New Again - The Reason for the Season

Get out your kleenex!!!
Always remember this is why HE came!!!
FOR YOU!!!!

This video is by Brad Paisley and Sara Evans.

MERRY CHRISTMAS

What kind of Crappy Christmas Gift are you?

I consider myself to be a very thoughtful person. When I give a gift I always try to find out if it is something the person would like, or I will ask a relative or friend what kind of gifts they would like to receive. With that said, it bugs me to no end when someone who knows me well gets me something that I will NEVER use, DON'T like, DOESN'T match... you get the point. Now before you all get upset, I never say anything, I always acknowledge the gift and thank them, then go and do with what needs to be done. So as I was Blog browsing I came across this and took the test and this is what I am.

You Are a Fruitcake!

You taste like nothing else in this world. And get ready, you're about to get tossed!

What Crappy Christmas Gift Are You?

The funny thing about this is that I HATE fruitcake!!! My dad makes it every year and gives it out to all his friends, everyone but me likes it!!! He even gets orders for his fruitcake (go Dad). Not me, don't want anything to do with the stuff, so it quite funny that I am that gift!!!

Have generator WILL Blog

I had intended to post this yesterday, but we had intermittent internet service. As of 4:30 today we have power back on and life is good!!!

Wanna a Little ICE?????

This is what we woke up to yesterday!!!
These pictures were taken at a local park.









These pictures were taken in the front of our subdivision.

Merry Christmas - A little early!!!

*Twas the month before Christmas*

*When all through our land,*

*Not a Christian was praying*

*Nor taking a stand.*

*See the PC Police had taken away,*

*The reason for Christmas - no one could say.*

*The children were told by their schools not to sing,*

*About Shepherds and Wise Men and Angels and things.*

*It might hurt people's feelings, the teachers would say*

* December 25th is just a "Holiday".*

*Yet the shoppers were ready with cash, checks and credit*

*Pushing folks down to the floor just to get it!*

*CDs from Ma donna, an X BOX, an I-pod*

*Something was changing, something quite odd! *

*Retailers promoted Ramadan and Kwanzaa*

*In hopes to sell books by Franken & Fonda.*

*As Target's were hanging their trees upside down*

*At Lowe's the word Christmas - was no where to be found.*

*At K-Mart and Staples and Penny's and Sears *

*You won't hear the word Christmas; it won't touch your ears.*

*Inclusive, sensitive, Di-ver-si-ty*

*Are words that were used to intimidate me.*

*Now Daschle, Now Darden, Now Sharpton, Wolf Blitzen*

*On Boxer, on Rather, on Kerry, on Clinton!*

*At the top of the Senate, there arose such a clatter*

*To eliminate Jesus, in all public matter.*

*And we spoke not a word, as they took away our faith*

* Forbidden to speak of salvation and grace*

*The true Gift of Christmas was exchanged and discarded**

The reason for the season, stopped before it started.*

*So as you celebrate "Winter Break" under your "Dream Tree"*

*Sipping your Starbucks, listen to me.**

Choose your words carefully, choose what you say*

*Shout MERRY CHRISTMAS , not Happy Holiday!*

It's that time again!!!

This is too cute and I stole the idea from this fellow blogger buddy.

It's that time of month again...I don't mean PMS but PRS or Pre-Referral Syndrome. This is a much more dangerous time of month than PMS is for most women, even worse than PMDD.

Typical Symptoms:
Women in the process of Chinese Adoption will sit in front of their computers, for days on end trying to find one tiny shred of fact regarding the latest LID cut-off or actual date of said referrals; either through forums, chat rooms or blogs.

Most women WILL lose some sleep during this time by choosing to surf for clues until the wee house of the morning, get a few hours of sleep only to get up extra early to see if anything has surfaced in the 3 hours they were asleep. Most women feel anxious, go through bouts of excitement and depression and appear to be losing her mind to those around her. When she will allow herself to be torn away from her cyber hunt, she will be prone to bouts of sobbing, shopping spree's for baby items (mostly in pink), and will tend to eat copious amounts of Edy's Slow Churned ice cream.

In extreme cases some women will lose short term memory, they will forget to take care of their daily responsibilities such as letting the dog out, planning dinner, going to work, etc. Some women will even forgo hygienic rituals, skipping showers, putting hair in ponytail, or wearing sunglasses to the grocery store to hide the dark circles and pale complexion due to lack of sleep and make-up.

Cycle Duration:
Women usually experience PRS symptoms from 2 days to 2 weeks before the onset of Adoption Referrals being received at adoption agencies and can show continued symptoms for 2 days to 2 weeks AFTER referral information has been officially announced.

Warning:
Those experiencing symptoms 2 weeks before AND 2 weeks after SHOULD SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION or at least have an extremely supportive network of family and friends who can make sure that she doesn't go to work in her underwear or fall asleep in unusual places.

