Through the Looking Glass...As we await our Chinese daughter

A trickle of information

2012-02-01T18:40:00.001-08:00

Today marks the. 2,000th day of waiting for our girl. I never thought that this journey would have taken us this far. Alas, it will come to an end, a happy ending...I am sure of it. Today we received some news from our agency. They said the reason our referral was delayed was because we were questioned in the review room and we were lumped in with the next batch. The agency said we should get our referral in the next batch. So that is good news and that is all the new information I have.Please Stand by...

Not a happy update

2012-01-24T15:18:00.000-08:00

Just so you all are not waiting on pins and needless, for some reason our referral did not come with our agencies batch this month. They are not sure what has happened. We were questioned in the review room, but sent back documentation to the agency within 3 days using Fed Ex Express. They think that maybe this didn't get back to the CCAA during the time our group was in the referral room and may have been pushed back.

Anyway, they are looking into this and I just pray and hope it will be quickly taken care of. I feel like a balloon that has flown high in the air and then someone let go. All the air came out and the balloon quickly deflated and fell to the earth.

Deflation=not a good feeling. : (

WE ARE FINALLY IN!!!

2012-01-19T12:38:00.000-08:00

We are in. We are in. We are in. I love letting those sweet words roll off my tongue. I can not stop saying them. They day I found out from the agency that we are in, you could not wipe that smile off my face, and later that night my jaw was achy from the perma grin.

I can't express with words the feeling of overwhelming happiness and joy this brings to my heart, my life, my marriage and my family. I will finally get to be a mommy.

No pictures yet, but when they come I will make sure to show them off!!!

Santa...Why didn't you deliver?

2011-12-19T12:24:00.000-08:00

Just found out that I don't get to see my baby's face this Christmas....we missed the cut off by 1 day.

I know that makes us for sure in the next batch, but I was really kind of hoping that the this most wonderful gift would be delivered this Christmas.

"The Light at the End of the Tunnel"

2011-11-18T14:25:00.000-08:00

So here we are...it's 2011, I am a different person living a life that is different than before. I am a changed person from over 5 years worth of waiting, wanting, wishing and hoping. I as well as most of the people who have adopted from China, have felt the desperate pull of knowing you will have a child, but when? Where? How?

I am now seeing the light at the end of this heartbreaking, dark difficult struggle to have a baby. My life is on the brink of a new change and I am extremely giddy at the thought that I will finally have my child in my arms.

I am also terrified, scared, antsy and nervous about whether I be patient and kind, will I love unconditionally, will I teach correctly...will I be a good mother?

Many have said that when you feel your baby in your arms for the first time, that it erases all the heartache, the uncertaintity...the long wait. I hope this is true!

I cannot wait to hold my child, and I'm certain I will make her cry because my emotions seem to be uncontainable at this point. I wonder if all the China adoptive mom's still read blogs, but now I understand how you were feeling at the time I met you. It is overwhelming to see your hope and dream coming true right before your eyes.

I am rambling now, but I wanted to express my feelings as I haven't written in the blog for a long while now.

My dreams are coming true. Thanks to all who have discussed the different things that bring with an international adoption. Your knowledge and advice has gone a long way with me and it will also go forward in the future as we bring our little baby home.

Happy Chinese New Year

2011-02-04T15:53:00.000-08:00

Happy Chinese New Year!!

May fortune abound and smile on us as we wait for our little eggroll.

I.N.S.P.I.R.A.T.I.O.N

2011-01-23T14:48:00.000-08:00

Bought a book.

L O V E it!

Gonna use it to inspire myself this year.

Maybe it will inspire you.

1. BELEVIE IN FRESH STARTS AND NEW BEGINNINGS.

The capacity for hope is the most significant fact of life. It provides human beings with a sense of destination and the engery to get started.

-Norman Cousins

Baby dearest

2011-01-20T17:32:00.000-08:00

Boy, just when you think there is nothing more to say...

I know you are here on this earth baby girl. I can feel you so close to my heart and yet you are still so far away. I honestly do not know how much longer we will be apart, but I don't feel that it will be long. I anticipate seeing you in your crib in the mornings when you wake up...mussy hair and all. The big grin on your face as you come to recognize me as "mommy." The joy I will find in your giggles, your snuggles and your sweet tired cry. I anticipate the joy I will see in your daddy's face and he holds you and kisses you. I anticipate the ache in my arms from holding you, your sweet brow as you sleep, the funny faces you'll make when you try new food.

Oh, how I long to be your mother.

My heart this Christmas

2011-01-05T17:21:00.000-08:00

1460 days...35,040 hours...50,457,600 minutes since...

2010-08-11T18:02:00.000-07:00

So it has finally arrived...the dreaded or anticipated 4 year LID mark.

Our dossier arrived in China 48 months ago or you can reference the ginormous number listed in the title.

What now?

The answer is the same as it has always been for us...wait because answers will come. Never mind the rip-our hearts out opportunity we had to actually bring a baby home.

SHE WAS NOT..." HER."

Heavenly Father has led us down this path for a REASON and a PURPOSE that only HE knows. For our learning and our good...eventually...we will know WHY. But for now I trust and wait...

Strong Seven

2010-08-09T19:29:00.000-07:00

So it was our seventh wedding anniversary on Saturday 08/07. I can't believe it has gone by so fast! Scott and I have had many highs and certainly a few lows during the past seven years. Looking back now...I can truly say our love has grown by leaps and bounds and not necessarily all in the romance area.

Scott, I love you more than this world...more than fancy houses, fine jewelry, fast cars.

I love you now with a deep and profound trust. I now can't picture my life without you.

I know when I fall you will be there to catch me.

I know you would protect me from all harm and danger.

You are one half of me now...

I can't imagine breathing without you here beside me.

It is amazing to me that in all of this world I have found my love story!

I'll love you for all Eternity!!

New Hope...

2010-07-25T20:01:00.000-07:00

One day I decided to quit...I quit my job, my relationship, my spirituality...

I wanted to quit my life.

I went to the woods to have one last talk with God.

"God", I said, "Can you give my one good reason not to quit?"

His answer surprised me...

"Look around, He said, "Do you see the Fern and the Bamboo?"

"Yes, I replied.

"When I planted the fern and the bamboo seeds, I took very good care of them.

I gave them light. I gave them water.

The fern quickly grew from the earth. Its brilliant green covered the floor.

Yet nothing came from the bamboo seed. But I did not quit on the bamboo.

In the second year the Fern grew more vibrant and plentiful.

And again, nothing came from the bamboo seed.

But I did not quit on the bamboo."

He said "In the third year, there was still nothing from the bamboo seed.

But I would not quit.

In the fourth year, again, there was nothing from the bamboo seed.

I would not quit."

He said "Then in the fifth year a tiny sprout emerged from the earth.

Compared to the fern it was seemingly small and insignificant.

But just 6 months later the bamboo rose to over 100 feet tall.

It had spent the five years growing roots.

Those roots made it strong and gave it what it needed to survive.

I would not give any of my creations a challenge it could not handle."

He said to me. "Did you know, my child, that all this time you have been struggling, you have actually been growing roots?" I would not quit on the bamboo. I will never quit on you. Don't compare yourself to others."

He said "The bamboo had a different purpose than the Fern, yet, they both make the forest beautiful."

"Your time will come, "God said to me." You will rise high!"

"How high should I rise?" I asked?

"How high will the bamboo rise?" He asked in return.

"As high as it can?" I questioned."

"Yes." He said, "Give me glory by rising as high as you can."

Another Mother's Day with empty arms...

2010-05-08T08:27:00.000-07:00

Touching the bucket...

2010-03-09T18:09:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow......03/10/2010.....my DOD (dear ole dad) will be having bypass graft surgery, or for you medical people a CABG and balloon angioplasty. SCARY...I know. He is young still, but I have known this day was coming since I can remember.

MAJOR family history of heart disease. My great-grandpa died young of heart disease, my grandpa died at age 47 of heart disease, my dad still alive and kicking at 62 years old, but having the dread surgery tomorrow. Me...so far so good. My siblings... no signs yet.

Just thought I'd mention it, not to be crass or calloused but it's finally happening, and if you know me or my dad would you say a prayer or two for him?

He's a stubborn, older guy...but we love him.

UPDATE**Dad came out of surgery A-OK. His surgery took only 4 1/2 hours instead of the full 6 we were told. His surgeon said everything went smooth and we should expect a full and complete recovery. Thanks for all the support you have given.

Will wonders never cease?

2010-02-26T17:03:00.000-08:00

7 DAY BATCH!!!

Can I hear a woot woot?

When life stands still...

2010-01-22T16:29:00.000-08:00

I know a wonderful person who has been in a very long journey to get her children from Hati. Now this tragedy and she was not even aware if her children were alive or where they could be found. It really breaks my heart. Please pray for the orphanage children that were affected by this horrible earthquake. I can't imagine going through this with my child.

On another note, today I was reminded of how much we should treasure our lives...the good and the bad. I worked with a new patient who has much more life to live, and yet is so very very ill. We hope that the drugs used in this particular trial will extend the life of this person to at least 6 months to have some time with the family and we are praying that maybe, just maybe the drug will help to shrink some or all of the growing cancerous lesions.

Please thank God for your beautiful lives and live each moment to the fullest.

No time for potty breaks

2010-01-20T18:30:00.000-08:00

Just thought I would jot something down here in the blog. I am so busy now, I don't have time to take a potty break at work. Holy Cow. I'm even traveling out of state in a few weeks (for the job). I love it, but it is not e-a-s-y

Back to the Future

2010-01-15T13:01:00.000-08:00

I think it was a mix of being overwhelmed, being tired and a bit of nothing to say that has kept me from posting for a while. I read your blogs while I was on hiatus and as usual was entertained, so thanks for that.

I have had to make myself numb over the past year in dealing with the adoption. I just couldn't think about it or dwell on it anymore. I don't think we were mistaken when Heavenly Father let us know that our little girl was halfway across the world, and since I know that...I wait.

So moving on, 2009 was kind of a tough year for us, but we have high hopes for 2010. Since I need more than to just sit around at home waiting for the kidlet to come home...I have found myself a new job. It happened suddenly, but I felt it was the right fit. It is exactly where I want to be, in Oncology research helping people on clinical trials receive the best treatment regimens that are available. I love this area of work. Most of the patients I deal with have angel hearts and I learn much more from them than I could ever give back.

Anywho, just an update from our camp. We are hopeful, happy and excited to see our LID getting closer. I hope you all are well and happy too!

