Little Bug Allison

Four Year Anniversary from when I started this blog!

2012-01-25T09:36:00.000-08:00

I can't believe it's been four years since I first posted a picture of our family and started this blog. This blog was meant to follow our journey to get Allison from China. We have now been home for a year and two months with her. She has been such a joy to watch grow into the funny, smart, OCD, little girl that she is.I finally found a pair of jeans with adjustable elastic in the waist. So I was able to put her in jeans today and put her cute little boots on due to the huge rain storm we got last night. I then put this cute raincoat on she has never worn. She absolutely loves it. Thanks Karrie!

Steven went to the gastroenterologist today for his stomach problem. They are in the doctor's office right now. So doctor is very worried, possible small intestine growth or blockage. He had more blood work done, has a barium test this week, and a scope on Monday. Can you say poor child!

I figured when the 25th of this month came, I would bring this blog to an end and start a new one to follow our family's journey from this point out. I am sending this blog to blog to print to have a hard copy of all my postings for the past four years. What a treasure this will be.

Please follow us on our new adventure to http://lailfamilylife.blogspot.com

God Bless!

Happy Chinese New Years!

2012-01-23T07:49:00.001-08:00

So it is the year of the dragon! It was quite funny that this happens to also be the year I was born. So today I will have to look into what the year of the dragon holds.

I found this picture on Facebook from another adoption friend I have. I also wonder why their year and our year starts at different times. I understand the moon plays a roll in that but why then don't the US also join in that?

If anyone knows, please comment as silly as that is!

On another note, poor Tom came home from work this morning with a neck looking like a golf ball. He has a very sore throat. So off to the doctor he goes this afternoon. I had better drink a cup of my vitamin water and boost my system. Whatever it is, I don't want it.

Steven also called this morning from Fort Worth where he is still messing with the stock show. He is not feeling well at all. He even has decided to get surgery instead of going to the FFA show in San Antonio. That means he is really miserable to pass on that show. I need everyone to put a prayer out that we can find out what is going on and get him on the road to health as soon as possible.

I guess Jessica has now found a family in Germany that are interested in her being a nanny for them for a period of three months. That would be so good for her.

Seriously

2012-01-22T16:40:00.001-08:00

I went through Ally's clothes yesterday and took out a full bag of clothes that are to small. She still weighs the same, but has got taller. So now all shirts are to short and pants are to short. She has went from a size 6 shoes to a size 7. It is crazy how fast our kids get bigger. I am hoping we go get Sara so that she can wear some of these clothes and shoes that Ally never did get to wear. I even have blanket that are new!

Ally even now has over seven pair of shoes out and all over the house. So we get to clean that mess up real soon. Really nothing new today. I would like to go to Dallas to see something for the China's new year that is starting tomorrow. It is the year of the dragon. Ally was born in the year of the tiger!

Quite amazing, Kyle's room is all tigers. He loves them very much. So maybe that is way he loves Ally so much.

Stock Show in Fort Worth

2012-01-21T09:53:00.000-08:00

Congrats to Steven!

Steven is out at the stock show in Fort Worth with the FFA group with his cow "Maggie". She placed 5th out of 12th this morning in Fort Worth. He has been doing the best he can with her; however, with his kidney and stomach problem, that has made training her very difficult.

Ally and I were supposed to go but I woke up with the beginning of a headache and Ally had been coughing all night. I figured it safer to just stay home. So I've been on a cleaning spree this morning.

Heaven is for Real

2012-01-20T13:48:00.000-08:00

I saw a recommendation on FaceBook for this book. Upon looking it up on YouTube, I decided it was very interesting so I had Kyle bring me his Kindle Fire and I bought it at that second. It was 10 o'clock last night when I started it and didn't put it down until 12:30 am when I finished it.

This was a very interesting story that makes you really think hard on Heaven. It truly is a great detailed book that describes things that this little one saw that only he would see if going to Heaven.

Cute Pictures!

2012-01-19T15:38:00.001-08:00

I'm hoping to get a good head shot of these two together for our bedroom wall to join the one of Jenny and Kyle and then Steven and Taylor. With Minnie aging quickly, this will be one to have for a long time! We love you Minnie!
This is the little shirt Grandma got her for Christmas. It was a beautiful day, so she got to go to school looking sporty!

This is was dad said about this picture through email tonight:
That shirt Ally wore today made her look grown up and a little “preppy girl”…

Doctor

2012-01-19T05:11:00.000-08:00

So, Steven is now beginning to vomit what food he does get down. Not a good thing at all. We have an appointment at the gastroenterologist on January 25th, so they can scope his stomach. Hopefully that will tell what in the world is going on!

His surgery date for his ureter is Feb. 2; however, we may have to reschedule that due to a FFA show in San Antonio on the 14th of February.

After taking three days of magnesium citrate, Ally hasn't made any progress with her constipation. I really don't know what else to do, but have an x-ray taken to possibly show if she has any obstruction going on in her intestinal track.

Jessica is thinking of going overseas for a three-month period to be a nanny. That sounds quite interesting, but we will see what happens with that.

I made progress yesterday with those things you never get to. Finally programming remotes for our tvs so that they work correctly, sewing up the hole in my slipper, and getting a huge bump out of the middle of my dad's exercise mat where the foam some how got bent over inside. Now I've got five ink cartridges ordered to get all of our printers working together. Now to figure out why the fax machine is sending faxes with a black line down them and figure out how to get the printer to scan like it's supposed to.

So here's to another good and productive day!

Stitches

2012-01-16T12:41:00.000-08:00

Just when I thought it was going to be an unevenful day, Steven comes home with a big gash in his left hand. Tom took him to Care Now where they stitched it up with four stitches! This poor kid gets hurt and has so many issues it's not funny! We should be getting his blood work back today also to see why he can't eat and has lost so much weight!

Happy 36 to Me

2012-01-15T08:24:00.000-08:00

It's my Birthday today! Happy, Happy Birthday to me! I picked up Kyle from a big overnight bonfire last night and am working on laundry and embroidery for the day. I think we will have a pork roast for dinner. The sun is partially out and it is supposed to be sort of warm outside. So here is to a good day!

This is my birthday gift from my husband! He must love me after almost fourteen years!

John Edward on Dr. Phil

2012-01-14T07:41:00.000-08:00

So, I love John Edward and have been to two or three of his shows. He is an awesome psychic who brings closer to many people. I saw him on Dr. Phil show last night. Dr. Phil is really not it to this, but I think after seeing for himself, he believes a little more!

