Meet the newest Winge

Let me introduce the newest member of our family.

Noah Avery

was born this afternoon, he is healthy and handsome. This hat has been worn by all three of Chris and Erin's boys in the hospital. Mom and baby are doing good.

Auntie Peg with her newest love. I sure hope he likes me more than Hunter does.

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"

Christmas's gone by

Christmas 1989 PaulPaul

2004 Little Man with his first John Deere, he still rides it today, along with every child that comes to our house. We should get a couple of these
How sweet is this picture, my baby PaulPaul with Little Man
He'll kill me for sure for posting this pic, he hates it when I post pictures without his "Approval".

Christmas's gone by

Brandon & PaulPaul with Santa

2005 maybe
Same year
Merry Christmas to everyone

Merry Christmas Gracie

Here is Gracie's wagon. I had the boys put it together before we found her. Paul Ray wanted to know why, I wanted her to have her Christmas too. Funny how things work.
In the wagon she has a (another one actually) backpack, two onies (no they wont fit), a thermos (I got it to take to China to keep her water warm) and yes that is a Ergo Baby Carrier. It arrived about 2 weeks before her file. Haven't decided what to do with that yet.

Now how cute are these?


Boy, I have so much to get over the next 3 - 4 months, the list is endless. I have gotten a few pieces of clothes (dresses and PJ's) I'll post those later. The dresses are just too cute.

Paul Ray took this picture, he was on his way home when he spotted these two birds enjoying the puddle. For the life of me I cant remember what kind of bird he said, maybe a hawk.

Run of Bad Luck

Two weeks ago, Paul Ray was on his way home from work. He was approaching an overpass when a piece of cement hit his car. Turns out some teens (who were later caught) damaged about 8 cars over two nights. Thank God he was not hurt.

Then last Monday, (on top of being swamped at work and considering a child's file) on my way home from work, I was rear ended. 5 o'clock traffic on 526, she was a young girl, but very nice and truly sorry about the accident. My car is in the shop, I'm hating the rental (which by the way, I'm on the second one, the first one died going down the road), I miss my car!!!

Some good news though: My boss (which by the way, I do have the best boss ever - STILL) is going to allow me to work from home once Gracie is here. I'll go in once a week. How AWESOME!

Our package being delivered

Here is our referral package being delivered. She thought I was nuts for wanting the picture.

Then when I said you have my daughter, she really thought I'd lost it!

There couldnt be a better Christmas Present . . . . .

We are so thrilled to introduce the world to our little beauty. At about 11:30 am on Wednesday, December 5 we spoke with Pam and told her we would be honored to have this girl as our own. There is no greater gift that I could have received for Christmas. God is so great!!!! I will forever be grateful for this little girl. I now have my princess to go with my two boys, and I cant wait to love and spoil her.

Please welcome Miss Lu Xin Ming who is currently waiting on us in the Tianjin City Children's Welfare Institute. She shares a June birthday with her brother PaulPaul. He is very excited about that. He was even more excited about the fact that there would be NO diapers. Brandon is still coming around, but I'm sure she will wrap him around her little finger. He is such a sweet, loving person. Gracie Lu (as I've been calling her) has so many people waiting to welcome her home. I cant thank all of them enough for their love and support they have given us over the last year and a half. The next three to four months are going to be SOOOOO busy, things I've been putting off because the wait was just so long. Auntie Ashlee I sure hope you are ready!

Lu - Surname
Xin - Heart, mind
Ming - Bright, brilliant



All she needs now are some dresses, matching shoes and bows!

This is where our Gracie Lu is waiting on us at:

I find it interesting where people are at reading my blog. I would love it if you would leave me a comment letting me know who you are and how you found me! I know I have several blogs that I follow daily.

Thanks for stopping by and I hope you'll leave me a comment.

Moncks Corner, SC, United States Thu, 05 Jul 2007 17:48:28 -0500
Savannah, GA, United States Thu, 05 Jul 2007 17:30:31 -0500
Charleston, SC, United States Thu, 05 Jul 2007 16:55:31 -0500
Singapore, Singapore T hu, 05 Jul 2007 12:31:16 -0500
Atlanta, GA, United States Thu, 05 Jul 2007 12:04:01 -0500
Fort Myers, FL, United States Thu, 05 Jul 2007 07:52:51 -0500
Charleston, SC, United States Thu, 05 Jul 2007 01:52:54 -0500
Bridgeville, PA, United States Wed, 04 Jul 2007 23:13:45 -0500
Tallahassee, FL, United States Wed, 04 Jul 2007 22:26:57 -0500
Tunapuna, Trinidad and Tobago Wed, 04 Jul 2007 17:34:08 -0500
Istanbul, Turkey Wed, 04 Jul 2007 17:33:55 -0500
Porsgrund, Norway Wed, 04 Jul 2007 17:22:56 -0500
Salvador, Brazil Thu, 05 Jul 2007 18:49:45 -0500
Lima, Peru Thu, 05 Jul 2007 18:49:21 -0500

Minneapolis, MN, United States Wed, 11 Jul 2007 18:50:57 -0500
Iberia, MO, United States Wed, 11 Jul 2007 15:59:23 -0500
Atlanta, GA, United States Wed, 11 Jul 2007 15:03:06 -0500
North Charleston, SC, United States Wed, 11 Jul 2007 14:42:38 -0500
Knoxville, TN, United States Wed, 11 Jul 2007 11:48:06 -0500
Aurora, CO, United States Wed, 11 Jul 2007 11:46:32 -0500
Cleveland, OH, United States Wed, 11 Jul 2007 11:30:46 -0500
San Juan, Puerto Rico Tue, 10 Jul 2007 21:28:06 -0500
Smithfield, RI, United States Tue, 10 Jul 2007 21:04:07 -0500
Savannah, GA, United States Tue, 10 Jul 2007 20:25:31 -0500
Honolulu, HI, United States Thu, 12 Jul 2007 20:28:14 -0500

