My Secret Pal is Theresa!

I have been SO spoiled the last three months by my wonderful SP Theresa! I had some very good clues and sort of figured it out but was very happily surprised today when I came home to a big brown box on the front step. I must admit that I cried when I opened the box - even before getting to the gifts. Joe was with me and asked why I was crying - well it was hard to explain - it was just this overwhelming feeling of gratitude. Theresa and I "met" on the CCAI paperchase board way back in June of 06' - we shared many of our milestones together - fingerprints, bumps along the way, but eventually DTC and LID the same day. I even had the pleasure of meeting her and her wonderul husband at the CCAI Orlando reunion. Well having had Theresa as my SP was very special to me - I believe that we will travel together to meet our daughters. First thing I opened, per Theresa's instructions, was the beautiful book You're All My Favorites - inside was a touching note. Theresa, I too believe that we will be lifetime friends and forever connected. Next up, was the beautiful ladybug picture frame that we decided will be for Miranda's referral picture. We also received a Lifebook Writing Guide - this has been something I have been looking into so I can't wait to read this and begin her Lifebook. The ladybug pen was quickly taken by Joseph for his backpack to take to school tomorrow. The Treasured Traditions St. Patrick's Day photo album is great and I look forward to start some green outfit photos for this! Okay, the SHOES - They are too cute and we can't wait to see her little feet in them. The beautiful ladybug is proudly being displayed in our living room and I can't wait to try to the Gracie Spa Scrub - it smells fabulous! Last, but not least, MRK received a Ladybug discovery toy - it looks like so much fun and Joseph can't wait to play it with her ( and either can Joe & I) - Theresa, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts for all the wonderful gifts for us and for Miranda Rae - but I am eternally grateful for the friend I have found on this journey to our daughter.

~~~Daniella

My Secret Pal is awesome!

A big THANK YOU! to my secret pal...Andrea W. My March present arrived and it included a beautiful hand made LadyBug blanket for baby! The last 3 months with my pal have been great. It was really fun being pampered and pampering someone else.

Andrea Y

Thank You Rebecca!

Ok so I figured it out with a little help just before the last gift arrived. I knew that my pal and I had to belong to another group besides this one just on how well she knew me. As soon as I found out that then all I did was check out the post mark and figure it out. I know I'm bad but as much as I love surprises I try to figure everything out.

Rebecca, as usual got us the best gifts. As usual she thought of my boys and got them each a three pack of POP ROCKS. They can't wait to try them after dinner tonight. For Diana she got a CD of Chinese lullaby's. I can't wait to rock Diana to sleep listening to them. She also got her this cute little flower garden that plays music. I LOVE it! I think we will have a lot of fun playing with that.

For mommy she got the cutest bug candy. It MAY be too cute too eat....Also she got me the cutest personalized luggage tag. It is black with white polka-dots with a ladybug and my name on it.

I can't begin to thank you for everything you have done these past three months! The encouraging emails, the e-cards, and of course the gifts have been so much appreciated! I will cherish all of it and think of you often.

Lisa

Thanks to my wonderful SP, Lisa!

My March gifts were a wonderful finish to a wonderful experience.
On the left is a tennis racket where the ball swings around and makes noise -- I'm sure this will be a favorite! On the right is a bubble belly -- it blows bubbles for baby! I foresee this being very handy for distracting from things like nail trimming and whatnot -- I can't wait to try it out!



My favorite this month is the elephant. We're doing baby's room in an elephant theme, and this will be a wonderful addition. She is sooooooo soft and cuddly.




Last but not least, for mommy, a ladybug journal. I think I'll use this for thoughts for baby.

Thank you thank you Lisa! You have been a wonderful pal, and a good friend.

Andrea W.

My Super Tea Monkey Secret Pal (STMSP) is Kathy Taylor!

Hi everyone, I returned home from a very fun shopping trip with other local Families with Children from China (FCC) Moms/Waiting Moms and found a box at my front doorstep. I immediately knew my STMSP had struck again - and WHAT an amazing surprise! Look at this to die for Ladybug dress designed by the Queen of Babies in Art, Anne Geddes.