John Edward, Char Margolas, and Glynis McCants believe that 2012 is going to be a great year! That Dec. 21 is going to be a great day. Instead of being so into material things, people will change to being more into the spiritual world. We need to write done what we want this year, because the time is going to go very fast and we need to hold on to the seat of our pants!

The number 8 is our money number, Glynis says to write down the number 8 and put in your wallet. Forget about it and tell yourself every day things are going to be fine. Eventually God (spiritual world) will listen and money will be there! I am going to try it, why not!

My number (Cheri) is three. According to the numbers, I am a 3:

THREES communicate in all areas: written word and verbal. Writers, radio
broadcasters, actors, singers, performers, counselors. They are the natural
comedian. They can be manic depressive if they do not use their creative energy
and tend to exaggerate the truth. Known for their trademark smile, eyes and
voice.

My personality is a seven:

You don't get to know what they're thinking or feeling. They keep to themselves
and are introspective. They must continue studying the quest of why they are
here: The 7 Attitude asks the big questions. They will reveal themselves
slowly as they go. They can shut down and make you feel they are not remotely
interested in what you are saying, but the joke is on you because they are the
ultimate observers. They don't miss anything.

Doctor Appts

2012-01-13T08:09:00.000-08:00

We've been busy with the kids at the doctors. Ally went to see our pediatrician, Mrs. Lanman, on Wednesday for her constipation. We have to give her magnesium citrate for three days to clean her out and then put her on a new constipation laxative after that.

Steven went to see the doctor on Thursday for his stomach, they took more blood and will let us know on Monday if that shows anything. He is still having a hard time eating and isn't putting anymore wait on.

It is very cold outside today and hopefully goes away!! Brrr!

Happy "35" to my Brother

2012-01-10T16:45:00.000-08:00

Jack is 35 today! Happy Birthday! Him and I are the same age for five days. I have always thought that was neat! He is spending it with mom today since Jennifer is gone for a couple of days working. That has made mom's day and made mine.

Hope Chest For Ally

2012-01-10T16:31:00.001-08:00

Allison's Grandpa "T" has made her a hope chest like her sister Jessica. These are made out of cedar. This will be so nice to have for her over the years to put stuff in.

Steven got a "A" on his math test after being out of school for awhile with everything going on with him not feeling good. He is going back to a new doctor Jan 23rd to see what they can do to help him feel better and soon.

Kyle finally cleaned his room really good. It has been a big mess for a week and looked bad. He got heard a couple of times to day at school and came home in a bad mood.

Braggin' Brave Award to Ally for last week!

2012-01-09T14:33:00.001-08:00

Congrats Ally for receiving the Braggin' Brave Award for the week!

Lady Antebellum

2012-01-08T17:14:00.000-08:00

Off the wall post! I love the group Lady A! They are the greatest group out there right now. I have been trying to win tickets to their concert this next month here in Texas on our local radio, but no luck! I see that Hillary Scott got married this weekend. That is so great for her and I wish her luck and good times!

Finally Friday

2012-01-06T17:20:00.000-08:00

Ally finished her first week of PreK today. She has had a great week and loves going to school. She waited for two hours this morning wanting to go to school! It was funny. Now tomorrow and Sunday she will be upset not going!

Reply from Ally's PreK teacher

2012-01-05T12:26:00.000-08:00

This was Ally's third day of school. I picked her up and went to Walmart. She was awake eat grapes until we pulled in. She slept for 45 minutes in the cart!

Here is a reply from a couple of questions I asked her. I was so excited to hear what she had to say below!
Thank you! She is doing great and everyone just loves her! The tickets are a behavior system the school does. They pass out tickets to students who are quiet and behaving in the hallways. They then get to trade the tickets in for stickers. The stickers go on a sticker chart and when they fill up their sticker chart, they are able to go to the office and get a prize. I think they gave it to her in the cafeteria yesterday after school. I will make sure and give her a sticker on her chart today.

For the Valentines party, they are allowed to bring gifts and candy. Valentines and Christmas are the two days they are allowed to bring candy and treats.

I will definitely let you know if anything is wrong. But she is a very sweet and well behaved girl! The speech therapist came and got her yesterday and said she did great for her and she was able to get quite a few words out of her. So that is good! Have a great rest of the week and weekend!

Feel free to contact me anytime.

Misty PuckettNeSmith ElementaryPre-K/PPCD

Ally's Second Day of Preschool

2012-01-04T13:59:00.001-08:00

Ally had a great day at school today. It is only her second day and she went from the car running to see her PreK teacher, Mrs. Puckett. We were very happy to see that. When we got home, she decided to stay outside and ride her scooter that she has now mastered riding.

Good News, Bad News!

2012-01-03T18:12:00.001-08:00

Where do I start for the day! Okay with the not so good news first. Steven has to have surgery now to open up his ureter. Basically cut open and made larger. He was born this way. If it isn't fixed, he will loose his kidney by the time he gets older. He will be in the hospital for three days and then take two weeks to get up and moving again. I feel for him; if it's not one thing, it's another. Not sure when he will decide to have this done, but will be soon I am sure.

With the good news, Ally started PreSchool today! She was happy to be there and walked in her room to start pulling stuff out and making a mess while the other kids put their coats up and sat down on the carpet. We got Ally to sit done and then walked out with out her seeing us. It was very neat to see her around other little kids her own age. Her school room is also very large with lots of things to do and two nice teachers to help!

Christmas at Grandmas!

2012-01-02T09:15:00.000-08:00

It was a long drive, but fun. Some how mom got Ally to smile a not so cheesy smile and to have Kyle looking very handsome, and catch the happiness in Grandma's face!

Uncle got Jennifer this really neat saddle for Christmas. Now everyone has to have their turn on this saddle getting there picture taken. Go figure here is the cheesy smile!
Hardly any snow in Michigan this year. But Kyle did manage to find a hill to try to ski down on a sled and look, now he's hurt!

Ally finds it more fun to pull the sled, not sit and slide down the hill!

Kyle loves Landon. Aunt Pam, Jesse, Leela, Bekky, Landon, Donovan, Jack, Jennifer, Dakotah, Grandma, Ally, Kyle, and Me all smushed in Grandma's living room to see each other for Christmas. That is something we won't soon forget!

We were only in Michigan three whole days, but those three days we made ever lasting memories. Kyle and Grandma went to see "War Horse" at the movies for the first time. We got to see Jack; haven't seen him in over a year. I love my brother and boy did we miss each other. Everyone being packed in mom's house was too funny! No snow for the most part. I got Jack a barrel for Christmas! I can't wait to see want he uses if for.

