Happy New Years...

Wishing you all a safe and happy New Years!

2nd Referral Batch for December...

Congratulations to all those families who are finally seeing their children's faces. What an awesome way to end 2008. Wishing you safe travels and a wonderful "gotcha" days!

The CCAA has finished referring children for those logged-in between 2/24 -2/28. This batch finally closes out February 2006. We are finally moving on to March and since it's a large month can only hope that it doesn't take all of 2009 to get through.

Congratulations Dave and Jeni...

Our good friends Dave and Jeni got engaged this past weekend. We are so excited and happy for them. Congratulations guys, we love you!

Christmas Wishes to Our Soldiers...

A Soldier's Christmas

As Christmas falls near,
With the stars shining bright
A young soldier keeps walking...
First left, then right.

He's serving his country
With a heart full of pride
On foreign land he's fighting
And this Christmas he’ll reside.

In good times and bad
He’ll always stand tall
He shows his best
And gives it his all.

Like so many others
He’s there for a cause,
And as a true soldier,
Never will he pause.

He's tried and true
And tempered like steel
Born of American spirit;
Born with American will.

Without his sacrifice
The cause would be lost
But the soldier carries onward
No matter the cost.

So I'll look to him with honor
And thankful with prayers.
For the freedom I have
Is because this soldier cares.

Though it's now Christmas
And he's not here with me
His safe return I pray for
To the Land of the Free.

~ Ruth Ann Mahaffey

Wherever you are serving, near or far, our heartfelt gratitude goes out to you. Your honor, courage, and sacrifice are not forgotten this Christmas season.

May God keep you safe from all harm; give you strength when you are weary and peace when you need it. Praying for you and yours this Christmas season, God Bless.

Congratulations...

...to all those who have or will receive their referral in this batch. Wishing you speedy travel arrangements and wonderful "gotcha" days.

The CCAA has sent referrals for those logged-in through February 23, 2006.

27 Months

Have come and gone... we're still waiting...

Christmas Fun...

Saturday night we had our friends over to celebrate Christmas. We had a great time eating, laughing, and hanging out. The kids made Christmas ornaments and decorated cookies. Thanks guys for coming over and making our holidays so special!

To top off the great weekend we had a nice surprise in the mail today. My friend Karmen sent us the sweetest card and great Christmas ornaments. The snowman is adorable and the hand-painted ornament will make me think of a friend in a distant winter wonderland each time I look at it. Check them out in the slide show above. Thanks Karmen!

Meet My New Buddy...

Did you see my new little reindeer buddy prancing around my blog? I'm starting to get into the Christmas spirit ;o)

Happy Thanksgiving...

Wishing you all a Thanksgiving filled with

family, food and fun!

I'm Thankful For...

It’s that time of year again (can you believe it?), time to look back and reflect on my year so far. This Thanksgiving I am thankful for so many things - my husband, my family, and my friends. I’m thankful for love, support and friendship I’ve been given. For the opportunities and the disappointments that have made me stronger and more aware. For the men and women who sacrifice so much to ensure that I have freedom and protection. For the friendship, love, laughter, hugs, shoulders and tears shared - both physical and cyber ;o) The list goes on and on… The people in my life are awesome!

I have been so blessed to have you all in my life. I can't thank you enough for making my life so rich and full, Happy Thanksgiving!

I'm So Ready...

for the weekend! This has been a really long week.

Have a great weekend!

Make a Difference... Please...

I was cruising blogs today and found this great idea for the Christmas season at La Dolce Vita: The Sweet Life . Check it out...

Taken directly from Big Mama:

A few days ago I received an email from a reader named Amanda. Her husband is in the Army and currently in the midst of a 15 month deployment. They have two young children and in her email she said that although it is often difficult, they know it’s the path to which they’ve been called.

Amanda came up with the idea to collect 2000 Christmas cards to send to the families of deployed soldiers. They are calling the effort “Dear Army Family”. They are hoping that each family will receive a card that reminds them that someone across the country values their sacrifice and is remembering their family through this Christmas season.

This is an excerpt from the letter she sent me that outlines the program.
“Our goal is to send an extra Christmas card to each family of a deployed soldier on our post. We are hoping to encourage those that are walking through a particularly difficult time of deployment. We want each family to know that the sacrifice they have offered is cherished. We are hoping for a personal note in each card. Please include words of gratitude as well as words of encouragement. We want Army families to know they are being thought of across this country; that their sacrifice is important, and that they are being covered in prayer.

