Baby Lem SP

Thank you so much to Baby Lem's SP... I opened the box and found this staring at me...

Now everyone knows how much we like going to Disney - so just imagine what our little one will look like in this.... The jeans are just adorable - you can't see the detail on the onzie but it has different sceens from Pooh...

Thanks so much secret pal!!!! You made my day.... :)

Stormy delivery

We have been having some crazy weather lately. Our secret pal gift arrived on one of those days. We were running around trying to batten down the hatches. Hubby found our package, thankfully enclosed in a plastic bag. He brought it in put it in our spare room, which will be our baby room, which right now is one of those catch-all rooms that we rarely go in. Well I didn't know the package came. In all of the hullaballoo, Steve forgot about it. What a surprise I had when I went in there, days later, to get a blanket! I big package full of darling clothes and outer wear for our little sweetie! Things she will need for days wintry like these. Thank you secret pal! She will be a vision in purple! I love it. As always thanks for thinking of us too with the body wash. I will be using it soon! Wanted to get this posted, I'll include pictures soon.

Thank you Secret Pal,

We got your package last week. It was so wonderful. There were beautiful ornaments and cute ornaments. We loved them all. The books were awesome. Even my husband was amazed at how wonderful the puzzle book was. I loved the Red Buttterfly. It was beautiful. I'm sure our daughter will truly enjoy all of these for years. It's such a treat opening your package to us. Nick was thrilled you remembered him. He's adopted his dad's hometown of Seattle so he's big on the Seahawks and coffee. He also loves dark chocolate which is why he thought you must have known about him with the wonderful mocha granola bars and chocolate you sent before. :) Kids are great! I can't thank you enough for the wonderful Chinese gifts.

Thank you from the Shoemakers!!!

Charity's SP puts her to work!!!

And I am so thankful. The silk box with the photo album is BEAUTIFUL. The boys didn't care what it was, but they sure did notice the pandas on it. As always, another addition to Hannah Grace's hair collection is so much fun. We better hope that she has a head full of hair! Your note was encouraging & heartfelt as always. And to answer your question, no my pictures are NOT in order. That would be a good project to get into during this wait, but I just can't get myself started. The boys will enjoy the twizzlers in a couple of days (we've had the flu hit our house) While we are stuck inside, I'll update the personal blog. I will be sending you a specific post. If you get tired of your snow, send some our way. The boys want to make a snowman. Actually, I do, they want to have a snowball fight. ;)
I can't wait to see what you come up with next.
Charity

Thank you Secret Pal...

Thank you Secret Pal.. I love all the goodies for Isabella..
The picture holder is really cute...
I LOVE dragonflies..
I look forward to next month.. YEAH!!!
You are the best..

Happy January from the Vraniak's

Dear Secret Pal,

Thank you so much for all of the wonderful pink gifts! The flannel jammies are great--I actually have a pair myself, I love flannel jammies! Len is excited about the chocolate--great addition! Can't wait to dress her up in her new clothes and bundle her up in her new blanket--let's hope it's soon!

Cheers,

Lisa and Len Vraniak

To the best Secret Pal!

Thank you so much to our great secret pal! What a treat to receive our special gift this month. Did I tell you how much we love summer time?! The wagon filled with sand toys was so adorable. We can't wait to use it with our precious one. Gabby was thrilled with the Frisbee as were the dogs! I actually had to put the wagon up in the closet so Gabby would not open it up and start using the cute toys. She told me she wanted to take Sasha our cat for a ride in the wagon. Thank you so much you are so special!

Hugs,
Jody, Brent and Gabby Bower

Hi Secret Pal,

As you can see after all of these months I finally figured out how to add a picture to the blog. Thank you so much for this months package. We absolutely love the adorable Pajamas. The bibs are absolutely adorable too. We can't wait to read the book to our baby girl.

Thank you for the cute note too. We are hoping for a much faster referral too.

Thanks again for everything!!!

Joanne

Great Start to the Weekend.

Thank you so much for the great gift, again. The ladybug dinning set is really cute and I love the baby picture book. I can't wait to put pictures of us and the furbabies in it for Little Miss. We have not had a chance to get any of the new stamps yet, so these were a nice surprise. The animals love thier gifts also and they are so appropiate for Chinese New Year, but can't gaurantee they still be here by then, they tend to love thier toys to death :0) Don't worry about changing the months, we loved everything.

Thank you! From Lisa Buckshaw

This month, as always, my Secret Pal sent me wonderful gifts. I know the soft baby comforter will be put to good use. There was also a picture frame that reads along the outside of the frame: "ten perfect fingers...Ten perfect toes." In the box was "My first chopsticks." Where does he/she find these cool things. I think I am the one who will need to use the children's chopsticks. They look easy to use. He/She also included a little piggy bank. Perhaps I could start saving for her college education!!!
Thanks so much, Secret Pal!!!!

Thanx bunches, SP!

As usual, I have received a wonderful package - arrived on my doorstep this snowy, icy day, & was just the pick-me-up I needed. Look @ all the adorable 'loot'...I absolutely love it all!!! & everything was so well-wrapped (I am not as dedicated a SP in the wrapping department).

Never seen the 'chunky' story books b4 & they're so smooth & shiny (perfect tactile stimulation): I (I mean my little girl) got 3!!! I can't wait 2 use the family photo frame, & the 'Why I Chose You' book created a few sniffles (& I'm not the sentimental sort, believe me!!!). Love, love, love the musical Chinese doll, but HOw do u expect me 2 name it when I can't decide on a name 4 my little onel?! ;-0) The outfit & bib r the 1st X'mas-y things I have .

Thanx bunches

Karen

Thank you Secret Pal you are an Angel

Thank you so much for your package yesterday, we LOVE LOVE LOVE the bumper sticker, apron and button!! They have already been put in pride of place around the kitchen and house. Thank you so much again your little letters and gifts really make the wait feel real for this I could never thank you enough.

Love Andrew and Melissa MacPherson (we break for ladybugs!!)

