Bows and Buttons

24 hours to go

2009-09-13T06:26:00.002-04:00

Well we have finally made it to the last 24 hours. I am still making lists of things to do for us and our house sitter. I just found the girls coming home outfits yesterday. I know you would think with almost 3 years of waiting I would have been more prepared. Yes, I agree and I am really not a procrastinator but, I like to be really prepared. I can say we are almost packed. Last night my dear friend Lucy stopped by to give us some Chinese money to have before we meet up with our guide she is always taking care of us.

Surprise Email

2009-09-05T08:11:00.000-04:00

Today we received an email from our agency that they had some baby pictures of "K" we think she was just amout 6 months old. We were so excited to receive these. I can't believe the amount af pictures we have gotten (approx 20) of her compared to our first adoption. Only a few more days baby and we will be on our way.

We are going to China

2009-09-03T07:40:00.000-04:00

Just 2 months after we got the call of our sweet precious daughter and now have travel approval and we are able to bring her home. I am so ready to leave. The count down of days can’t get here fast enough. We are almost packed I mostly have electronics (computer, camera, DVD, camcorder) and clothes for the orphanage left to put in. It is amazing how much room we have left over I keep getting more clothes for the orphanage to fill the gaps. “M” is so excited to be finally getting to meet her little sister, I think she thought she was never going to come. “M” has just recently asked when we go to China if she can meet her birth mother. She wants to take her money and a computer so we can talk at night to each other. Wow, we have since had a lot more talks and I am sure there are a lot more to come. All is good.

Going to Kindergarten

2009-08-31T06:59:00.000-04:00

It is hard to believe that little “M” started kindergarten this year. She was so ready to go to school and meet her new friends and especially her teacher. Her biggest concern about her teacher is what color hair she would have. This was real important to her. Why??? The first week went great she loves going and is out of bed before I even get up to get her ready. I am sure this will not last all year but I will take it while I got it. Her favorite thing so far is able to buy school lunch and pick out her own milk. It is so cute to hear about her day when I pick her up in the car line she is so full of energy and wanting to talk about everything, I love it. She is growing up so fast. One of girlfriends said to me recently we have them only for such a short time before they are all grown up. Cherish every moment!

Happy Birthday "K"

2009-08-19T18:28:00.002-04:00

It is our little sweeties birthday today she is "2". As much as we wish we could be with her on this day we know that she had a good time on her special day. Ann at Red Threads delivered a cake and a party package for her. We feel so blessed that we got another update and more photos and yes she is smiling again. Enjoy the photos I will post all of them on my FB page. We are hoping to receive our TA this week. That would just make this week amazing.

Another Care Package

2009-08-09T07:30:00.000-04:00

I decided to send a care package because "M" wanted to send her little sister something for her birthday. Her report said she loves music and likes to sing so we went to the store and bought her a microphone that plays songs and lets her sing. "M" thought she would love it she said if she was "2" that would be the BEST toy :) I also included matching outfits for babies, bibs, candies for the nannies and kids, a family photo album and a soft silky personal blanket.

LOA is Here!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-08-07T17:07:00.003-04:00

What a fantastic way to start the weekend. We were notified about an hour ago that they have received our LOA (Letter of Acceptance) and we should be receiving it in the morning for signatures. According to our agency they said they expect us to travel in 5-8 weeks. Hold on baby "K" here we come.

I thought I was busy before let the packing and final shopping begin. After all this time of waiting you think we would be prepared but I think there is always stuff to be done. We just got done ordering new car seats yesterday and now we are looking for the perfect bed for her room. "M" is voting for pink bunk beds. I have to admit they are adorable but I am not sold on the pink yet.

Our Time Line:

Received the call from our agency 7/9/2009
Submitted Letter of Intent on 7/13/2009
Letter of Intent went to China on 7/15/2009
Received Pre -Approval on 7/21/2009
Received LOA on 8/7/2009
Travel Approval ???

Fingerprints again....

2009-08-06T20:25:00.006-04:00

We had to go again to get updated fingerprints it is the 3rd time but well worth it. I have been just so elated lately and busy with so many thing I did not read the invitation to get our fingerprints and so the story begins. Wednesday we decided was the day that neither one of us had anything pressing to do so we got up early and headed over to Jacksonville. After a very pleasant ride we arrived at 8:15 and was surprised to see very few cars in the parking lot and no line. This was a good thing right. We headed into the building and I started to review the invitation sheets and in big black letters it gave the dates and times, It said any day but Wednesday. As we approached the doors I asked if Steve had read this and he said not really, I said guess what today is Wednesday and he replied it sure is. I followed with you know why there is no one here is because they do not take people on Wednesday. I was crushed and he was determined we were going in, so off we went. A nice security man came to the door and I so humbly explained I dropped the ball on a minor detail and he was so kind and started to chat with us and "M" then escorted us in. Well 10 minutes later we were out the door. Praise God it was a smooth morning. Then it was off shopping for clothes for the girls and nursery items. You would think after one little girl I would have everything, but I got rid of all my stuff except the crib because well I thought we were done but God had other plans for our family.

Here are some additional pictures of our beautiful girl. I can't wait to hold her and rock her. They said she is a little cuddlier. I am so glad. "M" is still a snuggler.

Our newest photo taken last week of July. I love that hair cut she has the same poky hair that "M" had. No bows for awhile.

Our favorite photo.

We got an update......

2009-08-04T20:59:00.004-04:00

Tonight we received an email from our agency after hours of an update on our peanut. Praise be to God her issue is gone. The email was short and sweet it said she no longer has an issue. I was so thrilled I did not see there was attachments so I just stared at the computer for 3 minutes and then Steve said so what does that mean.... Then we realized there were attachements an updated picture 8/3 , medical and height, weight (she has not gained anything). We also got a small personality report and an update that she is in a Half the Sky Program.

I am on cloud 9 tonight again. I just got done ordering a care package to be sent next week. Here is hoping for more updated pictures. We received our PA 7/21 and are hoping for and LOA this week. All things are possible.

Now of to order he finding ad and history.

So Much to Do Where to Start

2009-07-23T15:00:00.001-04:00

I just finished all the next step of requirements (requesting our fingerprints again, home study is done again, and odds and end paperwork is complete). Whew, hoping we are done for awhile. Now on to the fun stuff.
Of course I have been shopping for 2 ½ years (therapy) and now it is time to organize it all. We have also been blessed with so many wonderful gifts from friends and family. What a job finding a home for everything. Steve and I have spent hours hanging up clothes by sizes organizing shoes, painting and “M” has been breaking in the toys.
I have started to shop for her care package which I plan to send this weekend. I am also sending one through Ann at Red Threads so I can get pictures back ASAP. I am not so patient these days after waiting more than 2 years.
I am praying time will fly by not that I am ready for “M” to start kindergarten, but I am ready for the girls to be together.
We started our packing list and I am already crossing things off. I keep telling myself pack light everything we need is there except our size clothes. Last time I wore XXL in their size. I was in size shock.
Before I could finish typing this update I got an email from our adoption agency and a call from our social worker USCIS has changed the rules again 2nd time this month. I said WHAT! Now what we thought was all finished we have to go back and do a complete home study update, more background checks, and a social worker visit ugh…
Adoption is definitely not for people who do not have patients. Thank goodness we have the greatest social worker and Steve knows people to get our clearances done the same day at the departments. All should be done again we hope for the last time Tuesday. Then it is waiting for USCIS to approve us with another I171H.Still praying for late September or early October travel.

The call we have been waiting for.......

2009-07-22T21:59:00.003-04:00

It is with great joy that we can share the referral of our daughter. We received the call on July 9 at 11:20am. I was at home with"M" and I was on the line with one of my developers when the call came in you can imagine that call ended quickly. I was speechless because we had just talked with Sara 2 days before.

They told us she is a tiny girl. She is just precious and perfect for our family. We can't wait to get her in our arms. "M" is so excited to finally know that she really is going to be a big sister. She carries her picture everywhere.

Family in town

2009-07-12T10:59:00.001-04:00

My sister and her 3 children came to stay with us for a few days. It was so nice we have not had time together for a while now and it was great to go shopping and let the kids play. Shopping with 4 kids was an adventure I will tell you that. They played their little hearts out till almost 12:00 each night. I was exhausted.
Everyone is growing up so fast her little girl is 27 months and a doll. She loves her auntie who spoils her. I am the aunt all moms dread. Spoil their kids rotten but isn't that what aunts are for:). Can't wait for them to come back in two weeks to play again.

Our Trip

2009-07-05T08:30:00.003-04:00

We all had a great time, but as all vacations it was not long enough. "M" asked if we could move our house on the ship and she could just live with Mickey and Cinderella. Well after another week I think that would be enough for me :). She had even more fun this time because she was old enough to go to the kids club and do all the on board activities they offered.
One day we all went snorkeling and she could not believe all the fish that were swimming around her, the best part was she saw a fish that looked like Dori from Nemo. That sealed the deal for snorkeling she wanted to go everyday. The weather over all was nice not to hot we did have a little rain but what do you expect it is the Caribbean they said.
Of course the food was spectacular as always, even "A" ate off the adult menu as picky as she is. We were all amazed. Everyone came home a few more pounds heavier. So now we will just have to work harder.

