Thank you from the de la Rosa's! As you can see, I was on the naughty list and Santa did not ring me a new camera. However, my SP thought I was nice and gave me some great stuff this month! I have a little Asian baby doll, a soft Who Loves Baby book that you put photos in and a fun, colorful rattle. Thanks SP! I hope you have a blessed New Year!

Thomas Family Long overdue Thank You!!!

So sorry it took us awhile to post, the flu struck our house and we are still easing out of the covers everyday.

December Secret Pal Toys 4 Tots Exchange

We love the wooden food cutting present! This is just an adorable gift! I love these types of toys. The chef hat is just perfect since Dean is a chef! I cannot wait to see them in the kitchen together! I had to keep myself from opening up the present and playing with it myself. Thank so much Secret Pal. You pick the best gifts!

November Secret Pal Exchange

Thank you so much for the wonderful Mother Goose Golden Book! This is our first Mother Goose book and we love it! The alphabet Cards are the best! I have never seen these type of wall art cards and absolutely think they are awesome! The cards are definetely something that will be treasured. Thank you for being a great Secret Pal!

Holiday Gift Exchange Secret Santa

Huge thanks to Keryl Cosenzo for being a great Secret Santa! We love this Santa and enjoyed him and his many candle scents during the holiday season! He is just beautiful! Thanks for being a great Secret Santa!

Thomas Family Blog

Secret Pal,
Please let me appologize for not posting this earlier. I am glad someone on the yahoo site reminded me. We've dealt with the holiday, the flu, and an upper respiratory infection all in the last 3 weeks. I certainly hope it's out of our systems now! Let's hope the New Years rings in much healthier.

My secret pal gifted me with darling long underwear set for Rachel and a Spot's Christmas Board Book. Boy do I long for the days where I can cuddle in Rachel's bed with her and read her a book. Wonder when that will be???

Thank you secret pal, you are Wonderful!!!

Andrea Hennen
LID 4/5/06

P.S. the long underwear set has little green turtle's with Santa Hat's on...How Cute!

Thank You Karen & Dean Thomas

I had a nice surprise from our Holiday Exchange Pal when I got home from work today. A huge box was on our front porch and we couldn't wait to tear into it. Inside was the most beautiful old fashioned Santa I've ever seen. The top picture is a close up of his face so you could see the awesome detail. Pearson is waving at him in the 2nd picture; he just loves it. He thinks it's a toy to play with so I had to put it up after taking the pictures (he's quite angry with me right now). I love Santa figurines and I am so proud to have this one in my collection. Thank you so much for such a beautiful gift.

Donna Hammock & Family

THANK YOU TO THE HAMMOCK'S SECRET PAL
Today we received the nicest toys for our daughter. There are two sets of Snap-Lock beads, a Rock-a-Stack set and a Chatter Telephone. These are such great toys and I'm so glad to have them for when our daughter comes home. Thanks again for being such a great pal.
Happy New Year!
The Hammock Family

Thank you Vandeven Secret "Santa" pal. You made the kids so happy. It was actually the best timing. They were eager to open "something- anything" and then your lovely package came in.


Stone's was perfectly silly just like him. I think this will make our car ride very entertaining!










Dante was over the moon about his model. His FIRST. And he wants a Ferrari too, so he says! He had it together that evening.










Lucy was as cute as can be and was hugging her bear before she could get it all the way out. It has been by her side since she did get it all the way out too.










And KATE...She is sure to love ther musical garden. I LOVED this toy and its fun cheerfulness. As you can see so does Stone....and I just saw it in Lucy's room too!

Thanks for spoiling all my children, near and far! You went above and beyond what you should have as usual, but we appreciate it!
Happy Holidays, to you and your family this year!

Thank you to the Hammock's Secret Pal
Oh my we love the presents we received today. Our pal has been out of the country and today we received October & November's gifts. They are absolutely wonderful. First of all there is a beautiful set of 12 Disney books called "My Princess Collection". It is such a nice set and we are thrilled to have this in our daughter's library. Next there are two cd's, one is lullabies and the other is Classic Baby Mozart. The lullaby cd is my hubby's favorite. It has three songs on it about daddy's and their little girls; it is so precious. Now we come to the really cool gift; it's a Cinderella interactive felt playset in 3D. I have never seen anything like it and I can't wait for our daughter to be able to play with it. One of the sweetest gifts in this fabulous array of presents is the silver spoon set. It has "Little Princess" on it in pink and it's so pretty. Last but not least is a precious little pink & white Beanie Poodle. I love poodles and this one is just so cute and cuddly. I also included the card and the pretty flower that was used in the wrapping. Secret Pal, you are awesome and we love all the gifts. We can't thank you enough for how generous you have been.

