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.

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...