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.

Happy Labor Day Everyone...

Hope you all get a chance to kick back and relax a little!

Happy Labor Day to our Soldiers...

Thank you for your service, dedication, and protection.

Wishing you all a safe and happy Labor Day!

Rascal Flatts Concert...

Some friends and I went to the Rascal Flatts concert Saturday night at the Ford Amphitheatre. Despite the almost unbearable humidity and soggy lawn seats it was a great night. (those of you who live in FL know exactly what I mean!) Taylor Swift opened for them. She looks like she has so much fun performing and got tickled when the crowd would sing along & cheer. Rascal Flatts rocks! They played a good combination of old and new stuff. It's definitely a must see concert if you get the chance. Here are some of the pictures we took, enjoy!


Create Your Own

A Classic Case of Doubt..

"He who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord."
JAMES 1:6-7

The person who asks anything of God without faith is not going to receive what he requests.

I know countless people who make their petitions to God by saying, "God, I know You are all-powerful and all-wise and You can meet all my needs, but . . ." That but clause is usually a statement of doubt, not faith. It is a "but in this case" instance of doubt. Many people believe God can, but they have doubts that God will. They recite to God all of their inadequacies, unworthiness, shame, and inability. God says if you come to Him with that attitude, don't waste your time praying. (God's Way, by Charles F. Stanley)

I received this daily reading one day last week and I’ve been thinking about it ever since. We all know that “the wait” has been wearing many of us down in different ways. Yes, I have had doubts. No, I have not lost faith. It is hard to reconcile the heart and the head sometimes, especially when we wait and wait for the things we ask God for. In my heart I absolutely know that God will bring our daughter home even if it is in His time and not mine. It’s my head that has the issue with the “in His time” part. Yes, I’ve wondered if my daughter is ever going to come home. I am after all just a human being. It is our nature to worry and wonder. Despite the occasional lapses into doubt, I truly believe that God will fulfill our desire to bring a child into our hearts and home. I believe that He has not allowed my dream to die because it is part of His plan. So in answer to my pondering I realize that God not only can but will bring my daughter home. In the meantime I need to keep the faith and prepare for her as best I can.

Keep the faith...

But these things I plan won't happen right away.
Slowly, steadily, surely, the time approaches when the vision will be fulfilled. If it seems slow, be patient! For it will surely take place. It will not be late by one single day.
Habakkuk 2:3


Thank you Ruth for giving those of still waiting something to hold onto at the right time.

Congratulations...

Congratulations to all those who received their referrals this month!

Wishing you all safe and speedy travels...

Happy Anniversary Matt...

It's hard to believe that we have been married for 13 years today.

Matt, it's been a crazy ride at times but we're still going strong! Thank you for your unconditional love and support in all things.

Happy anniversary, I love you!

23 Months...

Not much to say about it except one more month down...

Powerful Women's Motto...

Live your life in such a way that

when your feet hit the floor

in the morning, Satan shudders & says...

Oh NO....she's awake!!

Happy Birthday Dad...

Happy birthday Dad,

Just wanted to let you know on this special day how much you are loved and appreciated. Thank you for always being there and all that you've done. I love you more than words can say. Hope all your birthday wishes come true!

Love you!

It's Friday, Woo Hoo Hoo...

Hope everyone has a great weekend!

I've Been Tagged...

I got this from Wendy ...

