Out Of Review......Finally!!!

"The CCAA has finished the review of the adoption application documents registered with our office before October 31, 2006.
The CCAA has finished the placement of children for the families whose adoption application documents were registered with our office before December 14, 2005."

This is the news that my friend Pam emailed one of my groups before I went to bed last night. I was so happy when she posted this. Basically this means that China (CCAA) has looked over our adoption paperwork and has FINALLY cleared us to adopt. I know some of you are thinking "Hey, I thought you were already approved!?!" The way this adoption thing works is this....you submit your documents to your adoption agency and then hopefully they look them over with a fine tooth comb. Once they approve your paperwork they send it to China. Eventually people at the CCAA go through your papers again with a fine tooth comb. Sometimes people are questioned and asked to give more information. Once the CCAA has reviewed all files for your month they will update their site stating so. We were never questioned. This is a big sigh of relieve.

This does not mean however that will will find out who Diana is anytime soon. As of the beginning of Dec they had just given referrals to people who had LIDs up until 12/14/05 (Congrats Kelly!) There is a major backlog and no telling if there will be a speed up anytime soon. I will not even attempt to guess when we will get our referral. For right now I am content with being out of review and knowing that my friend Kelly will be meeting her little girl in the very near future.

Diana~Mommy loves you so much and can't wait to meet you. We have just found out that we are a step closer in the process. Although we know nothing about you, you are always in our hearts and on our minds. Hold tight baby girl we will continue to wait for you no matter how long it takes.

Seven Years Ago Today.....

I was officially inducted into a very special club. I was given the membership that I had always dreamed of. I became a mommy for the first time! I became the mommy of two of the cutest, most sweetest little baby boys!!

Whew! Where have the past seven years gone? I can remember holding each of my boys for the first time individually and then together as if it were just yesterday. Today they are typical 7 year olds. Their energy tires me! They love school. They love Cub Scouts. They love their family and just love to have fun!

Bailey was born first and he definitely has all the classifications of a first born. He is responsible, caring and loving. He loves to be with his Mommy and Daddy! He loves to play board games (Trouble is his favorite). He loves to play Gameboy! He is definitely a Lego Maniac! He has lots of good friends and a ready smile for anyone he meets!

Matthew my second born (although just two hours after his brother) fits the bill for the youngest child. He always tests the waters to see what he can get away with. He has the biggest heart of gold though! So sweet and caring! Don't you mess with his family or he'll come get you! He loves playing game cube! He loves action figures and is CRAZY about The Captain Underpants books!!!! He too has tons of friends and will win you over with his silliness!

So far we have celebrated by having a birthday party at the movies! We saw Alvin and The Chipmunks! The boys and all their friends had such a good time. I will only work a half a day today. After the boys get out of school today we plan on taking them to Red Robins for dinner.

Boys-Mommy loves you each so much and am proud of you! Have a VERY happy birthday! I love you!

(Due to technical difficulties I can not share any pictures of my handsome men.)

I'm Being Spoiled!!!

I need to thank my Secret Pal for being such a wonderful person. Besides the wonderful gifts I have gotten to know this amazing person and she has touched a special place in my heart. The gifts this round were just as fabulous as the last round but my all time favorite thing this time was her note. In it she was telling me about my gifts but then went on to talk about snuggling with Diana Marie. She then wished me a happy belated LID anniversary. Her final sentence so simple was a great encouragement"Never give up Lisa, we will have our babies soon!" Oh how I needed to hear that! It brought tears to my eyes! Thank you so much.

OK now that I've gotten all mushy here is what you all want to know and see. She got the family Lindt truffles (although I will NOT be teaching my boys about them anytime soon...lol). I may share them with Dave though. She got me a wonderfully scented Orange Cinnamon Candle and soap. I can't wait to light it this weekend. Also a generous gift card to Starbucks. I will have to have a pumpkin latte in fall fashion tomorrow!! For Diana she got the sweetest PJs with a mug of hot cocoa on the top and all kinds of fun things on the bottoms. When I snuggle with Diana when she is wearing them I will definitely be thinking of my wonderful Secret Pal!

Again Thank you soooo much for being so good to me and my family!

Gifts From A Secial Friend, Secret Pal & Halloween Fun!

LADYBUG TOYS FOR DIANA FROM ERIN
LADYBUG & FLOWER SHOES!
BEAUTIFUL CHINESE SILK DRESS

ADORABLE LADYBUG DRESSES!

BAILEY A.K.A. "BARNEY FIFE
MATTHEW AS OPTIMUS PRIME
LEAVING A HOUSE AFTER TRICK-OR-TREATING
OUTFIT FROM OUR SECRET PAL
WONDERFUL GIFTS FROM OUR WONDERFUL SECRET PAL!

