I didn't want to post until Donna told everyone first, (even though I've already showed her off to all my friends), the day after Christmas, Donna received her referral for her daughter.

She is a beautiful little thing, in her pictures, it looks like she has brown hair and the biggest brown eyes you've seen.

Donna should be able to go and meet her in January and then bring her home 2 months later. I can't wait to meet little Payton, I'm sure she will help in the long wait for Gracie to come home.

She was born February 26, 2006 (born on her sister's birthday)

I haven't been an "Auntie" to a little princess since Taylor! What a cutie she was! I never get to see her. They are currently living in Clemson country! I certainly hope that Payton and Gracie will be close.

Let's take a ride. . .

I drove to Columbia today to have our papers certified by the state! I get to go back tomorrow because 3 of them were not worded correctly! Thank goodness I am on vacation this week!

One document I have to send to Nashville, lets pray it makes it back and does not sit on someones desk.

How Cute is This?

It's a Christmas present from Adam & Payton (Aunt Donna & Uncle Matt). She is gonna need a room soon, really soon.

My mom also gave Gracie books for Christmas, she got several books of color and 3 other books.

I'm going to Columbia tomorrow, and then Thursday I will send them UPS to a courier service to have them hand delivered to Washington. I am so excited, we'll soon be DTC, unless our agency finds a problem with them, lets hope not, lets hope all is well with them.

Dear Gracie,

It's Christmas Day, and although I don't think you are born yet, I wanted to wish You a Merry Christmas. I pray that things speed up in China and you never have to spend a Christmas alone.

You are always in my thoughts and prayers, and I can't wait to have you home.

Maybe this is a sign of good luck, Granny Winge gave us a ornament this morning, a Baldwin Ladybug, it is so cute!

I love you baby girl.
Momma

Our family will be here today for dinner at 5:00, the room never seems quite complete anymore. Time goes by and this is our second Christmas without you Devan. You are in our thoughts and prayers every day but especially today. Merry Christmas Devan, we love you!

It's Christmas Eve and I wanted to post what my oldest DS just gave me for Christmas. He is so sweet and thoughtful! Take a look . . . .

He got me a Chinese cookbook (I'm really gonna try) and a Chinese Dictionary.

Then he also gave me 2 pcs of fabric for Gracie's quilt. He found 2 things that he knows I love - Frogs and Elvis. How sweet is my child! Brandon I love you!

It's almost Christmas . . . . .


My Dear Friend Trina gave Gracie a really cute gift (we both love frogs). Both are for the tub, one is soap and the other one is a puppet!

My best friend Bonny and I do breakfast together with each other and the kids each year, well that was today! Look at my gift, I just love it. My first diaper bag! How Cute!

That's Bonny's daughter Ashlee Gail holding the bag!

Friday, December 22, 2006


My DH is another year older! But with each year he is getting sweeter and sweeter. Happy Birthday Paul Ray! I LOVE YOU and YOU ARE STILL MY BIGGEST DREAM COME TRUE and you always will be!

I really feel that Gracie's "birth mom" is pregant with her right now. I pray for her safety during this time and that she is taking care of herself. There was a big discussion on one of my yahoo groups about what they tell their children about their birth mothers and if they loved them. I personally will tell Gracie that her "birth mom" loved her but was unable to keep her.

The following is an article from China.org.cn It doesnt relate to that topic but with being pregant in 07!

'Golden Pig Year' Baby-Boom: Auspicious or Suspicious?

Maternity hospitals in Shanghai have been busier than usual over the past few months as many young women try to have babies next year, an especially auspicious time according to the Chinese lunar calendar.

"I found there are many pregnant women this year," said local resident Jiang Yan. "I know friends, co-workers and other people working in my office building that are all going to have kids. Some of them did tell me they want to give birth to a 'golden pig baby' for the good luck."
The lunar calendar gives each year one of 12 zodiac signs with years rotating through the five elements - gold, wood, water, fire and earth.