The girls loved to go back to the rooms each night after dinner before the show to so see what animals would be created on their beds and how much chocolate they got. "M" loves the towel animals and played with them just like her animals.

"M" always doing an animal set-up.

Stitch had a thing for "A" I guess he likes red.

I love this picture

'M" and Dug having dinner

Catamaran and snorkling

Set Sailing Party

3-D Movie UP

Setting Sail

Vacation Time

2009-06-26T14:01:00.000-04:00

I did not think this day would come. Yeah vacation time. All the projects at work are complete after months of struggling to meet requirements, dates and everything else that came up. The house is spotless and everyone is packed. I am so ready for some fun with the family. We leave in the morning I will be leaving my cell phone off (yes we could possible get the call but they know we are going to be gone) no computers. It will truly be magical with the girls, hubby and all the Disney characters. The Caribbean or Bust.

Look who is turning "5"

2009-06-23T13:31:00.006-04:00

Wow we can hardly believe our little girl is turning "5". It just seems like yesterday when she was placed in our arms and she is now turning "5". Let me tell you she is the most giddy, talkative, outgoing, girly girly you could imagine. To her there is no stranger in her life just God, friends and animals.
This years celebration started off with a Birthday party at a local Bounce House full of inflatable jumping things. The kids had a blast. The parents were all ready for a nap by the end of the day. On her actual birthday she wanted to eat dinner where they sang to her in Italian so we went to Carraba's, we are starting to think this is her favorite restaurant.

Can you say yellow. The party rooms were very feastive.

Vacation

2009-06-08T06:20:00.005-04:00

I have the best husband in the world. He surprised us with a Disney Cruise this weekend we will be going in a few weeks. I am so ready for a vacation he said we need to have fun and quit sitting around waiting for the phone to ring. It will ring all in good time but, it the mean time lets have fun with the girls. Last night we had two excited girls that are ready to go. "M" pulled out her suitcase and packed the essentials (stuffed animals, her blanket, and a few toys). She did not need clothes she said she will get some when we get to the boat.

"M" is so excited that her big sis will be coming with her. We don't see "A" as much as we would like but we will take every minute that we get. She will always be a part of our family.

Update on Adoption

2009-06-02T16:03:00.000-04:00

Yes, we are still waiting. I must get that question at least 5 times a day so have you heard anything. We hear lots but not a call for our daughter yet. If we were going for "J" we would have already traveled and been home long ago. There was a mix up with our MCC and that has since been resolved so we are just patiently waiting for the phone to ring. I believe it is all in good time, God has his plan and he is in control. I know in the end the wait will have been nothing when we look back but there has been one or two days that have been tuff waiting especially now that we finally finished her room.

Our prayer is that she is safe and she has wonderful caregivers looking after her and giving her the love and help that she needs. This little girl is loved my so many people she does not even know and she has touched so many lives. Everyone is anxious for her to make her appearance and join her forever family.

Fun in the Sun

2009-06-01T15:47:00.000-04:00

We decided to take "M" to the beach she has been asking for the longest time to so she can play in a bigger sandbox. So we decided to go with some friends down to St. George Island for the day. The girls all had a great time they wore there daddy's out playing in the water for four hours while Janet and I sat on the beach talked, took pictures and relaxed. It was a fantastic beach day. Now I am hooked we will be going more often with the kids. Janet and Mike used to live on the beach so they are use to going daily but I have to work up to all that sand stuck to me all the time.
Of course after that the kids were hungry so we stopped for some good ole BBQ and ice cream before we headed home. After a long day no one wanted to go home and cook.

CEF

2009-05-26T07:59:00.002-04:00

I belong to the board of Children's Fellowship Evangelism for the Big Bend region and they help start up Good News Clubs in public schools. This allows for one hour a week for teachers and helpers to come into the after school programs (with permission from parents) to teach the word of God. Next year now that "M" is going to public school I will be a aid in her school for this program. She will only go to after school for this 1 hour otherwise she will be with me but I feel that this is so important we have had so many profession of faiths come from young students in this program and children that are hearing about Jesus for the first time.

Teaching our children young and planting the seed and helping it grow is what is important.

Getting ready for Kindergarten

2009-05-24T07:46:00.002-04:00

We went to Kindergarten Orientation. "M" was so excited she could not wait to get there she was hoping to get to stay for the day. We were meeting 2 of my girlfriends and their daughters. I felt a bit overwhelmed with all the people so many kids WOW bless those teaches. The principle opened by saying by the looks of just who showed up this is the largest kindergarten class they have had entering since the school began. The first thing we said was oh boy when the budget year is so bad.

I was already prepared with all my paperwork it was completed a week or more in advanced thanks to my friend Kari who is always organized and on top of everything. We were all prepared. When we went on the tours the girls rushed into the rooms to meet the kids and the teachers. They made themselves at home we just looked at each other and said they will be fine we are the ones that won't.

I joined the PTO along with my girlfriend we have signed up for numerous functions and responsibilities. I am involved in so much but it is all about kids.

There school offers a Boo-hoo breakfast the first day of school and we all plan on being there I know I will be a mess. I was when she went to pre-school.

I am totally blessed I have the best boss in the whole world in my job I will not have "M" in any kind of after school program anymore I will be home with them or Daddy will. I can;t tell you how thrilled I am. Life is good. Bring on more play dates the girls said.

Graduation from VPK

2009-05-23T07:18:00.002-04:00

I can't believe this time has come for our little one to graduate from Pre-K. It just seemed like the other day we were learning to walk and talk. Now we are reading and writing. We are both so proud of "M" she has come a long way since the first day we held her in our arms. The school put on a great recognition program and the kids were so proud of themselves and they are ready for kindergarten. The congregation at the church sponsored for each child to get a Bible as the graduation gift. What a way to send a child off.

During the program several of my girlfriends and I were video taping and taking pictures in between the tears just streaming down our face. Looking at what has been accomplished in a year of structured learning just amazes me. They have changed so much and all for the good.

I am so glad several of her good friends will be going on to kindergarten with her even if they will not be in the same class.

Ballet Reciatal

2009-05-22T07:28:00.007-04:00

Spring time, Mothers Day, and a ballet recital. What a wonderful way to spend Mothers Day weekend watching our darling daughters dancing to Praise and Worship Music. This year "M" and 2 of her little girlfriends took tap and Ballet together and they have had a great time in and out of ballet class. Watching them dance to Christian music and seeing them how they matured in there dancing they have become quite graceful. The dancing and the music was quite a tear jerker.

My girlfriend Angela and I volunteered to be the homeroom moms. Well that was before I broke my arm it was kinda tuff but Angela is truly the best. God has blessed me immensely with such a great caring, thoughtful, and all around grounded friend. The performance went off with out any errors and they danced there hearts out. No stage fright this year. Yeah!! We threw a big reception after and there were upwards of 600 people there to meet and greet the dancers.

This is truly a great program and next year I have already recruitted more of "M"'s friends that took dance other places but the mom's loved the idea that the girls danced to christian music.

I am back

2009-05-21T09:00:00.001-04:00

I disappeared for awhile because I pulled a grace act. I broke my left arm it was so embarrising. Steve was out and I had just got home with "M" from a mission project with our church. Not home 5 minutes and I went to go throw some camp chairs away and I tripped in the driveway over the bags and I did a great attempt to try to catch myself. For all of those of you who know me I am prone to being a cluts. I still say if I did not have on my sneakers I would not have stopped dead in my tracks. Anyway "M" stepped up to be the big girl. She went to get help and called dad. I could not get up because oh ya I messed up my knee. Praise God my dear friend Krista was home. By this time I am sure Steve already had the sirens on the car and was coming home at 80 MPH I was still in a daze from the pain I was sure it was broken but just wanted to go inside were there was air instead of laying on the concrete. Krista is so wonderful she kept me entertained and laughing an "M" played nurse.

Now it was off to the hospital I was so glad we did not take "M" that was an experience in itself in the ER. The 2 doctors could not decide if it was broken so the but my arm in a sling and immobilized it till Monday what a long weekend. When I saw the specialist he pulled up the X-ray and said it was broken at the elbow. I told him I do not have time for a broken arm or elbow he laughed and asked me what color cast I wanted. I just wanted to cry. To honor "M" she asked me to get pink first, well for all who know me that was never going to happen so I went with her second choice of purple. I really really wanted black it goes with everything. This thing went clear up my arm :( Again I was truly blessed with a great husband, daughter and friends who made the whole ordeal totally bearable.

Weeks later it is off but the doctor said it still will be 2 plus months before it is back to normal. Yes, I am back to cleaning the house again. I was hoping that would last a little longer.