1200

2009-11-23T18:01:00.000-08:00

1200 days today. What does this mean anymore? I'm not quite sure I know. Is it that Emma has not been born yet? Is is the amount of days my heart has yearned for her? Is is my hope, my dread...my dream??? I don't think I can say right now, all I know is that for the moment I am at peace.

Fall Pictures

2009-11-16T15:25:00.001-08:00

Here are a few pictures of Lyssie Lou we got this afternoon. Isn't she beautiful? Course I can't take credit for that, but the pictures were taken by little old me. Think of what I could do with a REAL camera.

Her comment on the afternoon..."These would be cute without my braces." LOL!!

Happy Haunt Day!

2009-10-31T15:07:00.000-07:00

Here are the little tricksters this year

Lyssie and cousins

Handsome Ace and rider

Having a bad day?

2009-10-26T13:27:00.001-07:00

Recent activities of the kidlet...

2009-10-23T09:47:00.000-07:00

FALL IS FUN!

Fun at the Scarecrow Festival

Lyssie singing with her group.

This very talented young guy sang "This is your song" by Elton John. It was an awesome performance.

Red Thread Dreaming.....

2009-10-14T16:12:00.000-07:00

"An invisible red thread connects those who are destined to meet, regardless of time, place, or circumstance.
The thread may stretch or tangle, but will never break."

-Chinese Proverb

A Great Fall Day...

2009-10-05T11:34:00.001-07:00

I know in the previous post I described the snow that came in September, but just as soon as it came...it was gone.

My awesome hubby planned a super fun day when he surprised me by driving me out to the middle of nowhere and telling me to put on my swimming suit. All I could say was "Are you serious?" It definitely wasn't warm...wind blowing and about 5o degress, but I said okay and the rest was a great adventure. Here are some pictures of the natural mineral hot springs we enjoyed pretty much by ourselves.

SNOW!

2009-09-30T14:38:00.000-07:00

Can you believe it? It's not even October and we got our first snow today. There is snow all over the mountains that surround us. It even snowed on some of the bench areas! All I know is that it doesn't feel like summer any more.

It was a balmy 45 degrees outside. I was out mid-afternoon and it felt like we had skipped summer and fall. When the weather starts up like this, I just want big mug of hot chocolate, comfy jammies, a good book and the warmth from the fire.

Is it really hibernation time???

Vegas, colds and belly button problems...

2009-09-15T18:45:00.000-07:00

Not much has been goin' on around here so I thought I'd post about the latest EXCITING things that have happening.

First I went to Vegas with a great friend who's husband is about to deploy to Afghanistan. They have conferences to help the soldiers and their families learn about and cope with deployment. It seemed good for her to get some information that would help her and her husband cope with the stresses that come along for active military personnel.

Second, I've had a stupid stupid cold for almost two weeks now that seriously inhibited my fun having ability while in Vegas. Also, we remembered 9/11 in front of the NY NY hotel and it was moving but at the same time difficult for my friend to watch knowing her hubby is leaving. -Hugs- friend...you are an example to me.

Third, the dumbest of all things happened to me yesterday. Whilst making a quick swipe with the q-tip in the belly button for cleaning, the top of the q-tip broke off inside my belly button. I tried and tried to get the stupid cotton out, but to no avail. Now my belly button is red and sore and I just hope that this will not eventually involve any of the medical community.

Out of the mouth of babes...

2009-09-04T15:54:00.000-07:00

Walking with my niece & nephew to the bus stop today. My niece (who is too young for school yet) picked a dandelion and said to me:

This flower is HAPPY!

I wonder how they are this wise and still so small.

I think it is because they are still more in tune with God, than with the world.

Party like it's yer birfday!

2009-08-20T07:03:00.000-07:00

Turning 29!....again

Numbers 1 and 2 make twelve..

2009-08-13T11:11:00.000-07:00

So since I was gone for Lyssie Lou's birthday I thought I would post some cute...(no...they are really more adorable) pictures of her and publically wish her a Happy 12th Birthday. Sweet girl...this world and my life would feel incomplete without your fun loving, outgoing, funny and sweet personality.

HAPPY 12TH BIRTHDAY BEAUTIFUL...

A New You

2009-08-09T17:58:00.000-07:00

Last week from August 3rd through the 8th I was at a camp. A wonderful relaxing women's retreat. It was truly Heaven sent and I mean that in the complete sense of the word. I was called by a good friend of mine who I haven't seen in 9 years. We recently met up through fac#ebo*ok and it was really wonderful to talk again. So she called me and asked if I wanted to attend "A New You." I was skeptical at first because I would be going alone. My friend was in a leadership position so I had to be okay with no known 'friends' to go along. I hoped and prayed that I would be okay and I was.

Here is my wonderful, thoughtful and wise friend who to my amazement still thinks of me...

We had such a great time and I know I was there for a reason, not only for myself but to help other women, especially one get some perspective on life. One HUGE lesson I learned is that we ALL struggle with hardship and trials during life...but we are not alone in this. There are people who have very similar struggles to our own. Seeing that they were able to push along and overcome their struggles helps us(me) to know we can overcome ours as well.

We learned many different things ranging from fashion/style/etiquette to women's stress/guilt/time management to renewal/hope/our relationship with God.

Fashion/style/etiquette

1 Corinthians 3:16-17: Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.

It's okay to follow trends but create your own style. The MUST HAVE fashion staples...

A little black dress, it can be dressed up or down.

A black blazer...fitted.

A white shirt, you can even wear it over a swimming suit.

Necklaces...layer them and wrap it differently.

The perfect clutch...you can wear it with jeans or a dress.

White Jeans.

One great shirt or top you love.

A trench coat in a neutral color.

Scarves.

A full length girdle (ex. Spanx)

Fashion changes...style remains. Choose styles suitable for your:

Body type

Individual coloring

Career needs

Lifestyle

Guilt/Stress/Time Management

We need to get rid of the guilt in our lives. One group that came to this conference was surveyed, and asked a few questions. Over 50% of women surveyed had a hard time expressing anger. We need to express our emotions and there are so many of them. The word mad does not adequately describe how we feel...are we enraged. Are we happy or can we be more detailed...are we jubilant? Can we be more specific about what exact emotions we are feeling?

Our Savior Jesus Christ has a full range of emotions, and it is okay for us to feel all of our feelings. The word Emotion is energy in motion. 60% of those women surveyed take on more than they can handle. It is okay to say NO. Saying no is a reasonable answer and it doesn't require an explanation.

Do your emotional and relational family history. We should learn our vulnerabilities or our pre-dispositions in order to understand our motivations. Over 70% of women surveyed have family members who have mental health problems and 30% are in denial.

Take responsibility for our own happiness. Over 50% of women surveyed don't have time to pursue their interests and meet their own needs. Dependency promotes hostility. The word selfless. You can't give up something you don't have. In order to help others you must have your own sense of "self." Practice being kind to yourself. I don't know who said this but, "A lack of faith in one's self is a criticism of one's maker." How poignant. Learn to ask and accept help. 83% of those women surveyed say it's easire to give help than to receive it.

Galatians 6:2: Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. We can be the answers to one another's prayers.

Renewal/Hope/Relationship with God and Jesus Christ

2 Nephi 25:23: For we labor diligently to write to persuade our children, and also our brethren, to believe in Christ, and to be reconciled to God; for we know that it is by grace that we are save, after all we can do. Jesus Christ doesn't just make up the difference he makes all the difference. This is His grace. Satan's deception is that if you aren't perfect then you are failing. D&C 123:17: Therefore, dearly beloved bretheren, let us cheerfully do all things that lie in our power; and then may we stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation of God, and for his arm to be revealed. After all we can do, we can rest peacefully and know that the grace of God is sufficient for us.

I have learned so much, and I feel so renewed. This conference was a gift from my Heavenly Father, and I am so grateful for Him and for all the good people that he was able to work through for this to be able to happen in my life. The last picture is of me and Barbara Barrington Jones who is the founder and director of "A New You." What a wonderful woman this is. She wrote in a personal journal back in the 1970's how she prayed to the Lord that she wanted to set up a camp for women. A place for them to feel good about themselves, to feel the love of God and to know that they are in the care of Him. He who loves us all.

Can you feel the love this woman has for me? Someone she hardly knows. Do you know her Jesus?

ANewYouForWomen.com

Love you Ingrid Michaelson

2009-07-31T16:08:00.000-07:00

Today was such a GREAT day!

Scott and I and about maybe 20 other people got to see Ingrid Michaelson and Oh was it sweet. I was maybe 5 feet from her and I loved every minute of it. Thanks to 101.9 "The End" for the invite. You guys rock!

I'll post some awesome pics I got and two of the songs she sang...ENJOY!!

Ingrid waving hello to me while she was video-taping us...I got her photo as well. Such a nice person.

Ingrid giving us her bio.

Ingrid, Me, Scott

For Lyssie Lou...she had a little freak out she was so excited!

Ingrid Michaelson waving goodbye to Scott and I. How cool is that??

Make a Smilebox slideshow

What a beautiful girl...

2009-07-28T13:05:00.000-07:00

Lyssie Lou is growing up!

A Giveaway!

2009-07-27T13:03:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to say that there are so many cool people in this world. I wish I could meet every one of them. I recently met one of these great people. Her name is Circe. Her sister-in-law is a wonderful artist and is having a fun giveaway. Visit her at Come Fly Over My Cuckoo Nest and enter to win.

Happy Belated Pioneer Day!

2009-07-27T08:04:00.000-07:00

Just Us

Pretenses....

2009-07-21T14:38:00.000-07:00

I am so tired, so very very tired of waiting for my girl. I know there are many of you out there that have waited longer than I have and my hat is off to you, but I am slipping. Scott and I have disscussed for months now how we just have to hang on, we are over the hump and on the downslope now, but I don't know if I can hang on much longer.

Everyone that asks how long now doesn't know it and doesn't mean it, but they open the raw wound in my heart and then I am left to stitch it back together again. When people say Wow that is a long time..I feel like saying "I know it, it's a lifetime, it's MY lifetime." I am trying to live a normal life...live my life with nothing held back but that is just a pretense. I wonder "Am I living my real life?" "the one I am supposed to live?"

I smile through the pain, the thoughts of years gone by and years yet to come haunt my dreams. Sometimes I wonder if I should just give up and stop waiting. Maybe I wasn't meant to be a mother...

