Cool Pictures...

Today I received an e-mail from a friend titled "The Best Photos of the Year." Below I have copied a few that I really liked. Enjoy!

TGIF!!! He's got the right idea...

What timing!

How do you do that?

Check out that little foot!

So true..

Oops, almost let it pass by...

This month marks our 10th month since we were LID for our daughter. To say that it didn't occur to me previously wouldn't be quite true, to say that this "anniversary" isn't quite as momentous as I'd hoped it would be is more accurate. This year has flown by, can you believe it is the middle of July?!?! That being said we are 10 months into the wait and if I am completely honest it hasn't been too bad. Yes, there are moments of frustration but it has been a busy year for us so far meaning dwelling on the wait hasn't been horrible. Since we are not completely settled into our new house I anticipate being busy for the next few months at least and then the holidays will be upon us. So, this month I can count my blessings. We are one more month closer to bringing our baby home and busy enough not to get too antsy over the wait. Hang in there everyone, we really are on our way ;o)

Our Vacation

We recently returned from our annual 4th of July vacation with our friend Brian in MN. The week was spent out on Prior Lake swimming, kneeboarding, wake surfing and hanging out with friends. Thanks Brian, we had a great time!

Thank you...

I received a gift today from my Aug/Sept secret pal. This months theme was summer fun. My pal sent the cutest little pink and white Polo bathing suit and a colorful butterfly crib toy. I loved them both, thank you so much ;o)

Kitchen Before and After

I know many of you have been waiting to see the before and after pictures of my kitchen. Unfortunately most if the pictures don't really show things to clearly but I think these two show the changes best.

Here is what we did -

Removed the flourescent lighting box
Added 6 recessed can lights
Added 4 pendulum lights over the big island and breakfast nook table
Installed granite counter tops
Changed cabinet knobs to stainless steel
Painted

Oh, one more thing I've got to share. See the wine glasses on top of the cabinet? My friend, hand-painted those with lady bugs especially for me. Aren't they great?!?! Thanks Lynn, I love them!

What does your latte say about you?

What Your Latte Says About You

You are easygoing and pretty simple to please. You don't put up a fuss... ever. You can be quite silly at times, but you know when to buckle down and be serious. Intense and energetic, you aren't completely happy unless you are bouncing off the walls. You're addicted to caffeine. There's no denying it. You are responsible, mature, and truly an adult. You're occasionally playful, but you find it hard to be carefree. You are complex and philosophical, but you are never arrogant.

What Does Your Latte Say About You?

The Adoption Cycle...

It’s already been 9 months…

Our 9 month LID anniversary was 6/5. It came and went unnoticed as went about living our lives. We should be about 7 months away from our referral. However, reality is that we may be 15 months or more away from our referral due to current wait times. I know, as you read this your wondering why? What has happened to cause this dramatic increase in the wait time? Can it be fixed? Honestly, we just don’t know all the reasons why or if it will be fixed. I do know in the blink of an eye it is already half way through June, where have the last 5 months gone? For us the time has flown by because we were looking for a new house, selling our old house or moving into our new house. We have dealt with death, sickness and thankfully healing of family and friends. We just spent our first weekend hosting out of town friends in our new house!

Yet, even as we keep busy our adoption is not far from our thoughts. Yes, the wait it difficult. Yes, it can be depressing. No, I cannot let it consume my life. Many of my “adoption friends” are asked the same questions. How do we cope? We cope by talking to each other, family, and friends. Occasionally, we have a good pity party. For most of us “moms to be” we are emotionally connected to a child we do not know and have yet to see. But in our hearts this connection, thread if you will, binds us to this child regardless of time and space. We are emotionally connected to this distant child. Odd as it may sound to some, that connection cannot be broken. We wonder, worry and love this unknown child. We ache to hold it and smell that fresh baby smell, see her laugh, and protect her from the world. Then there is the dreaded wait. It crashes upon us at the oddest times. It can sap our energy, our ability to function. It can, if we let it, consume every waking moment. The “wait” has become our faceless enemy – time slipping away, feeling like it has been lost.

