Sunday, December 30, 2007

Thank You Dee Kelley!!!

I was truly SURPRISED to learn my Secret Pal #3 was Dee Kelley! We returned last evening from spending Christmas with our son in Guatemala and I was exhausted... but not too exhausted to open my final SP#3 package! ;)



Dee sent thoughtful and lovely presents for my whole family:
  • Delicious chocolates for me and Dan
  • Delicious bones for the pooches - Brody, Alfie and Katie
  • Rattles and books for our angel daughter from China and our angel son Dominic from Guatemala
  • Adorable Dora the Explorer doll dressed for an adventure in China
  • Fun scrapbook stuff for the pooches photo album
  • As always, a gorgeous custom card

Thank you Dee for being such an amazing and supportive Secret Pal! I seriously had no idea who you were and am THRILLED I learned more about you. I look forward to continuing our blossoming friendship! Happy New Year!



Saturday, December 22, 2007

A HUGE Thanks to Kristina!!!

Kristina was my pal and she truly blessed us the past three months! I must say she really sent us some unique and thoughtful gifts.




As you can see from the pictures and captions, Kristina really went all out and blessed us greatly through her time, gifts, and love! We are so happy she was our pal! Thank you Kristina and family. Your family is AWESOME. Tell Olivia her picture is on our wall of honor!

Love in Christ,
Tammy in MS
http://ourchinagiftfromgod.blogspot.com/

Friday, December 21, 2007

Thank You Andrea W.

Thank you Andrea for all the spoiling the past three months. This month's package was awesome and I love everything. My digital camera is having problems (hoping Santa is bringing me a new camera) but I wanted to say a big thank you.

This month we received 2 really cute shirts - one says "Best Present Ever" and has a big red bow - how cute will that be on one of these Christmas'!!! The stacking toy is very cool and the chocolates, well lets just say there almost gone!

Thanks again for thinking of me and I look forward to someday meeting you in person. Health and Happiness in 2008!

Daniella

Thursday, December 20, 2007

THANK YOU DANIELLA!!!

I have the most incredible pal. In this month's box, Daniella shared her holiday tradition with us by including a copy of "The Night Before Christmas". I remember reading this book with my family growing up, and I'm sure we'll enjoy reading it with our daughter as well. Also in the box were a super cute Tag Blanket (Daniella - did you make this?), a gorgeous Christmas ornament, and Christmas kitchen towels. Our daughter will look adorable wearing the Santa bib and hat (something tells me a Santa hat = good bribery pictures for teenage years)! Lastly, since Daniella knows I've been missing the ocean, she sent a book of wise quotes from the sea. It's perfect. D.'s hogging the digital camera right now, but I wanted to go ahead and post a THANK YOU in the meantime.

Daniella, I've so enjoyed getting to know you better over the last few months. May we continue to build our friendship over this long wait and beyond. Thanks for being such a wonderful, thoughtful, pal!!!

Wednesday, December 19, 2007

Thank You Laura Vela!

Thank you sooooo much Laura for spoiling me and my family the past three months! It has been so much fun getting to know you. I know we have formed the beginnings of a lifetime friendship! Can't wait to find out more about you now that I know its you!

This month Laura got my family a snowman filled with yummy treats. I have already dove into the popcorn! Also there was a beautiful picture frame on a pedestal that I am picturing Diana's referral looking fabulous in! As always Diana got a cute outfit. This one is red velour and will look soooo cute on her during the holidays! My computer that I download pictures from is being repaired but I will post pictures when I can.

Laura, Thank you again for being such a wonderful secret pal! My family really appreciates all you have done. I especially as you know have loved all the encouragement you have sent my way!

Lisa

Saturday, December 08, 2007

Thank You SP#3!!!

My darling SP#3 sent the loveliest package to me! She makes these very nice and thoughtful custom cards, they are so wonderful. Our daughter received her first mealtime gifts - Hello Kitty bowl and cup, and matching bib - so precious! For our home, beautiful Linen scented potpourri and candle - so refreshing! For me, many spa products including foot scrub, body scrub and manicure kit - ahhhhh, perfect for this time of year! Last but not least, dark chocolate covered lemon treats - I am anxious to try this decadent treat! :)


Thank you SP#3, for you kindness, support and thoughtfulness during this exchange. I appreciate your presence in my life and interest in our Guatemala adoption. XOXOXO, Laura

Wednesday, December 05, 2007

Secret Pal Your The Bestest......

Well what can I say to you My Dear Sweet Pal.

Other than you have so got my Number.

She gave Mila Blue the Cutest Gymboree Top with a Kool Kitty on it, With matching hair Twirly's.