Next month marks 3 years and I will stop counting the days of my life as they pass me by. It's too difficult, too painful. If she is meant to be, and I am meant to be her mother she will come.

Weekend in Idaho Falls

2009-07-19T19:31:00.000-07:00

We had a family reunion and a celebration of an 80 year old birthday over the weekend. Here are some of the photos.

Me and the Birthday Boy. What a character!

Idaho Falls Temple

A beautiful girl

Us.

What was I thinking?

2009-07-14T16:03:00.001-07:00

I completely and totally forgot that it was July now. That means it was my 35th month LID not my 34th!!! I am so happy and now on cloud nine. Not like it means less of a wait, but hooray for us 35 months down!!!!

Another LID down!

2009-07-12T15:47:00.000-07:00

Happy 34th month LID to us! We made it this far...so we're in it for the long haul!!!

My heart is full...but it still aches

2009-07-11T09:45:00.000-07:00

Last night we were lucky enough to attend a BBQ filled with some of my favortie people. Local adopters and some good out of town friends. I will post the pictures and stories later, but I snapped one photo that touched our hearts and here it is.

Someday soon Lyssie Lou, it won't be a dream any more and it will

be your sister you will be holding.

Updates from Camp Hiawatha...

2009-07-08T14:11:00.000-07:00

Just kidding, the camp isn't really named Hiawatha...in fact I don't know the name of the camp. I just know where it is. Anyhoo, Scott was up at the camp for a day and overnight to help oversee some of those giggly girls and he got some great photos. Here are a few:

Lyssie zipping through the forest.

Waking up with new friends is always fun!

Maxin' and relaxin'

Beautiful wildlife all around.

Looks like she's having a blast! Can't wait for her to come home and fill us in with all the fun activities she was able to do.

A weekend of events

2009-07-06T14:17:00.000-07:00

Well we had a very event filled weekend and although the camera was clicking away I thought I'd only post a few great ones.

First on friday night was a send-off party for our good friend Devin, who is going to Afganistan for a year. Here is a picture of he and Scott.

Second on Sunday was my niece Avery's 3rd birthday...isn't she just so sweet!

Third, we sent Lyssie Lou off to her 1st girls camp today. Man time flies!

Orphanges please...do it right!

2009-07-03T11:23:00.000-07:00

Orphanage investigated, officials punished over baby adoption scandal in SW China
http://www.chinaview.cn/index.htm 2009-07-03 21:15:53

Print
GUIYANG, July 3 (Xinhua) -- A joint work team including family planning, civil affairs, police and disciplinary officials are investigating a scandal in which babies were sent overseas from southwest China's Guizhou Province for adoption, an official told Xinhua Friday.
Yang Jiesheng, deputy secretary general of the Qiandongnan Prefecture government and deputy head of the work team, said that the public orphanage in Zhenyuan County was suspected of violating rules in accepting so-called abandoned babies.
Orphanages are supposed to take in abandoned babies after someone declares the finding of an abandoned baby and the declaration is confirmed by police. In the Zhenyuan case, at least three babies were taken away from the homes of their relatives or even their own parents.
The orphanage has taken in 81 abandoned babies since June 1995,of which 60 were adopted by foreign families, said Han Hui, deputy secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) committee in Qiandongnan Prefecture.
The orphanage was awarded 3,000 U.S. dollars for each child placed with a foreign family.
Meanwhile, six local party and government officials have been punished this week for their roles in the scandal, Han said.
Wang Daohua, former assistant head of Jiaoxi Township, Zhenyuan County and now head of the work committee of departments under the CPC Zhenyuan county committee, was dismissed from post for "direct liability," Han said.
The township's deputy head Tian Rongbao, the head of the township's family planning office Tian Shiwu and family planning official Shi Guangying were demoted, she said.
The township's former party chief Pan Jianguo received a serious warning and the then government head Wu Changqing received a demerit for "leadership responsibility."
Han said the prefectural Party disciplinary commission received a report in February that three babies were missing in Jiaoxi Township.
Initial investigation showed that Jiaoxi family planning officials sent three baby girls from different families, whose parents violated the nation's family planning rules in the pursuit of a male heir, to the county's orphanage in 2004. Two girls were then sent overseas for adoption in 2006 and the other in 2007.
The families could have been fined thousands of U.S. dollars for having an extra child, which is an unbearable burden for many families in the impoverished Guizhou Province.
In rural China, families are allowed to have a second baby if the first is a girl. However, some families keep on having babies until the birth of a boy.
One of three baby girls was the third child in the family of Li Zeji. Li had two girls before her and one girl and one boy after her.
Li would not pay the fine of 40,000 yuan (5,865 U.S. dollars) brought forth by the birth of the girl, so he sent her to his cousin when the baby was 36 days old in March 2004, according to media reports.
Li's cousin told local family planning officials, who found the girl at his home, that the girl was abandoned. The girl was then sent by the officials to the orphanage on April 20, 2004 and adopted on Jan. 7, 2007.
The second baby girl went through a similar experience before she was adopted at the age of three on Dec. 10, 2006.
Family planning officials also persuaded a mother to give up a baby, who was then sent to the orphanage and adopted at the age of three in December 2006.
It was not known how much the family planning officials benefited from the adoptions.
Editor: Bi Mingxin

I am so so sad to hear that this has happened. I know that this does not usually happen, but this is one reason why we've all waited so long. I want a legitimate adoption. I don't know what I would think or do to find out that my child had been taken from her home and placed for adoption. Please please pray for China.

I know a name a glorious name...

2009-06-30T15:57:00.000-07:00

So this will probably be a short post...but hey it's summer who's got time to sit around and blog with all the stuff going on?

The hubs and I have been racking our brains since we started the adoption process to come up with a name we love for our little one. Most of you know her first name...Emma. We actually had a hard time coming up with names that we both agreed on. We decided on Emma a long time ago and since then, the name has become wildly popular. We still love it anyway so she will still get this name. In addition to this name we have been trying to come up with the rest of her name. While we thought for a while that we would like to incorporate part of her Chinese name into the name we give her...I'm just not sure yet.

We have, however, come up with a lovely middle name that will be part of her name, but for that you all have to wait.

I will give a hint though....she will be Emma J.

Families can be together forever....

2009-06-24T11:40:00.000-07:00

The newest Utah LDS Temple called the Oquirrh Mountain Temple.

As beautiful inside as it is out.

We are blessed.

Little Miss Sunshine....

2009-06-22T21:02:00.000-07:00

Finally...what you have all been waiting for (right? not...snort). Lyssa Lou is finally outfitted for the PIONEER TREK. I don't think I could knock that silly grin off her face if I tried. That's what it's all about right? I see all the mistakes and ugly sewing...SHE sees a masterpiece. Just seeing that smile on her face makes it ALL worth it. Some pics of the modeling...

The truth of it all...

2009-06-20T19:07:00.000-07:00

The truth is that I adore my mister. My mister is such a perfect match for me and we were made for each other. We are Yin and Yang, peas and carrots, socks and shoes, apple pie and ice cream and all the other cliche's. We Just Are.

Before my mister I was happy, now I am peaceful and content. I live for him and he lives for me. I am thankful and grateful he will be the father of my daughter and future children.

My mister is such an excellent father to his daughter and I can not think of anyone better to father our children.

I love my mister.

Children need a Daddy

For many, many things:

Like holding them high off the ground

Where the sunlight sings!
Like being the deep music

That tells them all is right

When they awaken frantic with

The terrors of the night.
Like being the great mountain

That rises in their hearts

And shows them how they might get home

When all else falls apart.
Like giving them the love

That is their sea and air,

So diving deep or soaring high

They'll always find him there.

My sweet sweet love affair...

2009-06-17T16:43:00.000-07:00

I have a problem...that I am fully willing to admit. Here is the break down. I used to be a very light sleeper. I had the bedroom directly underneath my mother's. As her illness progressed, I slowly began to sleep lighter and lighter as I listened for any distress calls coming from the room above. It just happened. My body adapted to hear these things much like a mother hears her baby cry.

Over the past few years my body has slowly gone back to normal. In fact...when I sleep now I sleep quite heavily. I was reminded today by my dear sweet husband, of the "sleep talking" I did with him last night. Since I used to be a very light sleeper I never, ever make sounds myself. I do not snore, wheeze, chuffle, breathe loudly or make any noise of any sort. If I did, it would wake me up. Apparently last night my husband (who sometimes snores) was doing so. I got upset and asked him to stop. I guess he didn't. I'm sure I asked him very nicely again to roll over or something and then the dog made me mad. In this dream state I apparently ended up kicking my beloved and the dog off the bed and out the door.

This morning when I talked with him, he told me the details of my scolding. I don't remember a thing. Not one thing. I hope my man and the dog can learn to love this "other part" of me, and maybe someday these "sweet scoldings" will turn into "sweet nothings" instead.

Love ya Hon.

Renewel Time!

2009-06-16T14:34:00.000-07:00

Yes, it's that time of the year again. Just sent all the updates to the agency and will shortly be making an appointment with the lovely officers at the immigration office. I just love this time of year. It brings such joy to my life. Alas, it is necessary and will be done in a heartbeat as it is just one of the stepping stones on the path that leads to my daughter.

Thank you USCIS!!!

Another missed LID!

2009-06-15T10:16:00.001-07:00

Wow...another LID completely missed. I don't know how this happens as I feel each day beginning and ending in this wait for our daughter. Our 34 month LID anniversary was on the 11th. I really and truly cannot believe we have waited this long.

I don't know if the wait feels harder now or back in the beginning. People I know are now receiving their referrals and that is very exciting to see happen. I keep thinking it won't be long now...but the CC*A hasn't referred for a whopping 69 days. Just hearing that makes me feel bummed. I was thinking we might go next year, but I'm just not so sure now.

Things that are keeping me busy right now are vacations, family get-togethers and Lyssa-Lou and her ever complicated rotating and spinning schedule. She will be attending Girls camp in about 3 weeks and them Pioneer Trek two weeks after that. I can't believe how busy kids are today with all their activities. When I was a kid we had to find stuff to entertain us.

Here's to hoping that referrals start speeding up and that someday hopefully soon all those waiting mommies including me will see our sweet babies faces.

Life is Beautiful...and precious.

2009-06-05T16:47:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I have days full of activities, events and chaos. Sometimes I have quiet, contemplative days. This has been one of those days. Life is beautiful...the leaves swaying in the wind, children's laughter and beautiful music. I know I am here for a reason. I am here to be influenced and maybe just maybe to influence someone else. How generous is God to give us beauty in the form of blue sky's, birds chirping, family and so many other precious things.

