Happy Halloween...

Wishing you all a load of fun trick or treating with

your little ghosts and ghoblins!

Congratulations Christina...

Mark 10:8

Tomorrow is your big day, the day that you've dreamed about for so long. Tomorrow as you say your I do's, I will be thinking of you and hoping that all your planning has made the day all you've dreamed of and more.

Wishing you and Jason all the best!

Love does not consist of gazing at each other, but in looking together in the same direction. ~Antoine de Saint-Exupery

Opening Night Win!

Yes, the hockey season has officially begun! Last night the Lightning played the Thrasher and won 5-3. With all of the changes (new owner, manager, coach and system) it should be an interesting season. Looking forward to watching the team grow and adapt to it all.

GO BOLTS!!!

48 Months...

Not sure if I'm still counting or not...

Referrals have arrived...

Congratulations to all of you who have recieved your referral in this batch. You are on the last leg of this incredible journey, finally! Wishing you all a wonderful experience traveling to China and incredible "gotcha" days ;o)

The CCAA has finished the placement of children for the families whose adoption application documents were registered with our office before May 18, 2006.

And the boys are back...

the regular hockey season is almost here again! The Lightning have won their first 2 pre-season games. Hopefully, these wins are the first of many this season. We've got new ownership, new management, new coaches, and lots of new players.

Last night, this young'un (Blair Jones) dropped veteran Chicago defenseman Nick Boynton with a hard left in a short fight during the 2nd period. Way to go Blair!

LETS GO BOLTS!!

Just a thought...

"Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending."

Happy Birthday...

Happy birthday Brian, hope you have a great weekend! Of course, I know you will since you're spending it with us ;o)

Grandma, I think about you every day and know that in heaven, where you are, all of your birthday wishes have come true. I love you and miss you!

Today We Remember...

We remember those who lost their lives in such a terrible act of terrorism. We remember our heroes - firefighters, policeman, plane passengers, soldiers and our neighbors. We remember with clarity where we were when this tragedy struck. Some huddled around TVs in conference rooms, others around TVs in cafes or bars, while others listened on the radio. Time stood still as we watched the Towers fall and the enormity of the event began to sink in. The terror and shock were overwhelming. The grief beyond comprehension. Nine years later the wounds are still raw.

From the ashes and plane debris arose a new pride in our country and a unifying strength we had long forgotten. We were ready to defend our country and each other. People gathered together to do whatever they could to help one another through. We were united against a common evil. Lives were forever changed.

Today my greatest hope is that each of you takes a moment to remember those lost, their families, and all of the men and women in the armed forces, law enforcement and fire department who serve and protect us. Remember the strength of purpose and unity you felt during the weeks and months that followed. Rekindle the passion and compassion that carried you through and most of all never forget.

Happy Labor Day...

Hope you all have a great day relaxing with your family and friends!

4 Years...

Still trying to figure out my thoughts on this... I'm kind of at a loss for words. How do I explain the last 4 years of excitement, anticipation, longing, disappointment, frustration, and loss? It's a vicious cycle, one that has repeated itself several times over the last few years to varying degrees, for different lengths of time. Many, if not all of you, can relate to this in one way or another. How many times can one work through this cycle before you begin to question the path you've started down? It turns into the big questioning cycle - Did I miss something? Did I make the wrong choices? Why? Can I continue down this path? Should I continue? When? I don't have the answers.

Long week...

Stop the ride... I want to get off...

I'm guessing from the title you already know that this is going to be a whiny post. Since you guessed right if you don't want to hear it you might want to skip this one.

Stop the ride, I really, really want to get off... I had such high hopes for 2010 and YTD it's been a big disappointment. I was hoping the iffy 2009 would be replaced by something better, not necessarily an amazing on top the world kind of year, but definitely one that was better than last year. Well guess what, it's not anything close to being better than last year. So far 2010 has been one of those years I wish we could fast forward. It's the year Murphy's Law was slapped on our household like it was invented just for us. We can't catch a break, I mean not even a little tiny break. I mean the hits started in the first week of January and keep piling up. It seems like we can't string together a few weeks without some kind of crisis happening - illnesses and death, unexpected expenses (major unexpected expenses), frustration and stress have wiped me out. This isn't even factoring in the whole adoption thing either! I'm typically an even tempered person, it takes a whole lot to keep me down but I just can't keep up anymore, so can I please jump off the ride? Maybe if I go and go hide in the corner Mr. Murphy will forget about me!?!?

Happy Birthday Matt..

Hope all of your birthday wishes come true. Luv you!

to all of you who have finally reached this milestone.

Your wait is almost over! Wishing you all speedy TA's and wonderful "gotcha" days!

The CCAA has finished the placement of children for the families whose application documents were registered with their office before May 15, 2006.

It's Been Awhile...

since I've posted anything. June and July were busy, busy months filled with lots of ups and downs. The best I can do to fill you in without writing a book is a bullet post, so here we go...

June

~ My step-dad, Alex, was hospitalized and passed away on June 23rd. Please keep my mom and the rest of our family in your prayers. This is going to be a tough adjustment for us all.

~ Happy Birthday to my mom (6/26) and my cousin Melissa (6/29). We still need to celebrate ;o) Love you ladies!

July

~ We went back to Minnesota for vacation and spent a week with good friends. It was great to hang out and relax. Thanks guys for having us!

~ Lucy graduated from puppy school. (barely, lol!)

~ Happy Birthday Tori (7/2), Dave (7/15), Nancy (7/17) and Dad (7/27). Hope all of your birthday wishes come true!

August

~ A new addition was added to our circle of friends, welcome Croix! We can't wait to watch you grow. (see 8/3 post for details)

~ Happy Anniversary Matt! It's been 15 years and we're still going strong. Love you!

August will continue on with the craziness. I will post some pictures as soon as I download them.

Welcome Croix Anthony ...

Our friends Mark and Lynn welcomed their son Croix Anthony into the world today. He was born at 12:42 PM, weighed 8 lbs. 4 oz. and was 20.5" long.

He's beautiful guys! Congratulations!

Congratulations...

to all of you who received your referrals this month.

Wishing all speedy & safe travels and incredible "gotcha" days.

The CCAA has finished the placement of children for the families

whose adoption application documents were registered with our office

before April 26, 2006.

44 Months...

of waiting and waiting...

TGIF...