How Awesome is this diaper bag!!!!!!!!

August was the final month for our Secret Pal gift exchange. As always, my secret pal has outdone herself.

The Watts Family - Julie, Glynn and their beautiful daughter Annalee. Thank you so much for all the beautiful things that you have sent for Grace, we will always think of you when she uses them.

Thank you and lots of love to you in this journey to your second child from China.

I've Been Tagged!!!!

Thanks Sara. Sara is in our LID group, but she actually left today to get her son from China, so please keep her in your prayers for a safe and wonderful trip.

Here are my responses:

FIVE THINGS I WAS DOING TEN YEARS AGO
1) Still working for Captain D's in the regional office
2) Planning our next house, bought the lot
3) We got our dog Peanut that year
4) Dealing with our boys who were 8 and 11 at the time
5) Celebrated our 7th wedding anniversary (yes they came first)

FAVORITE SNACK FOOD (its no wonder I cant loose weight)
1) Cookies - Chocolate Chip, Oatmeal Raisin or Snickadoddle
2) Cotton Candy
3) Chocolate Milkshakes with whipped cream and a cherry
4) Hersey Bar
5) Chocolate covered potato chips, thanks to my boss


FIVE SONGS I KNOW ALL THE LYRICS TO
1) Kokomo - Beach Boys
2) Fun, Fun, Fun - Beach Boys
3) If I had only known - Reba
4) I saw mama kissing Santa clause - Reba
5) I can only image by Mercy Me


FIVE THINGS I WOULD DO IF I WERE A MILLIONAIRE
1) Tithe 10%
2) Pay off all debt including house and buy me an expedition :) see #5 of bad habits
3) Buy my parents a new house
4) Take a big vacation with family and close friends (and you know who you are)
5) Have Paul Ray open his own business, I'm gonna stay home and play with Grace


FIVE BAD HABITS
1) Spending too much time on the computer
2) Not making the effort to meet more people
3) Laziness, especially with housework
4) Lack of exercise
5) Wanting things I shouldn't


FIVE THINGS I LIKE TO DO
1) Shop for Grace (who am I kidding I like to shop period - what woman doesn't)
2) Plan for Grace, actually I like to plan anything. I am a planner, especially vacations
3) Check my email and blogs
4) Play with my nephews
5) Spend time with Paul Ray and my boys

FIVE THINGS I WILL NEVER WEAR AGAIN
1) snow skis
2) Perm in my hair
3) High Heel Shoes
4) bangs (DH hates them)
5) bikini (I hate getting old)

FIVE PEOPLE I TAG FOR THIS
1. Penny
2. Sheri
3. Adele
4. Kimberly
5. Becky

Today is our six month LID anniversary in the traditional program. The CCAA is still only referring about 7 days a month. At the same time, they also say they expect the wait to top out at 24 months and stay there awhile.

We submitted our MCC almost a month ago, and we've been in the adoption process for a year now.

We went to a picnic with some of the families from our LID group last weekend. Everyone was so nice and we had a really good time. A special thanks to Kelly and Jen for putting it together and for the bag of goodies. Jen's daughter did a wonderful job decorating the bags. Also a big thank you to Sherry (who by the way is the mother of one of the beauties from China that was there, she was such a little lady) for the beautiful outfit and towel. There were 3 beautiful children from China present that day, one little boy who was just as cute as can be who has only been home for 8 weeks. It was good to hear the stories of their trips and see how well the kids are doing. I think it was really good for my DH, it made it more real for him.

He, by the way, is taking me and PaulPaul on a weekend trip in September (Brandon didn't want to go). We're going to see Mickey. PaulPaul hasn't been since he was 4, so that is exciting.

It's 330 in the morning and I cant sleep (which is normal for me anymore). PaulPaul went with Chris & Erin to Fl. They are getting new cars (Randy - Paul Ray and Chris's brother sells cars and lives in Fl) and PaulPaul is driving Erin's car, so I've been worried about him. My child tends to have a heavy foot and they didn't leave until this afternoon. They were about 25 miles out half hour ago. I've been calling him once an hour to see how he is and you can just hear it in his voice, "I'm not a baby, I'm fine". Well you know what, you will always be my baby, Get Over It!

That is about all there is to tell. I'll post pictures of the goodies later.

I have the best Secret Pal ever!!!!!

I cant wait to put this outfit on Grace, she is going to be soooo cute. I'll think of you every time she wears it. I'll be sure and post a picture of her with all the nice things you have sent.

Look at this pretty little frame that says Gracie's Room! I love it.

This is what the CCAA website says, another month of 7 days referred!


The CCAA has finished the review of the adoption application documents registered with our office before June 30, 2006.
The CCAA has finished the placement of children for the families whose adoption application documents were registered with our office before November 21, 2005.

Noah Avery

It's a boy! Chris and Erin are expecting their 3rd child in December, and yes, its another boy!!!! I was hoping for a girl but so loved the boy name. But I am thrilled to have another nephew.

Little Man spent the night with us Saturday, its always nice to have him here. When we took him home on Sunday, his brother, Hunter boy, who as you all know does NOT like his Aunt Peggy actually let me hold him. He had gotten to where he would walk by and hide a smile, like, "yeah you're gonna have to work for my affection". Well he let me hold him for about 4 minutes, but I had to be doing Pat-a-cake the whole time. It was worth it.