As I ponder events in my life, I feel that I might be extra blessed. I have learned many things from life lessons. Since my life saving surgery, I treasure much. I remember my family all being tested to see who might be a kidney donor for me. I was sick...and tired...and I just wanted relief. I didn't think about what my donor might be feeling or experiencing. Finally amongst themselves my sister emerged saying she would help. I had worked in the medical field for some time by this point and understood the tests and preparation she would be going through. She, I later came to find out, did not.

Now as I think back to her unwavering commitment to help me, she went through a number of diagnostic tests to determine if she could be a donor. She was barely the legal age to donate. I did my best to accompany her for all these tests. She was to have an angiogram on her kidneys. As I rode in the elevator beside her up to the angiography suite the teenage transporter asked why she was having the test. She said "I'm donating a kidney," but did not indicate it was for me who was standing right beside her. The transporter then responded "Wow are you crazy? Have you seen the scars those leave?" My sister just looked at me and smiled. After the surgery, her room was dark and she was in much pain. They removed two of her ribs to get her kidney. I've often heard that the donor feels pulverized afterwards. I felt immensely better leaving the recovery room.

Life is beautiful, now much more so. I want my sister to know that I feel these moments completely. I hope this brings happiness to her, and I hope she understands and feels these moments as well.

Pictures coming!

2009-06-04T13:53:00.000-07:00

Those of you who follow this blog might remember the post of Lyssa Lou's bonnett that I sewed for Pioneer Trek. Well, two dresses and an almost finished apron are now done and I will post the lovely pictures of the masterpiece when my camera returns home to me. Yay!!!!

Also, in honor of Iron and Wine and the joy they bring me I have posted a new song. Yay!!!!

DO NOT MESS WITH MY FRIENDS!

2009-05-30T17:45:00.000-07:00

I'm sorry but I have kept my mouth shut far too long. I have seen acquaintances and friends with mean and hateful comments posted on their blogs under the cloak of "anonymous" way too much.

There were some unsolicited comments posted to my friend's blog who is in China right now picking up the most precious thing in her life (her child). People wonder why this world is filled with wars, hate crimes and inhumanity...it is because of simply hateful awful people. Live and let live, geez is that so hard to do. Apparently these people know everything about everything and they were the perfect picture of an adoptive parent...I think not.

Keep your nasty, inaccurate and unsolicited opinions to yourself. Did you forget how to play nice in Kindergarten???

This one is too good to pass by....

2009-05-29T15:06:00.000-07:00

Surfing the blogs this morning I went to the Rum*r Q*een site of kid videos. I saw this and laughed hard. It is too funny, so I had to repost it here.

Here is the background on this video:

Libby Doodle Doo joined our family in late January, 2008. Although she and her big sister Little Zo Peep have forged deep sisterly affection, they still have occasional rivalry smack-downs. This encounter last week at their aunt's house illustrates their Alpha kid competitions.

Some little things...

2009-05-27T14:39:00.000-07:00

ACE

is so lucky to have me for his Mama.

Today I was thinking that he sure needed

a haircut.

So thinking myself to be economically savvy,

I thought I'd do the job myself...

Well, that was a BUST. Now we have a half shaved doggie, a burned out razor

and a rather FRUSTRATED mama.

I guess it's off to the Groomer for you Acie Boy.

On Another note,

Lyssie Lou (and her everbleeding heart) fell in love

with a baby rat that was supposed to be food for my

nephew's snake. Here is a pic of the rescue-attempt...

Yes I did say attempt...

YUCKY!!!!

Some fun with Smile*box

2009-05-21T12:47:00.000-07:00

Make a Smilebox slideshow

We're back...happy and relaxed.

2009-05-18T11:32:00.000-07:00

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

See ya later.....

2009-05-09T12:56:00.000-07:00

Bon Voyage !

I hope all mom's out there and mom's to be have a

Wonderful

MOTHER'S DAY!!!!

My thoughts become focused

2009-05-06T19:03:00.000-07:00

Today Scott and I were able to fulfill a temple assignment at the Mt. Timpanogos temple. It was a beautiful day and the tulips were all waving softly in the wind. We were able to participate in doing some sealing ordinances especially of families. I was struck by the beautiful words and the wonderful blessing that it is to be sealed forever as a family.

As we wait for our daughter my mind and spirit looks so forward to this moment when I look into my child's eyes and know that she will be mine forever.

We cool

2009-05-04T18:06:00.000-07:00

So my last post was about the dumb swine flu and what was left in it's wake. While I know it's serious sometimes I think people go a we bit crazy nuts over stuff like this.

The hubs and I are so excited to get outta town, doesn't matter where or under what circumstances we always have fun together...NO MATTER WHAT. Who knows what adventures cruising in the rain might bring...hmmm maybe we'll have to make our own. wink.wink.nod.nod

In just a few days we will pass our 1,000th day of waiting for our daughter. We will also have our 33 month LID anniversary.

What do I think about this?

1. Never expected to wait more than 16 months.

2. The longer wait time has brought much sorrow.

3. The longer wait time has made me more appreciative of the gift she will be to us.

4. Waiting is really, really hard when you've wanted something for so long.

5. Once she entered my heart, she became real and I miss her.

6. I have imagined her face and body and feel in my arms one thousand times.

7. I will wait for however long it takes to get her.

8. Some things are worth waiting for.

9. My husband and I have grown closer together because of this.

10. I am a better person because of her and this wait.

Excuse me?? Now I'm really mad!!!

2009-04-29T12:14:00.000-07:00

Okay....deep breath....deep breath....

Stupid, stupid swine flu

you really make me want to do

something really really bad

'cause now I can't put my toes in the sand.

My vacation is a complete mess

and my mind is full of stress.

We were headed to the Rivera you see

such fun and excitement, now it just won't be.

Astoria Oregon? No, no way!

That place doesn't have a sunny day.

Seattle? What? Not in the plans!

where's my beach and where's my sand?

Where will my sunshine be?

My scuba dive, the palm trees?

Gone, gone, gone it's just all gone...

No, I know it's just plain wrong.

What about all the babies waiting, waiting

All the families that were celebrating!

Now to wait again it seems so unfair

Those waiting mommies are becoming bears!

Watch out swine flu

take flight, run away...

There are lots of us that are saying

NO WAY!!!

Some spring beauties

2009-04-27T13:59:00.000-07:00

So my friend has a dance studio where she teaches ballet, jazz and some modern dance to kids. This year she asked me to take pictures of the classes because her regular photographer wasn't able to. Now I am NOT a professional, I don't claim to be. I know lots of people who have tons more knowledge and experience with this. I just want to show off some of these cute girls. Take a look.

Don't they make a beautiful boquet!

Time,Time,Time...See What's Become of Me

2009-04-17T15:13:00.000-07:00

Time...what a precious and evil thing. You can't buy it, get it back, pass it on, save it for later, stop it, slow it or control it. The only thing you can do is make the best of it. I have been thinking about time lately. What does time do to a person who is waiting?

How do you live as you hold your breath?

Yeah, well it's been happening lately...

2009-04-13T19:06:00.000-07:00

Well it seems as though I've had another LID anniversary and I've totally forgotten about it. I have noticed this has been going on the last 4 or so months. This wait seems excruiating when you sit and think about it...but the earth keeps on turning from day to day slowing passing the months and then years. I even posted a LID anniversary like two months ahead of time.

I've got the head spinning, delusional, crazy thing of having to count my months over and over to figure out where I'm at. So here's to another LID reached and passed. I think we are 32 months now???

#32 and some eye candy!

The Eve of Easter Sunday

2009-04-11T17:03:00.000-07:00

This night as I contemplate the death and resurrection of my Savior Jesus Christ, my heart and mind are overflowing. I feel like I may fail miserably by trying to put into words how much this event directs my life. His sacrifice and Atonement gives me the greatest and brightest hope. As I think about Him, I cry to think of the pain I personally added to His burden. I cry when I think of how the Father felt as He withdrew from His son. I shed tears of joy for He overcame death and was resurrected.

Jesus Christ is the Redeemer of my soul. I am eternally thankful for Him.

"As that sun rose upon that first Easter day, the world was never to be the same again. All things that had been created and were to be created would now live forever through this gift, unconditionally given.

What sweet hope this gives us today, that we can all live again, and live eternally, if we will but submit our will to Him who descended below all things that He might rise above all things.

How sweet the joy this sentence gives, I know that my Redeemer lives." -- Simon Dewey

-He Lives-

I am the resurrection and the life:

he that believeth in me,

though he were dead, yet shall

he live: and whosoever liveth

and believeth in me shall never die.

- John 11:25-26

I cannot put my feelings into words. Jesus is my Savior, my light, my compass, my brother and my friend.

Who I really am...

2009-04-04T16:42:00.000-07:00

As time passes and I age it seems as though I am more sensitive to the human condition. As a young child and then a teen I felt invinsible, strong-willed, opinionated and never wrong. Now at this point I feel that time has softened my views, my opinions and the way I look at things. Now, I notice.

Things that have touched me in the last few years. China and third world countries. The majority of the world lives in absolute poverty. We are so blessed, no... I am so blessed to live here in this free land with men and women who defend my life and liberty despite my views. It touches me deeply to hear of their departure to lands of war, to leave their families with the possibility of not coming home.

Men, who have worked their whole lives, taken care of their families, now in this economy reduced to wearing mascot clothing or holding advertising signs to make a few dollars. Young men, older men, older women, younger women...anyone...everyone. 5000 people showing up to get 1 of the 500 jobs available.

I have seen the wonderful amazing human spirit soar despite these conditions. I have also seen it crush the soul. I want to talk about something wonderful, something miraculous...something we can all do to help each other out.

I have been blessed to have life. I have been blessed to be born, but my life is mine due to the kindness and mercy of another. I show traits of all my family members, but I live with a piece of my sister. I am so ever grateful for my sister, for she gave me life again. She donated one of her kidney's to save my life. Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you!! She doesn't like for people to know that she gave this precious gift because she feels that it was not something heroic, it was just something you do for your family. She will never know or understand the many things I have learned with my health restored. She will never know of all the moments I have come to cherish because of this gift. She will never really know the deep love and respect I have for her. What is so amazing, is that I know without a shadow of a doubt that each and every one of my family members would do this for me in the blink of an eye. Therefore you all need to know the deep level of love and respect I have for you all. You just don't understand what giving this type of gift means to the person who is receiving it.