We hope you have a very Merry Christmas! The Hammocks

The Bryant Pal ROCKS

Ok, I admit it, every day I've been coming home, walking in the door and looking for a package from our Secret Pal.

We received it today and it's fantastic. So many cute baby toys, and I hear stacking cups are one of the few 'guaranteed' hits with new children from China! They will be going with us overseas!

The candy... man, that was an instant hit with Eric. Not only does he love all of them, but right now candy (anything hard or sticky) is off limits... I split a tooth in half and have some dental 'work' waiting for me right after the holidays! He says he hit the jackpot and even opened the whoppers before I could take a picture. He also loved the checker board and looks forward to playing with magpie.

The ornaments were my favorite. We have a miniature tree and so these will be perfect for it!

Thanks so much and hope you have a wonderful holiday season.

What awesome gifts I received this month from my secret pal. I was very touched to open my box and find gifts for each of the eight nights of Hanukkah. I am sure "baby" will love her goodies and I am enjoying having my "frog prince" clock on my desk at work as a constant reminder of the gift of friendship.

Thank you to the Kuhns' Secret Pal! I absolutely love opening our secret pal package every month. It is so much fun to see what surprises are inside.

Sunshine now has one of the things that practically every little girl wants...a jewelry box with a dancing ballerina inside. And this one plays "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" which is exactly where she is right now. We also received an adorable little Christmas bear for her to cuddle.

We are so grateful to have such a wonderful and thoughtful secret pal that helps to put a smile on our faces while we endure this continued long wait to bring our Sunshine home. Have a great holiday and a very Happy New Year! Michele & Chuck

Thank you to my Secret Pal!! This month we received the Dance Baby Dance stacker. It is adorable. I can just imagine Grace dancing to the cute music. Thank you for thinking of us. You are so thoughtful.

Lenora T.

Thank you Smith secret Pal!!!!

We just received a big box from our secret pal. You can not believe all the things that were in it for all of us. We got the most beautiful Christmas ornament I have ever seen. I can not do it justice to describe it. I will post pictures later. I am waiting on my daughter to get home from school because her and her brother have a gift to open.

Adayla got Panda Bears this time. I really cute little puppet, book and hard toy.

Thank you soo soo much secret Pal!! You are the greatest.

I hope you and your family have a very Merry Merry Christmas!

The Smiths

To Megan Anderson's Secret Pal

Hello there from the very cold and dark Pacific Northwest. We are out of power for the second day but have wireless internet (!) and so I have about just enough juice in my laptop to quickly let you know that I got your gift of the books this past week! Thank you so much- and I will post a picture and a lot more details.

The grover one was my favorite book growing up! I am so excited!

Brrr!
Megan

Thank you to the Giulietti Secret Pal!

You always send the best gifts! We love it all. The books are great. I am sure that Violet will enjoy playing with the fairy wings … what little girl wouldn’t!

The Tim Tam bars are delicious, and Sophie is already looking forward to using the cookie cutters, too.

Thanks again for everything,

Pete, Jill and Sophie

Secret Pal you are absolutely fantasic!!!!!

It has been raining presents here the last couple of days! I think your packages must have taken a detour via China, but Oct/Nov & Dec packages have arrived safe & sound! and have been opened with much gusto & excitement!

You have been too too generous! You have not only purchased beautiful gifts for our little panda, but have thought of our boys as well!

The bottom photo shows mealtime & family pampering gifts - all are absolutely wonderful - and so very different from what we can get in Australia. My husband was very impressed that there was a gift for him too!

For October & November, our secret pal has been so thoughtful and exchanged fall frolics for summer things as we are in Summer here now - the outfits & hats are fantastic! Again, have never seen anything like these, so she will definitely be an original parading down the street! You must have been reading my ebay messages - I was checking out Sonya Lee but decided to leave until next year - now I don't have too - she is really sweet! The child size apron & decorations is definitely something that will get alot of use - I love cooking and I hope she will t0o & help her ma!

