Random Stuff

Well Grace has outgrown the seat that her dad has. Mine will hold her until she is 65 lbs, this one will hold her until she is 80lbs! Nice and safe, it will keep her in the 5 point harness. With the fools on the road today, we need as much safety as we can get. I should vie for the job that determines who get their driving license and who does not. I could cut half the cars on the road right now. Well as you know, school for her starts on the 17th, she is excited, me on the other hand am getting really anxious about it. She should NOT be ready for school already. She's only been home 16 months, that's not enough time. What if she gets upset, will they call me???? She will be staying in the after school program until 430 each day. You have a choice of 430 and 600, no in between. Seems crazy to me but ok. So I'll drop her off in the mornings and her daddy will pick her up in the afternoons. Seems to be he is getting the better of the deal.

I was in Sams last night getting the last of her list. 5 oz Dixie cups and 150 count anti bacterial hand wipes. Got the cups, no luck with the wipes. I just ordered them online and all I could find was 135 pack.???? I hope they are not testing the parents here, I may have failed. She only needs 300 cups, but the pack has 450 in it. I made my first official trip to the school this week, I had to drop off paperwork and go by the school spirit store to get pencils that I couldn't find anywhere else. While there I had to get Grace a shirt or two for Spirit Fridays! I also ordered her a hair bow that will have the school colors and mascot on it. Hey, I have waited a long time to shop for a little girl. Boys only needed 2 pair of shoes when school started, clothes and supplies, nothing fancy. But a GIRL!!!! You've got shoes, socks that match, hair bows, I mean the list is endless. She has more clothes than I do, and I mean that, seriously!

Here is one of her School Shirts. I was hoping they would have Polo's shirts, but they didn't, I did get her a hoodie, but she will grow into it.

I found this at Sams last night. Its a book that keeps their school stuff. It wont be big enough. And its PINK.
Some of her school supplies. She finally decided on taking the purple bunny for nap time.


See her closet, alot of these are too big for her. When I started buying I was getting size 6, too big. And some of these I had before she came home.

A girl can never have enough shoes, right?

This is what she'll wear on the first day of school.

WE got this to give her the night before school.

This is currently the view once you leaved the paved road coming to my house. We have a nice long dirt road. (Well except when it rains) There are four homes back here in the woods.

Well one of my uncles who has land at the beginning of the road has sold the timer off his land, so we wont have this view for long. The equipment is here.

And before long, it will look like this........ Its sad!

Well I've posted the pics, they'll be no more posts to this blog.

If you wish to follow Grace as she grows, you can go to: http://www.everydaylifewithgrace.blogspot.com/



Thanks for following along.

Easter, Packing and such

Here is "little" Noah Avery!!!!! How cute, and dont you want to pinch those cheeks.
Here is Hunter Boy, how do you like that haircut? He looks so different, more like Little man now? He still does not like me!

Here is my baby with Noah.

My Handsome guy, Little Man. His mom called me on Easter Morning, he decided to set some excitement up. He thought he would clean his ears. He got a hold of a q-tip (note to Aunt Peg - hide them) and his mom found him screaming in his bedroom, he had stuck that qtip so far in his ear, he hit a blood vessel and had blood going everywhere. Thank Goodness that was all.

My oldest son (I know, he needs a haircut, but he loves it) with his sweetheart, Lyndsey. I'm sure she will be cooking for him while I'm gone. She is a great cook, and made us a very nice Hersey cake for Easter.

Ah, the Winge men. Paul Ray and his baby brother (he is the father of Little Man, Hunter Boy and Noah) Chris on their way out to hunt Turkeys. Did I say that Paul Ray really likes living out in the country on 20 acres.

My BF, Bonny came over tonight to help me try and get packed. We are allowed one carry on and one checked bag each. the checked bag is not suppose to weight more than 44 lbs (in China, not sure what the weight is here - 50 maybe). Well I've got to tell you, I don't know how you can be expected to travel with that. NO WAY, I told you from the get go, I'm not a light packer. Thank goodness Bonny was here or it would be worst than that. Paul and I are each taking 5 outfits :(. I'm only taking 2 pair of shoes (3 total). There is just no way, you've got gifts for everyone, stuff for Gracie, not really any toys, I've packed her Lovie, a blanket, her Ladybug backpack, her clothes (9 outfits) 4 pair of PJs, 1 pair of shoes, 2 sippy cups and that is about it. Paul Ray said he thinks one bag may be 75 lbs. Well I cant help that. We need everything in those bags.