Easter

2009-04-20T06:47:00.005-04:00

What a great day to celebrate with family and friends. "M" and here friends went on several Easter egg hunts. If she had her way this holiday would never end. She would look for eggs for the whole year. We color eggs and colored eggs good thing we like to eat hard boiled eggs and egg salad. As you can see in the pictures a rel bunny even came he was a real hit with the kids. The moms in our neighborhood area are so great.

I teach a Sunday school class and the kids are 3 and 4 and on Easter morning I started the lesson asking what is Easter? Well at that age you would expect to hear all about Easter baskets, bunnies, candies and egg hunts, but to my surprise the kids said it is not all about chocolate Easter bunnies it is about JESUS and him coming back from the tomb. My response was WOW did someone start my lesson early. I feel so blessed to work with kids both young and older (3rd grade) that have a strong presence of GOD in there life. What a great day.

We ended the day with a non traditional dinner a cookout with friends.

1 Peter 1:3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead... (NIV)

School Day Ramblings

2009-03-25T07:22:00.001-04:00

I need a bigger bike remember how long my legs are :)

Very good friends

The very sociable group

Here are some recent pictures that were taken at "M"'s school. They had a bike-a- thon to raise money for St. Judes. Some are just of the kids playing on the playground and activeites in the classroom. I want to thank my girlfriend Janet for these photos you can always count on her to have a camera in hand. She is the most perpared and organized mom.

I love "M"'s school and I am so thankful our other two will be going to this school also :)

Field Trip to the Jr Museum

2009-03-12T05:57:00.000-04:00

"M"'s class took a trip to the local museum the kids all had a great time. The school tried to schedule this trip three times but due to cold weather we were unable to go. "M" was thrilled her little boyfriend Bin got to ride with us that day in her daddy's truck and she was just thrilled these two are inseperable playmates.

The kids favorite part of the day was the different animals "M" loved the turkeys. For being so girly when she is outdoors she fits right in. We could not have asked for a better day the weather was perfect.

Working in her class and helping on the trip I have met some of the most wonderful mothers. "M" is so blessed to have a great teacher and wonderful friends at school.

Teacher needs to talk to you

2009-03-05T10:00:00.000-05:00

Ok when you hear this you panic. "M" has never been in trouble she always is complmented on her behavior and manors but I know that she is capable of anything she is four. It is not like I get an email but the teacher wants to talk to me so I ask "M" she tells me mommy I do not know what she wants.

Anytime she has ever had a problem a school she tells us and we talk about it but she know she does not get in trouble but we talk. So I ask again and she says mama I really really don't know she has not talked to me. Well two days went by and I did not hear from the teacher so I went in to ask when we could talk and that is when it came. I had myself so worked up, she informed my that "M" has become very social. Needless to say my mouth dropped. I said is that all and her teacher just looked at me so I went on to explain. Here I am thinking this big issue and my daughter is social. I asked two of my girlfiends who are teachers and they said that is a good thing school is to teach them how to be social. Two days of worring to know that I have a social butterfly. We alraeady knew that. I did check with her teacher to make sure that she is listening and not socializing at an inapprpriate time and that was not the case.

In the future I will not panic first I will check it all out first.

Two Friends and a Play Date

2009-03-05T06:11:00.000-05:00

Little "M" and her friend Bernadette have become great friends over the school year we try to have play dates once a week if we can. Last week we did Zoinks and the girls bounced until the were bounced out. This week we decided to take the girls to Build A Bear. Not we needed another stuffed animal in the house but "M" loves to go there. So off we went. If I would have know this would be the animal that should would be dedicated to for everything I would have .... not sure. She takes her buttercup dog everywhere she has never attached to anything except her small blanket but that is only in bed. It is the cutest hing she feeds it, she walks and she waits in the car for her on school days.

Needless to say the girls had another week of fun. Next week we will be outside at the park.

Ear piercing

2009-03-02T05:48:00.000-05:00

Miss "M" has asked for weeks to get her ears pierced and I finally gave in. Now that she is almost five I guess she is old enough. We surprised daddy and was he surprised she had to wear he hair in a pony tail for a whole week till everyone saw her earrings. My biggest fear was she would get one ear done and then say I do not want to do this anymore. I asked Carrie who was assisting us and she said she never has let anyone go out with just one ear pierce that wanted two. Well, I was feeling better already. Then came the stick "M" was not so sure that she wanted to continue but Carrie was the best before you knew it we bought 25 pair of earrings and we were out the door.

I will post pictures soon but with my new high tech camera he got me we I am still trying to point and shoot. good thing I still have a little more time before we go to China. And to think I am the techie of the house (not when it comes to cameras and video cameras :)

February where did it go!!!!

2009-03-01T18:47:00.000-05:00

Wow it is hard to believe February is over. I am not sure where it went we have been so busy. We had a great Valentine's Day. Yes, it is a Hallmark Holiday but it also a time to express your love to your family. My wonderful husband did just that. Since Val Day was on a Saturday there was no going out to eat so he planned a very nice dinner for "M" and myself. He gave is both beautiful pink roses she was beside herself. She must have smelled those flowers 100 times. To top off the evening he bought me this great digital camera with changeable lens I have wanted one forever and what better time to get it before we go to China.

Update on Bradley my nephew. He has been seizure free for almost a week now they have found what we hope is the miracle drug to keep them under control. He goes for more testing this week locally as well as the children's hospital in Birmingham. We continue to pray the doctors will be able to continue to control these as well as find a cure.

Adoption update: for what it is worth we were told to hold on we are close they expect a referral within the next 2 to 3 months (March to May). We have a vested interest to travel during 2 months because we have friends that will be in Beijing and they want to meet us again there. They were there for our first adoption and it would be great to meet them again we got a personal tour and loved the company.

Blog Makeover

2009-02-11T16:41:00.003-05:00

A blog makeover was far overdue and I owe all the credit and creativity to Jamie she is fabulous and so great to work with. Go visit and follow her journey to her precious son Sawyer at http://stompinginmudpuddles.blogspot.com/.

Prayer Needed

2009-02-05T19:48:00.003-05:00

My Nephew is 4 years old and needs prayer. He has been having 40 plus seizures a day for the past week. The doctors at first thought he had a brain tumor Praise God that was ruled out on Tuesday morning after the MRI was completed. He has been in the hospital for the last week and they have been working to get them under control but the medicines take some time to work and not always do the first medicines they try work. Please pray for this little man. I can not tell you how it has taken a toll on his mom and dad. I spent some time over there helping them and I will tell you he is a brave little man. Please pray for him and his family.

We are out of Review

2009-02-02T20:51:00.000-05:00

CCAA has finally posted that March 2007 is out of review. What a great day!!!

2/2/2009 CCAA

The CCAA has finished the review of the adoption application documents registered with our office before March 31, 2007.

Yes, that is us. Well now when we get a referral we will move a little faster for CA and TA that is all in reference to traveling.

One year since......

2009-02-01T19:38:00.002-05:00

Well it has officially been a year since we submitted our medical checklist. At this point we still do not have a referral. We are actually OK with this because we have so much going on right now. We would love a reefrral but all in time. God has had the perfect timelines for us so I know he has her cared for well.

Beth and I just finished the nursery it is so cute (pink, brown, polka dots, and chair rail). Steve and I will be putting the crib in the next week and then we still need to purchase a bed but we still have time for that.

I am in the process of getting a promotion at work and changing some other responsibilities so right now things are hectic.

We are hoping for a Spring referral they are telling us 15 months so maybe 3 more months. I am anxious but still have many patients. God has well equipped me in this waiting process. I always think the sooner we get this referral the sooner we can start again and that makes my heart just beam. According to the WC staff that the acceptance of a referral of a boy is much shorter but you know how things work by the time we are in line again everyone we be in line for boys (ha ha).

Will pictures of her room soon.

New Year Resolutions

2009-01-15T19:27:00.001-05:00

I am not one to make new year resolutions but I decided this year I would attempt to try to make a change. Two things I wanted to see different in my life. First, I want to become more organized. I plan to accomplish this by: Using an organizer, I got a World Blackberry, started to clean out every closet and cupboard in the house and donate everything we do not use, categorize our stuff. Even Steve has cleaned out his treasures :)
Second, I decided to get in shape. After the accident I have not done a thing. Between my hip, shoulder and the constant headaches I have not wanted to really do much but with prayer and good doctors I am starting to feel human again. I am going to take a christian aerobics/yoga class taught by a dear friend who teaches at a local gym.
If this proves to work I will continue to make resolutions year after year. I am dedicated to get in shape I have a child on the way and I need to get back to where I was a year and a half ago or better.

Our Ham

2009-01-10T09:00:00.000-05:00

She loves to pose for pictures. She was wearing her friend Abagail's antlers. Thanks to Angela always catching the pose.