This is going to be three posts in one tonight. Bare with me as I get through everything :o)

• As I have shared countless times I have "met" some wonderful people on-line in the adoption community! Erin is no exception. Erin and I have been friends for over a year after learning we were DTC on the same day. It was no surprise when we also had the same LID too! We continued to get to know each other and were looking forward to meeting each other face to face when we got our girls in China. Well as we know life sometimes goes in a direction you don't expect and Erin and her family accepted a referral for their sweet daughter Hanna. Even though Erin and I will not get to travel together (she has been home with Hanna since June) our friendship continues to blossom. She sent a wonderful box filled with all sorts of sweet things for Diana. Ladybug toys, two ladybug dresses and pair of ladybug shoes and a BEAUTIFUL pink Chinese silk dress. Thank you again Erin for such sweet things for our daughter. Can't wait to be able to send you pictures of Diana wearing all the clothes!!!

• Secret Pal season has started again and I have been blessed with an outstanding pal this time around!!! She has emailed me and sent e-cards and today I came home to a box of everything wonderful!! The boys each got a puzzle and are enjoying putting them together. Diana got a sweet outfit that I can't wait to see her in. She also got the CUTEST ladybug tic-tac-toe set I have ever seen! It is a soft turtle board with turtle and ladybug velcroed pieces that are to be the X's and O's. She got me an incredible cookbook that I can't wait to look through and start making things from. Also she got our family a gift card for Blockbusters so we can enjoy some family movie nights! Thank you Secret Pal for your thoughtfulness this past month and your BEYOND GENEROUS gifts! You are awesome!!

• This past week has been Halloween central! We went to a Halloween fest in our town last Saturday and the boys got to go trick-or-treat at the businesses, listen to stories at the library, parade in their costumes down the street downtown, play games, eat free pizza and go on a tractor ride. Yesterday they had a parade at school and had a party there. After we got home we went trick-or-treating in our neighborhood with our good friends. After that we went to Dave's brother and sister-in-law's house for dinner. The boys were beyond excited all day long and had a blast. My little Transformer & Police Officer were so exhausted by the time we got home. Another successful Halloween! Hip Hip Hooray!!

We've been booed??????

Who would boo our lovely family you ask? Well one of my ladybug pals of course! Pam and her family sent us a box filled with goodies for our boo bag swap. She sent the boys little bags filled with candy and stickers and also got them flashlights and glow bracelets. Diana got the cutest little pumpkin socks and a soft (not to mention beautiful) butterfly blanket. For me and Dave yummy candy and a subscription to one of my favorite magazines.

On a funny note I sent poor Pam on a wild goose chase. In our favorite things database I filled in that I love dark chocolate and Reese's peanut butter cups. Pam thought I loved dark choc Reese's and went out looking for them. She did some research to find out they were limited edition and they were not on the market right now. Pam again I am sooooo sorry for the confusion!

Our family thanks yours for the great treats and of course your continued friendship. It is one of the many blessings we have gotten on this long crazy roller coaster of the adoption ride!

One Year Down & A New Look

Today is our one year anniversary of our LID. I really thought that I would be so much closer to Diana by now. When we started this process I figured that this would be about the time I would find out about her. I thought at this point I would be about 6-8 weeks away from meeting my baby girl for the first time.

The wait has gotten really long and has depressed many of us in the adoption world. I too am included in that. It is so sad to hear the boys ask about Diana and all I can say is "I don't know." for the millionth time. Those poor boys are really confused and there is nothing I can do to help that except say "Eventually we will meet your sister." or "You're sister isn't ready yet."

I could go on and on about what is so horrible about the wait but instead I will say what I have done so far to prepare for our little girl.

• I am currently refiling some forms to keep us "up to date". We have started a savings account to help pay for the rest of the adoption expenses.
• We have gotten some of the things we will need for her nursery.
• We have (ie I have) shopped for some really cute girl clothes.
• I have met people who's families will/do look like my family will and become friends with them.
• I have "met" people on line who are going through the same thing we are so they can relate.
• I collected quilt squares and wishes to start her 100 good wish quilt. We plan on working on the quilt soon and have completed her scrapbook less the wishes we are still waiting on (hint hint).
• I have gotten/read books about adoption/attachment/China/parenting adopted children.
• I have opened my heart and already love Diana.
• I have prayed every night that there is a speed up and for Diana to be safe until I can get her.

Here is to a speed up for all of us waiting. If nothing else I have learned to give up control and to trust that God's timing is perfect!

Also thank you soooo much Heather for my new look! How cool that it was done in time for this post. I love the girly feel with all my butterflies. You did an awesome job!

