Tarsha's Treasure Chest is INDEED overflowing!

Julissa, Tracy, Johanna & Ben Corey!

Hannah, who is SO excited to have some girl cousins close to her age! I told the girls I'd greet them at the airport with big hugs, so of course I did! :) The Grandchildren (all a little overwhelmed!) Johanna is saying Hola to a familiar face, Abuleo! Johanna held right on tight to my hands. She was a little timid. Julissa was looking for that familiar face too! Liam (3) Johanna (8) Hannah (7) Julissa (12) Isaac (7) and Drew (4)

If this is what we have waited 2+ years for, it was WELL worth it! Our Peruvian Princesses are home with their forever family! I'm so thankful, grateful, happy, pleased (you get it People ~REALLY EXCITED!) and honored to be a part of this story of HIS love. To see His hands and feet bring orphans to a family, my family, is amazing! I have a huge respect for my sister and brother in law, Tracy and Ben, for following Him and taking His word to heart.

Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world ~ James 1:27

Dear God,

Thank You for adding to my family, in this way, with this journey and with these two precious little people. Please help me to model Your love, give me the grace and patience to be Your hands and feet so they may follow, as well as the peace and understanding when it comes to my part in the journey ahead as Tia Tarsha. Surround Ben and Tracy as they parent their daughters and show them what Your followers look like. Hold them all in the palm of Your hand as they learn trust, acceptance, unconditional love, and family life.

Thanks again God. Only You could orchetrate such beauty from ashes! I'm assuming Your only going to 'send' me to Beverly, MA in the next few months, and I'm good with that. As a matter of fact, I'm so blessed to be choosen as Julissa and Johanna's Tia Tarsha, I couldn't ask for more!

In Jesus name,

Amen

This is LOVE ~Tia Tarsha and the Peruvian Princesses!

There are no words to describe how I fell in love with these precious girls. I loved them before I went, but once I met them it was like they were my own. It was all about seeing their smiles, hearing them say Tia Tarsha, and trying to talk to them in spanglish. We made do, thanks to Papi Ben who was translator for us. They love Justin Bieber so we listened to him and watched his videos on You Tube A LOT! I taught Julissa her English ABCs, which was so fun. I sang them to her and she chimed right in and wrote them down phonetically so she could remember. We did hair ("mas, mas, mas" = more straight Tia Tarsha!) shopped, and ate ice cream like it was going out of style! My Dad communicated his love and affection for the girls with ice cream and coins. He would buy them ice cream twice a day and then give them the left over change. The girls haven't had their own money, so this was so much fun. The counted it repeatedly and locked it up in the safe above their bed. They would bring their money shopping, but encouraged us to use ours instead! They are smart, sweet, stubborn and silly! They have personalities as big as Texas. They have style and schedules they like to keep. Julissa asked questions about los Estados Unidos and her bedroom there, when she would get done high school and go to college, but Johanna didn't really seem to care. Johanna says "sank you" instead of thank you in her little accent and its just about the cutest thing. It sure did make my Dad laugh and encouraged the coin giving, which worked well for both of them! Johanna also says sorry with rolling r's. She calls Julissa "Juli", which between her whine and pronunciation sounds like Jew-lee.

Friday night was hard to leave. I had two little girls giving me lots of hugs, tears and telling me "no bye." I told them I would see them at the airport in a week and that I would have big hugs for them. They told me they loved me (music to my ears) and they would miss me.

I came home Saturday night and I missed them. I wanted to be able to walk right on over to their room. This Sunday at 2pm they fly into Boston and I will meet them with big hugs! Tia Tarsha will be so very glad to have her sister, brother in law and Peruvian Princesses home as a forever family! I see many sleepovers in my future. Its a good thing I like kids :)

Be a part of bringing Our Peruvian Princesses HOME!

Ben and Tracy ~ The Proud Parents!