Thanks Pal, you are awesome!

Thanks for the great package we got today! Thin Mint Girl Scout cookies are one of my absolute favorites, I'll have to hide those for me:) I love the Pink ribbon gifts (bag & candle) from Avon and the little lotions 7 shower gel- a woman who impacted my life greatly as a young married woman and then as a new mom died from breast cancer a few years ago so it always hits home for me.

The "S is for Sunshine" is wonderful- we have "S is for Sunflower" (Kansas) which we have used a lot as we are learning our letters, this gives us a new fun one to read! Thank you!

I really appreciate you treating my friend from time to time, I know next month will be awesome for her to receive a treat, they are hoping for a SN referral of a little boy soon:) The last surprise really encouraged her!

We are having a great year with Asem, we have learned so much and really enjoy her! Can't wait to hear where you might get a student from!

Thanks again!
Blessings,
Gayly for our crew

Here's The Complete Post

Martina wanted to pose with the new things for her "baby brother sister." Thanks so much! Everything is great! The plastic tomato was added to the picture by Martina; no, it did not materialize in the package during mailing. :) Thanks again! You've been the greatest secret pal!

Thank You SP!

It's been a crazy few weeks! On the 9th, a foster child placed with me and it's been a whirlwind of action ever since!

The lovey book with the lights was a huge hit and has been a huge lifesaver on several occassions. I heartily recommend it! I love the book on China. Thank you so much - I'm sure that it will be a much used book in the future with all the great photos!

~Jana

Back On Line and Late with THANKS!!!!

Many thanks to my Secret Pal who sent a great package for November and December!!!

I apologize for being very late to offer this thank you...My DSL was out for a while, and getting it fixed came in second to the Christmas rush.

I love the beautiful, soft blanket and the darling outfit. The outfit will be so huggable with a precious little girl inside. Sofia has already put family Christmas pictures in the Who Loves Baby album, so it isn't going into storage for DD#2....she loves to show everyone "her photos," and I love that she can't pull them out of the pages.

I hope your holidays were wonderful, and I appreciate the darling gifts you sent!

Mary

Thanks Secret Pal.

To The White's Secret Pal,

Thank you for the adorable outfit you sent for Gracie, Molly, Sophie, Maddie, ????. I cannot believe we are LID 9 months. If the time of waiting for referral was what they said it would be, we woul be only 5-6 months away from seeing our babies. I do hope we get some sort of speed up, but that is unlikey. I really have not bought much in the clothes department so any outfit is appreciated. I love the colors. She will look so cute in it! Of course you can never go wrong with anything Disney with us. She now has two lullaby C.D.'s, both from you and both great.
Have a healthy month(seems to be alot of sickness around). We cannot wait for next month. It is so exciting to get our gifts.

Shannon and Doug White

Thank You Secret Pal!

We love the diaper bag filled with goodies!! I am running out the door right now, but I took a picture of it and will post it as soon as I can download. I work late tonight, so it may be over the weekend, but before I do the complete post, I wanted to make sure you knew that we got it. Thank you thank you!
Amy and family

Thank you to the Raleigh family SP!!

I was so excited to see another package for us when I got home one night last week! And I was even more excited once I started opening up the goodies inside!! I LOOOOOOOOVE the Colts stuff!! Everytime I see something pink for the Colts, I refrain from buying because I just don't know what size to buy! What you picked out for Dorissa is adorable!!! Now keep your fingers crossed that the Colts continue to be a good team...lol...even if they did lose their shot at back to back superbowls...:(

I love the frames too! I can't wait to put pictures of us with her in them! And add another Corduroy book to the shelf! :)

Thank you again!! I can't wait to see what's in the box next month!!!

I am sorry this is late and I dont have my camera but wanted to thank my SP for my bath things for LynnMarie and the beautiful ornament and I love the card!!!!!

Thank You SP from the Winkler Gals!

SP,

Thank you so very much for the thoughtful gifts you sent! The stocking is wonderful and my girls were thrilled that they were also included!

My Alex is an avid volleyball player and my little one loves, loves to color (her version). We traveled overseas in the military and your gifts are so perfect!

Thanks again,

ME and girls

Thank you Secret Pal from the MacPherson's

To our wonderful Secret pal,

thank you so much for the calender, fridge magnet and ornaments we love them. I got home yesterday to my husband saying we got this I wonder what it is pointing to your parcel. I knew straight away it would be from you (I usually can't wait and open them before Andrew gets home) Andrew was so excited to finally be opening one!! Summer has been wonderful here I just got back to work from two weeks off enjoying the beach, sun and sand! my favorite time of the year. Thank you so much for making my day.

Lots of love
Andrew and Melissa MacPherson

Long Over due THANK YOU.

Dear Secret Pal:

This Thank You is long over due. We did receive the wonderful gifts before Christmas. Ping Ping had to be restrained from opening them, as she looks forward to the gifts every month. But she had to wait till Christmas Day.

She loved the Hello Kitty barrettes, but lost them when she went to school, just one set. Her hair is really super thin and fine.

I loved the outfit and slippers for the next new little one. Boy, I wished I had a pair of slippers like those. I had Ping Ping laughing as I was making a funny attempted to put them on. Ping Ping said,"those are not for you, those are for my sister you silly mudder".

Thank you for the wonderful notes you send every month. I enjoyed the pic of the woman walking the dog on the envelope. It was so cute.

To answer your questions. The birth dates are as follows: Andy, DH is June 9Th,
Ping Ping June 10Th and mine June 19Th. We are a house full of Geminis.
Anniversary date is May 23rd.

Thank you,
Julie We.

Thank You Secret Pal!