A Little Weekend Getaway

What do you do when the boys have a 4 day weekend and hubby has vacation time? Well you take a little drive to Milwaukee Wisconsin of course! Friday morning we dropped off the dogs at the kennel and headed out to the land of cheese.

Our first order of business was the Milwaukee Zoo. Dave nor I had been there in years so it really was a new adventure for all of us. I have to admit that it was an awesome zoo! We saw all sorts of animals including a Diana monkey. I had never heard of this kind of monkey so I guess I will have to look up some info...lol. Dave also had to torture me of course. I am afraid of heights and he gets great pleasure on making ride the "ski lifts" with him and the boys since the boys love going on these as well. Let me just say when he doesn't expect it he will be paid back.

We then left the zoo and headed to our hotel. Our room was not ready and I was about to get upset but they said we could definitely go to the indoor water park while we waited. The boys had a blast! I really think Bailey went down the water slides at least 100 times this weekend. Matthew was not tall enough to go down two of the slides but he made due with the ones he could go down. He also surprised us by finally getting his face wet underwater. By the end of the weekend he was "swimming" underwater. Hopefully he will now be able to get out of level 2 in swim lessons.

We walked around downtown Milwaukee and then went out to dinner. While out walking I had an amazing ladybug sighting. There were three HUGE ladybugs on this one building. It was really cool and I do need to find out why they are there. After dinner it was back for more water park fun.

Saturday we went out for breakfast and then headed out to apple pick. This is a huge tradition for our family but this was a new orchard for us. It was HUGE!! I don't think I have ever seen so many apple trees in all my life. It was a little hot but we picked our apples. We then had a snack and let the boys go on a pony ride and then bounce around in a bounce house. We went back to the hotel and of course guess where went back to????? Dinner that night was awesome at Bippo de Bipio.

Sunday morning we went to the water park again for about an hour before we checked out. Upon checking out we headed down to the lake but quickly left as the marathon runners were beginning to come in. We then went to breakfast and then to this HUGE cheese store. We got all sorts of cheese and some wine and then drove home.

Besides having a relaxing weekend as a family we were able to see some beautiful foliage. As many of you know this is my favorite time of year. I just sat in the car with my mouth dropped most of the time at the beautiful colors. Upon returning home I was surprised to see that the trees are finally changing here as well! I will enjoy my trees while I can because before I know it they will be bare and winter will be here. (Hard to imagine as it was 88 degrees today but ya never know....)

Sad

That is the only way to sum up my feelings. Tonight we said farewell to one of our pediatricians...she is going off to where she thinks that the grass is greener. I have worked in my office for over 5 years and of all of my coworkers that is probably one of the least amount of tenure. The joke of the office is if you make it past 6 months you are there for a lifetime. Dr. C was with the office 11 years. Once I became a staff member she became Bailey and Matthew's doctor. She is the sweetest most caring woman and as much as I wish her well I am just sad that I will no longer be working with her. I am also sad that she will no longer be my boys' doctor. She came to visit Matthew after having his appendix out and gave him a stuffed dinosaur that he still sleeps with and calls it Baby Dino. She was the first one to notice Bailey's crossed eyes and validate what I was seeing when everyone else said I was crazy. Keep in mind she wasn't even seeing Bailey that day. She has followed up on him since diagnosis and then also after his surgery. She was the one I went to for advice for Matthew with his behavior and also for his asthma.....I will miss her being a part of my babie's lives. I am sad that she won't be Diana's doctor & that she may never even get to meet her.....Dr C you will be greatly missed and you will always have a special place in my heart. Good luck.

My Heart Is Smiling....

Yesterday I was I in a major funk. I was depressed about the wait. I was depressed that the boys were growing up before my eyes. I was depressed just because I was. We had curriculum night at school and it just got to me that my boys are in 1st grade and who knows when their baby sister will be here....Before going to bed I actually "composed" a blog entry that I was sure to post tonight. I just KNEW that this one coworker was going to innocently going to ask me about Diana and I was going to complain about how she will never GET this process (like I do?).

This morning I still thought I was going to do that post and I was STILL in a horrible mood. I yelled at both the boys this morning and got to work and had a hissy fit because the new phone system stinks and since the computers crashed yesterday I had to enter all of yesterday's visits and on and on it went.

Until a patient came in with her one month old baby and had to go back out to her car to get her check book for her copay. For those of you who don't know I work as a receptionist in a pediatricians office. I love my job most of the time and I get my baby fix, my little girl fix, my toddler boy fix all in one place and sometimes even all in the same day. Today was one of those days

...back to the mom who had to get her checkbook. We see her getting ready to lug her baby (car seat and all) back out the door. We offer to bring the baby back by the reception desk so Mommy doesn't have to take her back out. Mommy agrees. As many of my coworkers will attest the reception area is TINY but there we were... me, my fellow receptionist, our CNA and our nurse all ogling the baby. (My heart smiles.) She had the cutest pink blanket with a crown and her name done up in crystals. The coworker that I KNEW was going to make me mad by asking about when will we hear about Diana says "Lisa you have to get one of those for Diana." My heart smiles again. Throughout the day at work I get all my "fixes", my baby in general fix, my little girl fix , my toddler boy fix....my heart is really smiling.

