Merry Christmas

The kids had a fabulous Christmas, here's a snapshot...

2007 Family Video

Here it is...the 2007 Turner/Richardson family video! It's a family tradition that Sue has carried for many years now. This year certainly doesn't disappoint.2007 was an AMAZING year! Here's to an even better 2008!!

Oops, we forgot to explain the stockings

I brought out three stockings for the kids and told them each to pick one. When I turned around Emmanuel was wearing them saying they were big. Uh, yea these aren't for your feet buddy, they have a much better purpose! Oh and Abegail got a new make up kit from The Petersons, that's why she is purple. No need to worry.

Emmanuel's New Look

Emmanuel had another visit with the eye doctor and we found his vision in the eye with the ptosis is getting worse. They are going to try and patch his good eye everyday for two hours for two months to see if that improves things. He will definitely need glasses at that point. The poor boy couldn't see anything on the tests. I'm not sure why we are waiting for glasses. He puts his face up to

Dear Santa; UPDATED

UPDATEA fellow adoptive mother wrote my letter to Santa for me. It's perfect!Dear Santa,Becoming a new mother of an adopted African child has challenged me on several occasions to remain a good girl this year. Like the time when I had to remove my child kicking and screaming from a store after he had thrown his coat several times, poked holes in the meat packages with his fingers, and told me “

Santa Visits Mommy's Work Party

The kids were very fascinated with Santa. Emmanuel was perplexed by his nose and said "Mommy, Santa looks small." To which I responded, I think he's been working out at the Y. You know it's not good for your health to have such a big tummy.The kids also enjoyed a visit from Spongebob and then got to ride the rides at the Mall of America Amusement park, thanks to WCCO. I kept saying, you know

The Families left Behind

The AFAA house is overflowing with new kids. So many so, Cheryl is looking for a bigger property. They made the living room into the boys bedroom and the dining room now serves as a living room, school room, and place to watch TV at night with the generator.This is Jacob and Mardia's family.Jacob told his American family when he got home that his father is brothers with A&E's father, but they

A&E's Cousins

Abegail and Emmanuel have five full cousins still at the AFAA house, I say full because we have learned that Jacob and Mardia are also cousins, their fathers are brothers, more on that in a new post. But here are pictures of the cousins taken in November Martu and Mackie, coming to South Minneapolis Florence, Lawrence, and Helena going to Austin, Texas

Emmanuel's Christmas Program

Emmanuel's school had a Christmas program last night. They sang a lot of great songs. Emmanuel knew all the words and hand motions. He walked in line and stayed on his square and at times we could even hear just him he was so good. We told him how proud we were of him and he said, "Mommy, I'm a good singer!" Today he keeps singing for us, "you want to hear me sing?" The last picture is

Alexander Gets His Letter From Abegail

We are so thrilled. Today we got pictures from Cheryl of Alexander opening the packet of pictures, school work, and letters we sent him. He must have visited the AFAA house when she was there. We think about him and A&E's siblings all the time. I probably have an unhealthy obsession with them. I find every free moment of thought is spent on Liberia. I wonder if they're ok and what is going on

Abegail learns to Rollerblade

Abegails gym class had inline skating. She loved it and now wants her own rollerblades!

Snow Ball Fight!

Non-Crappy Starring You! eCards on JibJabThe kids fall all over themselves laughing at this type of stuff.

Emmanuel's New Smile

We are proud to say Emmanuel has beautiful new teeth that he is very proud of! He went in for surgery to get 15 cavities and deep stains removed on Monday. They worked on him for three hours. Scott took him, I got to the hospital during his surgery (straight from the airport from my girlfriend's wedding in DC). When he came out of the anesthesia, they rolled him down in bed and he was crying

The Santa Mysteries

Last night after writing our letter to Santa, Abegail was a bit curious about a few things; "Does Santa wear pajamas? Does he have to take a bath?"Today we had a full fledged interrogation, hang in there with me I was thinking off the top of my head:A: Mommy, did you mail my letter?M: Yes, I mailed it today.A: When will it get there?M: Probably Friday or Saturday.A: Does Santa know how to read?M

Abegail's Letter To Santa

All is Well

A quick update, we got home from Emmanuel's surgery around 3 this afternoon, He had 15 teeth repaired and the stains removed. He is doing great, we can't believe how great his teeth look. We'll post photos later.Meanwhile Abegail and E-man practiced over the weekend by playing dentist!

Snow Country!

With up to 12" of snow predicted today...there was NO way I was going to be able to stay inside watching football all day!!So with Sue out of town at a wedding, we packed the car and headed for Target to get snow pants and hats/mittens for E-man and Annie. After 45 minutes of advice from E-man on how I need to drive slow on the ice and fast when it's warm...we finally got home and geared up for