Bah Humbug...

I’ve been feeling this little rant come on for a few days so I figured I’d go ahead and get it over with. Once it is out the way I can go back to enjoying this Christmas season. For those of you poor souls reading this now is your chance to bail…

As I’ve been out holiday shopping the last week or so it’s really hit me what I, and others, will be missing yet again this year. Don’t get me wrong, I really do love the Christmas season. I truly enjoy time spent with family and friends, and dare I say it shopping (I’m not a shopper except at this time of year). I love the decorations, Christmas songs, holiday movies, and seeing the look on a loved ones face when they open a gift that they truly appreciate. But as I shop for my nephews, nieces and friends kids it hits me again that I’m still waiting. Waiting for the time when our dream of being parents comes true. I want to go shopping for OUR little girl. I want to brave the lines and take her to sit on Santa’s lap. I want to decorate our house just for her. I want to drive around and let her look at the neighborhood Christmas lights. I want to see her little face as she sees the wonders of the season for the first time!

When we began this process we thought we’d at least be seeing her face before the end of the year meaning about now. But as you know the wait is going on and on and on… kind of like the energizer bunny! Something makes me want to kick that pink bunny in the arse! I do realize that this is a childish notion but still think it would make me feel better even if for a brief moment. I could go on forever about what the reasons for the lengthening wait are but truthfully what I know is supposition even if it is based on truth. Whatever the reasons behind the wait the bottom line is the wait, the seemingly never-ending wait that has become the albatross around my neck. It frustrates me, it saddens me, it depresses me, it plain old pisses me off! I don’t want to think about another Christmas season passing us by without having our kid home. I don’t want to celebrate yet another birthday signifying the passing of time. I DON”T WANT TO WAIT ANYMORE!!!! (Note the key word here is want. I don’t want to do these things but I will. It’s the price of bringing my daughter home.)

So from whiny adoptive parent to another, how do you deal with it? What helps you get through the rough patches? I’ll tell you what I’m going to do… I’m going to go home turn on all my Christmas lights and write a letter to Santa… oh, and have a really large glass of wine!

15 and counting...

Our LIDaversary has come and gone again. We are now 15 months into the wait.

What Christmas Ornament Are You?

You Are a Snowman

Friendly and fun, you enjoy bringing holiday cheer to everyone you know!

What Christmas Ornament Are You?

Thanks Angie!

We did an ornament exchange in my Ladybug adoption group. Angie sent me the cutest ornament with the most appropriate sentiment on it. It has a picture of a little girl and says "Believe." During this long adoption process this has become my new mantra. I think I'll keep this one up all year long as reminder that our turn is coming. Thanks Angie!

Here it is up at the top of our tree

We've made it through...

the review room. As of November 30th the CCAA has posted that they have reviewed all dossiers logged in through September 30, 2006. For those of you who may have forgotten what the significance of that is, it's that the CCAA has finally reviewed our dossier (our log-in date is 9/5/06). It's during review that if CCAA had any issue or questions concerning our dossier we would have been questioned. Luckily we didn't get any questions so we should be moving on to the match room ;o)

Sweet Pea, we are one step closer to bringing you home!

Happy Thanksgiving...

It's that time of year... the air is getting a little cooler, the leaves are turning (okay not so much in FL but it sounded good ;o) and we are gearing up for the holiday rush. It's also a time of reflection, time to think about all that I am grateful for ~ family, friends both old and new, my job, the soldiers that serve us, the list is long. Thanksgiving is family, friends, food, football and fun. It's turkey induced coma's and naps. Most of all it's a time to thank God for those we love and all we have. I've been abundantly blessed this year and hope all of you have to! Happy Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving Delights...

On Thanksgiving Day we’re thankful for

Our blessings all year through,

For family we dearly love,

For good friends, old and new.

For sun to light and warm our days,

For stars that glow at night,

For trees of green and skies of blue,

And puffy clouds of white.

We’re grateful for our eyes that see

The beauty all around,

For arms to hug, and legs to walk,

And ears to hear each sound.

The list of all we’re grateful for

Would fill a great big book;

Our thankful hearts find new delights

Everywhere we look!

