HERMANSEN FAMILY ROOTS

GOOD BYE!

2010-04-01T09:58:00.000-07:00

I am officially closing this blog. I have huge hopes to go private in the near future on my other blog. When we know what we are doing again as far as moving forward towards an adoption I may set another blog up but it will be privates as well. If you want an invite let me know who you are! Thanks for reading and supporting!
Tanya

The light inside a tunnel!

2010-03-30T16:21:00.000-07:00

I have wanted to write an update, but unsure what to write! I am not the best at putting my feelings and thoughts into words. So I won't, I will share what keeps coming to me the past few days. I read an Ensign article in 2008 that I have always loved, it has stuck with me and has given me great strength!

Elder Richard G. Scott of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles: “We lived in the presence of God our Holy Father and His Beloved Son, Jesus Christ, in a premortal existence. … We were told
“… You were taught and prepared for the circumstances you would personally encounter in mortality. … Your memory of premortal life would be kept from you to assure that it would be a valid test, but there would be guidance given to show you how to live. Our Father’s plan for salvation in this life with the opportunity of returning to Him would be called the gospel of Jesus Christ” (“Truth Restored,” Liahona and Ensign, Nov. 2005, 78–79).

The knowledge I get, knowing I was taught and prepared for the trials I,and my family has encounter this past week, gives me great peace and strength! To know I was prepared to handle this trial, and given all the tools I would need to get through any and all trials I will face. That's the greatest blessing I could ever ask for. I have comfort, happiness and the knowledge that what we are to do can and will happen!

I want to tell everyone that has supported us this week "THANK YOU"! You have helped build us up, offer love, comfort and support! Your guys are the best!!!!

A sad and heart wrenching end!

2010-03-22T12:06:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone,
Oh where to begin. A lot has happened over the last two day. Today has been a very emotional and very difficult day to say the least! We just finished sitting down with our kids and explaining to them that their brother and sister aren't coming home. That Kingsley and Sarah situation in Ghana wasn't at all what we were made to believe it was. That they have a loving family and that that family isn't certain on adoption and what it actually entails. As a mom that was so heart wrenching and painful, to see my kids suffer, to see them go through such disappointment and grieving. We have all cried together and prayed together. I have always admired and appreciated how determined and faithful my kids have been, how willing they are to sacrifice of themselves to bring their siblings home. They will and have given all of themselves to make it happen. I have worried about squashing their faith, squashing their trust in the adoption process and in people, squashing their desire to ever adopt again. But again my kids have been amazing and have surprised me. They are strong and know that adoption is what's right for our family. They want us to move forward, they want us to do all we can as parents to find our children, their siblings, that need to be apart of our family. Of course they are hurt, sad, and disappointed and can't understand how or why Kingsley and Sarah situation is completely different that what we were told. But they have found hope within themselves and within our family to keep going. I don't know what this means for us right now, how we are to move forward past this, or what we will do in the near future. All I can say right now is that I have HOPE in my heart and Faith in the Lord that he has lead us here a reason, a reason I don't understand now, but will some day. As a family we are leaning on our testimonies and on our own personal revelations to get us through this difficult time. Thank you all for supporting us through emails, phone calls, orders and with the desire in your heart to bring our family together forever.I feel so bad that this happens to affect you as well. I am so sorry!
I want everyone to know we are not done, we will still fight, fight for our family that's not yet complete and someday we will be blessed with our children. As of right now we are working on obtaining the money we sent, we aren't sure if we will get it back, but hope we will. Our entire family has went to great lengths to sacrifice for every penny of it. Please keeps us in your prayers.
I found this on a good friends blog, someone I admire and appreciate it. And it really fits to how I feel right now so I thought I would share it!

I AM SWIMMING!

VIDEO of our kids!

2010-02-18T20:05:00.000-08:00

A wonderful person (KARA)I have gotten to know and love, asked her AMAZING husband to take some picture of our family over to Ghana to our kids and they video taped it for us. They warned me that our kids were really shy and quiet when they sent it to me. I really couldn't have imagined them any different to be honest with you. I can't imagine what must have been going through their minds seeing pictures of us and trying to make sense of it all. Not to mention it possibly being their first time in a living room with a couch and make shift t.v. and white people all around. This video is very special to me. Up until this point we had two pictures of Sarah(that were very different from each other. At first I questioned whether she was the same girl). We've always had a lot more info and pictures of Kingsley, which has been really enjoyable. In this video I was able to see MY Sarah for really the first time, her precious personality, her adorable smile. WOW it was touching. I just wanted to reach out and huge her. It was so great to hear her voice and see how she reacted to seeing our family and knowing she will have 3 sisters and 2 brothers. Kingsley was quiet but just as precious and sweet. This is something I will always treasure. Thank you so much Bill and Thomas for taking the time to do this for our family.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5TBXg8Kt-V0

The question most ask or want to know .......WHY?

