Happy New Years...

In the New Year,

may your right hand always be stretched out in friendship, but never in want.

~ Traditional Irish Toast

Wishing you all a Happy New Year and all the best in 2010!

Happy New Year to Those Who ...

... have finally received their referrals. What a great way to start the New Year!

The CCAA has updated their website to say that they have placed children for families with log-in dates before April 3, 2006.

Merry Christmas...

And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

~Luke 2:10-11

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and all the blessings of the season!

Xmas Origins...

You learn someting new every day...

"Xmas is an abbreviation for Christmas. It is derived from the word ΧΡΙΣΤΟΣ, transliterated as Christos, which is Greek for Christ. Greek is the language in which the whole New Testament was written.

Originally, Xmas was an abbreviation where the X represents the Greek letter chi, which is the first letter of Christ's name. However, because of the modern interpretations of the letter X, many people are unaware of this and assume that this abbreviation is meant to drop Christ from Christmas."

Ok, I will admit I was one of those people. I didn't like the use of Xmas instead of Christmas. Now I know it's not as bad as I thought. Still, I like the look and sound of Christmas better ;op

Please Remember ...

The embers glowed softly, and in their dim light,

I gazed round the room and I cherished the sight.

My wife was asleep, her head on my chest,

My daughter beside me, angelic in rest.

Outside the snow fell, a blanket of white,

Transforming the yard to a winter delight.

The sparkling lights in the tree I believe,

Completed the magic that was Christmas Eve.

My eyelids were heavy, my breathing was deep,

Secure and surrounded by love I would sleep.

In perfect contentment, or so it would seem,

So I slumbered, perhaps I started to dream.

The sound wasn't loud, and it wasn't too near,

But I opened my eyes when it tickled my ear..

Perhaps just a cough, I didn't quite know,

Then the sure sound of footsteps outside in the snow.

My soul gave a tremble, I struggled to hear,

And I crept to the door just to see who was near.

Standing out in the cold and the dark of the night,

A lone figure stood, his face weary and tight.

A soldier, I puzzled, some twenty years old,

Perhaps a Marine, huddled here in the cold.

Alone in the dark, he looked up and smiled,

Standing watch over me, and my wife and my child.

"What are you doing?" I asked without fear,

"Come in this moment, it's freezing out here!

Put down your pack, brush the snow from your sleeve,

You should be at home on a cold Christmas Eve!

"For barely a moment I saw his eyes shift,

Away from the cold and the snow blown in drifts..

To the window that danced with a warm fire's light

Then he sighed and he said "Its really all right,

I'm out here by choice. I'm here every night."

"It's my duty to stand at the front of the line,

That separates you from the darkest of times.

No one had to ask or beg or implore me,

I'm proud to stand here like my fathers before me.

My Gramps died at ' Pearl on a day in December,

"Then he sighed, "That's a Christmas 'Gram always remembers.

"My dad stood his watch in the jungles of ' Nam ',

And now it is my turn and so, here I am.

I've not seen my own son in more than a while,

But my wife sends me pictures, he's sure got her smile..

Then he bent and he carefully pulled from his bag,

The red, white, and blue... an American flag.

I can live through the cold and the being alone,

Away from my family, my house and my home.

I can stand at my post through the rain and the sleet,

I can sleep in a foxhole with little to eat.

I can carry the weight of killing another,

Or lay down my life with my sister and brother..

Who stand at the front against any and all,

To ensure for all time that this flag will not fall.."

"So go back inside," he said, "harbor no fright,

Your family is waiting and I'll be all right."

"But isn't there something I can do, at the least,

"Give you money," I asked, "or prepare you a feast?

It seems all too little for all that you've done,

For being away from your wife and your son."

Then his eye welled a tear that held no regret,

"Just tell us you love us, and never forget.

To fight for our rights back at home while we're gone,

To stand your own watch, no matter how long.

For when we come home, either standing or dead,

To know you remember we fought and we bled.

Is payment enough, and with that we will trust,

That we mattered to you as you mattered to us.

