Pearls for Christmas?

I don't normally post things about fundraisers or other blogs, but in this case I want to make an exception. I don't really even know if I am reaching many people - I don't think many people follow our blog these days. But here is the scoop for anyone interested.

If you would like to purchase a pair of "Mei-Mei" pearls for your daughter, niece, anyone for approximately $25, let me know. Kay Bratt, who wrote the book "Silent Tears" is planning to sell these to help raise funds for Xiao Gou and perhaps those in her orphanage. If you read the book, you remember she tried without success to adopt this little girl, and now she is planning a trip back to China soon to visit her and see what she can do to help this little girl. The pearl order will be dependant upon how many orders she can have promised - you won't pay for the pearls until she is in China and can make sure she can order them. The price is based on what pearls cost 2 years ago.

Let me know if you are interested, and I will pass along the info to Kay.

Freshman Parents Weekend

This weekend we traveled to Pittsburgh to visit Lizzy for Freshman Parent Weekend. Yes, she is back to Lizzy now, after deciding it was too hard to make the switch to Elizabeth after high school. The younger kids had never been to Duquesne, so we took them along to see where their big sister lived. Michelle was so excited to "go to college". She asked me the day before we left if we would stay there forever. I told her no, we would just go and visit for a few days, then come back home. She said,"So, we just go play and then come home, right?" Yes, Michelle, we played for a while. It was fun.

We arrived Friday evening and took Lizzy out to a vegetarian restaurant she had been wanting to visit. It was a little quirky, located in the back of an antique store, but the food was good and the atmosphere was fun, especially for Michelle and Josh to look around after being stuck in the car for almost 5 hours.

Saturday we took a little tour of campus, and then went to the football game. Michelle didn't want to pose for the picture, but she had a lot of fun running around and playing. Duquesne won ~ 37-17~ against Holy Cross.

Later in the afternoon we went on a "Ducky Tour". They have tours of Pittsburgh that take you through town on the truck, then the old WWII vehicles turn into boats and continue the last half of the tour by boat. It's a fun way to see the city. We "quacked" our way through Pittsburgh, literally. They make you quack every time the bus stops. The little kids thought this was great fun!

I love this picture of my big kids. They both look great!

I will admit, Pittsburgh didn't impress me much the first time I saw it. My initial impression was it was dirty (it is a steel mill town) and it was very difficult to drive and navigate. I still think those things, but after several visits I am seeing much of the charm of Pittsburgh, especially to a college student. It is a fun town for an 18 year old - lots for college students to see and do, lots to offer. It was fun to see it through Lizzy's eyes.

Josh & Michelle both took turns "driving" the duck boat in the water. Yikes!

Our water tour took us by the famous Heinz stadium, home of the Pittsburgh Steelers. (Included this picture just for the Green's!) The next day as we were driving around town, you could see the stadium filled with black & gold. (never could stop to get a good picture) Wow! Steeler fans are devoted and unique in supporting their team. I have never seen so much black & gold in my life - our hotel was full Sunday morning of Steeler sweatshirts, jersey's, etc., and it apparantly doesn't matter if you are going to the game or not. If it's game day, you are wearing your stuff.
It's hard to describe why I included this picture. Let's just say, the tour guide told us to take a picture to our right, I obviously didn't understand that there was really nothing on our left, but decided to photograph this lovely store anyway. I mostly included this pic so my children can have a good laugh at their goofy mom.
Saturday night we experienced a true Pittsburgh tradition - a Primanti's sandwich. It is messy, stacked high with cole slaw and french fries, but something everyone should experience.
We ate a LOT this weekend - back to diet time for me! (but it sure was fun while it lasted.)
Sunday, after church and brunch, we took Lizzy to the grocery store to get a few supplies and then headed home. It was great to see her. She obviously loves college, and it agrees with her. She was walking a little taller, seems very confidant in herself and her choice of school. It is a joy to see her thriving!

When we left her in August for orientation week, we fell in love with Duquesne. The school said all the right things and helped us confirm that this was the perfect choice for our daughter. This weekend, we began to fall in love with Pittsburgh, for all the fun,charm and experience it has to offer.

Couch Potato

I wish I had some exciting pictures and adventure to share, but this was pretty much our weekend in a nutshell. We had a Daddy "under the weather", a Mommy who has been burning the candle at both ends, and some kiddo's with busy schedules, so a weekend of R&R was perfect for us.

Bill's work schedule has been even busier than usual - he rarely gets home before 8:30 p.m., and works at least a little on weekends. I am teaching 21 students this year, and this year I made a committment to my family to cook more. (Last year I had Domino's on speed dial.) So, I am busy, needless to say! Homework is plentiful this year, just because it is the year for it.

We slept, we watched a little television, I finished the book I was reading, I cooked a little, and did about 20 loads of laundry. Sorry, that's as exciting as it got around here.

As for this new week, I'm ready. Bring it!!!