Stone Mountain Park, GA
Next Saturday, we're off to meet some of the families that are in our LID Group. It should be an exciting time, we're looking forward to it.

Well I saw this shirt at Wally World (Walmart). I thought it was neat, since her oldest GeGe (older Brother) is in a band, Grace can wear this when she is hanging out with him.

They are actually both home this morning, so I think I'll go fix them some pancakes. It is so rare to have them both here, and I know it wont be long before they will both be gone out of the house.

Lovebug
by Elizabeth Elias

Grace's newest book!

I haven't got it yet, but how cute. It's about adoption. The author just got a referral for her daughter in China. How exciting.
Here is the link:

http://www.lulu.com/content/904212

7/20/07

Devan

We don't need any particular day to think of you, but today marks a day and a week that will never be forgotten. If only we could turn back time. You are in our thoughts every day of the year. We take you with us where ever we go. So until we get to Heaven with you, know you are in our hearts and how much we love you.

Submitted our MCC 07/19/2007

Well we officially turned in our Medical Condition Checklist today. I feel like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders. So now we go back to the world of waiting, but feeling better about it.

Just some rambling. . . . . . .

I just wanted to say it again, I really did marry the best man in the world. It has been a long road with this man, not always a paved road, but he continues to amaze me. He has always had a big thick shell around his heart, and it's like I've had to continue to tear it down, always knowing what was on the inside. This adoption for Paul has been a huge step, and he just keeps taking those steps. I know once Grace is home, what is left of that shell around his heart will be gone for good. I cant wait to watch him with her.

Oh and a great big thank you to my Aunt Mary, she bought Grace a dress. She will be the cutest kid at the hunting club, now I have to get a bow and some kind of cutes shoes to go with it. Paul Paul loves it, it is just what he was wanting. Speaking of which there also will be no question that she will have her two brothers at her beck and call.

And in the world of our nephews and the little beauty queen, our niece Payton . . . .

I kept Little Man and Adam Friday night, what a great time, even though I was on the couch the whole time with a pinched nerve (we think). It reminded me when I was little and stayed with my Aunt and Uncle ALL the time. I love having little ones in the house, saying bedtime prayers and getting those good night kisses, I miss that. And Little Miss Payton is just as cute as she can be. We should know next month if Chris and Erin are having a girl or a boy! You know I hope its a girl, but I JUST LOVE the name they picked out if its a boy. They are in the process of buying a new home and hopefully will move in this Wednesday, and its closer to us than they were, so that's a plus.

That brings us up to speed, not much else to tell right now.

An update in the adoption world.

Paul & I have decided to submit a medical checklist for the SN (Special Needs Program). We thought about this long and hard to make sure we were doing the right thing. I just kept getting this feeling that this is what we were suppose to do. I think God was talking and we wern't listening.

What does that mean. We are basically in the Traditional Program (healthy baby). CCAA does all matching for these. Our dossier (paperwork) will still stay in the same place in China in case we are not matched before. With SN, CCAA sends out list regularly (sometimes weekly – sometimes large lists, sometimes small) to agencies. The agencies then match these children with the families that have submitted a Medical Checklist. You do not have to accept that child, and only one family is given that Child's file at a time. Once you accept this child, I believe you end up traveling 3 – 5 months later.

I am not changing the age or gender of the child I want. So we just wait and see. Grace may or may not be in this program, only God knows and only time will tell.

Brandon (and half our kids these days) would be considered SN. You get what you get when giving birth. You don’t say, I’m sorry, can you put that back and give me another one. No, you take that child, love them and do what needs to be done for them. As a parent, you love a child no matter what their issues are, and you go out of your way to do what you can to make it better. So if Grace isn't 100% healthy, we’ll do what needs to be done.

Hope that explains it, if not or you have any questions, just let us know.

Update on Peanut

Our 10 year old Shizu has been having seizures for the last year. Well they were coming weekly, he had three over the weekend, so we took him back to the vet. They have put him on meds twice a day, so we'll see how that goes. He is the little king of the castle.

Thats right, 5 months down

More depressing news

Referrals are in, and they are only through Nov 14, 2005. Another month with only 7 days worth. If that continues, I don't see how they will get to us in 3 years.

I have to remember it is not in my hands. Grace will come home when God said it is time for her to come home and not before.

My Son Brandon (thats him in the plaid shirt) has always had a love for music. He started out taking piano lessons in first grade, started the Sax a few years later, played in the high school band. Somewhere in there he started playing the guitar.

He is in a band now, if you look to the top right of the my blog, you will see the link to his band.

They had their first show this past Tuesday. I think they did an awesome job. I am so proud of him. I could never get up there and sing in front of people. I admire him, he is following his dreams. I love you baby boy!

Happy Fourth of July!

I hope everyone is enjoying their day, and remembering what today stands for.

Maybe 2 more to go, lets hope for one. I've resigned myself to it being 3 years.

Here is my Little Man (Christopher) and my baby boy, PaulPaul at the 4th of July parade in Moncks Corner

These are my moms neighbors, they were in their parade. (Moncks Corner is a small town!) This is Sissy, she is PaulPaul's age.

And here is her dad on ONE of his tractors.

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.