Many thanks Kathy for this fun surprise and for your gentle support and friendship. You have helped make the last 3 months fly by! :)

My Fabulous Secret Pal - Laura

Thanks again for my March surprise. As usual, I loved everything! I got an adorable spring outfit for my little munchkin. I love the red flowers. The onesie is too cute, and in case you can't read what it says in the photo - " Vintage 2007 - Exceptional Year - Perfect Growing Conditions - Enjoy Contents Immediately ". My hubby thinks that is the cutest thing he's ever seen. She also sent me the awesome red baseball cap and 2 packets of heavenly smelling bath salts. I can't thank you enough for everything. You have completely spoiled me, and beyond the gifts, you have become a great friend. Thank you, Laura, for being a part of our journey. Someone out there is about to be matched with a very special secret pal.

Ashley

Test

Just making sure this works. :)

Thanks to my Secret Pal!!

How happy I was yesterday to see a note in my mailbox from the postman marked "Parcel at front door"! My secret pal sent a wonderful box of goodies for me to enjoy. She must have read through my blogs, because the items she sent suited me perfectly.

First out of the box - the candy - yummy sour treats and gum (I've already polished off half of it!). Then came chocolate fortune cookies (they're too pretty to eat). Moving on - she included a ball of multi-colored knitting yarn (soon to be transformed into a baby hat for our daughter).

Lastly, in the box nestled the cutest stuffed rabbit, and an accompanying book titled "Guess How Much I Love You". I have never seen this book before - the story is so sweet!

Thanks so much to my Secret Pal for such a thoughtful present. I'm glad to hear your life is calming down a bit - I hope another Tea Monkey is spoiling you as well as you are spoiling me !!

Heather in AZ

My SP is Daniella!!!

I've been dying to post that since yesterday, but waited for feedback before I went ahead and blabbed. My wonderful Secret Pal (truly secret) is Daniella. She had me fooled the whole time! I won't give away her trick (and it's a good one) in case she wants to use it on her next SP. I e-mailed her privately, and she is ok with being revealed.

Yesterday we received the March package and, of course, loved everything inside! She included a very sweet boardbook called Little Panda that has velvety textures on each page. I know Sophie will love it! I can't wait to see the cute little hat, bibs, and summer outfit on her! They are just the kind of things that I would pick out myself! I love the scents of the candles in the little terracotta pots and will be using them very soon. Logan and Nathan send a big thank you for the Nerds eggs. It was so thoughtful of you to send something for them each month.

Thank you again for all our special packages and all the wonderful notes and e-cards!!!! The thoughtfulness and care you put into being my secret pal is so appreciated and I will miss having you as my secret pal. The next person to get you will be very lucky. I hope we can eventually one day meet each other in person.

Your very appreciative friend,

Terri

My gift!

I got my second secret pal gifts yesterday! Yea! It is so fun to come home and see a package in the mail. My hubby gets into all of these gifts as well, so I actually let him open it when he came home.

We love the two purple onesies, cute cotton pants, socks, finger puppet, Mommies book and pretty notepad. What fun! Thanks so much secret pal. You have been so good to us.

You asked if I knew who you are. I have to admit, I have NO idea! I can't wait to find out!

Many thanks,

Rebecca (& Mark)

Beautiful and thoughtful gifts

Three weeks ago we received our gifts from our secret pal. I'm so sorry it has taken me so long to post on the blog. I've had a crazy month. They gifts are perfect. They bring a smile to our faces everytime we look at them. I love everything, but the Baby Love soft book is particularly adorable. We will definitely put it in a special place in our baby's room. Our gift also included a delicious package of licorice, but it didn't make it the three weeks it took me to post.

Thanks again for being such a kind and thoughtful friend. I really appreicate all of the time, energy and love you put into every package and message you send me.

For some reason I'm not able to add a picture. I'm going to post this now and work on putting up a picture tomorrow.

Sorry!

Love,
Leigh

Thank You Special Pal.......

First let me start off by saying that my box was so special that the post office didn't want to give it to me(they were after the chocolate.)