Children born when the Year of the Pig coincides with the element of gold, occurring once every 60 years, are said to be blessed.

However, the expected baby boom is causing headaches for doctors.
"Pregnant women will be given a number first every morning and wait for a check-up," said a doctor from Changning District Maternity and Child Health Hospital, adding that every day the hospital had welcomed 20 newly pregnant women coming for their first check.
Normally, women don't need to take a number to get a health exam, the doctor clarified.
A pregnant woman identifying herself as Yueyue said she learned about the "Golden Pig Year" from her mother. "I cannot tell whether it is true or not," Yueyue said. "But I chose to believe it rather than miss a good opportunity."

The Shanghai Population and Family Planning Commission predicted that 131,000 babies will be born in the city this year, up from 123,901 last year. This number will rise to about 137,000 next year and peak in 2015 at 160,000.

City officials are concerned that this baby boom will trigger a spate of generational social problems, such as over-crowding in schools and in the job markets, problems that could stay active for several decades.

(Shanghai Daily November 8, 2006)2006-11-08 16:28:10'Golden Pig Year' Baby-Boom: Auspicious or Suspicious?

IT"S HERE!!!! OUR I171H ARRIVED TODAY 12/19/2006!!!

I am so happy it is finally here! I will drive it to Columbia next week and then overnight it to Washington DC after that. You know I am on vacation, its only a 8 hour drive, we'll have to see???? It will be at our agency's office early January.

On another note, I opened my email today to find a note from our agency saying they are concerned with my medical history (?) and we need to have our dossier in by April 13. Well that is not a problem but now my nerves are working overtime, and what if the CCAA decides at the last minute not to grant us a daughter. I don't think they understand, this child is a part of me. I am still waiting on a call from our agency.

UPDATE

I just got off the phone with Jamie in the Dossier Dept, she is working overtime tonight. I just love her to death. I would have never slept tonight. She answered all my questions, and we are good! She had sent the email just to make sure!!!

WHEW!!!! Now, where does that dance line start? My DH told me all day not to worry, I should know to listen to him by now.

Latest Update:

Here is the latest info from our Agency. We hope to be DTC first part of Jan (depending on how long it takes to get that magical form) and LID should follow in a month. Either way I think we will be ok!

My nerves will be much better once we are LID (log in date)!

The China Center of Adoption Affairs held their 2006 Adoption Agency China Liaison Annual Information Meeting at its office on December 8, 2006. At the meeting the CCAA announced some upcoming adoption policy and practice changes.

According to our Beijing staff who attended the training, these changes include the following:

Effective Jan. 1, 2007, the CCAA will raise its service fees: $820 for a traditional program adoption (a $210 increase), and $590 for a Waiting Child Program adoption (a $170 increase).
The following non-retroactive restrictions will apply to applicants whose dossiers will be received at the CCAA after May 1, 2007:
Adoptive applicants must be under the age of 50 at the time the dossier is logged in at the CCAA.
Applicants must be married for at least two years at the time the dossier is logged in. If either applicant has been previously married, the current marriage must be at least five years old at the time the dossier is logged in.
Applicants’ Body Mass Index ( BMI) must be under 40.
Applicants’ net worth must be at minimum $80,000.
Applicants must have no criminal record or history of domestic violence, sexual abuse, child abuse, or substance abuse.
Applicants must have no severe health concerns such as cancer, mental illness, or physical impairment, etc.
Applicants must have a minimum education of high school or equivalent.
Applicants must be a married heterosexual couple.

Single applicants will not be accepted.
We have not received any official written documents from the CCAA on the above restrictions. Therefore, the information we received and interpreted so far may not be 100% accurate. We will keep you informed as soon as more information is made available to us.
Once again, we believe that these qualification changes should have NO impact on families whose dossiers have already been logged in at the CCAA. For families who are still in the dossier compilation process, we will contact every individual family should any verified changes affect your adoption. Our goal is to help you get your dossier to China before May, 1, 2007.