Imagine being pregnant for 19 months?! Well it’s a paper pregnancy, but still! Her belly isn't swollen and her calves and ankles still have their own section on her legs, but her heart is REALLY heavy. Instead of morning sickness, Ben and Tracy have evening sickness, waiting, wanting and wishing for the girls to be home. They don’t have a due date, can’t buy cute clothes yet, and don’t even have one blurry photo of their girl’s profiles.
We hope and pray we are nearing the girl’s ‘due date’ and our Peruvian Princesses will be coming home soon! This Saturday night, April 17th, is a night to come out and support Ben and Tracy! Show them some love, ask them questions and learn about the adoption process/paper pregnancy! Bring your friends and family for an evening of fun! The cost is $20 per person or $30 per couple. The adoption process is very expensive and extensive, and all funds raised will go directly to the Peruvian Princess Adoption fund.
DJ Dan DeBruin will provide the nights entertainment and there will be a cash bar! Dress up or dress down, just come and support Ben and Tracy and have some fun! Please RSVP to tarshadowning@hotmail.com!

Date: Saturday, April 17, 2010
Time: 7:00pm - 11:00pm
Location: American Legion
City/Town: Mechanic Falls, ME

My Adventure to the North Pole on the Polar Express!

When it seems the magic slipped away...

We find it all again on Christmas Day.

Believe in what your heart is saying,

Hear the melody that's playing,

There's no time to waste,

There so much to celebrate.

Believe in what you feel inside,

Give your dreams the wings to fly.

You have everything you need, if you just believe.

~Believe, Josh Groban

My nephew Drew... he used his imagination and had a great time!

Tanya, Ryan, Hannah and Drew

Tracy and Ben Trina and Rob
Tricia, Issac and Matt (Liam (1) is missing)

Hannah and I

The ConductorThe Assistant Conductor...he punched the kids names in their tickets!

We had cookies and hot cocoa, saw Santa and used our imaginations! I gave Santa the notes Matthew and Aliya wrote for him, (more on that later) and even sat on St. Nick's lap myself! Merry Christmas Everyone!

A Date, Dolls and a Death

What a weekend...

Friday night I had a date planned, but he stood me up?!? I don't have a horror story; I didn't end up at a restaurant by myself and I wasn't all dressed up with no where to go, he just never called. So, I have sworn off men for the entire month of November. I am happy to report it is going very well so far! :)

On Saturday, Aliya and I met Tanya, Tracy, Tricia, Trina and Hannah at the grand opening of the new Natick American Girl store!
"Look at that outfit, it is so cute!"
"I'm going to buy this one."
"Do you think she needs glasses? She doesn't have many accessories."
"She NEEDS jeans to go with her Chicago, New York and now Boston t-shirt!"
"What's your favorite? Mine is the cowgirl outfit with the horse."

These comments are all from the big girls of course! Imagine, 5 grown women (Downing sisters at that) in a doll store, far more excited than either little girl was! Aliya wanted a book and Hannah wanted one sweatshirt for her doll. If I were their ages again, I would have been way more impressed! Heck I was NOW at my age! Us big girls thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and Cornis (Hannah's American Girl doll) made out better than any sister did all day. She got a Boston shirt (to go with her Chicago and New York City shirts Tracy and I got her when we went to the American Girl stores in those cities), a sweatshirt, and an entire outfit including the must have jeans, a shirt, and shoes! There was the option of getting your American Girl doll's hair done, but I saved the day and $10 by doing it myself for Hannah and Cornis at Aunt Tracy's house. It was another successful sister shopping trip and we gave new meaning to shop until you drop! Here is Miss Hannah girl 2 minutes after sitting in the car...

On a lighter note, today has been a very long and sad day, and the hour we gained only had a small part in it. You see, Chance, my sister Tracy's much desired, much dreamed about and much begged for first puppy, went to Heaven today. She was 12 1/2 years old and her body was failing her. She couldn't walk, wasn't eating and had a hard time getting things out :( This is no way for a loved one to live, even when you don't want them to go. Tracy and my brother-in-law Ben had to make the decision of when. After a long night last night, they called the vet this morning and got a 10am appointment. Tanya sent pumkin bread, a personal favorite of Chance's since stealing a whole loaf as a puppy. She didn't care for the donut hole or doggy bone we gave her, but when the pumpkin bread arrived, she eagerly ate 2 muffins and wagged her tail. What a way to go out! We'll miss you Chance. Thanks for the memories and say hi to Grampa for us. I'm sure he was so very happy to see you!