I received this poem today and it touched my heart. At the bottom of the e-mail was also this request -

PLEASE, would you do me the kind favor of sending this to as many people as you can? Christmas will be coming soon and some credit is due to our U.S service men and women for our being able to celebrate these festivities.. Let's try in this small way to pay a tiny bit of what we owe. Make people stop and think of our heroes, living and dead, who sacrificed themselves for us.

LCDR Jeff Giles, SC, USN

30th Naval Construction Regiment

OIC, Logistics Cell One
Al Taqqadum, Iraq

I don't know where this request originated from but I believe that it should be honored. Please remember to keep our soldiers in your thoughts and prayers this Christmas season and every day. Without them we would be living in a very different world. Thank you and God Bless!

Count UP to 39 Months...

We are 158 referral days away from being matched. With as little as 2 days being matched in some months our estimated wait time could extend to early 2013. That's really just too depressing to think about...

Early Christmas Presents for Some...

Congratulations and Merry Christmas to those of you who are receiving referrals in this batch. You have finally almost reached the end of your journey, the end is in sight. Wishing all of you speedy travels and wondereful "gotcha" days.

The CCAA has finished the placement of children for the families whose adoption application documents were registered with our office before March 31, 2006.

Happy Thanksgiving...

Wishing all of you a Thanksgiving filled with

the comfort and love of family and friends,

food enough to eat, and time to nap afterward ;o)

Thanksgiving...

I am thankful for ~

My husband, who loves me.

My family, who is always there for me.

My friends, who have shared their lives, love, laughter, and tears with me.

My health, that has been good so far.

My job, that allows me to pay my bills.

Our Soldiers, who sacrifice so that others don't have to.

My God, who has carried me and given me hope.

Veterans Day...

Thanks to all of our service men and women, hope you get to enjoy this day!

Take A Moment To Thank A Veteran

When you see someone in a uniform

Someone who serves us all,

Doing military duty,

Answering their country’s call,
Take a moment to thank them

For protecting what you hold dear;

Tell them you are proud of them;

Make it very clear.
Just tap them on the shoulder,

Give a smile, and say,

"Thanks for what you’re doing;

To keep us safe in the USA!"

By Joanna Fuchs

There are not words enough to thank all of you who have served or are serving this country. Your sacrifice, bravery, and willingness to defend amaze me every day. Your are the backbone of this country and we owe our freedom to you. Each of you and your families are in our thoughts and prayers today and every day.

Thanks for all you do! Happy Veterans Day!

Halloween Pics...

The little man himself... He was a martial arts guy this year..

Joshua and his favorite Aunt (it doesn't matter that I'm his only Aunt, lol)...

Joshua with Mom and Dad

a little late but better than never, lol... Love trick-or-treating with my nephew, I mean who could resist that semi-toothless grin right? He has finally lost his first tooth and has three more loose! I must hunt for a picture of his Dad without his front teeth to see how much they look alike, lol.

38 Months...

We have been caught in a traffic jam (kind of like in the picture) for 38 months.. Our particular traffic jam has been caused by a multitude of known and unknown things. These things have been enumerated here and in other places so many times before that it’s not necessary to do so again now.

So, where does this traffic jam leave us? I guess it depends on the day or maybe in some cases the hour I’m asked, “hey what’s going on with your adoption?” Today, at this minute, I have no desire to guess why we are still waiting, when the wait may end or even the reasons behind the wait. Today my answer is simply we are still waiting.

National Adoption Awareness Month...

Before you were conceived I wanted you,
Before you were born I loved you,
Before you were here an hour
I would die for you,
This is the miracle of life.
~ Maureen Hawkins

I hope you get to take the time to celebrate the families who will be or have been brought together out of love.

Maybe someone you know can share how adoption has touched their lives and/or made their family complete.

Have a Happy Halloween...

Wishing you all a fun filled, trick-or-treating kind of

Happy Halloween weekend!

My Favorite Halloween Candy Says...

You Are a Beloved Friend

You are a very popular person. People can always find something about you to like. You are friendly and approachable. It's easy to feel comfortable around you. You are lively, playful, and sweet. But you are also substantial too. No matter what the situation is, you are good company... and the ideal best friend.