Villanueva Christmas Dinner . . . .



We had my dad's side of the family Christmas Dinner last night.



First, Congrats to my cousin Jarrett and his wife Dolly. They just found out they are expecting in Aug. No one knew when they arrived, and Dolly asked if I would read a poem to my Aunt Debbie and Uncle Moe (Jarrett's parents). I was trying very hard not to cry. It was a beautifully written poem thanking them for all their help and how exciting Christmas 07 will be since they will have a new grandchild!



Second, My Aunt Mary and Uncle David gave us some things for Gracie. How sweet!

She got 3 pcs of fabric for her quilt, and a really cute bow holder. Thanks Aunt Mary and Uncle David.

Paul Ray is back safe and sound (until Monday morning when he heads off to Nashville).

Here is the first thing that he has bought for our Gracie!

He bought the boys hats! They look a little goofy (boys not hats)!

PaulPaul has the phone stuck to his ear as always!

Update. . . .

Our agency just posted an update from CCAA(China Center of Adoption Affairs) which just held their annual meeting. They are suggesting that everyone get their dossier in as quickly as possible. All we are waiting on is our I171H form, I'll call that office again on Monday. Once we get that I will have to get it to the state and then to the Chinese Embassy before sending it to our agency. We still need to take pictures, so over the next week, Paul & I will be visiting people to take pictures.

There will be some changes.

1. Beginning 1/1/07 the CCAA is raising its service fee. (OK, not a problem)

2. No single dossiers accepted after 5/1/07 (does not affect us)

3. Changes to the waiting child program (does not affect us)

4. There is no date listed and there was not a lot of detail to go with any of this. I hope that none of these will affect us. They are:

a. weight restriction

b. minimum net worth requirements

c. substance abuse

d. health concerns

The CCAA also predicted that the child match wait time will not get shorter in the foreseeable future due to the influx of adoption dossiers. However, the CCAA did not say how long the wait will become.

Let me say, my daughter is in China, I can wait as long as it takes (as hard and painful as it is)

but until my dossier is logged in I may be having issues, serious ones. I love this child that I don't know, so please don't suggest that I look at another country.

Time for another happy dance! I got a letter in the mail from DSS today. It was a copy of their approval letter they sent to the immigration office on Dec 1.

OK, now once we get the form from immigration it goes with the dossier to the state first, then I believe to Washington and then to our Agency. Once our agency gets it, it is there for about 15 days, it goes through critical review and then translation. Once all that is done, they will send it to China. Then once we are logged in, we begin the wait!

Gracie, we are another step closer babygirl. I'll continue to pray that God will keep you safe and that the wait time will decrease.

On another note, my DH comes home tomorrow, I cant wait to see him!

I have to share this, I have the best boss ever!

My DH is coming home early, he is arriving on Friday at 930 (he has to go to Nashville Monday, but he is home for 2 days) I am so excited, I have missed him so much! Did I say, I have not been sleeping well. Anyway, I called my boss to see if it would be ok to leave and pick Paul up at the airport. He said, Do you have to ask? Then he said I could take the rest of the day off! A year and half later, I'm still amazed at what a great job I have.

Update:

I just heard from our SW. DSS called her about 5 days ago needing something else on DS since he is an adult. She faxed that over to them the same day. She said I should be getting something from them anyday now, which means my I171H should not be tooooooooo long in coming. Hopefully my agency can send off our dossier first of the year. I was really hoping to be logged in by the end of the year.

Cybershower - One of my Yahoo Groups did a Cybershower (my first).

Whats a Cybershower - A group of people sign up and the moderator hands out names. You send one gift and receive one gift.

I'm so excited. I got my gift today! I have made a lifelong friend. She took the time and included a letter telling about herself, a gift for the cybershower and another bonus gift that I can put up for Gracie. She seems like such a sweet person. I wont be able to thank her enough.

On to the gifts . . . . .