So we had a very good Happy Christmas!

On Our Way To Michigan

2011-12-26T22:00:00.000-08:00

Well it's after midnight and Kyle, Ally, and I are in the hotel in Illinois on our way to Michigan. Ally isn't wanting to go back to sleep, so this will be a quick post post! It's cold outside and been raining all day driving. Maybe tomorrow we will see some snow!

Christmas 2011

2011-12-25T10:04:00.001-08:00

Morning on Christmas Day and trying to wake up, believe it or not, kids waited to get up until 8 am! Yeah for us, now some coffee and I should be good to go for the day!
Day after surgery for Steven, he's feeling a little better. He loves the Woody pillow I got him. He says it's going to be a chic magnet for college. LOL!

Ally got this life size foam Elmo puzzle. I almost think it would be cuter to put on the wall! But then she couldn't take it apart, what should I do?

And of course, Mr. Kyle. He got this new desktop computer but is bummed he has to wait to have internet connected to it!

Christmas Eve

2011-12-24T08:09:00.000-08:00

One day before Christmas! Still have presents to wrap! Steven is in the hospital having a stent put up in his kidney due to a lot of pain over the past months and loosing so much weight. I am heading to the hospital here shortly to see him. If it isn't one thing one Christmas, it's something else the next Christmas. Please put him in your prayers!

Ally waiting for Steven to come out from the doctor's office

2011-12-23T18:22:00.001-08:00

Need to get to blogging!

2011-12-23T17:35:00.000-08:00

So can you say where in the world has the year gone! Oh my goodness two days until Christmas and not one present wrapped! I think we are done or close to being done shopping!

So, I've got to start blogging more! My neighbor showed me some books she had printed of her blog. I didn't know such a thing was possible. It is such a neat way to track our lives and then put them in print. What a great treasure to have for family down the line. With that said, I really need to start blogging!

Where to start:

I have been buried in embroidery for months along with taking care of house, bills, laundry, cooking, shopping, kids, animals, etc... Tom is working all night so he sleeps in the morning and then is back to work not to much later which leaves me by myself quite a bit anymore. I have finished shopping for Christmas now thank goodness! I sent all my family and friends cards and then made all my neighbors cookies and some other stuff. I held my "Toy Drive" for our neighborhood for the third year in row. We had lots of toys to give to those who don't have! So I have been busy!

Tom has now begun looking at buying houses to rent out and then later sell. Now is the time to buy up houses and make some money; so we will see how that goes. He bought a house a few days ago that needs to be fixed up and then we can rent it out. So with work and houses now, I don't think I will be seeing him too much!

Jess is busy working at Walmart and moving into a house with some friends. She is going back to college in a few weeks as am I!

Steven is having problems with his right kidney. It is not working right. So he has lost 30 pounds in two months. He is going to find out what we can do to fix this this next week. Hopefully something not to hard or bad for him. But we need him feeling better!

Kyle is Kyle! Playing his games in his room and that is about it. He comes out to help went we need him but that is about all. He also has been helpful with taking care of Ally for me so I can get out sometimes for a break. He has grown so much into a man in the last year it's hard to grasp!

Ally has been going to therapy for speech and has come a little ways. We are very proud of her. She is now starting preschool this next week after Christmas for two and half hours five days a week. Yeah for me and good for her! That will get her around other little kids her own age and hopefully get her talking more! She is a Monkey as most three-year-olds are. I made her a shirt that sais Monkey See Monkey do! I wish I would have blogged some of the funny things she has done, but I get there is more to come, so I can put on here when it happens.

Well I need to get laundry done and do a blanket for Christmas so that is now for all. Long day shopping, I am tired!

Gotcha Day November 1st 2010

2011-09-30T14:48:00.000-07:00

Photo Book

2011-06-04T12:50:00.001-07:00

Click here to view this photo book larger

Getting Out

2011-05-13T14:22:00.000-07:00

Well today is a first for Miss Ally! I let her big sister take her to work with her at the local child care center. Ally is needing to get out and around other children her own age for short periods of time. I am hoping she is doing fine. No phone calls so all must be good.

2011-05-09T20:51:00.000-07:00

Here is a handsome picture of my son! He is getting so big, it is hard to believe he is thirteen. Where did the time go. I am just so happy that he has turned 360 degrees and loves Ally as if she was his biological sister. He in the beginning wanted nothing to do with her. But as you can see in the picture below:

Kyle loves Ally to death and back! They were having fun in the pool after putting water in the same day, it was very cold. She wasn't to sure about sitting like this with Kyle, but did long enough to get a picture of them both.

Kyle loves picking at her! He kept putting the hose in her face so she would get a face full of water!She kept going back for more, so
it couldn't have been that bad.

Surgery Update

2011-05-09T20:48:00.000-07:00

So nice to hear from you and sorry I've been a stranger also to you all! Things have just been very busy around here for quite awhile!

Ally's surgery went as good as we could hope for. Her palate was very wide, so our doctor was too sure that it would all stay stitched together without a hole starting again. She was having a lot of pain for all most a week and a half with her not sleeping more the thirty minutes at a time all night long and then being very ornery the next day. She had lots of meds that we gave her and soft food for two weeks before giving her anything she wants!

It was then Easter and we went to the neighbor's house for an Easter Egg hunt where she caught strep throat. So that didn't help at all! So back on meds for ten days.

It has been three weeks now and she went back to the doctor today. She has one hole in the middle of her mouth that he said he would wait to see if it closes up itself in the next three months or if he may need to go back in and fix it again, but all and all it looks good.

She is back to normal now and we are hoping she will start sleeping all through the night and quit waking up crying one or two times a night. Soon we will get her started with learning how to talk I hope. She has learned her own sign language. It's funny!

She is still little and hasn't put on any wait yet, but is a little taller. The doctor today said she is puny for being two and a half. I thought that sounded cute myself.

2011-04-06T14:37:00.000-07:00

Updated doctor appointments: April 13th in her ENT appointment in Dallas and then April 19th is her surgery. Dr. Kane is doing it, he is at Children's Medical Center in Dallas. He is a spectacular doctor we are blessed to have found.

Surgery Day Set

2011-03-03T12:41:00.000-08:00

We went to Dr. Kane yesterday afternoon to have Ally's cleft palate looked at and photographed. After waiting three hours in the office, we have a surgery date set for April 14th to have her cleft palate fixed. Please keep us in your prayers that all goes well.