By Joanna Fuchs

CONGRATULATIONS....

Congratulations to the Clark and Summerville families! Two of my fellow ladybugs have received their long awaited referrals for their children. Wishing you speedy travel arrangements and wonderful "gotcha" days! Hope your celebrating this weekend :o)

Beautiful Sunset...

I was surfing the net looking for a cool picture for my Thanksgiving day post when I ran across the beautiful sunset picture above. I don't know where it was taken but I wish I could see the real thing. I can just imagine kicking back and letting the craziness of the day go while watching the sun go down, can't you?

They Did Their Share...

On Veteran’s Day we honor
Soldiers who protect our nation.
For their service as our warriors,
They deserve our admiration.

Some of them were drafted;
Some were volunteers;
For some it was just yesterday;
For some it’s been many years;

In the jungle or the desert,
On land or on the sea,
They did whatever was assigned
To produce a victory.

Some came back; some didn’t.
They defended us everywhere.
Some saw combat; some rode a desk;
All of them did their share.

No matter what the duty,
For low pay and little glory,
These soldiers gave up normal lives,
For duties mundane and gory.

Let every veteran be honored;
Don’t let politics get in the way.
Without them, freedom would have died;
What they did, we can’t repay.

We owe so much to them,
Who kept us safe from terror,
So when we see a uniform,
Let’s say "thank you" to every wearer.
~ Joanna Fuchs

For those of you who have or are serving our country, a salute to you today and every day. THANK YOU for your sacrifice, dedication and loyalty to the rest of us. May God bless and keep you...

Fourteen Months...

have come and gone since we were logged into China. As you all know by now predicting when we will bring our baby home has become impossible for a couple of reasons. The first being that doing straight statistical math puts us so far out from receiving our referral that we can't wrap our minds around that possibility. The second is that China uses "Chinese math" which, in relation to referrals, can only be calculated by China. Speculation and rumors abound but the truth is only China knows what is going on, what is causing the delays, and what or if they are planning to do anything to correct the situation. I think they will try to correct the situation but as with anything it will take time. Referrals did come in from some new orphanages this month and that is a good sign. Soooo... that being said we are still 14 months closer than we were before.

Now on to holiday shopping, they will be here in the blink of an eye...

Referral day...

To all those families who received their referrals today.

Wishing you speedytravel arrangements and wonderful "gotcha" days!

Update: CCAI matched 37 families!

Rascal Flatts Concert

I went with some friends Sunday night to see Rascal Flatts and Jason Aldean at the Ford Amphitheater. We got there a little early and had a mini cookout. Thanks for dinner Andy! Both Jason and Rascal Flatts put on a great show. One of the highlights was when Rascal Flatts had a group of Marines come up on stage to honor them. Here are some pictures of the fun, enjoy!

Christmas Idea...

As you all already know I'm big on supporting our troops. A friend sent me the information below today. This idea will take little effort and cost no more than a card and stamp. When you are making out your Christmas card list this year, please include the following:

A Recovering American soldier
c/o Walter Reed Army Medical Center
6900 Georgia Avenue,NW
Washington,D.C. 20307-5001

Please show your support for our soldiers this holiday season. Being injured, in a hospital and away from your family must be terrible at Christmas. They sacrifice so much on our behalf and it would be great to show them that we are grateful. Please join me in sending our soldiers a little holiday cheer.

What a day...

On Halloween I spent the day with my nephew, Joshua, his mom Jennifer. I volunteered at Joshua's Fall Festival. The kids started the day by having a costume parade. Josh was a fireman for this part of the day. The kids were lined up by class and then paraded around the circular drive at the front of the school. They were so cute! Afterwards all the volunteers went to the hall to finalize prep for the festival and get to our assigned stations. Josh goes to a small christian school, SonRise, so the festival was held inside. There was a hula hoop toss, bowling with corn ear pins, an apple toss, a discovery barn, sensory boxes, a pumpkin toss, a find your letters pool filled with fall leaves, pumpkin decorating, and last but not least cookie decorating. Each class was brought in and assigned a station. The director then allowed 6-8 minuted per station and yelled switch. Let me tell you, it was quite an experience ;o) I was stationed at the pumpkin toss. Some of those kids have quite an arm! Retrieving pumpkins for 62 kids wore me out. The festival went quite well and the kids had alot of fun.