1. Where is your cell phone? On the counter
2. Your significant other? Sleeping
3. umm...favorite place? Hmmm… that depends
4. Your mother living in Clearwater, FL
5. Your father? Indian Rocks Beach, FL
6. Your favorite things? Books, movies
7. Your dream last night? I don’t ever remember my dreams. Isn't that odd!?!
8. Your favorite drink? Starbuck’s Chai Latte
9. Your dream/goal? to bring my daughter home
10. Room you are in? family room
11. Your hobby? Reading
12. Your fear? Never having a child
13. Where do you want to be in 6 years? Taking my daughter somewhere fun
14. What you are not? Selfish
15. Muffins? Banana nut
16. Wish list item? Can we put the same answer twice? My daughter
17. Where you grew up? St. Pete – Tampa, Fl
18. Last thing you did? Work on school paper due Monday
19. What are you wearing? Sweats & a t-shirt
20. Favorite gadget? AC and washer/dryer
21. Your pets? 2 dogs, 2 cats
22. Your computer? Compaq
23. Your mood? Tired
24. Missing someone? My grandma
25. Your car? Ford Escape
26. Something you are not wearing? Jewelry
27. Favorite store? Macy’s but I like Homegoods and Kohl’s a lot for house stuff
28. Like someone? Lots of people
29. Favorite color? Green and blue
30. Last time you laughed? Earlier today
31. Last time you cried? A few weeks ago

If anyone wants to play leave me a comment so I can check out your answers :o)

If Your Life Were a Movie...

I've been tagged by Jessica. So here we go...

IF YOUR LIFE WAS A MOVIE, WHAT WOULD THE SOUNDTRACK BE?

Here's how it works:
1. Open your library (iTunes, Media Player, iPod, etc)
2. Put it on shuffle
3. Press play
4. For every question, type the song that's playing
5. When you go to a new question, press the next button
6. Don't lie and try to pretend you're cool ;o)
7. Include commentary

Opening Credits: Heaven Help by Lenny Kravitz – it’s more about being ready to fall in love so it might make a good opening song for a love story.

Waking Up: Brightside of the Road by Van Morrison – kind of a good pick me up song so it could be a wake up song.

First Day at School: Time by Hootie and the Blowfish – the opening line says “Time why you punish me” so maybe it is a good first day at school song. Just in case you’re interested I’ve only got 2 more classes left, woo hoo!

Falling in Love: It’s Your Day by Blessed Union of Souls – it’s not really a love song.

Fight Song: Leave It by Yes – great music but not really a fight song.

Breaking Up: What About Now by Daughtry – to me it’s more about saving a love than losing it. This is the only CD from an American Idol winner I own. No, I don’t watch the show, a friend played it for me ;o)

Prom: Two Steps Behind by Def Leppard – this could be a prom song. Got to love Def Leppard though!

Life's Ok: Everybody by Keith Urban – “everybody needs somebody sometimes” this is good reminder for all of us. I think it makes a good Life’s OK song.

Mental Breakdown: Spoken For by Mercy Me –“to hear you say this one is mine” what a great reminder that we are not alone. I couldn’t think of better time to hear this song than in this situation.

Driving: Walk on Water by Aerosmith – all of their stuff makes good driving music.

Flashback: Have I Told You Lately by Van Morrison – reminds me of my wedding day and dancing with my Dad for the father/daughter dance. One of my favorite memories.

Getting Back Together: Seeing Things by The Black Crowes – this definitely not a getting back together song. I like this CD (Shake Your Money Maker) a lot though.

Wedding: Stand by Rascal Flatts – it’s a good positive song but not a wedding song.

Birth of Child: Savin’ Me by Nickleback – not really a birth of a child song but a good song.

Final Battle: Have You Ever Needed Someone So Bad by Def Leppard – it’s about longing for someone so it may be a good final battle song if you were Romeo fighting for Juliette.

Death Scene: Smoke and Ashes by Tracy Chapman – not a good death scene song even though the title may sound like it.

Funeral Song: It’s About You by Drops of Jupiter – a great song but I wouldn’t play it at a funeral.

End Credits: I Believe by Blessed Union of Souls – could be the ending credit song if it was about an underdog.

I guess you can tell I’ve got pretty eclectic taste in music. So, now it's your turn...I am tagging Janet , Angie , and anyone else who is reading this and wants to participate. If you decide to take part in the fun, leave me a message so I can check out your songs.

Referrals are in...

to those of you seeing your precious childs face for the first time.

Wishing you speedy and safe travels...