She got the cutest outfit (its pink), some food containers, nail clippers and a Princess picture frame!

Now for the extra one . . .

It was a purse with her very first pair of chop sticks (PaulPaul wanted to try them out), a fan, a necklace, a bracelet and a bookmark. How Awesome. I will put this up for Gracie and put the letter in her book of wishes.

A very BIG Thank You to The Weaver Family! Randy, Laura, Nell and Ann

There is another CCAI family in Goose Creek! Glenda & Bo / They are leaving on Thursday to bring home their daughter from China. They will be home on Christmas Eve. What an awesome Christmas Present. Let's keep them in our prayers for a safe trip. God is gonna have Gracie surrounded by little playmates that look just like her.

I just left Homeland Security a message as well as our Social Worker, trying to find out our status! I guess my patience has worn thin.

There is another CCAI family in Goose Creek! Glenda & Bo / They are leaving on Thursday to bring home their daughter from China. They will be home on Christmas Eve. What an awesome Christmas Present. Let's keep them in our prayers for a safe trip. God is gonna have Gracie surrounded by little playmates that look just like her.

I just left Homeland Security a message as well as our Social Worker, trying to find out our status! I guess my patience has worn thin.

Our youngest son is so funny! This past Saturday, he and I (and my mother) went to Myrtle Beach to do some more Christmas shopping. This is the second year we've gone and he seems to enjoy it, and it's nice spending time with him, he'll leave the house before long (he's in a hurry to spread his wings). Our first stop was at a little gift shop in Pawleys Island, I have been wanting to stop there for 2 years! I found Gracie another book - Ruby's Wish. It is a true story! Paul Paul decided then for everything I bought for Gracie I would have to buy him something! She only got the book and 2 pair of PJ's. (That was only because they gave me a coupon the week before)

I was having Paul Paul hold up Gracie's PJ's and Peanut saw the camera, he is so funny, he knows when its time to take a picture.

Notice the PJ's on the right have cute little frogs and their PINK!!!! A girl's favorite color.

This is a song on "Third Day"'s new Christmas CD! It will make you cry!

Merry Christmas

by Third Day

There's a little girl trembling on a cold December morn

Crying for mama's arms

At an orphanage just outside a little China town

Where the forgotten are

But half a world away I hang the stockings by the fire

And dream about the day when I can finally call you mine

It's Christmas time again but you're not home
Your family is here and yet you're somewhere else alone

So tonight I pray that God will come and hold you in His arms

And tell you from my heart

I wish you Merry Christmas

As I hang the tinsel on the tree and watch the twinkling lights

I'm warmed by the fire's glow

Outside the children tumble in a wonderland of white

And make angels in the snow

But half a world away you try your best to fight the tears

And hope that Heaven's Angels come to carry you here

Christmas is the time we celebrate the Holy Child

And we celebrate His perfect gift of love

He came to Earth to give His life and prepare a place for us

So we could have a home with Him above

It's Christmas time again and now you're home

Your family is here so you will never be alone

So tonight before you go to sleep

I'll hold you in my arms

And tell you from my heart

I wish you Merry Christmas

I know that most likely Gracie is not even born yet, but the thought of her being alone just breaks my heart. I pray that God will bring her home soon, with his help maybe she can be home for Christmas next year.

On the picture above, do you notice how many stockings are hanging?

Update . . . .

I have really fallen behind on Gracie's site. I've had some kind of bug now for 3 weeks. Paul Ray was thrilled when I lost my voice over the weekend.

We are in the process of WAITING. Right now we are waiting on our I171H form!


The Sunday before Thanksgiving each year, Hospice has a Memorial Candlelight service at Colonial Lake. Donna gets a candle for Devan and Josh each year, so this is how we bring our Christmas Season in each year. Merry Christmas Devan, you know we love you and miss you!

The day after Thanksgiving, Bonny and I go shopping (long standing tradition). This year was a special treat as we took her daughter Ashlee with us. We went to Myrtle Beach. What a day it was! It got started with Bonny getting stuck in the mud coming to my house! An hour later we got her out and were on our way!