I think our husbands, at least most of them, have this waiting thing down. They know what we want, they know the wait is long and yet they have the ability to carry on. They go about their business as if nothing has changed. I know for my husband it so far away it’s not on his “radar” right now. This does not mean he doesn’t have his “moments” or is not connected to this process but for the most part he carries on with the business of living life. For him, the wait is different. I need to learn from him. I need to live in the now. Yes, the bad days will come and go. Yes, this child will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers. No, I cannot allow myself to let the next months pass me by without taking advantage of all this time has to offer. Every day is a reason to celebrate the good things, mourn the losses, and build relationships. In short to live the life that is unfolding before my eyes! In the future, regardless of how near or far, the quality and amount of time we spend with others will change. So let’s live it, let’s cherish the time with each other, our families, our friends. In short, let’s get about the business of living!

Happy 9 months LID anniversary! We are on our way, I’m not sure exactly to where, but we’re definitely on our way ;o)

Move Update

We are slowly but surely making progress in getting settled in and things unpacked. We are having granite counter tops installed in two weeks and once that is done I can completely finish organizing my new kitchen. I have to say it is my favorite room. In my condo the kitchen was tiny. I now have two islands a whole lot of storage space, yeah! We have a whole lot painting to do because the walls are all white. We need to get some color in here! Once the counter tops are in we will begin selecting colors. I will post before and after pictures once some of our "projects" are done.

The good thing about getting the house now is that it will keep me busy for the next few months. The second big plus is that we won't have to do it after we bring the baby home this avoiding yet another big change for her. We had outgrown our condo quite some time ago and it would have been really tight for space once she was home. Thanks for asking about our progress, I will keep you posted...

May Ladybug Cybershower

I received my secret pal gift today. This months theme was "Mealtime." Angie was my secret pal and she really spoiled me. Here is what she sent for the kiddo -

4 pc. dish set with spoon
Sassy High Chair Toy
No Spill Cup
Set of 3 Snack Cups w/ Lids
Snackin Cheerios Cellphone (my favorite!!)
Catch-a-Mess Mat
Ladybugs and Heart Coverall Bib
Sectioned Feeding Dish w/ Knife and Fork
A really sweet card and a CD -

all in a really cute pink baby bag. It was really nice to unpack a "fun" box ;o)
Thanks Angie, I love all of my goodies and can't wait to listen to the CD on my way to work tomorrow.

Today has me thinking...

about all of the men and women who are fighting for our country. Politics aside, I think that we, as a nation and individuals, should support our troops. They are fighting for us, to keep our country safe from the tyranny of those who would oppress us. It is a thankless job, one that requires much sacrifice not only their part but of those they love.

For my part I want to say that I'm grateful. Grateful for the fact that there are men and women who have sacrificed their lives for mine and those of my family. Grateful that there are those who felt the call to protect and serve others who either cannot or will not do so. Grateful for your patriotism. I am also grateful to the families of the soldiers who serve this country. They too make sacrifices simply by having a loved one serving and away from home.

THANK YOU... to those who serve and their families. A heart felt thank you is being sent your way today and every day. May God bless and keep you always.

Honor Them...

As we enjoy our holiday today, let's remember to be thankful for those who gave their lives in service to our country and for their families who live their lives without a loved one so that we might be with ours.

Thank you for your sacrifice.

Moving on up...

to a bigger house. We have sold our two bedroom condo and bought a 3 bedroom house. The truth is we had out grown the condo a long time ago. With the wait time from LID to referral increasing it seemed like the right time to move. That way when we are finally able to bring the baby home we won't have to uproot her again anytime soon. The great move (as I like to call it) is happening this weekend.

Off to pack some more... Have a great weekend!

8 Months and Counting...

May 5th marked our 8th month on this long journey. I wish that I had some kind of meaningful update about the estimated wait times but I don't. The truth is the length of time from LID to referral has steadily been increasing. Rumor has it if the CCAA can get through November '05 referrals things will start to speed up. The truth is whatever the wait time turns out to be it will definitely be a lesson in patience and faith.

Referrals are in...

To the all those who have received their referrals this week. Wishing you safe travels and a wonderful "gotcha" day.

Friends...

To all my friends, cracked or not, thanks for all you are and all you do. Your the best...