Please pray for the family as you seal their envelope, knowing with certainty that God knows exactly which family will receive your card. Continue to pray for the families throughout the holiday season. Ask God to bring them to your mind throughout the festivities. You will bring blessings to these homes.

We are striving to get 2000 cards!


Please include your hometown & state with your signature inside your card, this will ensure that Army Families know people across America are praying for them and thinking of them. You may include a return address inside the card as well, but this is not required.


A few reminders:
1. Write “Dear Army Family” in the greeting of the card
2. Please include a personal greeting inside each card. Include your hometown & state.
3. Please STAMP the envelopes! You may send all the stamped cards in one large envelope or box to save on shipping.
4. Please return cards by December 1, 2008.
5. Please mail the cards to the following address:


Dear Army Family
Fort Sill – PWOC Frontier Chapel
4121 Thomas Road
Fort Sill, OK 73503

As you all know I have a big heart for our soldiers and their families so I will definitely be sending out some cards for this project. This Christmas would be a great time to acknowledge the sacrifice others are making for us. It would be awesome if those of you who stop by here would participate. Thanks Rebecca and Mark for posting about this wonderful project.

Veterans Day...

When America had an urgent need,
These brave ones raised a hand;
No hesitation held them back;
They were proud to take a stand.

They left their friends and family;
They gave up normal life;
To serve their country and their God,
They plowed into the strife.

They fought for freedom and for peace
On strange and foreign shores;
Some lost new friends; some lost their lives
In long and brutal wars.

Other veterans answered a call
To support the ones who fought;
Their country had requirements for
The essential skills they brought.

We salute each and every one of them,
The noble and the brave,
The ones still with us here today,
And those who rest in a grave.

So here’s to our country’s heroes;
They’re a cut above the rest;
Let’s give the honor that is due
To our country’s very best.

~By Joanna Fuchs

To those who are serving, have served and their families ~ You are my heroes.

Your sacrifice, honor, and willingness to serve overwhelm me. Thank you for you courage, service to this country and for the protection you provide.

May God bless you and keep you always...

Adoption Awareness Month...

Congratulations...

To all those who have received their referrals this month. I know it has been a long, long wait and it must be absolutelywonderful to be looking at your childrens faces for the first time. Wishing you all speedy travel arrangements and wonderful "gotcha" days!

Josh's Last Game...

Josh had his last flag football game a couple of weeks ago (I know, I'm a bad Aunt for taking so long to post about it). After the game they were all presented with a medal by a varsity football player. I think that was the highlight of the day for all of them. Next up, t-ball. Stay tuned..

Halloween...

Here are some pictures of the cutest Boba Fett ever! Yes, this little bounty hunter is my nephew Josh. This year, for the first time, he was able to go trick-or-treating with his friends from school. Looks like he had fun ;o)

26 Months...

and counting. Enough said!

Happy Halloween...

Wishing you all a Happy Halloween!

Hope you have a magical night with all your little ghosts and goblins.

7 Weird Things...

I’ve been tagged by my cyber-friend Donna to list 7 weird things about myself. Hmmm… that might be hard as I’m a relatively normal person. Relative being the operative word there, lol ;o)

I love to read… I can read a good book in a day with time providing. Since our child isn’t home yet and I’m finished with school that still happens occasionally. There is nothing like settling in with a comfy blanket and a good book. The hard part is putting a good book down at a reasonable hour on a work night!

I love hockey fights… I know I know some say I’m “blood thirsty” but that’s simply not true. I like fights in hockey because it gets the team and the fans going. Besides most fights really only amount to a couple of guys skating around in circles while hanging on to each other & waving their arms in a kind of odd dance. Although on Saturday night Ryan Malone (a Tampa Bay Lightning player of course) got a nice left in :o)

I am not Irish… despite the reddish colored hair, blue eyes, and the name Kelly. I don’t have any Irish blood in me at all. I’m kind of Heinz 57 Variety with large doses of Italian and English. The light hair and fair skin could be from my Northern Italian roots. My great-grandfather came to America from Genoa, Italy.

I have only lived in two different states/countries my whole life. I was born in Weisbaden, Germany (no, I am not a military brat) and have lived in Florida since I was about 3.

