Anniversary

Today marks the 6th anniversary of the Pipsqueak coming home. Today also marks the 5th anniversary of the Pipsqueak's adoption becoming finalized. March 28th is a big day in our family. I can't believe my 7 1/2 year old has been home that long.

We celebrated by going out for Indian food. Is there something wrong in that my Indian born child would rather eat American, Mexican, Italian, or Chinese food than Indian? She ate rice, cantaloupe, lettuce, 1/2 a piece of naan, one bite of tandoori chicken, and 2 bites of chicken curry.

My veggie loving kid wouldn't touch the spinich, chickpeas, eggplant, or veggie mix (normally she'd try all of them) due to the sauces they were in. I, on the other hand, enjoyed the restaurant and ate enough Saag Paneer (Spinich w/cheese) for both of us.

The Pipsqueak has always avoided beans and lentils of any type as well as anything of an oatmeal or pudding texture. While other kids adopted at her age (17 months) seemed to enjoy eating familiar foods- she has always avoided anything similiar to what she was fed in the orphange. I hope that as she gets older, she may develop a taste for Indian cuisine.

Looking back on the past 6 years, I can't believe how time has flown. The 25" tall and 17 1/2 lbs toddler has grown into a 50lb/50in little girl. She has gone from speaking only Marathi to baby sign to English with a rapidness that I didn't know possible. She is reading. She is forever writing and creating books. She loves to make up songs and write the music for them.

I have been challenged in ways never imagined by becoming this little girl's mother. There are more challenges to come. Of that I am certain. I will do the best I can with the challenges and love the child all the more.

As the Pipsqueak has taken to saying before leaving a room "I haven't heard an 'I love you Pipsqueak".... It always causes a grin, and yes, "I love you Pipsqueak".

Unbelievable

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-ap-wi-prayerdeath,0,5766258.story

These "parents" let their daughter 11 year old daughter die of diabetes because they wanted to pray instead of giving her insulin.

Faith is one thing. Stupidity is another. For whatever you may believe- God, Allah, The Creator- made people smart enough to become doctors and scientists to create medications for illnesses such as this. Faith with treatment. Not Faith AS treatment. Not in the case of diabetes.

I can't even imagine watching as my child suffered in such a death. Parents should protect their kids. Not kill them.

I hope these folks are charged with involuntary manslaughter. There is absolutely no reason to allow anyone- let alone their 11 year old die such a horrible death.

My younger sibling has Type 1 or Juvenile Diabetes. He's had to give shots since age 3. Not once, did my folks say- oh let's not give the insulin and see what happens. They knew what would happen. He would die. Slowly and painfully.

This, to me, is just unf*ckingbelievable. Insulin is readily and easily available. To know that this poor girl lay in a coma for who knows how long and was allowed to die that way- it's just awful.

Even better- the "parents" aren't the ones who called 911- it was friends of the family who had the sense to call when they realized the girl wasn't breathing. Even the aunt who lived in another state called police to report the girl was in a coma and needed help.


Unbelievable.

Wordless Wednesday

Spring Break

As you can see, Easter was enjoyed by all.

Today was the first day of spring break and we decided to go for it full force. The Pipsqueak had 10 inches cut from her hair. Yup. Ten. Inches.

The ponytail was kept and will be sent to Locks of Love to help make a wig for a child with cancer. Still, I'm in shock to see the Pipsqueak's hair so short. So. Short.

She loves it of course. It is a cute cut. She still looks adorable. I just know that I will miss braiding it and pulling it up, etc. So. Short.

Ah well, it's just hair- it will grow back.

Back... I think

Well, after about 2 weeks of computer issues, I think I'm back to being able to post and check email. The internet provider has been changed and all problems seem to have stopped.

The Pipsqueak and I enjoyed colouring eggs today and I am trying to get things ready before the Easter Bunny comes by tonight.

Hope everyone has a Happy Easter weekend.

Easy Peasy Trifle

This recipe was brought into our family by an in law whose mother happens to be British. This has become a family favourite desert at gatherings. If you try it, let me know if you like it too.

Trifle
- 1 frozen Sara Lee pound cake (16 oz)
- 2 cans of strawberry or raspberry pie filling
- 2 cans of Devon custard
-2 jars of clotted cream
- 1 container of cool whip (medium or small size should do)
- 1/2 or 3/4 cup of sherry (this is optional,)
- fresh strawberries, raspberries, or mixed berries

- let the pound cake thaw out enough to cut it into finger size strips

-use a deep container or bowl to layer everything

- 1st layer is the pound cake strips (just pack them in close together) then drizzle sherry over the pound cake if you include it

- 2nd layer is one can of your pie filling spread on top of the pound cake

- 3rd layer spread the 2 jars of clotted cream on top

- 4th layer pour the Devon cream on top of the clotted cream

- repeat all the layers except the clotted cream

- spread the cool whip on the very top

- put fresh strawberries or raspberries (or mixed berries) on top of the cool whip - I usually go with strawberries

- cover with some plastic wrap and refrigerate

Enjoy!

Wordless Wednesday

FAME

The Pipsqueak had a painting chosen to be in the annual Arts and Music Elementary Festival in our neck of the woods. About 6 kids per grade level are chosen and about 10 school districts are involved so it's a big deal to get chosen.

We went to the "big city" to look at her painting today and had a great time seeing all the arts our local community has to offer. Here are a couple photos of her painting. Not bad for a first grader.

Women's History Month

In honour of women's history month- please check out this site 10 amazing women you've never heard of. They are truly remarkable.

Wordless Wednesday-Snowday Again

Do we see a pattern here? Another snowday.