This is posted by Amy for Andre and Nancy who are out of town and don't have access to the blog:

To Our Very Creative and Thoughtful April Secret Pals:

We can't post to the blog right now as we are out of town looking after Andre's brother. We just wanted to thank you both so very much for the wonderful gifts that you sent us! We just loved the rice bowl and the chopsticks! The kids are looking forward to teaching their new little sister how to use them! Also, the beautiful ornament...And that you signed it, and dated it, was so very thoughtful and sweet...We just started to collect ornaments for our older daughters so it was just perfect that you bought our new daughter one. Our 10 year old is covered in Dragon tattoos...I have a picture of her that I have to send you when we get back, too funny!! She is the comic relief around here...!! She also put up the window clings in our kitchen, very pretty!! :D The Mickey vintage poster was a hit too, I am going to get it framed for her room. I couldn't get over the book with the 3-D snowflakes and other snow-themes...Just gorgeous!! and the bib, AWWW!! You guys are just too kind for words, thanks so very much!! I had asked Amy to ask you if you could perhaps make up a "fake" email so that we could email sometimes to get to know each other better, and that way your identity would stay "secret"...See if you have time, I think it might be a fun idea if we could, but see if you have time, I know we are all so busy, it's incredible!!

Thank you again for your most thoughtful and very appreciated gifts, and Happy New Year!!

Nancy and Andre

A Happy New Year for Us!

A big package full of wrapped gifts arrived this week, just in time to perk us up from our post-holidays slump. As usual, a lovely handmade card full of well wishes accompanied the goodies. Thank you so much for all of the thoughtful gifts! Thanks also for your congratulations on our match. Size 3T should be perfect for our girl.
A new book for our library is always welcome, and this is an especially fun one since it is accompanied by a stuffed bear representing the main character in the story.

Adorable and soft! If this doesn't fit our Laken, I'll tuck it away for the next one. ;-)

I absolutely ADORE this cherry blossoms coat and hat! How very appropriate. It is so soft and fuzzy inside, Laken will love wearing it.

Wow! My secret pal has wonderful taste, and a weakness for beautiful dresses! We're so lucky....

Thanks again for everything!

With gratitude,

Terri

Baby Lem Secret Pal

Sorry for the delay in posting ~ Baby Lem's pal sent the cutest gifts this month!! Thank you sooooo much!!!! It was fun to have something to open for Baby Lem this year...

The Pooh bib and hat are a great addition to the Disney collection that Baby Lem has started and the Pink Sugglesaurus book will be good reading for bedtime... However the Micky/Minnie glass ornament didn't fare so well in transport :( Tried to find at our Disney Store here to try and exchange but they didn't have any of them...

Thanks again to our SP for all the great gifts!!!

Jannett's secret pal comes through again!

Thank you so much (again) for the lovely gift. I am so sorry to hear you have had such a sad time lately - being over Christmas must make it all the more difficult. Please know my thoughts are with you. The little Christmas clothes were most apprectiated (not to mention CUTE!). Yes, having two children already does make Christmas a lot of fun - they still believe in Santa (or at least are too afraid to voice too much doubt for fear of rocking the boat) and I love all the secrecy and planning that is involved to make each year really special for them. I did however feel this year that someone was missing - you know, our original thoughts would have had our babies with us for next Chrsitmas but now it is so uncertain how many more Christmases we will have before our littlies can be celebrating with us. Am I alone in missing someone I haven't even met yet? Or is that a fairly common theme? You know, my parents gave our 'not yet' daughter her first Christmas present - a book called "Annie's Chair" (her name is going to be Annie, after my great grandmother and many decendants since). I burst into tears on opening it - partially because I wished she was opening it herself but partially because it showed me how supportive Mum and Dad are of our journey to their granddaughter. OK, partially the tears could also have been attributable to the champagne I'd had - it was Christmas!(we don't drink egg nog in the sub tropics!).

Thank you again for the lovely gift!
Jannett

Thank you! From Lisa Buckshaw

What a thoughtful Secret Pal!!! The holidays were filled with such hustle and bustle that seeing a package arrive from my Secret Pal helped me to ground myself again!!!!

My Secret Pal must know more about me than he/she thought he/she did! I got a children's tea set as one of this month's gifts. Tea parties were one of my fondest childhood memories. To this day, I still cherish my afternoon cup of tea. My sisters and I used to have porcelain tea sets that we used regularly while wearing our "dress-up" clothes. My nieces continue my childhood tradition.

Thank you, Secret pal for sending me such a thoughtful gift that brought back wonderful memories!!

I also love the small music box! Where do you find such clever gifts? It must be in your world travels!

Have a great holiday!

Lisa Buckshaw

LID 4/29/2007

We have the most wonderful Secret Pal!

I can't believe how lucky we were. We feel we must have the best Secret Pal. We absolutely always love everything our Secret Pal sends. In November she seemed to mirror the feelings we were having with the wait seeming unending. Her encouragement was awesome. This month we again loved the adorable gifts. My son asked if you knew we had a son. He assumed you must because the candy bar must be for him. :) I'm sorry there wasn't a post for November. I thought I had posted, but I don't see one. I do want you to know we received and greatly appreciated everything! Your package is always exciting to receive and open. We all sit down to see what wonderful things the package holds.

I hope you're having a wonderful holiday season!

The Shoemakers

Happy Holidays To Our Wonderful Secret Pal!!!

Hello from Hershey, PA. We received your package last week. I was so excited, I opened the package right away. Sorry for not waiting till Christmas day. The book, toy pony, candy, ornaments, body soap, and notepads are all wonderful. Our favorite gift from you was the Christmas ornament of the Chinese girl with her little house. My husband and I are so lucky to have you. Have a safe and happy New Year.

Take care.

Maria and Michael B.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the Vraniak's

Thank you so much secret pal! We love the little outfit-the sweater is scrumptious- and the Christmas book. It was nice to open it on Christmas day with our family and friends around to share as well. We are having a nice week off with my mom visiting here until the New Year. Len is off from work until the 2nd so it's a great break. Let's hope 2008 brings us MUCH closer to our girls!

Cheers,

Lisa and Len Vraniak

Choi to the World! Especially to our Secret Pal!