What I hope is that by talking about this event in my life...it might inspire someone else to consider being an organ donor. I never thought my life would hold so many precious treasures for me, but it did! The recent movie sev*en pou*nds touched me in a way that I knew I should be open about this in my life. That it just might help someone else in a small way. I am very different things to different people, but this is who I really am...take me or leave me. I am so thankful to my sister, my family, my husband and all those who have or will donate their organs so others can fulfill their dreams, so that they can image themselves doing things they never thought they would. You all have the possibility to save someone else's life...help their dreams to come true. Won't you please consider it???

Come grow old along with me, the best is yet to be --Robert Browning.

I am open and willing to discuss any and all questions you may have about organ and tissue donation. Please ask away...

www.yesutah.org

Pioneer Trek....hard for both of us

2009-03-30T16:03:00.000-07:00

Pioneer Trek for Lyssie Lou is still several months away, but it's already begun for me. I've started making the Pioneer outfit and let me tell you that I am not a very good seamstress. I stitch and unstich, sew and re-sew but I have finally finished the Pioneer Bonnet (sp?). I'm giving myself a break for accomplishing this huge task. :)

Here is a very happy model and the Pioneer Bonnet....

Recitations of a poem....

2009-03-26T17:07:00.000-07:00

If I can stop one heart from breaking

I shall not live in vain.

If I can ease one life the aching

or cool one pain.

Or help a fainting robin

into his nest again.

I shall not live in vain.

-Emily Dickinson

-Recited by Lyssie Lou today in 6th grade

What SHE thinks...UPDATED!!!!

2009-03-23T17:54:00.000-07:00

So this kiddo of ours is quite interesting to talk to...we got talking and here is what SHE thinks:

1. What is something that (stepmom/Susie) always say to her...
A-That I love her.

2. What makes me (Susie) happy...
A-When somebody else does the dishes.

3. What makes me (Susie) sad...
A-When I tell a lie.

4. How do I (Susie) make her laugh...
A-When you do something funny with the dog.

5. What was I (Susie) like as a child...
A-A little mother.

6. How old am I (Susie)...
A-35?

7. How tall am I (Susie)...
A-5'6"?

8. What is my (Susie's) favorite thing to watch on t.v...
A-survivor?

9. What do I (Susie) do when A is not around...
A-cross-stich, sleep and make dinner.

10. If I (Susie) ever become famous, it will be for...
A-The best swimmer ever.

11. What am I (Susie) really good at...
A-Cross-stitching, swimming and piano

12. What am I (Susie) not very good at...
A-electronics.

13. What do I (Susie) do for my job...
A-Keeping the house in order

14. What is my (Susie's) favorite food...
A-Filet Minon.

15. What makes A proud of me (Susie)...
A-She's a good stay at home mom, plus she's nice, funny plus she makes me laugh all the time.

16. If I (Susie) were a cartoon character, who would I be...
A- Wilma Flintsone.

17. What do I (Susie) and A do together...
A-Play games, cook and shop.

18. How am I (Susie) and A the same...
A-The same Haircolor?

19. Where is my (Susie's) favorite place to go...
A-The Bahamas

I will tell you all that not all her answers are actually correct...but we sure had fun talking!!

*****UPDATE*****
I thought I would post how many she actually got correct and what the correct answers were:

1. Correct - I do tell her I love her.

2. Correct - I do luv when I don't have to do the dishes.

3. Correct, her not telling me the truth is one thing that makes me sad.

4. Correct I think. When I'm silly with her it makes her laugh.

5. Correct, I had a sick mother as a child so being the oldest I took care of my younger sisters.

6. Correct age...for now.

7. A little off. I think I'm probably 5'5"

8. Incorrect...survi*vor is not my favorite t.v. show. I'm a little documentary nerd.

9. Incorrect...I do not have the time to sleep or cross-stich all day. I do, however, make dinner.

10. Incorrect, while I do enjoy swimming I'll never be famous for it. Hahahaha funny though!

11. Correct, I am pretty good at piano and cross-stitching and also not bad at swimming.

12. Correct, I think it would be fair to say I'm not good with electronics, not bad either though.

13. Correct, A big part of my job is keeping the house in order.

14. Not really, while I luvs me a good Filet...I really don't have a favorite food.

15. Correct, I have to say that HER opinion is what counts on this one.

16. Correct, this is HER opinion as well. Although Wilma Flintsone?? Not so flattering. Thanks kid.

17. Correct, we do cook, play and shop.

18. Incorrect, we don't really have the same haircolor unless I dye mine.

19. Incorrect, my favorite place to go is not the Baha*mas...it's really anywhere with my family.

A whole lot of nothing...

2009-03-18T13:14:00.000-07:00

Well I've been going it alone for the past few days as the Dh is out of town. It amazes me how boring home is without conversation. So a whole lot of nothing has been going on. On another note, I love being able to call up one of my friends or sisters on the phone and jab away...or not. I'm very blessed to have people that care about me.

I've had a few people ask where the hubs and I will be off too. Obviously I don't want to give specifics, but we are off to warm, sunny Meh-Hee-Ko. Can't wait to burn my toes off in the sand and taste the salt water on my tongue. Don't get me wrong, where we live is beautiful with the mountains and desert and red rocks, but give me a beach and the ocean and I'll take it anyday.

What to do while we are there...not sure yet. There are so many things, ruins, zip lines, scuba, sightseeing. I think I just may sleep on the beach. Ahhhhhh.

A Sobering Introduction to the Holocaust

2009-03-14T19:16:00.000-07:00

Since I know that you all value my opinion so very much, here it is. Our family watched a movie last night. The movie was called The boy in the striped pajamas. I'm telling you all now that it was rated PG-13 for the inferences of what actually took place in a "Auschwitz" type concentration camp. Right now in our world , there are people saying the Holocaust was made up, not really true and that it didn't happen. We didn't want Lyssie thinking that was the truth. We all know basically what horrible tragedy's happened in those camps and for the sake of a teaching and parenting moment we allowed Lyssie Lou to watch. This subject matter is not easy to introduce, let alone discuss with kids because it was so horrible and hard to believe that man would have these inhumane feelings for another. Lyssie didn't even know how to pronounce Nazi. She said it like Naw-zee, not Not-zee.

After the movie was over we had a very emotional, but good discussion with her. She told us how she wished it had never happened, wondered why it did happen and why so many people were cheated out of their lives. I'm not saying that this movie is for everyone and it is defintely thematic, but if you want to introduce this subject matter in a less graphic way than Schi*ndler's List, I think this is a good option.

We also used this material to discuss our beliefs within our religion about why we love everyone, every single color, creed and religion. We all are children of Heavenly Father and it is so important to teach love, tolerance and practice good will especially in our world today.

Vacay on a May Day!

2009-03-12T20:58:00.000-07:00

My Hubs and I have been talking for a while now (I know so incredible...) :), about possibly giving ourselves a very much needed break. We've been chugging through this China adoption process for a very long time now. I know it is hard for all of us, but when Lyssie Lou isn't here, it's hard for me to keep my mind off when Emma is going to come, how much longer etc., etc.

We've not only been dealing with that stress, but our family has recently undergone a big big change. We have been involved with a custody situation with Lyssie Lou and everything is pretty much settled down just recently. We've had a few health problems arise...and this economy is really a downer.

We haven't had much time spent together and last year on our 5 year anniversary we were not able to do anything or go anywhere because of many different things going on. Well, we finally decided that we need a break. Badly. We figured that we pay into our budget for vacations so we are darn well going to use that budget to go somewhere relaxing.

Looks like the Hubs and I will be going someplace warm and relaxing in the very near future. Yay...Yay...Yay...Yay...Yay...Yay...Yay...I'm just a little excited.

It's a dog's world!

2009-03-11T15:47:00.000-07:00

So just a quick post today. It is our 32 month LID-aversary today. Do the numbers really mean anything to me anymore...Nah! Just another month waited for the most momentous occasion in my life to happen.

On another note. My littlest niece Avery came over this morning for a little visit while her mom went to the dentist. She was extremely excited to play with our dog. She just couldn't get it out of her head though that Buster is not Ace's name. So while Ace was excited to play with a new pal...he was quite confused about who this new guy Buster was. Kids are really funny!!

Avery

Ace a.k.a Buster

Manta Rays, Pioneer Poo*p and FHE

2009-03-10T10:42:00.000-07:00

So Yesterday was a very busy day for me. My sis Karen called and asked if I wanted to go with her and her 3 kids to the Living Aquarium for a few hours yesterday. I said sure and off we went. It was a pretty cool place for being kinda small. We saw poisonus frogs, jelly fish, star fish, coral...Nemo...(clown fish), a lobster, alligator, a Anaconda (snake), white tipped reef shark (very small) and Manta Rays. The hit was definitely the Manta Rays all the kids, even Avery wanted to touch them. Dylan had no fear and touched them easily. Haley really wanted to touch them but was really scared. I helped her and slowly but surely she was able to feel the smooth Ray a few times. After touching them, we all smelled fishy and yucky. By the time that was over Avery was done and wanted food and bed. We all stopped for some Chicky Nuggies and everyone was happy.

After picking Lyssie Lou up at school we came home and I began to make Shepherd's Pie. Well when Lyssie was young her Uncle Steve didn't like Shepherd's pie and he called it "Pioneer Poo*p". Guess who picked up on that so much so that we don't even call it Shepherd's Pie any more.

When dinner was over, we had Family Home Evening, FHE, or Family Homely as we call it. It was a good lesson and Lyssie Lou actually paid pretty close attention which is something to smile about when they are at these ages. We had a Family Homely game and all was well.

That's the story of yesterday!!!

Am I Mystified or Mortified?

2009-03-06T13:25:00.001-08:00

I was told since the beginning of our paperchase to not put much stock into RQ, and to just know that our child was coming. Well, RQ recently posted the projections and other not fun stuff and I just don't know how to feel about all of this. Right now we have been waiting for Emma for 2 years and 7 months to be precise. Referrals now are at a 36 month wait. Things have slowed down in China adoption referrals and nobody really knows why. I don't think I complain very much, but I just can't wrap my head around the fact that people who were logged in earlier (say March of 2006) are getting their referrals now at 36 months and that my LID in August of 2006 would be 41 months later????