This first picture is something that Bonny bought for Gracie. She is so cute. Ashlee Gail named her "Sophie Gail". So here is Gracie's first real doll baby that she can actually play with. It was in a really neat Doll Store, that we will be going back for a doll that was out of stock (this one she wont be able to play with). Thank you So Much Bonny, I love you! Gracie will have so much fun with her Sophie Gail.

This next picture is Gracie's ornaments so far.

Now those who know me, know I love frogs (not the live kind), check out this outfit!!!! I cant wait to put it on her.

Well the only other new thing in our lives is my dear husband has left me for 2.5 weeks. He's in Trinidad opening a new Captain D's. I miss him already!!!!!!

Now I need to update her quilt section and we'll be good! I promise to do a better job at keeping up with her site!!!!

I hope everyone has a very Merry Christmas! Please keep Gracie in your prayers.

We have such great friends!

Our friends Ralph and Trina Wilson gave us this book today, 11/06/06. Trina bought this from her church (Seacoast) and it is actually signed by the ladies who did the book. I continue to believe that God has special plans for our baby girl!

In peace I will both lie down and sleep, for you, Lord, alone made me dwell in safety and confidant trust. Psalm 4:8

When Love Takes You In

by Steven Curtis Chapman

I know you’ve heard the stories

But they all sound too good to be true

You’ve heard about a place called home

But there doesn’t seem to be one for you

So one more night you cry yourself to sleep

And drift off to a distant dream

Where love takes you in and everything changes

A miracle starts with the beat of a heart

When love takes you home and says you belong here

The loneliness ends and a new life begins

When love takes you in And somewhere while you’re sleeping

Someone else is dreaming too Counting down the days until

They hold you close and say I love you

And like the rain that falls into the sea

In a moment what has been is lost in what will be

When love takes you in everything changes

A miracle starts with the beat of a heart

And this love will never let you go

There is nothing that could evercause this love to lose its hold

When love takes you in everything changes

A miracle starts with the beat of a heart

When love takes you home and says you belong here

The loneliness ends and a new life begins

When love takes you in it takes you in for good

When love takes you in

Gracie,

We cant wait to bring you home!

More Goodies How cute is this PINK ladybug. Then she's got more books and a CD of Chinese lullabies.

I'm having a parent moment!

My DS (PaulPaul) has found new freedom since doing so well in school this year. Tonight he went off with some friends to the Cypress Gardens Haunted ?House I guess you would call it. As always one of my first questions is what time will you be home. To which he replies oh, early, he left at 6:15 (and did I say he goes through as much gas as I do driving to Mt Pleasant Every Day) anyway, we let him go. Well I 9, I sat down to rest a minute and fell asleep. He calls at 10:05 to inform his parents (he's trying to be a good kid and keep us informed) that he is in line to get on the boat? In a dead sleep, I'm thinking boat, what!!!!! Back to sleep I go, I woke up 30 minutes ago and my baby is not home. Thank God for cell phones or I would have been out of the door. He answered, now on the boat! I can hear he is having a good time. Explain to him its time to come home and tomorrow will explain what a curfew is!!!!

Did I say how handsome this child is!
And he knows how to get his way.

Here he is at Brandon's birthday awaiting the cutting of the cookie cake.

What a day!

We did our last SW visit and guess what, she emailed us a rough copy already!!!!!


I did get to meet Louise (the other lady from Moncks Corner who is adopting from China), she bought me the dvd, National Geographic China's Lost Girls. How sweet was that. Everyone should see this dvd. Thanks Louise.

WHEW!!!!! The homestudy visits are done! One more thing done. The great news is our SW has already starting writing the report and should have it to the agency we used by Monday. Awesome, if it is ok to her, then she will email us a copy after our approval, they will forward to DSS!!!!! We're coming Gracie.

