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!

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!!

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!

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!!

Back Burner

Well, I have to admit...I've been feeling a little rebellious lately. Our fingerprints expire this month and I haven't done a thing about it. This wait,
lack of information, and hanging by a red thread..it's definetly not for the faint hearted.

However, I have felt a sense of relief by putting my thoughts and plans of adoption on the back burner temporarily this month. During this time I have decided to start working toward my Nurse Practitioner degree. I'm pretty excited about this! It's been a 5 year goal of mine, so I figure why not now! Dan is excited as well. He is finishing his last year at Glendale High and will teach summer school this summer and then private tutoring until Lauren arrives. Change is good. God only knows why it has taken us this long to start a family, but I know looking back it will all be perfect timing..His timing.

Sweet Secret Pal

Well, it's the last month for our Secret Pal Exchange, and look at the sweet gifts I received! The little China girl is musical and soo adorable! I love the Chinese Mother Goose Book. It's really colorful and I know Lauren will love both of these precious gifts. Thank You Secret Pal!! I can't wait to find out who you are next month! :)

Friend From Michigan

I know it's been awhile since I last posted. I have been having fun with my best friend from Michigan! Jen and I met in 5th grade and have been friends ever since. Jen's expecting and her husband sent her out to Arizona to relax before baby #2 arrives. We saw a movie, went to a dinner play, ate Tepanaki, and treated ourselves to a spa day at the Golden Door Spa....aghhh...it was wonderful! It's been a long time since we have been able to sit and talk one-on-one. Jen is really like a sister to me and we are only 3 days apart, so we are almost twins! :) Anyway,it was really nice to have Jen visit and Dan and I are hoping to get back to visit her and her family in July.

13.1 Miles

We ran the P.F. Chang's Half Marathon today and I've never had so much fun while experiencing pain. :) There was so much to see while running that it went surprisingly fast. We saw a couple running in full "Superman" outfits... boots, capes, and all! I also saw a man running in his bath robe. Very interesting. :)

It was a long, slow walk back to the car afterwards, but we met many awesome people and really had a good time. We plan to make a tradition of running it each year. We noticed they have a kids 1-mile run as well...I think I know a little girl who may run in this someday! :)

Well, we have the day off tomorrow. Yeah! Hope you all are having a great weekend.

Rested & Renewed

We're back from our "Winter Wonderland"!







The Red Setter Inn was beautiful as usual. Each time we would come in from the cold,the fireplaces would be roaring and hot cocoa and treats would be waiting.

We met a really nice couple from England that was staying also. They told us they were going to "try out" skiing with us the next day. When we got there and saw them with their 190 ski's and decked out to look like Swiss Alp models, we had a feeling they were a little better skiers than us. :) We didn't see them the rest of the day. We have a feeling they may have been on different slopes than us. :)

We had an absolute blast. We usually ski one day and rest the others, but we were having so much fun, we skied 2 days this time. We also did some hiking and enjoyed the Jacuzzi tub in our room. For dinner one night, we ordered pizza and sat in front of the fire.

Each morning Jim would make one of his famous gourmet breakfasts. We were so sad to hear that Jim and Ken, the owners and builders, have sold recently. It will never be the same again without them.

Well, I see while we were gone our dossier moved up in line! Congratulations to those who received their referrals this month! 2007 is off to a good start!

Winter Wonderland

Dan and I have the next 10 days off together and we are heading off to our favorite winter getaway. Each year we go to this cozy bed and breakfast that is just absolutely perfect. Ken and Jim built this B&B and run it like I've never seen. Each time we walk in the door there is a roaring fire and hot cocoa waiting. These trips are so relaxing. We bought our books to bring on the trip today. Snow has fallen recently, so we are bringing our sleds and going skiing as well. We aren't black diamond skiers, but we have fun on the green slopes. I usually try out the bunny hill first to warm up. :)

Dan and I were laughing because for 3 years now, we have written in the room journal, "well, we probably won't be back next year because we are planning to start our family". and... "well, we wont' be back next year because we are starting our adoption process." and last year, "well, we definitely won't be back next year because we are going to China this year and we will have our daughter at this time next year." ... I'm not writing anything this year! :)

Happy New Year Everyone! 2007 here we come!!! :)

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas everyone!

