Pinch me???

Last nite Ray and I went to Cracker Barrel for dinner (which was really good by the way), and we were waiting line to pay (okay I was standing in line, and Ray was busy checking out the Fla Gator items they had on sale), when all of a sudden I felt someone pinch my butt....well I just assumed it was Ray being silly in public (yes he's been known to pinch me unexpectedly)....then I spotted Ray in front of me walking towards me and I thought, "wait a minute, he can't be in two places at once" and I turn around....this old man perv (he was probably around 75-80 yrs old) was standing pretty close to my bootie, so I figured he must of done this by accident...however

a couple of minutes later it happened again so I immediately turned around and gave him this look and he then stopped (I was too frightened to tell Ray thinking he may hit the guy)....

what has this world come to when I get my bootie pinched by an old man....that is wrong, just plain wrong....

Presents, presents, presents....

Okay here it is the frog purse you all wanted to see....isn't it the cutest summer purse ever??!! Of course as soon as I got home with it, the purse switch happened (would you expect anything less???)....


Then last night, Ray and I were out shopping, when all of a sudden he stops in the middle of the aisle, and exclaims....Look Dannye, Chynna's gotta have this!!... so into the shopping cart it went...


You see, Ray wants to teach Chynna golf, and keeps insisting on it...so now Chynna has her first set of clubs, and Ray is just over the moon about it...too funny!!

Stickers make everything better....

Yesterday I had a "business" lunch with my boss and really good friend (who got me an amazing new present, you all will see a picture of it in the next few days, he's soooo sweet, any guesses on what it is???), and at a table close by I noticed this cute little blonde haired girl (probably about 4-5 yrs old) sitting with "mommy" and this elderly looking lady enjoying their lunch.

When I found my mind wandering sometimes I would glance at this table and imagine myself having lunch with Chynna...such sweet thoughts...when all of a sudden "mommy" gets up to leave and this cute little girl starts really all out crying, grabbing mommy's leg, and screaming "don't leave me mommy"....just broke my heart for both the mom and the little girl, and poor grandma (yes I found out later that was who she was) had to literally peel the little girl off mommy's leg and hold her tight so she didn't chase after mom who had to get back to work, and was being hit/pushed by the little girl to be let go.

Mostly men were in the restaurant at this time, and they were none too pleased about this little girl crying/screaming...and grandma was trying everything to help calm her down. Now mind you the two men I'm with are oblivious to these goings on even though it was right behind them.

So I reach into my humongous purse to see if I have a toy, or something, I can give this little girl to calm her back down....and I find (thanks to my mom) a sheet of stickers. I excuse myself from the conversation at our table and proudly take the gift over to the table of emotions.

"Excuse me sweet girl, but I was at the next table and I noticed what a good little girl you were during lunch and I wanted to give you this little gift for being so very good, and wondered if you would like to have it"....this stopped the crying/screaming/hitting grandma, and she looked at me like I had an arm coming out of my head while holding out her little hand taking the stickers from me....

Grandma explained how for some reason this little girl has been having separation anxiety this week after mommy went to work and how it usually helped by them meeting mommy for lunch but just so happened did work that day. I told grandma it was no problem and how I thought this may help some and again told the little girl how great she is, and then went back to my luncheon.

When I looked over at the table again, I saw a different little girl...she was helping her grandma put the leftovers in the containers and cleaning up her little area, and then proceeding to cover her arm and the front of her shirt with the stickers, and proudly displaying a huge smile!! Grandma thanked me a few more times before they left as did the little girl (to which I told her "no thank you for being so very good for your grandma, she appreciates it")...and I thought to myself, isn't it great when a solution such as stickers with positive enforcement makes a sad situation a happy one???!!!

So thanks to my mom for the emergency stickers, which made a difference in a few people's lives!!

A Wednesday extra (warning will make you cry!!)

She is amazing, how did she not win???

Wacky Wednesday (what is your monster name)

Your Monster Profile

Brutal Lunatic You Feast On: Armadillos You Lurk Around In: Public Restrooms You Especially Like to Torment: Lawyers

What's Your Monster Name?

This is too funny since I work for an attorney....mmmmmmm armadillo lunch....

I wonder if that third eye will come in handy to predict the time the CCAA will speed up???!!?? guess not, no predictions here!! (but it's safe to say it's not happening soon enough!!!)

So what's your monster name???

Some people are so rude....

As you all know, I recently did some retail therapy and traded in my Kia Sportage for a Ford Escape (a much needed trade in as my Kia didn't want to run for me anymore, and I couldn't keep throwing good money after bad)....

Anyway, I was running an errand for work right around lunchtime, and came upon this grey convertible Mercedes with an elderly man (notice I didn't say gentleman like I normally would) and this black standard poodle riding shotgun. I was thinking "how cool for the dog to be enjoying his ride like that", when we approached a stop light. The man honks his horn and sticks his middle finger upwards and was babbling a mile a minute. I thought "wonder who he's doing that for" thinking someone going the opposite way must have upset him somehow.