2010-02-05T10:48:00.000-08:00

WHY...... Do we adopted? This is the easiest question for me to answer, yet hard for me to put into words.

Last night we had our hometeacher come over for the first time. He asked us to introduce our kids, of course our kids were so excited to say that they have a brother and a sister in Ghana that we are adopting. In a sweet and genuine way he asked somewhat puzzled, "why do you adopt"? He went on to say, "I don't really get it, I have never been around anyone that has adopted before". I am sure many wonder this same question, or feel the same way he does. So I thought I would take a moment to explain why we choose to adopt!

I can remember a moment when I was 10 that I saw Maury interviewing a young child who had had a rough life, then given the opportunity to be adopted, loved and cared for. At that moment I told myself when I am older I will adopt. That was one simple moment that just grew and grew in reason and in meaning for me. As I joined the LDS church and clung to our family values and growing my own family. I never had a question only knowledge that some of my children would come from me biologically and some would come from others mothers and find their place within our family. I have always felt that this knowledge is my opportunity in motherhood. I more than understand that adoption isn't for everyone, however I hope other's are just as understanding that some are called to adopt. I do think that's what it is, a calling. Not a calling that makes me any better or our family any better than anyone else's, just a calling. Something we have always known we are suppose to do and it's our choice to fulfil it. We all have callings as parents: to how we teach our children, raise our children and love our children, and with our calling there's just a different twist. I choose to adopt because after many prayers about the knowledge I have been given, I can't go back, only forward. Adoption is part of me, it runs in my blood, it's deep within my soul,it's the center my family and the only way I know our family can be completed!

Our daughter Camry came to us last August really frustrated, mad and crying. She said, "I know we are suppose to adopt, you guys aren't doing anything about it. I have been praying about it and I tell Halli and Elijah to pray about it every night. You guys need to start doing something about it." I reassured her that it's always our goal to adopt and that we(mom and dad) would continue to seek our Loving Heavenly Father about his timing for our family and adoption. She has stayed just as persistent, always reminding us to pray constantly for our kids, her siblings. Camry knows why we adopt, it's part of her. Our family has been prepared for this! Our kids willingness to love and give all they have to their siblings that they have never meet. It's a testimony within ourselves that this is right for our family and a daily conviction from God that we are doing what He has planned for us!

When Casey and I met and started talking marriage we went over the glorious details of family. The first thing I said to him is, "I know that I am suppose to adopt". He said, "great me too"! That was our whole conversation. When we started contemplating adding to our family we prayed as to whether we were to adopted first our have our bio kids first. We received the direction to have Halli and Camry biologically and immediately after I had Camry(in the hospital). I looked at Casey and said our next baby is suppose to be adopted. We prayed on that, fasted and sure enough Elijah joined our family within 8 weeks of starting the process. After Elijah was born we worked on many other adoption opportunities that failed, however I told Casey and I knew two more kids were to join our family biologically. So we pursue that knowledge. Since having our last two kiddos, I know the rest of our kids that will complete our family will come through adoption. To sum it all up, it's just something I have always known, I pray about it, fast or attend the temple to further my knowledge of how it's suppose to happen and then we go forward in faith.

I also want to add that I myself have been blessed with adoption. Not all on paper, but in love. My dad adopted me when I was 2.5, never meeting my bio father. My older sister(same bio mom) adopted me and raised me from the age of 13-17. She then got married and moved so I then lived with her bio dad and mom. All of these wonderful people adopted me into their heart, into their home and into their lives forever. I know what it's like to be loved by those willing to offer it. I am grateful everyday for the parents in my life, for the love and support they gave and their willingness to do so!

I SAW WHAT I SAW!