A Book that will have Me and Rob laughing for Days.

The Greatest Lies to Tell Small Kids.

A totally Kool Tatooed Devil Ducky.

His and Hers Delicious Chocolate Bars.

And Funky Zebra Dog Bones for Spikey.

And A Beautiful Heartfelt Card that always touches my heart More than She Knows.

Thank You, Sweet Pal.....

XOXO Dee

Sunday, December 02, 2007

Thanks SP!


My SP has outdone herself yet again! In the back is a set of nesting boxes (like Russian dolls), two darling frames -- maybe for first (smiling) pictures of Baby and Mommy and Daddy!
More books this month, which is great since we can't wait to read to Baby (we're both big readers -- you wouldn't believe the
number of books we have! -- and Baby should have plenty too!
Last but not least, some practical items, which I know will be useful -- disposable bibs, changing pads, and camera (for travel!) a rattle, and a thermometer.

SP, you think of everything! Thank you so much!


Andrea W.

Thursday, November 29, 2007

A Giant Thank you to our Secret Pal...

We have a great pal this round! Once again we are enjoying being spoiled and love having more to add to Sophie's collection. I can't imagine the wait without our groups to share, anticipate, and yes suffer through with!
The following pics are our gifts from the Oct and Nov packages. Dec. can't be better than those!





As you can see between the great scrapbook, cute outfit, and all the goodies to eat up we could not have been spoiled any better!
Thank you pal and I can't wait to find out who you are !
I hope you are getting great stuff, too!

Love in Christ,
Tammy, Rodney, & Bailee

http://ourchinagiftfromgod.blogspot.com/

Sunday, November 25, 2007

Thank You Secret Pal


We have been away for the Thanksgiving break and came home today to our November Secret Pal package. Your timing has just been wonderful :) This month our Secret Pal sent us a precious purple outfit that will be perfect for boating! I keep a similiar outfit on board for me - just a tad bigger :) Also included in our package was a Fisher Price Stack and Roll Cup set and a homemade card. The picture did not come out great but trust me, this outfit is soooo cute and I can't wait to see Miranda wearing it. Thank you for the thoughtful gifts and for all the ecards this month.

Wednesday, November 21, 2007

December Theme

Several of you have asked for the theme for December, so here it is....

Holiday Traditions

Please share with your pal at least one holiday tradition celebrated by your family. This could be a recipe, music, an ornament, a story told, etc. It is important to keep in mind that not all of our members celebrate Christmas, so please try to keep your traditions holiday-themed as opposed to religiously oriented.

This is also the last month of this exchange round. Please reveal yourself (if you haven't exposed yourself already LOL) to your pal at the end of this month.

Happy shopping!!

Terribly Tardy Thank you

I'm a month late, but I wanted to finally thank you publicaly for my gifts during the October exchange. I love the family picture frame and all of the scrap booking supplies. Now I need to get busy and put all of those cute stickers and embellishments to good use. I actually took a photo of everything you sent to post but words will have to do for this month (well, last month).

It has been especially nice getting to know you through emails and cards during the past few weeks. It has meant more to me than any gift!

Thanks again to my very special secret pal.

Kristina

Saturday, November 17, 2007

Thank You Sweet Secret Pal.

First I would like to say Sorry for being a slow poke about Posting,
But DH and Myself Are Grossly sick with the dreaded stomach flu and on Bed rest.

But I just can't say enough Thank You's to my Secret Pal.

She sent Us Yummy Chocolate (She made me promise to share)

Then She Gave us a Beautiful hanging frame set that is now hanging in my upstairs hallway.

A Baby Einstein Teething ring and Photo Album that is so going with us to China.

And a set of Back Yardagains Bobble heads (that I had to pry out of niece's little hands)

And my Personal Favorite a Book called my Baby's 1st Tattoo's.
Which just may be the funniest thing I have ever read .

We absolutely loved it!!!!

And a Beautiful heartfelt Card that meant a lot to me.

PS, I will post a picture of my lovely treasures as soon as i can find that darn charger for the camera.

Thursday, November 15, 2007

Wonderful Wonderful Secret Pal!


I need to thank my Secret Pal for being such a wonderful person. Besides the wonderful gifts I have gotten to know this amazing person and she has touched a special place in my heart. The gifts this round were just as fabulous as the last round but my all time favorite thing this time was her note. In it she was telling me about my gifts but then went on to talk about snuggling with Diana Marie. She then wished me a happy belated LID anniversary. Her final sentence so simple was a great encouragement"Never give up Lisa, we will have our babies soon!" Oh how I needed to hear that! It brought tears to my eyes! Thank you so much.