Love ya!

April Aug/Sept DTC Secret Pal

I just wanted to take a minute to say thanks to my Aug/Sept group secret pal. I received my gift a couple of weeks ago but was having a hard time posting pictures until now. My pal sent me the cute little duck bath set shown above. Thanks again!!

Faith...

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for,
the evidence of things not seen.

Hebrews 11:1

7 Months and counting...

Our 7 month LID anniversary was on 4/5/07. These days time is zipping by and dragging at the same time. It's hard to believe that it is already April. It's true every month that passes brings us closer to our baby. Conversely it's also true that every month that passes seems to be a month that we are further from her. At times I find myself wondering what there is to "celebrate" as this monthly date arrives. It seems to me to simply be a method of counting down to an unknown date. Not knowing that date makes it difficult to view my "anniversary" date as a reason to celebrate. Then today I read the following quote on APC and it really hit home -

Patience is a hard discipline. It is not just waiting until something happens over which we have no control: the arrival of the bus, the end of the rain, the return of a friend, the resolution of a conflict. Patience is not waiting passively until someone else does something. Patience asks us to live the moment to the fullest, to be completely present to the moment, to taste the here and now, to be where we are. When we are impatient, we try to get away from where we are. We behave as if the real thing will happen tomorrow, later, and somewhere else. Let's be patient and trust that the treasure we look for is hidden in the ground on which we stand."

Henri J.M.Nouwen

So, this really is a date to celebrate because we are one step closer to our "treasure."

Happy Easter...

Hope everyone has a wonderful and safe Easter weekend!

About me...

Read my VisualDNA™ Get your own VisualDNA™

I saw this on another blog, thanks Christie, and thought it was interesting. Check it out...

It's been six months...

As of today we have been officially logged into China for six months. On one hand it seems like quite a milestone, on the other it's tough to think that we may only be a a quarter of the way through the wait. Either way we are six months further into the wait than we were before.

So far 2007 has been a combination of both the bad and good. People I know and love have experienced the loss of loved ones and/or are battling life threatening illnesses. Referral time lines have continued to grow and others are struggling for a variety of different reasons. Fortunately, for me at least, I have also experienced good things. I have finally been a first hand witness to meeting a family that received their referral and was able to meet the daughter they brought home, it gives me hope. I've met and connected with a group of fellow adoptive parents-to-be who have become a wonderful source of support and inspiration during this roller coaster ride. Ladies, you know who you are ;o) Through it all I have had a shoulder to cry on, an arm to lean on, and love enough from family and friends to carry me through and for that I am thankful.

Happy anniversary, we are six months closer...

A Night with Family...

My nephew Joshua and his family got a new puppy Tuesday. Stanley is a four month old English Bulldog. I went over for dinner tonight to meet Stanley and catch up with everyone. We had a great time and Stanley is such a sweetie! Thought I would share a couple of pictures of our night together. Hope you enjoy them as much as we did taking them ;o)

Me and Josh reading a story

Josh, Stanley, and I playing

Check out that little face !

CCAI February Secret Pals...

My CCAI August/September Secret Pal gift arrived today. It was such a nice surprise after such a long week. It is the cutest, softest little Bunny blanket and two books from Bunnies by the Bay. Check it out...


Thank you for the cute gifts!!!

Gifts for the baby...

As some of you already know, I have been hesitant to begin shopping for the baby. I hesitate for a couple reasons - we are in the process of looking for a bigger house (we have absolutely no space), the referral seems soooo far away, and there is the tiniest, tiniest chance we could get a boy. Let me explain that last one, our social worker put "either girl or boy" in our home study and to avoid further delays we sent our dossier in that way. Anyway, back to the gifts...

While I have been able to resist the urge to shop, some of my friends and family have not. Christmas and my recent birthday were the perfect excuses for them to pick up things for the baby ;o) Check out the baby gifts I have received from Jeni, Lynn, Fior, and Matt's mom...

Book from Grandma Joanie

Cute dress from Jeni & Lynn

Ladybug Bear and Pillow from Fior - the cat was already mine ;o)

January Cybershower...