Detroit, MI, United States Thu, 19 Jul 2007 16:28:03 -0500
Belleville, MI, United States Thu, 19 Jul 2007 14:31:22 -0500
Cincinnati, OH, United States Thu, 19 Jul 2007 11:48:27 -0500
Ottawa, ON, Canada Thu, 19 Jul 2007 11:08:18 -0500
London, United Kingdom Thu, 19 Jul 2007 11:08:08 -0500
North Charleston, SC, United States Thu, 19 Jul 2007 07:39:16 -0500
Saint Louis, MO, United States Thu, 19 Jul 2007 07:36:39 -0500
Bonita Springs, FL, United States Thu, 19 Jul 2007 07:04:00 -0500
Summerville, SC, United States Thu, 19 Jul 2007 03:37:01 -0500
Willard, OH, United States Thu, 19 Jul 2007 01:09:56 -0500
Lees Summit, MO, United States Wed, 18 Jul 2007 21:10:11 -0500
Paekakariki, New Zealand Wed, 25 Jul 2007 02:57:57 -0500
Knoxville, TN, United States Sun, 29 Jul 2007 00:07:42 -0500
Savannah, GA, United States Sat, 28 Jul 2007 17:25:20 -0500
Eaton Rapids, MI, United States Sat, 28 Jul 2007 13:52:06 -0500
Bothell, WA, United States Sat, 28 Jul 2007 11:59:15 -0500
New Castle, IN, United States Sat, 28 Jul 2007 09:23:18 -0500
Brecksville, OH, United States Sat, 28 Jul 2007 08:25:43 -0500
Morioka, Japan Sat, 28 Jul 2007 08:25:23 -0500
Singapore, Singapore Sat, 28 Jul 2007 08:25:01 -0500
Paris, France Sun, 29 Jul 2007 13:36:17 -0500
Nellore, India Sun, 29 Jul 2007 13:36:00 -0500

Albany, NY, United States Thu, 02 Aug 2007 20:08:36 -0500
Lancaster, TX, United States Thu, 02 Aug 2007 19:45:18 -0500
Savannah, GA, United States Thu, 02 Aug 2007 18:55:08 -0500
Rockford, MI, United States Thu, 02 Aug 2007 16:29:23 -0500
Omaha, NE, United States Thu, 02 Aug 2007 15:49:46 -0500
Greenville, SC, United States Thu, 02 Aug 2007 14:46:49 -0500
Atlanta, GA, United States Thu, 02 Aug 2007 13:52:28 -0500
Athens, GA, United States Thu, 02 Aug 2007 13:50:47 -0500
Bothell, WA, United States Thu, 02 Aug 2007 13:24:41 -0500
Akron, NY, United States Thu, 02 Aug 2007 12:22:00 -0500
Madison, WI, United States Thu, 02 Aug 2007 12:20:57 -0500
Cincinnati, OH, United States Thu, 02 Aug 2007 11:29:44 -0500
Norcross, GA, United States Thu, 02 Aug 2007 11:26:23 -0500
Brooksville, FL, United States Thu, 02 Aug 2007 10:39:13 -0500
Erie, PA, United States Thu, 02 Aug 2007 10:16:47 -0500
Auckland, New Zealand Thu, 02 Aug 2007 01:16:11 -0500
Charleston, SC, United States Thu, 02 Aug 2007 00:54:54 -0500

Summerville, SC, United States Sat, 11 Aug 2007 15:51:49 -0500
Suwanee, GA, United States Sat, 11 Aug 2007 15:42:58 -0500
Savannah, GA, United States Sat, 11 Aug 2007 13:59:39 -0500
Port Jefferson Station, NY, United States Sat, 11 Aug 2007 13:35:31 -0500
Germantown, MD, United States Sat, 11 Aug 2007 13:04:53 -0500
, , Canada Sat, 11 Aug 2007 10:07:05 -0500
Brooklyn, NY, United States Sat, 11 Aug 2007 05:52:22 -0500
Duluth, GA, United States Sat, 11 Aug 2007 04:35:16 -0500
Bangkok, Thailand Sat, 11 Aug 2007 02:29:23 -0500
, , United States Fri, 10 Aug 2007 19:30:00 -0500

Red Lion, PA, United States Thu, 16 Aug 2007 13:46:03 -0500
Rushall, United Kingdom Thu, 16 Aug 2007 13:04:24 -0500
Bothell, WA, United States Thu, 16 Aug 2007 09:08:47 -0500
Charleston, SC, United States Thu, 16 Aug 2007 00:26:25 -0500
Charlotte, MI, United States Wed, 15 Aug 2007 21:48:39 -0500
Savannah, GA, United States Wed, 15 Aug 2007 17:10:14 -0500
Suwanee, GA, United States Wed, 15 Aug 2007 16:16:59 -0500

Kannapolis, NC, United States Sat, 01 Sep 2007 07:41:05 -0500
Nygårdsheden, Sweden Sat, 01 Sep 2007 01:21:34 -0500
, , United States Fri, 31 Aug 2007 20:19:43 -0500
Savannah, GA, United States Fri, 31 Aug 2007 18:03:49 -0500
Summerville, SC, United States Fri, 31 Aug 2007 15:58:06 -0500
Raleigh, NC, United States Fri, 31 Aug 2007 14:50:40 -0500
Akron, NY, United States Fri, 31 Aug 2007 12:24:04 -0500
Bothell, WA, United States Fri, 31 Aug 2007 07:32:01 -0500