After school we went to see my brother and dad for lunch. Then home to rest up for trick-or-treating later. For that part of the night Josh was a skeleton. It was cute costume and he had so much fun "scaring" the neighbors. It was quite a day, thanks Jenn, Josh and Steve for including me in the fun!

Check out the slide show below to see all the fun!

Halloween 2007

Here some pictures of our family & friends this Halloween. Enjoy!

Happy Halloween...

Wishing you lots fun as you take your little goblins trick-or-treating!

Thank you Secret Pal...

My Aug/Sept CCAI Secret Pal sent me the cutest little Halloween bibs and burp cloths from Bumber Crop Baby for this months swap. Aren't they cute?

Thanks Pal you've done it again!

Send a soldier a message...

As you all know I have a soft spot for 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 and our way of life. It is a thankless job, one that requires much sacrifice not only their part but of those they love. These men and women are heroes and deserve recognition for all that they do.

Today while I was surfing the net I found these two websites Any Soldier and America Supports You. At the first you can find a list of soldiers to send mail. The second site allows you to send e-mails which are then posted. I encourage you to take a few minutes of your time to send a letter or e-mail to one of our soldiers. I'm sure that any word from "home" is a welcome respite for someone so far away from home and family.

For all of our soldiers...You and yours are in my daily thoughts and prayers. Thank you for your courage and the sacrifices you make for us all.

I've been Boo'd...

My Ladybug group did a cyber version of Boo Bags. Wendy was my Boo buddy and sent us a box full of goodies. She include Halloween socks for me and our little one to be, a matching book, a multi-color pumpkin light, pretty fall kitchen towels, beaded pumpkin coasters, milk and white chocolate truffles (still debating on whether to share those), and a pumpkin t-shirt for Matt to wear when passing out candy on Halloween night. Check it out below... the cat didn't come in the box ;o)



Thank you Wendy!!

Something to look forward too...

Next week I am going to spend the day helping out at my nephew's Fall Festival. There will be a costume parade (nothing scary, he goes to a Christian school) and then the kids will spend the remainder of their school day at the festival. After school we are having lunch with Grandpa and then going trick-or-treating. It will be a nice break to hang out with the kids and have some fun. Come back next week for pictures...

Random thoughts...

Lately it seems like more than ever we have begun to lose our optimism about the "wait." It seems like it is the proverbial albatross around our neck. Even when it's not there, it's right there under the surface. For those of you fellow adoptive parents you know exactly what I mean. This wait has turned into a living, breathing thing that unexpectedly rears it's ugly head when you least expect it. It's made appearances at Target, at the mall, and even at family dinners. There you are going about your day and wham it hits you right between the eyes. This is not the first time I've mentioned it nor am I the only one to do so. Our optimistic thoughts for an increased number referrals per month has dwindled until they are but a shadow of hope. Yet hope I do.

I hope and pray each night for the perseverance, faith, and dare I say it, patience to get us through. Despite the trepidation of seeing yet another tiny batch of referrals I check the CCAA site and our agency's referral site regularly hoping for a decent number of referrals to be announced. Obviously we're still waiting for that large referral batch to arrive. Yet I continue to hope, I continue to yearn for a swift conclusion to this long journey. Hope and faith are what can and will carry us through. It will not be easy but it can be done by taking one day at a time.

Happy Birthday to you both...

Christina's birthday was last Wednesday and Lynn's big 30 is tomorrow.
Hope all your birthday wishes come true!
Happy Birthday, I love you both!

New Squishes...

I have finally added some additional squish pictures to my quilt blog.
Check them out at my 100 Good Wishes Quilt site.

Lovey Swap...

My Worth Waiting For group did a "Lovey" swap this month. A lovey can be a stuffed animal or something else that babies and small children carry around with them for a sense of security. My swap buddies were the Hearn family. They sent me the softest pink blanket and a ladybug mug. Thanks guys I love them both. Check them out...

UCF 12, (5) South Florida 64

Enough said !

Miss Sophia has arrived....