So we continue driving (I don't tailgate so there is plenty of room between us) and we come to another light, and again the same routine. So now I am thinking maybe he's upset about having to sit at a light and the culprit is the traffic light (and that's why he is giving the international sign)...quite weird.

We then come to a stop sign, and again the man is flying the "bird" but now he is turning around and looking at me!! What in the world???? I start thinking "did I cut him off somehow?" and since he was always in front of me that wasn't the case.

So I slowly put down my window so I can hear the ranting and found out why this man was so upset.....

He didn't like my car (are you kidding me????)....he starts blaming me for ruining the environment, for driving a gas guzzler, I (nor anyone else) should be driving an SUV....again are you kidding me??? My car gets 23 MPG in town, not bad right?!?

Some people just look for excuses to be idiots....guess this was his....

Ever had one of these Mondays?

It is just a vicious circle of craziness, this is the type of day I am expecting at work....but the good news is tonite is our monthly waiting families meeting (can't wait).....

Gator feeding time...

Here's some of my amateur videoing of the gators at "feeding time", sorry for the quality, but hey I gotta practice some before we get Chynna right???

Just so you know, that nasty looking green stuff on the water is "duckweed", it's not algae...supposedly reproduces quite rapidly (and smells too)....

A trip to Jungle Adventure....

Today we went to see some more animals, at Jungle Adventure in Christmas Fla., what an amazing place. We got to see lots of great animals such as:

Gators....


but we were warned not to swim with the gators (wouldn't want to cause indigestion)...


We also saw iguanas....


Deer (yes that's me feeding her)....


and deer (isn't the baby darling???)....


and deer (did I mention the deer??)...

There were also Fla. Panther...


and skunk....


and wild boar....

Although it was quite hot, we really had a great time....we just know Chynna will have a great time here too!!

One Year, and thanks Tundrachica!!

Today is our 1 year LID-versary!! Wow, can't believe it's been 1 year, but at the same time, this is taking forever!! I know, I know, all in the right timing!!

Also, yesterday we came home and waiting in our mailbox from Alaska were these amazing pressies from Tundrachica (you are so amazing!!).

here it is all wrapped beautifully:



and here is an Alaskan treat....salmon jerky (is this the salmon you caught?? hehe)

and this beautiful (and handmade) Kuspuk with these amazing frog pictures will look darling on Chynna:


Thank you again Tundrachica for thinking of us!!

Now let's celebrate that 1 year LID-versary!!

Nicknames Meme (courtesy of Janet)...

I have voluntarily been tagged by the spectacular Janet to do a meme about nicknames, which she indicates means I am to give up all the nicknames for the people in our house. So here it is....

1. My hubby Ray (aka Raymond)...let's see my nickname for him is "Yummy", don't know where it came from but it started when we were dating (guess I thought he looked "yummy", hehe)...a few of our friends call him "Ray-man", "Apehanger" (this is from his love with "apehanger" handlebars on Harley motorcycles, we don't share this love affair), and "Ray-mundo"....these are all the ones I can think of for him.

2. Let's see, my nicknames are "Panny", "Dennis" (this is a name my uncle calls me, he is the only one that calls me that, dunno why, but is like a term of endearment), "Ms. D-Dan" (my boss calls me this most of the time), if Ray is being "sweet" to me he'll call me "sweetheart" or "sweetie".

3. And last but definitely not least, Freckles....also affectionately known as "poo" or "poo dog" or "Freckly's" (and he answers to all of 'em)....

Now it's your turn...since Janet made hers a voluntary tag, I'll be kind enough to do the same....if you play along let me know so I can check out your answers...don't be shy, share those nicknames!!!

The last installment of the trip to the zoo...

Okay, here are the final bits of the pictures of my trip to the zoo (I can't believe I have lived here all my life and have never been, not even a field trip with school)...

Back in the herbatorium, besides the frogs, frogs, and frogs, were other reptiles otherwise known as snakes, snakes, snakes....they didn't freak me out as bad as what they fed the snakes....you all know my fear of mice/rats, well laying on plates (yes plates) for these snakes were dead rats....I just about had to leave the herbatorium, if it wasn't for the frogs, I'd have had to run from that building... this is the one picture of a snake I took that didn't have "lunch" in the picture...it is the Egyptian cobra:


Speaking of lunch, this croc was looking for his lunch, waiting oh so patiently, but I didn't feel like Sunday was a good day for me to be his lunch, so onward I moved...


until I came upon this bridge. As I was crossing the bridge I hear this "who's that stomping across my bridge"....but lo and behold, the Billy Goat Gruff came to my rescue, ridding the bridge of the nasty troll, and allowing us to cross (my hero)...notice in the background the one goat trying to escape??? okay he really is standing up being fed by the children...