Kannapolis, NC, United States Thu, 06 Sep 2007 18:13:37 -0500
, United Kingdom Thu, 06 Sep 2007 15:54:53 -0500
Raleigh, NC, United States Thu, 06 Sep 2007 12:35:45 -0500
Greenville, SC, United States Thu, 06 Sep 2007 09:33:52 -0500
Burlingame, CA, United States Thu, 06 Sep 2007 07:06:52 -0500
Dallas, TX, United States Thu, 06 Sep 2007 06:45:49 -0500
Buenos Aires, Argentina Wed, 05 Sep 2007 22:35:46 -0500
Spartanburg, SC, United States Wed, 05 Sep 2007 21:12:06 -0500
Savannah, GA, United States Wed, 05 Sep 2007 21:07:23 -0500

Dallas, TX, United States Tue, 18 Sep 2007 12:17:52 -0500
Raleigh, NC, United States Tue, 18 Sep 2007 12:17:14 -0500
Charleston, SC, United States Tue, 18 Sep 2007 08:04:41 -0500
Saint Louis, MO, United States Tue, 18 Sep 2007 06:30:05 -0500
Summerville, SC, United States Mon, 17 Sep 2007 21:48:25 -0500
Savannah, GA, United States Mon, 17 Sep 2007 20:05:25 -0500
Manila, Philippines Mon, 17 Sep 2007 19:47:26 -0500
Mexico, Mexico Mon, 17 Sep 2007 19:45:52 -0500
Kannapolis, NC, United States Mon, 17 Sep 2007 17:31:37 -0500
Huntsville, AL, United States Mon, 17 Sep 2007 15:09:14 -0500
Atlanta, GA, United States Mon, 17 Sep 2007 14:29:07 -0500


Rochester, NY, United States Wed, 19 Sep 2007 07:44:29 -0500
Kannapolis, NC, United States Tue, 18 Sep 2007 17:46:46 -0500
Summerville, SC, United States Tue, 18 Sep 2007 14:26:56 -0500
Buenos Aires, Argentina Tue, 18 Sep 2007 13:19:28 -0500
Dallas, TX, United States Tue, 18 Sep 2007 12:17:52 -0500
Raleigh, NC, United States Tue, 18 Sep 2007 12:17:14 -0500

Raleigh, NC, United States Fri, 21 Sep 2007 09:54:09 -0500
Ridgefield, CT, United States Fri, 21 Sep 2007 09:40:32 -0500
Lecanto, FL, United States Fri, 21 Sep 2007 09:32:54 -0500
Orlando, FL, United States Fri, 21 Sep 2007 09:24:25 -0500
Wilson, OK, United States Fri, 21 Sep 2007 08:41:30 -0500
San Antonio, TX, United States Fri, 21 Sep 2007 07:57:25 -0500
Tidcombe, United Kingdom Fri, 21 Sep 2007 07:11:07 -0500
Charleston, SC, United States Fri, 21 Sep 2007 05:19:28 -0500
Huntsville, AL, United States Thu, 20 Sep 2007 22:14:17 -0500
Kannapolis, NC, United States Thu, 20 Sep 2007 17:48:18 -0500
Madison, WI, United States Thu, 20 Sep 2007 14:58:21 -0500
Concord, NC, United States Thu, 20 Sep 2007 14:16:02 -0500
Jacksonville, FL, United States Thu, 20 Sep 2007 13:05:06 -0500
Maximo, OH, United States Thu, 20 Sep 2007 11:59:36 -0500
Lexington, SC, United States Thu, 20 Sep 2007 11:46:18 -0500


Raleigh, NC, United States Tue, 25 Sep 2007 13:15:33 -0500
Stone Mountain, GA, United States Tue, 25 Sep 2007 13:01:47 -0500
, , United States Tue, 25 Sep 2007 11:01:19 -0500
Newark, NJ, United States Tue, 25 Sep 2007 10:55:51 -0500
Grünbein, Argentina Tue, 25 Sep 2007 04:20:40 -0500
Huntsville, AL, United States Mon, 24 Sep 2007 21:23:31 -0500
Charlotte, MI, United States Mon, 24 Sep 2007 19:13:53 -0500
Savannah, GA, United States Mon, 24 Sep 2007 18:58:58 -0500
Buford, GA, United States Mon, 24 Sep 2007 16:11:01 -0500
Summerville, SC, United States Mon, 24 Sep 2007 15:33:30 -0500


Modesto, CA, United States Fri, 19 Oct 2007 10:23:16 -0500
Monroe, CT, United States Fri, 19 Oct 2007 09:40:15 -0500
Montréal, QC, Canada Fri, 19 Oct 2007 08:32:03 -0500
Knoxville, TN, United States Fri, 19 Oct 2007 07:13:29 -0500
Jakarta, Indonesia Fri, 19 Oct 2007 02:00:18 -0500
, , United States Thu, 18 Oct 2007 22:10:42 -0500
Concord, NC, United States Thu, 18 Oct 2007 21:57:52 -0500
, , United States Thu, 18 Oct 2007 18:41:39 -0500
, , United States Thu, 18 Oct 2007 18:19:12 -0500
Auburn Hills, MI, United States Thu, 18 Oct 2007 16:09:26 -0500
Palatine, IL, United States Thu, 18 Oct 2007 15:50:42 -0500
Greenville, SC, United States Thu, 18 Oct 2007 14:48:36 -0500
Buford, GA, United States Thu, 18 Oct 2007 14:32:54 -0500
Hemel Hempstead, United Kingdom Thu, 18 Oct 2007 13:55:52 -0500
Colorado Springs, CO, United States Thu, 18 Oct 2007 13:46:14 -0500
Raleigh, NC, United States Thu, 18 Oct 2007 12:10:50 -0500
Crittenden, NY, United States Thu, 18 Oct 2007 11:43:02 -0500
Birmingham, AL, United States Thu 18 Oct 2007 11:37:56 -0500