2011-02-16T08:30:00.001-08:00

Wow, can you believe Valentine's Day is here and gone along with half of February. We have been home now for four months now with Allison. She has adjusted slowly and is doing just fine now. The fits have almost finished thank goodness. Naps are beginning to go back to twenty minutes to a hour, which I don't understand. I guess some kids just need more than others! Night times are very easy to get her to sleep, but she wakes up a couple of times during the night and then goes back to sleep. Her appetite sure has picked up. She eats like a ten-year-old would every day. She has decided she doesn't like meat, so it's fruit, veggies, and grains. She looks so much older in four months than when we got her. It's amazing!

I can't wait for summer to get here! We have to build her a swing and get a kiddy pool put up. I was at Sam's Club the other day and boy do they have the neatest outside toys. They have a trampoline with sides and lots of padding for toddlers that's just over $200. They also have a table and chair set with an umbrella for $76 that is just way too cute. If I could hit the lotto Ally would have both!

Flu bug has left our house and now the cold bug has entered. I think I am the only one so far, not to pick up either. Cross my fingers and find some wood to knock on. Moms just can't afford to get sick!

That's all for now. Have a spectacular day my friends!

2011-02-04T16:13:00.000-08:00

Here's a cute pair of bibs I had specially made for Ally for Valentine's Day! They turned out very cute, just a big baggy!

6 Plus Inches of Snow in Dallas area!

2011-02-04T10:42:00.000-08:00

Exhaustion!

2011-02-04T10:03:00.000-08:00

So Ally and Jess went up to our neighbor's house to make cupcakes with her little girls on our snow in day. This is Ally five minutes after coming home! She slept like this for over an hour and a half. Sure don't look comfortable!

Girls at Park

2011-01-30T13:22:00.001-08:00

Click here to view this photo book larger

It's been awhile

2011-01-29T12:13:00.000-08:00

So where does the time go! We have been home now for over two months. I look at her and wonder how much older she looks from when we got her! I think she has grown over an inch in height, but gained maybe a pound or two only. She is very tall, with long fingers and toes. Her mommy must have been one pretty lady.

Her personality sure is coming out. She has more facial expressions than any other person I have ever seen. I think someone in her family must have been a comedian! She is the funniest little one that could have come to us.

We had an appointment to look at her mouth and the doctors said wow
she sure does have a very large cleft palate, but he can fix it no problem!
They are working on getting her scheduled for surgery. Once that is finished, speech therapy can start.

I can't wait for her to learn to talk. She can say "woof, woof", "meow, meow", "momma", and "eye". Anything else is finger pointing or hollering!

Temper tantrums are becoming a little rarer thank goodness! I was in such a state of lets send her back to China it wasn't even funny! That also had a lot to do with me getting no sleep. But that is becoming a thing of the past too.

She has two nick names. Jess calls her "bug" because she is so petite.
Steven calls her "boo" because she reminds him of "Boo" of Monsters Inc.
Too funny! If you look up the picture of "Boo" you may see why!

She has begun sleeping all night which is spectacular, and then takes a nap without a problem. She is just beginning to find cartoons interesting on TV. She loves Barney and Elmo!

I have to brag for a moment. It's in the 70s here in Texas today and I have my windows open! Ally was a little puzzled when I opened them and wondered where the breeze was coming from. That was very cute. Then she started pushing on the screens and I had to quickly tell her no not to do that!

So that is all for now. I will try to keep this a little more updated than I have been!

2010-11-24T19:17:00.000-08:00

This is packing or trying to pack, no idea what sizes, long-sleeve or short-sleeve, hmm!

After a three hour flight to LA and four hour lay over, then on China Air to head to Beijing fourteen hours, and then two hours more done to Guangzhou, China we finally got here and here is our room!

Looking out outside at night, very pretty!

Sorry for my absence!

2010-11-21T21:16:00.000-08:00

Hello all, so sorry I haven't updated this with any new pictures or info from our trip to China! While there I couldn't access our blog and then upon coming home I have been very, very busy! I will get pics up as soon as I can possibly do so as well as home updates!

Word to those traveling here very soon to China: Chinese people are very pushy and rude! Take your own clock because there is none in the rooms, internet is supposed to be free for those adopting through GW and staying at the White Swan, the breakfast buffet is spectacular, and try to the French restaurant out on the island - very good.

More to follow later need to catch some sleep!

Four Days until we leave!

2010-10-24T12:52:00.000-07:00

Four days until we leave DFW headed to LA then on to Beijing and then Guangdong! Where has the time gone. I am still so swapped that I can't see straight with embroidery. I just ran out of backing to finish some shirts which is going to delay progress until tomorrow morning when I can go into the city and get more.

Everyone keeps asking if I've packed! No, I haven't even begun to think about it. Just no time. I still need to finish buying meds from the pharmacy to take in case and then some toys to keep Ally busy while we are away.

I feel bad I haven't had the time to spend with my kiddos here at home. Maybe by Tuesday, I'll be caught up. Here's hoping!

I have to put a Huge Thank You out to my Aunt Dar. She was able to add a nice chunk of money to our piggy bank that will help us out in more ways than one! I love you Aunt Dar and can't find enough words to say thank you.

If anyone else could possibly add to that, we would greatly appreciate it!

7 Days!

2010-10-20T10:54:00.001-07:00

A bit concerned this morning! Upon checking my email I see there is a typhoon headed to towards Guangdong this weekend! Ally is way down by the shore where it is headed. Please say a pray that she is safe!

As for today, just working eight or nine hours on embroidery! I love that I am making money, but wish I could be doing something else like getting ready to leave for China!

Tonight we will watch the baseball game with the Rangers possibly winning the playoff series for the first time ever! So good luck to them. I also hope to go running again tonight, couldn't do it last night because my feet hurt to bad from the last week of running at night!

That's my day today!

8 Days and Counting

2010-10-19T11:45:00.000-07:00

Eight days left, wow how quick time is going. I have so much to do between now and then. Only problem is I am setting at the moment with nothing needing to be done at this very moment. All my work is ordered and due to arrive late this afternoon and late tomorrow for embroidery. I wish I had it now since I'm just setting and every second right now counts.

Unfortunately I am beginning to get a headache, just too much on my mind. I know we are forgetting something important that needs to be done, just not sure of what that is. Don't you hate it when you feel that way!

My neighbor just dropped off a gift to me! A nice photo album that opens up and has beauty aids in it to use. Once they are used, it's a neat little box to put sacred things to keep in. She is such a thoughtful person and a wonderful neighbor.