2010-02-04T13:47:00.000-08:00

I watched this for the first time today on a friends blog(thanks Lois) and was in tears. I was touched deeply. Yes, this song was written for somewhat of a different meaning/purpose. However I have never had a problem applying anything to my own life.

You will LOVE this amazing song:

I am going to write how each part touched me!

I saw what I saw and I can't forget it(The day I saw my Ghanaian Kids faces in pictures!)
I heard what I heard and I can't go back(The day I heard your voices on the phone say "YES", when we asked in you would like to join our family)
I know what I know and I can't deny it.(That you are a part of our family forever)

Something on the road(Journey of adoption)
Cut me to the soul(Cut me to the soul)

Your pain has changed me(Knowing all the hard work you have to do with hunger pains)
Your dream inspires(because they are things that most of us take for granted)
Your face a memory(Is with me everyday)
Your hope a fire(Shown in your smile)
Your courage asks me what I'm afraid of(not holding you one day)
And what I know of love(it's a gift, a blessing)

We've done what we've done and we can't erase it(we've started our adoption journey and there is no end until your home.)
We are what we are and it's more than enough( a family)
We have what we have but it's no substitution(we need you home, we aren't complete)

Something on the road
Cut me to the soul

Your pain has changed me(knowing you eat very little)
Your dream inspires(your love to learn)
Your face a memory(always with me)
Your hope a fire(gets me through my long days)
Your courage asks me what I'm made of
And what I know of love(My love is unconditional)

I say what I say with no hesitation(I love you!)
I have what I have and I'm giving it up(To God to make happen)
I do what I do with deep conviction(Adopt)

Something on the road, cut me to the soul(making a lasting impression)

Your pain has changed me
Ooohhh...
Your dreams inspire
Ooohhh...
Your face a memory
Ooohhh...
Your hope a fire
Ooohhh...

Your pain has changed me(I look forward to the day I can give you 3 meals)
Your dream inspires(my dream is to hold you)
Your face a memory(one I hope to see on a daily basis)
Your hope a fire(a fire I can't wait to feel when I get to hold you)
Your courage asks me what I am afraid of(all the waiting)
Your courage asks me what I am made of(love, strength and determination)
Your courage asks me what I am afraid of(more waiting)
And what I know of God,(He's directed me to me kids)
And what I know of God.(our kids in Ghana are part of is His eternal plan for us)

PLAN OF SALVATION KITS-$15 VALENTINES ORDERS FUDGE & SALSA

2010-01-26T13:02:00.001-08:00

DO YOU LOVE NEW WAYS TO TEACH YOUR KIDS GOSPEL PRINCIPLES? We have a treat for you. We have created THE PLAN OF SALVATION KIT-it's perfect for family home evening, sunday school or primary classes or get for little gift for V.T or Home Teaching families :P
THIS KIT INCLUDES ALL SCRIPTURAL REFERENCES AND LESSON!

VALENTINES ORDERS- TASTEBUDS GOURMET FUDGE AND SPECIALITY SALSA

We have received a few phone calls or messages this week from some of our friends asking if they can order more FUDGE. So we will be ramping up TASTEBUDS for Valentines day. SALSA $5 a pint and FUDGE $6.50 per pound(+shipping). Yes, I said pound on the fudge. For those of you who ordered during the holidays we actually gave you a full pound of fudge @ $6.50 instead of the the half pound we had written. OOPS Glad, you all enjoyed it :P The pkgs will come decorated with a pink ribbon and a pink label.
If you have any questions or would like to make an order leave us a comment or use our contact info at the top, right side of our blog to email us or send funds.

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU for your continual support.
All proceeds will go to our adoption fundraising efforts. THANKS

Called our kids in Ghana!

2009-12-30T00:38:00.000-08:00

I have to admit I was so nervous to call our kids in Ghana. However I have been really hoping to get some pictures and it just hasn't worked out so instead the opportunity to call our kids was presented and how could I say no. But I didn't know how much they knew about us, or if they had seen a picture, or how confusing it could be for us to call them. So I prayed, and prayed to find peace and comfort and that our kids would be blessed with the same. It was so "SWEET" to hear their little voices and their accents. Not much was said or needed to be after our first question. They asked us, "how are you". We replied, "good". And then asked Sarah and then Kingsley, "If they would like to join our family". To hear them say, "oh, YES"! Was AMAZING, so real and emotional. I lost it, I was bawling. My mind was spinning. We had the phone on speaker so our kids could listen, we also passed it around to say who they were and whatever they wanted to say. It was a HAPPY DAY! That night I wished we had talked longer, asked more questions, but I just couldn't think past them wanting to join our family and I guess that's the most important after all, right?