Ramla, Israel Sat, 24 Nov 2007 03:44:20 -0600
Le Montellier, France Sat, 24 Nov 2007 02:38:54 -0600
Dayton, OH, United States Fri, 23 Nov 2007 20:17:13 -0600
Saint Louis, MO, United States Fri, 23 Nov 2007 19:33:38 -0600
Suwanee, GA, United States Fri, 23 Nov 2007 16:44:18 -0600

After Referral Announcement

Englewood, CO, United States Fri, 07 Dec 2007 20:54:47 -0600
Moncks Corner, SC, United States Fri, 07 Dec 2007 20:03:28 -0600
Irving, TX, United States Fri, 07 Dec 2007 19:22:40 -0600
, , United States Fri, 07 Dec 2007 18:28:02 -0600
Tallahassee, FL, United States Fri, 07 Dec 2007 16:32:27 -0600
Charleston, SC, United States Fri, 07 Dec 2007 16:24:45 -0600
Raleigh, NC, United States Fri, 07 Dec 2007 15:48:27 -0600
Nürnberg, Germany Fri, 07 Dec 2007 15:12:22 -0600
Chattanooga, TN, United States Fri, 07 Dec 2007 15:01:54 -0600
, , United States Fri, 07 Dec 2007 14:21:09 -0600
Littleton, CO, United States Fri, 07 Dec 2007 13:28:34 -0600
, , United States Fri, 07 Dec 2007 12:36:33 -0600
Knoxville, TN, United States Fri, 07 Dec 2007 12:36:19 -0600
Omaha, NE, United States Fri, 07 Dec 2007 11:46:11 -0600
Washington, DC, United States Fri, 07 Dec 2007 11:03:40 -0600
Fairfax Station, VA, United States Fri, 07 Dec 2007 10:27:44 -0600
Ambridge, PA, United States Fri, 07 Dec 2007 09:11:55 -0600
West Jefferson, NC, United States Fri, 07 Dec 2007 09:06:15 -0600
Downers Grove, IL, United States Fri, 07 Dec 2007 08:30:05 -0600
Richmond, VA, United States Fri, 07 Dec 2007 08:25:42 -0600
Charleston, SC, United States Fri, 07 Dec 2007 08:02:56 -0600
Greenville, SC, United States Fri, 07 Dec 2007 08:01:44 -0600
Atlanta, GA, United States Fri, 07 Dec 2007 07:45:24 -0600
, , United States Fri, 07 Dec 2007 07:44:30 -0600
Walnut Shade, MO, United States Fri, 07 Dec 2007 06:27:55 -0600


Moncks Corner, SC, United States Wed, 12 Dec 2007 19:41:14 -0600
Huntington Beach, CA, United States Wed, 12 Dec 2007 19:26:14 -0600
Sacramento, CA, United States Wed, 12 Dec 2007 19:03:31 -0600
Albuquerque, NM, United States Wed, 12 Dec 2007 18:29:48 -0600
Cincinnati, OH, United States Wed, 12 Dec 2007 18:19:11 -0600
Ranson, WV, United States Wed, 12 Dec 2007 18:06:42 -0600
Littleton, CO, United States Wed, 12 Dec 2007 18:01:43 -0600
Columbus, OH, United States Wed, 12 Dec 2007 16:43:32 -0600
Westlake, LA, United States Wed, 12 Dec 2007 16:43:27 -0600
Randolph, NJ, United States Wed, 12 Dec 2007 16:26:08 -0600
Atlanta, GA, United States Wed, 12 Dec 2007 15:13:18 -0600
Paris, France Wed, 12 Dec 2007 15:06:43 -0600
Carnaxide, Portugal Wed, 12 Dec 2007 14:33:45 -0600
Templeogue, Ireland Wed, 12 Dec 2007 14:14:27 -0600
Alba Iulia, Romania Wed, 12 Dec 2007 14:13:57 -0600
Kesteren, Netherlands Wed, 12 Dec 2007 13:29:55 -0600
Maqueda, Spain Wed, 12 Dec 2007 13:17:23 -0600
Beltsville, MD, United States Wed, 12 Dec 2007 11:48:26 -0600
Santiago, Chile Wed, 12 Dec 2007 11:26:25 -0600
Ewa Beach, HI, United States Wed, 12 Dec 2007 11:19:35 -0600
Yonkers, NY, United States Wed, 12 Dec 2007 09:27:24 -0600
Santiago, Chile Wed, 12 Dec 2007 09:00:32 -0600
Easley, SC, United States Wed, 12 Dec 2007 08:13:12 -0600
Závodie, Slovakia Wed, 12 Dec 2007 08:06:24 -0600
Greenville, SC, United States Wed, 12 Dec 2007 07:36:17 -0600

CCAA update

The CCAA has finished the review of the adoption application documents registered with our office before September 30, 2006.

