything mate don't ever hesitate to ask! Rest in peace Donna love Jamie and Louise xxx.'
Former Rangers defender and Pittodrie team-mate Maurice Ross said: 'So sorry Lee, God only knows how you feel. Tragic news! Mo, Annika x.'
Mrs Miller's cousin Georgina Kritikos wrote: 'How can such a nasty thing happen to the most beautiful person? Life just isn't fair. Sleep tight my beautiful cousin!'.
Miller later thanked fans for their tributes, tweeting: 'Thanx everybody 4 ur kind msgs...I've read every1 of them & they mean so much 2 me, my family & Donnas family.'
Tragic: The partner of Carlisle United and Scotland striker Lee Miller died last night according to the Carlisle United club website
The couple met in 2002 and started dating the following April. Three months later, the striker unexpectedly proposed over a game of pool, hiding an engagement ring in one of the pockets.
Mrs Miller later told a magazine: 'He potted one of the balls and asked me to reach into the pocket to get it and there, instead of a ball, something sparkled in the darkness – a white gold band encrusted with diamonds.
'It all felt so romantic and the fact that he proposed over a game of pool really made me giggle. It was a very "us" moment and one I'll always remember.'
The couple married in May 2008. Mrs Miller said: 'During his speech, Lee asked some of his footie mates to be upstanding. They took to their feet and the next thing I heard was a rather tuneful rendition of There's Only One Donna Miller.'
Poignant: Carlisle and Scotland striker Lee Miller left a poignant tribute to his wife on his Twitter account following her death last night
The following year, they had to cut short a holiday to Turkey after Mrs Miller suffered an allergic reaction to medication.
Miller joined Carlisle from Middlesbrough last summer and was this week named as the club's player of the year.
A Carlisle United spokesman said: 'Lee's just distraught. We knew Donna had been ill. The thoughts of the directors, staff and everyone connected with Carlisle United are with Lee and his family.'
Alex Totten, Miller's manager at Falkirk, said: 'I visited Lee just a couple of months ago. I'm very fond of the lad and his family and when I got the news this morning, I just couldn't believe it. It's so sad.
Tributes: Comments left on Lee Miller's Twitter page today following the death of his partner Donna last night
'Donna was just a young girl and they were married with kids. It's terrible.
'The thoughts and condolences of everyone at Falkirk are with Lee and his family today.'
An Aberdeen FC spokesman said: 'Everyone at the club is absolutely devastated at the news.
'Most staff knew Donna when she was here with Lee and all our thoughts go out to him and his family.'
source: dailymail
Home » Celebrity » News Update » 'RIP Donna...U will always b loved!': Scotland footballer Lee Miller's moving Twitter tribute to partner


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Appleton's first riverfront hotel hosted its grand opening yesterday.
The Courtyard by Marriott is a part of the RiverHeath development below the College Avenue bridge over the Fox River.
Owner Mark Geall says the project has been years in the making.
Geall says Appleton is a great location for hotels. He says businesses bring people in during the week, and events like Packers games and EAA AirVenture should keep them busy year-round.


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Sentey invited me to participate in their Power User program; as a Power User they sent me a Sentey 4-port White USB Wall Charger to test in exchange for a review.
I'm really excited to test out Sentey's 4-port USB wall charger. I recently got a new desktop and it has limited USB ports. Now that most devices come with a USB charger our need for extra USB ports has multiplied significantly.
I've tested Sentey's 4-port USB wall charger on my Iphone, Ipod, Sentey Power Bank, and PS4 controller. It's compatible with many devices including iPad, HTC phones, Samsung Galaxy Tab, Samsung Galaxy Phone, Samsung Galaxy Note, Blackberry, MP3 players, Digital Camera, & other USB devices.
Sentey's 4-port USB wall charger successfully charged my devices in the appropriate amount of time. I've not experienced any adverse issues such as a humming noise or failure to charge my devices. Sentey advertises on Amazon that this model (LS-2214) has Flip Down AC Prongs, it does not. If that is important to you please look at the model LS-2210.
Fast charge
Compact design
Multiple devices can charge at one time
Blue light is very bright which might bother people who put it next to their bed
Doesn't have flip down AC prongs as advertised
Ratings (Out of five stars):
Overall rating: 19 out of 20 stars / 4.75 Star Average
I hope you enjoyed this review. If you have tried out Sentey's 4-port USB wall charger leave me a comment and let me know what you thought about it. If you would like to submit your product for review and be featured in my blog please contact me by using my contact form.
I received this product complimentary from Sentey for testing purposes all opinions expressed are my own.


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