I feel like we hit the jackpot. You really outdid yourself this month! I love the scrapbook and all the extras that you got to go with it! All the warm stuff is great it's as if you knew. Up here on a Great Lake it does get cold and snowy all your cuddly warm fuzzies you sent are perfect. The shoulder wrap is heaven sent for my sore shoulders! The perfect pink bear blanket is the softest thing I have ever run my palms over! It just make me want to snuggle with it. It is sure to be a comfort to our little girl when she finally gets to hold it. Many many thank yous. You are doing great (no more "I am not a very creative Secret Pal" notes). With gratitude and a hug.

The Choi's,
Karin & Steven

Thank You Once Again Secret Pal

Hi Secret Pal,

First of all we hope you had a very Merry Christmas. We absolutely love the Santa Outfit for our baby, the shoes to match are adorable too. We were able to show everything off at our Christmas Eve dinner. Everybody loved the Santa Outfit. Also, Thank you for the headband and Hair Barettes.
The candy was good too.

Thank you again for a wonderful gift and once again we are looking forward to next month. :)

Joanne and Steve

The Monroe's Secret Pal has struck again !!!

Our Secret Pal delivered her surprises to Key West. We LOVE our Secret Pal !!! This month we received the sweetest onesie for our daughter-to-be that says "Our Little Ballerina" and has a tutu sewed around the waist. There were also the cutest ballet slippers to go with it. She will be SOOOOOO cute. We also got a precious ladybug blankie - for a little girl to snuggle with. DH loved the "I Love Daddy" bib. My most favorite was the Boo-Bunnie Ice Pack. I have seen them before, but never found one in the stores. I LOVED everything you sent.

Love and BEST WISHES for a very Merry Christmas and the Happiest New Year.

Blessings to our Secret Pal !!

Sheryl and David Monroe
Key West, FL.

Thank You Again!

Merry Christmas!

We opened Raven's Christmas present today from our wonderful Secret Pal! The Calin doll!! How perfect! Thank you very much!!! She's adorable!!!

Chris & Freddy

Thank You Pecoraro Seret Pal

OMG!!! I can't believe how lucky we are to have you as a secret pal. My daughter's look forward to boxes every day now. The other day a box of checks came, and they said, 'Is that from OUR secret pal?'

The panda ornament means so much!!! It's a focal point on our tree, K.T. will look darling in the "softy" santa set (with matching hat!), and the girls loved their color books, crayons (they were extra special because they had a sharpener) and hello kitty candy ornaments.

You're the best. Thank you so much!

Fondly, The Pecoraro Family (Colorado Springs)

Happy Holidays to the Huffman's Secret Pal!

Thank you so much for the Christmas package. We loved the cute pooh things, I can’t wait to put a picture of Little Miss in the Christmas frame. The slipper/shoes are absolutely adorable. I watched my Mom’s Daycare kids yesterday for a few hours and all of them had “sippers” and I can’t wait for our Little Miss to join them.

The Fur-babies loved their package. I think we shop at the same store because Toby already had that Ladybug toy but it has been de-squeaked and de-stuffed (by him). It is one of his favorites; I was just thinking the other day that I should see if I could get another because he likes it so much. He was so happy to have a new bug to play with. He knew it was for him as soon as I started opening the package. Gypsy could care less about toys but looks cute in the snowman hat and Sully loves his mouse.

Your gifts always brighten my day, thank you so much. Sorry it took so long to post we've been having computer issues lately. Merry Christmas!!!

Cora and Jim

Merry Christmas to my Secret Pal!!

As I was in a baking frenzy this morning, I was hunting for some of my supplies. We spent last weekend at my boss's house for his annual holiday party in which my husband and I help prepare all of the food and goodies that our company's employees feast on. So after that, all of my supplies are buried in two giant rubbermaid totes by the front door (haven't had the energy to move them beyond that!). Anyway, as I was digging through the totes, I noticed a box on the floor under the newspapers. I got really excited and then turned to yell at my husband for not telling me that I had a package!! His response, while engrossed in his stupid video game, was "oh yeah...you got a package." Gee, honey...thanks...lol

So I immediately sat down to open it, even forgoing my Holiday Peppermint Coffee. Now that takes some serious distraction at this time of year...

Thank you sooooooooooooo much for the goodies!! I have searched and searched for ornaments that reflect adoption and have been unable to find them, save for the ornaments at Mandy's Moon. The Hallmark "Forever Family" is perfect! It will be going on my tree immediately! Our Dorissa is going to have quite the collection of Corduroy books when she gets here! I love books and am so excited to have books to begin her library with! The My First Christmas Board Book is a most excellent choice too! I had visions of myself holding Dorissa on my lap and asking her to count red ornaments vs blue bows...And the dress...When I pulled it out of the wrapping paper, tears filled my eyes. It is sooooo sweet and i'm so anxious to see my daughter in it. I'm such a sap...lol...I actually had to leave the room to dry my eyes before my husband noticed! It made me smile to see all of those gingerbread men on it! See...the theme for my boss's party this year was gingerbread and I baked and hand-decorated about 50 gingerbread men! How completely appropriate and you didn't even know!! :)

Thank you so very much again. Your packages always bring a smile to face, and sometimes a tear to my eye! No worries...it's the good kind of tears!

And to answer your question, yes...we got LOTS of snow! We were nearly snowed in at the hotel near my boss's house last weekend! Thank goodness for the 4x4 Dodge Dakota that we have! They had forecasted as much as 17 inches of snow in our area, but thankfully we didn't get that much near our house!

Oh yeah...and GO COLTS!!! Woo hoo!! I'm not sure who your team is, but it made me chuckle when you said they were an embarassment this year! Have we beat them? hehehehe...I guess I can safely assume that you aren't a Patriots fan ;)

Make sure you check out my blog (www.dorissablog.com) as I plan to update it soon with pictures of Dorissa-related ornaments on our tree as well as all of the baking and decorating that I have done so far this Christmas!

Merry Christmas!!