The CCAA has finished the placement of children for the families whose adoption application documents were registered with our office before December 8, 2005.

Prayer Request

There is the sweetest little girl on our agency's website. Please pray that she finds her perfect forever family.

OK, how cute, No not the baby, the buggy cover! I've added this to my long list of things to buy my child.


http://www.angelinasuniquebabythings.com/buggybagg.htm

and it comes in this pattern!

http://www.takeastroll.com/ceramictiles.htm

I need to look at her crib set again, but how cute are these tiles. I've been looking for something cute like these. I hope they match.

Go Cocks!

If you're from the South, then you know what Saturday is!!!!!!

It's Game Day! Go Cocks!!!

Happy Thanksgiving

I just want to wish everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving.

We've had Paul Rays brother, Randy, and his wife staying with us the last two days, its been nice having company. Chris, Erin, the boys, Willie and Lyndsey (Brandons girlfriend) were here. Our niece (Randys daughter) Amy came over with her family. She has a little girl who will be one on Dec 29. She is a sweetie. We had pizza and some of us roasted marshmallows, the spoiled one in the family wouldn't have any because I didn't have chocolate bars and Graham crackers. (Chris you know we love you anyway) Erin is ready for the baby to arrive any time now. He's due on the 19th I believe, I dont see why she cant hold out till Christmas. I just think that would be awesome! A Christmas baby, no mother could ask for a better Christmas present, in my opinion. It would also seem that I am the only one with that opinion.

In the blog world, we have "Thankful Thursdays" I've never done this before, but since today is Thanksgiving, I'd thought I'd post what we are thankful for.

Here are some things that Paul Ray and I are thankful for
*We are fortunate enough that we get to spend our holiday with our families.
*We have two "handsome" healthy boys
*We have family that (no matter what) is always there if we need them
*We have our little nephews that visit us regularly and keep us entertained
*We have our health, good jobs, we live in peace and quiet in the woods
*We live in a world where we are free
*We are thankful to the men and women in the military (and their family)
Here are some things that I am thankful for
*God gave me two great parents, who are Always there for me, no matter WHAT
*I also have two boys that I just adore
*I have a great husband (for the most part:)
*I have a job that I really enjoy and a great boss
*I am thankful for my best friend, Bonny
*I am very thankful that I married a man with a big family (I was an only child)
*I am so grateful that his family trust us with their kids (Little Man told me he wanted
to go back to Disney World and ride the race car with Uncle Paul)
*I am very very thankful that at this point in our lives we are awaiting the referral of
our little Princess, Grace Noelle.

and I'm also very thankful to all my new friends that I have met in the journey. The adoption community has a wonderful group of people in it. I'm sure I've met life long friends here.

I hope that everyone has something to be thankful for today, I must get going now, we have to be somewhere at 12:30. Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Our Sunday Trip Downtown

I've lived here all my life and never really done the downtown site seeing thing. We were going downtown on Sunday for the candle lighting ceremony, so the boys and I (and Lyndsey and Little man) went to lunch and then went to the market and walked along the streets. I found a really nice kids shop that I'm looking forward to buying Gracie some dresses from.

Anyway, we all had a really good time. Here is PaulPaul pulling up little man's pants, they kept falling down, poor thing.

Little Man, Brandon and Lyndsey
Hand in Hand, how sweet.
This is before the candles are lit, the ones we took after dark didnt turn out so well. Its really pretty, all the candles lit up around the lake at night. This was our third year going to this, sometimes it seems like yesterday and then other times it seems so long ago. No matter the time frame, Devan will be in all our hearts until we are together again. She was a very special young lady who touched so many people.

Family Homecoming

Here is a link to the bittersweet homecoming of Sandy and her daugher.

http://www.wilx.com/home/headlines/11535626.html

New Referrals are in

Our agency finally got a new list of SN referrals, it is taking them a while to get through it.

I just want to say a Big Congratulations to Patricia at http://littlecabininthewoods.typepad.com/threeempresses on her referral. She is just beautiful.

A Buddhist Saying about Adoption

It basically says you and your husband must have loved your baby very much in your previous life, that you were able to find her again in this life.

This little girl of our is SO loved and by so many people.

Passing this along-

Bethany Christian Services are pleased to announce the Sheldon family has received their visas and are returning home from China this weekend. “We will continue to work with the family to make sure all their needs are met,” said John VanValkenburg, Public Relations Specialist for Bethany Christian Services. “This has been a difficult situation for the Sheldon family and Bethany would like to thank everyone for their prayers and support for this family, including the efforts of Michigan Congressmen, Vern Ehlers and Mike Rogers.”

Due to these special circumstances, Bethany is accepting contributions to support the family until December 31, 2007. Checks can be made payable to Bethany Christian Services and please indicate the Sheldon family on the memo line. Checks can be sent to Bethany 's Donor Records at 901 Eastern Ave NE, PO Box 294 Grand Rapids Michigan 49501 . Bethany Christian Services will give all donations to the family for their “Hope for Hannah” fund.

Dare to love completely

TGIF

I must say that in the last few weeks, I've really grown to like my Fridays!

This weekend is already full. My DH and I have a date, we're going hunting on Saturday. ( I try to go at least once a season with him). When we leave there we're going to pick up our little man to spend the night with us.

Sunday, my boys and I along with Lyndsey are going downtown for lunch and then walking around the market area. From there we'll meet the Winge family at Colonial Lake for the Candle Lighting Service. This is our way of including Devan in our Holiday season. She is never far from anyone minds.

We all love and miss you Devan.

Update on family in China now....