Life-time Duration:
This is a chronic disorder that will continue on a regular basis until the cure* is administered. Years ago experts in this area believed the duration of PRS to only last 6-8 months. Then 10-12 months, 22-24 months and now some believe it could go as long as four years. As you can see there is not a definite end to this syndrome and those considered experts actually have no idea either.

*Cure:One adopted daughter, home in her mother's arms.

Please leave a comment! It will make my day!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

Red Marbles

This is a beautiful story that helps put into perspective what should be important in our short life! Read it when you have a couple of minutes and a tissue handy...

RED MARBLES

I was at the corner grocery store buying some early potatoes. I noticed a small boy, delicate of bone and feature, ragged but clean, hungrily apprising a basket of freshly picked green peas. I paid for my potatoes but was also drawn to the display of fresh green peas. I am a pushover for creamed peas and new potatoes. Pondering the peas, I couldn't help overhearing the conversation between Mr. Miller (the store owner) and the ragged boy next to me. "Hello Barry, how are you today?" "H'lo, Mr. Miller. Fine, thank ya. Jus' admirin' them peas. They sure look good." "They are good, Barry. How's your Ma?" "Fine. Gittin' stronger alla' time." "Good. Anything I can help you with?" "No, Sir. Jus' admirin' them peas." "Would you like to take some home?" asked Mr. Miller. "No, Sir. Got nuthin' to pay for 'em with." "Well, what have you to trade me for some of those peas?" "All I got's my prize marble here." "Is that right? Let me see it" said Miller. "Here 'tis. She's a dandy." "I can see that. Hmmmmm, only thing is this one is blue and I sort of go for red. Do you have a red one like this at home?" the store owner asked. "Not zackley but almost." "Tell you what. Take this sack of peas home with you and next trip this way let me look at that red marble". Mr. Miller told the boy. "Sure will. Thanks Mr. Miller." Mrs. Miller, who had been standing nearby, came over to help me. With a smile she said, "There are two other boys like him in our community, all three are in very poor circumstances. Jim just loves to bargain with them for peas, apples, tomatoes, or whatever.

When they come back with their red marbles, and they always do, he decides he doesn't like red after all and he sends them home with a bag of produce for a green marble or orange one, when they come on their next trip to the store." I left the store smiling to myself, impressed with this man. A short time later I moved to Colorado , but I never forgot the story of this man, the boys, and their bartering for marbles. Several years went by, each more rapid than the previous one. Just recently I had occasion to visit some old friends in that Idaho community and while I was there learned that Mr. Miller had died. They were having his visitation that evening and knowing my friends wanted to go, I agreed to accompany them. Upon arrival at the mortuary we fell into line to meet the relatives of the deceased and to offer whatever words of comfort we could. Ahead of us in line were three young men. One was in an army uniform and the other two wore nice haircuts, dark suits and white shirts...all very professional looking. They approached Mrs. Miller, standing composed and smiling by her husband's casket. Each of the young men hugged her, kissed her on the cheek, spoke briefly with her and moved on to the casket. Her misty light blue eyes followed them as, one by one, each young man stopped briefly and placed his own warm hand over the cold pale hand in the casket. Each left the mortuary awkwardly, wiping his eyes. Our turn came to meet Mrs. Miller. I told her who I was and reminded her of the story from those many years ago and what she had told me about her husband's bartering for marbles. With her eyes glistening, she took my hand and led me to the casket. "Those three young men who just left were the boys I told you about. They just told me how they appreciated the things Jim "traded" them. Now, at last, when Jim could not change his mind about color or size....they came to pay their debt." "We've never had a great deal of the wealth of this world," she confided, "but right now, Jim would consider himself the richest man in Idaho ." With loving gentleness she lifted the lifeless fingers of her deceased husband. Resting underneath were three exquisitely shined red marbles. The Moral : We will not be remembered by our words, but by our kind deeds. Life is not measured by the breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath. Today I wish you a day of ordinary miracles ~ A fresh pot of coffee you didn't make yourself...An unexpected phone call from an old friend...Green stoplights on your way to work...The fastest line at the grocery store...A good sing-along song on the radio...Your keys found right where you left them. Send this to the people you'll never forget. I just Did... If you don't send it to anyone, it means you are in way too much of a hurry to even notice the ordinary miracles when they occur.

IT'S NOT WHAT YOU GATHER, BUT WHAT YOU SCATTER THAT TELLS WHAT KIND OF LIFE YOU HAVE LIVED!

This is what it is all about!!! Out of the mouths of babes!!

As we come to the holiday season my prayer is that if you do not know the Lord as your personal savior this would be the time that you ask Him to be your Lord and savior!!! Have questions, please ask I will be more than happy to help guide you in this decision. It will be the best decision you will ever make!!!

Do Your Christmas Shopping at Sears!!