Christmas has come early to Charity's home!!!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS! Happy New Year! (2008, year of the rat - here we come)
It's getting harder to come up with titles that will catch your attention (I'm not very creative.) Last night about 7 pm there was a knock on our door. I couldn't imagine who it was - the poor UPS man works late hours during this season. I was soooo excited, I couldn't wait for Andy to get home. The boys thought the "reindeer food" candy was really for Santa's little helpers. It was funny trying to explain those labels. I CAN NOT wait for Hannah Grace to slip into those unbelievably soft pj's. We always buy new pj's for the boys to wear on Christmas eve, when she gets here I'll be sure to find some that will match those. They are most worthy of our tradition. The Hallmark ornament has made me cry. I have looked for 2 Christmases now for just the perfect ornament to place on the tree. They are PERFECT. I think eventually they will end up on Hannah Grace's own tree. I guess with the wait, I'll have enough time to get her own tree pretty full. I know I've said I'll update my blog, but we've had some interesting events happen at our home that has kept me unusually busy. I pray things will settle down during the holidays & I can practice putting up the photos that everyone is wanting to see. Thank you for your sweet words of encouragement. I pray that you have a very Merry Christmas.

-Charity & the boys

What a great surprise!!!

I know we all have great secret pals but ours always makes us feel extra special. When I picked up the mail yesterday, our little ones knew right away that the big box must have surprises in it! We had a little early Christmas on the living room floor!

The magic rocks (I've been thinking about getting some of those for the kids:) and the game for the little ones is awesome. They wanted to play right away! DH LOVES coffee, always a hit! Thanks for the candy as well. I love Christmas ornaments, the little bears are really cute and I can't wait to put a family picture in family ornament too! Asem really likes the fuzzy socks! Youout did yourself. Thanks for a great early Christmas!

Blessings,
The Conard Crew

Thank You Secret Pal!!

Thank you so much to my Secret Pal for my November/December package! What a collection! The onesies are absolutely adorable, as is the ladybug "banky". They will be added to our little (and growing) collection of things for our daughter. My husband loves the scarf and I'm wearing the comfy booties as we speak. And of course, Emily, she loves her baths and the funny color foam was a hit, as was the little bag of extra goodies for her.

Thanks so much for your generosity and creativity! I hope you and your family have a wonderful holiday season!

Kristen Thomas

Thank You!

Hi Secret Pal!

First I gotta say I love the card and what you wrote! Very touching! And please don't feel bad either!! I just didn't want you to think I never thanked you if you had sent it and it got lost. I don't mind at all that you wanted to combine Nov & Dec!

I love that Raven has officially received her first Christmas present!!! I promise we will not open it till Christmas!! The body suits and the bowls are great! I'm going to have to start putting things in separate storage containers at this rate (clothes, toys, supplies, etc)! Love the candle holder and candle! I'm a big candle freak! I love candle holders! And what a festive scent for the holidays.

The dog squeaky Chinese take-out box is the cutest thing EVER! Somehow, Yoshi knew it was for him before I finished unwrapping it! I got the camera and put the toy on the floor by the tree (you can see Raven's gift in the background) and let me tell you, right after I snapped the picture he WENT NUTS on it! He loves to take pictures so he knows when the camera is out it's "pose time" , but as soon as the flash went off.. onto the toy! LOL I'll post more picks to my blog later for you!

Love everything! Thank you!!!

Chris and Freddy M.

Thank you from the Maxwell's

I recieved your package last week. Everything is just great. The wooden panda bear is so cute. I look forward to going to the mailbox each month. And it makes the time go by a little faster for me. Thank you so much!!!!!

Thank You Secret Pal!

Thank you so much for the mugs, espresso beans, candy, Beanie baby, Baby Santa CD, peppermint things, Rudolph book, and cat toys. Your musical snowman bag gave us a great laugh! You are right--there was something for everyone in the bag! The espresso beans aren't in the picture because my husband had already swiped them. Martina was thrilled to see the Hershey's kisses. We loved putting Martina to sleep with a Baby Einstein CD when she was a baby, and it is great to have a Christmas version for the new baby-to-be. I'll let Martina check it out this week. She loves preparing for her "baby brother sister." It's too bad the wait is so long!

When I was putting Martina to bed tonight, I kept hearing bells from the other room. The cats had found the cat toys and had somehow gotten the mice out themselves. They sure appreciate their gift too!

Thanks again!
Amy

Thank You

Hi Secret Pal,
Thank you for the latest package. You gave us our first adoption ornament. It is adorable. My 4 year old neice was eyeing up the tinkerbell night light so I let her open it and plug it in. She wanted to take it home for her room. It is cute. The wings change colors. I am sure our baby girl will love it. I cannot wait to decide on a name for her. Baby Girl will do until then, I guess. I LOVE Hartstrings clothing. The sweater is so nice. She will look great in red with her dark hair and dark eyes. It is hard to imagine she will be so little.
Have a GREAT holiday. Do not eat too much, Yeah right! Or drink too much egg nog. We look forward to a new year and hopefully a speed up in the process.

Happy 2008.
Shannon and Doug White

We got your package today!

Hi Secret Pal,

We got your package in the mail today but I think we're going to wait until Christmas morning to open it. We'll have some family and friends over and we'll be able to share your wonderful gift with them as well.

I'll post a photo after we open it!

Happy Christmas!
Lisa and Len Vraniak

Secret You Secret Pal....

Hi Secret Pal,

Thank you so much for my November Gifts. I love them all. I can't believe that you made the bib, The Cloth and the One Piece outfit. They are all adorable. The once piece bib looks similiar to one of my dogs. Steve also likes the Mints with his name on them. I hope your knee gets better soon. Have a wonderful Holiday Season and Thanks again for all of the gifts.

Joanne and Steve Griffin

Thank you from Laura and Jordan Harris

Thank you so much to our secret pal. Over the past several days we have received wonderful packages in the mail! Our furry children, Delta, Skippy and Jif are thoroughly enjoying the Kong treats and kitty teaser! The ladybug wrist rattle and bib are TOO cute! And we absolutely cannot wait to read our books "Over the Moon" and "We Belong Together".  Your kindness is truly appreciated and we hope you and your entire family have a WONDERFUL holiday season! 