Need to give a huge shout out of THANKS!

2009-12-30T00:30:00.001-08:00

Many of you supported us during our Fudge and Salsa fundraiser. "THANK YOU"!!! I am so pleased to announce that after all the money we spent putting into our supplies we still cleared a profit of $335.00 plus one check sent for $40 and one for $50! I am so HAPPY to be able to write out a check to Luckyhill for a grand total of $ 425.00 towards our adoptions costs! Thank you so much for all your LOVE and SUPPORT. I am in awe how AMAZING you all are!. This completely exceeded my expectations and then some.

I AM EMOTIONALLY SPEECHLESS!

2009-12-21T18:44:00.000-08:00

WE just had the most "AWESOME'EST" thing done! We heard a small knock at the door. I thought the kids were playing and paid no attention to it. Casey was in his office and got up to check it out. When he opened the door no one was there, but he noticed someone had left a quart size jar on our porch, Casey picked it up and then looked around to see who left it, he noticed someone in a hoodie walking away. Casey said THANK YOU, and the person kept walking! SO Cas came inside and immediately I heard my name called. He was yelling throughout the house, HON look what someone just left us! It was a jar filled with MONEY that had a note attached that read CHRISTMAS JAR! Oh wow, what a blubbering baby I am right now. I have such a grateful heart, that someone, or some family thought to save their money up until right before Christmas and then to deliver it to us! I am speechless and overcome with emotion. It's so powerful to see that so many people do live and celebrate the true meaning of CHRISTMAS, being a true example of our Saviour, giving and sacrificing all for the sake of someone else benefit! Wow, my heart is FULL!

I have longed to write this past week. I really have been so overwhelmed with the kindness and thoughtfulness that some many have shared with us as we are fundraising for our adoption. I have neglected to write because I don't want to make anyone feel that their kindness was less than as important as someone else's, if that makes sense. To know that someone, so many have been willing to sacrifice at this time right before Christmas to help us raise money towards our adoption is humbling and amazing. When I put it out there that we would be making fudge and salsa for fundraising I was so stressed that we wouldn't recoup our costs or break even. I am so happy to say that we have exceeded BOTH! We've had many orders for fudge and salsa, one amazing order was 32 fudge and 26 salsa. We have had 2 checks show up in the mail with no desire for anything in return, one was from a highschool friend that I haven't seen in 13yrs but just got reaquainted with through facebook and the other was from a person I have never met face to face but have enjoyed getting to know through facebook and blogs, both sent a note that said they wanted to do what they could to help us bring our kids home. Each night I go to bed anxious to offer "THANKS" to my Father in Heaven for the amazing friends he has blessed us with and for their willingness to support us and love us! I wish I weren't so speechless as to how it feels to be the recipient of such " INCREDIBLE BLESSINGS!" My prayer is gonna be a long one tonight :)

TO EVERYONE: IF YOU HAVE CALLED ME, EMAILED ME, FB ME, ORDERED FROM ME, OR SENT ME A CHECK IN THE MAIL. "THANK YOU" FOR THE LOVE AND SUPPORT YOU HAVE GIVEN ME. YOU HAVE EACH TOUCHED ME IN SUCH A MEANINGFUL AND SPECIAL WAY! I AM SO GRATEFUL FOR EACH AND EVERYONE OF YOU!!!!

Tempt your TASTEBUDS this holiday season!

2009-12-09T21:36:00.000-08:00

ALL PROCEEDS WILL GO TOWARDS OUR ADOPTION FUNDRAISER! Thanks for shopping.

FUNDRAISING UPDATES-Donations of services and goods!

2009-11-20T18:44:00.000-08:00

If you would like to help by donating your time, talent or service, you can contact me by email or leave a comment on this post!

If your new to what we are doing, please start with the 2nd post down, that explains all about our fundraising efforts! Thank you!

REMINDER: THERE IS NO SMALL ACT OF SERVICE!!!

I will be making this an on going post, always updating, with a list of all the services or donations that have been offered. Please help us get the word out to anyone you know in these areas.

