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.

Referrals have arrived...

To all those who have received their referrals this month. Wishing you all safe, speedy travels and wonderful "gothcha" days!

The CCAA has finished the placement of children for the families whose adoption application documents were registered with our office before March 08, 2006.

One More Month Down...

Since the number is getting bigger, figured the graphics should too!

Happy...

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Wishing you a rainbow

for sunlight after showers-

Miles and miles of Irish smiles

for golden happy hours -

Shamrocks at your doorway

for luck and laughter too,

And a host of friends that never ends

Each day your whole life through!

Can You Believe...

It's Monday already? This time change is kicking my butt...

Wisdom on a Cup...

The Way I See it #299

There s a subtle difference between a mission and a promise. A mission is something you strive to accomplish – a promise is something you are compelled to keep. One is individual, the other is shared. When a mission and a promise are one and the same… that’s when mountains are moved and races are won.

~ Hala Moddelmog
President and CEO, Susan G. Komen for the Cure


Obviously, I hit Starbuck’s on the way to work this morning ;o) As usual I read the back of my cup looking to see what wisdom was being offered up to start my day. Today’s cup got me thinking a little about promises, missions, and goals. We all know what these things are. We have all made promises, been on a mission, and set goals. This is nothing new it’s a part of life.

What I began to ponder on my drive in to work is how these things are a part of my life. When I make promises I do everything in my power not to break them. A promise is sacred; it is something that I don’t make lightly. Keeping promises allows those around us to know that their trust in me is not misplaced. I’ve set goals too. Some I was able to meet and others that for various reasons, both in and not in my control, just didn’t work out. No earth shattering news there either. Where I got stumped is on the mission part. Aren’t goals and missions synonymous? I’ve always kind of used the word interchangeably. Anyway, why I was thinking about it to begin with was I was contemplating what my life mission or goal is. I’m not sure I have a specific life long goal in mind other than being the best person I can be. Meaning to keep the faith and be the best family member/friend I know how. Essentially to live by the golden rule, you know the one “do unto others as you would have done unto you.” Do you have a life long goal/mission?

30 Months...

and counting, and counting...

Congratulations...

To all of those who are seeing their childs face for the first time.

Wishing you safe and speedy travels.

What Does Your Birthday Predict About You?

Your Birthday Predicts You're Nurturing

Ever since you were born, you've loved being a caretaker. Whether you're caring for people or animals, you love making others feel good. You don't stress or worry much in your life. You think it's important not to sweat the small stuff. You have a soft spot in your heart for children and pets. You are drawn to anyone in need.

What Does Your Birthday Predict About You?

I saw this on blogthings.com and thought it was interesting. It's true, I am a nurturing kind of person. I always want everyone to be happy. I want to be there for my family and friends when they need me. I want to make a real difference in the lives of those I care about. They can count on me and I want them to know it. So as I was reading this description I thought for the most part this is a pretty accurate description of me. Then I got to the "You don't stress or worry much in your life. You think it's important not to sweat the small stuff." That part isn't quite true. I try not to sweat the small stuff but I do worry and stress over things in my life. Typically these things are not stuff like Matt didn't take out the garbage or the idiot that almost ran me off the road while talking on their cellphone (this recently happened). I worry and/or stress over things I consider to be bigger issues, not the daily minutiae of life, the truly far reaching, life changing kind of things. Unfortunately a lot of those things are beyond my control, hence the worry or stress.

What's the point of this little dissertation on my personality? I have no idea but it's over so if you made it this far thanks for reading this post, lol. If anyone else checks this quiz out let me know if you agree with the description you get.

Happy Valentines Day...

Wishing you all a great weekend with your loved ones!

29 Months...

oops, almost got away without thinking about another month passing by... almost :o/

Monday already...

Sad Commentary...

Written by a 15 yr. old school kid in Ohio since the Pledge of Allegiance & The Lords Prayer Are not allowed in schools anymore because the word 'God' is mentioned...

NEW School prayer :

Now I sit me down in school
Where praying is against the rule
For this great nation under God
Finds mention of Him very odd.
If Scripture now the class recites,
It violates the Bill of Rights.
And anytime my head I bow
Becomes a Federal matter now.
Our hair can be purple, orange or green,
That's no offense; it's a freedom scene.
The law is specific, the law is precise..
Prayers spoken aloud are a serious vice.
For praying in a public hall
Might offend someone with no faith at all.
In silence alone we must meditate,
God's name is prohibited by the state.
We're allowed to cuss and dress like freaks,
And pierce our noses, tongues and cheeks..
They've outlawed guns, but FIRST the Bible.
To quote the Good Book makes me liable.
We can elect a pregnant Senior Queen,
And the 'unwed daddy,' our Senior King.
It's 'inappropriate' to teach right from wrong,
We're taught that such 'judgments' do not belong.
We can get our condoms and birth controls,
Study witchcraft, vampires and totem poles.
But the Ten Commandments are not allowed,
No word of God must reach this crowd.
It's scary here I must confess,
When chaos reigns the school's a mess.
So, Lord, this silent plea I make:
Should I be shot; My soul please take!
Amen

Such a sad commentary that society is chipping away at the very religious freedom that this country was founded on. The first ammendment grants us freedom of religion and speech. Yet some how people tend to forget that this ammendment applies to all people not just those who complain the loudest.