I opened a big box to find a big heart shaped valentine(already gone).

A delicious box of hot cocoa (so needed freezing in NY)

An absolutly beautiful little ski oufit by Gymboree that Mila will just look too cute in ...

And the prettiest porcelin China Doll I have ever seen(It will be in Mila's nursery and I will tell her one of her Special Aunties gave it to her).

I put her my night stand and stared at her till i fell asleep she's Amazing.

And as always a sweet card to go with it.

I just can't seem to say enough about how wonderful you are Special Pal !

You have shown me sooo much Love and Kindness and have showered me with More cards then I have ever recieved.

You have given me Tears of Joy during the Hardest times of My Life.

And I want you to know although this will be our last Month together you will always have a special place in my heart and my Home.

Thank You Always,

Dee Kelley

DH Rob

Last Gift for Round #1

Just a reminder - by now you should have sent your pal two gifts, and be working on the final "reveal" gift for Round #1. If you haven't heard from your pal or your SP experience isn't what you hoped it would be, and need me or Theresa to check into it, please let us know. Hope you are all having fun!

Heather in AZ

Conversion to New Blogger

Well, folks - I couldn't stave it off any longer. Blogger forced me to convert this blog to the new version. I apologize to all those folks who will have to create a new Blogger ID!!

Everything seems to be working as usual, so please let me know if you have any problems posting. Thanks!

Heather in AZ

I love my gifts!!

Thank you soooo much Secret Pal! Whoever has me is really spoiling me. She has even been thoughtful enough to get my boys each a M&M guy filled with mini m&ms. They say "Thank you Mommy's secret pal." Diana got the cutest little shirt that says love on it plus two packages of bibs with ladybugs, flowers and other cute patterns. She also got two packages of onesies with hearts, ladybugs etc.....too cute. Every time I dress Diana in these I will think of you my friend. Also for me: yummy chocolates. DH has already told me I better hide them...don't worry I will! Thanks again Secret Pal! Your truly are the best!!

Lisa

Thanks again secret pal!!

Just wanted to say thanks again for my most fabulous Feb. gifts! You are so thoughtful. First, I received a beautiful, custom made tote with my name on it. As if that wasn't enough, the next day arrived a box full of valentine goodies. I love the ladybug outfit and can't wait until my bundle of love is wearing it. The piggybank with hearts on it is already in her room. The gift bag (so cute) was filled with yummy white chocolate covered fortune cookies (not pictured because I already ate them), beautiful chopsticks, sweet stuffed panda, chinese rubber duckies, and heart shaped cards. I hope I didn't leave anything out. Secret pal, you are the best and I am so very lucky!
Ashley

THANKS SECRET PAL,

Thank you secret pal for all the wonderful gifts. You are always so
thoughtful. My girls loved their Valentine's/Chinese New Year
goodie bags. The pancake mix and maple syrup will be enjoyed
by everyone. The chocolate covered fortune cookies were so good!
The CNY ornaments are beautiful, and I really love the adoption
books you sent. I even loved the beautiful wrapping paper!
Thanks so much for your kindness.
Love,
Karen & family

Thank You Secret Pal!

Thank you so much for the Valentine's Day surprise! The sweet Valentine's Day card and e-card are so appreciated.

The sweet princess photo frames and ladybug photo album are awesome! I can't wait to have photos of our Sophie to put in them. I love the girly washclothes. The chocolates are almost gone already - I am so bad! One of the adorable "little princess" teddy blankies will be going to China in one of Sophie's care packages. I love that there is a match if one gets lost or damaged.

Logan and Nathan send a Thank You for the Spongebob Valentine candies. It's so sweet of you to remember them. They get as excited as I do when we see a box on the steps. You are awesome!

Terri

Thank you to my Secret Pal!!!!