United Tour:Michael W. Smith and Steven Curtis Chapman

We got back stage passes to meet Michael W. Smith. It was a great show! They teased each other and sang each others hits. Steven sang his song 'Cinderella' and talked about Maria, his 5 year old daughter who passed away in May. This song was written before she died, but has new meaning for him. Three weeks ago he danced with his oldest daughter Emily at her wedding, while his son Caleb sang it.

Cinderella

She spins and she sways to whatever song plays,

Without a care in the world.

And I'm sittin' here wearin' the weight of the world on my shoulders.

It's been a long day and there's still work to do,

She's pulling at me saying "Dad I need you!

There's a ball at the castle and I've been invited and I need to practice my dancin''

"Oh please, daddy, please!"

So I'll dance with Cinderella

While she is here in my arms

Cause I know something the prince never knew

Oh I'll dance with Cinderella

I don't wanna miss even one song,

Cause all too soon the clock will strike midnight

And she'll be gone

She says he's a nice guy and I'd be impressed

She wants to know if I approve of the dress

She says "Dad, the prom is just one week away,

And I need to practice my dancin'"

"Oh please, daddy, please!"

So I'll dance with Cinderella

While she is here in my arms

Cause I know something the prince never knew

Oh I'll dance with Cinderella

I don't wanna miss even one song,

Cause all too soon the clock will strike midnight

And she'll be gone

She will be gone.

Well, she came home today

With a ring on her hand

Just glowin' and tellin' us all they had planned

She says "Dad, the wedding's still six months away, but I need to practice my dancin'"

"Oh please, daddy please!"

So I'll dance with Cinderella

While she is here in my arms

Cause I know something the prince never knew

Oh, I'll dance with Cinderella

I don't wanna miss even one song,

Cause all too soon the clock will strike midnight

And she'll be gone

~Steven Curtis Chapman

During the concert I kept thinking about Matthew 18:20. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. Indeed there were many gathered in His name, and we know he is faithful.

Who needs George anyway?

Yes folks, you are indeed seeing it right! Miss Aliya found this $1 bill in her pocket and proceeded to deface it that very afternoon. She is always cutting and pasting, so I didn't think any different of it on Friday. When I went to check out her latest creation, I was a little surprised. I laughed and then just said "Aliya we don't do this to money. We can talk to daddy about it when he comes home." I wasn't implying she was in trouble, but I didn't know how to explain it to her in a way she would understand. I thought I'd save that lesson for Dad. However, she took it to mean she was in trouble and that I was going to tell on her, so she was right on it when he got home. She brought the now 2 piece $1 bill to him and started crying. "I did this today Daddy." He gave her a lesson on federal currency and how this is valuable because you can trade it in for gum and candy at a store. Right, why didn't I think of that?! I'll let you know what we do with this $1 bill that no longer portrays our first president sitting pretty.

IKEA turned out to be a real success! Turns out Smaland (the play place at IKEA that Aliya earned a visit to for picking up her toys 5 days in a row) is a babysitting service for IKEA visitors. Adults aren't welcomed. I signed my life away, got a stamp on my hand that matched the kids, and was given a beeper in case the kids 'missed their mommy' before time was up. "Oh I'm just the nanny and I didn't realize this was a babysitting service." Both children were looking at me as if to say "You didn't think we wanted you to bring us here to play with you?" I got the point and set off to have some Tarsha time in the IKEA cafe. It was a nice break for me and the children had a good time playing in the balls and watching Incredibles. I went to get them to eat dinner in the cafe. Matthew wasn't impressed with the options, surprise, surprise! He ended up getting an apple juice and eating some of his sisters fries.

Black Eye

This sweet little innocent princess...

Did this to her little brother!