Accountability Partner

2008-12-30T21:29:00.000-05:00

Do you have an Christian Accountability Partner? I am very lucky to have a great friend who keeps me accountable. Just recently I have been faced with a dilemma and I have prayed and wondered how I need to make this just disappear. After being frustrated with this I asked for help and of course she was a great help and reminded me why I made the choices I made. If you have a friend that you can count on for anything you are truly blessed.

Christian accountability partner is someone that actively listens, has a non-judgemental attitude, encouraging, and very caring. We are helpful to one another and allow us to remember the fundamentals as to Christians are accountable to one another. This is my friend and I thank her for all the times she is there for me :)

More Christmas Pictures

2008-12-28T18:39:00.002-05:00

These are from my SIL she loves to take pictures of the kids and they love posing for her.

Christmas

2008-12-26T18:19:00.003-05:00

A little Kung Fu Christmas Style

Daddy and me

Twas the Night Before Christmas

2008-12-24T23:15:00.000-05:00

Christmas Eve "M" got to visit with all her grandparents then it was back to my parents for Christmas. We all sat around the tree and read the story Twas the Night Before Christmas, drank egg nog, cracked an assortment of mixed nut. Steve and I have a tradition where we always open a present on Christmas Eve. I could hardly wait to let "M" open all her presents this was a great Christmas and the last Christmas she would have with us without siblings so we made it a Christmas to remember. She was so excited about Santa coming we did not even have to tell her it was time for bed she was ready to sprinkle the reindeer food and put out cookies, milk and carrots then she ran into the bedroom and jumped into bed. She said her prayers that night and asked God to keep Santa safe and to please bring her baby sister with her presents Amen.

Truly Blessed

2008-12-05T07:54:00.002-05:00

The other day I received a phone call from one of my dearest friends. She said I have something for you. I was was excited I said thanks what is it she said I do not really know. I became a little puzzled. If you got it for me (giggling) how could you not know what it is. She said it is not from me. I said who is it from she said she could not tell me. What I said. This is where the blessing comes in..... She told me it was an envolpe for Steve and I and they took up a love offering at our church for baby "K". (I have tears when I am typing this) I was speachless on the phone then the tears began. She proceeded to tell me that so many people have been touched by what Steve and I have been doing and how hard we have worked. (more tears still speachless)

Words can not even define to you how greatful we are. Over the past year and half to two years Steve and I have met the most incredible people. We have been truly blessed with great freindships it is amazing what God can do in your life when you let him take control and remove obstacles in your life.

Getting ready for Santa

2008-12-01T20:49:00.000-05:00

Christmas a wonderful time of the year baking cookies, unwrapping tons of ornaments, shopping like little elves, parties, decorating, friends and family get together. This year was a little different then the past 3 years as if we did not have Audrey with us we were somewhat sad when we were decorating but remembered that she chose a family to love her. In that we found comfort and realized God was good. We were also hoping that baby "K" would have been home you would think after more than 20 months of waiting we would have a least a referral.

On with the festivities!!! We went to go get our tree and I vowed that this year I did not need a 12 foot tree that I would cut back and go smaller more economical (Dave Ramsey style). Well I tried but I love picking real trees. Steve has tried for the last 2 years to get me to convert to an artificial tree but I will not could even think about it. Family traditions are very important to me. So we get the real tree and it is fat and 12 feet tall. All I can say is "M" picked it out this year so I was in the clear with daddy he could not say no to his princess :)

Thanksgiving

2008-11-30T16:24:00.002-05:00

A Thanksgiving full of magical dreams that came true for a little 4 year old. We spent 5 fun filled days at Disney's Magic Kingdom and had a Thanksgiving feast with Mickey and the gang. Wow is all I can say. Disney can put on a dinner and a show. "M" got to dance with all the characters. I do not know who had more fun me or "M". Steve always said I am nothing but a big kid. This was so much fun and no mess to clean up I think we will do it again next year. "M" had so much fun she said this was the "bestest" time in her whole life. Memories are priceless I love the holidays. Can't wait for 2009 when the girls will be together for the holidays! Bring on 2009!!!!

Happy Anniversary

2008-11-09T07:51:00.000-05:00

This past year has been another wonderful year of marriage to a great man. This anniversary was a little different I had to fly out to Chicago early in the morning for a week so we will celebrate when I get back. We have had such a great year. God has blessed our marriage so much and we so thankful for all he has done. I had wished for the referral of our daughter but I know that Gods plan for her was not ready yet so we will continue to be patient. His plan for our lives has been far better than ours.

Happy Sweet 16!!!!!

2008-11-09T07:50:00.000-05:00

Audrey turned Sweet 16 today. We could not be more proud of this sweet young lady. Yes, she is growing up right before our eyes. It is hard to believe that 3 ½ years ago she was not even a teenage and now she is learning to drive. We love you Audrey!!!!!

Halloween

2008-10-31T23:45:00.000-04:00

It turned out to be a beautiful night for princesses and fairies to dress up and run all around. Kids look forward to this night all year long. Little “M” was Princess Belle this year and wanted to go out only with mom and dad this year which really surprised the both of us. She is really about her friends most of the time. We really did not mind we enjoyed having her all to ourselves and just walking and walking and walking did I mention that we walked. Yes, we walked probably close to 3 miles now little “M” of course did not she had a coach to ride in unlike her parent who need the exercise.

She loved the talking part when she went to the door she would just carry on conversations and tell the people in our neighborhood all kinds of stories. You can tell she is my daughter. We called it quits around 10:00 and headed home we were exhausted I am sure she would have kept going if we would have let her.

Pumpkin Carving

2008-10-30T23:30:00.001-04:00

The night before Halloween we had a pumpkin carving contest. It was mom and “M” against Daddy. Let the carving begin. The girls decided to use a pattern of a cute face and daddy went for the free style. We had so much fun. “M” decided when she was gutting the pumpkin she was removing all the sins from the pumpkin. She told us we were making the pumpkin clean.

Later that night we washed the seeds there were hundreds and hundreds and then laid them all out to dry. We were going to attempt to roast the seeds she loves nuts and seeds sometimes we think she is a bird. We got a good recipe from the web. I have to admit this was the first pumpkin I have ever carved and I have to say it was great fun I can not wait till next year to do it again. This time it will be with two girls and many more pumpkins we will have our own patch.

Pony Days

2008-10-28T07:19:00.000-04:00

Fall days are so much fun at school and “M” is in Pre-K and her school has such great fun activities this time of year. For Fall they do a festival, pumpkin patch trip and pony days. The kids all dress up in jeans and hats and get to ride ponies. We had a great time. I volunteer a lot in class this year I love working with the kids. I guess that is one of the gifts God gave me is working with kids I just love it especially craft time as long as I do not have to come up with the idea. “M” loves me to come into her class and help.

Also, we took a field trip to the pumpkin patch at a local church that sells pumpkins to raise money for missions. The children had a great time. They had face painting and heard pumpkin stories, but I think the best time they had was seeing who could pick up the biggest pumpkin it was quite funny to see the little arms try to hug these huge pumpkins :)

Dad took her to the Fall festival I was in Pennsylvania at a conference, but I had a little fun of my own starting Christmas shopping but I sure missed them.

Dinner and a Movie

2008-10-10T18:23:00.001-04:00

Our girl’s mission group hosted an outreach event for all of our girls in action and their friends who do not attend our church. Miss “M” wants to be a GA so bad she can’t stand it. (she has to wait 2 more years) I take her to a lot of my events because she loves to be with mom and wants to be with the older girls (she thinks she is 10). She is a fabulous helper and the older girls just love all over her and of course she loves the attention. These events are really good for her because they teach her about serving, girls fellowship, and mom’s participating in Christian based events other than scheduled church times.

Shopping

2008-10-10T12:23:00.000-04:00

Shopping is a bad habit of mine. I love to shop. I am a BIG bargain shopper especially since we are on the Dave Ramsey budget. Since we are almost completely debt free and China is saved and paid for I decided to go shopping for new clothes today. I have been needing to do this for some time. I am behind in styles and so on. Well I knew I need to plan and search for the sales. My two favorite places to shop are Chico's and TJ Maxx. Both have great deals. Well today Chico's had a blowout sale so I stocked up. I had the best time I have never tried on so many clothes and everything fit and looked great so guess what I bought it all. That is so not me. I guess I went a little over board but I will tell I will be in style. The best part Steve will like is I will no longer be sporting my signature color of all black. This is a change for me, but it is time for a new look he has been begging for a year now and I have taken him up on the offer.

Even though I bought a ton of stuff it was on major clearance and Anna was so sweet she gave me an additional discount. What a fun day!!!

Thankful Thursday!!!!

