Winter Blossoms Secret Pals

Thank you, Laura V.!

2008-06-07T06:12:00.004-06:00

We received our WONDERFUL package from our Secret Pal, and what a package it was!

First, Jade received the most adorable ladybug dress. Ken and I saw one almost exactly like it on a little girl recently and had admired it. Now it was if Laura read our minds, because there was one waiting for Jade in our package! Jade also will be warm and snuggly with the hooded towel and slippers. They are so cozy and cute.

Jade received a giant bank with lots of goodies inside, and speaking of goodies, we received the prettiest candy I have ever seen! It was inside a little purse and each candy was colorful and decorative. The flavors were incredible and unique!

Lastly, Laura did not forget our two doggies, Penny and Bailey, and sent them healthy treats. That was incredibly thoughtful and really touched us. She included a very special (and pretty) note. This followed her many emails (secret, of course!) throughout the month which I really enjoyed as well. She was truly a special secret pal.

Thank you, Laura! We really appreciated your thoughtfulness!

Love,
Kerrie and Ken
xo

Thank You Amy R!

2008-05-26T15:04:00.002-06:00

Thank you Amy R. from Illinois for being a great Secret Pal for May. This month's theme was "April Showers Bring May Flowers" and Amy was very creative with her selections!

Sunglasses and matching purse for our diva baby girl

Shovel and pitchfork, apron and magnifying glasses for gardening with Daddy

Soft balls to play with in the pool or in the yard

Pretty pink picnic blanket

Chinese print Kleenex

Note pad shaped like a STAR, just like our daughter will be

I especially loved the gorgeous and thoughtful cards Amy sent this month. Thanks again Amy for making this exchange a great one!

Thank You Hoppe Family

2007-12-06T17:55:00.000-07:00

Thank you Hayley, Mike, Piper and Paisley for our wonderful cold afternoon treats. We are looking forward to snuggling in (with the dogs of course!) for cocoa, cookies and a movie. You are great! Thanks again and Merry Christmas. Love, Carol and Lance.

Hoppe secret pal gift

2007-11-03T19:11:00.001-06:00

WE got our Secret Pal gift today! Thanks to Michelle Daughs and her family! We love everything...Mike grabbed the cinnamints, and Piper has claimed the little 'China' tin for her treasures! We can''t wait for Mike to get back from his business trip so we can play the ladybug game!

big shout out to the DAUGHS who are IN CHINA picking up their beautiful little girl Lilyann!!!!!!!!!

Thank you, Ayala Family

2007-09-09T17:07:00.001-06:00

Our "dinner time" gift consisted of two very cute lady bug cups, a set of baby spoons and baby bowls, a crumb-catcher bib, and a baby Einstein place mat. All super cute and all super useful.

Thanks so much! ...And the chocolates will help ease the pain of the wait!

-Nina Cesena

Amy and Troy Rosenfranz, our Secret Pals!

2007-08-27T19:34:00.000-06:00

Thank you so much to our secret pals! The whole family enjoyed the thoughtful gifts. I tried to take a picture of my little Duke eating that peanut butter rawhide treat, but he would not hold still long enough. Pretty hilarious! My digital camera is not working, so I used my cell phone, I wish the picture was better quality! Even the tags were cute!

Kristin, Gil, Makana, and Mei mei

Thanks Hoppes!!!

2007-08-21T20:22:00.000-06:00

Thank you Hoppes!!!!! Mike and Hayley (and Piper) spoiled us today. Hayley included a letter about why she sent some of the items and some other good advice. She sent a bottle brush, super cute bibs- one pink and one green (she says these are quick drying!), formula dispenser and snack holder (good for China too), utensils and toothbrush & paste (for the after dinner cleanup). And an adorable froggy, Chris loves frogs! And last and definitely not least, a lovely gift from Piper...Gorgeous Asian kitty cat bowls. Hayley said these are Pipers favorites right now. A BIG Thank You Hoppes for the fabulous gifts!!!!!