Thank you Secret Pal...

Thank you sooo much Secret Pal...

Love the rubber ducky..

All of the gifts are sooo adorable... Isabella will love each and every one of them..

THANK YOU ..

Have a WONDERFUL CHRISTMAS
&

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

THE BISON'S

~Thank You from the Seabolts~

To our Wonderful Secret Pal,
We came home from work yesterday to a large package waiting for us. We had our niece and her friend spending the night. My niece kept asking when we were going to open the package so we did with her help. In it we found the most wonderful gifts. The first thing I saw were the cat toys for each of our cats with their names on them. The first name I saw was "Fluffy" - you do not know this but Thursday morning we had to have him put down. Matt had caught him, took him to the vet to be neutered and we found out that he had Feline Leukemia...so to see his name first meant so much to us and for that we greatly appreciate it. All of the other goodies are so very special but I do have to say that my most favorite of all (they all are but...) is the Chosen Child memories book. I was reading through it and almost cried. My niece thought that book was so neat...I can not wait to be able to write all of her/our memories in it.

Thank you so much for your thoughtfulness and caring. You always bring a smile to our faces each month. I hope you and your family have a very Happy and Special CHRISTMAS this year. We wish you all of the best!! Oh - the letter that you included was so vey special - thank you for that!! :)

With Great Appreciation,
The Seabolts
(and cats)

Thank you for November!

To our Wonderful Secret Pal!

Thank you so much for another great parcel. Great choice of book - we really cannot get enough of adoption stories! The chop sticks are fantastic, my kids are really annoyed they had to learn to use them the hard way. The bib is also very cool - our little girl (ok, so our house) is getting quite the collection of lady bugs, we love them! I hope the weather wherever you are (somewhere rather chilly obviously) hasn't been treating you too badly - today we had quite the scorcher, very hot, very humid - hiding inside in the air conditioning till the sun goes down this afternoon! Thank you, thank you again!

Love Jannett Nelson

WOW!!!! Thank You SP!!!!

I was so excited when I came home today to find TWO very large boxes on my doorstep. I felt a little bad for Mr. Postman, as I live in a third floor walk-up, and he hauled them all the way up there, but that feeling passed all too quickly as I tore into the boxes!!! LOL!

I actually even opened them up in the correct order, I think anyway, because I opened the one with your card first, so that I knew it was Nov & Dec boxes arriving together! So the first box contained the most FUN and ADORABLE and USEFUL gift... here it is:

An adorable storage box to one day hold all of my girl's fun dress up clothes... and then this for inside...

The cutest little dress-up outfit, complete with butterfly wings! I can't wait for the day when she is dancing around the house in this!!

Then, I thought for a second that maybe I should wait to open December's box, but nah.... I was having too much fun!


This box contained everything we will need for many fun days in the kitchen... A Fun With Me Baking Set, complete with mixing bowl, baking tools, cookie cutters and a chef's hat & apron. Also was a package of Mommy & Me matching aprons, pot holders and oven mitts in Mommy size and Mini size!!!

Everything is so cute, I LOVE IT!!!! Thank you so much, SP!!! I wish my terrible photography did better justice to the gifts!!

And one last photo in this very long Thank you post.... My Fred would like to thank you for the hours of fun he will have with his part of the gift....

Thank you for Nov & Dec.... Can't wait for January!!!!!!
~Kristen H. in NJ

Thanks Secret Pal! You are Wonderful

I was recently assigned to another pal who sent me my first gift today and she went above and beyond to make up for the last few months. Secret pal, you are wonderful and really made me feel reconnected to this group!!! I am so grateful. She did more than her share and sent gifts for October, November and December. Lily and I had a ball opening the presents. She sent Halloween socks and cookie cutters for October, scrapbook paper and chopsticks, travel cheat sheet for November, books, advent calendar, chinese take out ornamen and the cutest little Santa bib for December. This was amazing to come home to!!!! I LOVE MY NEW SECRET PAL! for pictures of all of the special prizes, see my other blog at journeytobabybecky.blogspot.com (I have still not renamed the address but the blog is about out baby Miracle as we have turned in our MCC and could get a boy referral). I am thrilled beyond words to be posting a thank you to this group again. Thank you Secret Pal, you made my day!!!

Margaret

Thank you from Karin & Steven Choi

Thank you secret pal. We found your package in the garage! I don't know how long it was there but the door must have been open for a bit and the mail lady went for it! We found it as we were leaving to spend the night at my parents home. We took it with us and ready the stories to our two little sweet nieces. They thoroughly enjoyed them--especially that grouch ladybug! The funny thing is I keep asking to my husband where our Eric Carle collection is. We bought three of the books last Christmastime for our daughter to be, but I have not found them in a year! A week before your package arrived I finally decided that we must have given them to one of our 7 nieces and nephews last year. I probably thought I hadn't gotten enough for one of them. So you hit the nail on the head with that book. Now I just have to get the others. A few hours later I got horribly sick and ended up in the hospital the whole next day. When we finally got home I wanted a nice hot bath and some aromatic olfactory stimulation. We immediately thought of the diffuser you sent with excitement until we realized that in the mayhem trying to get to the hospital the package got left behind. I can't post pictures because I won't be reunited with my prezzies for a while. I love your notes I so appreciate your sentiments written in your own hand. Thank you, again.