What Does Your Favorite Candy Say About You?

Work is Hard. Time for Blogthings!

Referrals have arrived...

The CCAA has posted referrals have gone out to families who were

logged-in March 28, 2006. Congratulations to all those families

who are finally receiving their long awaited referral.

Wishing you all safer and speedy travels!

Lightning Home Opener....

is tonight. I'm so excited that the hockey season has started. Go BOLTS!!!

As of yesterday, it's been...

long, long months...

Fun, Fun!

Definitely Feeling This Way...

Monday :o(

too bad I couldn't just hide!

3 Long Years...

As of 9/5/09 we have been waiting for our child for 3 long years. It’s hard to believe, it was never even imagined that we would hit that mark. Needless to say it’s a long way from the estimated 12-16 month timeline we were given when we started the adoption process. (Just for the record we don’t blame our agency.)

Honestly, it’s hard to even work our heads around it. This has been the longest and hardest things we have had to deal with, EVER! This makes IVF look like a walk in the park. I guess the biggest issue with the whole thing is that there are no concrete answers. No answers about why the wait increased, how long it could really wind up being, or what the reasons for the increased timeline are. Sure, there is speculation, rumor, and vague statements about it but nothing that clearly says the wait was caused by A, B, and C.

What started out as an exciting and hopeful journey has turned into a really bad road trip. You know the one… the car breaks down, then you get lost, and the next thing you know you've lost your hotel reservation. Then it’s only about the last day of the trip that you begin to get over the bad beginning and have fun. Of course during all these mishaps you run the emotional gauntlet ranging from excitement to flat out depression at the thought that it could possibly get worse before it’s over.

For those of you who are lost in the quagmire of the wait and those of you have already endured it, I’m sure you can relate. It’s painful. It’s frustrating. It just plain old makes you angry. As the wait goes on and on your expenses go up and up adding yet another level of frustration to the whole thing. Not to mention there doesn't seem to be an end to it anytime in the near future.

Despite all that, we will continue to wait. What choice do we have? Our child is in China.

For those of you who have been along for the ride – thanks for your support, your shoulders, and your words of comfort. Without you enduring this would have been impossible.

Referrals are in...

Congratulations to all of the families who recived their referrals in this batch. I can only imagine the joy you each felt as you saw your little ones faces for the first time.

Wishing you all speedy travels and unforgettable "gotcha" days!

Update: The CCAA has finished the placement of children for the families whose adoption application documents were registered with our office before March 24, 2006.

A little late but...

My friends Drew and Nicole welcomed their son Mason William into their family on Thursday July 30th. We wish you all the best as you embark on this new chapter in your lives. He is adorable and I can't wait to meet him in person.

Congratulations!!

Happy Birthday Joan...

today is my mother-in-law Joan's birthday.

Hope all your birthday wishes come true.

Happy Birthday!

35th Month LIDversary...

Next month is the real milestone as we will have finally hit the 3 year mark of this wait! Can I just say YUK, YUK, YUK!

ps. be prepared for a whiney post that day, lol!

Our 14th Anniversary...

Matt, I can't believe today is our 14th wedding anniversary! It's amazing how time flies, it doesn't seem like 14 years have passed. We've come a long way over the years and yet we have so many more things to do and places to see. I'm looking forward to doing all those things with you. Happy anniversary, I love you !

The Wait is Almost Over...

to all those who are finallly seeing their baby's face for the first time.

Wishing you all a safe journey as you travel to bring your little one home.

The CCAA has finished the review of adoption applications registered with our office before August 31, 2007.

The CCAA has finished the placement of childres for the families whose applications were registered with our office before March 22, 2006.

July 5th Was...

Feels like the "wait" is crawling along just as slow as the blimp!

I'm Already Out of Here...

At least in my mind...

We are heading to the Hilton Rose Hall Resort in Montego Bay, Jamaica on Saturday for a week of fun and sun. Both Matt and I are really in need of a little down time. The next few days going to be sooo long ;o)

Happy 4th of July...