The CCAA has finished the placement of children for the families whose adoption application documents were registered with our office before January 25, 2006.

22 Months...

Today marks 22 months that we have been logged-in for baby Shrader. While I am amazed that time has been passing quickly, it's even more amazing that we potentially have so much more time to pass until we receive our referral. Sigh :o/

To all those counting down the days, weeks, and months until our turn comes hang in there, our time will eventually come!

Happy 4th of July...

Wishing you all a happy and safe 4th of July!

Thank you to all of our soldiers who have fought

and continue to fight for our freedom!

Praying for your safe return...

Thanks Jimmy...

Matt's goalie for his Sunday hockey league retired this week. They have been playing together for 7+ years. It's been quite a ride including 5 championships! Thanks Jimmy for all your support and all you've done for the team.

We will all miss you!

Happy Father's Day...

Wishing all of you Dad's and Dad's to be out there a wonderful day!!!

Congratulations...

to all those who are seeing their little ones faces for the first time. Wishing you all speedy and safe travels!

Happy Birthday Samantha...

Our niece Sam turned 4 on June 5th. On Saturday she had her birthday party at her gymnastics school. During her play time she got to show us all what she has been learning during class. The whole group of kids (and some adults) got to do all kinds of stuff like the balance beam, trampoline, springboard and dancing. Then on to the Ariel cake! Happy Birthday Sam, we l0ve you and were so happy to share your day with you!

~ more pictures to follow :o)

It's been a long week...

Still Counting...

Love This Picture..

I saw this picture on the Barefoot Books site and loved it...

Support Our Troops...

Today and every day for the freedom we have is gained by their efforts.

To Our Soldiers...

"True heroism is remarkably sober, very undramatic. It is not the urge to surpass all others at whatever cost, but the urge to serve others at whatever cost."

~ Aurthur Ashe

On this day I thank you all for your courage, commitment and sacrifice to our great country. You are not forogtten but in our our hearts and prayers daily.

May God bless and protect you until you can come home.

Happy Memorial Day...

Wishing you all a wonderful Memorial Day weekend!

Heartfelt Sympathy...

My heart and prayers go out to the Chapman family for the loss of their daughter.

Words seem an inadequate comfort during this time. Praying that they are surrounded by comfort and peace. That soon memories of this child will cease to bring pain and will instead bring a smile to their lips and joy to their hearts.

Me Thinking About the Wait......

The picture says it all...

Worth Waiting For Swap....

We did a Ladybug, Dragonfly, and Panda swap this month. I received my package on Friday. Inside was a ladybug discovery book, a love bug hooded bath towel, a ladybug sun hat, and cute ladybug necklace, earrings and pin set. Thanks Janice, your gift came at just the right time!

Look at all the goodies!

Close up the ladybug jewelry

A Little Rant and Retail Therapy...

I’ve been trying to decide if I should write this post for the last few weeks. What finally prompted me to do it is that many of you reading this are in the same boat as I am. The wait to bring your daughter home occasionally wears you down. It unexpectedly, or not so unexpectedly, slams into you with the force of a fist slamming into your chest. So if you don’t want to read my little rant you can stop here.

Lately, I’ve been having a difficult time dealing with the wait and all it entails. I'm weary. Weary of waiting, weary of wondering, and weary of this little ache that seems like it just won't go away. How do you answer the question “What’s going on with China? Why is it taking so long?” How do I answer that question when I don’t know have the answer? I don't know how to explain it. I know everyone who is asking does so because they genuinely care. Most, if not all, of them are waiting for her to come home too. This year preparing for Mothers day made me so sad and I haven’t been able to shake it. Despite my best efforts not to go "there." This is the 5th mothers day that has come and gone since we decided to expand our family. I have that small sad feeling. The one that brings tears to your eyes that you can’t actually let fall. Then doubt and frustration get their nasty little hooks into me and won't let go. I have that "why not me attitude" and it's hard to shake. Then I feel guilty for feeling that way because I know I should be living life to the fullest. But at the same time I feel like I can’t because our family isn't complete yet. I know that I have been blessed beyond measure with the family, friends, and life I already have. It's a double-edged sword isn't it? Don’t get me wrong, I haven’t given up hope I’ve just hit a roadblock. I feel like one of those little toy cars that just keeps running into the wall. Anyway, sorry for the rant but if you've read this far thanks for letting me vent.