I have so many good friends and family in my life I feel blessed. Upon chatting with my mom this morning, she said it's strange, when looking at Ally's picture it's as though she has known her forever and been part of the family for a long time! I am hoping that means bonding with grandma will be a very easy task although she lives in Michigan and we live here in Texas.

9 Days until travel!

2010-10-18T06:29:00.000-07:00

Wow hard to believe our long wait is just about done! In nine days we board a plane from DFW to fly to LA and then on to Guangdong. I can't say I'm excited about the flight; however, we are flying during the night so maybe I'll be able to sleep through most of the flight. Prescription sleep medication will be my best friend. I have been to Germany before, so not a first for leaving the states. Any advice on easier ways of traveling or toys to pack for a two year-old to keep her occupied while gone would greatly be appreciated!

Jenny from Great Wall formed a group on FaceBook for all the families adopting from China. We had our first meet and greet last night. The majority of the chat revolved around travel. What a neat way to converse with a variety of families in different phases of their adoption.

I still am collecting squares and got lucky with a neighbor dropping me off four squares yesterday (Thanks Joan!) . If any of you could send me one or two, I'd be forever greatful!

We also heard from Ann at Red Threads last night that our Care Package we sent to Ally was received and that she would be able to receive it. Just curious now to see if part of that stuff comes with her on Gotcha Day!

Happy Birthday!

2010-10-14T06:22:00.000-07:00

Happy, Happy Birthday to our beautiful little girl Allison! You are two years old today and we wish you the best. How we wish we could be there to with you on this day, but know that we soon will be! Two weeks and we'll be on the plane to get you!

Care Package to Allison

2010-10-11T09:59:00.001-07:00

Here is our care package to Allison with help from Ann at Red Threads there in China! She is mailing this and it should be to the orphanage in two days. Ah too cute and she did such a great job! Thanks Ann!

More Squares!

2010-10-09T11:52:00.001-07:00

Thanks to Debbie Sauer

MamMan to Grace Yan Cui

What a week!

2010-10-09T11:41:00.000-07:00

This past week wasn't the greatest at all! After getting shots and mother nature showing up, I felt like crap all week. Included in that was very little sleep, making it hard to function. Well after taking sleeping medication last night, I was able to pretty much get a night of sleep. I feel fantastic today!

More surprising, Steven out of the blue, took care of dishes, vacuumed living room, and then swept kitchen floor! Should I fall over now or later for surprise! Kyle wanted to go out on the lake but I told him no. I don't know the family so I'm not comfortable with that. He's upset with me, but oh well.

Travel is slowing approaching. I've been collecting travel size health and beauty aids all week to go. It seems like a never ending process! Our updated travel homestudy was approved yesterday with Great Wall so one more thing down. Paperwork is all printed and in a binder. Now to collect the last bit of money we need and pack is all I think we have left.

Ann at Red Thread received our care package and was going to ship it to Ally's orphanage today. So hopefully she will receive it within the week! That was none to cheap I tell you what!

Halloween decorations are up in the house, now for outside decorating! I will probably take Kyle out to get his costume from Party City today. I am still a bit bummed to miss Halloween this year, but next year we will be happy to have a little one again to take Trick or Treating!

I have a friend in California that I need to send a big thanks out to! Rissa you have been a God send in many ways for helping us with advice. Thanks so Very Much!

2010-09-23T13:20:00.000-07:00

Here are the latest pics of Ally! Isn't she a cutey!

Newest Quilt Squares

2010-09-20T13:17:00.000-07:00

A big thanks goes out to The Byrne Family from Florida

Another Big Thanks goes to Mareen from NC

2010-09-13T14:38:00.000-07:00

I am very excited to announce we received our Visas by the FedEx guy yesterday with out any problems!

We also got our travel booked leaving on American to go to LA and then from there to China on China Air. This is a direct flight from LA to where we will be staying, so that is a great thing for us! We leave from here Oct. 29 and can back Nov. 11th, so we will be gone for two weeks. Yuck is what I have to say about that, but at least we are bringing Ally back home after waiting for over four years!

Off to Michigan in the morning for my brother getting married. I am so happy for him and Jen. This is going to be one of the best things that I have going on in my life and families life's! Will post a couple picks when I come back on Monday!

Travel Date Confirmed!

2010-09-09T16:54:00.000-07:00

Here is our Tentative Travel Information!

Tentative Travel Schedule:

10/28 Depart United States

10/29 - Arrive in Guangdong, China

11/2 - Go to Civil Affairs Office to do adoption registration, and go to public notary to do the adoption paperwork

11/5 Sightsee tour to Yuntai Park

11/6 Sightsee tour to Six Banyan Trees

11/7 Sightsee tour to see the Zhong Shan Memorial Hall

11/8 Medical Exams and Visa picture

11/9 Go to American consulate for oath-taking ceremony

11/10 Get Visa

11/11 Arrive back in USA

Surprise!

2010-09-09T06:13:00.000-07:00

So, I went to my once a month Pokeeno group only to walk into my neighbor's house and everyone yell surprise! They through me a spectacular baby shower for Ally! I actually teared up for a quick moment. I had a long day and only had gotten about an hour and a half of sleep that night. Everyone was looked so nice and had the prettiest cake and gift table set up. I forgot just how many woman in my neighborhood there were until you put them all in the same room.

It's nice to have such a group since my family lives in Michigan. My neighbors are my adopted family! They were generous giving gift cards, cash, books, an outfit, bubbles, teddy bear, and some games. I throw such a big thanks to them all. I don't know how to truly tell them how appreciative I am for them doing such a great thing for me!

On another note, still waiting on our confirmation for travel! Maybe today!

Disappointing News!

2010-09-08T03:31:00.000-07:00

We received some disappointing news yesterday! It seems China is completely booked due to the holiday season around the 8th of October. So we won't be able to travel over to get Ally at that early time frame. It now is looking like the 28th of October we will be traveling.

That is disappointing due to not being in China when she turns two-years-old. We probably will end up missing Halloween and Jess's birthday with the new travel date. Who said things could fall into place for once in our lives!

Oh well, life goes on and at the very least we know she soon will be in our home. I finally got her bedding to match her wallpaper yesterday. Now I can put her bed together and put some wall hangings on the wall. Maybe then it will actually look somewhat finished! Oh yeah and speaking of the dresser Tom redid, it turned out cute. We have ladybug knobs on order for the drawers - Too cute!

It is absolutely pouring rain right now, it sounds beautiful hitting the roof. God must have known that the lakes, birds, and animals would love a drink after many weeks and having no rain! See there is a positive in this world today! Okay I'm rattling now, so I better tie this up! Off to a busy day I go.