The update when I got home yesterday was:
Sandi's mom asked that no more phone calls be made on her daughters behalf. There had been that many in one afternoon. The adoption communitiy is one that pulls together when something goes wrong. What a great group of people.

This mornings update from another poster.
"I am part of Sandi's travel group. I spoke to her this morning.> >She had a meeting at the consulate this morning and was told with > >95% certainty that she will come home with Hannah as scheduled on> >Saturday. I also should've made clear from the beginning that there> >has been absolutely fantastic and dedicated bi-lingual agency> >representative here with Sandi the entire time who is helping her> >through this process. Thanks to all who helped with the effort to> >bring her home. Our agency representative said all the phone calls> >did make a difference"
What great news that is!

Prayers Needed for this family......

I'm asking you for prayer for a fellow adoptive mom in China now picking up her daughter. Her husband had been traveling with her and died suddenly due to complications of his diabetes. We have received the following information from a family traveling with them in China and we need all the help we can get to bring this mom and baby home. Here is the message...

The US Consulate in Guangzhou has denied Sandi Sheldon permission to proceed with the adoption of Hannah. They want her to fill out a new I-171 and are making no guarantees after that. Sandi, of course does not want to leave China and leave Hannah here because she has no where to go. Sandi needs our help desparately! Please start a massive campaign of calling to her US Congressman and US Senator and urge them to intervene on Sandi's behalf. We have discussed this with Sandi and she wants our help. Please pressure these elected officials to contact the State Department and straighten this out. Sandi should not be denied Hannah's adoption because her husband passed away unexpectedly. The adoption has been finalized here in China. Sandi's congressman is Mike Rogers. His Washington office number is 202 225 4872. His Michigan office number is 517 702 8000, he also has a toll free number 1-877-333-MIKE. Sandi's US Senator is Debbie Stabenow. Her Washington DC number is 202 224 4822 and her Michigan office number is 517 203 1760. Everyone should try to help and call these people until we get final approval.

We should continue to pray that her adoption is finalized quickly and that Sandi can return home to Michigan with Hannah.

Another Month Bites the Dust!!!!

We're 9 months LID!!!!! Any one wanna place a bet on when we will get a referral! Do you think I'll still be young enough to enjoy her, or even better, will she think I'm her Grandma! Another Christmas with no baby girl, please God let this be the last.

As someone I know would say "Do you want some cheese to go along with that wine?" I go through spells! Well enough whining for tonight, time for bed!

Veterans Day Parade

He's in the front by himself. Thanks to Granny we got a picture. Our camera died right on time!!!!!

Veterans Day, just my thoughts

Veterans Day is this coming Monday. My son Paul will be marching in the Veterans Day parade downtown on Sunday. My baby talks of joining the Airforce, I could not be more proud of him but at the same time, scare to death. Scare of what could happen to him, scared of him leaving home. I've always been worried by my boys leaving home. I know I have to let go, I just hope they always know where home is. He came home from school with an application. The recruiter told him to hold it till March before turning it in since he doesn't graduate until 2009.

As it becomes more real, what his plans are, you cant help but reflect on where this world is today. I've always believed our Military members are people made of gold, how do you thank someone who puts their life on the line for our freedom. They leave their family behind. My uncle died (by friendly fire) in Vietnam, I was too little to remember him. I was just reading a letter from a soldier to his parents (its posted at http://www.adoptaussoldier.org/). How sad and true alot of those letters are. These kids are fighting for the rights of people here that don't support them and bad mouth our President and our country. You hear on TV, our vets are coming home and ending up homeless, how sad. How sad that a pilot can make more money flying business people in safety than a pilot in war. How very sad that our elected Congress can retire and be taken care of For The Rest Of Their Lives, but our Military are forgotten.

I remember standing in Walmart last year during the holiday season, I was behind a lady who was behind a VERY YOUNG solider. He was stationed here with no family. He was buying easy fix it stuff for dinner. I didn't catch the whole conversation, but I stood in Awe as that lady thank him and handed him her name, phone number and address and invited him for a home cooked meal any time. How many times have I had the chance to say Thank you to someone in the military and let the moment pass.

I guess I'm rambling on, between the stress of waiting for Grace and the thought of my boys leaving home, and one them going off for at least four years, to serve his country (which by the way he has talked about since early Middle school) has just turned by nerves inside out.

I know my topic got turned around, but my original thought was this:

On this Veterans if you get a chance to thank our Military, don't let it pass.

Blue Friday - Show your support

Blue Fridays.

Very soon, you will see a great many people wearingblue every Friday.

The reason?

Americans who support our troops used to be called the 'silent majority' We are no longer silent, and are voicing our love for God, country and home in record breaking numbers. We are not organized, boisterous or overbearing. Many Americans, like you, me and all our friends, simply want to recognize that the vast majority ofAmerica supports our troops.

Our idea of showing solidarity and support for our troops with dignity and respect starts this Friday -- and continues each and every Friday until the troops all come home, sending a deafening message that ... every RED BLOODED AMERICAN who supports our men and women afar, will wear something blue. By word of mouth, press, TV -- let's make the United States on every Friday a sea of blue much like a homecoming football game in the bleachers. If everyone of us who loves this country will share this with acquaintances, coworkers, friends, and family, it will not be long before the USA is covered in BLUE and it will let our troops know the once 'silent' majority is on their side more than ever, certainly more than the media lets on. The first thing a soldier says when asked 'What can we do to make things better for you?' is ...'We need your support and your prayers.' Let's get the word out and lead with class and dignity, by example, and wear something blue every Friday.


