Tuesday, February 27, 2007

Changes


If you want to improve, be content to be thought foolish and
stupid.
--Philosopher Epictetus




I've had this quote on my fridge the last few months and will be reminded of it often these next few months. I've made some changes in the last month and am excited and nervous at the same time. The first change is that I've applied to ASU's Nurse Practitioner program and am taking the GRE test on March 10th. I hope to be admitted and start in August. ASU's program is primarily online, I will only need to attend class downtown once a month. I am going to go part-time this first year since we should be getting Lauren soon.

This change led me to wanting to change jobs to get my tuition payed. So, last Friday I had an interview at Mayo Clinic Hospital. I worked at Mayo prior to my job now. I start there March 19th. Not only do they completely pay for my schooling, but they have better health benefits and a $10,000 adoption reimbursement. Yesss! :)

We are also, like many of my fellow March LIDers, starting the paperwork process again. Fingerprints, home study visit, money, more money, and then re-sending our I-171 H form.

In middle of these busy changing times, we've decided our old 2000 Neon is no longer suitable as our second car. So, we are going this week to buy a 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee.

Saturday, February 10, 2007

Beautiful Morning Walk








Bailey, Danny, and I enjoyed one of our favorite Saturday morning traditions today. We went for a walk at Bailey's favorite "Sierra Verde" neighborhood near us. Then we sat outside at A.J.'s and had breakfast together. Ahhh. life is good.

Matching Room



Pictured above is the Matching Room, where our dossier is currently. I have linked a site below that tells what happens in the mathing roomm

http://www.chinaadopttalk.com/2006/12/07/how-the-matching-room-works/

Review Room Celebrations



The girls from work surprised me this week with this beautiful bouquet of pink and white flowers. The card read, "Congratulations! You're at your last stage!" I have been so amazed at the support I have gotten from my co-workers all through this process. I am so blessed.


Also,while Dan & I were at the FBR last week, my mom and sister came to our house and laid these adorable gifts on our table with little notes attached. I especially love the little hat and matching shirt that says, "I love my dog". :) Soo cute! Thank you Mom & Kristy! You never cease to amaze me with your thoughtfulness!

Saturday, February 03, 2007

FBR OPEN




We're off to the FBR Open tomorrow. I don't watch golf on t.v. and I don't play golf yet, but I love to go the the FBR. It's so relaxing to walk the beautiful greens and hear the soft wave of the "golf clap" all around.

Jeff Quinney pictured in the bottom picture is from ASU and he has made it to the 4th Round. I'll be cheering for him!!

Friday, February 02, 2007

Left Behind



I feel like I've been freed from prison only to look back and realize my friends were left behind. My excitement will be truly fulfilled when all my March bloggy friends join me in the Matching Room. Hang in there guys! I'm pulling for you!

Thursday, February 01, 2007

Out Of The Review Room


Oh my gosh!!! WE have news!! Our Dossier is through the review room! It has been so long since we have had any information to be excited about! Our Dossier has met it's final approval! Our next step will be to go to the matching room!

The following is the CCAA update:


The CCAA has finished the review of the adoption application documents registered with our office before March 22, 2006.

The CCAA has finished the placement of children for the families whose adoption application documents were registered with our office before October 13, 2005


The picture to the left is of dossiers in China waiting in line. Our's could very well be one of these!

Secret Pal Revealed



Well, I found out today that Stephanie from California has been my Secret Pal! I could not have asked for a better Secret Pal! I mean, who makes homemade teddy bears for their secret pals! :) She is such an amazing person as well. I had the pleasure of meeting Stephanie and her husband, Drew, over Thanksgiving weekend. They are both very special people and I feel so fortunate to have made such a great new friend.

Thank You Stephanie!!