One of my adoption groups, The Ladybugs and Red Thread Believers, are doing monthly cyber-showers. The host of the month picks a theme and anyone who would like to participate signs up for it. Everyone participating is then assigned a person to shop for and a mailing deadline is set. We all open our gifts and reveal who our cyber-buddy was on a prearranged date. The January shower was my first and the theme was "bath time." Erin was my buddy and got me wonderful gifts, thanks Erin!

The following items were included in the box I received from Erin -

Flipflop Tub Mat
Duck Toy Net
Alphabet Letters & Numbers Appliques
Towel with ladybug & flower, really cute!
Soft pink booties
And last but not least, an adorable pair of ladybug slippers for me...

Check it out wrapped and unwrapped ~

Letting go...

Is there some problem in your life to solve,
Some passage seeming full of mystery?
God knows, who brings the hidden things to light.
He keeps the key.

Is there some door closed by the Father's hand
Which widely opened you had hoped to see?
Trust God and wait - for when He shuts the door
He keeps the key.

Is there some earnest prayer unanswered yet,
Or answered NOT as you had thought 'twould be?
God will make clear his purpose by-and-by.
He keeps the key.

Have patience with your God, your patient God
All wise, all knowing, no long tarrier He.
And of the door of all thy future life
He keeps the key
Unfailing comfort, sweet and blessed rest.

To know of EVERY door He keeps the key.
That He at last when just HE sees 'tis best
Will give it THEE.

~Anonymous

Tonight one of my ladybug friends posted this poem. It was the perfect time for her to share it with us as we are all dealing with frustration and anxiety over the wait times. It is the perfect reminder that God will and does provide for us and answer our prayers. Human nature is to want to control everything regardless of the fact that we know it cannot be done. His timing is perfect, even when we don't see it. So tonight my prayer for all of us is that we find a way to let go, to give it back to the One who can and does make all things possible. Keep the faith ladies, we are on our way however long the road seems to be.

Current Events...

There has been a lot posting lately regarding CNN's Paula Zahn show on the new regulations for Chinese adoptions. I didn't see the show but did read the transcripts. At best it was uninformed and clearly got a lot of people, especially the Chinese adoption community, upset. The racist comments and characterizations of parents choosing to adopt Chinese children were inexcusable. Other than briefly outlining the new regulations most of the discussion was centered on other issues. It seemed to me that the panelists were pushing their own agenda's rather than carrying on an informed and pertinent discussion relating to the regulation changes and the impact on potential adoptive parents.

Due to the thousands of mails CNN received they re-ran the show bringing in the President of the Organization of Chinese Americans, Ginny Gong. I read the second show's transcript tonight. To be fair I will give them points for including Ginny and reading (at least in part) some of the e-mails they received. However, in my opinion they still didn't "fix" anything. It was better but a far cry from being an informative show. Needless to say I won't be looking to CNN for information regarding adoption.

Since I'm on the subject, about the new regulations some of which are no single parents, new age restrictions, new physical and mental health restrictions, current marriage length, weight restrictions, minimum net worth, minimum asset and education rules. Personally I don't believe that some of these restrictions would impede anyone from being a good parent. Some of the others I believe would allow for better equipped parents. That being said it really doesn't matter if I agree with their restrictions or not, they are what they are. I am not being glib or flippant with that last part. The truth is as much as I may not agree with some of these changes I cannot change it. China did not and is not required to consult with anyone, including potential parents, when making rules for their country. The operative phrase in that last sentence is "their country." When our government makes new rules that affect us they don't check with us either. The bottom line is I want to adopt a child from China and that means I must follow their rules.

Christmas & New Years

We had a wonderful holiday season this year. We were able to spend quality time with family and friends. Christmas Eve and Christmas Day were spent with family. Even though we were busy going places we actually did have a relaxing time hanging out with everyone. My nephew, Josh, was a riot helping everyone open their presents. He was also generous enough to let us all watch his new Cars DVD.

For New Years we packed up and headed North. We spent 10 days including New Years with Matt's best friend Brian and his family. Unfortunately, it only snowed on New Years Eve. On the bright side we did get to have a pretty good snowball fight and spent New Years day sledding at Lake Front. We also went to Mall of America and rode a couple of the rides at Camp Snoopy. We had a great time and look forward to going back for our annual 4th of July trip. Thanks Brian!