I received an email about Sears -

Subject: Sears - Christmas shopping has already started I know I needed this reminder since Sears isn't always my first choice. Amazing when you think of how long the war has lasted and they haven't withdrawn from their commitment. Could we each buy at least one thing at Sears this year? How does Sears treat its employees who are called up for military duty? By law, they are required to hold their jobs open and available, but nothing more. Usually, people take a big pay cut and lose benefits as a result of being called up. Sears is voluntarily paying the difference in salaries and maintaining all benefits, including medical insurance and bonus programs, for all called up reservist employees for up to two years. I submit that Sears is an exemplary corporate citizen and sh ould be recognized for its contribution. I suggest we all shop at Sears, and be sure to find a manager to tell them why we are there so the company gets the positive reinforcement it well deserves.

I went to snopes.com to make sure it was a legimiate claim and not a myth or urban legend. Click here to see the snopes report for yourself!!! I will not do a whole lot of shopping this Christmas season, but I will do my best to support Sears becuase of the active stand they take in helping their employees who are serving our country!!!

What a Weekend!!!

What a weekend!!!! Starting by leaving home around 12:45 on Friday with 3 other friends. We then headed to OKC to check in at our hotel and get keys. Went here to eat. YUMMY!!!!!! I love the pumkin cheesecake and it is only available in the fall season, so you bet I had a whole piece to myself!!!! Then it was off to the mall to shop!!!! Bought this and a pair of shoes. Then it was off to the Ford Center for an exciting evening. Bed time was early since we were all very tired and then it was up at 7:00 for breakfast and then off for a full day of enlighting stories, music and drama. Remember this?? She did it again and it was just as good in person as it is here. If you have never attended one of these conference, you need to give it a shot at least once. I've been hooked for years. The speakers, musicians and drama's are all FANTASTIC!!! I have yet to attend one of these conferences and walk disappointed, it just hasn't happend and I don't think it ever will!!!!

Wanna go swimming??

Today I Wait; Today I Live

Today I Wait
I wait for tomorrow.
I wait for the day I see Darci's face.
I wait for Christmas.
I wait to see friends.
I wait on God.
I wait for answers to prayer.

Today I Live.
I live for today.
I live for the day I see Darci's face.
I live for the holiday's.
I live to enjoy friends.
I live to please my God.
I live because of answered prayers.

*19* LONG MONTHS

*19* LONG months. Even though the last batch was only 5 days, WE'RE THROUGH November!!!! It's gone, bye-bye, audios!!! Let's get through December and then it's onto 2006!!! I've said it before, we are on the downhill slide now!!!!! Our time will be here soon!!!

Thankful Thursday

I want to say that I am THANKFUL for K she has an amazing daughter and really shares her heart. She is very open to sharing the ups and downs of adoption. She shared something today that is very important to me and I want to make sure that I get it right from the start!!!! I am so thankful that our paths have crossed!! THANKS K!!!!

WilliamTellOverture

This is too funny and oh so real!!!!

Blog Hijacked

Sorry for those of you who have stopped by only to find that my blog was no longer there!!! Well since Blogger has such wonderful customer service and they are all about keeping their bloggers happy I have been struggling with various people on the blogger group boards. I know just enough terminology to keep my blog afloat and I was walking in the dark with all the computer guru's and their technical terms and what have you!!! Well I'm back with a few more gray hairs that I will need to color now!!! Hopefully all is well and we will be around now for a while!!!

Random MeMe

Danielle started this and I was not tagged but she invited anyone who wanted to play to play, so here I am.
I am not going to tag anyone, but if you want to play here are the rules. Have fun!!

If you choose to participate, you must ask the person who tagged you 1-2 questions from the list (your choice...I don't want to be that bossy) in the comments section.

Be sure to post that rule if you participate in this meme. If you don't enjoy memes don't feel any pressure to do this one. Sure, I'll be crushed if you decide not to participate, but don't let my feelings affect your decision making. ;)

Favorite movie(s) - The original Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. My all time fav.

Last movie you saw - I am so horrible about remebering things that I honestly cannot remember. We don't watch a whole lot of movies or even go to the movies. BORING!!!!

Favorite TV show(s) - Dr. Phil, Oprah, Biggest Loser, Survivor, Amazing Race, Big Brother, basically anything that is reality TV. I am a reality TV junkie!!!

The one show that you didn't want to end - In my world they must all end!!!

Do you have a favorite type of pen? - Gel ink or roller ball medium point.

What do you struggle with - Being in control of everything. I am such a control freak but I think I am getting better.

How many siblings do you have? - 1 sister who is younger than me.

Pet's names - Barney and McKayla, both miniature daschunds

Favorite breakfast - French toast fixed by my hubby. He usually fixes breakfast on Saturday mornings and I so enjoy this!!!

Favorite salad - I really don't have a favorite salad, however I do like my own chicken salad made with cashews and green grapes, YUMMY!!

Favorite desert(s) - Cheesecake Factory pumpkin cheesecake. Peach pie or pumpkin pie.

Favorite holiday - Halloween & Christmas

If you could do anything - Live on the beach where it is warm and calm all the time!!!

