My Dear Sweet Hubby has spent all of his free time over the last month working on a old 1960ish Ford Tractor. ALL OF HIS FREE TIME! This is what it looked like, not to mention it would not start.

Well, all of his (and PaulPaul's) hard work has paid off, not only is it running but it looks good to.



My niece loved Sunflowers and for the last two years I've tried to grow them. Well this year, I bought 15 packs of every kind I could find. I planted them close to the house, hoping the deer would not get them. I finally have a few.

Hi Adele

I just went back to the beginning of your blog! I'm looking forward to meeting you. Maybe I'll get to Savannah and have some pizza before we travel to China. I hope we get to travel together. Thanks for always leaving encouring words.

So everyone else, feel free to answer these yourself!

1. First Name: Peggy
2. Where you named after anyone? Yes, she was at the time, my Uncle's Date the day I was born, and would later become my Aunt! One of my very favorite ones.
3. Who was the first person to say "See that chicken over ... I'm gonna eat the first thing that comes out of its butt?" Ok, Gross, I dont know!
4. Do you like your handwriting? No
5. What is your favorite saying? Life's not fair! At least I tell my boys that alot.
6. If you were another person would you be friends with you? Well, Yes
7. What can I do today to move toward my goals? Stop shopping, seriously, pray harder
8. Do you still have your tonsils? no
9. Would you bungee jump? Not Even For Money
10. What is your favorite color? Pink
11. Do you until your shoes when you take them off? Sometimes
12. Do you think you are Strong? It depends on what it involves, I like to think so
13. Who do you miss the most? The beautiful smile of my niece, and the daughter I have not met yet.
14. What are you listening to right now? TV show, The Closer
15. Where is the one place you would like to be right now? China, on Gotcha Day
16. The first thin you notice about a person? Their smile
17. Whats on your mouse pad? Dell - its not even a dell computer
18. What did you watch last night on TV? Army Wives
19. Wheres the furthest you've been from home? Las Vegas or the Caribbean
20. What are three pieces of advise you would your your child?
1. Treat people the way you want to be treated
2. Be honest, work hard, just do your best
3. Be true to the people you love

Secret Pal at it Again!!! You are just Awesome! Thank you So Much.

I cant wait to meet my Secret Pal!!!! Thank you so much. I love your gift as always. I love them all, but that bunny is just too cute. Thank you again.

You even got a smile out of PaulPaul with your "last in series" gift. He tried to hide the smile, but I caught it just as he turned his head. That was so thoughtful of you.

How cute is she?????

FirstI'm not a patient person and never have been. They say the wait could top 3 years for our adoption. There are times when I'm ok with it and then there are times that I'm really really not. We have discussed switching over the the SN program, but we have decided to stay in the Traditional Program. I'm trying to have a positive outlook. In three years, my car will be paid for, her room will be perfect (and well stocked) two of our nephews will be in school, Ashlee Gail will go to high school, Paul Paul will have graduated and we'll take one more cruise. That's two more Christmas's, two more summers, that is really NOT that long in a lifetime.

There was news from our Agency, which I find encouraging. For our agency's 15th year reunion, China sent 9 delegates. Basically, their official response is the same, there are not enough paper ready children. But, what they did discover, is there are still many orphanages that are not set up for international adoption, and alot of the orphanage directors do not have the time and resources to do all of the necessary paperwork for international adoption. The fee that the orphanages get have not went up since China began their program 15 years ago. I know myself along with a lot of other families would have no problem with them raising that.

I am trying to live life daily and enjoy those around me and not live only for the future. I've waited this long, what's a few more years - right?

This past Friday, I picked up my nephew (little man) to spend the night with us. He will keep you young. My DH does not read this blog (good thing), when our kids were growing up, we never did the "family bed". If we had a kid in the bed, he would go to the couch. Well little man says "Uncle Paul" so cute, he got up in between us Friday night. Guess who he snuggled up with ALL night long, his little arm around his neck and his leg on his side, it was so cute. Uncle Paul only complained once, asking me to please pull him over about 6 inches. We love having him around.

Here is little man with his Shotgun! (it is a toy, in case there is any question)

Here is my nephew Hunter with his mom!!!! How can such a cool looking kid not like me!!!!!