After dinner tonight Dave asks the boys who forgot to put their bowl in the sink...the boys argue back and forth as to who's bowl is missing. They bring the bowl to the sink and Dave asks "Who's bowl is that?" "Matthew's" says Bailey. "Bailey's" says Matthew. Dave is shaking his head and I am on the floor laughing hysterically.

About 10 minutes later Matthew comes upstairs and announces he is done with his milk so now he wants dessert. He says "Mommy remember the other day you said you were going to make us those smoothies?' I say yes KNOWING he is going to ask me to make him one for dessert. Well instead he says...."Well you know, you never did...." and goes on to ask if he can have an ice cream cone. I am again on the floor laughing. I of course tell him yes and also say "Matthew, you make my heart smile!" I then proceed to kiss him. I am so happy tonight as I type this entry....my heart is truly smiling and all is right in my little corner of the world with my little boys who are growing up too quickly for me to believe and have reminded me yet again what a lucky person I really am!

First Week Of School

First day of school!

Matthew

Bailey

Cool backpacks!

Matthew holding his class sign
Bailey holding his class sign




Last Wednesday was the boys' first day of first grade! They were up and dressed and had breakfast without any difficulties (I just wish this was the norm!) We got to school and they were so excited to see their friends from kindergarten. They finally found out who would be in their classes and had a great first day of school. Matthew was so funny though before we left for school. As he was gathering up his backpack he says as he sighs "Please let the homework not be hard." I was trying so hard not to laugh. The boys were also each asked to hold the signs so their classmates would know where their lines were. It was the perfect photo opportunity for me to snap a picture!







The second day of school was kinda scary for the kids (especially Bailey). We were hit with major storms right before school let out. The tornado sirens were blaring so the kids had to get under their desks. Bailey was is Spanish and was very scared and began to cry. His teacher was very sympathetic and gave him a big hug. Everyone was safe and sound and the principle rewarded the whole school for such a good job that they will have an extra recess this week.







Friday Bailey was really clingy to me before school started. I am sure that he was scared that the same thing would happen again. Thankfully the storms did not appear again until that night and were not half as severe as they were the day before.







Both boys are really happy with their new teachers and their classmates. I am happy that we have gotten into the school routine fairly easy. By the way, so far only one homework assignment and per Matthew's request it wasn't hard at all!

Play Time Cyber Shower

As you all know by now my ladybug group is the best group I belong to. My friends on this group are so supportive and such faithful woman! It had been a while since we had done a cyber shower so we decided it was time. Our theme this month was play time.

My friend Ruth was very generous to all of us. For me there was a cute handmade card, a Chinese fan and yummy chocolate. I have already ate half the bar!

The boys also were included and got little motorcycles. They have been playing with them since I opened the box. They say "Thank You Ruth!" Bailey was really cute...he says "Mommy will you write your friend a thank you note? Tell her we love this!"

She got Diana the cutest little baby doll. There was a puzzle that makes animal sounds and also a cell phone and keys that make noise. I can't wait to see her with all these cute toys playing.

Ruth~thank you so much for your sweet card and all the wonderful gifts for my family. I am so glad I have you as a friend!

Recap Of The Last Couple Weeks

Bailey looking for the perfect berry
Matthew thinks he has a great one!
Look at all those berries we picked! Yummy!!!

We have been really crazy busy the last couple of weeks. We are trying to do so much before school starts and also get ready for school all at the same time. Here is a run down of whats been happening.

Two weekends ago Dave and I took the boys black berry and peach picking. It was extremely HOT that day. Don't know what we were thinking....Actually despite the heat we had a lot of fun. This was the first time we have picked peaches or berries. I am sure this like apple picking will become another family tradition. I just vote when we go next summer its not as hot as it was that day.

We have been shopping for school supplies, school clothes and did I mention school supplies? I just want to know where my tax dollars go? As my neighbor said so much for a free education. I also what to know who decides on what color folders should be used. Try looking for a plain white folder. I am not kidding when I tell you I looked at all the office supply stores, Target, Walmart, Osco, Walgreens and the list goes on. I FINALLY found them on a whim at a grocery store that I usually don't even shop in.