Babies are Angels that fly to the earth,
their wings disappear at the time of their birth.
One look in their eyes and we're never the same.
They're part of us now and that part has a name,
That part is your heart and a bond that won't sever,
our Babies are Angels, we love them forever.
~Unknown~

Congratulations Mark and Rebecca!
Best wishes for you all as you bring your little angel home.

13 and counting....

I found this picture appropriate for our 13 month LID anniversary since it is almost Halloween! Speaking of Halloween, I can't wait to see all the little trick-or-treaters in my new neighborhood ;o)

Something to think about...

"You, Lord, give perfect peace to those who keep their purpose firm and put their trust in you."

Isaiah 26:3

How 'bout those Florida Teams!?!?

USF Bulls vs. West Virginia

If you've previously read this blog than you're aware that I'm a huge hockey fan. But you may not know that I'm also a football fan, well specifically a USF Bulls football fan (yes, I like the Bucs too!). Why then you ask have I not previously posted anything about them? Well, in part because for the most part I've tried to keep this blog a little more family and friends related. In other words I didn't and don't want to make it a monument to sports, that's not really what it was intended for. But seeing as there are not alot of other positives to post about right now you may, or may not, begin to see more sports related posts. My husband tried to tell me I was a front-runner today because I was cheering for the Bulls during dinner at Beef O'Brady's. However, that simply is not the case. Let's be clear, I went to college at USF so therefore it is quite reasonable I would cheer for the Bulls despite the fact that the team didn't exist way back then, lol. Anyway I digress, back to my original point - how 'bout those Florida teams? Both USF and the Lightning won their games today. That make the Bulls 5-0 and the Bolts 2-0. Both games were high energy and fun to watch. GO BULLS!! GO BOLTS!!

Bolts vs. Atlanta Thrasher 5-2

What A Comeback!!

Have to say it was great to win our home opener against the Devils! Brodeur isn't the best goalie in the league for no reason. Despite the rocky start our guys pulled off a great comeback. Holmer (our goalie Johan Holvquist - 26 saves) and Vinnie (2 goals) had an awesome game. Of course so did a few other guys like St. Louis (3 assists) and Vinnie Prospal (1 goal). One down and 80 more games to go, let's do it BOLTS!

Can you tell we're excited hockey is back ?!?!

Congratulations Lynn & Mark...

They just let us know they were expecting a new bundle of joy! Congratulations guys, we're so excited for you ;o)

Paperwork Round Two...

Let the games begin, again! CCAI has notified us that it is time to start working on renewing our I171 (immigration paperwork). What this means is new background checks, finger prints, a home study update, new physicals or letters from our doctors stating we are still physically and mentally capable of taking care of a child, new financial statements including our most recent tax returns. Basically a large portion of the next few weeks will be spent running around gathering all of this stuff again. Hopefully, this one won't expire before we get our referral.

To all of you in the same boat, GOOD LUCK!!!

Congratulations to all the families who will soon be receiving referrals and those who have made it through the review room.

Hope you get to celebrate these milestones this weekend!

Sunset at the North Pole

A scene most of us will probably never get to see, so take a moment and enjoy God at work at the North Pole.

In this picture the moon is at its closest point. And, you also see the sun below the moon. An amazing photo and not one easily duplicated. The Chinese have a saying that goes something like this: "When someone shares with you something of value, you have an obligation to share it with others!"

2 x 2 About Me

This was sent to me by Dottie...

Two names you go by:
1. Kelly
2. Mrs. Shrader

Two things you are wearing right now:
1. T-shirt
2. Workout pants

Two of your favorite things to do:
1. Hang out with my friends
2. Go to hockey games – GO BOLTS

Two things you want very badly at the moment:
1. To be in China
2. To be on the way back from China

Two favorite pets you have had/have
1. Gizmo
2. Lily

Two people who will fill this out
1. hmmm... Janet
2. Ana

Things you ate today:
1. Starbucks’s Chai Latte (it's only 9:30 AM)
2. Starbuck’spumpkin loaf (really good with the tea)

Two people you last talked to:
1. Dad
2. Matt

Two things you're doing tomorrow:
1. Working
2. Going to lunch with Lynn

Two longest car rides:
1. Tuscaloosa, AL (driving long distance with someone who has road rage is tough!)
2. Maine - imagine 2 kids in a backseat going all that way ;o)

Two favorite holidays:
1. Christmas
2. Halloween - love seeing all the little kids dressed up ;o)

Two favorite beverages:
1. Starbuck’s Chai Latte
2. Apple Martini’s

Now, here's what you're supposed to do ... and please do not spoil the fun. Copy this, 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. If you decide to play leave me a comment so I can check out your answers.