Hmmm… okay I’m starting to struggle with interesting stuff now… not that the previous stuff was significantly interesting…

I hate mayonnaise… it’s an artery clogging condiment that should be outlawed. I won’t knowingly eat anything with mayo in it. There is nothing like seeing an infomercial at 3:00 AM (insomniac) on how to can learn to make homemade mayo. Just whip up some eggs, oil, and a little lemon juice, yuk! Now let’s try to go back to sleep without visions of your arteries slowly being closed off by that combo :o/

Since we’re talking about food… I love onion rings but am not big on onions in any other form. The other foods I won’t eat are tuna, dark meat chicken/turkey or pork, and eggs (except scrambled). Oh, I also have a real phobia about chicken or beef fat!

And for my seventh and final weird fact about me… my sign is Aquarius. I’m really not into the zodiac thing but I do find it odd that in a lot of ways the characteristics of this sign are me to a tee. I am friendly and caring, honest and loyal (to a fault), very, very independent, and a thinker. Unfortunately, I also possess some of the not so good characteristics too. It has been said that at times I can be stubborn, unemotional and detached. I find it hard to walk into a room not knowing anyone and begin conversations. I prefer to think that at times I have trouble sharing my emotions rather than that I’m unemotional. Although I admit certain emotional situations do leave me a little bit flabbergasted, I just don’t always get it.

So, now that you know some more about me… I’m supposed to tag 7 people but since most of us play in the same sand box I’ll do this – if you want to play along leave me a comment so I can go check out your answers. Inquiring minds really do want to know!

More Starbuck’s Wisdom…

The Way I See It #292

The way we get to live forever is through the memories stored in the hearts and souls of those whose lives we touch. That’s our soul print. It’s our comfort, our emotional nourishment at the end of the day and the end of a life. How wonderful that they are called up at will and savored randomly. It seems to me we should spend our lives in a conscious state of creating these meaningful moments that live on. Memories matter.

~Leeza Gibbons

Another tidbit of wisdom found on my morning tea cup. The truth is that this is something we all know but it something we all need to be reminded of from time to time. The shared laugh with a friend, the big smile and hug from a nephew, the easy camaraderie of spouses… are all things that we often take for granted. Then for some reason a random thought brings it all back. A thought that for a moment of time brings a smile to your face and warmth to your heart, a lost memory recalled. Often this random memory is a much needed pick me up in a chaotic day. Other times it can be a sad but much welcome reminder of those whom we’ve lost. But always it takes us away from the present and into another time or place. A reminder to appreciate all that we have and have had, to cherish the little things and to remember that these snapshots in time are the legacy we leave behind.

Meet Your American League Champs...

Woo hoo, we did it! The Rays are on their way to the World Series!

The Husband Meme

I saw this on Angie's blog. Since most of the time I am writing about me I thought I'd do this so you loyal readers (wink, wink) can learn some stuff about Matt. Here we go...

1. He’s sitting in front of the TV; what is on the screen? Hockey, Football or baseball. Rightg now it's game 7 of the playoffs - Rays vs. Red Sox.
2. You’re out to eat; what kind of dressing does he get on his salad? None - he won't eat it
3. What’s one food he doesn’t like? Salad, he hates it
4. You go out to the bar. What does he order? Beer
5. Where did he go to high school? Plant High School
6. What size shoe does he wear? 8 or 8 1/2
9. If he was to collect anything, what would it be? Hockey memorablia
8. What is his favorite type of sandwich? 5 Guys Bacon Cheeseburger?
9. What would this person eat every day if he could? Country Fried Steak
10. What is his favorite cereal? Captain Crunch or Lucky Charms
11. What would he never wear? I'll go with a speedo too
12. What is his favorite sports team? Tampa Bay Lightning, Bucs, and Rays
13. Who will he vote for? John McCain /Sarah Palin
14. Who is his best friend? Me
15. What is something you do that he wishes you wouldn’t do? Worry
16. How many states has he lived in? 1 - Florida
17. What is his heritage? German
18. You bake him a cake for his birthday; what kind of cake? yellow cake with chocolate frosting
19. Did he play sports in high school? Football and basketball
20. What could he spend hours doing? Watching sports or playing PS3

If you decide to post about your husband let me know so I can check it out.