2008-10-09T18:23:00.005-04:00

I am very thankful for coupons we could not have done our debt free venture without them. I have met some of the coolest moms over the past year who have taught me how to shop and I am so thankful for that. Our family has never had such a stock pile of necessities and cleaning supplies. I rarely buy generic because I do not have to because it costs less to buy name brand. Groceries our pantry is so full I have moved to the floor to store can goods and boxes. Our freezers are packed full. We eat at home every night so the food gets used up quickly and rotated. With the smarter shopping I have cut our shopping bill at least in half plus we are getting way more than we use to and I am able to stock pile and help other families even though our other resources have been low. God is good.

Wordless Wednesday!!!!

2008-10-08T18:23:00.000-04:00

Wait and Weight

2008-10-05T22:23:00.000-04:00

These have both been a struggle for me lately. Waiting for little “K” is getting harder as the holidays are approaching. Miss M asks daily when are we leaving for my sister I want her to come home. We tell her so do we sweetie. We will be leaving before you know it.

Weight has found a place on my hips. Over the past year I have increased in size. You know that feeling when you put your pants on and they are tight they are all tight. Since the accident, I have not felt like exercising or exerting a lot of energy well there you have it, so the weight increases. Now I have to do something. I have been on a plan for about a month to change habits and routines and it is starting to pay off. I am hoping all the extra weight plus more will be gone by the time our China wait is over. There is good news with these waits (weights) Steve has lost weight J

Pumpkin Patch

2008-10-04T18:23:00.000-04:00

Miss “M” loves to decorate she is all about the different seasons. The other night she had her little friend Sara spend the night and we went to dinner (TGIF) and the pumpkin patch. The girls wanted to get pumpkins and decorate the house for Fall. They had a great time touching I think every pumpkin in the patch. We left the patch with 4 pumpkins 1 huge pumpkin, 3 medium ones, corn, gourds and wheat. The best part of paying for all of this is the money went to missions so I did not feel the least bit bad spending this money. The girls loved the warty pumpkin they got and we thought they were going to rub all the spots off before they got back home.

Let the decorating begin now they wanted scarecrows, flowers, hay and the whole nine yards so I knew we were going to be busy all morning on Saturday. I am so glad she loves the holidays they are my favorite time of the year.

Reunion

2008-10-02T21:23:00.000-04:00

Each year our adoption agency does a reunion and we love to go and meet new families and catch up with old friends. This year they are holding it at a Park in Orlando FL. We are all excited to get away because we really have not been any real trips since we started our beans and rice budget. We are only going down for 3 days because I have to fly out for business for a week. The reunion party is only really one day which is Saturday. So we will have time to shop and go to Downtown Disney. The events are a lot of fun we get to meet some of the staff and the directors and I am hoping to get to meet some of the people in our YAHOO groups. We will not have time to visit Disney but we will be back in December for several days to visit the parks.

Mommy Moments

2008-10-02T20:23:00.000-04:00

I love mommy moments :) The other day Miss M was given the greatest compliment from the staff at her school they said she had such a loving and giving heart she goes out of her way to make a shy little girl feel included. The teachers could not get her to talk tor play with anyone but M stopped playing with her regular friends and went and sat day after day with this little girl until she opened up. She would tell he stories, walk with her to the bathroom, bring her little gifts etc... Needless to say today they said the little girl has started to come out of her shell. I am so proud of M. My proud Mommy moment.

New Project

2008-09-27T19:36:00.002-04:00

I have took on another project. Yes, I have a full plate but I feel that you can always make a different in a child's life and I love to stay busy. Recently I was accepted to be a board member of the local chapter for Children's Evangelism Fellowship which is a Christian based organization that gets christian after school programs into schools. I feel so strong that a child needs a good foundation for spiritual truths and so many children are unreached and parents don not take the time to take their children to church and this one hour a week is all that some of these children get. I do believe that God has given us all gifts and mine is working with children and their faith as well as helping children in many different ways. Building a religious foundation is the key to helping children come to the Lord. Of course working with all these children makes me want even more children.

We are not even home yet with baby "K" and we are already planning for #3. Yes we are serious we have a name picked out all ready and a plan on how to bring them home.

We are Offically Ready........

2008-09-22T10:00:00.000-04:00

I can say with this adoption we are far more prepared. It helps we know how to do it this time and our family and friends have been a great support. I truly believe God, family and friends have made a big impact this time. Our family has been truly blessed God has graced us. Our family has never been stronger in so many aspects I can't tell you over the past 2 years how our faith has grown as a family as well as each of us our growing. With all of that said we are ready. Our paperwork is current we are in the process of sending the final update to USCIS. My best friend Beth has received all her shots and ready to go I am so thrilled she is going with us. We have been friends for many many years and you can't have a more true friend than her and sharing this experience with her is going to be great.

The Baby's room well that is still in progress we have purchased everything ...the Dave Ramsey Plan, but still putting together. Finally, travel and expenses we are prepared we have all the funds saved to finance the the remainder of the adoption in full. This has been our goal from the beginning to be debit free and pay for the adoption. Most of all we have the love to give her and are ready to bring her home.

Secret Pal

2008-09-10T07:49:00.000-04:00

I am behind in posting the latest gift that baby "K" has received. Our Secret Pal was Lisa and she sent the neatest gift. They have already gone to China to pick up their precious daughter and therefore will be dropping out of the swap. When they were in China they picked up our gift for the month. The theme was Olympics what better place to buy the gift than China. As you can see the gift was the Olympic Mascots I love them. Our favorite of course is the panda Jingjing. While we are working on her room they are tucked away safely and will be displayed on her dresser at the base of her light. Hopefully, we will finish the room someday!

Date Night

2008-09-06T06:48:00.003-04:00

Little "M" had a sleep over with a very dear little girlfriend Sara on Friday night so Steve and I did not schedule anything and decided we would go out on a date. Usually when little "M" is gone one if not both of us is out for the evening so this was a real treat. We went to one of my favorite restaurant Carraba's and of course we talked about the girls the whole time. We had so much fun we have decided that this is the new thing for us. At least once a month dinner and a movie. We have some of the greatest babysitters so why not have some fun.

Thankful Thursday

2008-09-04T18:41:00.000-04:00

We are so thankful this week that the doctors have finally found you what is wrong with my dad and have got him on the right medicine. The blessing is he got to get off almost all his other medicines he has been taken for years and all is well. God is good! He has been feeling better with each day and has show good improvements. We all could not be happier. This is a great week for our family.

Olympics- China 2008

2008-08-30T07:13:00.005-04:00

The slogan of the 2008 Olympics: One World One Dream" expresses the common wishes of people all over the world, inspired by the Olympic ideals, to strive for a bright future of Mankind. In spite of the differences in colors, languages and races, we share the charm and joy of the Olympic Games, and together we seek for the ideal of Mankind for peace.

We spent almost every night as a family watching the olympics little "M" loved the gymnastics, swimming, volleyball the best but she watched it all till bed time. Let me tell you this brought out alot of questions about China, being adopted, and why she was not from the US. She now wants to know where everyone is from. Some questions we have answered many times and I am sure we will answer many more times. We were all very impressed with games and the job that China did to bring the countries together.

Catching Up

2008-08-30T06:55:00.003-04:00

Over the summer little "M" took swim lessons with her best friend Abagail and we met some other sweet little girls that they spent the summer together swimming. They graduated and received their certificates of completion. They both now put their heads in the water, jump in, float on their back, kick great (got good marks for that), oh and bubble blowing :) So after all that it' the dog paddle method. We will be back to the pool next year. Daddy said no pool to she can swim.
She is back into ballet this year and also tap. She loves to dance. If you have ever seen the Disney Movie "The Game Plan" she loves the ballerina and the movie we must have seen it at least 100 times. I keep asking do DVDs burn out??? Well this is the graceful side of her because she is also taking christian Tae Kwon Do class with several girlfriends. She has asked for months to take this so we decided to start out slow. Steve believes this will help her in many ways I am not so sure I am the soft gentle type. If she likes it they have a mommy and me program so we both learn oh boy! I was hoping for piano lessons.... Well there is always next year.

Quilt Update....

2008-08-29T19:45:00.000-04:00

I got an update on our quilts last Friday and words could not describe the pictures that I saw from my girlfriend Ginger's cell phone. They are both completed and are gorgeous the picture that I posted previously of little "M" was not even close to being finished when I posted it I am a non sewer so I thought when I got the picture it was done. What do I know.

Betsy will be delivering the quilts to me in a couple of weeks I am so thrilled I still can't believe how fast she made these and they are double/queen size each hand sewn. She is amazing. She wanted them home before the baby:) I can not wait to get updated pictures to post. Stay tuned.....

We are still here!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-08-28T05:40:00.000-04:00

I had taken time off from blogging. Life had gotten so busy and hectic over the last part of the summer I did not really have time to check email. We have met so many wonderful friends and little "M" is involved in several activities. It was a great summer, but really busy. Glad to be back I have a lot of blogs an emails to catch up on.

We have some GREAT news that hopefully we will be able to share real soon with everyone. God has been so good in our lives. I will post updates on all the happenings over the last month and 1/2 in the next posts!