OK now that I've gotten all mushy here is what you all want to know and see. She got the family Lindt truffles (although I will NOT be teaching my boys about them anytime soon...lol). I may share them with Dave though. She got me a wonderfully scented Orange Cinnamon Candle and soap. I can't wait to light it this weekend. Also a generous gift card to Starbucks. I will have to have a pumpkin latte in fall fashion tomorrow!! For Diana she got the sweetest PJs with a mug of hot cocoa on the top and all kinds of fun things on the bottoms. When I snuggle with Diana when she is wearing them I will definitely be thinking of my wonderful Secret Pal!


Again Thank you soooo much for being so good to me and my family!


Lisa


Tuesday, November 06, 2007

Spoiled rotten!


Maybe Baby Wan will be spoiled rotten, but right now I am! My OTMSP is the greatest! She sent me a beautiful frame which will be great for highlights of the adoption trip (though I might have to find some photos to put in it in the mean while!), FOUR books, each of which has a wheel you can turn so that the picture changes on each page (all with kids' songs), and last but not least, a bunch of goodies for me -- "W" post-its, fuzzy pens (which are going straight to the office!) and some great scrapbooking stickers! All this while she's been busy passing her comps for her M.A.! Congratulations OTMSP!!!!!

And thank you so much for all hte spoiling this month!

Andrea W

Saturday, November 03, 2007

Big Xie Xie to My Secret Pal!!!


I was THRILLED to return home from as business trip to find a package from my Secret Pal in Round #3. My husband told me I had received a package and I was so-o-o-o excited and looked forward to opening it all week. :)


My pal did a GREAT job spoiling me with a capital S!!!My package had bath products for me, an adorable red pantsuit for my baby girl, lots and lots of scrap booking supplies, Chinese dress wine cozy, a gorgeous pewter picture frame, soft book of Lilo & Stitch, fun CD for car rides and a beautiful custom card! WOW!!! Thank you so much SP, you made my week! :) Love, Laura


Thursday, November 01, 2007

Wonderful Gifts!!!



My secret pal is beyond wonderful! I got home to a box on my porch and couldn't wait to tear it open. There were a total of 5 packages and an envelope requesting to be opened last. There was a gift for each of the boys (Spider Man and Schrek puzzles). The boys are putting them together as I type.


There were two packages for Diana and my heart skipped a beat when I read the tag that said "Diana Marie". Although that will be one of her middle names I don't think I have ever heard/seen the names together in reference to my little girl to be. Anyway there was a sweet outfit in one box and the CUTEST tic-tac-toe set I have ever seen. Its a soft turtle board with Velcro turtles and ladybug circles for the X's and O's. Can't wait to see her playing with it with her brothers!


For me there was an awesome cookbook that I can't wait to go through and start making recipes from. Its called Deceptively Delicious by Jessica Seinfeld. Also for our family there was a Blockbuster gift card. I am sure we have have some fun family movie nights with it!


Secret Pal....Thank you again for the wonderful gifts. It has been so much fun getting to know you this past month!!!


Lisa

Saturday, October 27, 2007

THANK YOU SP


Dear Secret Pal -
Your timing is impecable!!! Today on our one year LID, I must admit, I wasn't in the greatest of spirits. Receiving your package but a big smile on my face and renewed my sense of optimism (at least for now) :) The outfit and matching jacket is SOOOOO cute and is exactly my taste. I would have picked this out myself. The frame is beautiful and I will put our first picture as a family in it. Thank you for all the ecards and for thinking of me this past month!
~Daniella

Friday, October 26, 2007

My SP Rocks!!!

Thanks so much to my very secret pal for the wonderful package that arrived on my doorstep yesterday!! The box was chock full of beautifully wrapped goodies - the picture below doesn't do it justice. In keeping with the theme of "Family Photos", my pal sent not one, not two, but three (count 'em!) photo albums. I love the little photo key chain with the Chinese character for Love on it. It will be the perfect place to carry around a referral photo (if we ever get one!).
D.'s favorite thing were the bibs (well, after the chocolate - not pictured here because it was promptly consumed). The doll is just precious - her body filled with hair bands is too cute! And, I'm sure the bookmark will get lots of use!
Thanks again for all of the special treasures - you outdid yourself. I hope you know how very appreciated you are!!

Saturday, October 06, 2007

Secret Pal Exchange #3

It's back, and just in time for the holidays....Secret Pal Exchange #3!!

All matches have been sent out, so it's time to get spoiling.

Our theme this month will be (by popular suggestion):

Family Photos

Gift suggestions include: picture frames, scrapbooking supplies, photo albums, and the list goes on....

Have fun!!