I should really be sleeping right now, but I've still got some things to do, with a list of things left to do tomorrow, not to mention clean this house. My mom is cooking dinner tomorrow night. I sure hope I can sleep some tomorrow night, I haven't really been sleeping the last few nights very well.

Two more nights at home and then the next time we sleep in our bed, we'll have a toddler in the house. Boy are things fixing to change around here.

I'll post some pics of our 70 lb plus luggage and her bed tomorrow night.

One week from tonight, I'll have my baby girl.

Last day of Real Work

Well I got through the day without any major breakdown. It for some reason was very difficult for me, this whole week has just been hard. I gave my office away and plan on staying home. I'm very happy that I will get to stay home with Grace but at the same time, I REALLY love my job. I do however still have the BEST boss in the world. I'm typing this from my new laptop that he got me. This way I can still get a paycheck, by working at home, and be there for my daughter. Before I left I set up a cubbie in the back, so when things are back to normal, I can go to the office at least once a week.

It all of a sudden just does not seem real. Don't get me wrong, by the looks of my dining room, I know its real, and I know that we'll get on a plane in just a few days, but at the same time, I just cant image it all.

In just about 8 days we'll be getting our little girl. I've pictured in my head a million times how this can go. Will her foster family be there, is she traumatized by being taken away from them, will I have to pull her away from them. You name it and I have worried about it. Will we get to visit her finding spot? How will we handle that? (I have not posted where she was found, I think that will be up to Grace to share when she is older, our family knows, but that is about it). Will we visit the orphanage?

I have so much left to do, you would have thought I'd have it done by now, but nope. I also still do not have a gift for the director. I'm at a loss on that one. I'm hoping to have everything that I need before our conference call on Monday, so I don't have to go back out until its time to go to the airport.

My mom bought us an early Christmas present, we both got a large LIGHT Weight suitcase. Our old one is like three times the weight.

Well there is lots to be done tonight, (and I bought a few more pcs of work I want to do) and tomorrow is Easter. Patricia (another CCAI mom) is in China right now, and its already Sunday there, she is getting her daughter today, I hope it goes well for her.

Happy Easter Everyone and to all the little ones and Paul & Brandon, I hope the Easter Bunny is good to you. My mom and dad are coming over for lunch and then we're going to Paul's sister to watch the kids hunt eggs at 2:00.

Just 2 More Weeks......

thats right, just two weeks from today, Paul Ray and I will be holding our baby girl in our arms. God is truly good. He has blessed me with two wonderful boys, loving parents and a husband who can be stubborn, pigheaded and then just as sweet as anyone can be. This is a long awaited dream come true. I think God was getting Paul Ray ready. I cant wait to see him and Gracie together. I have been blessed with so many wonderful people in my life, and everyone is so thrilled that we are going to get our baby girl.

I cant thank everyone enough for all the gifts, kind words and prayers.

I'll try and keep this posted. CCAI said I should have our final travel arrangements by the end of the week. Well I hope so, we are leaving next Wednesday. I'm still not sure where we'll stay in Hong Kong. I need to get that to CCAI also.


Well its time to turn in. Another day down. 9 more days to go!

It was 3 months ago today that I called Pam to tell her that this was indeed our daughter, now how do we bring her home. I've been staring at that beautiful little face for 3 months. I can not wait to hug her and kiss her and just love her.


We still have not heard anything about our travel yet, it's got to come soon, before I loose my mind.


I'm so ready for her to be home and for our lives to get to normal, or some kind of normal.

PaulPaul got her bed put together tonight, I'll post pictues once I get the house cleaned and it all looking ready.

Still No TA

I just don't think it can get any more depressing. We really thought we'd have TA by now and traveling next week. If we get TA by Friday, we will be able to travel around the 20th, if not it will be somewhere around the 27th!!!!! I know it will come when it comes, but really, this is enough to break a person. I've already missed 3.5 years with her, I want her now!