Please continue to pray...

for the Phillipson family. Little Sam is doing better after having undergone several surgeries. He is starting to show glimpses of his true self here and there. (make sure to go to the link below and check out that adorable smile). Despite how well he is doing there is still a long way to go. Please continue to pray for his healing and comfort, for strength, comfort and endurance for the rest of his family, and for his medical staff to have wisdom concerning his treatment.

You can get updates here . Thanks!

Almost there...

Just one more game to go and the

Rays are on their way to the World Series!

Friends and good times...

We went to the Food and Wine Festival at Epcot last weekend with some friends. We had a great time hanging out and "traveling the world" (wink, wink). Some of the highlights were the crab cakes in Boston, seared beef medallions with cheese pollenta in San Francisco, Chilaquiles (baked tortillas with chicken and cheese) in Mexico, and Spanakopita (spinach and cheese pastry) in Greece. Needless to say it was a good thing we were walking around the world with all that eating!

Columbus Day...

This is one of those days it's great to work for a bank ;o)

Happy Columbus Day!

25 Months...

Today is our 25th month LID-aversary. It's hard to believe that it has been this long since we were logged-in with China. On one hand time has slowly creeped by and on the other time is flying by. It's hard to beleve that is already October and the holiday season is around the corner.

Prayer Needed...

For those of you who read my blog I ask that you pray for the Phillipson family. Their 3 year old son, Samuel, has been in a horrific accident and was severely injured. He has been through his first round of surgeries and more will be required. Please pray for Samuel, his family and his medical team during this difficult and sad time.

Thanks...

Referrals have arrived...

Congratulations to those of you who are seeing your precious little ones this month. Wishing you safe travels and wonderful "gotcha" days!

Josh's First Game...

My nephew, Josh, started playing flag football at his school, Northside Christian. (Did I mention that Northside is the family Alma mater?) Here a few pictures of his first game. Grandpa, Dottie, and Papa Joe all made it out to see his first game. Steve was able to help coach, aren't they cute together?

Finally Free...

Yes, I'm finally free! Free from class, boring reading, and homework. I finished my last class two weeks ago and have earned my bachelor's degree in E-Business. I can now read a book or get on-line without feeling guilty about not getting my homework done.

The only school related decision left to make is - Do I participate in next years commencement ceremony or not? I missed the cutoff for the ceremony this year. Decisions, decisions...

(The reason for this picture instead of my diploma is I have to apply for it now that I have received my final grade. Isn't that a kick, lol. So in 6-10 weeks I can post the real thing.)

Let's Play Family Feud...

A friend sent this to me today. It's been awhile since I've done one of these things so here we go.
1. Name something you use in the shower? Conditioner
2. Name something a football player wears under his uniform? T-shirt
3. Name something people hate to find on their windshield? Bird poop
4. Name something a man might buy before a date? Gum (better have good breath!)
5. What is another word for blemish? Pimple
6. Something you cook in the microwave? Bagelfuls
7. Name a piece of furniture people need help moving? Entertainment Center
8. Name a reason a younger man might like an older woman? Less drama
9. Name something a dog does that embarrasses its owner? Growls at the neighbor’s dog
10. Name a kind of test you cannot study for? Time
11. Name something a boy scout gets a badge for? Starting a fire???
12. Name a phrase with the word home in it. Home field advantage
13. Name a sport where players lose teeth? Hockey
14. Name something a teacher can do to ruin a student's day? Pop Quiz
15. What is a way you can tell someone has been crying? Runny mascara
16. Name a bird you wouldn't want to eat? Pelican
17. Name something a person wears even if it has a hole in it? Socks
18. Name something that gets smaller the more you use it? Eyeliner

YOU ARE NOT ALLOWED TO USE MY ANSWERS!!!!!! If you want to play copy and paste this message to a new page. Erase my answers and fill in your answers. Forward to your friends and don't forget to send me a comment so I can check out your answers.

It's Been 2 Years...