Katie playing with the teletubbies we found in the basement for her

This weekend my father, his wife and my half sister were in town. My half sister Katie is just over 2 and is such a cutie. She kept coming up to me and saying "Hi Lisa" Too cute! It was nice to visit with them and catch up. My aunt and uncle came by too!

Bailey with Mrs. Harris

Matthew with Mrs. Rivera

Yesterday we went to the school to drop of the boys' supplies and meet their teachers. Bailey was excited that his new teacher recognized him from last year. Matthew seemed to like his new teacher too. They were also excited to find out some of their classmates will be. Dave and I can't wait to see what the school year brings.

Boys acting silly after we finished our golfing...
Having a great time eating our yummy ice cream!

Today was the last hurrah before school starts tomorrow. I took the boys along with one of their friends to an indoor miniature golf place in the mall. They had a blast. After that we had lunch in the food court and they rode the carousal. From there we moved on and had ice cream. If all this excitement wasn't enough they then went back to this little boy's house to play for a few hours. I think they got the best of the last day of school. Well tomorrow is the first day of school and I hope I don't cry as hard as I did last year. Hey who knows maybe I'll be dancing in the streets!?! Here's to a great school year!!!!!

Cousins Having Fun

Yesterday my sister and I took the kids to the children's museum. This is the second time we have gotten together to do something fun together this summer. Unfortunately my sister works full time so being able to get together during the week is limited. We always have fun together with the kids. Although there is usually some sort of drama to go along with the day. Yesterday was no exception.

The kids were climbing this contraption instead of taking the stairs. There are workers who tell the kids when to go. Bailey thought the guy told him to go ahead. Unfortunately Alex's prosthetic fell off and hit Bailey right in the cheek. We got him an ice pack and of course had to fill out an accident report. Alex was crying because she felt bad. We reassured her that we all knew it was an accident and that Bailey would be fine.

I taught Alex how to play checkers and she was really pretty good at it. I was winning that second game but she was very analytical with her moves and we finally quit because the boys were getting bored waiting for us.

Later I went to take a cute picture of Alex and Bailey and they both fell and Alex elbowed Bailey in the eye. He now has a bruise under his eyebrow and the one on his cheek. Of course both of them were crying again.

We had a nice lunch and then ended the day molding clay and getting to take our works of art home. Despite our drama everyone had a good time and went home smiling.

I've Been Tagged By......

two different friends from the adoption community! Here are my answers:

This one is from Tonya from Lucy's Journey Home

1. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE? Uncle Leo and Uncle Albert (don't ask)

2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED? Yesterday

3. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING? No

4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT? Roast Beef

5. DO YOU HAVE KIDS? Twin boys Bailey and Matthew (6)

6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU? absolutely

7. DO YOU USE SARCASM A LOT? Who me???? NEVER....LOL

8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS? Yes but I wish I didn't..

9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP? Not in this lifetime!

10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL? Cap't Crunch

11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF? No

12. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG? Most of the time

13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM? Peanut butter and chocolate (preferable from Baskin Robins)

14. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE? Their smile

15. RED OR PINK? Pink

16. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF? Way too sensitive

17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST? My step-mom

18. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO SEND THIS BACK TO YOU? I hope to read their answers on their blogs.

19. WHAT COLOR PANTS AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING? blue jeans no shoes

20. WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU ATE? donuts and OJ

21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW? The Today Show

22. IF YOU WHERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE? Sky blue

23. FAVORITE SMELLS? Chocolate chip cookies just out of the oven

24. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE? My boss

25. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON WHO SENT THIS TO YOU? yes!!

26. FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH? football

27. HAIR COLOR? Dark brown

28. EYE COLOR? Hazel

29. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS? Nope

30. FAVORITE FOOD? Mexican

31. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS? Happy Endings

32. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED? No Reservations (very cute)

33. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING? Red t-shirt

34. SUMMER OR WINTER? Summer

35. HUGS OR KISSES? hugs

37. MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND? ?????

38. LEAST LIKELY TO RESPOND? ?????

39. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW? Believe it or not nothing...must start new book...

40. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD? baby tigers

41. WHAT DID YOU WATCH ON T.V. LAST NIGHT? House Hunters

42. FAVORITE SOUND? Waves crashing on the beach

43. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES? Beatles

44. WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME? Mexico

45. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT? I love to scrapbook

46. WHERE WERE YOU BORN? Chicago Illinois

47. WHAT SUPERPOWER WOULD YOU LIKE? Not sure

48. FAVORITE HOBBY? scrap booking

49. A FRIEND THAT YOU WISH YOU COULD HANG OUT MORE WITH? Kelly

50. IF YOU COULD BE ANYWHERE RIGHT NOW, WHERE WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE? Home from China with Diana and her meeting her big brothers!