It wasn't on my watch, thank God! I heard all the details this morning when I came up and saw the damage. It was done with a pumpkin (one from last weeks homework project actually). "We were having World War III," Aliya informed me. Apparently they both cried. Then she 'let' him watch Charlotte's Web with her and made him a craft. Nothing says I'm sorry like letting the victim do something you like with you! I may have done worse when I was younger and my little sister Trina took the Barbie I was playing with. Yes, she actually had the audacity to take my Barbie and run around the table! There was a yard stick (with a medal end), a bloody scene, several stitches and maybe a small scar on top of her head. Siblings! :) Love ya Trina!

This picture was taken on Tuesday after school. It was cold out and Aliya said "we should probably have some hot chocolate." So I made some, I mean who could argue with that?! Also, the kids love it when I get the mail on our way into the driveway. They watch with eagle eyes to see if there is a 'kid magazine' (and usually there is), then proceed to argue who will get to look at it first. I have to make a contest to pick a winner. Here is the combination of hot chocolate and a kid magazine. They sat for at least 30 minutes flipping through and discussing toys. This was what I kept hearing.

The Girl: Oh, I just love that!

The Boy: I should get that for you for Christmas and you can buy me this.

The Girl: OK Matt, we can both get one.

The Boy: Oh, I am totally buying this. This is SO cool!

Meanwhile, I gave them a pen to circle everything they wanted. After all, whats window shopping if you can't remember what you wanted?! Have I mentioned recently how much I love my job? :)

Successful Sister Sunday!

Tracy came to Boylston today to visit me! She met Annie, Peter, Aliya and Matthew, saw where I hang my hat now, and then we headed off to church. After church, like any sister duo with free time and no boys in tow (Ben is in NC), we went shopping! We got yummy fruit smoothies and shopped a bit.
While browsing, we happened upon a little place that does reflexology and massage. I just couldn't pass it up, so we assumed our relaxed positions for some much needed pampering! Tracy got reflexology and I had a back massage! Lovely folks, it was LOVELY! :) And of course, I busted my camera out at the end and took a couple photos.

As promised, here are pictures of the food from the party yesterday. I was a very busy lady at this party, so I only snapped a few photos with my own camera and the rest are on Annie's. As it turns out, I can be domestic. The moms loved the fruit shapes, the meatballs, and the dip. But the big hit was the ice cream balls (from L.L.Bean). The kids had to keep the ball rolling for 30 minutes to make their own ice cream. Matthew chose vanilla and chocolate chip ice cream and it came out wonderful! It was a great activity and the ice cream was so yummy! These balls make a great gift for kids!

"HIS TUMMY IS BIG!"

So, this morning Jerry the electrician is here fixing some electrical issues in the kitchen. Jerry is probably 60ish. He has been here a few times and is very friendly, so Matthew and I are friends with him. This morning after chatting with Jerry for a few minutes, Matthew looks at me and says, "His tummy is big!" I just looked at him (while registering what he said, and that it wasn't quite right) Well, thinking I didn't hear, Matthew says it lounder..."HIS TUMMY IS BIG!" I started laughing and giving Matthew the sign for be quiet, but he thought I was joking. I had to explain that we can think those things, but we can't say them out loud because it hurts peoples feelings.

It reminded me of when my younger sister Trina was 2 years old. She met a great aunt of my mothers who was a rather large woman. Trina says to her "your fat." My mom almost died of embarassment and later had Trina call her to apologize. So you know what Trina says to the great aunt? What any 2 year old would apologize for..."I'm sorry your so fat!" I still laugh when I tell this story. If we could all be so honest like children, but with a bit more tact...

Have a great day! :)

White Water Rafting - Kennebec River

I went to Jackman with my sister Tracy, brother-in-law Ben and a bunch of the Corey clan. It was an amazing weekend with yummy food and lots of adventures and naps of course, can't forget naps. :) We went on a VERY fast boat ride, played polish ping pong and even had a mini church service at the camp. Then Monday brough the big adventure, White Water Rafting!! It was so awesome! The weather was great, the water was warm, we had great guides and the water was flowing nicely! This was my third time going and it was by far the best. I didn't fall out at all but I did get jostled around a bit thru one hole. I rode the bull, (the front of the raft) for a while and that was great!
Thanks Ben and Tracy for inviting me to join you and thanks Nate for the great ride!