Two years have come and gone. It's with mixed emotions that I write this post. I had truly hoped that some miracle would happen for all of us waiting. The dream hasn't died but I think I've finally resigned myself to the fact that this journey is unpredictable. It's trying. It's more difficult than we ever imagined it would be. The “wait” has been a lesson in faith and patience to say the least. Yes, it has been agonizing. It has brought tears, frustration, depression, and doubt. It has also brought growth and renewed faith. We have run the emotional gauntlet and somehow come out stronger. It’s not over and I’m pretty sure we will run this gauntlet again a time or two before it’s finally done. I think the difference is now I expect it. I know what it is and what it can do to me. I know there will be days that it wears me down. I also know that I am surrounded by supportive and loving people. I know that no matter how bad it gets I’m not giving up. Baby girl you are in my heart and I’m not letting go.

Thanks to all of you who that have been here to pick up the pieces, provide a shoulder, and offer encouraging words, I can’t tell you how much you are appreciated. You have given me the courage and strength to go on. As the wait continues I may yet again need you but wait I will. Our turn will come, we will bring our daughter home and this limbo will turn into a distant and faded memory.

Referrals have arrived...

Congratulations to all of those who have received their referrals this month. Wishing you safe and speedy travels to bring your children home.

The CCAA has finished the placement of children for the families whose adoption application documents were registered with our office before February 09, 2006.

With this batch (9 days) we are now 218 LID days away. Baby steps but still steps in the right direction.

Happy Labor Day Everyone...

Hope you all get a chance to kick back and relax a little!

Happy Labor Day to our Soldiers...

Thank you for your service, dedication, and protection.

Wishing you all a safe and happy Labor Day!

Rascal Flatts Concert...

Some friends and I went to the Rascal Flatts concert Saturday night at the Ford Amphitheatre. Despite the almost unbearable humidity and soggy lawn seats it was a great night. (those of you who live in FL know exactly what I mean!) Taylor Swift opened for them. She looks like she has so much fun performing and got tickled when the crowd would sing along & cheer. Rascal Flatts rocks! They played a good combination of old and new stuff. It's definitely a must see concert if you get the chance. Here are some of the pictures we took, enjoy!


Create Your Own

A Classic Case of Doubt..

"He who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord."
JAMES 1:6-7

The person who asks anything of God without faith is not going to receive what he requests.

I know countless people who make their petitions to God by saying, "God, I know You are all-powerful and all-wise and You can meet all my needs, but . . ." That but clause is usually a statement of doubt, not faith. It is a "but in this case" instance of doubt. Many people believe God can, but they have doubts that God will. They recite to God all of their inadequacies, unworthiness, shame, and inability. God says if you come to Him with that attitude, don't waste your time praying. (God's Way, by Charles F. Stanley)

I received this daily reading one day last week and I’ve been thinking about it ever since. We all know that “the wait” has been wearing many of us down in different ways. Yes, I have had doubts. No, I have not lost faith. It is hard to reconcile the heart and the head sometimes, especially when we wait and wait for the things we ask God for. In my heart I absolutely know that God will bring our daughter home even if it is in His time and not mine. It’s my head that has the issue with the “in His time” part. Yes, I’ve wondered if my daughter is ever going to come home. I am after all just a human being. It is our nature to worry and wonder. Despite the occasional lapses into doubt, I truly believe that God will fulfill our desire to bring a child into our hearts and home. I believe that He has not allowed my dream to die because it is part of His plan. So in answer to my pondering I realize that God not only can but will bring my daughter home. In the meantime I need to keep the faith and prepare for her as best I can.

Keep the faith...

But these things I plan won't happen right away.
Slowly, steadily, surely, the time approaches when the vision will be fulfilled. If it seems slow, be patient! For it will surely take place. It will not be late by one single day.
Habakkuk 2:3


Thank you Ruth for giving those of still waiting something to hold onto at the right time.

Congratulations...

Congratulations to all those who received their referrals this month!

Wishing you all safe and speedy travels...

Happy Anniversary Matt...

It's hard to believe that we have been married for 13 years today.

Matt, it's been a crazy ride at times but we're still going strong! Thank you for your unconditional love and support in all things.

Happy anniversary, I love you!

23 Months...

Not much to say about it except one more month down...

Powerful Women's Motto...

Live your life in such a way that

when your feet hit the floor

in the morning, Satan shudders & says...

Oh NO....she's awake!!

Happy Birthday Dad...

Happy birthday Dad,

Just wanted to let you know on this special day how much you are loved and appreciated. Thank you for always being there and all that you've done. I love you more than words can say. Hope all your birthday wishes come true!

Love you!