I just don't understand the wait, we need to bring our baby girl home.

The boys and I (Paul is out of town) will be putting her bed and all together, so by the weekend, it will look like a little princess lives here. Still waiting on her dresser to come in and I'm still trying to talk Paul Ray into a rocking chair. What little girl doesn't want to rock with her mommy?

No Hong Kong Disney, I tried, really hard, to talk my dear hubby into it, but he would not budge! He can be that way sometimes, not alot, but sometimes.

Enough rambling, turning in early tonight!!!!!!

Good Night and Sweet Dreams

Laptop Converters/Adapters for Dummies

Now that is what I need, a book for dummies. I'm having the hardest time trying to find out what kind of adapters we need to plug in our laptop and our battery charger for the camera. I need someone to say, here this is what you need!

It's been one busy weekend. I left work early on Friday to get some stuff done, Friday night we went out with our boss. We went to a charity event, it was a great night, we had a really good time.

Saturday, it was up early, I had to get my brakes done :( and I had a list of things to do. I got Gracie a pair of keds, I hope they fit her. I got electrical adapters, although I don't have a clue if they are the right ones. I kept my nephew Noah for the first time, he was so good.

Sunday, we went to church, then breakfast and then to Wally World (walmart) I sure wish they would make HOSPITALITY a requirement to work there, because they really need it. We got Gracie a toy cell phone for the trip.

From there we were off to Donnas. We were celebrating Payton and Devans birthday. They share the same birthday, what a very special day that is. So in honor of Devan, Donna always has balloons for everyone to write a note on and then we release them up to heaven. I forgot my camera so I didn't get a picture this year. Twice a year the Winges get together to do something for Devan, her memory and her beautiful smile will always be with us. There is not a day that we dont think of her and miss her. I know she is smiling in Heaven, and I know we'll see her again. I wish she could have met Gracie.

Happy Birthday Devan, I love you and miss you!

Disappointing Week

We had hoped to hear word of our TA this week. Hopefully it will come next week sometime, if so we should be able to leave the week of March 12th.

I've been trying to get everything that we need for the trip. I'm sure there are a few things more that I'll need, especially Food!!!!! We're going to talk to Gracie's dr on Wednesday, and get his advise on meds to take for her. I'm still confused by the electrical adapters that we need.

I think we've gotten most of the stuff we need for Gracie. Her dresser wont be in for 2 weeks, but we've got her bed, (which her daddy has decided should go in our room for now, I really miss my old house now, we had a HUGE bedroom, would have been perfect), her carseat, clothes, ONE pair of shoes, (wasn't sure what size to get). We still need a stroller, we may wait and get that when we get back and I'd really like a nice rocking chair, but we'll see.

We got our visa's back, the money ordered, so majorly we could leave that week with no problem. Paul Ray is in Atlanta the 3rd - the 7th.

I got her the cutest little jean jacket that will be cute with her dresses, of course she may need more than that in China.

I haven't even started to price tickets, for fear of a stroke. I also have not started putting things into the suitcases really. I may need to get a lighter suitcase. We'll see.

I kept my nephew Noah for the first time today, he was so good. We were running errands, I had to have my brakes redone! My car is starting to cost major bucks and its not even paid for yet! When is rains it pours, speaking of rain, we've had enough, my yard looks like a swamp!!!!

Well hopefully, I'll have good news to post next week.

Quick Update.........

This is just a quick update of everything going on. Quick, because I have little man, and we have a date and need to get moving, and he hates it when I'm at the computer.

First, on Gracie, I got an update from CCAI yesterday, no pics, just measurments. I know they are not acurate. There is no way she gain 5 lbs. But with the way the weight the kids, with their clothes on, that should tell you just how much clothes they have on her, I'm hot just thinking about it. They layer the children in clothes, I mean several layers, and they generally look like the dough boy. It is extremely cold over there right now, so that explains the weight.