I was also tagged by Alisha of God's Next Chapter

Five Things I Was Doing Ten Years Ago:

1. I was newly engaged to Dave.

2. I was working on a medical research study for breast cancer.

3. I was living at home with my mother.

4. Just gotten back from our first vacation to Vegas.

5. Had met all of Dave's brothers (two lived out of state).

Five Favorite Snack Foods:

1. Chips and guacamole

2. Brownies

3. Peanuts

4. Any fruit

5. Cheese Its White Cheddar

Five Songs I Know All The Lyrics To:

1. Front Porch Looking In By Lonestar

2. My Wish By Rascal Flatts

3. Friends In Low Places By Garth Brooks

4. I Would Do Anything For Love By Meatloaf

5. Arms Wide Open By Creed

Five Things I Would Do If I Were A Millionaire:

1. Pay off all our debts and those of our families.

2. Have homes in IL, California and Hawaii.

3. Travel all over the world.

4. Donate money to orphanages around the world.

5. Be a SAHM.

Five Bad Habits:

1. Stay up way too late.

2. Spend way to much time on the computer.

3. Spend money we don't have.

4. Very critical of others.

5. React without hearing the whole story.

Five Things I Like To Do:

1. Spend time with my family. I especially love to go on vacation with them.

2. Scrapbook.

3. Read.

4. Cook.

5. Spend time alone with Dave.

Five Things I Will Never Wear Again:

1. Parachute pants (thanks for the reminder Alisha)

2. Big Neon sweatshirts.

3. Black rubber bracelets.

4. Bell bottoms.

5. puffy sleeved shirts.


Anyone who is reading this consider yourself tagged! Let me know in the comments that you are playing along.

Time To Reconnect

This was taken last summer at our nephew's graduation but I thought it was cute!

As much as I love my boys sometimes we (Dave and I) just need a little bit of time to reconnect with one another. This weekend we were able to do just that. My wonderful neighbor took the boys overnight for a sleepover.

Dave and I were able to go to a movie (that wasn't rated G). We saw No Reservations. I really liked it and Dave thought it was ok. He really would have preferred to see Transformer or Pirates Of The Carribean but he let me win out this time. After that we went out to dinner and had a really nice time talking without being interrupted! Actually we had some really good conversations.

We were able to sleep in a little this morning and then had a leisurely breakfast of pastries, coffee (me) and juice (Dave). Later on we were able to do something we rarely do any more go visit model homes. I LOVE doing this! Besides falling in love with some of the houses I also get some good ideas for decorating (if only I could afford them). It was so nice for it to be just the two of us for 24 hours....

Many Thanks.....

To my secret pal. I hope when she returns from vacation she will reveal herself to me. This month was full of fun things again. For the red white and blue theme Diana got socks. She also got her the Baby Einstein Lullaby CD(I know I will listen this with her all the time while rocking her to sleep). We also received a cute pair of sunglasses and cute little headbands. She got us some Princess disposable plates, bowls and silverware. I am sure those will come in handy while visiting friends and family.

Thank you so much fore spoiling me these past few months. It was always so much fun to open a package from you!

It's Been 9 Months......

If I were pregnant with a biological baby I would know that my baby would be in my arms at any moment now. I may already have a date as to the latest I would hold my baby. This adoption pregnancy is so much different in so many ways than my pregnancy with the boys. The difference that is the hardest is the unknown. I have no idea how long this pregnancy will last. I have no idea when I will see a picture of my little girl for the first time. I have no idea when I will be able to hold her and kiss her for the first time. This is by far the hardest of this journey.

There are many positive aspects to this pregnancy though. I will share a few of them now. I think the most positive thing is the friends that I have met during this journey. We have met so many people who are on this same journey and have really become great friends. There are also people who I have only "met" on-line but have become great friends as well. I share so much with these people who truly understand the process and share in my highs and lows of this journey. Without these people I don't know what I would be doing.....

Another great thing about this pregnancy is that I am able to eat and drink anything I want!! I need to get back on my weightloss kick but for now just knowing that I get lose weight instead of gaining it is a positive. Oh yeah and if I want a margerita or a martini or a glass of wine I know I can have that too without it affecting my baby.

I also am 100% certain that I will have a daughter at the end of this pregnancy. When I was told I was having boys at my ultrasound the tech reminded me that although she was almost certain I was carrying boys she couldn't be 100%. Of course she was correct and I have the best boys in the world. As much as I love my boys more than anything in this world it is time that we see a little pink in this house.

Well although there are uncertainties in this pregnancy I am glad to be expecting my little girl. Who knows when I will see her face for the first time or when I will hold her in my arms. I do know that it will happen and when it does I will be even happier than I already am.