Okay check me if I'm wrong but 36 months referrals are happening now in 03/09. RQ predicts that if the CCAA does what it has been for the last 3 months (which is approximately 3 day batches per month); that I will receive my referral in 09/2013!! Which is by my math 41 more months. Am I insane??? That will increase my wait of 12-18 months (which was the estimate in the beginning) to 72 months....or in other words....6 YEARS!!

I honestly know that Emma is in China, or will be in 3 more years...but I can't help but feeling disappointed, feeling a little stupid, sad and perhaps a bit misguided. I shouldn't have put all my eggs (not literally...snort) in China's basket. I will be into my 40's before I should see Emma and while I know that lots of you are older and adopting, it just wasn't my plan. I guess I can always adjust to thinking about becoming a parent at an older age, I was just hoping that Scott and I could blend the family (Lyssa Lou and whomever came into our home) into one semi-close in ages family. I guess it just wasn't meant to be this way, and while I still hope that things will speed up, I'm just not so sure they will. If by some miracle the CCAA matches on average of 10 days per month I just might get my referral around July 2010. I guess I will hope and pray for that!

Life is bittersweet...what lessons do we learn from it?

2009-03-03T10:47:00.001-08:00

As I feel like I am on the cusp of a new life with my husband and bringing our Emma home, I am anxious, happy, giddy, impatient and very excited. I know we will probably wait at least another year but I can see the light at the end of the tunnel and it is very satisfying to feel that.

What about the opposite side of this coin? My SIL lost her sweet boy in December and although outwardly she looks fine...I wonder how she is inside. She was an excellent example to us of strength and unwavering faith. I am now following a blog that has touched my heart deeply. It is Gracie's Blog she is a little baby that has HLHS (hypoplastic left heart syndrome). Her sweet and valiant mother and father said goodbye to her this morning and what a heart wrenching beautiful bittersweet thing it was. I hope you all take some time to look at this blog and see what one little girl did for so many people in just under one year.

People that overcome the odds (sometimes not by beating them, but by choosing how to live) are my greatest hero's.

Goodbye Gracie Gledhill

My life has been touched by yours.

A Treasured Example

2009-03-01T18:24:00.000-08:00

First, I want to Thank all of you for the nice comments you had about my new hair. To answer a question...it is so easy to do! I am absolutely delighted that I can dry it, put some molding mud in and go. On another note the hubs loves it and that's whose opinion counts the most in my book.

Second, it's time again for another mom posts. For those of you who follow my blog you kind of know the history of these posts, so here it goes.

Before my beloved Mother passed away, she resided in a nursing care facility. It was an awesome place and she grew to love it and the people who worked there. I was visiting her one day on my lunch break. By this time she was no longer able to walk, sit very well or feed herself at all. I sat with her as she lay on a long chair that kind of lounged backward as she waited for her nurse to come feed her lunch. She was always the last to eat because she needed help and had to wait for the nurses to make sure everyone else had eaten. I guess I could have fed her, but at that moment the thought didn't come to my mind.

In the background on the radio, BYU (Brigham Young University) was broadcasting a devotional. Some hymns were being played. Then came the next song...it was the song "I stand all amazed." I watched as my 46 year old Mom mouthed every word to that song. Here she was, her precious physical body ravished by Multiple Sclerosis taking her life slowly away from her. She should have been furious with God, at the many things she had lost, at the pain and suffering she had experienced and was experiencing at that time. She was NOT angry,
she was NOT blaming God. She was praising Him, thanking Him, humbling herself before Him.

As she sat in that chair losing her life, she CONFIRMED to me her faith in Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. She bore her testimony to me in a way that has left an indelible mark on my spirit. She is the best example in my life next to my Savior.

Following are the words to this song located in the LDS Hymnal...

I Stand All Amazed

by Charles H. Gabriel

I stand all amazed at the love Jesus offers me,

Confused at the grace that so fully He proffers me.

I tremble to know that for me He was crucified,

That for me, a sinner, He suffered, He bled and died.

Oh, it is wonderful that He should care for me enough to die for me!

Oh, it is wonderful, wonderful to me!

I marvel that He would descend from His throne divine,

To rescue a soul so rebellious and proud as mine,

That He should extend His great love unto such as I,

Sufficient to own, to redeem, and to justify.

Oh, it is wonderful that He should care for me enough to die for me!

Oh, it is wonderful, wonderful to me!

I think of His hands pierced and bleeding to pay the debt!

Such mercy, such love, and devotion can I forget?

No, no, I will praise and adore at the mercy seat,

Until at the glorified throne I kneel at His feet.

Oh, it is wonderful that He should care for me enough to die for me!

Oh, it is wonderful, wonderful to me!

I love you so much Mom. Thank you for teaching me about the

most important things in life. I live my life so you would

be proud of me. I hope you are.

A new doo?

2009-02-27T14:18:00.000-08:00

Okay, today was finally hair cut day (and my hair really needed this)! I saw something I liked in a magazine and decided to go for it. What did I have to be afraid of??? So I think I'm happy, but I'd love to hear what you think. Please lie to me if you hate it. (I know such a wimp)!

This and the next are just normal.

The next two are more mussed up

Lastly is a more restrained look

I know one thing is for sure, and that is that I need a suntan!

A new beginning

2009-02-26T18:31:00.000-08:00

We recently were invited to a church program for the youth when they turn 12. Lyssa Lou will be turning 12 in the near future so we attended what is called "New Beginnings." This is where Lyssa is introduced to all the other girls in the ward from ages 12-18. She had a great time, and we all were stuffed afterwards from the gourmet eclairs! Yum, yum! Here is a pic.

I'd rather be.....

2009-02-25T19:54:00.000-08:00

Talking about Lisa's little Tate, but I'm not. Darn it all!! Everyone is speculatin' on what the CCAA is doing right now. It's all quiet on the front, however, and so there isn't much China talk around. As I was serfing my favorite blogs today I saw her cute post so I thought I'd kinda copy her post a bit. I hope she doesn't mind.

1. YOUR REAL NAME Susie

2. WITNESS PROTECTION NAME sorry TMI (too much info) to give on the web

3. NASCAR NAME TMI

4. STAR WARS NAME TMI

5. DETECTIVE NAME Green Dog

6. SOAP OPERA NAME TMI

7. SUPERHERO NAME The Blue Virgin Pina Colada

8. FLY NAME TMI

9. ROCK STAR NAME TMI

10. SUPER MODEL NAME TMI

11. RAPPER NAME Susizzle

12. VAMPIRE NAME Black crabbie

13. DANCER NAME Baby Lotion snickers

If you'd like to play along and get the formula to make your crazy names just let me know!!

Science Fair and Valentine's

2009-02-18T14:00:00.001-08:00

I thought I would post a few pictures of Lyssie Lou at the district science fair as well as some of our family V-day outing. Enjoy!

Our Valentine's night was a picnic BBQ on our living room floor. Yeah! WooHoo! So exciting!!

***Note...Lyssa Lou has a bottle of Sparkling Cider NOT any type of other beverage.

Wow, What a Week!!

2009-02-14T10:59:00.000-08:00

So Lyssa Lou, completed a science fair project for school and was one of the winners there. Last night there was the district level of competition...where she won again!! She is now headed off to the State Science Fair at BYU in a few weeks. What a gal!! Her science fair project was "Does chewing gum effect the temperature of your mouth?"

Also today is Valentine's Day and I had to tell my family that I love them.

You are what is most precious to me!

The V-day posts continue...

2009-02-12T18:53:00.000-08:00

First of all we had a very excited day in our family today. Lyssie Lou (age 11) had her first Valentines Day dance. She said she had such a great time, she had fun with all her dance card partners and luck of all luck she got to dance with the cute boy she has a crush on. We didn't want to be the "overzealous parents" so we sent her off to the dance with her own camera to take pictures as she liked. She was darling in the dress she and her mom picked out, and she was extremely happy the way her hair turned out...(thank goodness as this job was mine this time)!!! We will post her fun pictures as soon as they come back from the developer.

Second of all, my sis tagged me for a Husband Post...so here it goes:

Where did you meet your husband? Believe it or not we actually met on one of those online dating services. He was my dinner date for that night (I actually had a lunch date on the same day). When I got home that night my sister asked me "So who did you like better?" I was dead tired so I said "I can't remember his name, but I liked the dinner date much better than the lunch date." It's all history after that.

How long did you date before you got married? We started talking online in January, met in early February by April we were engaged and married in August. Crazy fast!!

How long have you been married? It will be 6 yrs this August.

What does he do that surprises you? He sends me flowers (but not a bunch of roses, all the other flowers that are exotic and not found in many bouquets. He surprises me with special things that touch my heart, like taking me to get a birthday card and flowers to place on my mom's headstone for her birthday. He tries to cook dinner for me and will get up at any hour of the night to make me a snack...happily (can you believe that? It's true)!

What is your favorite feature of his? I love his beautiful blue eyes, fantastic smile and honest heart. I love that our hands fit perfectly together. I honestly can't pick just one.

What is his best quality? For me his best quality is his total and complete unconditional love for me. It doesn't matter if I snap at him, get angry with him or get frustrated with him. He still loves me for who I am the good and the bad and I know that without any shadow of a doubt.

Does he have a nickname for you? He has all sorts of pet names for me, including Suze, Honey, Babe, Mamacitachulavista etc...

What is his favorite food? He is the sort of man who will eat just about anything and enjoy it. He prides himself on eating chocolate covered ants, squid, pate' and escargot among other things. I would guess his favorite meal would be a big juicy steak that has no need of any sort of seasoning whatsoever.

What is his favorite sport? Now this depends on what you would consider sport. He likes to run cross-country and swim. In my opinion (which I know is very limited) golf is not much of a sport, but I can accept it if we can also call racing cars a sport. With this in mind his absolute hands down favorite is a good rock-crawling outing in his beefed up CJ Jeep.

Do you have any children? He has a daughter, Lyssie Lou from a previous marriage and we enjoy her company and love her very much. Together we are adopting Emma from China.

Does he have any hidden talents? Many talents a lot of people don't know about. He is such a great intellect. We love having conversations together about so many different things. He has a vision when it comes to building Jeep's and rock-crawling vehicles. He suggests the best things to his friends when it comes to this. He is a fantastic descriptive writer and that is also the first thing that drew me to him. He has a few more talents that I'm not going to talk about on my PG-rated blog...wink wink.

How old is he? He is actually 3 1/2 months younger than me and graduated a year later in school than I. Yep girls I robbed the cradle and proud of it. He's 35 and holding.

Who said "I love you" first? He actually did, but my heart was so feelin' it too.