Awesome Neighbor

2010-09-04T16:26:00.000-07:00

I had a neighbor in my neighborhood today post on our neighborhood blog she was putting some girls stuff out on the curb for free, just come pick it up! I drove down to her house to find: a little red wagon, a bike with training wheels, a scooter with knee pads, and F-150 power wheel truck, books, rocking chair in awesome shape, two games, four pairs of shoes, a step stool, and baby doll diapers. I feel like I hit the jackpot!

Thanks again Neighbor!

Visas

2010-09-03T14:47:00.000-07:00

I finally got around to sending off our passports to receive our Visas. I am asking you all to say a prayer that they make it there and back to us in a speedy manner. I should have already had these done, but didn't have the money. Even now money is scarce, but what's new!

No updates on our travel approval set dates, but Jenny at Great Wall believes that all families will have no problem still leaving on the 8th of October.

I have had a very busy day today. I had to have my fitting for my bridesmaid dress for Jack's wedding, FedEx'd our passports, picked up an embroidery check I needed to take care of some important matters, talked to our social worker, dropped of an embroidery order that was only partially done and picked up more needing to be done, now home getting customers quotes, and eventually on to getting boys to the football game. Can I possibly try to do anymore at the moment!

Oh yeah, I received a great Secret Buddy gift today. What a surprise. Ally is so very lucky!

TA received Today!

2010-08-31T22:14:00.000-07:00

We received our Travel Approval today to go to China. Our adoption agency is asking the CCAA to allow us to leave Oct. 8th to go overseas. I can't believe this day has finally came. In two to five business days we will have an exact date, so stay tuned!

LSC

2010-08-30T12:12:00.000-07:00

Here is our poor FedEx guy holding our envelope containing our Letter Seeking Confirmation that is the paper we sign commiting to accept Allison's referral! It's a tradition that a picture is taken when this important document is received. Kind of like the stork bringing the baby!

Priceless!

2010-08-29T11:04:00.000-07:00

You should have seen the look on Tom's face when he saw how many clothes I have accumulated for Ally last night. He sat on the bed in her room in total amazement looking at the closet and then in the dresser drawers!

Too Funny!!!

Clothes

2010-08-28T09:57:00.000-07:00

Well it is now time to start hanging clothes! As you see, the bed is chuck full of clothes. I have to go through and sort according to sizes and then determine what to hang and what to put in the dresser that is now done and in the bedroom. This will be fun!

I bought Ally a umbrella stroller yesterday for her baby dolls. I have a baby doll from Corolle that is Chinese, so I am happy she will have one that has her features. It dawned on me out of the blue in Walmart that I have lots of clothes, but not a whole lot of toys.

I will have to crawl up in the attic and pull down all the Little People stuff that I had for Kyle when he was little. Any suggestions on good toys for two year old little girls would greatly be appreciated!

Ally's Bedroom

2010-08-26T11:23:00.000-07:00

Well finally! I painted Ally's bedroom this past weekend pale pink and pale green. We then had to wait 72 hours to put the border up. So that is what we did last night. The room is finally painted and papered, I am so excited. Now we can begin putting her clothes on hangers in the closet, hanging pictures on the wall, and organizing the room.

Next to come in is Tom's childhood dresser. He completely sanded it and is repainting it pale pink and green to match the room. Furniture made back then is in so much better shape than that made today!

Any ideas on wall covering would greatly be welcomed!

Quilt Square

2010-08-26T11:14:00.000-07:00

A big thanks goes out to Kim Reichenbach from Florida for the latest quilt square I received in the mail! 49 and counting more to collect! Please email for address if you're interested in helping me to collect all 100 squares!

Wow is all I can say!

2010-08-17T13:59:00.000-07:00

Here is our new daughter Allison

Date of Birth: Oct. 14, 2008

Name: Zhan Yang Jian

Orphanage: Children's Welfare Institute of Zhanjiang City

Province: Guangdong

Country: China

She weighs 20 pounds and is 31 inches tall!

She is described as being a very active little girl who is close to her foster mom! She eats normally and sleeps sound - Lucky for us! She is able to climb steps and tables - Going to be a monkey!

She had a cleft lip that has been fixed, but still has a cleft palate that we will need to have surgically repaired when she comes home.

Travel is looking to be towards this November!

Wow

2010-07-30T07:47:00.001-07:00

Wow what a surprise it was to find out that a LID friend from our agency also received a referral for a special needs little boy the same day we did! We are both truly blessed to have received these little babies so quickly after being put on the waiting child's list. With any luck, we can meet up somewhere in China. Her and I have been doing a swap for the past three years through the mail, but never met in person. We have had so much fun with it. All I can say is God works in spectacular ways!

Agency Call

2010-07-20T14:46:00.000-07:00

On Friday I was chit chatting away with my mom when I received a call from Great Wall of China adoption agency. I was like okay why are they calling since they never do. My heart started racing as I answered the phone! Beth was on the other end asking for some opinions on how they are doing their special needs program. I was like darn!

Towards the end of the conversation she told me that they were getting a batch of special needs babies in Monday evening and that her and Stephanie would be up all night pulling babies off the waiting child list. I was like okay well I'll cross all fingers and toes that we may get lucky enough to get a call.

I hung up feeling a little excited, but not really sure how to react. Well Monday, July 19th, evening 10:30 pm we get a call from Stephanie at Great Wall announcing we have a sweet baby girl who is a year old if we are interested!

Oh my God, I started shaking as we opened her file. What a cutey she is. Now our journey officially starts.

We talk to the doctor tomorrow to review her medical files. She had a clept lip which has been fixed, but still has a clept palate needing repair. If all goes well, we will sign our referral paperwork and be on our way to pick her up!

September coming to an end!

2009-08-30T14:53:00.000-07:00

Wow it doesn't seem like it's the end of August already! Where has the time gone. Kyle started sixth grade this past Monday and Steven started ninth grade. Where did the childhood years go with my kids.

I feel entirely too young to have kids already this age. I can't wait to bring Ally home and let those young years start again!

Back Home

2009-08-13T21:23:00.000-07:00

Well we made it back home from Michigan this past Monday. The weather up there is unusually cool for summer. It was sad to see the leaves already falling off the trees. The town had a carriage festival the weekend that we were still there. It usually is a large event; however, for the second year in a row, it's rained.

I got to go to my cousin Kirk's open house. My Aunt Toni and Uncle Loren were kind enough to have a family BBQ at there house so that I could see all my family on my mom's side. That was wonderful. And then, we were invited over to my dad's brother's house for a fish fry. So with going up north with no plans, I sure kept busy.