Thank God It's Friday

Melancholy...

to be "gloomy, despondent, blue, dispirited, sorrowful, dismal, doleful, glum, downcast." It's been one of those weeks. I hadn't even realized it until someone asked me if I was okay. Automatically I responded "sure, why?" Once I started thinking about it I discovered that my answer was both true and untrue. On one hand I'm doing pretty good with this whole wait thing. For the most part I just go about my business and try not to think a whole lot about it. That being said, please don't think that a day goes by that my child or this whole process is not on my mind. Typically, I can sort of think about it but can kind of just slide on by without getting too caught up in it. For some reason I'm having a hard time not getting caught up in the wait, the what if's, and all the misery that accompanies them this week. I really thought I had gotten over that little tightening of the chest when you see a newborn or little kid at the mall or Target. But not this week, I don't know why but for some reason those little pangs have returned. I know that they will pass and that it will get better. I guess I just want to wallow a little. I want to whine, complain and cry without comment. I'm tired of waiting. I'm tired of stressing about things I can't change. I'm tired of wondering what possible issue can come up next that will cause additional delays. I'm just plain old tired. I miss a child I've never met. I yearn to grab her up and hold her tight. I want to play those silly little tickle games and sing silly songs with her. I want to be a mommy - RIGHT NOW.

So tonight I decided I would vent. I would whine and complain about it. I would subject those of you who read this blog to my whining. Sorry folks but just letting it out makes me feel a little better. So if you've made actually it this far, thanks for letting me vent. I'll bounce back, I always do.

The Way I See It #273

All children need a laptop. Not a computer, but a human laptop.
Moms, dads, grannies and grandpas, aunts, uncles - someone to hold them, read to them, teach them. Loved ones who will embrace them and pass on the experience, rituals, and knowledge of a hundred previous generations.

Loved ones who will pass to the next generation their expectations of them, their hopes, and their dreams.

~ General Colin L. Powell

Typically, I read the first couple of words on the back of my Starbuck's cup and skip the rest. This one caught my attention with the first line "all children need a laptop." My first thought was you have got to be kidding me and then I read the rest. It had me thinking on my drive home (for some reason I've been quite reflective lately) that General Powell was right. It's not about the gadgets, the toys or all the other hundreds of material things we can provide for our children. It really boils down to the time, love, and attention that we give them. They are little sponges absorbing all that they see and hear long before we realize they are capable of doing it.

My hope is that when I finally am able to bring my daughter home that I remember this. That despite all the material things we can provide for her that we always remember that more importantly she will need our "laptops" and all that comes along with it.

It's that time....

Hockey season is back. Lightning training camp officially began today. Our guys are probably bending over at the waist, feeling the urge to throw up and saying to themselves "I should have worked out more over the summer." Torts is known across the league for his grueling training camp. You gotta love the speed, the skill, and the fast paced game - it's total sports entertainment :o)

Let's go BOLTS!!!!


Check out Vinnie bend that stick!

A Meme...

From my cyberbudyy Janet, who always makes me laugh...

Accent: I don’t have one, even though I’ve lived in the South all of my life.

I Don't Drink: Coffee, yuk! But you gotta love those Starbuck’s Chai Lattes ;o)

Chore I Hate: Mopping the floor and cleaning the shower

Pets: Two kitties- Lily and Ouda, and 2 dogs- Daisy and Smuckers

Essential Electronics: Laptop, hair appliances, dishwasher (an absolute must)

Perfume: Lauren or Blue by Ralph Lauren. I also like Shi by Alfred Sung

Gold or Silver: Silver

Insomnia: About 3-4 nights a week :o/

Job Title: Credit Risk Officer

Most Admired Trait: Besides my wonderful perosnality (just kidding). Dependabilty

Phobia: Mayo, creepy crawlies, and Ferris Wheels (put me on a roller coaster going upside down and all around @ 90 mph and I’m fine, go figure!)