Merry Christmas

May the joy of His Word

And the light of His way

Abide in your heart

Throughout the year

As well as Christmas Day

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a propserous New Year!

The Perfect Christmas Song...

There's a little girl trembling on a cold December morn
Crying for momma's arms
At an orphanage just outside a little China town
There the forgotten are

But half a world away
I hang the stockings by the fire
And dream about the day when I can finally call you mine

It's Christmas time again but you're not home
Your family is here and yet you're somewhere else alone
And so tonight I pray that God will come and hold you in his arms
And tell you from my heart I wish you Merry Christmas

As I hang the tinsel on the tree and watch the twinkling lights
I'm warmed by the fire's glow
Outside the children tumble in a wonderland of white,
Make angels in the snow

But half a world away you try your best to fight the tears
And hope that heaven's angels come to carry you here

It's Christmas time again but you're not home
Your family is here and yet you're somewhere else alone
And so tonight I pray that God will come and hold you in his arms
And tell you from my heart I wish you Merry Christmas

Christmas is a time to celebrate the holy child

and we celebrate his perfect gift of love

He came to earth to give his life

and prepare a place for us

so we could have a home with him above

It's Christmas time again and now you're home

Your family is here so you will never be alone

So tonight before you go to sleep, I'll hold you in my arms

And I'll tell you from my heart, and I'll you from my heart

I wish you Merry Christmas

~by Brad Avery, Third Day

This song is close to my heart, as I'm sure it is to so many others on this adoption journey. Brad Avery and his wife are also in the process of adopting a child from China. He has eloquently put into words what I and so many others are feeling this Christmas season. Thanks Brad!

Secret Santa...

My Secret Santa gifts arrived today. I received a really cute adoption story book called Little Miss Ladybug & Her Magical Red Thread. It is a sweet story about a child finding her forever family through adoption. I also received a beautiful green and silver cloisonne necklace. I think my Santa is Kelly Wilson.

Pictures will be posted after Christmas when I get my digital camera. I will also let everyone know if my guess was correct (I think so).

Thanks Kelly ;o)

I've Been Tagged...

1.Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate? Hot Chocolate
2. Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree? Sits them under the tree
3. Colored lights on tree/house or white? Colored - Matt insists although I think solid white is really pretty; reminds of stars twinkling :o)
4. Do you hang mistletoe? Nope
5. When do you put your decorations up? As soon as I find time after Thanksgiving
6. What is your favorite holiday dish (excluding dessert)? Whipped Sweet Potatoes w/ marshmallows on top
7. Favorite Holiday memory as a child: Having all of my family around
8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa? Don’t remember
9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve? Yes, we have Christmas with Matt’s moms on Christmas Eve
10 How do you decorate your Christmas Tree? All kinds... we buy at least one new one a year.

11. Snow! Love it or Dread it? Snow, what’s snow!?!?! I live in FL but loved it the one time I saw it!
12. Can you ice skate? Just enough not to embarrass myself. Matt plays ice hockey (yes, they do play that in FL ;o)
13. What's the most important thing about the Holidays for you? Family
14. What is your favorite Holiday Dessert? That’s a tough one since I’m really not a sweet person… Peppermint Ice cream, reminds me of my paternal Grandparents
15. What is your favorite holiday tradition? Seafood for Christmas Eve dinner (it's an Italian thing)
16. Which do you prefer giving or receiving? Giving, I love the look on someone’s face when they get something they really like
17. What's your favorite Christmas Song? Little Drummer Boy
18. Candy Canes! Yuck or Yum? Not bad, especially in ice cream…

Did you know...

I got this in an e-mail from a friend today and thought I would post it here. Yes, it is a another tag type post and you are all it, so have fun...

Did you know…

Four jobs I have had in my life:
1. Operations Analyst, Chase
2. Ruleset Analyst, Chase
3. Loan Officer, Chase
4. Loan Closer, Chase (this is just too sad, I've been @ Chase way to long)

Four Movies I have watched over and over:
1. Braveheart
2. Sleepless in Seattle (watching it again right now, lol)
3. Italian Job
4. Divine Secrets of the YaYa Sisterhood (and many, many more....)

