In two days, this ol’ blog will turn four years old.
Four years.
Those four years have been some of the craziest, most joy filled years I can recall.
Sadly, that’s not saying a whole heckuvalot since my memory is horridly faulty these days. But that’s why I blog. So I don’t have to remember.
So, in celebration of the big oh-four, I want to do something extraordinary.
Consume something decadent.
Give away something divine.
But as for ideas, I have none. So I thought I’d ask you, my treasured confidantes, what do you think I should do?
Celebratory ideas?
Giveaway ideas?
C’mon, you know there’s something you’d like to have a shot at winning over here on Ni Hao Y’all…
No. I won’t be giving away anything insanely wonderful like a Macbook Pro.
Or a Nikon D700.
Think just a tad bit smaller. Not gonna lie, ain’t got a whole lot extra to spare these days.
But I do want to celebrate.
I’m ready to be dazzled by your ideas 
I'm a regular mama. Who happens to have twelve kids.
Just one husband, though.
Um, how about a Wild Olive Tee? A new one would be fantastic to sport on my upcoming trip to China…
Congratulations on four years of blogging!
How about a promise to visit this summer? *grin*
I agree with Kristi! Money to spend at Wild Olive would be my choice….if you aren't going to give away a Nikon that is!
Yes, most definitely a Wild Olive Tee!! -Diane
Yea a wild Olive tee sounds good, but you've got enough going on with a new angel in the house and besides I so enjoy reading your posts and seeing all the great pictures so that's good enough for me.
How I would live a Wild Olive Tee but a donation to an orphan charity in my name would really make my day.
how 'bout walking another family thru the adoption process?? you know, you are an old pro at it. not that you are old. =) or…a wild olive tee. that would be good too. i gotta order one for my big girl's birthday anyway. =)
Wild Olive Tee is my vote!
How about a real live phone call from YOU? Okay, maybe that's a bit much. Maybe a call from Sophie?
No, no , a call from Vivi…she's still got that Baby Chinese Babble going on…so cute!
How about you give away your extra Chinese Money to the winner?
(what, you spent it ALL!?)
You know we all just LOVE pictures of your family!
I love the wild Olive GC or tee idea!
Or just a donation to a orphanange is a wonderful idea.
A GC to like Target or your favorite boutique, Gymboree? Some place that carries boy and girl clothes for those of us adopting little emperor's!
4 years that is wonderful!!
Jody
Congrats on your 4th year blogiversary! I love following your adorable family!
A wild olive tee… I've always wanted one – but just not accustomed to buying over the internet yet, much less buying over the internet from overseas… do wild olive tees ship overseas?
How 'bout a Surf & Turf sushi weekend? Oh, sorry, wrong blog ; )
A Wild Olive Tee for everyone!!!
I say, since your blog is 4 years old, how about 4 Wild Olive Tees? Or is that being too selfish…and I mean 4 winners of course!
So funny. I think most of us want a Wild Olive Tee. haha I would LOVE to win a tee. Other idea…Alexis could do a blog design.
Love the Wild Olive Tee idea!
I have not been following for four years (just about six months) but I appreciate all the ideas and funny stories from your wonderful family. Keep us laugh'n.
Happy FOURTH!!!
I would like a chance at a Wild Olive Tee!
PT
The book, sister. That' s what I want. When you gonna write THAT BOOK, HUH????????
Happy Homecoming and Happy Four Bloggy Years!
I agree with the comments above – a Wild Olive Tee is always great as a giveaway – even if I have never been lucky enough to win – but I will cross my fingers:)
Hope all continues to go well with you!! Blessings, Ashley
I think you give soooo much of yourself….I'd feel kinda selfish to suggest you give any more. That's not necessary! But, I'm dying to see a photo of the kids with Vivi….seeing you all together…with her….as a family…that's my kind of celebration!!!
What about a picture of the kiddos that are at home with their momma?
After all we adore the pictures and you!
ok, I would like to win a Q&A with you! I am bringing my second home from Taiwan, first one was 9 months…my next little one is 3…already have 2 bio…ages will be 2,3,4 & 6….a little terrified here! Anyhow, maybe you could just pick me as the winner and award me this prize?? =)
Great…thanks!
Kristy
4 words for your 4 years:
triple ecstasy chocolate cake
here's a link to the recipe–http://www.beliefnet.com/Love-Family/Recipes/2009/06/Triple-Chocolate-Ecstasy.aspx
It doesn't get anymore decadent or delicious. Congrats!
How about Wild olive tees for the family? or a visit would be great too. Jenne in OR
PS or better yes, help fundraising another adoption!!!!!!!!!!
Wow…4 years…hard to believe!! Harder to believe I *know* you longer than that!!
How about:
a Wild Olive tee…or 4 for 4 years & 4 winners…lol…ok, after I typed this I scrolled through the comments…seems like the BEST & most popular choice!!
Oh…& one other thing…how 'bout you just keep on blogging!! You know we LOVE your posts & your family & well, YOU!!
Love the Wild Olive Tee idea
but
Maybe an online photography class. Didn't you take a class? I have no clue how much this costs though.
If you want a give-away I suggest a Wild Olive Tee or a Pioneer Woman Cookbook. But I enjoy your stories and photos of real life just as much too.
Celebrate the blog by just bloggin! It's very cool and we all love it!
Tees please.