We're still waiting on my doctor, we both have to go in again and give more blood, my DH is not happy. We are also waiting on the employment letter for Paul Ray, the first got lost in the mail.

Cross your fingers and say a prayer, we could be DTC by the end of the year. What an awesome Christmas gift that would be!

God has put another family near us. Hopefully we'll get to meet today. We met online and she also lives in Moncks Corner. Her dossier has been logged in since Jan 06!

Our other church family adopting from China was DTC 10/20/06!!!! I'm still trying to meet her. She is a busy woman and our church is HUGE!

Gracie will have lots of little girlfriends to play with.

A Great Big Thank You and a Hug!!!!!!

Lynn it was so sweet of you to send me these along with your quilt pieces and wishes which I love!!!!!

I cant wait to start putting her book together with all her wishes.

Thanks, you are a great friend. Love ya!

Gracie's Quilt

Make sure you keep checking out the Quilt posting from Sept, I keep updating it!!! I received pieces from 4 people yesterday, but there is one I wanted to share with you here. There is a story to tell with it.


My SNL Donna came in with her hands full. She bought me one of Devan's doll to put on my bookshelves. I love it!!!! It will always be treasured.

She also had a very nice looking baby gift bag with her. Check out the contents!!!!

The one on the left (black with pink flowers) is from Devan's dress that she wore in Mine and Paul's Wedding. This in itself is a treasure. She was the most beautiful flower girl you have ever seen.

The one on the right and bottom are from her quilt that Granny Winge did for her out of Devan's dresses. To know Devan was to Love Devan, she was Brandon's mother hen from day one. So Gracie will always have that love in her quilt. Thank you Donna

For this last piece:

Talk about Amazing, for her to do this, words cant describe how I felt. How lucky I consider myself.

If you read my very first post you know that Donna and I went on a Ladies Retreat in March. It was there there I knew this adoption would happen. The presence of God that day was truly something. It was on this trip that God let me know it was OK to love this child. She would come home. One of the our small groups at church is the "20 Something". They put signs on everyones door one night. Donna took what was on that sign and had this made for me. A reminder of that special time will forever be with us. I know Gracie will love her Aunt Donna as much as I do.

Donna, thank you so much, as you know, it means so much that you did this for us. We love you.
PS / don't worry, we will teach her the word "NO"! :)

We celebrated Brandon's 21st Birthday yesterday, he turns 21 on the 24th. He has grown into such a sweet handsome (I think so) young man. We had a houseful which is always nice. Afterwards he and his friends went on a hayride.

Happy Birthday Brandon! I love you

When I read this, it stirred so many emotions, and its just so true. It will now be my mission to go out and find this song: Words/Music by Three Four One

Someone is Waiting For You

Somewhere, someone is waiting

Though I can't see your face I know your heart

'Cause God has knit us together

Even though we're far apart

And until you can be here safe in my arms, I will trust

That somewhere, someone is holding you close

And keeping you warm.

My thoughts, my prayers are for you

Father, love her, protect her....I know you do

And until that perfect timing

When our hearts and eyes will meet

I will rest knowing that You are there, I will trust

That somewhere, someone is holding you close

And keeping you warm.

If time could stand still, Our love would bridge the ocean

But know that until then, that even an ocean,

can't keep me from you

Hold on, little one, hold on....

And until you can be here safe in my arms I will trust

That somewhere, someone is holding you close

And keeping you warm.

The wait is not easy, but I know that in the end it will be worth it. You already have my heart, baby girl.

I'm going to be an Auntie again!!!!!!! YEAH!!!! Next to being a mom, I love being an Aunt. My SNL Donna and her husband Matt are going to add to their family. One more thing to thank God for. They are such great parents, they are also Gracie's guardians should anything happen to us.