The one living male and female celebrities you would meet - I would love to meet Duff from Ace of Cakes, actually I would love to spend 1 week with him at his shop. I would like to sit down and have a one on one with Beth Moore.

The one deceased celebrity you would meet - Abraham Lincoln. I was born and raised in Illinois and I just have always had a liking of him.

Your birthday - September 10, just turned 45

Favorite pie - I kinda of covered that in favorite desserts. Pumpkin or peach.

Favorite pastry - Cheese danish

Favorite Christmas song - Silent Night

Favorite soda - Diet Coke, gotta be Diet Coke, nothing else. Prefer with cherry from Sonic. What will I do while I am in China. Coke lite doesn't cut it!!!

What do you despise? - Lying and backbiting!!!

Most annoying thing people do - improper driving skills and not knowing rules of the road.

What did you do last night - I attended a women's event at our church, we are kicking off a receipe book and we had a tasting event of receipe that women will submit. Very yummy, lots of food!!! Came home and watched Big Brother.

Pierced ears? - Yes, double both sides!!


Eye color - Green/hazel.

Black or brown accessories (shoes/bags) - Black most of the time, however, I do thrown in brown and in the summer my all time fave green!!

Favorite color - Lime green!!!

The walls in your bedroom are - Carmel sand

You can't wait for this show to start this fall - Survivor and Amazing Race

If you could have one skill it would be - I would love to be able to play the piano. Do not hand the hand span needed to play without a struggle. (Long story, not the time to share) My hands are normal!!!

Psalm 23

This is too cute!!!

E*GHT**N

Well yesterday we hit the big "18 months" waiting!!!! Life is like vegetable soup, you can make it with many kinds of vegetables or just a few, kind of like life. Somedays there is a lot of stuff and other days not so much!!! We started this journey March, 2005 and here it is 30 months later and still no Darci!!! Now mind you new ones, we had a 3 month stop in the process because of a move that we made. I really believe that things happen for a reason and one of those is that if we would have proceeded then I would not be traveling with my travel buddy/friend "G". Our paths would have crossed on our agencies forum but that is a far as it would have gone!!! I have a new friend and travel buddy because of that stop, so for that I am happy!!! Each day that I wake up is one day closer to my sweet baby girl!!! I cherish each day that I have here on earth enjoying the things that God has given me, I do not take the journey that he has placed me on lightly. I have 2 beautiful daugthers who bring me complete joy. One lives with me and the other is in school in a different state, but we talk on a weekly basis and I do miss that she is not here with us. Our 3rd daughter is growing in our hearts and she grows a little bigger each day. Some days I think about her numerous times and other days not as much, does this mean I do not love her, NO!! I love her with all my heart and know that one day I will be united with her and she will be united with her forever family who will love her forever and a day!!! Officially we are 18 down and ??? to go!!!! Each day is one day closer!!!

A few more days closer - CONGRATULATIONS

Congratulations to all those new families that will be seeing their babies faces very soon!!!

COMMENTS

How do you all stay up with comments. I have 63 feeds and from time to time I do post a comment, however, I forget where I post a comment and so I go on. I cannot possibly go through all 63 blogs and read their comments just to see if a blog owner has responded to my comment, can I?? Any suggestions (A NEW BRAIN??)

Me and my BIG toe!!!

Well folks!!!

Had some minor (in the doctor's office) surgery on the big toe and that little pinky toe!!

A combination of issues led to having to have both toenails removed. I was quite concerned with the whole painting my toenails and such, so the nice foot doctor painted them for me!!! Will have to wait about a month and then have the other foot done!!!

When

I am very content with the wait but I do sometimes wonder!!!!!

Middle Name Meme

Participating with My Chinese Dream, Our Unforgotten Daughter, Kaffee Klatsch, Somewhere In China, A Million Miles to Mia, Buckeyes and EggRolls & Digging A Hole To China.

Here are the rules:
1) You must list one fact that is somehow relevant to your life for each letter of your middle name.
2) When you are tagged you need to write your own blog post containing your own middle name game facts.
3) At the end of your blog post, you (need to) or (may) choose one person for each letter of your middle name to tag. Don’t forget to leave them a comment telling them they’re tagged, and to read your blog.

D - Delightful, although my husband would probably say that I am only delightful one day out of the month!!

E - Estatic about adopting our baby girl

E - Enriched by the number of friends I have met on this journey!!

I tag My 3 Peanuts, Journey to Ms. Hannah, Fliss, Catherine's Chatter, The Mad Race For Macey & Awaiting Ava

Play along if u'd like, & comment me if u do so I can read yours.

Images

Okay, I need some help!!! Some of you have wonderful images that you find and place on your blogs for various things such as anniversary LID. I am coming upon 18 months and I went to google.com and did a image search for the word *eight*ee*n and *18* and came up with some graphic porno. Maybe I am a little naive and don't understand the whole number thing. So needless to say, I would rather find images somewhere else. Any clues?? Please do not go looking at this and then blame me for giving you the ideas!!!! It's quite disgusting and it is something I do not support or advocate!!!