What a wonderful Valentines Day eve for us here in sunny Florida! We came home to a wonderful package that was so incredible that thank you doesn't seem enough! Secret Pal, you are so thoughtful and so much thought goes in to your gifts that it brings tears to my eyes. We all arrived home together and saw the package on the front porch and we had such a good time opening it and Ms. Boo got to join in on the fun as well. Let me start with the fact that we all got chocolate kisses - yeah, we love chocolate and there were chocolate Twizzlers also - half the bag is gone already! In each package with our kisses there were red thread bracelets for each of us - this was a very touching and special moment for us to all tie them on each other. Joseph said, he will not take his off until MRK comes home - Joe and I felt the same way! I got a special treat of wonderful creams and bubble bath - love it all, can't wait to use them! Joseph was more than estatic that he now has an "expecting a lil sis from China 2007" t-shirt - I don't know how I'm getting it off him tomorrow for school!! Joe loved, loved, loved the "I Love Daddy" bib - too cute!!!! Now for MRK, the "my first doll" is awesome and so soft, definitely coming to China with us - the monkey socks - oh my goodness, where did you find them!!!! Those are her first socks, by the way! The books are so great and went straight on MRK's book shelf, after we read them first ! We also used the valentines stamps to make some Valentine cards tonight and look forward to using them with MRK - maybe next Valentines day? Let's hope :) Secret Pal, you are awesome and have made the last 2 months so special - thank you from the bottom of our hearts - enjoy the slide show!
Daniella, Joe, Joseph & Ms. Boo....
PS - I made a slide show with rock you but it won't let me post it here b/c we are not using the "new blogger" - hmmm... Go to my blog to see my awesome gifts.... www.kowalskijourney.blogspot.com
Daniella

Thanks Secret Pal!

Thanks Secret Pal Leslie!

It was so fun to have a little Valentine's surprise. We loved the book (it has lights and music and everything) -- it is so cute! The Valentine doggy is darling, and it's sooooo soft. I know baby is going to have fun with that one. The scrapbook stickers will be sure to find a good home too in baby's book. I think I'll save them for the trip to China section -- let it be soon! And finally, a little something for mommy is always nice, especially when its chocolate!
-- Andrea W.

Thanks Secret Pal

I recieved the most beautiful, custom made, tote from my secret pal! Thank you so so much. I absolutely adore it. I will post a picture soon. Thanks again, you are the best!
Love, Ashley

Friendship

"Friends are not an opportunity - but a sweet responsibility."

I read this quote a while back and it has stuck with me ever since. The idea of having a responsibility to cherish those that are close to you resonated with me, especially now.

To say that I am overwhelmed by the surprise this group put together for me is an understatement. I was moved to tears by each card I read, and the gifts were more than generous and very, very appreciated. I am ever so thankful to have each and every one of you in my life. (My kitties are, too - the toys they received are making a strange apartment seem a little more like home for them). Thanks, also to Laura for all of your work putting this together.

Although we've had a bumpy go of it lately, I feel like such a lucky woman to have such great friends, indeed. You all touched my heart in a way that words seem inadequate to explain. A huge, heartfelt "thank you" will have to do!!

What a pal!

Many thanks to my wonderful secret pal! I arrived home today to some very fun mail! I absolutely love the little pink sweater with the panda in the pocket. It is beyond adorable, and I can't wait to see Claire wearing it! I also love lullabies, and am excited to have my first Baby Einstein item.

It has been a few hours since I opened the mail, and one of these fabulous items is already gone. Can you guess which one?!

A million thanks to my very special secret pal. You have treated me well. Thanks for commenting on my blog as well. It is always fun to know someone has been checking in!

Love,

Rebecca

Heather's Surprise

I took great joy in surprising Heather with gifts from her Tea Monkey pals! These pictures are from our visit today, we met at the investment house my husband and I are renovating and flipping, that's why there's construction type stuff in some of the photos. Her house is being actively worked on.

To say she was overwhelmed with gratitude is an understatement. It's so lovely to be part of this group! :) We were both impressed by such creativity and generosity!!!

My Secret Pal Rocks!

I'm trying to get the digital camera from my sister to take pictures of the cool stuff my secret pal sent me. In the meantime, I'll describe the goodies that brightened my day.