A Song From My Heart

A co-worker emailed me about a new song from Third Day regarding an adoption from China. I listened to it on Napster today and could not believe my ears. I could have written this song. I'm not sure what inspired Third Day to write this, but it speaks what us waiting parents are feeling this Christmas. The song is titled "Merry Christmas". I dedicate this song to Lauren this Christmas as my heart and mind is very much with her wherever she is today.

Lauren, mommy and daddy love you sweetheart.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZahNQuAs5Cg

Mark Schultz

I thought I would share with you what I have just learned! Mark Schultz, a christian music artist, has put out a new CD called "Broken & Beautiful" and on this CD is a song called "Everything To Me". Mark was adopted at 2 weeks old and this song is to his birth mom. It's an awesome song. I'm not typically a crier and I teared up while hearing it for the first time. Mark has gotten involved in helping orphans lately and he is donating one of these bears shown above for every CD sold before Christmas. The bears will be given to orphans around the world.

Mark is also doing a "bike across the nation" to raise money for ophans. He will have a GPS on his bike and you can track his journey at markschultzmusic.com

Mark has also started the James Fund that you may want to check out.

Have a great weekend everyone! Christmas is just 9 days away! wow!

Handmade Gifts!!

I am amazed again at my Secret Pal! She is unbelievable!!

My neighbor brought over a package tonight that had been wrongly delivered to her house. I was so excited it was from my Secret Pal! I opened it and thought awww what an adorable Teddy! He is sooo soft!!... Then! I read his tag..."Handmade for Lauren by Mommy's Secret Pal." It took a second for it to register..she made this! I looked up and said to Dan, "She is going to be an amazing mom!"

I seriously can't quit holding this Bear! He is so cuddly. It came at just the right night. I have been missing Lauren tonight.

Along with Teddy came a little bear photo tag. My thoughful pal also placed a picture of a cute little chinese girl in braids into the photo slot. I am going to put this next to my computer at work to help remind me of why I am now starting the updates of our paperwork. Our fingerprints are about the expire and we have been told we will have to update our home study which will involve another home visit. Oh my gosh. I was so glad to have all that paperwork behind me and here we go again!

Thank You SOOO much Secret Pal!! Words really cannot say enough. You have way out done yourself. :)

9 Month LID Anniversary!

Well, we have hit our 9 months! However, we adoptive moms are special. We do not have the gestation period of 9 months, instead we are hearing our gestation is anywhere between 12-24 months! That links us between the Blue Whale with a gestation of 12 months and the Elephant which has a gestation of 22 months!

I will say however, by seeing other blogs, that our nesting periods are of greater proportion as well! Houses are being revamped, dresses and quilts are being made, and small business' are being started! I personally, intend to start my nesting by painting the inside of my home the start of 2007.

Mexican Hot Chocolate

I had a few people ask what Mexican Hot Chocolate is, so I thought I would post a recipe! It's a new found love of mine this year. A co-worker of mine who is from Mexico let me in on this wonderful concoction. Abuelita means "grandmother" in spanish. You will find Abuelita in the Latino food section at the grocery store.

Mexican Hot Chocolate
Heat 4 cups milk
Place 2 tablets Abuelita and milk in blender
Blend for 1 minute and pour into mug
Enjoy!!!

It tastes like hot chocolate with a cinnamon flare! :) I like to add peppermint mocha creamer to it as well.

I know some may not have a Latino food section at the grocery store. You may be able to buy it online at nestle.com

Christmas Time

I am finally feeling the "Christmas Spirit" in the air. Time has been speeding by and it just didn't seem like Christmas to me, until last night. We got out of our jeans, dressed up for eachother, and hit the town! We went to the Symphony Hall and heard "An Arizona Christmas". It included the Phoenix Symphony, Choir, and Girls Choir. It was absolutely beautiful. Downtown was lit up for Christmas and the air was crisp and cold. Life is just too good. I feel so, so blessed.