Busy Busy Weekend

2008-07-14T23:02:00.001-04:00

There was no rest for us this weekend. Little "M" had 2 birthday parties and swim lessons. I had a big project at work that needed to be done. I mostly work before she awakes or after she is in bed she requires 110% of our time. Daddy was busy with his job. I have not even had time to see my friends lately or even work on my scrap booking. I thought the summer would be slower not really it has proven to be busier. Tonight we went out with a group of Steve's friends it was alot of fun to break away from our nightly routine.

Oh yes and there is housework that needs to be done but who has time for that. You can say lately we have been nesting so in between running here and there we have been taking one room at a time and just cleaning it out. My girlfriend just had a garage sale that we donated all our stuff, proceeds were for a mission trip for her daughters.

M is ready for China......

2008-07-11T19:40:00.000-04:00

Today Little M completed all her shots to go to China. She was a big girl. She has informed me that she will never go back to that doctors again. I told her that she now can go get her little sister when it is time and she was so happy. Hopefully by the time she needs her flu shot this winter this will all be a memory. We can only hope. Now as for me I have to have shots again because mine did not take last time. Go figure it is a very rare occurance when Hep shots have to be redone. Like I told the doctor if it is going to happen it will happen to me.

Thankful Thursday

2008-07-10T19:15:00.003-04:00

This week I am thankful for my husband. I know many would say that is a given but it is the little extras he always does. Every night he comes home and cooks a great dinner, he entertains little "M" for me so I can blog, and always keeps us smiling. Always is concerned for my health and offers to handle all the hard household chores. This week it has been a complete blessing.

Referral Update for June

2008-07-10T18:22:00.000-04:00

Our agency has posted that they have referred a total of 25 WC children for the month of June. When I read this I was excited because this was not from the shared list but from the designated lists that they receive. For June there were no children from the shared list. Today many families received their PA's therefore they could announce their referrals. We were very encouraged when we saw the dates of some of the MCC were into 10/07. All of the needs that were referred were all correctable and they were all children under the age of 2. That was great!!!! Each month we get closer and closer. They also record they are still translating and making phone calls so they still must have more children to match.

CCAA is still reviewing February 2007 and then we will be next. We have submitted all the documents and updated pictures we have nothing to do but wait, wait , wait and wait some more. We really want to travel during the winter but since this is in God's hand and not what is our plan we must wait and see. We continue to pray for baby K.

The NSN received referral this week but it was only 3 days I continue to pray for all the families waiting as the wait continues to grow month after month.

100 Wishes Quilt -1st one

2008-07-06T18:44:00.001-04:00

It has been along time since I have spoke about the quilts I set out to have made for the girls when we started our second adoption back 17 months ago. Well I have an update. Maddie and I collected over 200 swatches and wishes from fellow adoptive families, family memebers and friends. For the longest time I was storing everything in my china closet and did not know what we were going to do with all this fabric (I do not sew). As for the wishes I have one book done and the other is started.

I was talking to my girlfriend Ginger and told her that I had finished collecting enough pieces but I did not know who to have make the quilt. Ginger had the answers from there I met with her mother-in-law and sister-in-law who are both fantastic quilters. I met with them on a Saturday morning to decide what to make. Well I thought I wanted one think but I am not a quilter. When I went to their house it was like going into a quilt shop they had everything. They can talk the talk if you know what I mean. We decided to make the girls different quilts and ones they could use when they get older. So I left just thrilled I was not sure exactly what everything was going to look like but it did not really matter because these ladies were given an unbelievable talent. The next afternoon at church Ginger told me the first quilt top was finished. My mouth hit the floor. The quilt will be queen size and revesable with hidden stiching of different things. I can't even sew on a button and they did this in a day. This is M's quilt. This is the top without the edging and the back. Stay tuned for more updates.

4th of July

2008-07-05T18:39:00.000-04:00

Fireworks, sparklers, hamburgers, beans, salads, watermelon and friends. What better way to spend a holiday. We stayed in town (conserving on gas) and got together with friends (Glenda, Emily and Dale). Our neighborhood puts on a 35 minute fireworks display and it is as good as the City’s event and we don’t have to leave the area. Little “M” loves fireworks if she had her way it would be every night. She was too cute her latest thing is to ask can I give you a compliment so she went around paying compliments to everyone. Next she put on a little dance for us. We had our own entertainment prior to the fireworks spectacular. I guess you could say we have our own firecracker.

Thankful Thursday

2008-07-03T21:28:00.000-04:00

A great week of shopping we have been able to be stocking up and preparing for the new baby and I have bought diapers and pull-ups for basically nothing. To be exact 21 packs for $15. I am thankful for frugal shopping tips and coupons. I will continue this for the rest of July. Yes that will be alot of diapers/pull-ups but if we do not need them I can donate them.

Please pray for Rick health issues, Kristina pregnancy and baby, Callen's traveling, Children in China, and Kinsey.

Vacation Bible School

2008-06-29T18:42:00.000-04:00

“M” attended her first Vacation Bible School this summer at our church. It was a Hawaiian theme. I can remember going to bible school as a child and I loved it so I thought she would love to go learn and be with her friends a few hours each day. She has always loved church but now she even loves it more. Teaching is a special gift that some parents have and to see our children grow up learning about God, value truths, and forming friendships of all ages just is such a blessing. Our church and congregation is all about the children and the youth our future.

A wonderful gift for the girls

2008-06-29T17:20:00.001-04:00

We were so blessed.... A fellow adoptive mother had posted on our local group that she had a doll collection she wanted to give away to a family who was interested in Asian dolls. Prior to getting Maddie my mom and I looked all over when we traveled trying to find any kind of Asian doll and we were not really successful. Well I responded to the email and did not think anymore of it until she responded back and asked me when I wanted to come pick up up the dolls. Needless to say I was thrilled beyond words. The first thing I did was call my mother and told her the great news. Due to busy schedules it took us a month to meet but when we went over there this morning to get the dolls the collection was far beyond my belief. I have never seen so many Asian dolls in one place they are just gorgeous. There are porcelain, Barbies, and play dolls and I now can't wait to get the girls room redone and the play room finished. When I get the 3 rooms finished I will post pictures with all the dolls. Another great thing is we have made new friends. This has been a double blessing for our family.

Learning to Live with Less

2008-06-29T17:06:00.004-04:00

Over the past month and a half I have been learning and praying on how to be a better financial planner. Over a 18 months ago Steve and I took Financial Peace University hosted by Dave Ramsey (video class) and we were determined to pay off all of our debt. It all sounded good as long as we were in the class and we did great reducing our debt but once class was over we slowly stop progressing as fast. Over the past 9 months we have prayed and have looked at all kinds of ways (class ideas as well as insight from friends) to get back on track and I can thankfully say we are.

One of the hardest things was deciding what our prioritise were and ours was not fancy cars, always getting new clothes and trying to keep up with the latest trends. Instead we want all of our debt paid off, take the money we have paid on bills monthly and invest once we were debt free. Living on less has been not as tough as we thought it would be I have become much smarter in my shopping. I have learned from some great friends how to score very very inexpensive groceries and basically free cosmetics, cleaning supplies, baby stuff, soda... and the list goes on. I have shared this knowledge with my other friends and we have reduced our shopping budgets as much by half. This in turns help pay off the bills faster. Also, we have never had so many groceries and supplies in our house at one time. Someday I hope to start a blog on shopping tips but for now I am still learning the ropes.

We are truly bless God has provided and we both have made sacrifices to complete this. I pray that God will continue to give us the strength and the courage to live on less.

This is where we will be YEAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Nursery Time

2008-06-26T22:32:00.001-04:00

I am now excited to move on to the creation of the babies room. I have a plan in my mind but it is my dearest girlfriend Beth who is the creator and who is going to help me put it all together. We are doing pink this time yes I caved in and the colors are pink, green, butterflies and lady bugs. She is getting a crib and a twin bed in her room because we do not know her age but I think she will need a crib least for a short time. The only dilemma is the crib color but I think we can make it work it is only a short period. Our first task is molding, trim work and paint. Next, is carpet in both the girls’ rooms it is not that old but we want new or hardwood put in still deciding? The final touches will be the bedding, and wall hangings. Can’t wait to start shopping for all the fixtures and bedding. Already have the paint now it’s just a matter of getting started. Oh cleaning out her closet won’t be fun :(

Thankful Thursdays

2008-06-26T18:33:00.000-04:00

We are thankful for the safe return of a dearest friends from vacation they had a terrible ATV accident and other unfortunate situations on their summer vacation. We thank God for their safe return and their minimal injuries.

YIPEEE I-171H

2008-06-24T18:31:00.000-04:00

We are officially official again. What that means is our immigration status was about to expire and we are now renewed for another 18 months. This will do the trick. We have sent that information off to our agency because you have to have a valid 6 months on your immigration papers to receive a referral and travel. Since all the waiting child process for travel has picked up so much it is not taking months like it was in the old program. Every step closer in the process just sends goose bumps up my spine and just assure us we are getting closer. The WC ladies are so wonderful at our agency you know you are in good hands.