Second, I got an email on Valentines Day from Robert in our Tianjin Group. He is an american living there. He is a teachers and does voluntere work. He was able to go back to her preschool, (the last time she was not there) anyway, he said all the boys surrounded him and tried to break his watch and cell phone, while little Miss Ming Ming climbed up into his wife's lap and stayed for awhile. When things calmed down, she made her way to him and asked to be picked up. How sweet, I cant tell you what joy that bought me and tears at work. He said she seemed to be doing well. I emailed him back and asked about her vision, he said it did not appear to be a problem, that he did notice her eyes wander, but that they were not doing school work, so he is not sure how of much else.

Third, now that the CCAA is back at work, since Wednesday, I'm hoping, praying, crossing fingers and what ever else that we get TA (travel approval) this week or the next. Then its just a matter of 2 - 3 weeks before we go.

We're going to get our DAUGHTER!!!!! Can you believe it. I am so ready, well not really, still have so much to do, but I'm ready!!!!!!! Our visa's should be back here on Monday. I have her carseat (its big, but pretty and pink) She could sleep with us if need be, so I could leave on Monday if they said go!

DH and all his sweetness SHOT down my Hong Kong Disney bigger than CRAP! He even laughed at me! Thats ok, I'm already planning her first disney trip, (summer 2010), she'll be taking her first cruise next summer, that is the last family vacation before my baby boy goes off to join the military!

I'm trying to stay away from all sick people and get Paul Ray over his bug, we do not need to be sick when it is time to travel.

I've made my appointment with the Pediatrician to see what kinds of meds he suggests we take. As soon as we get travel dates, I'll make an appt for her to see Dr Boatwright and the pediatrician. We can wait a week or two on the peds dr but want to get her eyes check the first day or two home. It's been a year since her surgery, I want to see if we can correct anything they have done, like not wearing glasses, etc.

Well like I said, we have little man this weekend, oh funny (not so funny) story. PaulPaul my mature 18 year son picked little man up from his Granny's house yesterday, calls me from the truck, says he has him, all his clothes, etc and his 4 wheeler, excuse me, what did you say. Well little man is still not quite big enough to hold on at high speed and all that good stuff (its his size, not a big one) well I didnt think that I would have to tell my 18 year old to be at his side at all times if he rode it. When that thought hit me, I called him at once, they were already outside riding it, and he tells me, Gotta Go! I just thought he didnt want to hear me fuss. I get home, and my handsome little man has a NICE scratch/mark under his eye, I said what happened, he replied (and you really have to listen) "I almost broke *couldnt understand him" Paul Pauls' ???, I said what, he says, I hit a tree, I said you WHAT, he said on the 4 wheeler, I hit a tree and fell off!!!!! The mother in me kicked in, I was very upset, tears in my eyes, start yelling for PAUL PAUL, who was in the shower getting ready to go out!!!!!! WHAT DID YOU DO,, YOU LET HIM HIT A TREE?????? HOW DID THAT HAPPEN, MY ds SAYS to me" CALM DOWN", dont tell me to calm down, you let him hit a tree"""""""" The conversation didnt end any prettier than it started. RULE, dont trust the 18 year old with anything that turns him into a kid himself!!!!

Have a Great Sataurday, we're off to teach little man how to skate!!!!!!!!

ps, spell check still not working, guess i need to look into that

Mom's Ramblings

Just wanted to wish everyone a Happy Saturday! I actually slept until 10:30 this morning (I was awakened at 7ish this morning by the phone). Our new girl at work started this week and she is picking things up and coming right along. It is hard to allow someone else to do everything and just watch.

My DS (PaulPaul) is getting ready for another ROTC ball tonight, I'll post pics tomorrow. He is presently cleaning my car to earn some of that money. He has been doing well in school this year, we'll order his high school ring this spring. He is still planning on joining the Air Force. I hope it works out for him, but at the same time letting my baby go will not be easy, I break down now just talking about it. His best friend Allen who will graduate this year as already signed his papers and will leave for boot camp in June. This week, a 17 year Senior at his school was killed by a train. I feel so badly for his parents. No parent should have to endure such pain. My heart just aches for them. Paul Paul went to the funeral, he said the church was overflowing. You try to teach your kids to be careful, it's impossible to watch them 24/7. Anyway, I pray that God helps his parents to get through.