As we head into another 4th of July weekend please remember all of our soldiers past, present and future who have fought or will fight for the freedoms we are about to celebrate. Thank you for your sacrifice and patritiotism, without you there would be no celebration.

Happy 4th of July!

Happy Birthday Tori...

Wow, it's hard to believe your 9 today! Your getting so big, it seems like just yesterday you were a precocious 2 year-old. Hope all your birthday wishes come true, happy birthday! We love you!

Happy Birthday Mom and Mimi...

Today two very important women in our lives are celebrating birthdays.

Hope you both have a great day and all your birthday wishes come true!

Happy birthday Mom! Happy birthday Mimi!

Happy Fathers Day...

Dad, there are not words enough to say how much I love you. Thank you for always being there to love, support, and guide me. Without you I wouldn't be who I am today. I love you!

Happy Father's Day, your the best!

Congratulations...

To all those families seeing the faces of their children for the first time.

It must be such a great feeling to almost be at the end of your journey.

Wishing you all safe travels and wonderful "gotcha" days!

Another LID Anniversary Passes...

Freedom Is Not Free...

Freedom is not free

I watched the flag pass by one day,
It fluttered in the breeze.
A young Service man saluted it,
And then he stood at ease.

I looked at him in uniform
So young, so tall, so proud,
With hair cut square and eyes alert
He'd stand out in any crowd.

I thought how many men like him
Had fallen through the years.
How many died on foreign soil
How many mothers' tears?

How many pilots' planes shot down?
How many died at sea?
How many foxholes were soldiers' graves?
No, freedom isn't free.

I heard the sound of Taps one night,
When everything was still,
I listened to the bugler play
And felt a sudden chill.

I wondered just how many times
That Taps had meant "Amen",
When a flag had draped a coffin.
Of a brother or a friend.

I thought of all the children,
Of the mothers and the wives,
Of fathers, sons and husbands
With interrupted lives.

I thought about a graveyard
At the bottom of the sea
Of unmarked graves in Arlington.
No, freedom isn't free.

~LCDR Kelly Strong, USCG - Copyright 1981~

Happy Memorial Day...

"Greater love has no one than this,than to lay down his life for his friends." ~John 15:13~

Thank you to all of our soldiers, past and present,

who have given so much of themselves for our country.

Your dedication, selflessness, and patriotism are appreciated & not forgotten.

Without your sacrifice we would not have the freedoms we enjoy today.

God bless each and everyone of you and your families today and every day.

Congratulations...

To those families who have FINALLY received their referrals, your long wait is almost over. What a great way to start a holiday weekend!

Wishing you speedy travel arrangements and safe travels!

The CCAA has updated their website to say that they have finished the placement of children for families whose adoption application was logged-in before March 14, 2006.

2009 Kindergarten Class of Northside Christian...

These are a few pictures from Joshua's kindergarten graduation ceremony. Miss Kincaid and Mrs. Martel put together quite the show with the main theme being the "ABC's of Sailing Into First Grade." Each student had a speaking part where they talked about their assigned letter. Then they performed a few songs, the pledge of allegiance to the Flag, and the pledge to the Christian Flag. The program was ended with the song First Grade, First Grade (sung to the tune of New York, New York) it was so cute! Good job guys and congratulations!

Congratulations Joshua...

My nephew, Joshua, graduated from kindergarten last night. It was quite the ceremony as his class prepared to "Sail Into First Grade" (more pictures to come later).

Joshua, we are so proud of you and all of your accomplishments this year.

We love you!

What Gets Us Through?

Thanks everyone!

We have been waiting...

not too much to say or do about it but forge ahead as best we can...

Easter Pictures...

Happy Easter...

Wishing you all a wonderful and peaceful Easter weekend!

He is Risen...

If Easter says anything to us today, it says this: You can put truth in a grave, but it won't stay there. You can nail it to a cross, wrap it in winding sheets and shut it up in a tomb, but it will rise!

~Clarence W. Hall

Congrats to the Hansen Family...

...who received their Letter of Acceptance (LOA) for their daughter Jadyn Grace. Wishing you safe travels as you bring your daughter home.