Little “M’s” 4th Birthday

2008-06-22T21:29:00.003-04:00

We can hardly believe our little girl is four years old. When I look at her I can remember the first time they placed her in my arms and I hugged and kissed her. Now we fast forward 3 ½ years later to going to the movies (Kung Fu Panda), having cake and ice cream, opening presents and spending the day together as a family. She was so excited about having a family day (we have them every weekend 4 days) when it came time to make the wish from her cake she said star light star bright my wish tonight is for my sister to be with me and my family amen. Then she asked do you think it will come true because I told you. We told her it sure will just give it some more time. Her dinner request was a fruit salad with every kind of fruit she could think of and top it off with cool whip so that is what we let her have.

We had a great family day! God bless the gift of little girls.

Swim Lessons

2008-06-22T18:27:00.001-04:00

Summer is in full swing and we have started out learning to swim this year. Little “M” has a passion for the water so we decided to get lessons. Better safe than sorry J She is on her second lesson and so far so good she is loving being a fish it helps that her best little girlfriend swims with her. We have also met other we know there and the kids have a great time. I also felt that if she knew how to swim this would be that last selling point to daddy to have a pool put in because he is so worried about her around water.

Look forward to the rest of the summer days at the pool!!!

Father's Day

2008-06-15T17:30:00.005-04:00

Happy Father's Day

We had a very quite day. Attended church in the morning and came home to have a brunch and make a cake for dad. Little "M" is into cooking, baking and yes helping wash the dishes (Yipee!!!). She has made dad 10+ cards and hides them everywhere for him she loves to write DAD on everything. She asked us today now that we have had mother's and father's day when is daughter's day. We laughed and said everyday is your day. She has an unbelievable giving and caring heart. She told Steve he is the bestest daddy in the whole world because he is strong, he cooks for her and plays with her. It was so sweet to see her hold her heart and tell her daddy how she felt.

What Makes a Dad

God took the strength of a mountain

The majesty of a tree,

The warmth of a summer sun,

The calm of a quiet sea,

The generous soul of nature,

The comforting arm of night,

The wisdom of the ages,

The power of the eagle's flight,

The joy of a morning in spring,

The faith of a mustard seed,

The patience of eternity,

The depth of a family need,

Then God combined these qualities,

When there was nothing more to add,

He knew His masterpiece was complete,

And so,

He called it ... Dad

~~Author Unknown.~~

Referral Update June

2008-06-12T18:00:00.000-04:00

June is an exciting month there is alot to report. CCAA has sent the next set of NSN matches the cut of that was 1/20/2008 boy we are slowly chipping away at this month next month it will be 5 month in January. Thank goodness the first of February there was a week long holiday in China and February is a short month. Our agency received 15 matches and they also received expedited referrals which have been on hold for sometime. This is great news things are picking up again for expedited families. Based on referral announcements this months it looks as if there were more referrals than in the past few months :) The good news does not stop here.

Our agency received a designated list with 25 new children yes that's right just for them. The list was 70% male. There are now children posted on the site again available. Also, this is the third month in the SN arena that the time lines have show significant improvement. CCAA also release a new shared list this week with at least 60 new files. I will tell you based on all of this CCAI WC ladies I know have to be very busy. Let the phones ring.

CCAA also has said that January 2007 is out of review that means we only have 2 more months to go before we are out. This will be helpful when we are matched and make the process go faster.

We are so happy for all the family's that are being joined and made this week. We continue to pray for the families that are traveling, waiting and all the children waiting for their forever families. We continue to pray for all that were affected by the earthquake.

Little”M”’s 4th Birthday Party

2008-06-07T22:19:00.003-04:00

I can hardly believe she will be “4”. This year she wanted to have a Build-A Bear Party and we had nine little friends (she made out her list to invite there were 35+ people on it but I had to cut it way down) and they had a blast building their little animals and dressing and naming them. Of course cake and ice cream was a must. It was great for all we came and partied and then left with nothing to clean and we got to go home and play the rest of the day.
God has truly blessed us with the most wonderful daughter.

A Day at the Spa

2008-06-06T19:16:00.000-04:00

Little “M” and I went to have a morning of pampering. Yes, I know we are on a budget but our debt free plan is still on target. We went to the Day Spa and had our hair done and a spa pedicure. Tammy who does my hair is great she loves kids. She just found out she is going to have a baby and she is over the top excited and we could not be happier for her. We wanted to get “M” all ready for her birthday party that was on the 7th. We had the best time together that day as we sat there getting our make-over she told me she was a big girl now so she could paint her toes. When they rubbed sea salt on her little legs she laughed and wanted to know why they were putting mashed potatoes on her legs all the ladies just started to laugh.

As we sat there I though of all the years to come as mom and daughter and the memories we will have spending girl times together. We left after about 4 hours and went and had lunch with our new dews and shiny toes.

Re-Fingerprint Time

2008-06-01T19:55:00.000-04:00

Saturday morning Steve brought in the mail and there was the pink paperwork peeking though the envelope I couldn't believe how fast we got the appointment paper we just has got the letter that stated 60-90 days we should hear something but the best part was there was no schedule appointment just show up M-F. So you guessed we were going Monday morning. The new rule is you must have a valid I171H within 6 months to get a SN referral so we need to get on the ball because ours expires in July and we are hoping for a fall or winter referral :) Of course this is purely based on the past performance since the shared list and our openness to MCC list and gender and age. Needless to say I was ready to go. You would think this is the first time we did this process. I have been so ready for this referral since the day we filled out the application and submitted to our agency. I know in my heart God has another perfect child for our family and we are so ready for her to come to us. We were so hoping to add to our family with a domestic adoption this past year of an older child but it was not in God's plan for us to build our family in that way so we will consider another option maybe after we bring baby "K" home.

Even if for some reason we were not matched with a SN child we would not let our papers laps due to the increased work, training and fees associated with the process the agency has stated it is time consuming if you were under the old rules. I opt for the easiest way.

Ironic enough we ran into a two friends and their daughter who are also adopting again renewing that same morning they are in the process of moving so we had time to catch up on things and where they were in the process and how life has been going for all. They to have been pursuing SN. We are going to follow their journey to their new daughter we are so excited for them.

Update on our Adoption

2008-05-28T08:39:00.000-04:00

Daily Maddie asks are we going to China today? Our answer is not today but soon and we discuss what is happening. So what is happening... for the month of May our agency locked and referred 16 SN children. This is less than lst time (April 36) and they were hoping for more from the list but we will continue to pray for June. From what they have told us it looks as if there will be children on the shared list every month. This is much better as far as time frames then before when the list were just individual they only got new updates every 2-3 months with the same amount of placements. This year alone they have placed over 100 SN children (how wonderful for those children and families). Based on the current referral rates and our openess to SN I see us getting a referral sometime this fall. I always knew in my heart from the beginning we would get a referral in 2008 or 2009. Since the new process has started 2 months ago everything is going much faster most important increase is the time from acceptance to travel is now somewhere around 2 months from 3 to 6 months (wow what great improvements this online systems has made).

It is so hard to believe we are only a few months away and sooooo many things to do. Thank God for all our friends and family who have been so supportive of this adoption. We will be starting the room soon and I am so excited I have bought her theme. I see Pink!!!!!

Year End Program

2008-05-22T10:23:00.001-04:00

Another first for little "M". Her first year of preschool has ended. We attended an end of the year production and ice cream social to wish the 4 year olds off to kindergarten. Maddie's good little friend will be moving up she sure will miss JoJo. Maddie sure did not want to sing with her class that night they were to sing Kumbya and she warned me she would not sing but instead plug her ears. Well guess what she did just that, normally she is all into performing but she did not want to due this. Maybe a lack of a nap on my part not real sure but the video is quite cute compared to all the other performances when she goes all out.
Mrs. Duncan and Mrs. Hilbert were her teachers and we could not have been happier. These ladies were fabulous. Maddie has learned so much spelling, writing, and crafts. She loves the crafts. Everyday she spends 30 minutes in what she calls homework it is the cutest thing she says she needs to study to get smart mom. We hope she still feels this way when she gets older like her big sister Audrey.

Ballet Recital

2008-05-18T08:11:00.001-04:00

Well it has been a year of fun dancing and worshiping the Lord. It is still so hard for us to believe that it is time for little "M's" first recital. She loves to dance and is going to miss not dancing over the summer. I missed her dress rehearsal but she was in great hands with two of my dearest friends. The morning of the recital Allison came to do her hair and get her all ready. ( I would have loved to do this but was unable Praise God for wonderful friends!!!!!) Daddy had went and got her a dozen of pink beautiful roses and and had everything ready for the party afterwards.