Julie and Chris Turner are Awesome

2007-08-21T09:47:00.000-06:00

Thank you Julie and Chris for the wonderful August Pal's surprises. We were spoiled. Lance got his beloved Sour Patch Kids, the Dogs got peanut butter treats and there was a "chocolate" notepad for me! Of course Sara was the one truly spoiled with cups, bowls, plates, snack holders, utensils, and disposable bibs (which are a great gift and ready for the trip to China!). We had lots of fun opening our box and seeing all the surprises. We also found out we have lots in common with the Turners. This is a wonderful activity and certainly helps make the wait a little more pleasant. Thanks again Julie and Chris you are great.

- Love, Carol and Lance

www.saraquest.blogspot.com

Thanks, Carol and Lance!

2007-08-21T09:30:00.000-06:00

We are sending out a BIG thank you to our August Winter Blossom Pals, Carol and Lance! We received such a wonderful package in the mail from them filled with adorable (and delicious) things! Jade received a beautiful outfit, bibs, and bowls and a snack cup. There were also some stickers/goodies for her scrapbook. Also, I received very cute and summery notecards and delicious- smelling Bath & Bodyworks lotion. Last, but not least, delicious Dove chocolate and Almond Joys (candy that both of us love)!

Thanks SO much, Carol and Lance! We appreciate it with all of our hearts!

Love, Kerrie and Ken

Kerrie and Ken are wonderful pals!!!

2007-08-18T14:29:00.000-06:00

How lucky am I????? Too lucky to even know where to begin! Thank you seems so small in comparison to your generosity! Sophie got the sweetest dinner time table set that even matches her room! How incredible is that! Kerrie got me a, very appropriate I might add, bookmark and pencils for me to use at work. She got Rodney his first father/daughter book for his birthday and for Bailee some candy, school eraser set, and notepads. Sophie also got a cute bib, placemat for the table, cute panda zoobowls, door pillow, and a family magnet for the fridge in her honor! We all received precious notes and especially thought out wrappings of our items.
I want Kerrie to know how much we appreciate all you did and the extreme thought that was evident from your gifts and wrappings! That is what makes this wait somewhat tolerable and our group so unique. We thank you so much and hope to get to know you better in time to come.

Love in Christ,
The Aldridges' (Tammy)

http://ourchinagiftfromgod.blogspot.com/

Courtney ROCKS!

2007-07-05T10:55:00.001-06:00

Thank you so much for the SUPER package this month! Courtney went overboard! My computer is acting up, but I will post a picture later today!
THANKS!!!

Alana

Many Thanks to Amy & Troy ! ! !

2007-07-05T10:52:00.000-06:00

Amy,
Thanks so much for the great gifts! We really appreciated them. It makes the wait go by faster to have something to look forward to each month!
I can't wait to see Sophie wearing the cute Fourth of July attire! I know she will have fun playing with the bowls because my niece, Maddie, loved to play with bowls when she was little! I am going to wear my new visor to the waterpark!

Love in Christ,
Tammy

Thank you, Tammy Aldridge!!!

2007-07-03T19:44:00.001-06:00

A great big THANK YOU to Tammy. She went overboard with all of the cute "America" items! The blanket and pillow were made by her mom for us to take with us to China. I can't wait to dress our little Grace in her outfit, sunglasses, and hair bands. Gary and Jessie each have a cool new hat to wear for the summer and I have already been enjoying the foot lotion!

Your gifts were thoughtful and much appreciated!

Thank you again!

-Nina

Thank You to the Hillman Family!

2007-07-03T18:33:00.000-06:00

Thank you so much to our secret pal, the Hillman family!

We got a lovely package with the most adorable outfits for the 4th of July(or any other happy American occasion - like maybe our day at the US Embassy!)...I have to admit, even thought they are for Paisley, I let Piper wear one to school today! She looked adorable. We also got a cute baseball rattle, some flags and some cute hairbows and hairband, as well as a neat baby Einstein book! We are truly spoilt! Thank you so much! I think Piper will fit the larger outfit next year, and hopefully Paisley will be home and will fit the slightly smaller one.

Hayley

Thank you to the Hoppes!

2007-06-25T07:00:00.000-06:00

Our Winter Blossom Secret Pals for June were the Hoppe family, and what wonderful secret pals they are!