What do you admire most about him? His continued dedication to be a part of his daughter's life throughout his divorce and since then. The sweet way he cares about her and does his absolute best for her and me.

What is his favorite color? Hands down the rust color of orange!! Crazy I know.

Will he read this? I will make sure he does.

Who will you tag? Anyone who wants to participate...this is your chance.

Scott, I love you with all my heart! I'm so glad I'm yours and you're mine for the rest of our lives and throughout the eternities. You are my rock, my support, my love, my heart and my life. Thank you for filling the hole in my life and making me feel complete in this world!!

I LOVE YOU!

Another one bites the dust

2009-02-11T10:41:00.000-08:00

Here we are again, another month bites the dust. How many more before we see our precious baby? Don't know just hope it's sooner than later. Here's to making it 30 months!

Thirty months logged in with the CCAA!!!

On another note, I love my neighborhood. Everyone has a different neighborhood some are better than others, but ours is great. We have met wonderful people over the 6 years we have lived here and we wouldn't change it for the world.

Last night we were "Heart-attacked" by some of the kids in our neighborhood who are around Lyssie-Lou's age. You should have seen the huge cookie-eatin' grin on her face when we found the goodies. I'll post a few pic's for you to see.

My Five Favorite Chick Flicks

2009-02-10T18:14:00.000-08:00

This is a hard one for me, because I am actually a very picky movie person. Most movies entertain me, but not a whole lot touch my heart and make me think.

I think I'll start with my number one Favorite Chick Flick:

Steel Magnolias

I loved this movie, Weezer was my favorite and I laughed and cried at the same time.

My second favorite is:

Beaches

What better friend could you have than that of one who would stay with you until death, laugh and cry and talk truthfully about life.

MMy third favorite is:

Return to me

Loved, loved this movie. The heart remained the same and in the end the guy got the girl.

Fourth is:

Say Anything

Who doesn't love Lloyd Dobbler, master of kickboxing and never giving in.

My Fifth favorite Chick flick is:

Ghost

High School date movie, tried not to cry as I held my date's hand.

Okay all those who read my blog are now tagged to participate before Valentine's Day...this includes you (sisters).

Adoptive Mom Craziness

2009-02-09T20:41:00.000-08:00

I've been thinking about posting for a while now, but we've been pretty busy here around the homestead. A friend called a few weeks back and asked me for a favor. Her husband had the car with her baby's car seat in it. She asked if I had one she could borrow. As I think about this is seems funny to me, but I guess all adoptive moms aren't the same as me...I thought to myself, "Do I have a car seat you could borrow?", "Of course I have a car seat." I have Emma's car seat, which I've had since I sent my papers to China almost 3 years ago!

Then I thought, but wait...it's Emma's car seat, it's brand new, never been used and in my mind she of course would be the first to use it. I came to my senses as I cut the tags off and took off the plastic. I thought dang, that was a really crazy line of thought and that it would be no problem for her to use the car seat (just don't get it dirty). Unfortunately I think this wait makes us all a bit looney. I have to admit I'm a bit that way. Now 2-3 weeks later I like the look of it in my car, and I can't bear the thought of taking it out.

Guess I'll just be a little crazy for a while longer.

A Good Day

2009-01-19T21:52:00.001-08:00

Just a quick post today. I was taking a little power nap today and I dreamt of Emma. I have never really had dreams of her, even in the beginning. I would fall asleep thinking of her, but no real concrete dreams.

Today as I slept I saw her lying next to me. Her olive skin so soft and smooth. I touched it and it was warm. I smelled her sweet smell and I saw her eyes looking up at the ceiling fan...moving left and right. I have no idea if this means anything. Some adoptive moms say they just know the day their children were born, this dream told me nothing of that. It did, however, leave an indelible image in my mind, a feeling of a simple touch and smell and an incredible memory that will last me many months ahead.

2009?!

2009-01-10T16:37:00.000-08:00

Holy Cow it is 2009! Time seems to fly and yet at times it passes so slowly. Yes we are still waiting for Emma. I haven't talked about this in a while and sometimes it helps me to remember how far we have come. We started our paper chase in February of 2006. Our LID was August 11, 2006. That means today we will celebrate our

LID-a-versary.

I really hope we will see Emma by the end of this year, but I also know that when we see her depends entirely on the CCAA.

I wanted to say hello to the friends I don't see very much any more. They feel like home every time I'm able to spend time with them and I appreciate each of their individual impacts they have made on me. Nelly, DeAnn, Brooke...You guys are great. Please know that I think of you often. DeAnn, I will always have your back, no matter what you need. I know you have the inner strength to beat all the difficult things that you face.

On another note all of the fun people I met back in the summer of 2006 at a big blog party are now starting to receive their referrals. It's amazing to see this. I am so happy for you all, I shed tears of joy when I see your little ones and I wish you all the best in the future.

The Hubs and Lyssie Lou did some Utah redneck sledding and I've got some cute pictures to show. Hope you all enjoy!!

Our Christmas Fun!

2008-12-29T18:34:00.000-08:00

Well we had a great Christmas with lots of cheer. We all had fun and received gifts that we wanted. We have fond memories from each side of the family and had a wonderful time spending time in our little family as well. Hope you all had a great one.

"Us"

Youngest niece and sister

cute nieces

The dog taking what she wanted for Christmas

Scott, Alyssa and the nephews

New books, Hooray!!

Lyssie Lou's Christmas hat & mittens

tired of waiting for the picture

It was a beautiful day.

2008-12-18T15:39:00.000-08:00

Today was the day that William Theodore was laid to rest. It was a beautiful day. The snow was falling covering everything with a soft, white blanket of snow. William looked peaceful as if he were just asleep. After the services graveside, the sun came out of the clouds, lit up the sky and warmed the earth. We will always be grateful for the short time we had to spend with William and we look forward to seeing him again.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas

2008-12-15T11:30:00.000-08:00

Just when we thought that things were settling down, Whitney is back in the hospital with an infection. We had to postpone the services and now are not sure when they will be. Poor Whitney. This lady has spent all of December in the hospital except for a few days. Our prayers go out to you and your family Whit. Hang in there. The scriptures never say things "Come to stay," they just "Come to pass."

On another note I cannot believe how fast time flies when you are old. I never thought I would be my age, never pictured it. I don't feel like I am over 20....but we all know that I am way passed that age. Oh well, what can you do about it. It was my oldest neice's birthday on Saturday. I can't believe how big she is. Next year she will be baptized. I just love this little girl. She is so full of spunk and sometimes (according to her mom) too much spunk. Happy Birthday Haley!!

We took some photos of the kids so I thought I might post a few for your viewing pleasure.

2008-12-10T22:12:00.000-08:00

It has been over a month since I have written anything here. This wasn't really intentional, but I didn't feel that I had anything important to write about. Nothing significant except the daily routine. Now...my head is filled with thoughts and I don't think I'll be able to accurately put them into words.

The Christmas season is a wonderful time of year for me. It is my favorite holiday. This is not because I am excited for my own gifts. I feel the Spirit of the Lord so strongly this time of year. I love thinking about perfect gifts for others. I love to pick angels off the angel tree. I wish I could help in some way the people that we all know are out there suffering.

I haven't really discussed my spiritual beliefs before on this blog, but I will say a bit now. I know that God lives and loves each one of us individually. I know there is life after death. I know that our Savior Jesus Christ bled from every pore in the Garden so that we can return to Him once again. I know that children are a gift from God. I can't wait until I am able to hold Emma in my arms and feel that everlasting love for her.

My nephew William Theodore was born December 9, 2008 at 7:59 pm. His sweet little body was perfect. He had long slender fingers, blond eyelashes and perfectly formed toenails. His spirit returned to Heavenly Father a few hours before. As I saw his mother smile and kiss his head the tears flowed freely because it was such a tender moment. I felt an overwhelming calm and peace because William will be with his family again. "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." (John 3:16). Through the plan of salvation, families can be together forever. We are so very blessed by the Savior's gift to us.

William's Mother and Father are very proud of their son and they can't wait to see him again. Neither can I.

Tuesday Tell All

2008-11-08T14:42:00.000-08:00

So I know it's not Tuesday, but a good topic anyway. I checked the Tuesday tell all blog that has ended, but a couple of readers took it upon themselves to keep the weekly fun going. Their most recent question was "Tell us about the last book you read."

The last book I read was "Silent Tears, A Journey of Hope in a Chinese orphanage" by Kay Bratt. It is her journal of her experience of living in China and her volunteerism in the Chinese Welfare Services (orphanages). I know that a great many families adopting from China have read and are reading this book and there will be many different opinions, but here is my take:

I have never read a book that had me so riveted to the story. I could not put it down. I'm not sure if it was because I am adopting from China or if the story was just that compelling. She talks about her move to China for her husband's new job. She talks about the change and how difficult it is in China. Once her life seems to smooth out a bit she starts to volunteer at a Chinese orphanage.

At first it is all she can do to return to the orphanage the next day. The things she sees the first day in the orphanage make her sad and disgusted at the way the babies are treated. The story moves on to describe how she tries to help the babies by giving them extra time to eat, rubbing their backs, talking with them and comforting them. She starts to notice some change in the babies. Some of the babies she is able to help, even finding them an adoptive home. Other babies die, some suffer pain and agony. She gets move involved trying to get people to donate money for special surgeries in which the babies will die without them. She sees many heartwarming and courageous children which often gives her hope, but she has very painful experiences that leave her thinking that she won't go back to the orphanage the next day.

Knowing that my child is coming from China makes this story all the more real to me. I know that things have changed for the better in China, but I also know how poor and desperate some orphanages are. I will never know if my baby will be subjected to the treatment that was talked about in this book. All I can do is hope and pray. Pray my child doesn't suffer as much, isn't as cold and that she doesn't go without food. My most fervent wish is that my daughter doesn't cry silent tears as most of the children do.

An excerpt from the journal:

November 4, 2003

"When I arrived today and headed for my special baby, Squirt, I found his little bed empty and all his blankets gone. A dreadful feeling washed over me. I didn't want to ask; I was afraid to know and I was afraid not to know. My hands began to shake. I glanced around and caught the workers turning from me. I could tell from their downcast, guilty expressions that it was bad news. My eyes finally met Xiao Annie's and then I knew. She made the sign over her eyes to indicate someone had died.