Nursery . . . . . .


Well this is what we decided on! My DH said, it doesnt do much for me, but I guess a child might like it!!!!!!!!! I love him anyway.





For Paint Samples, go here: http://www.babysupermall.com/main/paint/kli7001beds.html

I like # 2, I think.

This is everything that goes with it:
Its at toys r us and I found it online at :http://www.babysupermall.com/main/products/kli/kli7001beds.html?aff=shop

I also want to make a chalkboard on one wall.
http://www.ordercall.com/chucks/

Crib Bedding Set (1) (LadyBug) http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2557686&cp=2255986.2256244.2256251.2256261&parentPage=family
Lady Bug Blanket http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2526970
Lady Bug Sheets (2) http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2557684
Lady Bug Valance (1 db windown 1 regular window) http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2557683
Lady Bug Lamp http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2555454&cp=&view=all&f=Taxonomy%2FTRUS%2F2255957&sr=1&origkw=lamps&kw=lamps&parentPage=search
Lady Bug Chair (1) http://www.babysupermall.com/main/products/kli/kli7001beds.html?aff=shop
Lady Bug Picture Frame (1)
Lady Bug Diaper Stacker (1)
Lady Bug Hamper (1)
Lady Bug Quilt (1)
Lady Bug Basket Liner (3)
Lady Bug Boa Blanket
Lady Bug Nightlight
Lady Bug Throw Pillow (2)
Lady Bug Wall Hanging Set
Lady Bug Boarder

Well I had breakfast with Penny this morning. She is adopting from China also, and has become someone I cherish. Thanks for a great morning. Hope you were able to get some sleep before the party.

After leaving her I had to make a pit stop. Oh Boy!

My first Pink Crocodile Bag!

Its an awesome little store in Summerville, (one that I cant really afford, but love to indulge in). Anyway, and it's Bonny's fault, she took me in this store (weeks ago) and I just fell in love. I saw a monkey that Grace just had to have!!!!!!! Thanks Bonny, you can answer Paul Ray!

How cute is this thing???? It has on a tutu.
And look at this bow holder with ladybugs, had to have it.

We got a new book today. I was out getting some things for my secret pal today when I came across this. I've been wanting to find something like this. I want anything that can help me make things easier for Grace. The CD "Chinese for Adoptive Parents" is also very helpful I think.

My First Signs

I was just looking at more adoption videos, yes I'm slowly going insane. I'm sitting here a blubbering fool.

I just watched one that is set to the prettiest song I have ever heard, of course it only adds to the tears, so be forewarned.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O0jbtClsnRU&NR=1

I also found a website where you could purchase it:
http://adoptionshop.com/adoption_products/lullabies-for-chinas-daughters-their-adoptive-families.html

The boys about to cut the first of two cakes! I think everyone had a good time. The adults played the teens in volleyball and guess who won???? Guess we're not that old after all.
Ashlee Gail made this sign for Gracie so I put it up on the closet door where all of her stuff is. I just refer to this room as Gracie's room, and she is out growing it. I'm trying hard to get Paul Ray to put her in the dining room, but no such luck yet.
Our dear SWEET peanut who turned 10 this past Jan is just about crazy, for real. He does not care for our nephews at all, so anytime we have company we have to lock him up. He was looking a mess, and would not let us cut his hair, so we had the vet sedate him so we could trim him. He looks so much better.

Find Your Wings

It's only for a moment

you are mine to hold

The plans that

heaven has for you

Will all too soon unfold

So many different prayers I'll pray

For all that you might do

But most of all I'll want to know

You're walking in the truth

And If I never told you

I want you to know

As I watch you grow

I pray that God would fill

your heart with dreams

And that faith gives you the courage

To date to do great things

I'm here for you

whatever this life brings

So let my love give you roots

And help you find your wings

May passion be the wind

That leads you through your days

And may conviction keep you strong

Guide you on your way

May there be many moments

That make your life so sweet

Oh, but more than memories

I pray that God would

fill your heart with dreams

And that faith gives you the courage

To date to do great things

I'm here for you

whatever this life brings

So let my love give you roots

And help you find your wings

by Mark Harris

Gracie, I hope you always know how very much you are loved.