Congratulations Troy & Crystal...

Our friends Troy and Crystal welcomed their new baby, Claire, into the world last Thursday night.

Congratulations on your new little one! Wishing you all the love, laughter, and joy only a new baby can bring ;o)

Xīn Nián Kuài Lè! - Happy Chinese New Year

A Chinese proverb states that all creations are reborn on New Year’s day. The Chinese New Year is a celebration of change ... out with the old and in with the new!

2009 is the Year of the Ox. The Ox is the sign of prosperity through fortitude and hard work. If you were born in 1913, 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985 or 1997 - you were born under the sign of the ox.

Those born in the year of the ox are said to be "diligent, patient, determined and easy going. They are excellent organizers and devoted family members."

TGIF!!!

Hope everyone has great weekend!

Referrals are in...

For those of you who have received your referrals, congratulations on seeing your children's faces for the first time. Your time has finally come! We are celebrating the final stages of your wait with you. Wishing you all speedy travels and unforgettable "gotcha" days.

UPDATE: The CCAA has finished the review of the adoption application documents registered with our office before March 31, 2007.

The CCAA has finished the placement of children for the families whose adoption application documents were registered with our office before March 2, 2006.

28 Months Today...

Today we have officially been logged-in with China for 28 months. We are now 189 days way from our log-in date of 9/5/06. For some reason as I think about the wait today I am weary, fearful, and trying to hang on. This wait has tested us beyond our wildest dreams. As I’ve said before it feels like a living, breathing thing that at times quietly waits in the wings and at others feels like a thick cloud of misery. For those of you waiting with us you know what I am talking about. The wait is hard. It is draining and frustrating. Waiting has tested the depths of our patience and perseverance. It has made me question whether or not this is really supposed to be a part of the plan for me. Did I make mistake or misunderstand something somewhere along the way? What the wait should be is a time of preparation, a time of excited planning for my baby to come home. Yet, it is all and none of those things at the same time. I can’t help but wonder not when but IF this adoption will ever happen? Can we survive the wait? Will China do something, anything, to speed up the referral process in 2009? Is the raising of the orphanage fee going to matter in any way except to be another financial burden to bear? There are so many questions and so few answers. I find myself anticipating and dreading referral day each month. Those days are really the only news we get that any progress is being made. But the number of days referred each time does nothing to alleviate the wait. We don't really know what kind of numbers the days referred translate into. Are they consistent from month to month despite the number of days covered? These questions make it hard for referral days to make me feel any closer to bringing my child home. It took all of 2009 to get through 2 months of referrals. I can’t imagine how long it could take to get through the remaining 6 months and 5 days before my log-in date.

Maybe this is a post holiday bah-humbug feeling. For some of us without any children, the recent holidays took on a special kind of frustration. It can be difficult and exciting at the same time to see kids visiting Santa, singing in Christmas productions at school/church, or gazing in wonder at the lights and decorations. It’s hard not imagine taking my child to see Santa for the first time or taking her to see all the pretty lights in the neighborhood. For those of you with kids, I’m sure it’s another kind of agony. You know exactly what you’re missing and that must be difficult too. Please don’t misunderstand me, I love the Christmas season and I truly do enjoy seeing kids enjoy it too. It’s just that nagging little voice sometimes gets me, you know the one? The one in your head that pops up and asks “When is it going to be our turn?” I know this too shall pass. I know that in my head but today my heart doesn’t want to agree. It wants to wallow like a spoiled brat and pout. So, I’m going to have my day. Then when it is over I will pick myself up and go on because that is really the only thing to do.

Goodbye 2008...

It seems that as I get older time flies by so quickly. I can remember when I was in middle and high school the years passed so slowly, especially those last few weeks of school. As summer approached time almost seemed to stand still and the days dragged by until that final bell of the year was rung. Then, when we finally got that long anticipated summer freedom it never seemed to last long enough. When I would complain about the year dragging on my mom would tell me to enjoy it because one day time would fly by faster than I could imagine. How right she was! It's funny how the young (not that I'm all that old ;o) wish that time would hurry up so they can be at what they think will be a better place allowing more freedom and more choices. For those of us past that first brush of freedom that adulthood brings time passes so quickly. We often don't have time to slow down and enjoy life as we should. Our worries are so much more consuming than when we were younger. Now instead of wishing time away, we wish for more time. Funny how that happens!

Looking back, it seems that 2008 was a pretty good year. Yes, like everyone else it was marked by good and bad times. Some of the good things we experienced were celebrating the birth of a new baby, watching forever families be united, reconnecting with old friends, welcoming some of our heroes (soldiers) home, sharing the joy of a new engagement, and finally finishing school. Some of the not so good things were final goodbyes to loved ones, the loss of some of our heroes (soldiers), the downturn in the economy, and the never ending wait for our first (and more than likely) only child. When all is said and done, I count 2008 as a pretty good year. We were, and continue to be fortunate. We have been blessed with wonderful families and friends (you all know who you are), we have received support from all over the world as we wait for our child (thanks ladybugs!), we both still have jobs and have been successful at them, and we have our health and each other. So goodbye 2008, thanks for the memories!

Happy Birthday Sherry...

Hope all of your birthday wishes come true!