Back to Gracie, we still havent had the discussion of putting her in the dining room, guess that needs to happen really soon. The CCAA will be back to work on the 13th. We could get our TA within 1 - 2 weeks after that, which means travel is not to far away. Wow, I'm going to China next month to bring my daughter home, can you beleive it. I stress over everything these days. I was measuring our suitcases the other day to see which ones we could bring, and DH was like "this is not something you should stress over" HELLO, where have you been, I stress over everything. Does he think those suitcases will speak to us and them pack themselves too. He keeps telling me he only needs a carry on. Yeah! right!!!!!! He was looking at the meds that I have for us to take, and he just does not get it. I try to get him to read and pay attention, but I guess as long as he is there and ready to sign when and where I need him to, that is fine, I'll do the rest.

He is finishing up his training at his new job. He seems to like it. (Thank Goodness) Oh, and a big Congrats to his Brother Randy and his wife Christy. They just had a very beautiful baby girl. We are excited for him and look forward to meeting her.

Well it was my goal to get laundrey done today and finish up some things for work tomorrow, sitting her is not getting any of that done! Have a great day!

PS I hope I spelled everything right, the spell check on bloggers seems to be dead!

Travel Packet II

We got notice this afternoon to download Travel Packet II. YEA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! What does that mean you say, well its means that the CCAA has now moved our Dossier to the match room to be matched with our sweet baby girl!

Hold on Gracie. I continue to pray that God's keeps you safe. I hope that you have someone to hold you until I can get there. I promise to always love you more than you'll know. It wont be too much longer now.

My shower for you is this Saturday, good timing, its time to get busy now, not that I wasn't already. We've also hired someone at work, she starts next week, so training will start then. There is just so much to do that I am over whelmed! I think I may need something to calm my nerves. (before I drive everyone around me insane)

Mardi Gras at the Omar Shriners Ball

Last Saturday, we attended the Omar Shriner Ball. Paul's Uncle Roy was installed as the Potentate and my best friends Bonny's brother was installed into the Divan. I think everyone had a great time, I know we did.

Paul and I.
Chris & Erin
Best Buds! Peggy And Bonny

Bonny's sister in law Debbie took these pics, she did a great job. We also took pics there with Chris & Erin, so I'll post those when we get them. This was most likely my last "nice night" out before our Gracie comes home. I'm going with Bonny, Ashlee and Stacy Nicole tomorrow to register for my baby shower. I'm really excited.

Today is also that dreaded birthday, I must say it has not really bothered me too much! Paul Ray is taking me to dinner tonight, maybe even a movie but I wont hold my breath. I'll have our traditional breakfast with Bonny tomorrow and Sunday night my mom will cook my favorite!

Oh I almost forgot!

Happy Birthday Hunter Boy

Lots of Hugs and Kisses to you

His birthday was the 15th and his party is Sunday at noon!

Ramblings and Such

I just found the most amazing blog site, Mama's Fixins, she has the most wonderful receipts, not that I'm anywhere near being a cook, let along a good cook. But I do know a few who are that could give a few of her receipts a try.

Lets see, just to update everyone. My DH had the flu and was nice enough to pass it on. I still don't have my tree down.

We've submitted a request to have our fingerprints redone since they expire this month. I failed to include a copy of PaulPauls birth certificate, I'll call them back first thing Monday. They left me a message on Thursday and I failed to check the machine until today.

I also received our Home Study Addendum from our SW today, that will go off Monday to CCAI. So now we just wait, the next thing will be our dossier is moved to the match room and we'll get travel packet 2, (I haven't gotten travel packet 1 yet).

We had a surprise birthday party for Pauls Dad here last Saturday, Happy Birthday Grandaddy! I think he really enjoyed it.

Paul Ray and I are attending the Shiners Ball next Saturday, he uncle his being installed as Potentate. I'm really excited, DH usually declines those kinds of events.

The following weekend is my birthday, DH is taking me to dinner on Friday, I'm spending all day Saturday with Bonny and Ashlee (we're going to register and find some stuff for Gracie). Then Sunday, my mom will cook my birthday dinner, Lasagna, my favorite and I get this every year.

Then for the very biggest news, my DH has made a very BIG, difficult decision. He is leaving the company he works for after 24 years. He is going to work for some very good people and will be much better for him, a much better quality of life. I'm so excited for him.