I truly believe that God puts people in your lives for a reason and when you need them. I recently hired someone at work to help me keep up. She is just as sweet as can be. She is a Christian and always quick to tell me, its in God's hand. I had a rough week the week before with the wait for Gracie. When I got to work on Tuesday, there was a little white box sitting on my desk. Inside was a beautiful bracelet with the inscription "With God, All things are possible".

Thank you Dobin for always being a reminder of that.

More Goodies For Our Princess>>>>>>they make me feel better.

This first one is from Sara, who is a member our our LID group. I had the pleasure of meeting her recently when she was in MB on vacation. I'm looking forward to seeing her again in Aug for our picnic. Thank you so much Sara, I know Gracie will love them.


You can guess who this one is from??????

I had to go to Carters for a baby gift, and these PJ's were on sale, enough said!

Another book for our collection
The newest in the Gigi series.

Well I need to get off this computer, we're having PaulPauls 18th birthday party tonight and I have LOTS to do!

Happy 18th Birthday

Paul Paul & Little Willie

Paul Paul turns 18 today and Little Willie tomorrow. They are at the beach together now. (First time he has gone with out me or an adult - I explained he needed to be careful and not go out to far and go where there is a lifeguard. My dear sweet son, said "I'm not five mother, I'm 18") Lord help me.

Happy Birthday Boys, I love you!

Here is one of the pics from the cruise, I was trying to get our scanner at work to scan! Its a little blurry!!!!

4 month down since our LID!!!! 2/11/07

Well that's four months down and anybodys guess as to how many to go. Last week was rough, I thought I may have a breakdown.

We have not been going to church very regularly since April, and it was just enough for the devil to put his foot in the door. We made it to Church this morning, and I feel so much better. (It wasnt just the wait, a bunch of stuff) I do know that Gracie will be home in God's time, I know that I have to trust in his timing and know that he has the perfect child picked for us. I've known this all along but have seem to overlook it. And if we are over the hill OLD, well then that is way God planned it!

I have stopped reading alot of my different adoption groups emails because of alot of them are about the wait times, which just seem to send me into a state of depression. I'm only reading emails from my LID group.

I'm also going to try and remember to enjoy life and not miss out on the things happening in our lives now.

• I have 3 handsome nephews (that live close by)
• one very beautiful niece (that live close by)
• another one on the way (only 2 months till we know what she is having)
• Paul Paul only has 2 years of high school left
• Christmas is only 6 months away (Yeah)
• This gives us extra time to save money for the remainder of the adoption
• and to get everything done before our Princess comes home.

How Cute is this cake. The M you see is just on the pic not the cake. I found this on one of the blogs. Its a cake she got for her beautiful daughters first birthday.

http://www.malihacreations.com/newcreations.html

More Very Discouraging News - - - -

Referrals are in (good thing) sad thing is, they are only through Nov 7, 2005. That is only 6 days of referrals. Can this really go 3 years? It's just so depressing. There are so many rumors as to why, but no one really knows. Some people have even questioned if China would shut their doors. It's just not a good day. :(

On a happy note - far and few anymore - I had dinner with Sara last night. She is a member of my LID group. She is super sweet, and I really enjoyed it. I drove up to Pawleys Island after work. For those that know me, yes I was really stepping out of my box! She gave Gracie the cutest little gift, I'll post it later.

My mom also gave me some things today. Three bids and some barrettes. Do you want to guess what the bibs say - 2 of them say, I love my Grandma, and the other one says, I love my Grandpa.

Our very beautiful niece Payton is now safely at home. Donna & Matt arrived home with her around midnight Sat night. We went to meet her on Sunday, and she is just about perfect. She has a smile for everyone and let us hold her.
I cant wait to get to know her.


Paul Ray, PaulPaul and I were at the gun shop Saturday. There was a little Chinese girl (around 3) and cute as a button. I could not bring myself to say anything to her daddy, I just watched. She smiled at me several times. I miss Grace more and more, sometimes I feel like she will never get here.

Can we all say a prayer that the CCAA really picks up their pace and soon.