Tuesday, August 21, 2007

THANK YOU ROBIN!!




I am so grateful to have had Robin as my Secret Pal the past three months. Due to our traveling last month, Robin sent our July package this week and once again, she outdid herself! For Joseph there was this awesome Spy kit (which by the way, he's been asking for) and I was waiting til' his bday to get so thanks from all of us for that!!! For Mimi there was 2 beautiful box sets of Boynton books. I am so excited for these - these are books we have never read and they look great! Today another great surprise came - a huge tin from the Popcorn Factory filled with all sorts of goodies. Hate to admit but it's almost half gone!!! We've been home all day cleaning out our playroom :) This was just what we needed to munch on!
~~~ Robin - the gifts were all incredible and very much appreciated but even more so, I feel I have made a friend that through this journey to our children will last forever. I hope to one day meet you! Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
For some reason I can't upload the picture of the great tin from Popcorn Factory - ugh!!! Trust me is was great - the lid said ""hang in there Kowalski Family, Mimi will be home soon." Thank you again Robin!

Sunday, August 12, 2007

Red, White, & Blue Exchange has been a hit for us!!!

Lisa and Dave were great secret pals to receive gifts from!!! Lisa always sent the cutest and perfect outfits for our Sophie and never forgot our son, Bailee! You were a blessing to our family and we really appreciate all you did! It has been great learning about your bunch and getting to know you in this special way! Illinois has been a great state to us now with you guys and with Troy and Amy the time before. We are in a great group of awaitees!!! Thanks again and know you will always hold a special place in our hearts and minds! Our Sophie will learn all about you one day!

Love in Christ,

The Aldridges' (Tammy)

Awaiting Sophie
http://ourchinagiftfromgod.blogspot.com/

Wednesday, August 01, 2007

Red, White & Blue Goodies!

Wow, perfect timing from my FABULOUS Secret Pal! Work is crazy right now and I was very happy to receive a package from the one, the only, Tea Monkey Secret Pal Extraordinaire... Daniella! :) She has been a kind, thoughtful, supportive and very generous Secret Pal. Me and my pooches have taken a real liking to her!!!

For our Red, White and Blue theme month she sent a darling navy blue sundress that was inspired by bandannas, an adorable onesie that says "Mom thinks she's in charge" and one pair each of sweet red, white and blue socks. Daniella has great taste and a great sense of humor too - I have loved getting to know her these last three months and know a new friendship is budding. Thank you so much for everything!

Sunday, July 29, 2007

Many Thanks....

To my secret pal. I hope when she returns from vacation she will reveal herself to me. This month was full of fun things again. For the red white and blue theme Diana got socks. She also got her the Baby Einstein Lullaby CD(I know I will listen this with her all the time while rocking her to sleep). We also received a cute pair of sunglasses and cute little headbands. She got us some Princess disposable plates, bowls and silverware. I am sure those will come in handy while visiting friends and family.

Thank you so much fore spoiling me these past few months. It was always so much fun to open a package from you!

Lisa

Red, white, and too cute!




Heather, you've been a great SP! I love this month's package!

This little dress and shorts set is so cute ... and I love the socks! I really love baby socks ...

I don't know if you can see it really, but this is a spinner toy -- when you press down the handle, the lady bugs and butterflies spin around!


Last but not least, some practical items -- a bottle brush and a dishwasher container for bottle and sippy cup parts, which I'm sure will come in very handy!


Heather, thanks for making this so much fun!

Andrea W.

Saturday, July 21, 2007

Thank you so, so much, Laura!!

I received a package yesterday from my secret pal, Laura, and it made my day! Thank you so much for all the wonderful things. I love the cute little white outfit - so sweet. The tiara will look beautiful on our princess! Her first dress up item! The cloth book is too cute and I just know Sophie will absolutely love it. Thanks for the yummy "red, white and blue" goodies you included - we will all enjoy them!

Thank you, Laura, for all your kind supportive words and friendship these last three months! I have really enjoyed having you as my secret pal and I know that we will continue to be friends during this crazy wait. I have been very lucky!

Love,
Terri

Thank you is not enough......