I am putting up the Christmas decorations in the house today. And, for year #3, I will put up Lauren's stocking. She may not be here this year, but she is definetly in our hearts.

I am off to make Mexican Hot Cocoa..mmmmmm. I wish you all could join me!

Zoolights!

We bundled up and went to Zoolights with my family last night. We had so much fun! Dan and I have been doing this every year since we were dating. We get kettle corn and hot cocoa and walk through the light display arm in arm. It is one of my favorite traditions. This year we went with my family and my nephew, Gavin, saw Zoolights for the first time! It was so awesome to see him get excited and point at all the lights. Anytime Gavin is around, life is that much better. I kept thinking last night of how fantastic it is going to be to see Zoolights with our Lauren.

And of course, we had to get a picture with the ladybug for good luck! We added Gavin for a little more luck to rub off on us! :) Anything to see this wait speed up! :)

Well, I'm off to go shopping. I'm just starting today!

Dossier's On The Move!

Well, the Fed Ex storks are on the move again! The CCAA has sent out another batch of referrals! Congratulations to all of you receiving good new from afar! Those of us who still have a long wait ahead will now begin our search for new little faces on your blogs! (It's what keeps us sane) :)

Precious Gifts

I hope everyone had a very filling and relaxing Thanksgiving Holiday. I have thoroughly enjoyed mine. We had a great time at Dan's family gathering which included playing Bocce Ball (lawn bowling) and visiting with family and playing with my baby nephew Nicolas. Friday we met Steph and Drew Wise in Prescott, AZ. and had a GREAT time! What awesome people! Saturday we had Thanksgiving with my side of the family and had such a fun time. Watching my nephew Gavin grow up before our eyes! He said my name for the first time! Ugh, your heart just melts! :)

I bought a new camera as well, since my other broke. Pictured here are the other gifts my awesome secret pal got for me this month. The chopsticks have little bunnies on them! I will cherish these gifts forever.

This posting is titled "Precious Gifts" because that is truly how I feel about my family, friends, and life...I am so blessed.

The Summit Challenge Was Awesome!

We are so sore we can barely walk, but we had so much fun! :) We conquered seven summits! The weather was beautiful and hanging with new friends was a lot of fun. Since I broke my camera I am sending a few pic's from others. Don't look for me, because I'm not in any of these. I will send some of our group later. The whole thing was timed and we had 30 minutes to get to our last mountain and I felt like we were on the Amazing Race show. :) We sped up to the parking and ran to the ranger to be checked in at 3:25 we had until 3:30. He said, sorry, You've missed the cut off. We said, oh no we didn't! We showed him our paperwork and he said to go ahead he had thought the cut off was 2:30. We than had 30 minutes to get our passports stamped at the top. We went up just in time. Yeah! We saw some pretty crazy hikers on our way, some with blood coming down their nose and arms and legs and hiking ahead in a daze...I thought, gosh, this isn't the Olympic Trials! Our group just had fun. On the second day Dan and I duck taped our feet to cover the blisters, it worked really well and was cheap. Just and FYI for the hikers out there. :)

Well, I haven't posted much lately and just wanted to post a little about what I've been up to. Dan and I said, this was our Great Wall training! :)

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

Thank You to My Wonderful Secret Pal!

My Secret Pal is simply the sweetest, most thoughtful secret pal in the world! :) I came home tonight to find these wonderful gifts in the mail. I received the gifts pictured above and also a pink, extremly soft, blanket with "I Love Mommy" embroidered on it. I also received a pink, ceramic bowl with bunnies on it and a pair of little chopsticks with bunnies! She also sent the most beautiful handmade card!

I only wish I could include pictures of these as well. I was taking pictures of all my wonderful gifts and I dropped my camera... and it broke. :(
I am so bummed right now. These may be the last pictures I take with my first digital camera! Dan is going to take it to Best Buy and see if it can be fixed.

By the way, sorry it's been awhile since my last post. I've been working long days and life is staying pretty busy! We do the Phoenix Summit Hike this weekend! I was hoping to post pictures...bad timing for the camera to break!