Diana~Mommy loves you already even though I have no idea who you are. I pray for you nightly and can't wait to bring you home.




PS We have named our kitty Pumpkin Pie. She is doing great and adjusting well to our family!

Our New Kitty

Well after pestering Dave for months now he finally decided it was a good time to adopt a kitty. We had two cats for a few years but they decided they really didn't like our dog (when we only had Mary Jane(MJ))and they decided not to use their litter box at all. We gave them to a no kill shelter and believe they were adopted. Since then we adopted Parker and we were a dog only family.

I was missing a kitty and so were the boys. Like I said it took months before Dave said we could get a new pet. When we decided to adopt we said that we wanted a male cat. Never in my wildest dreams did I think this would be the cat we would adopt.

Upon entering the second cat room in this shelter Jane (new name still to be determined) walked right up to Dave and started to rub against him. He sat down on a bench and she jumped right into his lap and laid for about 15 minutes. The boys and I all approached her and she would just purr and give the boys kisses. We asked for information on her and were told she was deaf. We asked if she needed an special care and they told us no. They believe that she is so laid back because she can't hear and so she doesn't startle that easy. After talking it over we decided that since she picked us we had to bring her home. Oh yeah and she also is a big girl weighing in at 12lbs.

We left her in the master bathroom over night and every time we walked in the room she demanded love and would purr in return. This evening we introduced her to both dogs (one at a time) and she and the dogs just sniffed each other and have gone their separate ways. I am sure they will try to get know each other as time goes on but for now they have all accepted each other. She has been exploring her new home and finding all the comfy spots to sleep in tonight. So far she is a joy and we are all excited that she has joined our family.

We are still figuring out her name and since she won't/can't respond haven't debated too intensely. We are either going to call her Pumpkin Pie or Mae (in keeping with our Spider Man theme.) Let me know what you think.....

Click to play | Make your own Smilebox

Many Thanks!!!!

Thank you so much to my secret pal! This time around she got us such cute stuff again. We got the cutest bathing suit I have ever seen & a cover up with butterflies on it (of course). We also got a t-shirt, beach ball and everything was tucked into a sand bucket that is shaped like a sand castle.

We can't wait to be able to take Diana to the beach so she can use all these cute things. Your thoughtfulness is much appreciated as we continue on this long journey to our daughter.

San Antonio Texas

We spent 5 days in the city of San Antonio for our family vacation. We got there last Sunday and were there until Thursday. We really had a lot of fun. It is amazing how relaxing this vacation was. We never left our hotel room until after 10am and then did what we wanted and came back to the hotel and swam and then went to dinner. We would come back to the hotel room and just relax and go to sleep. It really was exactly what we needed.



So we arrive at the River Walk our first day and I pull out my camera and it won't stay on because the battery isn't charged. Same with the camcorder. I am yelling at myself and laughing all at the same time. We have no pictures of the River Walk, the boat ride we took or the Alamo. Oh well.



I charge my cameras all night and my actual camera still isn't working. I did have some regular batteries so I did get to take pictures at Sea World but of course they don't really last long in my camera. We go to Best Buy to buy a new battery and charger. The charger doesn't fit the batteries so I just buy the disposable litium batteries which held up the rest of the trip. Once we get home and I'm on Kodak's website I realize the battery they gave me with my new camera (Mother's Day) was not recharable!!!! Oh well. I have now gotten a rechargable battery and life is good.



Back to vacation....Monday we spent the day at Sea World. I LOVE LOVE LOVE that place. The boys got to feed the dolphins, play in water and we saw some of the shows. We also got to see the baby beluga whale. Tuesday we went to this really cool wild animal park. You drive your car through and you get to feed all sorts of animals. There were deer, goats, moose, long horns, zebras, emus and ostirshes to name a few. Most of them would come right up to your car and eat out of your hand. The three funniest stories of the day:

1. A moose went up to Matthew and slobered all over him. We thought it was hysterical Matthew not so much.


2. Bailey was sitting behind me and feeding a zebra when all of a sudden I feel something on my leg. It was another zebra wanting to be fed.


3. An ostrich kept pecking at the lock on Dave's door thinking it was food. Too funny.

We also went to a cavern that day and were all in awe of the beauty. I will post pictures but truely they do no justice to them. The boys loved being inside a cave. They want to know when we can go again.

Wednesday, my birthday, we went back to Sea World. We saw some more shows. We fed lorikeets and then had a blast in the water park. It was such a fun day except for Dave and I got sunburnt. We had sunblock on but obviously not enough. We then had dinner at a nice seafood resturant. YUM. The waitress brought a candle out so that Dave and the boys could sing happy birthday to me. Oh yeah when we woke up the boys handed me cards for my birthday.