I can't seem to get the photo to rotate no matter how I try, so I apologize for that! We were AMAZED and so touched by the beautiful and patriotic blanket made by Hayley and Piper themselves! What a cozy and very special gift. I know Jade will enjoy snuggling with it, and it will be even more special when I tell her where it came from! The other two gifts were wrapped up so prettily, one with an adorable tag for Jade with love from Piper and Paisley (their soon-to-be daughter)! I have saved the tag and the wonderful Olivia card for Jade's scrapbook.

One of the other gifts was an adorable blue outfit for Jade that says All- American Sweetie on it. It is so cute! The other was a hardcover, beautiful Disney book of Americana classic stories. I can't wait to read them with Jade. In addition, our pals really spoiled us with five extra quilt squares and wishes (!), all of which are very beautifully made and special. I really can't thank them enough for their truly touching and treasured June gifts! Many, many thanks to the Happy Hoppes!

Love from Kerrie & Ken-
xoxo

Thank you Joanie

2007-05-30T18:08:00.001-06:00

Thank you Joanie for the wonderful books. I love books, especially children's books. I have a great collection and these 4 are NEW additions. I so appreciate your kindness. I have put the books in the travel to China box. I am so excited to read to Sara. Thanks again Joanie.

Carol

Thanks, Nina, My Secret Pal

2007-05-04T20:56:00.000-06:00

We recieved a great package last month just before leaving town. I did not want to post too soon, but then left town and I am finally feeling organized enough to post! What a great package it was, wrapped in red tissue paper with lady bugs marching all around, I hated to open it! Each had a great book for Makana and her mei mei. I am greatful that I can distract her from the Poky Little Puppy for a while! I know we will all enjoy these beatiful books for years to come and we will think of you every time! Thank you very much! I am especially glad that you bought them at a school book fair, I am a teacher too and love to support our schools! Sorry that my pictures don't really do the subject justice!

Kristin, Gil, Makana, and mei mei

Thank You, Secret Pal!

2007-04-29T15:41:00.000-06:00

Thank you to our WONDERFUL Secret Pal, Erica Dick! The books she sent along to us were so special, and none of them are books that we already have! Ken and I sat down together and read all of them! We received the sweetest book entitled Mama, How Long Will You Love Me? The illustrations and the words in it are so beautiful. Next, we received one called A Blessing From Above, and I got misty after reading it! Oh, my goodness! It is so adorable. I have been wanting the Five Little Ladybugs book, and now I can want no more because my secret pal came to the rescue! Also, we received Dragon Dance, a wonderfully colorful book about Chinese New Year. I have always loved Dr. Seuss, and Erica sent us his Amazing ABC Book. Last, but not least, we received a really creative book called What Makes a Rainbow? We love everything! You were so generous and kind, and your lovely note was so special. We will save it for Jade's scrapbook. I will definitely practice reading snuggled up with the pups as you suggested!

Thanks again for being such a thoughtful secret pal.

Love,

Kerrie & Ken

Thanks Secret Pal!!!

2007-04-29T10:21:00.000-06:00

We got our package last Wednesday. It contained 4 great books! Love You Forever..which is the best book..makes me blubber everytime. If you don't have it..get it! A pop up book about a ladybug trying to find it's home, and a counting book with ladybugs. Lizzie got a Barbie sticker and stamp book, and she LOVES it!'THANKS! to our April Secret Pals the Bray-Louie's!!!

Super Package from My Secret Pal!

2007-04-28T17:52:00.000-06:00

I returned home from a business trip on Thursday night and there was a package waiting for me at my front door. Always a THRILL to receive a present. ;) Carol Geddis from Greenwich, NY was my pal and she spoiled me with a Bunny Blanket, Giraffe Rattle and two great books! She also sent me a sweet card and turns out she has family near me so we may meet this summer. Many thanks Carol for these great gifts! :)

My Secret Pal was Courtney!!!

2007-04-27T04:48:00.000-06:00

Thanks Courtney for being a wonderful secret pal and a great friend! Love ya girl!!!
Tammy
http://ourchinagiftfromgod.blogspot.com/

You're Great, Secret Pal!!