WASHINGTON
SEATTLE WASHINGTON AREA-Danielle Weathers Photography www.danielleweathersphotography.com

Danielle-would love to donate my photography services if someone is interested or is in the Seattle, Washington area and could utilize my services. My session fee for a family of 4 is $150 and $25 for each additional person beyond the 4. My session includes my time for the session and editing of 20-25 images from the session. Prints and digital images are an additional cost but I would like to donate the digital images from the session which is a $150 value. The total value would be $300 for a family of 4 including digital images from the session. You can refer people to my website and blog at www.danielleweathersphotography.com

IDAHO
BURLEY IDAHO AREA(Can be order from out of the area) WeedOptic Design
http://www.weedop.com/

Lyndsey-will donate the first 5 hours of any design work for as many clients as are interested. This could be christmas cards, business cards, posters, flyers, static websites, photo restoration, logos...you name it! This is a $100 value. In this case, the printing would be the clients responsibility, but I would assist in finding a good printing source. My website is http://www.weedop.com/ .

BURLEY IDAHO AREA-
"The Food Coach" Marianne Mallory BS CHES
208 431-1853 or email @ marem@safelink.com

MARIANNE-will donate her time for some weight loss/food coaching. A session is usually 35.00 each...if you buy 4 they are 100.00. Four is a good idea...I walk you through everything and follow your progress. My clients usually lose at least 15 pounds the first month(depending on how much they NEED to lose)...
I am also going to China in a couple weeks to get our daughter and will take orders for those really cute "squeaky shoes" for little girls. I will donate all the profit to the Hermansen kids in Africa. Let's say 15.00 a pair? That's a screaming deal for some cute shoes and you get that satisfaction knowing you are helping 2 kids in a BIG BIG way:)
btw...I hope to be back before Christmas ....in case you want them for gifts..."

BURLEY IDAHO AREA(Will ship Fudge anywhere)
Taste Buds-Gourmet Fudge, Fresh home made Salsa, Fresh homemade cinnamon rolls

The Hermansen Family- We will be once again offering our Holiday Taste Bud Temptations.

*Homemade Fudge-We specialize in Cherry Chocolate Fudge, Chocolate Walnut Fudge, Maple Nut Fudge, and Peanut Butter Fudge(most popular). Cost is 1/2 lbs @ $6.50 + cost of shipping.

*Homemade Salsa- Made fresh, can deliver as is or canned for longer shelf life.
Pint size jar $5. We will deliver locally!

*Homemade Cinnamon Rolls-These are large, juicy, gooey, and very yummy cinnamon rolls!!!!
1/2 dozen @ $7.50. We will deliver locally!

UTAH
UTAH COUNTY-SEQUOIA BUILDING AND DESIGN is donating finish carpentry work!

Jason and Dalan Perry-would like to each donate a days worth of labor towards some finish carpentry. Crown molding, baseboards, doors, basement finish. To give you an idea of what their time and work is worth they typically charge $50/hr. They are donating up to 20 hrs of labor anywhere within an hour of Saratoga Springs.

As a family "OUR HEARTS ARE FULL", we feel so blessed to have such amazing friends and family that are willing to help us and support us with our adoption.

Our hope for how the FUNDRAISER will work!

2009-11-20T10:01:00.000-08:00

FIRST OFF, PLEASE KNOW THERE IS NO SMALL ACT OF SERVICE!!!

Do you have a special talent such as (ie. Hair bows, hand bags, purses, jewelry, home décor, candles, etc...) or a special service (ie. Photography, babysitting, cooking, Christmas lights etc..) Would you like to offer your talent or service in exchange for a donation that would go towards our fundraising efforts? If so, please list your service/talent, quantity of donation, donation value, with a direct link to your blog, or facebook acct. If you do not have a blog or fb account please send me a detailed description and I will advertise it on my blog and fb account and will list your contact info.

Here’s how we would like the process to work: 1. Buyers will contact you to guarantee service or product and quantity 2. The buyer will then make a donation by Pay Pal(casey.hermansen@gmail.com), Check (payable to Luckyhill-the orphanage in Ghana) or Cash and they will list who they are buying from, and quantity(send to Hermansen residence. 882 E. 100 S. Declo, Id 83323). We will contact you, confirming the donation has been made and your services or goods can be rendered.
*If you feel if would be easier for you to just send your donation to me(ie. hair bows, bag, etc. and you don't care if you get traffic to your blog or business. Than I would be more than happy to handle it from there!