I stumbled over to the small stools we sit on while holding the babies. My legs lost all strength as I lowered myself and covered my face with my hands. Mercifully, no one tried to patronize me by attempting words of comfort. I was in shock. I couldn't understand. Three days ago, Squirt had been fine; he was not sick, and he was eating with a hearty appetite. I was certain he was going to make it. Every time I fed him, I stared into his eyes and willed him to survive. Sure, he looked like a shriveled up old man, but it seemed his hunger to live was sustaining him and helping him to become stronger each week.

Squirt is gone. He never had the chance to get well and to have a family. I can't stop thinking of his last moments. I wasn't there for him.

I wasn't there. I did not get to hold him as he left this world. He had to die alone. I wasn't there. I can't do this anymore.

FOR AN IMPORTANT MESSAGE SEE THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE!!!

Tales from the "Rat Children" Series

2008-11-05T11:49:00.000-08:00

So....I'm what I call at "rat child." My family (sister's) completely know and understand what this means and now so does the hubs. I can easily call myself a "rat" child and have no problem whatsoever with it. Let me explain. I grew up in the late 70's and 80's. I did not have what you would call an "overprotective" mom. Mom was an English/Literature teacher and taught school until she started having us. I know mom had read ton's and ton's of children's literature as she had many of those books out for us to read. They had wild, romantic, whimsical stories of child play and imagination and fanciful things. Mom wanted us to grow up just like that...taking in the world and delighting in our imaginations. She wanted us to have adventures just like Tom Sawyer, Huck Finn and Alice in Wonderful. Little did she know what that turned into...

We did have adventures, many, many adventures. I'm just not sure that they were exactly as she had pictured them. I, being the eldest of 4 girls always had something on my mind. Some purpose to our play, and I was perfectly please to invoke the rights of my age and command my sisters to be actors in my...ahem...well thought out adventures.

So back to the "rat child" description. I use the term "rat child" to describe me, so don't take offense if you were this type of child as well. You can choose not to call yourself any names, and that is just fine with me. A "rat child" is a kid that is pretty much told to go outside, entertain yourself and come back for lunch and return for dinner. We found all kinds of adventures through the stuff we found and had available to us outdoors. (Not in the winter mind you, but during spring, summer and part of fall.)

Here is the first of many of my "rat stories" to come.

I'll call this one "Swimming Pool Slime"

It was a sunny day during a month and a year I don't remember. We (my two younger sister's) and I were all hot and put on our swimming suits. Maybe it was too early in the year to have a little swimming pool or maybe we just didn't have one. I don't remember and it really doesn't matter anyway. My little sis's Lori and Karen wanted to go for a swim. We were tired of just turning on the hose (because I mostly held the hose the most and would squirt them down over and over again). I always had a great time playing with the hose...I don't know why they didn't.

Anyway it was the day after garbage day and I suddenly had a great idea. I grabbed our metal garbage cans and drug them into the back yard. I pulled the hose as far as it would go and started to fill the trash cans up with water. By the time the trash can's had filled up almost all the way the water was actually getting warm because the can's had been sitting in the sun and they were now blistering hot. When the task was done. I picked up my younger sister Karen and plopped her in one of the cans. Lori was old enough that she got into her can without help. As they were sitting in the warm water I came closer and I saw things floating in the cans...old paper, some vegetable peelings etc. Then came the stink. We all knew that the garbage cans held garbage but for some reason that never came into play in my thoughts. When I smelled the stink and saw the garbage I grabbed my nose and ran. I remember looking back over my shoulder and seeing my two sisters in the garbage cans up to their arms and neck with this look of horror frozen on their faces. I'm sorry about this part, but I just can't seem to remember what happened after that. All I know is that they still talk about this today and I always hear my name being tossed about as being the mean older sister. I might have actually felt bad at the time I did it, but now we all laugh and laugh at the stuff I got them to do as well as the fact that they did it every time.

That's all for now, but tune in as more of the "rat child" stories will be discussed.

Alright, Okay stop your laughing

2008-10-28T13:22:00.000-07:00

Now I know most of you never rented Toy St*ry 5 that never made it past the video store. Most people haven't. Jessie the cowgirl lost interest in Woody. Woody became depressed after Andy grew up and became friends with Sid the sadistic next door neighbor. Andy started blowing up his toys and even went as far as to put Slinky's head onto Rex's body. Rex became a trans-animal who eventually became homeless. Jessie was disgusted with Andy and how pathetic Woody had been begging Andy to still be his friend. Woody finally eloped with Bo-Peep who had by this time lost all of her sheep.

Jessie set out on her own and met Mr. Potato Head. She loved his smile, his sense of humor and his humility. After 6 months of dating they married and have been happy ever since. Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head are now content to live their lives, but Mr. Potato Head has a bit of OCD and doesn't like to leave the house much. Jessie convinced him to come to the church Halloween Party and had herself a GREAT laugh indeed.

The End.

Mrs. Jessie Potato Head

Mr. Potato Head

"Late Nights" are Great Nights

2008-10-25T11:16:00.000-07:00

So there are moms around our neighborhood who don't really want their kids to have sleep overs. I'm okay with that, they have their reasons and it really means less work for me as well. Instead of having sleep overs we have "Late Nights." A Late Night is when the friend comes over and plays, does activities, eats dinner (obviously pizza), watches Movies and stays up late but then returns home to do the sleeping in her own bed.

Last Night Lyssie Lou had one such activity. Since its getting close to Halloween, and she'll be with her mom this year on Halloween, I made the Late Night a "Halloween Theme."

Here is the "Pumpkin Pizza"

The Girls working on carving their pumpkins.

Showing off their blue tongues from eating blue suckers while watching

"The C*rpse Br#de"

The finished projects with Ace protecting them.

Bad Luck Blues

2008-10-21T18:45:00.000-07:00

When

will

this

Bad Luck end?

Scott and I were just walking around in our living room when all of a sudden we heard the crash of glass shattering. We wondered what it was and after looking around, Scott thought about our pool table light. Yes, indeedy our light (which cost more than our stove) had pulled out of the ceiling and shattered on the pool table.

I'm beginning to think that I inadvertently stepped on 5 black cats, walked under countless ladders, saw several broken mirrors and was without salt to throw over my shoulder.

Some Sunshine out there

2008-10-14T16:36:00.000-07:00

Today I was feeling down, I felt like I didn't have the information to make a wise decision in this adoption pursuit. I wondered, how I could make a decision when I didn't know how the process was to be done. But then I came across this Statement coming from the USCIS. My hopes are again renewed. It may be 2011 when we get Emma, but we will get her under the same rules we have been following. Read the following good news!!

******BREAKING NEWS******
Dear Families & Friends,
After advocating on behalf of adoptive families for the past 6 months, Joint Council is very pleased to confirm that USCIS has announced a very positive ruling concerning the I-600A process.
In summary, it is our understanding that, effective immediately, families who filed Form I-600A, Application for Advance Processing of Orphan Petition, prior to April 1, 2008 and whose USCIS approval of that petition (aka the I-171H) has not expired, will be able to proceed with their adoption under the I-600A process if they take certain steps while their approval remains valid. This means that families with valid Form I-600A approvals will not be required to transition to The Hague process via Form I-800A. In order to maintain their status as ‘grandfathered’ cases, families with non-expired Form I-600A approvals must request a one-time free extension. Then, prior to the expiration of the one-time free extension, families must file a new Form I-600A and pay the appropriate fee.
It is also our understanding that families with a Form I-600A approval that has expired and who have not obtained an extension or filed a new Form I-600A, will need to undertake the Hague process. The Hague process will also apply to any petitioner who has not completed their adoption by 2014.
As we noted in our Position Statement, this ruling will save adoptive families thousands of dollars, eliminate countless sleepless nights and ensures that their adoption can proceed to completion.

We need your help to bring our daughter home!

2008-10-11T14:04:00.000-07:00

As most of you know, Scott and I have been in the process of adopting a little girl from China for several years now.

Recently new legislation has been passed to help better regulate and facilitate international adoptions. Unfortunately several government agencies have chosen to interpret this legislation in a manner that will negatively impact our adoption, along with thousands of other American families who are trying to adopt internationally.

We have been waiting for almost 3 years for our adoption in China. We are so close to seeing our daughter's face and picking her up from an orphanage where her cries go unheard. This loose interpretation of the new legislation is a HUGE penalty for families who started their adoptions before The Hague legislation was implemented and is unfair and unjust.

Let us finish our adoptions, and allow us to bring our long-awaited children home!! We are only asking that you take a few minutes of your time to read and then sign the following petition to help us welcome the daughter we know is waiting to be held in our arms. Please help us to bring our daughter home!

As you go to the link please take a moment to read the explanation offered to better understand the situation and our predicament:

http://www.gopetition.com/petitions/adoption-for-all.html

In addition, we have sent emails supporting the Joint Council Position Paper on I-600A Renewals. In a nutshell this would allow us to continue using the I-600A paperwork we started with rather than having to:

Switch agencies.
Have an updated home-study done.
Pay thousands of additional dollars.
Re-qualify under the new and more stringent Chinese rules (If we can).
Ultimately end up at the back of the line (behind more than 25,000 people).
All of which would effectively end the pursuit of our Chinese adoption.

All of this can be prevented if these overseeing government agencies will follow the letter and intent of the law which was to allow us to continue using the I-600A paperwork rather than the more stringent I-800 forms the Hague wants to implement.

Please help us by sending an email with your support to the following addresses:
advocate@jcics.org
mark@ccainstitute.org

Below is a sample of what you can send:

To Whom It May Concern,

“I/we understand that USCIS is actively engaged in seeking a resolution to the I-600A issue. I/we wish to offer our support in their efforts to find an immediate resolution to the I-600A Extension issue.”

Thank you for your attention to this important issue.

Sincerely,

Thank you for your help so we can welcome Emma home,

Susie & Scott Phillips

Tell me it ain't so!

2008-10-10T18:55:00.000-07:00

I CAN NOT believe that I am actually in the situation I am in. Me being young and stupid (and in tune with the cosmic forces, and not paying attention pretty much) killed my microwave a few days ago. I thought I had just put it on a timer mode to time the dinner, when in actuality I had put it on cook mode. So while I was out "being good and helping the community" my microwave had a meltdown literally. I came back and the thing had shut off completely warped the glass plate and everything. So... kicking myself a few hundred times I set off to find a new microwave.

Yay! Got a new microwave! While installing the new microwave today the hubby and I were trying to balance the stupid huge monstrosity and we put some weight on my glass cook top. Yes, you guessed it...my freaking stove now has a huge hole in the middle of it and yes I now need a new stove.

What a craptastic day.