2007-04-24T13:32:00.000-06:00

Thanks so much to my April secret pal. I received two wonderful books today. "Waiting for May" is a story told from the view point of a young boy who is waiting for his sister from China. Being a mom to boys, who are waiting for their sister, this book is so touching. "When You Were Born in China" is such a beautiful book. The author's note says, "To all the children and parents for whom the China adoption story is still unfolding". I will be reading these books tonight, to her brothers and her daddy. (I might cry!) Your note was so thoughtful, you are so thoughtful! I can't thank you enough!!!

Ashley

I'll let everyone know who you are soon!

Thanks, Secret Pal!

2007-04-23T15:05:00.000-06:00

Cool package! My April SP sent us three very special books. Two are about waiting for a little sister from China (Waiting for May and Just Add One Chinese Sister). I have already read these to our boys and they loved them and had great questions that they had never asked before. The third is a very sweet forever family story (Little Miss Spider). This story reminds children that we can always recognize our families because they are those people who love us the most.

My SP also sent some yummy Zen Party trail mix. The biggest problem will be not eating it all at one time.

Thanks again SP!!

Terri

Thanks Kerrie!!!

2007-04-23T08:57:00.000-06:00

I had an awesome package in the mail the other day. Everything was wrapped up in such adorable Pooh paper with something for everyone. My pal went with the traveling theme since that's something we like to do. We got books about Madeline in London, Linnea in Monet's Garden, two flap books each about a mommy and a daddy, and a book with rhymes and hand motions to go with them. Caleb and Alexia got some fun little gifts, our dog got a toy and I got extra spoiled with 2 bonus quilt squares, Lindt chocolate and lavender soap!! - Oh what a day!! -Thanks Kerrie and Ken Symonies - Christine A

Thanks SP!

2007-04-16T18:51:00.000-06:00

What a fabulous package! It even included snacks for us, our kitty and dog. "A Quilt of Wishes", it's a children's version of the 100 WishesQuilt. I had been wanting it since I saw someone's blog post about it. How exciting! And I also got "A Mother for Choco", sweet little bookabout a yellow bird who needs a mom. And "Panda Bear, Panda Bear, WhatDo You See?", with drawings of lots of great animals. AND! 5 Squares/Wishes, my how my collection grew today!!!!What a fabulous surprise to come home to on a Monday. Even Chris got into it and was helping me unwrap the presents!

I'll post who my SP is after everyone has received their gifts.

Thanks so much.Julie (& Chris)LID 1.24.07

2007-03-05T09:46:00.000-07:00

A big thanks to my February secret Pal - Nina Cesena! I love the Happy, Happy Chinese New Year book. Can't wait to cuddle up and read it to our little one. I also received a Classical Chinese Folk Music cd, very exciting because this is my first music CD in Chinese. I know both the book and the CD will be enjoyed by all of us.

Thanks again,

Ashley

My Secret Pal is Amy Zubak

2007-03-02T19:35:00.000-07:00

I recieved the package last month and was so excited to get it! The picture is attached and it doesn't show one part of the gift, a Chinese New Year Calendar. It is at school near my desk already. The panda is a panda back pack and though it may have been intended for the daughter we are waiting for, Makana has taken it over and takes it everywhere! The pocket on the back is perfect for carrying the extra pair of panties she needs to take to day care. The beautiful card was really great too, I will save it for the life book!

Thanks Amy!

Thank you Hurtgen's

2007-03-02T18:57:00.000-07:00

Our Pal really outdid themselves! I love the Chinese Zodiac runner. And we also got an adorable pink outfit and super cute hairbow (our very first bow). And a frog toy and book that I love love love! And the Chinese symbol for Love, I know where I want to hang it but haven't gotten around to it yet. And lovely candle and yummy licorice.

We love all of it.

Thanks Ashley and family!!!!!

-Julie & Chris

Secret Pal Package returned to me ;(

2007-03-02T11:07:00.000-07:00

Nina

I am your secret pal, I mailed early, last Tuesday I think. This Tuesday the package was returned to me because I did not mail it from the post office and it weighed more than 16 ounces. Due to weather and a class in downtown Denver I have not been able to get it back in the mail. I will do so today. I apologize! I asked the lady at the post office about this and she said it would be fine, but I guess that she was mistaken. So you still have a package to look forward to! I hope it is worth the wait!