PASS THIS ON, FEEL FREE TO COPY AND PASTE. Now I'm off to find something blue to wear tomorrow.

Happy Birthday Little Man

My nephew turned 3 on Nov 2nd. I cant believe he is already 3 years old. He is just as cute as he was the day he was born.

He loves John Deere, I'd say his Mom did a great job on the cake. Ok, she didn't make it, but she had to go to the store and get it.

This is Hunter Boy enjoying the cake. Yum! Oh and Hunter has recently starting letting me hold him for more than a minute at a time!

Now check these out, when Little Man comes to the house, you can be sure he tries to sneak up to Brandon's room and get the guitars, Brandon has several. Little Man likes to refer to them as HIS! Brandon decided he wanted to get little man one for his birthday. I thought he'd get him a toy, NOPE. He found him the real thing, in his size! How Cool Is That!!!!!! Here he is jamming with it. It even came with a little amp! Awesome Gift.

And here he is in his new jammies.

Happy Halloween

Happy Halloween Everyone! Living out in the boondocks, I don't have to buy candy or decorate, we do not get any trick or treaters. Guess we'll decorate when Grace comes home.

Little Man was a Army Guy and Hunter Boy was Thomas the Train. He LOVES Thomas.

Meet Lyndsey / Brandon's Birthday Dinner

I've been so busy I haven't had a chance to post everything, I'll try and keep it all in order.

Meet Lyndsey, this is Brandon girlfriend. Isn't she just too cute and she is just as sweet. She cooked spaghetti for us the Sunday after Brandon's birthday. She is a great cook and always cooking something for Brandon. She is for sure a keeper.

Thanks for the great dinner Lyndsey!

What a Handsome Escort!

It was a rainy day, but the rain did hold out for the ballgame. At half time my baby was an escort for the homecoming court. Isnt he so cute????

She reminds me of my BF from high school, Lisa. In case you are wondering, we did win the game.

Berkeley High School Homecoming

Today was the Homecoming parade for Berkeley! I found out yesterday he (Paulpaul) was marching in it and escorting one of the girls at the game! Dont you just love the notice you get. Anyway, isnt he just handsome! He is next to the girl with the flag in the front. If the rain holds out we may go to the game.

More Goodies for Grace

My mom and I were in the store last week and look what we found. My mom bought it for Gracie. It's a John Deere Barbie. This gift was approved by her Brother! Most of what I get for her is not. He wants to make her a tomboy and take her hunting and fourwheeling. I cant wait till she gets him in her playhouse having tea! Hey, A mom can dream cant she. You can never have too many books.

I guess it will take just as long to get through Dec as it did Nov 2005.

The CCAA has finished the review of the adoption application documents registered with our office before August 31, 2006.

The CCAA has finished the placement of children for the families whose adoption application documents were registered with our office before December 8, 2005

Happy Birthday Destinee

My cousins little girl that we've been keeping just turned two on the 12th! Talk about a handful! You wouldn't think something so petite and tiny could be anything but sweet, HA! You cant really tell, but her hair is in pigtails, every chance I get I put her hair in pigtails. PaulPaul keeps telling me I will NOT be putting Gracies hair up that way. Boy is he in for a surprise, just as soon as she has enough hair!!!!!!

Happy Birthday Brandon!

My oldest just turned 22. He has turned into a very sweet, loving young man. I am so proud to be your mom! His girlfriend Lyndsy (she is so sweet) is cooking dinner for us on Sunday. I'll be sure and post all about it.

Gracie's Quilt

I'm currently updating her quilt pages on the blog. Hopefull I wont loose anything. I will continue to post all pics on the other page and hopefully will make it a little easier.

We would love for our family and friends to send us:

(1) A wish/poem/note expressing your good wishes and heartfelt sentiments for the baby;

(2) 8 inch by 8 inch cotton fabric square (prewashed & ironed, if possible); and

(3) 1 to 2 inch fabric scrap piece of the same square material for the memory book.


I hope to start putting her quilt together by the end of the summer or early fall, I'd like to have it done for Christmas. I'm still looking for the perfect book to put her wishes in.

What is a Good Wish Quilt, you ask?

100 Good Wishes Quilt/Bai Jia Bei
To welcome and celebrate a new life, there is a tradition in the northern part of China to make a Bai Jia Bei, or 100 Good Wishes Quilt.

It is a custom to invite friends and family to contribute a patch of cloth with a wish for the baby, and the other part of the cloth can go into a creative memory notebook with the wish for the child. The quilt contains the luck, energy, and good wishes from all the families and friends who contributed a piece of fabric. The quilt is then passed down from generation to generation.


1. 08/25/06 Mr & Mrs Barry Bessinger, Charleston SC 3 pcs of fabric

2. 08/26/06 My Aunt Pat and her daughter Lynn gave me several pcs of fabric

3. 09/14/06 Mr & Mrs Gibbs, also adopting from China

4. 09/20/06 Mr & Mrs Willamson, also adopting from China

5. 10/07/06 Granny & Granddaddy Winge came by w/lots of quilt pcs

6. 10/14/06 Mr & Mrs. Duddleston Plano TX also adopting from China

7. 10/19/06 Mr & Mrs James From Aubrun, CA also adopting from China

8. 10/20/06 Mr & Mrs Franklin Londonderry, NH also adopting from China

9. 10/20/06 Mr & Mrs. Heller Knoxville, TN also adopting from China

10. 10/21/06 Mr & Mrs Bryan Milwaukie, OR also adopting from China

11. 10/21/06 Mr & Mrs Bill Neilson (Willie & Bettyann) 3 pcs of fabirc (Willie, I promise you the dogs playing poker will be on her quilt)

12. 10/21/06 Mr & Mrs Bryan Compton (Mikey & Ashlee) ladybugs

13. 10/23/06 Mr & Mrs Cook, Phoeniz AZ also adopting from China

14. 10/23/06 Mr & Mrs Zilkey, Winnipeg Manitoa also adopting from China

15. 10/24/06 Ms. Laurie Carmichael, Salem NH also adopting from China

16. 10/24/06 Mr & Mrs Frank Bellomy, WV 3 pcs of fabric and 4 scrapbooking books (love them - thank you so much, I cant wait to start using them.