I received a pair of adorable booties that I cannot believe anyone's feet are small enough to fit into, two bibs that made me giggle with the slogans. A pink hairbow that I hope my future daughter lets me put in her hair. I love that stuff. :)

The best part is a Dora the Explorer doll in a Chinese outfit with a friendship bracelet, just like in the video. My niece made me watch the Dora All Around the World video recently and kept pointing out how they went to see China. She kept telling me, "That is where your baby is coming from! Maybe she knows Dora!" I had better hide this doll away until my child gets here or she might disappear!

I've been crazy with work and I really appreciate the cards and gifts from my secret pal. Thank you!

Robin

I have the Most Thoughful Secret Pal....

I wanted to say Thank You for all that you do.

After being forced out of my house during Christmas eve and forced to find a new place to live during the Holidays.

Which I can tell you is enough to to drive you tears daily.

You have been my shining star secret pal.
You didn't even know my situation, But all your cards have been the only highlight of my day.

I wish i could share pictures with you all of the lovely hot pink scarf and beautiful picture of a chinese zodiac coin and chinese writing behind it, and a card that made me cry.

It is just Stunning and I'm sure will look amazing in my new home.

My camera is somewhere buried in storage bin but when i can find it i will post.

I also wanted to Thank : Andrea Wan/Brenda Stevens/Andrea Yochum for the Squishes and sentiments.

And I wanted to say to Heather, boy do I understand and you and your family are in my prayers....

XOXO Dee
DH Rob
LID 10/09/06

Lookie, lookie!!!

Lookie what my Super Tea Monkey Secret Pal (STMSP) sent me today! The most ADORABLE hand made card and an unbelievably stunning Chinese New Year Doll (strong resemblance to moi, heh, heh)! The card has a little monkey with eyes that move and the tea bag looks real!! WOW! SO creative and fun! Xie xie! I LOVE the doll and will treasure the card forever! :)

MY SECRET PAL ROCKS!

Many thanks to my secret pal! It was so nice to walk up to my smoky doorstep and see a package sitting on the mat. Getting a gift from my pal was just the day brightener I needed :-)

I don't have access to a camera right now to take pictures, so a description of my goodies will have to do...my pal sent two books describing Chinese New Year customs (one geared towards younger children for now, and one for older children for later), a gorgeous Chinese paper lantern, and two beautiful ornaments - one with lucky coins, and a blown glass one depicting a traditional Chinese dress.

These are gifts my daughter will treasure for a lifetime - as will I!! Thank you so much!

Heather in AZ
www.hopesglow.blogspot.com

thanks again, secret pal!

Just wanted to show off my secret pal gifts - you are so thoughtful! The homemade blanket and fairy princess bear are priceless. All that's missing from the photo are the yummy starbucks I've enjoyed compliments of my gift card. Thanks again.
Ashley

Thanks a bunch!!

My secret pal is awesome! I got the softest, warmest prettiest blanket for Diana. Diana also got three pairs of warm socks. Mommy got warm socks as well. Since winter finally seems to have kicked in here in Illinois they will keep my toes toasty warm. Thank you sooo much sercet pal! You are the best!!

Lisa G.

I have the best secret pal!

THANK YOU so much, secret pal, for everything! The pink girlie overall bag is too cute! And you bought her first booties. I can't help but just hold them. My boys can tell you I am very much a foot tickler. The panda bear is precious - another first! The "faith" ornament was a very thoughtful gift and will be on our tree this year. My absolute favorite was the unique cookie cutters - China and a Ladybug! And you included cookie mix and decorating icing with them! There's nothing I love more than baking with my little guys! I can't wait to bake with my daughter - the thought brings tears to my eyes. I can see her in her little apron learning to stir the batter. I will post a picture of our cookie masterpieces.

It was so thoughful of you to include something for Logan and Nathan too! The Chewbacca pez were a big hit. The 3-D insect puzzles are at this minute being assembled. They send a big thank you!

Many thanks to my secret pal

I love my gifts! I don't think the picture does them justice. The snuggly one piece bear suit is so sweet and precious. It makes me smile everytime I look at it. The bear feet and ears are adorable. The hat, gloves, and the little bear are perfect.