(Thought I would reword it, Donna is not pregnant, her and Matt are adopting a little girl from Russia. Gracie will have someone to play with! - Payton)

I'm off to to take Paul Ray to the airport, he leaves today for 4 days in Trinidad! He has such a bad life. He goes back for 3 weeks in November. I'll miss him. That's OK, because Gracie and I will get to go down with him once a year, so I guess it's a fair deal. Anyway, I still hate it when he's gone.

Another Awesome God Moment . . . I got a phone call from a very nice lady tonight. You wont believe this, Not only is she a member of Cathedral, and adopting from China, She lives in Moncks Corner!!!!!

God puts us right where we belong and when we are suppose to be there! I cant wait to get to know her, there is also another couple in the adoption process from Cathedral.

Time for bed, our next visit with our SW is early in the morning!!!!

Fingerprints . . . .

We are scheduled to get these done on 10/20/06.

Another step closer babygirl!!!!!

October 6

15 Years Ago Today . . . I was lucky enough to marry the man of my dreams.

1 Year Ago . . . . I gave my life to Christ and it just keeps getting better. God does make such a difference. What a wonderful way to live your life.

Donna, thank you for the most wonderful gift. It wouldn't have happened without you.

Our first homestudy visit went ok, our next one is this coming Saturday. 10/07/2006, one day after our 15th wedding anniversary, can you believe its been that long. She comes to our house on the 21st. Guess we'll be doing some serious cleaning on the 20th.

Our biggest issues seems to be getting everything we need from our doctor!!!! I came home from work sick today and laid down only to dream that our doctor quit . I'm hoping it was the fever!!! Because it was not a good dream.

I'm gonna try and post some of Gracies things here. We finally found the software for the camera.

This first pic is of SOME of the beanies that Granny Winge has given us over the years. I knew we were keeping them for a reason.





This is her PJ's. That seems to be what I buy PJ's and onies, since we don't know her size!!!! Which is a good thing for my husband's wallet. If all you NON pink people will notice, she has a set of yellow ones.


This one has some of the goodies she got from the mountains. Her mam-mam (my mom) bought her most of this and some clothes. I love her big pink teddy. The foot says "God Loves Me"







HER FIRST BARBIE! Now I ask, it was on the clearance rack, how was I suppose to leave it there!!!








Some more books!

"A Quilt of Wishes" was written by a lady who adopted from China. It is a great book. The little panda you see above the book is her very first Christmas Ornament! Its a little panda wrapped in a quilt that has little ladybugs on it.

Does everyone know that we have Less than 80 days before Christmas!!!! We all know how much I love Christmas. Maybe that is why her daddy gave her Noelle for her middle name. Only 2 more to go until we have a little one in the house again, not that we dont enjoy Paul & Brandon, its just not the same as when they are little.

This is my all time favorite! This is the first thing that her Daddy said I could buy!!!! Yes I did ask, (we were still making 2 house payments at that time). I hope that Gracie loves it as much as I do. It even has her name on it.

Paul Ray wont admit it now, but she is going to be such a daddys girl!!! You just wait and see!

He is such a sweet man, its just taken its time to shine through!!! I wouldnt trade him for all the money in the world.

Homestudy Update:

Everyone say a little prayer, our first appointment with our Social Worker is after church next Saturday. 7:00 pm.

Gracie, we are another step closer to you baby girl, I love you more each day!!!!!


A Great Big Thank You;

I wanted to say thanks to Bonny, Nicole and Liz for writing such wonderful reference letters for us.

They really mean alot to us.

We love you.

To the Mountains We Go!

This past weekend my mother and I made a trip to the mountains of NC and TN. It was a nice trip. We went to the Biltmore, rode the Smokey Mountain Railroad Train out of Bryson NC and then on to Cherokee and then Pigeon Forge, (where they had the biggest car show I have ever seen- If I had only known we would have skipped that part), but all in all it was a nice get away. Needless to say, Gracie got lots of goodies. She got a pair of moccasins from Cherokee, a big cuddly PINK teddy bear, some books off her wish list (my favorite is Gigi, Gods Little Princess) another Christmas ornament, more PJ's (and hey one of them was yellow /for all you people who think she will be sick of pink) a very soft pink blanket with a matching stuff lamb and some more socks. I'll post some pics of some of her things just as soon as I get my camera software reloaded (which I have to find first)

Homestudy
just an update, Paul Ray has finished his autobiography, so we should be able to get our first appt soon.