Tilt-A-Whirl NO MORE

I went with my boss to a youth event in OKC and part of the event was a trip to Frontier City. Did really well all day long, roller coasters, swing, swining boat, slow easy rides, scrambler and then the Tilt-A-Whirl. We got the fastest, spinny car available and that ride went on for an eternity!!!! When I got off that ride it was over. I kept my cookies but I was done and so was my ride partner. We headed to the front of the park found a bench with a fan above and sat there and regretted every minute on that treacherous ride!!! Once the kids were loaded I had an hour and a half drive back home!!! It was tough, but I managed to keep it all in and all is well today!!! Sorry Darci, mommy's not riding this ride!!!

17 LONG months

If only this interstate could take me to China!!! It's been 17 long months and I think I can honestly say we are on the downhill slide!!!!

We have a new family member - Not from China

Barney & McKayla you can see the difference in size!!!
Barney AKA - "The Horse"
McKayla and her pink dog.

We have a new addition to our family. It is McKayla the daschund. She is 5 years old and only weighs a mere 8 lbs. She joins our horse Barney (supposed mini daschund).

Thanks Marching Panda Secret Pal

We received a large box in the mail today and it contained lots of goodies. Our June, July & August gifts. We have opened the June & July gifts. June's theme was boo boo's and July's theme was Summer time fun!! We got lots of nice things. We are waiting until the middle of the month to open our August gifts. Thanks to our wonderful secret pal!!!

Philosophy for Living

The mayonnaise jar and 2 cups of coffee

When things in your life seem almost too much to handle,
When 24 hours in a day is not enough,
Remember the mayonnaise jar and 2 cups of coffee.

A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him. When the class began, wordlessly, he picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls. He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was.

The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls. He then asked the students again if the jar was full... They agreed it was.

The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else. He asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with an unanimous "yes".

The professor then produced two cups of coffee from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar, effectively filling the empty space between the sand. The students laughed. "Now", said the professor, as the laughter subsided. "I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life".

The golf balls are the most important things - God, family, children, health, friends, and favorite passions -- things that if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full.

The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, house, and car.

The sand is everything else -- the small stuff.

"If you put the sand into the jar first," he continued, "there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls. The same goes for life. If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff, you will never have room for the things that are important to you." So...

Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness. Play with your children. Take time to get medical checkups. Take your partner out to dinner. Play another 18 holes. There will always be time to clean the house and fix the disposal.

"Take care of the golf balls first -- the things that really matter. Set your priorities, The rest is sand."

One of the students raised her hand and inquired "What did the coffee represent?"

The professor smiled. "I'm glad you asked." It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life may seem, there's always more room for a couple of cups of coffee with a friend."

Pirates

I love watching Pirate Master. It is a new reality TV show and it is just great!!! So I saw this and decided to see what my name would be. What a name!!! How bout you??

Your Pirate Name Is...

Dirty Ivy the Infected

What's Your Pirate Name?

June 30, 2006 OUT OF REVIEW

Those dossier that were logged in China as of June 30, 2006 are out of the review room!!

Congratualtions to all of these families for making through another hurdle. You are one more step closer to your precious babies!!!

THANKFUL THURSDAY

I am Thankful:

For the wife - who says it's hotdogs tonight, beacuse she is at home with me and not out with someone else.

For the husband - who is on the sofa being a couch potato, because he is at home with me and not out at the bars.

For the teenager - who is complaining about doing dishes, beacuse it means she is at home not on the streets.

For the taxes I pay - because it means I am employed.

For the mess to clean after a party - because it means I have been surrounded by Freinds. M has lots of new friends and I am sure she didn't mind cleaning up any messes left behind!!
For the clothes that fit a little to sung - because it means I have enough to eat.

For my shadow that watches me work - because it means I am out in the sunshine.

For a lawn that needs mowing, windows that need cleaning, and guttering that need fixing - because it means I have a home. See T's about this

For all the complaining I hear about the Governement - because it means we have freedom of speech. Go T you have every right to use your freedom of speech.

For the parking spot I find at the far end of the parking lot - because it means I am capable of walking and I have been blessed with transportation.

For my huge heating bill - because it means I am warm.

For the lady behind me in church who sings off key - because it means I can hear.

For the pile of landry and ironing because it means I have clothes to wear.

For weariness and aching muscles at the end of the day - because it means I have been capable of working hard.

For the alarm that goes off in the early morning hours - because it means I am alive.

New York is the city for me

You Belong in New York City

You're the energetic, ambitious type. And only NYC is fast enough for you. Maybe you'll set yourself up with a killer career Or simply take in all the city has to offer.

What City Do You Belong In?