You have to see these overalls!!!!!!

They are at Girly Chic which I found on someone's blog!!!! We have to have these. They can even be monogramed!!!!

http://www.girlychicdesigns.com/store/WsDefault.asp?One=261

Thank You, Thank You and Thank You!!!!

My Secret Pal is THE BEST!!!!!

After having a bad week, I came home to find a gift from my secret pal, and I now feel so much better. You put a smile on my face and a tear in my eye!

Lets see, we got a lovely note on the post card, a ladybug magnet, some panda info, a bid (I Love My Daddy) and a PINK Osh Gosh Bgosh tshirt. (I love Osh Gosh and you know I love PINK)

Where is Penny?

OK where are you hiding, I havent heard from you in awhile! Hope all is well.

Where is my waiter? We made it back safe and sound Saturday around 3 pm. We had a great time, it was nice just to relax. I must say out of my 5 cruises, I felt this Ship rock! We were ready for dinner last night and there was no one to bring it to me, I miss it already.



We arrived at Port Canaveral around 1pm and let me tell you the wind was unreal. We got on board around 130 pm Monday, made our way to our room and explored the ship. Then up to the lido deck for lunch and my first frozen drink, which I would have passed on, if I had known how bad the trip down was going to be. We were at a table of 6 for dinner, we were with 2 couples on their honeymoon.



Tuesday we were at sea, and Paul Ray took us to the very top deck to lay out, where I nearly froze from the wind, and got more sun than I realized. This was formal night, and the pics turned out nicely. We didn't take alot of pictures, I did buy several. I'll have to scan those in later.



Wednesday we went to Grand Turk, they had wild donkeys and dogs all over the place, roaming the streets. They just opened this port to ships last year. We hung out pool side at Jimmy Buffetts Margaritaville. I had a $13 frozen drink. We did a little shopping, my DH was great the entire trip. Then we were off to our excursion which was running late. We did the horse ride and swim. It was awesome. OK, I'm not fond of the water, love to look at it, just don't like to get in it. So once they changed from saddles to the water pad, I was a little nervous, but hung in there. Paul Ray had a great time, wish I could have gotten a picture of him riding in the water.









Thursday we were at Half Moon Cay which is Carnivals private island. The water was beautiful but too cold for me (good excuse) not much to do there but lay out, eat and drink.



Friday we were in Nassau, did the usual, shop, shop and more shopping. Then back to the ship for our last night on board, that is always sad. A week is just not long enough. All in all we had a great time, I missed the boys. Paul Ray had forgotten how nice taking a REAL vacation is. Two days in, he said I could plan our next one, when Paul Paul graduates (2009), I'm still hoping Gracie is home next year. The picture below is me with my choice of the next cruise. Carnival Glory, which I've been wanting to do since it came out and a Disney ship.



I'm posting some of the pics I took and I'll try and scan the nicer pics that we bought.


This is the only thing we bought for Gracie.









Happy Mothers Day!





When I got up this morning, I found two gifts, the first one is from Brandon, it's a basket with Mary Kay stuff in it.
And this one was from PaulPaul, its a pink Gamecock hat and the movie "Departed". I love my boys, they can be sweet, When they want to!!!!!

AH!!!! 2 Days before we set sail. I am so ready for a vacation, we have not been on a real vacation in some time. I cant wait to have some quality time with my DH.

Here's an update of whats going on.

First, my son got his letter for ROTC at school!! Time to get that jacket now!

Second, he had a fender bender in his daddy's truck the other day, he's a little sore, but more upset about the truck. While we were there waiting on the cop to fill out the paperwork, guess what I found: In case you cant tell, its a ladybug (I took the pic with my cell phone)

Third:

Happy Birthday Ashlee Gail
Her birthday is Sunday, but her mom and I took her and 3 of her friends to Myrtle Beach. She wanted to go to build a bear and then have dinner at Planet Hollywood. It was a really nice night. Here she is building Gracie's first build a bear!

Yes I know, Gracie really didn't really NEED this, but it made her mommy feel better to get it for her, so what ever helps in this long wait. While we were there, there was a little girl, most likely 6 or so, who was most likely adopted from China, it made my heart skip a beat. When Ashlee said grace at dinner, she also said a little prayer for Gracie to come home soon, I thought I would cry, she is such a sweet girl.