Thursday our last day of vacation poured all day. We spent 5 hours in a mall bored out of our minds. We did see a 3-D movie on the IMAX screen. That was fun. Our flight thankfully was right on time and we got home without a hitch. Unfortunately Wednesday night I started losing my voice and it didn't come back until Saturday. I have a major sinus infection and bronchitis. Nothing 4 medications can't clear up. Although we had a great time it is always good to be back home.

Happy Father's Day!

Aren't my boys handsome????
Just a quick note to wish all the fathers out there a special day! We had a great day as a family. The boys woke up and gave Dave his cards. After that we went downstairs and gave him his gifts. The funniest thing was that all three of them wore White Sox shirts today. It was sweet to see all my boys dressed similar. We then went out to breakfast and to family day at the race track. The boys made place mats for Dave there. They got airbrush tattoos on their arms, they rode ponies and pet and fed animals. Dave and I sweat the majority of the day. It is HOT HOT HOT today. Don't know what we're gonna do when we get to Texas....lol

Dave~thank you so much for being such a great father. I always knew you were great with kids but never in my wildest dreams did I think you would be this wonderful. I can't wait to see how you do with a little girl. You are awesome with our little boys!!!

Dad~I know things our tough between us right now but hopefully we can get on the right path soon.

Papa~Hope you had a great Father's Day. We love you!!

Oh yeah we are now officially 8 months into our wait. We are that much closer to our baby girl!!!

Got Cicadas?(...and other happenings...)

We are suppose to have cicadas all over this summer. We haven't seen one in our town! We took the boys to the zoo yesterday and they were EVERYWHERE! We first saw them as we were showing the parking attendant our zoo pass. They are HUGE! Anyway, we weren't out of the car 5 minutes when one landed on Bailey's back. He jumped, I jumped, Dave laughed.....you get the picture. We are walking around the zoo and you see and hear them everywhere. They are beyond loud! I was taking a picture of one and a man asks me if I want him to get one off me(Dave was getting us a snack). I didn't even feel it on me. We then found a ton of them and Matthew a.k.a Spider Man starts to freak. Dave and I are not going to let these silly bugs ruin our day so we pick one up and start playing pass the bug between the two of us. We tell the boys to touch it. Bailey does...not to bad. Matthew is terrified! Dave says what would Spider man do and he finally touches it. We then made each of the boys hold it. Bailey said it tickled and Matthew looked petrified but he did it and actually said it wasn't soooo bad. I have the funniest picture of Matthew petting a cow and holding one of his ears with his other hand. Like I said they are LOUD!

On to the other happenings......Monday was the last day of school. I officially have first graders! Where did this school year go? They really had awesome teachers and I am beyond excited about how they did academically this year. To start the summer out right I took them to the library to join the summer reading program. They also got their very first library cards. They are so excited! Every morning I set the timer and they just read. I am also having them read to me individually about every other day.

We have gone to the park. Daddy has taken them to his office (can you say free ice cream?). We have also gone to the zoo. We are having a great start to summer vacation! Tonight they will start up with swimming lessons again and it will be interesting to see what happens now that lessons are twice a week. I am hoping they will soar!

PS pictures to follow blogger is not cooperating and I have to get ready for work!

Secret Pal Has Sturck.....

I got home today to find a package from my secret pal. It was all things butterflies for Diana's room. There was a butterfly toy with crinkle wings and plays music and lights up when you press his belly. There was the cutest handmade butterfly picture frame that I think I will put our first family picture in. There was also a butterfly accent piece and a wonderful smelling lavender/mint candle for me! Thank you so much Secret Pal for brightening up my Friday! We love everything!

Lots Of Goodies!

Gifts from Heather:For Mommy Theme

Gifts from Jenn:Meal Time Theme
Close up of cute ladybug outfit!

I have participated in two cyber showers this month. Also secret pals have started up again for my tea monkey group. Earlier in the month I received a gift from Heather from my Sept DTC group. The theme this month was something for Mommy. Heather was very creative and got me two rompers for Diana. One said "Mommy's Little Alarm Clock" and the other said "Mommy's Little Girl" The other thing she sent was bib that says "Mommy's Sweetheart" They are all so sweet.

Today when I got home there was a huge box sitting on my kitchen table. Inside was my gift from Jenn from my ladybug group. Our theme this month was feeding time. She got Diana a set of bottles, disposable flatware, a double bottle holder, a one the go feeding set, a bib that says "Little Princess" and the cutest ladybug outfit!

She also got my boys gifts too. She got them a badminton set and also a little football. She told them they could use these either at a picnic or bar-b-q. Hey maybe next week after they get out of school we will go on a picnic.

Thank you so much Jenn and Heather. We really loved all the gifts!