THANKS FOR SHARING

For all of you out there who have your babies from China home, I want to say "Thank You" Thank you for sharing the journey, thank you for sharing your parenting tips, thank you for allowing us who wait a small glimpse of what life will be when our China baby comes home.
For those of us who are waiting "Thank You" for sharing your life, how you deal with the wait, what you do while you are waiting, supporting each other and realizing that life does goes on. Who would have ever thought a year and a half ago when the wait was just a mere 6 months that we would be here 17 months later wondering when we will get our precious babies. Who would have ever dreamed that the wait would grow to what it will grow to. But here we are waiting our turn!!! Gleaning from those who have been there and supporting each other in so many different ways. These daily blogs are so inviting and I look forward each and every day to seeing what each of you have posted.
Again, THANKS!!!!

Suspense

The blogger weekend has ended and those of us who did not attend are dying to see all the details of the weekend!!! The suspense is killing us!!! Please share!!!! WE are dying to know!!! Can't wait for the next one, that will be one train I'll be sure to be on!!!!

Special Sauce

I found this on another blog and it's so right on that I copied it to mine. Hope you enjoy!! It is what it is!!

SPECIAL SAUCE
I was sitting at the drive-through window at McDonald’s this weekend. I did the usual thing; I drove up to the menu and ordered. I proceeded to the first window and paid, then drove to the second window and waited for the order. After sitting there for a few minutes, the clerk slid back the window and asked, “Will you please pull over to the side; your order is not ready.” I was a little upset and even impatient, but I pulled over and waited. I thought, “How come other folks ordered and drove straight through and I have to wait.” I waited for another two or three minutes. It seemed like hours. Just as I was about to give up and drive away, the clerk finally ran out, tapped on the window, and handed me the order. Of course I asked , Hey, what took so long?” She replied, “You wanted the Special Sauce, which meant that it had to be specially made for the sandwich, it doesn’t usually come with that one.”

This scene is a reflection of our prayer life. We made our request to the Lord. Our menu is his word, where he has listed promise after promise. We stand before Him and request and plead and, sometimes, even beg.

We go to the first window and pay, sometimes with fervent prayer, sometimes with prolonged suffering, sometimes with obedience, and sometimes not at all. We then move to the second window and wait for our order. If God doesn’t answer within a few minutes, we become upset. You know the phrase, “Jesus, it’s 5:00 p.m. Friday; I prayed to You yesterday, and You still haven’t answered. I can’t wait much longer.” Why is it taking Him so long? I’ve seen people drive up before me and they received their orders right away! We even go so far as to tap on the window and ask if He has forgotten our order. We become impatient. We become upset. We become downright mad.

Lord, I asked for a mate ten days ago and I don’t see him/her anywhere.

Lord, I’ve been asking for a new job for two years; others have passed me by!

I’ve been waiting on a financial blessing for ten years; others have passed me by!

Where are You and why haven’t you blessed me?

Just when you think He is giving you the answer, He pulls back the royal curtain of Eternity, and states, “Please pull over to the side and wait a while longer.” This one frustrated me to no end, made mad, made me want to give up, made me want to holler; that is, until the clerk brought out my sandwich...Then, the revelation became clear.

Do you know why the Lord has put you on the side?

Do you know why you have had to wait for this blessing longer than before?

Do you know why He has put you through more this time than ever?

Do you know why it seems like you have had to go through more tears, more pains, and more struggling this time? Because this blessing is a Special Sauce Blessing! This is an Overflowing, Pressed Down, and Shaken Together Blessing! You made a Special Order and God has been putting together a Special Sauce Blessing for you and He has to prepare it for you!

That mate you wanted ... He’s putting together a Special Sauce!
That job you wanted . . . He’s putting together a Special Sauce!
That financial blessing . . . He’s putting together a Special Sauce!
That peace on the job . . . He’s putting together a Special Sauce!
That deeper anointing . . . He’s putting together a Special Sauce!
That promotion . . . . He’s putting together a Special Sauce!
That Baby........................ He’s putting together a Special Sauce!

For I know the thoughts I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you hope and a future......Jeremiah 29:11. How many people have driven away before the clerk brought their food, and how many people have missed their blessings because they did not wait? Hang on in there. Keep on waiting. You made a Special Order, now wait on God’s Special Sauce! “But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk, and not faint.”...Isaiah 40:31.

They who wait shall receive a Special Sauce!

Classes for Men

This is too funny!!! Oh how I wish there were a class. I would sign my husband up in a minute!!

Classes for Men

WINTER CLASSES FOR MEN AT THE LEARNING CENTER FOR

ADULTS REGISTRATION MUST BE COMPLETED BY

Monday, Feb 6, 2005

NOTE: DUE TO THE COMPLEXITY AND DIFFICULTY LEVEL OF

THEIR CONTENTS, CLASS SIZES WILL BE LIMITED TO

8 PARTICIPANTS MAXIMUM.

Class 1
How To Fill Up The Ice Cube Trays ---
Step by Step, with Slide Presentation.
Meets 4 weeks, Monday and Wednesday for 2 hours beginning at 7:00 PM.