Karin and Steven Choi

A Week Later Charity Reponds :(

Once again life has kept me too busy to thank my wonderful SP. You are incredible. The book, "Just Add One Chinese Sister" is so perfect for my boys. I love how you've added to Hannah Grace's hair bow collection with every month. I definitely will have to go get a holder soon ;) I absolutely LOVE the calendar. I can not wait for January to get here. I've been looking at it over & over. How beautiful those precious children are. Your encouraging notes mean more to me than you'll ever know. I can't wait until the end when you reveal your precious self. I've kept it all so one day I can show Hannah Grace how we waited for her.
I'll give you the address, but don't expect much. I am definately not computer savy. My husband actually spent yesterday afternoon trying to make it a little festive. (He's the computer geek.) I am hoping to post this week about my son's football season & your latest gift. The very first post or two explains how we told our parents our news of the adoption. Then you'll have to look back at Disney & our trip to Philadelphia to see pics of us. (I do plan on fixing that this week:) www.amorrisfamily.blogspot.com
Have a great December & I pray that you'll be able to enjoy the true meaning of why we celebrate "Merry Christmas." Thanks for making national adoption month wonderful.
Charity

Love the giggle pal!

So the giggle pal is just too funny! I told Len that he couldn't wear it out before our daughter had the chance to use it! We don't have any of the books you sent so thank you--we love them all. Can't wait to read bedtime stories all snuggled up in a chair...

In answer to your question, we celebrate Christmas (and Easter for that matter). We hope you have a great holiday season!

Cheers,

Lisa and Len Vraniak

Thank you! From Lisa Buckshaw

Thank you, Secret Pal. I am sorry that I have not posted sooner. I received your package during the Thanksgiving holiday. I had a house full of people staying for four days and saved the box to open when everyone left. After four days, with 20 people in my house, the house was silent, except for the sound of my cat playing with a rubber band from the daily newspaper. Opening your box put a smile on my face and reminded me that in two years my house will no longer be silent when company leaves. The build a bear looks so cute and I am looking forward to having Mikayla play with it. I have to admit, your boxes contain postcards from so many different places in this world that I really have no idea who you are.

However, it is nice to know that you are thinking of me. Thank you for your kindness.

Lisa Buckshaw
LID 4/29/07

Thank you from the Bowers

Dear Secret Pal,

Thank you so much for the awesome gifts from Australia! They came 3 days apart. I can not wait to sit down during the holidays and read "The Red Thread". I hope Christmas vacation will find me reading near a warm fire place sipping some hot chocolate. This of course after a busy day in the snow probably skiing. Gabby is anxious to read the Aussie Christmas book and we can't wait to share it with her Mei Mei. Love the ornament with a place to put an adorable picture and the sweet hair clips for Christmas.

You are the best and we so enjoy receiving your wonderful gifts!!
Hugs,
Jody, Brent and Gabby

Thank you from the Maxwell's

Thank you secret pal for the great framed poem and the cute pony tail holders. Although the glass in the frame did not fair very well through the mail, it is an awesome poem. Thanks so much.


The Maxwell's

Thank you secret pal!!

I was so surprised to come home yesterday to a BIG box on our front porch. Thank you so much for the little boy stuff -- I'd totally convinced myself that it'd be another girl, so I think he has a couple of outfits.

The girls loved their lady bug backpacks!!! They already have them packed for our trip to China -- Lord knows what they put in there.

Thank you again, your thoughtfulness is greatly appreciated!!!

Gail, Alyssa, Mikaela and Baby Kenneth (waiting for us in Wenzhou China!)

Thank you from the Beckering's

We got a box FULL of goodies this week from our Secret Pal. Sophia wanted the adorable Hello Kitty hair clips and doesn't quite understand "why" she can't have them. With the wait being so long, we really don't talk about our new baby sister quite yet! Thank you SP....every month we place all of your wonderful gifts you send us into a special basket that we have for Olivia! We loved everything! ;)

Fondly,
Stefanie Beckering

Secret Pal strikes again

Thanx dear SP. The Winnie the Pooh & Disney items r perfect...being such a fan myself, poor little one has no choice but b inundated with anything Pooh.

Karen

From the Vraniak's secret pal

We've been out of town for a while--Len's mother passed away. We put a stop on our mail but they still delivered some of it while we were gone. Just wanted to be sure we hadn't missed your package...

Cheers,
Lisa Vraniak

Thank You! Thank You! Thank You!

Hi Secret Pal,

Thanks a bunch for the woderful gifts we received!

The Ladybug PJs and Book are adorable and we got such a kick out of the Hippo! Thanks for making the wait bearable!!!!!!

The Winkler Girls!

Thank You Secret Pal!

What a great box of goodies! We love the Worth the Wait onesie (so true--LOL), frog toy, bib, book for pictures, and spoons! Last time I sent one of those picture books to China for Martina before we traveled. When we met her, the nannies recognized us right away and made sure we understood that she had been looking at our pictures. I knew I was going to have to go and buy another one for our next child, so it's great to have that already!

Thanks again!
Amy and family :)

Baby Lem Secret Pal

Just wanted to say thank you to our secret pal for the Disney door hangers and ornament... It is the first ornament that we have received for our little one and it will look great on the tree this year....

Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving!!!!

Secret Pal~
Thanks for the great gifts! Our kids were so excited about a package! We love the picture book and can't wait for the day when we fill it with photos for our new little guy! The bib and the John Deere Keys are awesome too! The kids immediately wanted "the creaky squeaky bed" read to them and stories from the other book too! The cookies... one of my favorites with coffee (something I enjoy a lot of:) can't wait for a warm cup here in a bit with a cookie!
Thanks again, you are so sweet!
Have a blessed Thanksgiving!

Gayly for our little crew

...who informed me today that they needed another sister... I said, " I thought you wanted another brother so there are 2 boys and 2 girls." reply.... "ok, we can get another brother and THEN two more sisters!" Eeekkkk :) We'll see.....

THANK YOU!!

Dear Secret Pal - Hope you and your family are doing well. We received our packaged on Monday, November 19, 2007. We absolute adore the Baby's First Thanksgiving rattle and the bib that reads "Thankful for Mommy and Daddy". Our child(ren) will love the book "The Turkey Ball". We are looking forward to reading the "Why I Chose You" and "Believe in the power of a Dream" and the calendar is great. Thank you so much for the gifts.

Have a great Thanksgiving.

Maria and Mike

http://eastmeetshershey.blogspot.com/

Secret Pal - Nov. 07

Thank you so much Secret Pal for the amazing gifts for

Isabella...