Steven ended up staying home with his friend Jeremy. He didn't want to miss football and then ended up dropping off the team anyway. Kyle went with us.

I have just been busy trying to play catch up this week so I haven't been to friendly with my neighbors. They're probably wondering why! That's why!!

North or South?

2009-07-21T11:21:00.000-07:00

And the question remains, do I go up north to Michigan with Tom and see the family? Or stay down here with the kids by myself? Hmmm! Kids don't want to go, but I do. What should we do?

2009-07-17T19:31:00.000-07:00

Well to my surprise, we received a thunderstorm and a bunch of rain last night. It was nice, but all the watering I did was not necessary! I can't complain though our lake sure needed it. After only about three hours of sleep last night, I am exhausted!

2009-07-16T21:04:00.000-07:00

It's the middle of summer. We just finished our ninth day of over 100 degree weather. We are so ready for it to cool off. I have been watering my plants and yard for the past five hours and am just about done! This year I planted my first garden. I am so excited to see how it turns out. I also have a strawberry patch that will be full of strawberries at some point. Which leads me on to this next thing.

Upon going through some boxes of clothing that I have been storing for Ally, I found a cute strawberry dress and bow that I had specially made to match the dress. I so can't wait to put this outfit on her and take a picture of her in the strawberry patch. I then can take the picture and put it in the teddy bear with strawberries photo frame that my secret buddy got me.

I have some of the best LID buddies and Secret Buddy that anyone could possibly ask for. My buddies send gifts every month based on a monthly theme. I have received so many different outfits and such that Ally will never run out of clothing.

In fact, when we get our referral, a babyshower will not be necessary. Only a diaper drive will be needed! I guess maybe this wait is for the better. In the meantime, I have time to collect things for her, thus making it cheaper when we bring her home!

Our LID is February 6, 2007. We still probably have well over a year before we will get our referral for her. As you all know we have been on this journey now for three years. As long as we stick with our program, we are promised that we will receive a baby!

Many of my adoption friends have given up on the wait and went for special needs babies. They have all received referrals and have traveled or are traveling very soon. I wish them all lots of good things and congratulate them very much. These little girls are so precious and very lucky to have great parents want to take them in and raise them despite their health issues!

I would love to hear from you if you happen to read this. I know I haven't posted in awhile!

2009-06-01T11:29:00.001-07:00

I'm in the middle of working on a bunch of hats that I am embroidering! These have been sitting around for awhile and should have already been done. So finally, I feel like messing with them! Yeah.

I hope you all that are waiting for a referral are hanging in there! God only knows we have been waiting long enough. As I have been telling everyone, Allison is going to be the best dressed little one for awhile. My secret buddy has went way overboard with what she sends me every month. I love her to death!

2009-05-28T20:36:00.000-07:00

Check out this blog for a great car seat you could win by submitting a few of your opionions on it!

PreciousPeas.blogspot.com

2009-05-21T13:43:00.000-07:00

It is almost here Memorial Day weekend! The weather is beautiful and the rain is finally drying up! We are going camping with our camper north of here about an hour. Tom is taking it up a day early to make sure we have a site to camp. The kids will be playing on the ski doo's and having lots of fun. There friends are supposed to go, so that should make it a little easier for us to keep them busy. I will post pics when we get back.

The day just got better with Great Wall recieving eighteen referrals finally today! I really hope that the next referrals speed up. I mean it is taking forever to get through the month of March. I am hoping to bring Ally home this next late summer. Please pray for our family!

2009-05-19T13:54:00.000-07:00

Kyle is so handsome! Sorry I have to brag. He is a good pitcher, catcher, and plays shortstop. He is playing for the Detroit Tigers baseball team this year. His papa would be so proud of him. We miss him very much and think of him at all the baseball games! God Bless.

2009-05-18T18:59:00.000-07:00

Check out Jamie's Precious Peas Blog. Yunginz is giving away a great pair of camo canvas shoes in your choice of pink or green. Check out their site and then visit Jamie's Precious Peas at the following link:

www.Jamiespreciouspeas.blogspot.com

2009-05-16T16:45:00.000-07:00

Today is Tom and my 11th anniversary! It is so hard to believe that we have been married that long. I remember the day I met him at his sister's restaraunt and thought how handsome he was. Who knew that a year later he would ask me to marry him!

Bow Giveaway

2009-05-07T15:19:00.000-07:00

Check this out! Awesome giveaway!

The Sara Beth Bows, Great Bow Giveaway is back!!! We are giving away THREE SETS of “Summer Fun” themed bows for the May giveaway! I couldn’t wait to finally get these ready for you all!

sarabethbows.blogspot.com

Children's clothes

2009-03-06T18:10:00.000-08:00

We kind of got some good news a couple of days ago. I guess there is a lot of people dropping out of adopting from China and finding other ways of adopting just because if taking so long. That is good news for us, because the less people in front of us the quicker we will get a referral.

I also am hoping to maybe get our bills up to date and get a new job. If that were to happen, we would be adopting a baby within probably six months from here in the USA before getting our referral from China. It would be nice to have two little one about the same age.

One way I am trying to raise money is by selling used children clothes on Ebay. If you have children's clothes still in great shape that you are going to donate, could you please leave a comment. I would love to take these off your hands.

Thanks for reading my blog for today! God Bless.

2009-02-23T05:13:00.000-08:00

Well we're supposed to have a beautiful week in our neighborhood, so I have the best outlook for this week. I just received some beautiful pictures that my Aunt Toni sent me from Christmas time. I emailed her to find out that I missed her birthday by a day and to find out that it is my uncle's birthday today! So I just wanted to say Happy Birthday to both! Have a wonderful week to everyone!

2009-02-16T21:25:00.000-08:00

Here is a photo of one of the diaper cakes I have made. This is made of seventy diapers wrapped neatly with rubber bands. The ribbon is hot glued carefully to the rubber bands without getting on the diapers. Paper confetty, wood plaque monkey's, two hairbow, two washcloths, and a plush monkey make up this beautiful cake.

Please contact me if you're interested in purchasing one of these beautiful cakes from me!

Valentine's Day

2009-02-14T21:39:00.000-08:00

How terrible of me, I haven't posted in quite awhile! We are hanging in there some how! We were going to look into adopting domestically in the meantime when stumbling across a baby that was due to be born any day in CA. We turned our paperwork in along with one other family. With our hopes getting high, we later found out that the mom chose the other family! Everything happens for a reason I know. So now, we are waiting for some other things to fall in place before looking at this idea again.