Class 2
The Toilet Paper Roll --- Does It Change Itself?
Round Table Discussion.
Meets 2 weeks, Saturday 12:00 for 2 hours.

Class 3
Is It Possible To Urinate Using The Technique Of Lifting The Seat and Avoiding The Floor, Walls and Nearby Bathtub? ---Group Practice.
Meets 4 weeks, Saturday 10:00 PM for 2 hours.

Class 4
Fundamental Differences Between The Laundry Hamper and The Floor --- Pictures and Explanatory Graphics.
Meets Saturdays at 2:00 PM for 3 weeks.

Class 5
After Dinner Dishes --- Can They Levitate and Fly Into The Kitchen Sink?
Examples on Video.
Meets 4 weeks, Tuesday and Thursday for 2 hours beginning at 7:00 PM

Class 6
Loss Of Identity --- Losing The Remote To Your Significant Other.
Help Line Support and Support Groups.
Meets 4 Weeks, Friday and Sunday 7:00 PM

Class 7
Learning How To Find Things --- Starting With Looking In The Right Places And Not Turning The House Upside Down While Screaming.
Open Forum.
Monday at 8:00 PM, 2 hours.

Class 8
Health Watch --- Bringing Her Flowers Is Not Harmful To Your Health.
Graphics and Audio Tapes.Three nights; Monday, Wednesday, Friday at 7:00 PM for 2 hours.

Class 9
Real Men Ask For Directions When Lost ---Real Life Testimonials. Tuesdays at 6:00 PM Location to be determined.

Class 10
Is It Genetically Impossible To Sit Quietly While She Parallel Parks?
Driving Simulations.
4 weeks, Saturday's noon, 2 hours.

Class 11
Learning to Live --- Basic Differences Between Mother and Wife.Online Classes and role-playing .
Tuesdays at 7:00 PM, location to be determined

Class 12
How to be the Ideal Shopping Companion Relaxation Exercises, Meditation and Breathing Techniques.
Meets 4 weeks, Tuesday and Thursday for 2 hours beginning at 7:00 PM.

Class 13
How to Fight Cerebral Atrophy --- Remembering Birthdays, Anniversaries and Other Important Dates and Calling When You're Going To Be Late.
Cerebral Shock Therapy Sessions and Full Lobotomies Offered.
Three nights; Monday, Wednesday, Friday at 7:00 PM for 2 hours.

Class 14
The Stove/Oven --- What It Is and How It Is Used.
Live Demonstration. Tuesdays at 6:00 PM, location to be determined.

Upon completion of any of the above courses, diplomas will be issued to the survivors.

ISN'T SHE LOVELY

Isn't she LOVELY
Isn't she WONDERFUL
Isn't she PRECIOUS
This is Jim and Colleen's newest addition!!
I couldn't be more happier for them!!!

Home Sweet Home!!

We made it to Wisconsin and now we are back home!!! The reception was over about 8:15 and by the time we unloaded everything at the house and I was comfy cozy on the couch watching TV and just about to la la land, Amanda announces that she doesn't want to sleep on the couch again and could we just drive home now!! Mind you it is about an 11 hour drive. She says "I'll drive" She is the night owl and I am the sleepy owl!! So at 10:00 pm we are fueled up and ready to hit the road. I drove (a little over an hour) to I-35 and she took over and drove to Des Moine. We got more gas and I drove for about 2 hours and pulled off at a rest stop, couldn't go any further. After aout 5 minutes Amanda says she can drive so away we go!! She drove for about 4 hours and woke me up and asked if I could drive, so we change again and away we go. We arrived at home at 8:45 am and were we dog dead tired!!!

Here is the bride and Amanda. Best friends for a very long

time!!!!

Amanda and Mom!!! Can you say DIET??? (for mom!!)

16 months and still waiting!!!!

I wish I could cross out all the other months like the picture above. The wait is what it is and I cannot change that, so I will continue to wait just like the rest of us!!!! The one good thing is that I am certain that we are on the down hill side of things!!! It's downhill from here, glad I am not trudging up a mountain!!! I know we will see her precious face soon, but it is definitely not soon enough!!!

Gone to a wedding

Amanda and I will be leaving Thursday morning and traveling to Wisconsin for a friend's wedding. It will be a short weekend trip and we will be returning on Sunday. Pray for safe traveling!! Talk with you when we get back!!!

Addicted to Blogging

50%How Addicted to Blogging Are You?

Mingle² - Online Dating

I saw this on Tracy's site and thought to myself I am probably about 50% addicted and then I went and answered the questions and lo and behold I am 50% addicted. Maybe with time it will increase, but right now life is so busy that I cannot see how I can blog anymore, one must get her beauty rest and I need LOTS of it!!

Comments

I went from "Babyjellybeans" to this Blogger site and I wanted to transfer over my comments.