Siblings: Uno – luv ya bro!

Time I wake up: 7:00 AM only because I HAVE to for work

Unusual talent/Skill: hmmm….

Vegetable I refuse to eat: Lima beans or brussel sprouts

Worst Habit: Me? Do I have bad habits?!?! I’ll have to ponder this one…

X-Rays: Left Elbow/Leg, Chest.

Favorite Meal: Good Mexican or Seafood

I tag anyone who wants to play. If you do, let me know so I can check out your answers.

It's been 1 year...

It’s been one year since our paperwork was officially logged into china. It is with mixed emotions that this day has finally arrived. Like many of you this process started with fertility treatments long before we began the adoption process. When we began this journey we thought the wait would be approximately 12-14 months and that we would have received our referral by the end of this 2007, or at the very outside early 2008. As you now know that will not be the case. We are about 281 LID days or 12-24 months away from receiving a referral as of today. The seemingly ever-lengthening wait has dampened the joy in just how far we have come.

This journey has been both the most difficult thing I've ever done and also the most exciting. It has been a road that has opened my eyes to so many things. As most of you have already heard me say, the adoption process makes you take a long hard look not only at yourself but at your family, friends, and surroundings. This process has more clearly than ever before made me realize I lack patience. I am an “AB” type personality and either side kicks on depending on the situation. Once I’ve made a decision to do something my “A” side kicks in – HARD! Since so much of this process is out of my control I have had a difficult time dealing with it. There are days it makes me crazy! I just want to hop on a plane, fly to China, and help the CCAA move things along. I do realize that this is not rational, that regardless of my need for control and organization this is not something that I can do. It is humbling to know that at this point there is absolutely NOTHING I can do to move this process along any faster despite my drive and organizational skills, lol.

There are positive sides of the wait. Did I actually say that?!?!? Truly, whether I like to admit it or not, there are positives. I’ve discovered that we are indeed very lucky to have the unconditional support of family and friends. They are in this with us and it goes without saying that their support is worth more than words can say. I’ve made new friends and gained an additional support system through my adoption groups. I can’t believe it already September, this year has flown by! We’ve done so much this year – sold a house, bought a house, fixed up both houses, received promotions at work, gone on vacation, and for the first time been able to have company come stay at our house. The wait will also help us to financially build back up a savings depleted by fertility treatments, adoption and moving expenses. The most important of all is that we know more than ever before that we are indeed willing to do whatever is necessary to bring our child home.

Balancing on this double edged sword called adoption is tough at times but we will get through it. Thanks to all of you who have been supportive, listened to me rant when I needed to, and for all the encouragement despite the wait.

Sweet Pea, we are one year closer to bringing you home!

Congratulations ...

To all those who have received their referrals! Wishing you all speedy travel arrangements and wonderful "gotcha" days!

Happy Labor Day...

Hope you all had a relaxng and fun labor day weekend!

Thank You Secret Pals...

As many of you know I participate in cybershowers with the two adoption groups I'm in. We pick a theme, exchange names and send our gifts to each other. Our secrert pal's identity is revealed when we open our gifts. These cybershowers help us pass the time while we wait for our children and are a way to get to know fellow adoptive parents. This weekend I received gifts from both of my secret pals.

My Ladybug cybershower theme was "playtime" and my secret pal was Donna. She sent me the cutest things including the book On The Day You Were Born, a Laugh & Learn phone, a Who Loves Baby photo album and a Little Einstein play set. Check it out ;o)

My Aug/Sept. Secret Pal shower theme was "something personal." In this exchange we will not find out who our secret pal is until sometime next year. Look at the adorable little Lightning sweater my pal sent us. My pal obviously knows that Matt and I are HUGE hockey fans. I can't wait to bring Reagan to her first game in her sweater!

Thanks again pals, I loved everything!

BTW, hockey pre-season starts September 13th - GO BOLTS!!!

Happy Birthday Honey...

Happy Birthday Matt!!