Once again you have thought of my boys - Samuel asked why he kept getting presents and I had to explain that a very wonderful family who were also waiting for their little girl from China was sending us presents to cheer us up while we wait - his comment "COOL!" Matchbox cars, water pistols, star fish, bug catcher & buckets & spades and I was not able to get them all back before I took the photo, they were being played with and I was not going to get a lookin!

Finally December's gift - again you have been too generous!!! We received a fisher price caterpillar & extra balls to go with it - cool eyes that move! More lovely Xmas books, little dolly for the dolls house & toys for the boys (hid them this time so I could get a photo!)

It has definitely brightened our week with your ever so thoughtful gifts - we are extremely fortunate to have someone like you as our fairy godmother!

Blessings & Peace to you for a joyous Xmas

With Love

The Dal-Corobbo Family
Roxby Downs, Australia

Thank you, Bryant Secret Pal

Thanks first of all for understanding and for respecting our wishes not to receive any presents in November, I know you understand and that means a great deal to us. We just couldn't handle presents while we were mourning.

But, the days have passed and we feel better, better enough to enjoy the gifts you've been sending us... little did you know we have one of those pop up bug books and and it turns out it was one you didn't send us... have you been peaking in our closets? There's lots of hiding spaces in our new house, just ask our neice.

Anyway, just a quick thank you for all you do, for your understanding and for the friendship you've given to my husband and I. We've been so lucky to have you in our life.

Lisa and Eric.

Thank you to the Fellman Secret Pal!

December's present has been received and put away in hiding and November's present has come out of hiding and been opened.

You chose the sweetest books - thank you so very much!

The Kissing Hand - I had never seen or read before and the story is so sweet about how the baby has the mommy's kiss with her everywhere she goes. I just loved it and all the books!

Thanks again,

Lisa and Barry

Thanks from the Franklin Family!
Our secret pal is the best!
I love the book, puzzle and toy from the story and I can't wait to read the story with Susanna!
Very fitting since we have 6 cats :)
Thanks again!

Thankyou Gray Secret Pal

For the November - Book theme we received a very cute soft book for our little one to not only enjoy the story but also all the great textures and noises too. The little ladybug is very cute and the 'pages' so lovely and colourful.

Many thanks again and we wish you a fabulous festive season and an exciting 2007!

Tiff, Andrew, Emily and Lucy Gray

Getting to know the Cosenzo-South family

1. Hi we are Joe South and Keryl Cosenzo. We live in Maryland. We met doing community service in college. We have been married for seven years. Joe is an engineer and I am research psychologist. When we are not busy working, we do projects around the house, golf and spend time with our dog Miles. We also love to travel. This will be our first child and the first grandchild for our families.

2. Girl, Boy, Twins requested? We requested a little girl

3. Age requested - between six and nine months

4. Child/Children's names? We really like the name Amelia.

5. Nursery theme and colours? The nursery will be done in toile, gingham and bunnies. The colors will be light pink and green.

6. Likes and Dislikes? I like jewelry (real or costume), coats and shoes. I can not resist a coat with a fur color. I like spend time with my family and friends. I try to have a dinner party with friends every month or so. I am always on the go and have a difficult time relaxing. My biggest dislikes are laziness and self-centeredness.

7. Hobbies and Collections? I do not collect anything. My favorite activities are cooking, decorating and shopping. I also enjoy going to the gym or participating in outdoor activities (e.g. cycling) when the weather is nice.

8. Favourite fragrance and scents? I like thing that are light and refreshing like Green Tea by Elizabeth Arden.

9. Favourite foods? I love to eat any kind of italian food.

10. Favourite books or authors? I devour novels. Once I start a book I do not put in down until its finished which is only a few hours later. I usually just walk through the library and choose interesting titles. I used to be addicted to romance novels but recently have been reading murder-mysteries.

11. Favourite movies? I do not a favorite movie at all .. SAD, yes I know.

12. Favourite music? I listen to a wide variety of music. I like Evanescence,U2, James Taylor.

13. Favourite colour or colours? My favorite color is red and green.

14. Registered at a store? I am not registered at a store yet.

15. Favourite clothing item for a child? I like dresses and cute hats.

16. I am looking foward to the Secret Pal Exchange. The increase in the wait time has made this process more difficult than it already was. It will be great to pass the time sending and receiving special gifts with my Secret Pal.