Debbie~ I love your jellybeans site! I can't wait to see Darci's picture on here! And "When Love Takes You In" is very dear to my heart! Connie J 7-18-06

Debbie, What a beautiful site. You have done a lot of work. I look forward to watching you fill it up these pages. Waiting with you friend! Gael 09-25-06


Debbie - The site is wonderful. All that's missing is Darci's referral. I love your ultrasound picture! I've added your site to my favorites, and I'll be keeping an eye on it as we wait for these precious little girls! Angie 09-25-06

Debbie, You have a wonderful site. I can't wait to see that referral page filled with a photo and info about Miss Darci. Lois 09-25-06

Debbie - Thanks for letting us take a peek - I can't wait to start on my own website! Becky S. 09-28-06

Love your ultrasound! :) Sarah W. 02-15-07

Debbie, it was wonderful to meet you today and we are so excited for you and your family of this new precious gift from above that God is sending your way! God is Good all the time, and we know that baby Darci will be in your arms soon. I love your simulation of our girl's birth moms and Moses's. How beautifully God works. What a wonderful heart you have! Love, Jeff and Sheri G. 2-24-07

Debbie, I didn't realize that we had the same LID. Now I know we will be meeting up in China. "When Love Takes You In" is very meaningful to both of us. We hold it close to our heart. Isn't this whole journey just simply amazing? Tracy 03-22-07

We are out of the Review Room

The CCAA (Chinese Center for Adoption Affairs) has finished reviewing all dossiers (official paperwork and application) that were LID (Log In Date - the date that China offically recieved our dossier) March 22, 2006. We were LID March 7, 2006. So what does this mean?? It means that now our paperworks goes to the matching room and our paperwork will remain there until a baby is matched with our application. The CCAA just placed babies with those families whose dossiers were logged in as of October 13, 2005. What this means now for us is that we will continue to wait!!!!! We have the rest of October, all of November, December, January and February to be placed before it is our turn. We are so thankful and blessed that God is in control of this whole situation. At this point, I am thinking probably June when we will see our sweet Darci's face.

One Year Anniversary

March 7, 2007 marks the one year anniversary since our paperwork was offically logged in China. I must say that my heart longs to hold my precious baby. I know that this whole journey is in God's hands and He reminds me daily that this journey is not in my control, but in His. He gives me strength to face each day with the stamina needed to endure that day. I know that the day will come and we will get on a plane and travel half way around the world to a country where our third daughter was born. We will spend two weeks soaking up everything we can about her beloved birth country so that someday when she is older we can share with her all about the country where she was born. Yes I wish that I could get on that plane today and go get Darci, but That is not part of God's plan, so on Him I must wait. With Him I must wait and allow Him to give me strength each day to endure the wait that day.

Abandoned vs. Being Left

Dictionay.com defines the word a . ban . doned as forsaken or deserted. Many people within the adoption community use the word "abandoned" when talking about China adoptions. I must admit that I too have used the word. However when I read a blog recently it brought into light the real meaning of this word and I began to re-think my positon on this word. I even went as far as to change the word in previous posts. From now on I will use the word "left". When I look back to stories in the Bible I am reminded of the story of Moses. He was born at a time where Pharaoh had an order that all baby boys were to be killed. When Moses was born, his mother hid him for three months. The time came that she could no longer hide him so she made the decision to place him in the river. She put him into a basket and put the basket into the Nile river and Moses older sister hid in the reeds to watch and see what would happen. Pharaoh's daughter went down to the river to bathe and found the baby and raised him as her own. God's hand of provision was all over this situation as Moses sister was nearby and heard Pharaoh's daugher say that the baby was a Hebrew baby, so she asked if she could go and get a Hebrew woman to nurse the baby, and so Moses' own mother was able to nurse him without anyone knowing that she was his real mother. I say all of this to say that Moses' mother did not abandon her son, she saw fit to trust God to take care of the situation and allow her son to be well taken care of and indeed he was. Many birth mothers in China do leave their baby girls, but not because they want to, but because they feel they have no other options. I have no idea the pain these mothers experience as they place their baby daughters in a place and walk away. Many hide and watch from a distance to have assurance that their infant has been found. I can only imagine the heartache she feels as people begin to yell that a baby has been left. When they begin to ask who's baby, her heart must break into pieces as she holds everything inside. Her heart tells her to yell "it's mine" however her mind tells her "don't say a word". Her only comfort is knowing that her precious child has been discovered and will find its way to an orphanage and her hope is that her beloved child will grow up in a home where they will know the love of a mother and father. Where they will know security. If I could ever meet Darci's mother I would hug her and thank her for her selfless sacrifice. I pray that her mother and father will know the love of God and that God would somehow comfort them and give them a peace of the heart that only God could give, letting them know that their precious baby girl is loved by a mother and father and that she is being taught that her heavenly father loves her more than she could ever imagine. She was left not abandonded and someday will be untied with her FOREVER FAMILY!!!