Kristin Ayala

Thank you Jennifer Parker

2007-02-27T16:43:00.001-07:00

My secret pal was the awesome Jennifer Parker. She sent me the wonderful CCAI calendar, a chinese boar ornament, and lady bug stickers. I also received 2 email cards during the month. Thank you Jennifer for the wonderful, thoughtful gifts. It was so exciting to open presents! I can't wait until April. - Carol

Thank you Alana!!!

2007-02-26T10:53:00.000-07:00

Thanks for the fabulous gifts from my February Secret Pal….. Alana & Scott Pettit!

We love it all and I especially adore the darling Gymboree sleepers…..a pink one with little bunnies and then a footed one with little piggies!! There’s also a precious book: Piglet and Mama.

And then we got some cool Chinese New Year gifts:
- a Chinese knot with a wooden pig
- a Lucky Cat (as Alana well explained with 2 raised paws to invite good fortune and protect)
- some hong bao money for Corbin

Your gift was very sweet and I really appreciate the thought that you put into it!
Thanks again!

Amy & Joe Zubak

Thank You to the Rollins Family!

2007-02-26T09:09:00.000-07:00

We just want to say a HUGE thank you to our February Secret Pals! What a wonderful treat it was to receive their very special package. I had to use all of my willpower and wait for Ken to arrive home to open it with me!

It turned out our pals were Mike and Leanne Rollins from Oklahoma. They sent us a lovely card with a Confucius quote that means so much to us and a heartfelt, handwritten letter as well. A very special touch to their package was the photo they included of their family. All of these things are going right into Jade's scrapbook!

Their gifts were wrapped in red paper for the Chinese New Year. We received a set with Jade's first piggy bank as well as little homes for her first tooth lost and first curl. We also received a wondefully illustrated book on Chinese Astrology. Lastly, we received a book called Mommy Hugs. What made this extra special was that at Christmas, I bought Ken the partner to it (Daddy Kisses). Now we have a set!

Thanks, Leanne and Mike! You are truly special Secret Pals!

xo
Kerrie & Ken Symonies

Thanks Symonies!!! YOU ROCK!

2007-02-26T08:47:00.000-07:00

Wow! My SP put me to shame with her creativity!
Look at all the stuff!
Everything with a piggie theme...

Charlottes web books, A great book about little sisters for Lizzie. Hong Bao for both girls, and a piggy bank for baby. Piggie holders for hair, curly wurleys(!!)cuz they are curley like pig tails..and a story about "piggies" toes and socks to keep ours warm! A super soft Piglet and a cool pig postcard.

YOU ROCK! and you have inspired me!

THANK YOU!!!!

My Secret Pal is SUPER GREAT!!!

2007-02-17T09:21:00.000-07:00

Look at the treasures my Secret Pal sent me: a little Chinese doll, two great books, a plush ladybug toy, very sweet card and Valentine candy (not pictured but definitely enjoyed!). Many thanks Secret Pal, it was so much fun to receive these great gifts!

Thanks to my secret pal

2007-02-16T19:01:00.000-07:00

Thank you to my secret pal!! I got this pretty purple package in the mail today. When I opened it, I was so excited to see that my secret pal not only included a gift for Lucy (our soon to be daughter), but she also included a gift for my son. We were given two red envelope cards -- one for Lucy and one for Zachary, two headbands, a set of slide drums for Zachary, a dragon bell thingy (I have seen them, but do not know what to call them), and the most precious book. The title of the book is My Little Love Bug. The book is absolutely adorable, but even more wonderful was my 6 year old reading the book aloud. I can only imagine the day that he can read the book to Lucy! Thank you so much to Jennifer and Calvin Dillon. You really made my day! Erica Dick

2007-02-13T09:20:00.001-07:00

Thanks for the invite, Alana.
Ashley

Welcome Winter Blossoms!

2007-02-05T17:59:00.001-07:00

Feel free to post pictures of your goodies and Thanks to your secret pals here!!

Alana