I thought she would look perfect in Gracie's Room!

Fourth:

We'll be LID for 3 months this coming Friday, 05/11/2007! Referrals are in through Nov 1, 2005!

Update on life . . .

These are the things that help in the long wait for my daughter to come home.

10 days!!!!! 10 days until I leave for vacation, just me & my hubby on a ship, no phone, no computer, just sun and fun!!!!!!

My niece who is in Russia will be home within the month, I'm so excited to finally meet her.

We're gonna need a swing set for 6 at my house!!!!
Adam, Little Man, Hunter, Payton, Peanut (?) and Gracie

Peanut you ask, well Chris & Erin are expanding their family!!!!! Yes, I'm gonna be an Auntie again. She is due in December, which does not make PaulPaul happy(not about the baby, but its birthday), he thinks he should have been a December baby (his dad, granddad and Chris were all born in December).

Well that's an update in a nutshell!

My Secret Pal did it again . . . . Thank You, Thank You, Thank You!!

This month's gift bought tears to my eyes. Upon opening the box this was the first thing. Hair barrettes with her name on them. Ahhh How Sweet.

She got a Pooh blanket (PINK) I just love Pooh. She got a hairbrush/comb set (also pink), a toothbrush (PINK WITH LADYBUGS), a pink washy, a pair of clippers and a bib (PINK) that says I (heart) Mommy!!!! Ahhhh, I love them all, thank you.

Uncle Chris and Auntie Erin "finally" gave us four pieces for Gracie's quilt. (Just kidding, Erin has her hands full with the two little ones)!


1. Princess - just so true, she will be a Princess
2. Bright Flowers - just like her Auntie Erin's personality
3. Pink Camo - Uncle Chris picked out, now PaulPauls favorite
4. Frogs - because I love frogs (I think)

Thank you guys, we love you!

Ramblings of a waiting mother.

What a long and winding road this journey is. I'm not a patient person by nature. I do love to plan things, but things that I have a date for. I know I am suppose to trust in God that Gracie will be home in his time, and I know this is the case, however, I'm having a really hard time with that.

I know that God has put things in the order in which they are suppose to occur and I'm thankful for each and every gift he has given me.

I only "whine" or "cry" on certain people's shoulders, I know that our friends and family not in the adoption world don't understand. I've really had no problem with Gracie coming home in a year, that was my plan, all along I was set on 01/2008.

Penny, who is one of Gods gift and is paper chasing with the same agency, called them today to see what they wait time actually is. They are now saying 24 - 26 months. I've been stressing for the last week or so about the wait, and now this. I'm still hoping and praying that things will again pick up after the May 1st deadline for the new rules.

If she is not home until 2009, that will make me 41. Am I going to be too old? What do I do with myself for 2 years? My heart just aches when I think of all the children without families, all these women who have babies and don't want them. What happens to Gracie if something happens to me before she comes home, will Paul Ray be allowed to adopt her, would he go without me, my brain races through each day with these thoughts. I may be crazy by then. UHHHHHHHHH!

On a side note, one thing that helps are the little ones in our family. I had my two nephews, Christopher and Hunter (Hunter still does not like me) today. My nephew Adam has his first T-ball game tomorrow that should be fun. And there's my best friend Bonny's daughter, Ashlee Gail. UPDATE, she just called as I finished this post. She had her first softball game tonight, and they won 18-6. She is extremly smart and really into basketball and softball! I look for great things to come from this child.

I've got more fabric to post, I'll do that this weekend. My mom also bought her a cute little spring dress. At this rate she'll need two rooms when she comes home.

Gracie, I love you and cant wait until you are home. Most people think I'm crazy, you're not even born yet, but I do love you.
Love Always, Momma

TWO months LID!!

I promised PaulPaul months ago I would get him a cookie cake (he loves those) when we were LID, I was a little late, but better late than never right?

Nursery Update

I think this may be it - (You know I still have a long time and could still change my mind) :)

Its at Toys R Us. It has plenty of pink and some red. I really like it.

What do you think????