Well, since Wild Olive T's have already been mentioned, I'll go with a spin on Tonggu Momma's. Why don't you offer an experience day? A visit for a day with the Ni Hao Y'all gang? A meet-up meal? Something like that?
If I win, I'd need a piddle pad
Happy 4 years! You are almost a year older than me;)
You know what I'd like to win….if you brought home an extra???? A Cricket cage!
I am actually trying to get one in China right now. I am posting blogs for a friend and she asked if there was anything we wanted…may I ask where you found ASher's in GZ?
Your bloggy presence is gift enough to us all. You make such a difference.
Maybe sponsoring a child for a year?
CCAI Henan project, Grace and Hope or through LWB? Hmmm…or maybe through Orphan's Wish?!!
Wild Olive T's! And I agree with the one that said we're dying to see a photo of Vivi with the family! Love your blog!
Joy
http://www.journeytojia.blogspot.com
Welcome Home!
I was thinking if we all(33 of us making comments now) donated $10 to Orphan's Wish club foot unit in honor of Ni Hao y'all we could sponsor a child for a year. Or..If you want a gift idea maybe a Junk Posse type of necklace or charm with China on it or our children's names on it??? Congrats on 4 years!
Doesn't the birthday girl usually get the presents? Love Brandi's idea. But I also love the Barfield's idea too. You can't get much better than help through adoption with you, I think. Congratulations on your 4 year mark. Not sure how long I've been reading, but close to that long. So glad I found you all that time ago. You have had a tremendous impact on my life. Really. Just thought you should know.
Mary Beth
Happy almost 4 years!!!!! How about a wild olive t-shirt!!! I love mine!!!! I can sing to you on your 4 years but then you may not return for another post : P
I just read "Brandi's" idea & I think it's wonderful!!! If you decided to do that, I'm in!!
Oh wow, congrats!! How about a new apron from Scarlett Threads??
They have such cute ones!! And it helps a good cause!
I agree with all the Wild Olive tee suggestions. I have one and LOVE it!!!
blessings,
sharon
Please, please a Wild Olive Tee!!!
Four years already – yikes how time does fly by….
I am game for anything – ready for anything…bring it on {oh how I can't wait}!
I with the others…Wild Olive Tee
How about showing up on the winner's doorstep with the newest Wild Olive Tee, cake balls and a Starbucks? And if that isn't gonna happen because you have so many littles under the age of 10, I agree that we should each donate $10 to orphanage of your choice!
I would like a chance at a Wild Olive Tee!
but unsure if you even making them in my size!
Wow, four years! Cool. (Sidenote, makes me want to go back and check how long I've been doing this, you think I'd know, for pete's sake.) Let's see, the Wild Olive tee popped into my head, but it looks like about 50 other people thought of it first.
umm maybe a piece of candy?
I really think your blog is a present already. I've learned so much about adoption from you, it's unbelievable.
Happy 4th!
KL
I would love to have a Wild Olive tee myself!!! (however, I am giving away a Canon Rebel XSi over at my blog!!!)
I just got an update on Asher this morning!!! I can't wait!
I don't think that you should give anything away! Sharing your life and your tips for China travel and just your great humor is enough! Gracious, look at all of your followers! We hope to be traveling by May and I will be bringing my two sons this time, ages 8 and 12. I would love to get them a cricket cage- can you tell me where you got them? Love, Kim
No ideas for you Stefanie…but congrats on FOUR years! Love to pop in for a visit here and there!
I am the same as you…have a rusty brain in recent years so will rely heavily on the old bloggo for DETAILS!
How bout a Family Tree Necklace from Lisa Leonard Designs since you are so BIG on family as are your followers?
Or a meeting with you would be the coolest!
Wild Olive Tee!!!! I bought one for my 7 year old and it came last week and we both love it. She got a ton of compliments on it at school and church.
BTW, it was your blog that caused me and my husband to think about a special needs adoption. Our daughter has been home with us now 1 1/2 years (Cleft) and I can't imagine our life without her!!!! Thank you for planting a seed you didn't even know about.
I second and third all those wild olive tees giveaway. I just spent $6K on airfare to China, not a dollar more to spare, he he! It will be awesome to wear one while strolling around Shaiman island!
Happy 4 years celebration of your blog!
she is fun on the phone, especially with all those kiddos in the background :O)
no ideas from me, i'm just thrilled to watch your family bloom and grow. and i DO hope we see each other again one day.
Congratulations!!!!!!!!
I think we all should give YOU a gift for keeping us entertained with your special brand of humor for so long.
You really have a way with writing and in reminding me that life is an adventure.
You are a very special girl and I so enjoy coming to visit you here to see your beautiful photography and enjoy your wonderful words.
Happy Anniversary!
xoxo
Dita Darling
My Vote is for one of those awesome silver necklaces with the Chinese writing on them. Since I am also short on memory, I cannot for the life of me remember what they are called. But something like that would be great!
Or, an amazon or VISA gift card!
Can you email me so I can ask you some SN questions???
Thanks,
Sharon
shayankerich@gmail.com
How about round trip plane tickets and an all expense paid trip to visit your family? That would be fun!!!!!
Im totally kidding by the way!!!
Yep, Wild Olive tee(s)! I nearly wore mine out in China!
Welcome home, Stephanie and Vivi!! I have been following your blog for several years. You are such an inspiring person. We have chatted privately via e-mail off and on. I love reading your blog! This is my first time trying for a give away. I'm especially drawn to one of the necklaces.