Four places I have lived:
1. Tampa, FL
2. Clearwater, FL
3. St. Pete, FL
4. Palm Harbor, FL (think I need to move out of state?!?!)

Four TV shows I love to watch:
1. Without a Trace
2. Everybody Loves Raymond
3. Sopranos
4. Deadwood

Four places I have been on vacation:
1. Lake Prior, MN
2. Cancun, Mexico
3. Montego Bay, Jamaica
4. Las Vegas, NV

Favorite foods:
1. Filet Mignon
2. Snow Crab
3. Bread
4. Pasta

Four places I would rather be right now:
1. China
2. On the way back from China
3. Aruba
4. Scotland

Four people who will respond:
1. Jessica
2. Terri
3. Christina
4. Lynn

Now, here's what you're supposed to do... And please do not spoil the fun. Copy and paste this to an e-mail or your blog. Delete my answers and type in your answers. Then send this to a whole bunch of people you know INCLUDING the person who sent it to you or post it to your blog.

The theory is that you will learn a lot of little known facts about those who know you. Let me know if you do it and where to look for your answers.

Names in Chinese...

I was catching up on some blog reading tonight when I ran across this really cool website on Rebecca's blog - www.chinese-tools.com. On this site you type in your name and the site will give your name in Chinese and draw a picture with different backgrounds. There are several different backgrounds including a river, birds, a woman, etc... For Matt's name I chose the dragon background and for mine the bamboo background. Check it out, it's really cool?!?! Thanks Rebebca!

My Nephew the Fire Fighter...

Josh and his pumpkin

This Halloween after much deliberation my three year old nephew, Josh, decided to be a "fire fighter" not a fireman, a fire fighter, lol. For those of you with kids I'm sure you have experienced this decision making process. At first he wanted to be Sponge Bob and I can't tell you how grateful I am he changed his mind on that one! To me there is just something way wrong about Sponge Bob!?!? Anyway, after getting his candy he would tell people that "if your in a fire your supposed to call 911 and stop, drop, and roll." This is one cute fire fighter even if I do say so myself!


Josh and his favorite Aunt

Happy Halloween...

Happy Halloween!! Have fun trick or treating with your little goblins tonight!

See You Later...

Tonight we had dinner with some friends to say "see you later" to Christina and Kaylee (her 5 year old daughter) who are moving to Minnesota tomorrow. We are so excited for them and look forward to hearing that they have gotten settled in. Hang in there, I know it's a time of mixed emotions but you will get through it. There is so much to look forward to and I know you'll be fine. You know where we are if you need us and have a safe trip!

We will see you in December!

Can someone shoot the puck on net please!

Okay, it is only the beginning of an 81 game season but I have to admit the Bolts just are not playing well. We are now 1-3 and at the bottom of the Southeast Divison :o( Tonights game was just more of what we've seen so far - bad passes, poor puck handling, no one fighting for the puck and the one of the worst power plays in the league! Come on guys get it together!!!!

Let's hope tomorrow's game is better or this can turn into a long season...

It's Hockey Time...

I have to say that I am excited that the hockey season has officially begun. Our Tampa Bay Lightning won their first game, played against the Atlanta Thrashers, during 3-2 shootout on Thursday night. Our season home opener is tomorrow against the Bruins. Matt and I will be there cheering them on...

GO BOLTS!!!!

Weekend Happenings...

This past weekend the Tampa, Florida Chapter of FCC celebrated the Moon Festival at Al Lopez Park. Briefly, the August Moon Festival or Mid-Autumn Festival is one of the most celebrated Chinese holidays. It is held on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month. Chinese legends say that the moon is at its brightest and roundest on this day.

At our Moon Festival we had a picnic and crafts for the kids. The best part was getting to see all the kids and knowing that one day we will be bringing our kid to share in the celebration of their heritage. Seeing these little girls makes the long wait seem sooo worth it. They were adorable!

Under this bright autumn moon, it is said friendships are made and renewed.
I went to the festival with my new friends Drew and Nicole. Thanks for inviting me guys! I look forward to seeing you again soon.