Are you someone that is looking for a service or goods and don’t see it. Please post what you are looking for and we will see if we can link you together with someone that can provide it!

We have some exciting news to share!!!!

2009-11-18T18:57:00.001-08:00

WE HAVE SOME NEWS!! The Hermansen Family is adopting again! We are super excited to be going through the process again and look forward to adding to our family. We are working with an AMAZING orphanage in Ghana, Africa named Luckyhill.

For those that are familiar with adoption or those that have adopted, you’re probably very aware of all the fundraising that goes into it to help offset some of the costs involved. For our fundraising efforts I have find it very hard to ask for donations without you getting something in return. So we have come up with an idea that is a little different in hopes that everyone will be able to benefit. With Christmas only being 5 ½ weeks away, it is our goal to get this up and running by this Monday, Nov 23rd!

Do you have a special talent such as (ie. Hair bows, hand bags, purses, jewelry, home décor, candles, etc...) or a special service (ie. Photography, babysitting, cooking, Christmas lights etc..) Would you like to offer your talent or service in exchange for a donation that would go towards our fundraising efforts? If so, please list your service/talent, quantity of donation, donation value, with a direct link to your blog, or facebook acct. If you do not have a blog or fb account please send me a detailed description and I will advertise it on my blog and fb account and will list your contact info.
Here’s how we would like the process to work: 1. Buyers will contact you to guarantee service or product and quantity 2. The buyer will then make a donation by Pay Pal(casey.hermansen@gmail.com), Check (payable to Luckyhill-the orphanage in Ghana) or Cash and they will list who they are buying from, and quantity(send to Hermansen residence. 882 E. 100 S. Declo, Id 83323). We will contact you, confirming the donation has been made and your services or goods can be rendered.

Are you someone that is looking for a service or goods and don’t see it. Please post what you are looking for and we will see if we can link you together with someone that can provide it!

Hopefully this will be a win/win for everyone involved! We understand that times are tight for people financially, so we are super grateful for any help or support that you can lend! Thank you so much. Love The Hermansen Family

HOPE

2009-10-25T19:51:00.000-07:00

My hope for this blog is to help me stay focused on my goal of uniting my family through our different cultures and heritages.

First off, I must explain where our family heritages come from. Casey's ancestors came from Scandinavian countries. I am still learning more about my heritage. I do know my grandmother came from Czechoslovakia so that's where I will start. Our son Elijah's heritage is African American. For the longest time I struggled with how we would learn and celebrate his heritage and culture. I studied, trying to find ways that African Americans celebrate their heritage and culture in the states. Kwanzaa and Martin Luther King day were the only holiday and info I could find. I feel it is very important for Elijah to learn and celebrate Martin Luther King Day (which we have always done) but as he grows older we will help him understand its meaning as his age allows him to grasp it. Then for me a light went off. Casey and I are Americans that were born and raised in the states, however when it comes to finding out our family heritage and cultures we look to the present and the past, to where our families originated from. Since I can't look to present for Elijah, I must look to the past. At that very moment I knew we would celebrate Elijah's hertiage and culture from Africa.

I have started off by making a detailed list of ways that I can start implementing our cultures into our daily lives. Here it goes:

*history, music, and musical instruments, dance, food, geography, clothing, games, holiday's(how they are celebrated), art, jewelry, decorations(household), books, poetry, movies ( including national geographic), Roots, languages, reasons for immigration, daily routines, school, education, famous people and decorations(holiday's)Christmas tree and Nativity set.

After our move and once we are settled in, I plan on dedicating one evening per week to recognizing and living one of these cultures; African, Czech, Scandinavian. I will cook a meal from that region, play music, or learn a bit of history(current or past). I have already bought a cook book from each country and I am looking into music now. Later on down the road I would like to add clothes into the evening. I also would love to find others people that would have a lot of knowledge and experince to offer us(grandparents, college students, foreing exchange students, return missionaries, anyone that could come share in an evening at our home.

Casey and I sat down and decided that we are going to celebrate Kwanzaa this year. Dec 26-31. I am so excited. I have already study up on it and it's a very positive holiday to celebrate. I look forward to making this a yearly treat. We've already ordered our Kinora set.

I am so excited I have finally made a start. I know we have a long way to go but the beginning is the only place to start.