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!