Our Gracie Helps Build a Church in China!!!!

Just how Awesome is this. Our friends (and builder) Trina & Ralph Wilson are members of a small group at Seacoast Church that partnered with International Cooperating Ministries to build a church in China. The group had just about raised all the funds when Trina & Ralph donated the remaining money in honor of our Gracie. How wonderful that she will always have this connection to her birth place. I am just so honored that they did this. I know God has big plans for our very special baby girl. The church should be finished in early 2008, so I am hoping to be able to visit it while we are in China.

Thank you again guys for doing this. Love ya

Our Social Worker called last night!!!!!! I thought we should all do a happy dance, but my DH and son thought I was crazy!!!!! Anyway, she is sending me everything I need to get started there.

On a serious note, she asked me about being a transracial family????? My thought on this, "I never really considered us that way" Um, maybe because I have that Phillipeana blood in me, I dont know. I just think of her as my daughter.

Where to start? . . . . . I'm sure that this adoption came as a very VERY big surprise to some people, well most people. Those that know me, know how much I have always wanted a daughter, which means you also know my husband, enough said there.

Back in March, Paul Ray said that we could adopt, not sure how serious he was at the time, but at this time in our life, it opened a door that I couldn't shut, however afraid I was that he would say no. So I turn to my sister in law who told me to pray about it. I tried that and just wasn't sure. I remember asking her, how I would know that God was answering me and not just me wanting a daughter. Well in March, I got that answer, I went on a Ladies Retreat (Church) with my sister in law, it was the last day there, during praise and worship, and it was the most awesome experience, and I knew at that moment, it was ok for me to love this child, it would happen. God would see us through it. I asked my girlfriends to pray for Paul Ray.

Behold, children are a gift of the Lord. Psalm 127:3

Well during this time, we were building our house, he wouldn't hear of it, how can we afford to adopt. He said we would discuss it once we were moved in. So I waited, (I didn't say patiently) and the Friday of the first week we we're in the house, I brought it up. Needless to say, it didn't go as I had hoped. But I kept on. I started doing my homework, (which is the way our marriage has always worked), so when he was ready to talk about it, (he has to think everything through, CAREFULLY), I had it all ready. One of his first questions, (and most people) was, why not here, which is a fair question. The answer is simple, the system in SC is not the greatest, they can give you the child only for the parent to come back later and want her back, NOT AN OPTION. After going through the different countries, China was it. My heart is in China. People say she will be a lucky little girl, but I know the truth, we are the lucky ones.

So by July, he was onboard. (Did I say how much I love this man!) I named her Grace and her daddy (baba in Chinese) gave her Noelle for her middle name. Although she is not born yet, most likely not even conceived, I am so in love with this child. I believe she has her very own angel to watch over her (Devan, we love you and miss you so much).

We mailed our application off on August 3, 2006. Daddy got the phone call on Monday, August 7. Kathi called to say we were approved!!!!! Praise God! PaulPaul said he sounded excited.

We mailed our Orientation packet back on August 9 and received the info on how to get started on the 11th.

So we are now officially PaperChasing!!!!!!! Each Day brings us one day closer until we have a beautiful little girl in our lives. I see lots of little pink dresses but her daddy and big brother, Paul Paul, keep telling me NO WAY! We'll see.

We should find out this week (Sept 5) when our homestudy will be.

It will be a long road, we don't expect her home until early 2008, so I ask that you bear with me if I talk about her a little too much. She will be between 6 - 24 months. Yes, we will travel to China to pick her up.

Again thanks for all your prayers and I'll try and keep this site updated monthly.

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.

A Chinese Legend