Urgent Breaking News:

Cool Hair Discovery!

What a week it's been! Ok, a couple of weeks but who's counting? Pardon me while I put a little 'X' for today on the calendar.

Well, after much research, Columbo-style investigation, gnashing of teeth, and general hysterics by the younger set here at Toad Cottage (We named our little house when we bought it after the gigantic toad that lives in our trash closet connected to the garage. He kindly lets us rent space in the closet to store our trashbags that await the lovely yellow truck collecting them once a week.), I have found hair products that truly work miraculously on my daughters' hair! (The bath water parted, light shone in a sparkling arc over the tub, and choirs of angels struck up a tune...) I stumbled upon a company called Mixed Chicks over at http://www.mixedchicks.net/curlyhairproducts.html and they generously sent me some samples. We received their shampoo, deep conditioner, and leave-in conditioner. Fabulous results ensued!!! Both girls love the scent. I'm very sensitive to smells so I was skeptical, but these products really smell darn good! We used the Mixed Chicks style suggestion and did Honeybun's hair in double twists, sat her under our "Beauty Shop dryer" (a pink table top dryer), and then let the twists go. She absolutely loved the ringlet style to her hairdo, and we kept it going for a whole week by putting a silk hairnet on her head at night. Sweetpea is going through another bout of tantrums and could only sit reasonably still for a ponytail. Oh well. I am ordering more of the Mixed Chicks products and recommend them very highly to those of you that have curly hair yourselves or Ethiopian children.

Posting pictures for a friend, but will post for real later. I have lots to tell you! :)

A Second Chance to Appreciate Everything

Got the call from my really wonderful surgeon today, and it is benign! Yahoooooooooooooooo!!! Thank you all so much for your good wishes, prayers and crossed fingers. Because of you and your sweet caring thoughts I have a second chance to appreciate you, my family and life alot more. Being scared out of one's wits also gives one an opportunity to consider what mark one is leaving on the world; I have considered mine to be a bit lacking and this blog might be a way to make a difference. So, my topic tomorrow (as tonight Hubby and I are celebrating with a fine Pinot Grigio and hors d'ouevres) will be beginning and maintaining a relationship with birth family. We've worked at that for the past 3 years and I'll be speaking about it at this year's ACONE conference April 5th in Westborough MA. Mind if I gather my thoughts with you? I could also use some advice on what about that topic particularly interests you or what you would want to hear more about.

Thank you again, my friends for thinking of me. I feel even stronger about supporting breast cancer patients, fund raising, hospices, etc. I'm lucky and I know that I dodged a bullet.

Sorry kids, cannot concentrate. Breast biopsy is scheduled for monday morning and I just can't seem to focus on anything til' after I get the results. If you're the praying kind, please offer one for me? If not, I could really use your crossed fingers. Thanks, and I'll talk to you on Tuesday.

xoxo

Have been out due to several reasons: head injury on my part, exhaustion, kids sick, family stuff... I know, not valid reasons for being absent. I will post later this evening on the topic of Dr. King, racism, teaching this topic at kindergarten (or NOT), etc. Must talk with kindergarten teacher first as the school and admin. is not concerned about the effect of their little show on my daughter. (Yes, I am mad. Look out school folk! :) )

Added some new stuff to the video montages before ordering DVD's for holiday gifts. Creative criticism?


Our Kalkidan 4/05-4/07


Our Freweyni 8/06-4/07