Now for the retail therapy part... I’m not much of a shopper but while I was out shopping for Mothers day I found some things I couldn't resist. Macy's was having a great sale. Check out these little dresses I picked up for our little one to be. My friend Jeni also contributed with the little bathing suit. Thanks Jeni, love ya!

ps. Jami, since I sent you the same dress (right side) for our spring bling swap maybe one day we can exchange pictures of the girls in their little dresses?!?!

Bush Gardens...

We went to Bush Gardens a couple of weeks ago with our nieces, Samantha and Alyssa (oh yea, Jeff and Danielle went to :o) We did both big and little kid rides, and enjoyed a nice lunch. It was a nice afternoon... thanks for coming with us guys!

Congratulations Lynn & Mark...

Two tiny feet, That wave in the air...

Two tiny hands, That tug at your hair..

And an adorable little face,

A bundle of joy to love & embrace.

Welcoming Mallorie Ann Vivirito
Born May 12, 2008

Happy Mothers Day...

Mother...

You filled my days with rainbow lights,

Fairytales and sweet dream nights,

A kiss to wipe away my tears,

Gingerbread to ease my fears.

You gave the gift of life to me

And then in love, you set me free.

I thank you for your tender care,

For deep warm hugs and being there.

I hope that when you think of me

A part of you You'll always see.

~Author Unknown~

Wishing all you moms and moms to be a happy Mothers Day!

Congratulations to those who received referrals...

Hope you are celebrating receiving your referrals. Wishing you speedy and safe travels!

20 Months LID...

Long wait ahead...

Wish I had something witty to say but right now the wait is once again wearing me down.

Happy Birthday Joshua...

Josh, I can't believe you are 5 already. You have brought so much joy and laughter into our lives. We love you more every day. Happy Birthday buddy!

Spring Bling Exchange...

Our ladybug group did a spring bling exchange this month. My bling buddy was Sherry. She sent us a cute little spring outfit including 2 skirts with matching ponytail holders and socks, a ladybug farm, and a ladybug water toy. Now all I need is the baby!

Thanks Sherry, I loved everything :o)

March '08 Secret Pal Gift...

Our March secret pal theme was travel. My pal sent me the above travel pod which includes a pacifer pod, bottle pod, and diaper and wipe pod. I love the pink and brown colors together. Thanks secret pal you did it again!

Whew....

this sums up my week perfectly! Have a great weekend everyone!

Muppet Personality Test...

My friend Jessica sent tagged me for this one. Let me know which muppet you are by posting a comment...

You Are Scooter

Brainy and knowledgable, you are the perfect sidekick. You're always willing to lend a helping hand. In any big event or party, you're the one who keeps things going. "15 seconds to showtime!"

The Muppet Personality Test

What this means to us...

We are now 270 (including weekends) or 171 (without weekends) LID days away from being matched. I wish I could say that the number of days is all that matters but I can't. As you all know it's currently taking several months to get through one month of LID dates. Praying for a speed up as the CCAA hits some of those smaller LID months.

Hang in there everyone, despite the snails pace we are on our way!

CCAA Site Updated...

Referrals have been issued for those with LID's of January 5-9, 2006.

Congratulations to all those who have received their referrals this month,

your almost there!

19 Months...

and waiting and waiting. One more month down, many more to go sums it up about right. Congrats to all those who have also made it through yet another month too.

Easter Dinner...

Here are some pictures of our Easter dinner at Matt's mom's house.

We had a lot of fun with our nieces, Sam and Alyssa.

Thanks Joan for such a nice family dinner!