Thankyou to the O'Briens Secret Pal
Secret Pal
Thankyou so much for the wonderful books. I liked them so much I had to take a picture by my ultrasound :) which is kept on my china cabinet at all times. Shaoey and Dot what a wonderful adoption story and a great choice. Everyday Angels what can I say secret pal a perfect choice as always from our Secret Pal Angel! I cannot wait to sit and read these books with my little Anisha. She will love them.
Thankyou again Secret Pal
You are the best!
Trisha

Getting to know the Wulfekuhl family

Hi, I'm Lisa Wulfekuhl, my husband is Russ. We live in Athens, ALabama. I work full time at a bank, and My husband is an engineer. We have been married for 17 1/2 years. This will be our first child/ children.

2. Girl, Boy, Twins requested? girl or twins


3. Age Requested? new born to 1 year


4. Child/children's names? Alison Rose & Susan Renee


5. Nursery theme and colours? Pink & White with Roses


6. Likes and Dislikes? I like spending time with family, lazy Sunday afternoons after church, fishing with my husband, walking / playing with our two labrador retrievers, beautiful sunrises / sunsets.


7. Hobbies and Collections? I like to collect carousel horses, like to cross stich, online games, reading mystery novels, scrapbooking.


8. Favourite fragrance or scents? fresh cut grass, vanilla fields, obsession, poison, cool water....
Dont like flower scents.


9. Favourite foods? Mexican, Italian, seafood, steak.


10. Favourite books or authors? J.D. Robb, Dee Henderson, Catherine Coultier, C.J. Box.


11. Favourite movies? Anything with Julia Roberts, Dirty Dancing, Pretty in pink.


12. Favourite music? Country, Classic Rock, Aleternative Rock.

13. Favourite colour or colours? Black, Red, Navy Blue, Brown.


14. Registered at a store? Walmart, Burlington Coat Factory, Babies-r-us


15. Favourite clothing item for a child? Blue Jeans, dresses, t-shirts

16. Anything else you would like to share with your secret pal? Nothing comes to mind.

Thank you Secret Pal!!! What a cute little coat! I'm sure lots of Fall frolicking will happen in this! And our pal also sent us a subscription to Family Fun Magazine for Novembers exchange!
THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!
The Wingenter Family  

Pascarella Family Pal-
Ok I'm getting so many gifts in the mail I am starting to think I have two pals. I just received a great package with an adorable stuffed lady bug and a little lady bug book. Also included we had chocolate :) and a pack of Baby Einstein books-One for each letter of the alphabet. Then today I get a cute little fisher price doll named Sonya Lee. I love my Pal! Thanks for thinking of us. I mean really too much fun stuff. We love you, The Pascarella's

Proclamation: The Kuhns' Secret Pal is a Star!

.......at least in our eyes. She has sent us a couple of fantastic books for Sunshine's library. We received Goodnight Moon. But not only did she send us this favorite children's book, but she sent the gift pack that includes the bunny from the story. It is sooooo cute. I am so excited to have this great book so that we will be able to read it to Sunshine every night when we get her ready for bed. I bet the bunny will become one of her favorite bedtime guys to sleep with. We also received the very cute I Love You All the Time. This is another sweet board book that helps to tell our child that no matter where we are or what we are doing, we will always love her. Thank you so much secret pal. Every month we have such a great time opening our package and seeing what great things you have sent to us to join with the other special things from you for our long awaited Sunshine. We are truly blessed to have you for our secret pal.

A belated thank you to the Kuhns' secret pal for our October gifts. I was having a great deal of trouble getting pictures to load to Blogger and couldn't seem to figure out what the problem was. So I ended up deleting the pic I took the first time and started all over. So, so sorry. Our secret pal sent us the cutest outfit for Sunshine. We received an adorable denim skirt with a matching top, a really cute pumpkin bib for her first Halloween and a terrific book about pumpkins to add to her library. Our secret pal is so wonderful and finds such great gifts, things we wouldn't have thought to purchase ourselves. We can't wait until the nursery is done so we can unpack all of the boxes she has sent us and be able to fill her room with all these special things. Thank you so much, secret pal.