Secret Pal for Karen Mansell,

Thank you so much for all of my gifts. The teddy bear, hat and mittens,
teddy bear slippers, hot chocolate and beautiful card are so appreciated.
I absolutely love everything. I can't wait to see our child in the red
hat and mittens, I know it will be adorable on her. Again, thank you so much!!!

Love,
Karen

photos

I hope this doesn't come through twice, but when I tried to add this to my previous post it didn't seem to work...

Here are photos of the wonderful stuff from my secret pal:


This one is very appropriate since we used to live in Alaska!




I love the puppy hat! I tried to take a photo on the knob at the bottom of our bannister, but it was too dark :-(



And here's the beautiful card -- I wish the photo were better, but it was sort of hard to do...


Thank you secret pal!

Andrea W

Thank you Leslie!

I just got a wonderful package today! How darling! I love the hat and mittens. And the card!!! (For everyone else, "Leslie" is my SP's Clark Kent name...)

Here are photos:
This one is very appropriate since we used to live in Alaska!




I love the puppy hat! I tried to take a photo on the knob at the bottom of our bannister, but it was too dark :-(



And here's the beautiful card -- I wish the photo were better, but it was sort of hard to do...


Thank you secret pal!

Andrea W

Thank You,

I wanna thank my secret pal for all those ecards.
Its so nice to finally receive something that isn't junk mail.
I hope they know how special i think they are.
xoxo Dee
DH Rob
LID 10/09/06

Big huge thanks and hug to my Secret Pal!

Dear S.P.
I want to tell you that you are awesome and I absolutely love everything!!!! First, the Expecting from China shirt may never leave my body :) The books, socks, slippers, cookie mix, ornament, pup stickers and the Santa hat are so appreciated, words cannot express my gratitude enough! Joseph also thanks you for the Jacks and Ball - he loves them and has challenged me to a tornament tonight! Your wonderful notes were so sweet as well. Your clue has me thinking so keep 'em coming.... Big hug to you!
Love Daniella

Thanks from the Technically Challenged

Thanks for the help figuring out how to post to the blog. Now I hope I can just get back here next time!

Andrea Y

What a rough week...

Tax season has started and the clients are driving me batty. Thanks to my Secret Pal, though, I had a nice card waiting to cheer me up at the end of a long day.

Also a couple of gorgeous quilt squares arrived that I can't wait to put into place.

Thank you all! :)

Robin

A Whole Lot of Thank You's

Hello my Favorite people,
I hope every one is well.
I am in the process of moving so i havent had a chance to properly thank anyone.
Thank you Andrea for the pretty quilt square, I love the Colors.

And Thank you to My secret Pal for all those lovely e cards you send me .

It is so nice to belong to a group as wonderful as this one.

xoxo Dee
DH Rob
LID 10/09/06

I love my secret pal!

Thanks so much for my package! I absolutely love the fairy princess bear, and the homemade fairy princess blanket (and it's my favorite color). Your card was incredibly sweet. The thought of snuggling up with my baby brings tears to my eyes...
I can tell there is a whole lot of love with my gift. I can't thank you enough. I'm going out right now to enjoy a Starbucks!! And sending whoever you are a huge HUG!
Ashley

A Little Love

Hi - hope you all are having fun with this month's theme of Winter Fun. Remember, all packages should be sent out in time to arrive by the end of the month.

And, just in case you want to get a jump start on next month...here's next month's theme, too....

Drum roll please...it's February, and what happens in February? Hearts and Cupid and candy and more than a little love...you guessed it - it's Valentine's Day. So, next month's theme will honor our newest little Valentines....

Thank you to my secret pal!

Secret Pal for Pam :),
THANK YOU so much for the surprise Newsboys CD!! I don't have that one and I was so excited to get it in the mail! I've already listend to the entire CD and love the songs! It was so thoughtful of you!!

Pam

thanks secret pal

I just wanted to thank my secret pal for the ecard. Very cute. It is very cold today here!!! The walk did me good!!!
Thanks again
Brenda Stevens

Secret Pal Love