Since we have no family in town Maddie had a little friend come and some friends of the family came to make the day more special for her. I cried through the whole production as she spinned and danced. Our little girl is growing up to be a beautiful young girl. She is so graceful. It is such a blessing to see all these young girls dance and worship the Lord!!!!!

When do you pray?

2008-05-16T05:52:00.002-04:00

When is your quite time to get close with God I use my commute times in the car praying, showering and my morning routine. During your alone time is a great time that I get to reflect on what is really important. I pray for my friends, family and ones on our prayer list in need during my morning routine and is this becomes a commitment to prayer. God wants us to uplift others in prayer. It is so important to have prayer in our daily lives. No matter what God uses to prompt you to pray it is important that you do and pray for other that are in need of our prayers. I know I am very grateful for a loving God who reminds in creative ways for people to pray for one another as I am one has received alot of those prayers.

Luke 18:1 "Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them they should always pray and not give up."

I Samuel 12:23 “As for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord by failing to pray for you.And I will teach you the way that is good and right” I Samuel 12:23

Mother's Day

2008-05-11T23:00:00.000-04:00

The day was perfect Steve and Maddie covered all the bases. We got up and went to Church in the morning. Maddie and I had gotten up a little earlier so we could play beauty shop. This is our fun time in the morning to play with fun hairstyles and put on make-up. She thinks she is all grown up you know.

After a great worship time at Church we headed off to Outback for yummy food and pretty flowers. Later that day we came home and spend family time and met some friends. Mothers day is such a special time for me as well as Steve. Three years ago on Mothers Day Maddie was placed in my arms we celebrate it ever Mothers Day even though the day changes every year the significance of Mothers Day was something that I will always remember that God blessed us so much and made me a mom that day.

As the night went on we focused on the day Maddie became part of our family, we watched the adoption video, looked at her scrapbook (yes I have one it is pretty cool), and read her life story. She loves to here about the day we came to China to get her. I have to say going through all of this made me tear up many times. Maddie told me that night I was the best mom in the whole world and she loved her family and wanted her sister to come from China soon. A perfect day!

Mother Daughter Tea

2008-05-09T21:35:00.005-04:00

The other day I received a beautiful invitation from Maddie to attend a tea party with Maddie at her school. I was so excite. I am very involved with her school she only goes 3 days a week for 3 hours each day but she loves her teaches and her friends. She wanted us to dress in polka dotted dresses and wear our hair up. She is all about looking alike. She is such a girly girl I would have never guessed that would have been my daughter but this was her day for me so we got dresses and did our hair and off we went.
The theme of the party was Hawaiian and the teaches Mrs. Duncan and Mrs. Hilbert did fantastic. Maddie made me a oven mitt with her hand print on it and a jar of cookie mix. We will be baking cookies on Mothers Day! I have the most giving little girl. We played bingo and she said she wanted me to win because I was the best mom and she loved me. Where was the Kleenex.
The teacher asked the children why they love their mom's and Maddie's answer was she kisses me, hugs me, feeds me and tucks me in at night. The day turned out perfect. For all you mom's I hope you have a blessed mothers day and for all the mom's to be I pray that your day will be here soon and an celebrate the day!

Friends

2008-05-06T21:19:00.000-04:00

Maddie and Taylor having a little bit of afternoon fun in the sandbox. Now that I am not working as much Maddie has more time to spend with her friends. The weather is so nice out I like to get a little sun we walk alot that is my girlfriend and I the kids ride. Maddie is into the good life:)

Happy Cinco De Mayo

2008-05-05T23:01:00.002-04:00

Wow it is the 5th a May and time to Party!!! We will be attending a baby shower for 4 of our friends who are all having babies within a month of each other and they are all boys! We are so happy for them. You can only imagine the questions Maddie has when she always see the ladies with babies in their tummies and I have a flat tummy. She tells me don't worry I will carry Kinsey in my tummy for you :)

We had a Cinco De Mayo theme and made it a family event and everyone turned out in large numbers. You can tell by the pictures the kids loved the pinyata swing and hitting it was a hit but of course the candy was even a bigger hit. Maddie was all about the jumping house. She was so worn out when we got home Steve and I had a chance to watch a movie together.

The Bigsby Show

2008-05-02T07:03:00.001-04:00

The Bigsby Show came to Thomasville Road Baptist Church what an evening for kids. This is away to get your kids into fellowship and great kids christian music. He writes all his own music and it was so funny it kept the kids entertained for 1.5 hours. Far better than I can keep her contained for that time. It was a live interactive program, can you say child chaos. Well I listen to nothing but christian music so does Maddie, Steve does mostly now but I have a real appreciation for creative kids music after this performance. Maddie and I listen to his music now once a day and she goes wild. Check out some of the videos on You Tube "FROGS" is Maddie's favorite one. Of course we have the DVD now so we have kids praise time:)

Spring Sing

2008-05-01T06:34:00.001-04:00

Every year our our children's choir puts on a production on at church and this was Maddie's first year she loves choir. We think she loves the teacher more than singing. Mrs. Betty she is truly a wonderful christian woman and the children think she hangs the moon. We wondered if Maddie would have stage fright not our daughter she is the biggest ham and has the most outgoing personality if the director would have let her lead she would have taken over. She would not have stolen the production on her own she had the help of her side kick Abagail who was living it up.

Children are such a blessing and God's gift to us as parents is the most rewarding thing. Watching these girls perform and sing about God just makes my heart shine.

Referrals

2008-04-22T06:57:00.000-04:00

Since the new WC program has started they place on average 1-2 children per day (yeah!!!!). Our agency has not had a list for months as a result to the shift to the new "shared" list well it finally arrived the week of April 14th they posted more than 100 children. Our agency was able to match and lock 36 children that week. What a blessing to all of those new families. The age of the children were 7 months to 6 years old with the majority of age from 12 to 36 months. The projection is still 10-12 months for referral at this time. I do believe this is their standard answer until they see what CCAA is going to do each month with referrals under the new program.

I have to say after reading many posts from families at our agency were are indeed with the best agency and we have the best group of ladies working to build our families they have to work tirelessly through the night at sometimes matching these children. God love these great ladies. I know I have had the best service and communication with them personally. Look forward to what May has to offer for all the new families.

Renewing I171H

2008-04-15T07:04:00.001-04:00

Since we have waited over a year so far some our paperwork is beginning to expire. The I171H is the USICS paperwork that allows us to complete the adoption on the US side and it has to be valid when you travel as well as valid fingerprints. To get all of this renewed you have to get an updated home study that is not bad because we love our social worker. Actual have have seen alot of her lately. USICS gives one free extension since everything has been taking so long so that was a nice little extra we did not have to pay for :) We now will just sit and wait we should have no problem traveling before this one expires.

2 Months and Counting.......

2008-04-02T07:46:00.001-04:00

Another month has approached so quickly We can hardly believe we have been waiting 2 months. Referrals have been at a pretty slow pace there has been no new WC list. On 3/25 we received notification from our agency that things were going to change in the program. Well by now if you are adopting from China you should be use to change. So what is this all about. Here is what we have been told so far... All the agencies participating in the on-line system will now used the "shared" list which has all (or most) of the children listed. The reason for this is in hopes to place the children faster. Their are still some designated lists being sent directly to agencies but the are harder to place.

So what doe that mean for us, well our agency will find children that match the profiles of parents and then "lock" these files in. The process the to accept the referral and have all the paperwork in is only 48 hours with one 48 hour extension. Whew that is quick. I know we are in good hands so I have faith the program will get stable place alot more babies.

Easter

2008-03-25T06:25:00.001-04:00

I love this time of the year Spring is in the air. This Easter holiday we spent with my grandparents they came for 5 days. Maddie loves having company. Lot's of shopping , church, game playing and of course eating. As Maddie would say we had a feast we cooked for 11 and all turned out well. I am getting pretty good at this cooking for groups. I do not want to let Steve get to confident in my cooking or I will have to do the cooking every night.

After Easter dinner the children all went to a neighbors Easter egg hunt well they hunted eggs for 30 minutes she got so many eggs she was cracking eggs till bed time and of course eating candy :)

1 Peter 1:3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead...

One Year LID Anniversay

2008-03-20T13:01:00.003-04:00

It has been a year since we have been official logged in for Kinsey. Sometimes it is hard to believe a year has past and then other times I look at Maddie and see how she is growing and maturing and I wonder where the time went.

The other day I had read some information about concurrent adoptions from China and thought wow we can adopt 2 more beautiful children and yes Steve was on board I immediately called CCAI and asked how people were doing this and Sara stated she had not heard of this. Well I will pray that China will indeed allow a concurrent adoption SN and NSN. The thought of two more daughters just sent me over the top with joy.

When is your family big enough? I do not have the answer to that question yet for our family because we are not done growing yet. We will do what it takes to bring home our daughter or daughters. If this requires a bigger home then I will just have to forfeit the pool and some of the other big upgrades. God has a plan for each of us and he is not done working on the building of our family at this time I am happy to say. So the real question is How many more trips to China will we make?