The little purse is adorable and matches the cute little outfit...

And this cute little
LADYBUG tea set...

I LOVE IT...

THANK YOU SOOO MUCH..
Have a Great Thanksgiving...

November Secret Pal!

Thanks so much for the sweater and toys! I know that my daughter will love them (as soon as she sees them!). ~ Jana

Thank you

Dear Secret Pal,

This months gifts are great. Doug loves the "Made in China" onesie. The bib is perfect. I am looking for a hat to match the gloves. As far as the map goes, I hope we are using it sooner than later as well!
I hear you about the raking of the leaves. They are beautiful coming down, but back breaking to pick them up. We just got a new roof this weekend so we are also raking up old shingles. Oh yeah, in the rain too.
As far as reading goes Doug loves sci-fi, naval stories and war intelligence type of thing. I go for autobiographies and the classics since I am currently working on my degree in Literature/English. When I need a relaxing book I like Luann Rice.
Anyway, thanks again and have a great Thanksgiving,

Shannon and Doug White

Thank you SP!!

Just wanted to thank our secret pal! We actually received the package last week. I just kept forgetting to post my thanks! I will post again later with a picture attached along with a description of everything in the package!


Brandie :)

Thank you SP!!

Sorry for the belated Thank you... I was on vacation and came home to find your awesome Halloween gifts waiting for me. I love the gifts you sent they are all really cute.

Thank you again... sorry it took so long to post!!!

Kristen in NJ

Thank You From the Mangiapanella Family

Our Secret Pal is One in a Million
On Monday morning the mail lady knocked on our door with a package for us. Andrew was away this week for work so I didn't want to open it till he came home on Thursday Night.
I lasted till Tuesday night and couldn't wait any longer. So I opened the box and pulled out all this loot!









I had so much fun unwrapping everything. I loved the Pooh Bear wrapping paper. Look at all this stuff, and the note was so sweet. The gift represents SP gifts for 2 months.
Thank you S.P........ You Rock !

Musical Surprise!!

Thank you again for another great gift. We both love the packaging. As we were opening it the musical keys started playing, both of us thought it was a cell phone until we realized it was coming from the box. We love that you can put little pictures on the keys. Everything is so cute. I don’t think the little bow made it into the picture but it is adorable. I can’t wait to put little socks on her feet and fill the photo album with pictures as I am sure we will have lots of those.

Thanks for brightening our week!!

Cora and Jim

Xie Xie Ni Secret Pa!

Dear Secret Pal!

I can't THANK YOU enough for making each month "SPECIAL". I am Blessed to have you as my secret pal. Don't think for a moment that the Chinese Stamping on the box or the colorful addressing of the box went unnoticed. The address colors were so pretty it immediately caught my eye, than as Pingping and I were opening the box the Chinese stamping jumped at us. I was amazed and just kept repeating, "oh look at the box, look at the box". Pingping just wanted to see what was in the box. She now knows that the gifts in the box are for her sister. But she does have the zoomer Panda in the tub with her.

Thank you my DEAR Secret Pal,
Julie and Pingping

p.s. to answer to your questions:
Pingping has expressed that she doesn't want to go to China. She wants to stay with a friend of mine in Washington State. I hope she will feel differently later on, but I won't force her to go if she doesn't want to.

Yes, I have a babysite. www.babysite.com/sites/2asianjewels I don't really have the time to keep it. A personal blog maybe my next project, but I am sure I will be SCREAMING for Amy's help on that one. LOL!!!

Thank You!!

Thank you so much to our WONDERFUL secret pal. I always look forward to our package every month. You always put a BIG smile on my face. I am so glad you were chosen for us!! We greatly appreciate everything that you have sent... I will post a pic of my gifts on our personal blog...

Matt & Jennifer Seabolt
LID 4/17/07

Thank you again SP!

A huge thank you to my wonderful secret pal! Once again a parcel of gorgeous clothes and a card with lovely thoughts and wishes (and the cutest socks ever!) arrived in our letter box yesterday. You know, each month I tell myself I will keep it till my kids come home from school, so they can help me open it (as they are super excited about everything to do with their baby sister), but once again I just couldn't wait! It was also really thoughtful of you to find out that we don't really do Halloween in Australia, and modify the theme for the month. I feel double excitement when my parcel arrives, not only something really cool for our mei mei, but also it marks another month closer to her - and she is gathering such a cute wardrobe, she'd better hurry up and come and enjoy it! I hope you enjoyed your Halloween, and had lots of scary critters knocking on your door, I imagine you would have the best treats in all the neighbourhood! Thank you once again,

Love Jannett

Thanks to my Secret Pal!

Hi Secret Pal! Thank you so much for your great gifts that arrived yesterday just in time for Halloween! I love the pumpkin stuffed toy that makes the spooky sound. The bib is adorable! I think this is my first bib! I also love the set of 3 puzzles! I LOVE puzzles myself and am currently working on a Disney Pooh 1000 piece puzzle, maybe for the nursery if I ever finish it. Seeing your puzzles reminded me that I'll get to do puzzles with Raven once she is here! That's a great feeling! The journal is great too! Can't wait to start writing in it! Oh and the little critter gave me a good little jump for Halloween!!!! I love everything. Thank you so much!!

Chris
DH Freddy
Long Island, NY
LID 4/17/07 for our daughter!
www.freddyandchris.blogspot.com

Thank you, Secret Pal!!!

My secret pal struck again!!!!! Don't you just love how the box always seems to come at a time in your life that you need a pick-me-up????

My secret pal has me really wondering who she/he is and where she/he lives. Every box has a post card from some other part of the country or world. It's funny....I almost don't want to know where she/he is from because it would spoil the game.

She/He sent a really neat Halloween music box along with awesome smelling pumpkin candles and I psychedelic lamp that makes colorful waves and motions. My daughter is going to love it!!

Thanks again...your surprises always make my month.

Lisa Buckshaw
LID 4/29/07