Thank you so much Secret Pal. I really appreciate all your gifts. They mean so much.

It's Anniversary # 8!!

Wow, this last month has flown by! I actually had to be reminded by Stephanie that it's our 8 month LID Anniversary today! Yeah!

Starbuck's In China!

I was just browsing blogs of families who are in China now and came across this picture. Yes! They have Starbucks in China! I feel so much better about the trip now. :)

A Little Hiking With Friends

Phoenix Summit Challenge


Oh my gosh...my husband is trying to kill me. Of course, not literally, but he has signed us up for this Phoenix Summit Challenge. He introduced it to me a month ago as, "Do you want to go hiking with some friends as part of this REI trip? You climb 7 mountains over 2 days." I thought, sure, I love to hike.

Last weekend he mentioned how our friends (his co-workers) had been training for this Summit Challenge. I say..training? What do you mean training? He says oh, nothing, they've just been meeting and doing some small hikes to get ready. I then started to question this little hiking weekend. I asked him to bring home the information they gave him. I hadn't seen that information yet, so I went online and researched myself. .....It's a TIMED 7 Summit Challenge with meetings in the mornings and "debriefing's" at night! Holy Cow!! We get passports that we have to have stamped at each summit. The first mountain is 7 miles followed by 2 others that include straight up 1 mile jaunts. Then we start out again the next morning at 7 a.m. for 4 more! I have to work Monday morning. :0 aggghhh!

So, last night we went for a hike at one of the mountains. Now, here is where the killing thing comes into place. We are already training for a Marathon. My legs are very tired to say the least. So, I start to go up this mountain fast because I want to see if I'm going to be able to stay up with my group who has been training. I was almost to the summit and seriously..almost passed out. I had to sit and put my feet up! I was seeing black spots! This has never happened before. I am now nervous as heck for this Challenge that is only 2 weeks away!

So, tomorrow, we are setting out again to do another one of the mountains. Please pray for me!! :)

Oh, and next Friday, we are going on a two-hour horse-back ride with another group from his work. He informed me of this last night. I am just laughing now. I really can't wait until he is a stay-at-home daddy. :)

P.S. please don't read this out of context. I love my husband dearly, he is my best friend. He just cracks me up sometimes. :)

Unswervingly

The wait can be deafening at times. Some days I am totally fine and other days doubt creeps in. I was reading a China-research article the other night about the Hunan baby trafficking that occurred and after reading it, I felt really confused about what we were doing. I was questioning whether we were on the right path, etc. etc. I then went to bed and as my head hit the pillow and I stared at the ceiling I asked God, "What am I doing? Am I doing your will?"

I then picked up a devotional book on the nightstand. I opened it and the page automatically fell to a page I had marked earlier: "4/4/06--regarding adoption, finances, the future. I claim this verse." The verse is as follows:

Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. Hebrews 10:23.

I had underlined unswervingly twice. :) I just smiled and knew my answer. Yes, we are on the right path and we must stay unswervingly to that path!

New From Our Agency

The following is more information regarding the recent referrals sent out. Two sets of twins! Wow! Here is what Marianne, our AZ. agent said:

Children’s Hope International (CHI) is proud to announce that we received 28 China referrals on Thursday 11/2/06 for 26 CHI families with 8/11/05, 8/18/05 and 8/25/05 log in dates. One of the referrals is for a Chinese expedited family with a 1/6/06 log in date. All the referrals are little girls including TWO SETS of twins!! The referrals range in age from 7 to 12 months, one 14 month old, one 15 month old and one 3 year old. The children are from the Guangdong and Jiangxi provinces. Four of the referrals were for AZ. families. We expect the families to travel in about 8 weeks.



This batch of China referrals were from August 10, 2005 through August 25, 2005 log in dates. For these families, the wait from log in date to referral was 15 months.



Congratulations again to these blessed CHI families and everyone who moved up in line for referrals!

So, our wait is officially up to 15 months now. We are 7 months into that wait.

The Silence is Over

Congratulations to all of you who will be receiving your referrals very soon! Yeah!!