Today was Valentine's Day! I missed my husband because he is away flying for the military. I did receive some candy, a card, and a pretty picture frame from him though! Mean of me that I didn't also get him anything.

My secret buddy and LID buddies have been doing an outstanding job in sending me swap gifts! I probably could open a store if I needed to!

I also am now making diaper cakes to sell. If you need or know someone looking for that perfect gift, please pass my name on. Check out my website: PitchandStitch.com to see my cakes that I have already made.

2008-11-27T11:16:00.000-08:00

Well it's Thanksgiving! What a beautiful day here in Texas. How I wish we were with our families today; however, they are all in Michigan. The wait is getting very depressing for us to bring Allison home! I have been collecting baby stuff for over a year now and boy do I have a lot! I can't wait to put her bedroom together. She is going to be the cutest baby around the area! Please pray for us to bring her home as soon as possible. We are all getting older and would like to have her before we really to feel old!

Wow

2008-11-06T11:04:00.000-08:00

I can't believe that we have been waiting now for 21 months. When we started it was supposed to be under 12 months. I guess this wait is supposed to be this way for a reason, I just wish it wasn't so hard! By this time I have received so many nice gifts from my secret buddies and my LID buddies. I thank them so very much for all that they have sent me, Ally is so lucky to have received such nice things.

LID Members Monthly Themed Swap Gifts, Socks and Slippers!

2008-11-01T16:03:00.000-07:00

Thanks Sandra for the cute and adorable slippers, I can't wait to see Allison in them! And the socks and lotion were a perfect gift for myself!
Thanks for these wonderful candles Karen! Yankee candles are wonderful
Pam Bender Sent me a wonderful Angel of Hope Christmas ornament, a package of socks, and a beautiful bag of lotion, body wash, and a soap puff! Thanks so much!
Karen Saunders Sent me very cute set of slippers and some adorable Halloween socks. Thanks so much!
Rissa Hood Sent me a a pair of white tights, a package of socks, a cute little plush cat! Thanks as always!

A great big Thanks to my LID buddies. They sent some wonderful things for this month!

Awaiting Referral

2008-07-19T15:26:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday July 15th we received wonderful news that we are out of the Review Room!!! That means we are at the last step of our adoption, waiting for referral.

Other news, Tom and I went to do our fingerprints again! They want fine. On our way a lady in front of us driving got a flat tire, so Tom stopped to help her. She was so nice that he helped her, that she gave me $50 to by Ally something nice! Go figure, later last night we ended up behind another lady with a flat tire and guess what? Tom was wonderful and changed that for her also!

Good things come to those who help others!

Embroidery Blog

2008-06-18T12:41:00.000-07:00

I have made a blog for all of you who are adopting and would like to have something embroidered. I can do pretty much anything, even if it is not for adopting. Take a look, you can order from there or send me what you need embroidered. Every stitch helps us bring Ally home from China!

www.cherigttravel.blogspot.com

Copy the above link into your search engine to look at our embroidery blog!

June's Secret Buddy Gift - "The Beach"

2008-06-08T09:03:00.000-07:00

I have the best Secret Buddy anyone could possibly have! I about fell on the floor when I saw this month's gift on my porch. She just way out did herself. If she keeps it up, I will have to add on to my house! Thanks Secret Buddy!

Review Room

2008-05-14T11:31:00.001-07:00

Yeah, we are finally in the "Review Room". Next step is "Awaiting Referral". May that time come quicker than slower!

Jessica's Junior Prom

2008-05-10T16:47:00.000-07:00

I can't believe how old she looks in this picture! She is going to the South Fork Ranch, yes where the show Dallas was filmed, for her Junior/Senior Prom. She doesn't have a date this year, but is going with a big group of friends. Isn't she pretty!

What A Day!

2008-05-08T21:36:00.000-07:00

Today was a beautiful day here in Texas. The sun was out, it was 85 degrees, and the breeze felt spectacular coming through the windows! Today was Tom's birthday. We had a quiet day around the house and then went out to AppleBees for dinner. The workers came out and sang him Happy Birthday. I think he was a little embarrassed, but he does it to us always on our birthdays! I also finally made it up to visit my neighbor and her two little girls. They are getting so big! And the last main thing of the day is our social worker came out for an hour and a half to chit chat. She had to update our homestudy so it was time for that visit. Now she will submit it all to update our I-600A form. This form is good for another 15 months. Wish us luck in bringing Allison home before that time is up and we have to redo all this paperwork again!

Kyle's Uncle Pee Wee

2008-04-29T19:28:00.000-07:00

While up to Michigan this last week Kyle helped his Uncle Pee Wee clean his truck, so that he could leave for New York for his new job. Kyle thought this was fun. I took this picture because of their smiles. I am going to miss my brother while we are miles apart for a while. But I wish him lots of luck with his new job!

East Meets West Update

2008-04-29T19:03:00.000-07:00

Well the East Meets West was very full of about 300 people in the adoption process or starting off. It was full of information, although I don't think we really learned anything new. It was very nice to meet Snow Wu. She tries very hard to work with China officials and see how the wait for all of us may start to get faster. I wish we would have got our picture with her, but there was just to many people. I guess anyone who is looking to get hours for the hague this would be a nice; however, if you already know a lot about adoption from China then this may not be for you.

East Meets West

2008-04-15T06:35:00.000-07:00

Hello All,

Well Tom and I are going to the East Meets West Conference in Chicago this weekend! I am so looking forward to it. This will give us a chance to get out and meet some officials from China as well as visit with families who have already adopted from China. This will also give us eight hours of Hague training credit so that is awesome! We are staying at the Embassy Suites and will be having a dinner the night before at a pizzeria where there will also be top officials from China there to speak!

Embroidery and Bows

2008-04-12T15:43:00.000-07:00

The bows shown on here are made from another mom adopting from China who's website is: http://www.ourjourneytosarahbeth.com/

If you want to order a bow, I then can embroider you an outfit to match! Shoot me a comment!

Secret Buddy Swap

2008-04-12T15:27:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone,

I just wanted to say that doing Secret Buddy swaps are so much Fun!! I just finished up putting together two packages for my Secret Buddies. They are the cutest packages that I have done in a while. My Secret Buddy has done me well also. She has sent me more than what she needs to and has done such a wonderful job in her selection. I love her to death and don't even know her! If any of you would like to join in, please shoot me a comment, and I'll add you in since I am the swap coordinator!

Check out my Slide Show!

2008-04-06T21:20:00.001-07:00

2008-01-25T16:25:00.000-08:00

Our Family Photo