Last Wednesday was Matt's birthday. Between family dinners and his actual party on Saturday it turned into a "birthweek" instead of birthday, lol. We had several of friends over to help celebrate. We cooked out and a good time was had by all. Thanks for coming guys!

What's Your Hidden Talent?

Your Hidden Talent

Your natural talent is interpersonal relations and dealing with people. You communicate well and are able to bring disparate groups together. Your calming presence helps everything go more smoothly. People crave your praise and complements.

What's" Your Hidden Talent?

Wow, that sounds good doesn't it? I will admit I do tend to be a peacemaker. I always want everyone to get along and have a good time. I especially like the part that says people crave my complements but I know that is just wishful thinking. Find out what your hidden talent is by clicking on the link above. Have fun!

Tagged by Ruth...

I have been tagged by Ruth @ http://www.imagineannalynn.blogspot.com. I am going to tell you eight things about myself.

1. I have the BEST family and friends. They are all loving, encouraging, and supportive even if they can be a little crazy.

2. I was born in Weisbaden, Germany and lived there until I was two. My maternal grandfather was the Air Force base commander there.

3. My brother and I were born on the same day exactly one year apart. You would be amazed at how many people ask if we are twins!!

4. I have only lived in two places my entire life - Germany and Florida. I've been in Florida since I was two. We don't need to talk about how many years that is ;o)

5. I love to read all kinds of books. I can stay up all night to finish a good one.

6. I scuba dive (even though Matt is the chicken of the sea) there is nothing more relaxing. I worked part time in a dive shop to earn all my advanced certifications including rescue diver. The best diving I've done so far is in Cozumel, Mexico.

7. I have only seen snow twice in my life (see#4). One of our best friends lives in MN and we have spent the last two New Years with him.

8. My favorite sport is hockey. Pre-season starts next month, GO LIGHTNING!!!

I tag anyone reading this who wouldn't mind sharing some information about themselves. Leave a comment if you are playing so I can check out your answers.

Dad's 65th Birthday

Congratulations to all those who have received their referrals this past week, your almost there :o) Wishing you speedy travel arrangements (TA) and wonderful "gotcha" days.

Happy Anniversary and LID

Today Matt and I celebrated our 12th anniversary and our 11 month LID-aversary. It's hard to believe we've been married 12 years already, wow! We're shooting for another 50 years or so...

Happy anniversary Matt, I love you!

Tagged by Alicia...

Five Things I Was Doing Ten Years Ago:
1. Working at Chase
2. Looking for a house
3. Working at Chase
4. Working at Chase
5. and you guessed it, working at Chase!

Five Favorite Snack Foods:
1. Bread
2. Ice Cream
3. Chips and Salsa
4. Cheddar Cheese Combos
5. Sweet and Salty Chewy Granola Bars

Five Songs I Know All The Lyrics To:
1. Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star
2. Itsy, Bitsy Spider
3. This is sad but I can’t think of one “Adult” song I know all of the lyrics to!
4.
5.

Five Things I Would Do If I Were A Millionaire:
1. Be debt free
2. Help my family be debt free
3. Help some friends be debt free (who would we hang with if we didn’t, lol)
4. Travel
5. Learn to play an instrument

Five Bad Habits:
1. Stay up too late at night
2. Eat way too many carbs
3. Worry too much
4. Being stubborn
5. Procrastinate

Five Things I Like To Do:
1. Hang with family and friends
2. Read
3. Go to movies
4. Get my nails done
5. Visit new places

Five Things I Will Never Wear Again:
1. Really high heels
2. Pantyhose
3. Blue eyeshadow
4. Bows in my hair
5. Really big earrings

Comment of the month...

Recently I ran into my old friend that I haven't seen in several years. During the course of catching up we talked about my impending adoption. I had explained to her about the about the current wait times and she said something that really stuck with me. Her comment was "you are closer now than you were ever before!" after I thought about it I realized she's right. Regardless of the wait, right now, at this moment we are closer to getting our baby than we have ever been before. This will remain true from day to day and month to month until we receive our referral. Each day and month that passes, however slowly, brings us that much closer to our children than we have ever been.

Thanks Robin ;o)