17. 10/25/06 Mr & Mrs Warner, Galloway OH also adopting from China


18. 10/25/06 Mr & Mrs Tillman, Louisville KY also adopting from China

19. 10/26/06 Mr & Mrs Marks Westampton NJ also adopting from Chaina

20. 10/28/06 Mr & Mrs Ryder Rockledge FL also adopting from China

21. 10/30/06 Mr & Mrs Frank, Ashland MO also adopting from China

22. 10/30/06 Mr & Mrs Rotan Frisco, TX also adopting from China

23. 10/30/06 Mr & Mrs Nolet Boucherville, Canada also adopting from China

24. 10/31/06 Mr & Mrs Hecht-Enns Waterloo, ON Canada also adopting from China

25. 10/31/06 Mr & Mrs Motto Somerset, WI also adopting from China

26. 11/01/06 Mrs Shanna Young, Pickerington, Oh also adopting from China

27. 11/06/06 Mrs Terri Casebier, Saginaw, TX also adopting from China

28. 11/19/06 Mr & Mrs Bill Neilson sent her another pc of fabric!!!!!

29. 11/17/06 Mr & Mrs Duddleston, Plano TX also adopting from China

30. 11/21/06 Mr& Mrs Carl Overstreet, Nashville TN (My very dear friend, Elaine. I love the pooh fabric. It is beautiful, I miss you!

31. 11/09/06 Mr & Mrs Mike Torres, Kissimmee, FL also adopting from China

32. 11/07/06 Theresa Johsnon, N Attleboro, MA also adopting from China

33. 12/04/206 The Andrews, Charlotte, NC also adopting from China

34. 12/21/06 Shannon Norrie, Carver MA also adopting from China

35. 02/12/2007 Mary Quinn, Indiana also adopting from China

36. 02/16/2007 Dr. Bruce Etheridge, Mt Pleasant, SC (Graice's pediatrican)

37. 03/05/2007 Linda Brindley, MO

38. 03/14/2007 Shirley Gleaves, Nashville, TN

39. 03/15/2007 Laurie McDonald CCAI Jan/Feb LID Jacksonville, FL DTC 2/22

40. 03/16/2007 The Louie Family CCAI Jan/Feb LID Centennial, CO LID 1/18

41. 03/17/2007 The Brown Family CCAI Jan/Feb LID Titusville, FL

42. 03/19/07 The Shoemaker Family CCAI Jan/Feb LID Knoxville, TN LID 01/18

43. 03/21/2007 The Turner Family CCAI Jan/Feb LID Ooltewah, TN LID 01/24
44. 03/21/2007 The Caruso Family CCAI Jan/Feb LID Reynoldsburg, OTT LID 03/07

45. 03/22/2007 The Symonie Family CCAI Jan/Feb LID Archbald, PA LID 12/31

46. 03/22/2007 The Gower Family CCAI Jan/Feb LID St Could, FL

47. 03/23/2007 The Norwood/Elble family CCAI Jan/Feb LID Tucker, Ga

48. 03/26/2007 The Devall Family CCAI Jan/Feb LID Kutztown, PA LID 01/30/07

49. 03/26/2007 The Cercopely Family CCAI Jan/Feb LID Banner Elk, NC LID 02/07/2007

50. 04/13/2007 Uncle Chris & Aunt Erin,

Chas SC

51. 04/14/2007 The Minton Family, Jackson, Missippi CCAI Jan/Feb LID 01/18/2007

52. 04/14/2007 The Harp Family, Allen TX CCAI Jan/Feb LID 01/30/2007

53. 04/20/2007 The Chesky & Markowitz Family, Richmond VA

CCAI Jan/Feb LID

54. 04/21/2007 Theresa Johnson, North Attleboro, MA also adopting LID 09/12/06

55. 04/20/2007 Trina & Ralph Wilson, Mt Pleasant SC 4 beautiful pieces

56. 04/22/2007 Mama & Papa Villanueva, Moncks Corner, SC 3 beautiful pieces

57. 04/22/2007 Graice's Brother, PaulPaul Winge, Dale Earnhardt - he is set on her NOT being a girly girl!!!!

58. 04/23/2007 The Burge Family, CCAI Jan/Feb LID Gr LID 01/18/07

59. 05/04/2007 The Watts Family, CCAI Jan/Feb LID Gr LID 03/19/07

60. 05/12/2007 The Curl Family, CCAI Jan/Feb LID Gr

61. 05/12/2007 The Peters Family, Cheltenham, PA CCAI Jan/Feb LID Gr

62. 05/15/2007 The Dick Family, Natchez MI CCAI Jan/Feb LID Gr 12/31/06

63. 05/21/2007 The Butka Family, Canonsburg PA CCAI Jan/Feb LID 2/6/07

64. 10/23/2007 The Jansen Family, Essexville MI CCAI LID 04/13/2007