From Our House to Yours

We'd like to wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas. I hope that God has blessed you this Christmas.

Please keep our Gracie (and all the children who do not have families) in your prayers. I pray that God keeps them safe and warm, and that they have a pair of loving arms to hold them.

Baby Girl

This is our last Christmas without you, we love you and cant wait to bring you home Gracie.

Christmas Breakfast with Bonny

We had our traditional Christmas breakfast with Bonny and her family today. We've done this for many years. We rotate houses, this year we went to her house.

Bonny has been my best friend for many years, and she is more like family. She is the sister I never had. Her daughter Ashlee Gail is a true joy to be around. Here are some pictures from this morning.

This first picture is with Ashlee and her Atlanta Braves Crocs, I think she liked them. Behind her is Mikey, her brother. We gave him a John Deere "Country Boy" tshirt.The second pic is all four of our kids. Don't my two just look thrilled. They did have a good time, they then spent the next several hours with me running errands. It's a rare day when I get them both together. I tried to get them to take a picture with Santa, but they declined.This third picture, is one of the girls. Bonny, me and Ashlee Gail. Bonny is planning my "Gracie Shower". We hope to do it the first part of February. After we left Bonny, we went around the corner to visit Erin and the boys for a little while. Sir Master Noah would not wake up for me. I think he opened his eyes twice. PaulPaul let me hold him a little while after he held him first. Little Man is wired up and ready for Christmas. Hunter boy has a cold, but he let me hold him. It's always a special day when Hunter boy comes to me on his own. How cute is this little boy. Erin said he is eating VERY well. He may be the football player.

Tianjin Municipality

BEIJING, CHINA - DECEMBER 21: Conjoined twins drink milk at a Air Force General Hospital on December 21, 2007 in Beijing, China. The two male babies from Tianjing Municipality, born as conjoined twins of triplets on 5 November, 2007 will receive an operation to separate them at the hospital. (Photo by China Photos/Getty Images)

Tianjing is where Gracie is.

Little Man & Brandon playing guitar

We had Little Man Friday night, the excitment must be in the air because this child was full of himself!!!! I dont know how his Mommy manages both boys. I'll be Autie again before next weekend. Poor Erin is ready to give birth to Noah and he just isnt ready to come. I'm sure he wants to arrive on Christmas, but she is not seeing it my way AT all!

Ok, if it works, here is a link to the two of them playing together.

http://www.youtube.com/wingepr?&session=MKh8lj_3NLsrL4IzoNDCGvBMgJ7gft7wuWlxngiSifhbfPp6X17Cq1crYcBR1ueC510B7SyG8L5seHnsZGQ41mPbc8EtQdMbaXQel70C0Esma-cDAebMVFFC-Tfb0znrH2gk3c-DFYms9F7xo214lqdPLXJa2MGID4uzkxiIAEcEXEAf4cRFS1v63bFNGhwXIV_WHDGZKZzqS4gNAJiZKSWbiSTrzv7ND6KETnHMlrpav9ZMLaLk-EsShzYEbelrOjVDBQLPUjA5yl5KPhbmqg==

What a Great Day

The weather is horrible, extremely windy and wet, I've got a million things to do. A family Christmas dinner to attend. But . . . . . . . . .

I recently joined another Yahoo group. It's one for Tianjin families, well I recently posted an introduction for us and when I got up this morning I received an email from a very nice lady who used to work in the TJ orphanage. She is now living in southern China and has seen many referrals but ours is the first one that she remembers the child.

She remembers Ming Ming (more on that in a minute) as a baby waiting to go in for surgery. She was such a happy HAPPY (her typing) baby, very well loved. She said after surgery, she went to foster care and she doesn't remember seeing her again. This was enough to brighten my heart just a little today. The stress I've had lately is unreal, and this gift is one I really needed.

Ming Ming. She explained the naming system to me. All the kids that entered the orphanage during the summer of 04 was given the surname of Lu. All the little girls were given the middle name of Xin. So the only unique part to her name is Ming. Ming Winge, oh poor child. We'll figure something out.

Hope everyone has a great day.
Mom to "Ming Ming"