Happy Valentines Day...

Wishing you all a great weekend with your loved ones!

29 Months...

oops, almost got away without thinking about another month passing by... almost :o/

Monday already...

Sad Commentary...

Written by a 15 yr. old school kid in Ohio since the Pledge of Allegiance & The Lords Prayer Are not allowed in schools anymore because the word 'God' is mentioned...

NEW School prayer :

Now I sit me down in school
Where praying is against the rule
For this great nation under God
Finds mention of Him very odd.
If Scripture now the class recites,
It violates the Bill of Rights.
And anytime my head I bow
Becomes a Federal matter now.
Our hair can be purple, orange or green,
That's no offense; it's a freedom scene.
The law is specific, the law is precise..
Prayers spoken aloud are a serious vice.
For praying in a public hall
Might offend someone with no faith at all.
In silence alone we must meditate,
God's name is prohibited by the state.
We're allowed to cuss and dress like freaks,
And pierce our noses, tongues and cheeks..
They've outlawed guns, but FIRST the Bible.
To quote the Good Book makes me liable.
We can elect a pregnant Senior Queen,
And the 'unwed daddy,' our Senior King.
It's 'inappropriate' to teach right from wrong,
We're taught that such 'judgments' do not belong.
We can get our condoms and birth controls,
Study witchcraft, vampires and totem poles.
But the Ten Commandments are not allowed,
No word of God must reach this crowd.
It's scary here I must confess,
When chaos reigns the school's a mess.
So, Lord, this silent plea I make:
Should I be shot; My soul please take!
Amen

Such a sad commentary that society is chipping away at the very religious freedom that this country was founded on. The first ammendment grants us freedom of religion and speech. Yet some how people tend to forget that this ammendment applies to all people not just those who complain the loudest.

Congratulations Troy & Crystal...

Our friends Troy and Crystal welcomed their new baby, Claire, into the world last Thursday night.

Congratulations on your new little one! Wishing you all the love, laughter, and joy only a new baby can bring ;o)

Xīn Nián Kuài Lè! - Happy Chinese New Year

A Chinese proverb states that all creations are reborn on New Year’s day. The Chinese New Year is a celebration of change ... out with the old and in with the new!

2009 is the Year of the Ox. The Ox is the sign of prosperity through fortitude and hard work. If you were born in 1913, 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985 or 1997 - you were born under the sign of the ox.

Those born in the year of the ox are said to be "diligent, patient, determined and easy going. They are excellent organizers and devoted family members."

TGIF!!!

Hope everyone has great weekend!

Referrals are in...

For those of you who have received your referrals, congratulations on seeing your children's faces for the first time. Your time has finally come! We are celebrating the final stages of your wait with you. Wishing you all speedy travels and unforgettable "gotcha" days.

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

The CCAA has finished the placement of children for the families whose adoption application documents were registered with our office before March 2, 2006.

28 Months Today...

Today we have officially been logged-in with China for 28 months. We are now 189 days way from our log-in date of 9/5/06. For some reason as I think about the wait today I am weary, fearful, and trying to hang on. This wait has tested us beyond our wildest dreams. As I’ve said before it feels like a living, breathing thing that at times quietly waits in the wings and at others feels like a thick cloud of misery. For those of you waiting with us you know what I am talking about. The wait is hard. It is draining and frustrating. Waiting has tested the depths of our patience and perseverance. It has made me question whether or not this is really supposed to be a part of the plan for me. Did I make mistake or misunderstand something somewhere along the way? What the wait should be is a time of preparation, a time of excited planning for my baby to come home. Yet, it is all and none of those things at the same time. I can’t help but wonder not when but IF this adoption will ever happen? Can we survive the wait? Will China do something, anything, to speed up the referral process in 2009? Is the raising of the orphanage fee going to matter in any way except to be another financial burden to bear? There are so many questions and so few answers. I find myself anticipating and dreading referral day each month. Those days are really the only news we get that any progress is being made. But the number of days referred each time does nothing to alleviate the wait. We don't really know what kind of numbers the days referred translate into. Are they consistent from month to month despite the number of days covered? These questions make it hard for referral days to make me feel any closer to bringing my child home. It took all of 2009 to get through 2 months of referrals. I can’t imagine how long it could take to get through the remaining 6 months and 5 days before my log-in date.

Maybe this is a post holiday bah-humbug feeling. For some of us without any children, the recent holidays took on a special kind of frustration. It can be difficult and exciting at the same time to see kids visiting Santa, singing in Christmas productions at school/church, or gazing in wonder at the lights and decorations. It’s hard not imagine taking my child to see Santa for the first time or taking her to see all the pretty lights in the neighborhood. For those of you with kids, I’m sure it’s another kind of agony. You know exactly what you’re missing and that must be difficult too. Please don’t misunderstand me, I love the Christmas season and I truly do enjoy seeing kids enjoy it too. It’s just that nagging little voice sometimes gets me, you know the one? The one in your head that pops up and asks “When is it going to be our turn?” I know this too shall pass. I know that in my head but today my heart doesn’t want to agree. It wants to wallow like a spoiled brat and pout. So, I’m going to have my day. Then when it is over I will pick myself up and go on because that is really the only thing to do.

Goodbye 2008...

It seems that as I get older time flies by so quickly. I can remember when I was in middle and high school the years passed so slowly, especially those last few weeks of school. As summer approached time almost seemed to stand still and the days dragged by until that final bell of the year was rung. Then, when we finally got that long anticipated summer freedom it never seemed to last long enough. When I would complain about the year dragging on my mom would tell me to enjoy it because one day time would fly by faster than I could imagine. How right she was! It's funny how the young (not that I'm all that old ;o) wish that time would hurry up so they can be at what they think will be a better place allowing more freedom and more choices. For those of us past that first brush of freedom that adulthood brings time passes so quickly. We often don't have time to slow down and enjoy life as we should. Our worries are so much more consuming than when we were younger. Now instead of wishing time away, we wish for more time. Funny how that happens!

Looking back, it seems that 2008 was a pretty good year. Yes, like everyone else it was marked by good and bad times. Some of the good things we experienced were celebrating the birth of a new baby, watching forever families be united, reconnecting with old friends, welcoming some of our heroes (soldiers) home, sharing the joy of a new engagement, and finally finishing school. Some of the not so good things were final goodbyes to loved ones, the loss of some of our heroes (soldiers), the downturn in the economy, and the never ending wait for our first (and more than likely) only child. When all is said and done, I count 2008 as a pretty good year. We were, and continue to be fortunate. We have been blessed with wonderful families and friends (you all know who you are), we have received support from all over the world as we wait for our child (thanks ladybugs!), we both still have jobs and have been successful at them, and we have our health and each other. So goodbye 2008, thanks for the memories!

Happy Birthday Sherry...

Hope all of your birthday wishes come true!

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.