Over on the other side of the zoo, the emus were having a meeting...I believe they were discussing whether or not to fly south for the winter....then they realized they were south, and they like an ostrich couldn't fly....maybe they should relax like their "cage mates"....


the kangaroos....what a lazy day for them....


All in all, we had a great day, and really look forward to many more visits with Chynna!!

Wacky Wednesday (animal themed)....

You Would Be a Pet Dog

You're friendly, loyal, and an all around good sport. People love to be near you. You are very open with your feelings, and you're quite vocal in expressing them. You are sincere and kind. You love many people - without any sort of agenda. Why you would make a great pet: You're content to chill out with your friends Why you would make a bad pet: You always find yourself getting into trouble What you would love about being a dog: Running around and playing What you would hate about being a dog: Being left home alone while everyone else is out having fun

What Kind of Pet Would You Be?

Okay, and as promised, here are a few more zoo photos:


This leopard strolled to the other side of his enclosure, sat on the head of his "cellmate" and started a short "catfight" (guess he was jealous the other one was sleeping so comfortably....)


Speaking of resting comfortably....don'tcha wish you could rest like this monkey??? so very relaxed...


Then there was these Asian elephants (I asked them if they had any inside knowledge with the CCAA, but they refused to answer me....)


The turkey acted like he knew something, but....


it was all bull (actually was zebu):



All in all a great day (more pictures again later.....)

Some zoo photos

Okay, I promised I would post some of the pictures from my trip to the zoo, and yet I haven't...I just didn't have time yet to organize them in the fashion I wanted...I took lots and lots of pictures....it really wasn't that hot out and I can't wait til Chynna comes home so we can take her and share in the zoo animals...there was lots of tree coverage and you walked on this really nice boardwalk throughout on these wetlands....really nice....

anyway, as if you are surprised...guess what they had at the zoo at the herbatorium??? yup you guessed it FROGS....so until I can organize better....here are some of the frog pictures:

This one is an African frog, we were told he has teeth (yes teeth) and is a meat eater....scary!!! and he is fat and happy too!!



This is a tomato frog...looks like a tomato too doesn't he??? Watch out, he may hide in your salad!!!



And lastly for now, these little blue things are the poison dart frogs...what a gorgeous blue they are, but watch out, they could hurt you (if you try to eat em or lick em, but hey what are you doing trying to lick a frog, sicko!! hehe)....


I promise more pictures from our trip to the zoo later (and they aren't all frogs!!)....

My blog is rated...

Mingle² - Online Dating

glad to see I am "G" rated...that does mean "great" right???? hehehe

Off to the zoo and a new doorbell...

My wonderful brother, while at Lowes looking for things for his hopefully new house (the inspection is Tuesday, so he is still in the beginning stages, yet again poor thing...that's another story for another day) got me a terrific present...he said he saw it and it just hopped into his shopping cart for me....isn't it the bestest doorbell button you have ever seen????



I love it Jimmy!! Thank you!!

Today, I am going to our local zoo....I have never been before and can't wait...hopefully will see lots of great animals (hey I gotta see if I like it before Chynna comes home, otherwise how else will I know whether or not to take her there?? hehehe)....will hopefully get lots of great pictures to share!!! Until then!!

So excited.... (updated 7/8/07)

About every five weeks, we take Freckles for his haircut (grooming appointment), and I swear to goodness I think he keeps his own personal day timer or something.

The night before his appointment he drives me crazy, following me around, jumping on me like "come on Mom is it time to go yet?"

Here he is staring at me, cuz it is time to go and he is looking worried like we're gonna be late, so I better post this and get going (he is too funny, that's part of why I love him sooooo much!!!!).....



Okay you guys wanted to see the "after" shot, so how could I not comply (and take advantage of showing off my baby)....here he is saying "Mommy stop taking my picture already", hehehehe....

Thank you Cyberpal Laurie...

Yesterday I came home from work and waiting on my doorstep was my gift from my "pal" Laurie (from my yahoo group, Waiting for First Child from China)....a great surprise after a long day at work....the gifts for Chynna were greatly appreciated and we can't wait to see her in them....

Too much info Meme

Okay, I got in my email from Tundrachica this meme, asking me to please play along, and how can I deny a friend such a request, so here you go...