We also so went to a cookout with some good friends we don't get to see too often. It was great to spend the afternoon hanging out, laughing and relaxing together. We had a great time Mike and Teri!

It was definitely a good weekend!!

Favorite Movie/Video

While looking for a replacement for my codeandlyrcis Nickleback video I found this one on youtube.com. It's a great combination of my favorite movies and my current favorit song. Hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

9/11 Commercial

Get this video and more at MySpace.com

I missed this commericial on 9/11/06. It was sent to me by a family member. I thought it was a classy, understated way for Budweiser to pay respects to one of the most horrific events of our time. It touched me and I hope it touches all of you, whether you've seen it before or this is the first time.

I also think it is classy of Budweiser to air this once and not use it as an advertising campaign. In that way they truly allowed it to be reflective of their intent to offer respect for that event and those we lost.

Love is a gift...

I didn't give you the gift of life,
But in my heart I know.
The love I feel is as deep and real,
As if it had been so.

For us to have each other
Is like a dream come true!
No, I didn't give you
The gift of life,
Life gave me the gift of you.

-Unknown

First FCC Meeting...

I went to my first FCC meeting on Saturday.There were so many more people there than I thought there would be. This month's topic was shopping in China. Of all the items they brought to show I loved the shoes the most. They were all so cute! Of course I will take the squeakers out :o)


The couple who spoke have adopted 2 really cute girls and were the ones giving shopping pointers. They are currently paperchasing for their third! I guess it's like our social worker Nancy told us, people just can't stop at one, lol.
The real highlight for me was meeting Nicole and Drew who also live in Tampa and seeing all the adorable little girls! Seeing them all makes me so anxious to get our daughter.

Busy Weekend...

This has been a busy weekend. I went shopping with my friends Lynn and Jeni for my bridesmaid dress and Lynn's wedding dress. It was fun and Lynn's wedding dress is beautiful. Despite Jeni's predictions, she didn't cry when she found "the dress" but did get a big, goofy grin that was priceless to see. Two down and a million other things to do for her upcoming wedding.

Here is my dress... the shade of green is much prettier and richer in person than online.



ps. Wish I was going to look that good it in it, lol!!!

Congratulations!!!!

Congrats to all who have made progress this week! Especially to my group buddies Heather, Pam, and Rebecca this one is for all of you!

A Beautiful Sunset Over China...

Sunset over Yangshou, China

I saw this picture while surfing the net... I thought it was beautiful and unique. I can't wait to get to China and see how pretty it is for myself. I hope we get to see something like that on our trip!

An honor...

a close friend of mine honored me this weekend by asking me to be in her wedding. I am so excited to share in the excitement of planning with her and sharing the joy of her big day.

It will also give me something else besides referral day to focus on during the next several months. We've got all kinds of shopping to do - dresses, flowers, centerpieces, etc... Look out Lynn, Jeni and I are going to make sure you never forget your bachelorette party, lol!

Finally, LID Mail has Arrived...

We finally received the mail today telling us our LID date is 9/5/06. For clarification, the LID is significant because it is the date our dossier is officially logged into CCAA and also begins the countdown to our referral.

Ladybug cheers to all those who have received good news (LID's, DTC's, etc...), have made progress in completing your paper chase, or are celebrating some other accomplishment... this one is for you!

10 Ways to Stay Positive During the Wait...

I have been tagged by Jessica. So here it goes....

1. Pray daily for all of us to persevere, endure, and remember what we are waiting for
2. Take last 3 classes to finish my degree
3. Spend time with family and friends
4. Begin to look for a new house/neighborhood. (We live in a condo and want to move into a house)
5. Participate in DTC/LID group boards and exchanges
6. Go to local FCC meetings and meet other adoptive families
7. Learn something new
8. Work on getting our pictures put into some kind of order ie. albums and/or scrapbooks (still don’t have our wedding pictures done, we were married in 8/95, lol)
9. Offer encouragement and a shoulder when fellow group members need one
10. Read books suggested by other group members

Since Jessica has tagged the group I really don't have anyone esle to tag... But if any of my friends read this and want to make suggestions on things I can do while I wait please let me know.