Tears All Around

Today was not as happy as yesterday. Hannah had a great morning but when the bus showed up, she changed her mind. She covered her face and wouldn't move, she was frozen. Her father picked her up, got on the bus and set her down in her seat. What a good father to help her cross that threshold in his arms! He then got off the bus and we all waved. She just sat there straight faced. We didn't even get a wave on the way back by.

I hurried to get to school (where her Mom -my sister Tanya-is a teacher) so I could capture that on camera too. She smiled when she saw me but it didn't last long. She lined up with her class, but when they proceeded to enter the school, she froze again. She just stood there like it would all go away if she didn't move. I glanced over to see Tanya wiping her eyes and trying to pay attention to her students, but wanting to rescue her daughter. I took Hannah's hand and walked her to her classroom where Mrs. Godbout said nicely "It will be easier the sooner you let her go" and she took her, crying with her face in her hands, to her locker. I took the hint but my feelings were hurt none the less. I remember feeling anxiety and being just plain frightened and I did not want my Hannah to feel that! I walked off but only because I didn't want her to see me crying. My eyes were full with tears and around the corner came Tanya. Her classroom is diagonal from Hannah's classroom. She said through her tears, "There are 2 other kids out there crying and there Moms aren't here!" We hugged as I left to call Tracy, Tricia, Daddy, and whoever else would answer their phone. I cried some more until I felt better. Tracy and Tricia told me Hannah would be okay and that Mrs. Godbout was only watching out for her. I laughed because I realize this, but in the moment I wanted to rescue her, not leave her!

I had to run an errand for Tanya, so I went back to the school at 10am. Tanya seemed in good spirits and I saw Miss Hannah. She looked sleepy but smiled at me and then returned her attention to the teacher. What a studious girl!

Isaac got right on the bus again this morning with a smile on his face. Let's hope Hanny's second day is better than her first.

Two T's Nannying in Mass...

There are now two Downing sisters going to nanny in Mass. My sister Tracy accepted a position in Beverly Farms and she will start two weeks after me. We will be only an hour apart. She'll have a 9 year old boy, 7 year old girl and twin 5 year old girls. My girl Aliya is 6 - I see playdates in our future! I can't wait to embark on this new adventure with Tracy and Ben so close.

What's the good of news if you haven't a sister to share it?

~My Sisters~
Our roots say we're Sisters, our hearts say we're friends!
~Sisters are different flowers from the same garden.
~She is your mirror, shining back at you with a world of possibilities. She is your witness, who sees you at your worst and best, and loves you anyway. She is your partner in crime, your midnight companion, someone who knows when you are smiling, even in the dark. She is your teacher, your defense attorney, your personal press agent, even your shrink. Some days, she's the reason you wish you were an only child. ~Barbara Alpert
~It was nice growing up with someone like you - someone to lean on, someone to count on... someone to tell on! ~Author Unknown
~When sisters stand shoulder to shoulder, who stands a chance against us? ~Pam Brown
~A sister is a gift to the heart, a friend to the spirit, a golden thread to the meaning of life. ~Isadora James
~Sisters don't need words. They have perfected a language of snarls and smiles and frowns and winks - expressions of shocked surprise and incredulity and disbelief. Sniffs and snorts and gasps and sighs - that can undermine any tale you're telling. ~Pam Brown

These quotes don't even begin to scratch the surface. I can't find words to describe the thoughts and feelings I have about being blessed with four wonderful women I not only call my sisters, but my very best friends! I love you Tanya Lou, Tracy Lynn, Tricia Lee, and Trina Lise! We'll always be identified as one of the Downing five T's, and I couldn't be happier to belong to such a group of beautiful (inside and out) strong, smart, and simply the best sisters in the world!

Love Tarsha Leslie