1. What time is it? 12:50 a.m. EDT
2. What's your full name? Dannye Laydfrog, of course
3. What are you most afraid of? Mice, unless they are cute cartoon kinds
4. What have you seen in a Theater? not much, it's dark in there...
5. Place of birth? in a hospital (what kind of question was that?)
6. Favorite Food? whatever I am craving at the moment
7. What's your natural hair color? don't know (but probably brown, hehe)
8. Ever been to Alaska? Nope but seen pictures
9. Ever been toilet paper rolling? Nope, too afraid to get caught
10. Love someone so much it made you cry? yeppers!
11. Been in a car accident? ummm yep (and may have caused one or two)
12. Croutons or bacon bits? croutons (bacon bits gives me indigestion)
13. Favorite day of the week? Sunday, it's the day of rest
14. Favorite restaurant? again, depends on what my cravings are...
15.Favorite Flower? gardenia (smells so sweet, I have a big bush of em in my front yard, and they are soooo easy to take care of)
16. Favorite sport to watch? Any sport where the Gators are National Champs...oh wait that is most of em, hehe
17. Favorite Drink? Fresh brewed, homemade Sweet iced tea (Ray makes it really good)
18. Favorite ice cream? Vanilla ice cream with chocolate chip cookie dough that you put in yourself....mmmmmm
19. Disney or Warner Brothers? Pixar....
20. Ever been on a ship? Oh yeah, love to cruise!!!!
21. What color is your bedroom carpet? Invisible, have tile, no carpet
22. How many times did you fail your driver's test? None
23. Before this one, from whom did you get your last email? Lily Lin's Mom Nikki
24. What do you do when you are bored? play Bunco on MSN.com
25. Bedtime? varies, but lately 2:00 a.m. (and I wake up at 7:30 a.m., guess I'm in training to be a mom??!!??)
26. Who will respond to this meme the quickest? dunno, guess the first person
28. Who is the person that you are most curious to see their responses? Everyone
29. Favorite TV show? t.v.??? please there is nothing on t.v. right now
30. Last person you went to dinner with? my hubby and waiting family friends Don and Be to Chili's (thanks again guys it was great!!!)
31. Favorite time of year? Fall, not too hot and not too cold...
32. What are your favorite colors? Purple and pink
33. How many tattoos do you have? None, too afraid of needles
34. Pets? Nope, just family member Freckles.
35. Which came first, the chicken or the egg? is there really an answer to this
36. What do you want to do before you die? become a mom, at this rate though...
37. Have you ever been to Hawaii? Nope, but again have seen pictures
39. To how many people are you sending this? however many decide to read this post
40. Time this survey ended? 1:05 a.m. EDT

Now, here's what you're supposed to do... Please do not spoil the Fun. Play along, posting your answers on your blog, and let me know you played along... now I tag Amy and Cheri and Cyndi and Janet and Steffie. Thanks for playing gals!!

Wacky Wednesday (what kind of friend are you?)

Okay I have been told that my Wacky Wednesday posts are too "girly", so some of my guy pals can't really play along...now I know this one isn't all that testosterony but hey it's a step in the right direction, right Don?

You Are a Good Friend Because You're Loyal

You stick with your friends no matter what, even if you feel like they're doing the wrong thing. You believe in letting people figure out their own path in life. It's not your place to interfere. And part of your loyalty means that you'll do a lot for your friends. You definitely go the extra mile. You'll even do great things for friends without them asking. After all, that's what friendship is all about. You are truly a friend for life. And you have friends you've known since you were a kid. Your friends can count on you to do a favor, remember a birthday, or just be there to listen. Your friends need you most when: They can't turn to anyone else You really can't be friends with: Fickle people who change friends quickly Your friendship quote: "Friendship doubles your joys, and divides your sorrows."

What Makes You a Good Friend?

Okay so now you know what kind of friend I am...what about you??




Go out and celebrate with your friends, and have a safe 4th of July!!

Happy Birthday David!!

Today is my brother-in-law's birthday....even though he's not here, we're eating his cake in his honor!! Happy birthday David!! Enjoy your trip to DC!!

In honor of our troops....

I just wanted to take a moment and thank our troops (and their families) for all they have sacrificed so much to allow us to enjoy the freedoms that we have, for without you we would not be the U.S. of A!!

Monday humor...

New Ticker customized for my blog....

I was stalking....mmm I mean reviewing other's blogs, the ones getting oh so close to traveling to China, and what do I see on one of the blogs, but a frog on their ticker....I just had to have it!! Their frog was not on lily pads, but I didn't care, I just had to change my ladybug to that frog....

So off I went to tickerfactory.com in search of that frog...and I found it...and lilypads for him too!! Wow, such luck!!

So now while we wait, and wait, and wait, for our referral of Chynna we can count the passing time by watching our frog slowly hopping his way to China!!

A surprise from MW that bowled me over!!

My Secret Pal (MW) struck again (she is so great, always there to cheer me up just when I need it the most)....

I came home from shopping yesterday (and Ray had called me to tell me the Fed Ex man arrived with a large package for me)....I opened it and this is the first thing I saw:




I couldn't wait, I had to open it, so I tore into it....and this is what I saw....



I had to test it out....it is the cutest thing....

Thank you MW!! Can't wait to find out your secret identity next month!!!