I have the most thoughtful, lovely, wonderful secret pal!!! Words cannot describe how heartfelt this months gifts were. My pal sent me a "Lilly Box", the most beautiful assortment of personalized gifts for our daughter. There was a super soft and very cute taggie blanket and ball, a beautiful pillow case, a bib that said "I love my ge ge", darling bloomers with ladybugs, a red keepsake box, red ladybug goodies from Gymboree, and Vanilla scented botanical. The most wonderful part of all of this, is that most of it was hand- made by my pal! Everything was stitched with love! To see "Lilly" so beautifully embroidered on things brought me to tears. I was beyond thrilled, and deeply moved. Thank you so so so much. You are absolutely wonderful.

love, Ashley

Friday, July 13, 2007

Special Pal You Rock.......


Hmm that special pal of mine struck again.


I received a Patriotic Bag full of Goodies.


Inside was three pairs of socks Red ,White and Blue.


A Baby Einstein DVD .


A Book about a Panda .


A much needed Sun Protection Blue Hat.


2 Beautiful Dresses that Mila will look like a Sassy little Fire Cracker In.


And Adorable matching Hair Clips .


And your ever thoughtful and encouraging Notes.


Thank You Soooo Much Secret Pal for all of your spoiling.

You will be in my Heart.....


xoxo Dee
UPDATE......
The Lovely Ashley was My Secret Pal Thanks Again.

Thursday, July 12, 2007

Bathing Beauty!



Baby's going to be so pretty in her swim suit!!! I can't wait to take her swimming! And for mommy, some beautiful notecards with pressed flowers in them. Also we got a sippy cup with NC on it -- is this a clue, SP?

Thanks so much SP for a wonderful gift!!!

Andrea W.

Saturday, July 07, 2007

Many Thanks!





Thank you so much to my secret pal! This time around she got us such cute stuff again. We got the cutest bathing suit I have ever seen & a cover up with butterflies on it (of course). We also got a t-shirt, beach ball and everything was tucked into a sand bucket that is shaped like a sand castle.


We can't wait to be able to take Diana to the beach so she can use all these cute things. Your thoughtfulness is much appreciated as we continue on this long journey to our daughter.


Lisa

Thursday, July 05, 2007

Thanks to our secret pal!



We loved our gifts! Everything is so thoughtful and fun. It makes me so eager to see our sweet baby! Having this group sure makes the wait a bit easier! We are so thankful to have our new friends to share this experience with!

Thank you again and we can't wait to find out who is spoiling us!

Love in Christ,
Tammy
http://www.ourchinagiftfromgod.blogspot.com/

Monday, July 02, 2007

Secret Pal Wonderful-ness

My secret pal really outdid herself this time!! A box arrived full of fun, wonderful treasures for our little girl - so many that I couldn't fit them all in the frame of the picture (still getting the hang of our new digital camera).

My favorite part was the socks in the upper left corner - one pair says "I want to rock and roll", and another pair declares "and potty all night". I can't help but smile every time I look at them - they just crack me up. I hope our daughter enjoys them as much as I do.

Thank you so much for all of the incredible gifts you sent - as always, you are just a generous, thoughtful pal, and we're so lucky to have you in our lives!

Heather in AZ


Monday, June 18, 2007

Fun in the Sun and then some!

WOW! I received my Fun in the Sun package today and my socks (flip flops) are knocked off! Look at all this amazing stuff, my pal is so thoughtful and generous, not to mention she has an amazing taste level! :)


Where to start??? For moi, a gorgeous lavender tote with beach ball tag and amazing smelling Lemon Martini candle. I will soak in my tub tonight after Jazzercise and light that right up! For moi and hubster - mojito mix! We will enjoy those in the pool this weekend. For our baby girl - not one, not two, but three adorable outfits:
  1. Watermelon onesie that says "Sweet" with matching socks

  2. Duckie hooded bath robe and towel - I love ducks!

  3. Pink butterfly pool robe with matching sun hat

She also sent a Baby Einstein CD with lullabies that I can't wait to play for our baby!

My lovie Pal also remembered my four legged babies once again and BOY are they THRILLED! They each got their own carton of Milk and Cookies treats. Here is a picture of them chowing down. I told them "You guys are so-o-o-o-o spoiled!" and they replied "Mmm hmmmm, what's your point?". ;)

Thank you Secret Pal, this has been such a fun experience for me and I sincerely appreciate all you do for me and my family!!!

Thanks Secret Pal


You made my day! I received such wonderful gifts in my "Fun In The Sun" package. The picture really doesn't do it justice. Your note was so thoughtful, and I loved the beach scene photo. My pal even wrapped the gifts and added handmade letters, spelling out our daughter's name. Inside was the CUTEST bathing suit (it has ruffles!) and matching cover-up from Gymboree. A Pool Party Fun Set that included a beach towel, a sun hat, shades, and a shovel. I'm ready for the beach, and our little one is going to look like a million bucks! As if that wasn't enough, she sent a lavender (my favorite scent) Hatbox filled with soap, shower gel, body lotion, and soap leaves. Thank you so much for everything. Your gifts are wonderful, and so are you!!

Ashley