Saturday, September 15, 2007

Welcome to Gwen and Maggie's Baby Shower!!


Hello everyone and welcome to the baby shower! If you would like to rsvp to receive Gwen's wish list for Maggie, just e-mail me at timnkim@gmail.com and I will get it right over to you. Gwen is going to be printing out the comments and keeping them for Maggie, so if you want to leave any good wishes, or just want to chat with some fellow bloggers, just jump into the comments. Each 5th rsvp will be receiving a shower gift. The shower gifts are shown in a post below. Please enjoy the photos of Maggie's family in the sidebar.
I will be coming in and out throughout the day to make sure that everyone gets the list and is having a great time! Thank you for supporting this family and their new little girl.
Shower gift winners:
Steffie B. at 'Never Too Many'
Leigh Ann - Gwen's sister-in-law
Nikki at 'Life with Lily Lin'

183 comments:

Gwen Oatsvall said...

Dear Sweet Daughter,

I know your first few years on this earth have been rough and sad, but the Father in heaven has been there with you holding you all along. He has before the beginning of time chosen you to be our daughter. I knew the moment I saw your sweet face that you were my daughter. I have loved you, prayed for you, and dream of you each day.

Mommy will be there soon sweet girl and you will forever be loved and you will never have to face anything alone again...

love, Mom, Dad, Jeremiah, Elijah, and Emily

redmaryjanes said...

Gwen,
That is just so beautiful. Did you see the post from your brother and his family?

Gwen Oatsvall said...

i did ... just cried ... they have always supported us with both adoptions and Leigh Ann makes the most beautiful blankets ...

redmaryjanes said...

She has been e-mailing back and forth to me all week. You have a wonderful sister-in-law.

Nancy said...

Good Morning Oatsvall team. Today is going to be a very special one. It will be filled with friends, laughter, and tears in a very special way.

The week ahead will bring many sweet gifts to your door. The sweetest however will not happen until you make that long trip to China. Then your hearts will overflow.
Congratulation!!!

Gwen Oatsvall said...

when I hear other people's stories about nonsupporting family it makes me sad ... i have wonderful family that comes along side of us and walks the journey with us ... secretly my sister-in-law would love to adopt, but my brother thinks 4 girls is enough ... ranging from college to kindergarten!!! and they all are fabulous soccer players !!!

Gwen Oatsvall said...

P.S. I just updated my site .. this does feel like Christmas !!!

redmaryjanes said...

Good Morning Nancy,
How are you doing?

redmaryjanes said...

I just went over to your blog Gwen and it looks really cute. I haven't seen that picture of Maggie before.

Gwen Oatsvall said...

Nancy, you are so right ... the best gift won't come in the mail and be wrapped in ribbons and paper ... i walk through my house some days and imagine that Maggie is sitting in her high chair or playing with her sister... i dream of holding her at one of her daddy's basketball games... i just see her everywhere ... mostly i can't wait to tuck her in at night in her bed and pray over my sweet daughter and know that she is safely home ...

Steffie B. said...

Good Morning Girls.....Gwen...I love you with all my heart. I feel so blessed that God brought us together with our daughters! We are so thrilled for you with your upcoming adoption of Maggie. She is just precious and I pray for travel soon.

Emmie has a soccer game at 9:00AM this morning, so we are out the door. Your shower gift was mailed out yesterday. We hope you like your goodies. I'll check back in when I get home from the game.

Have a wonderful morning ladies....love you all!

Hugs,
Steffie

redmaryjanes said...

Good Morning Stef!
Good Luck Emmie!!

Gwen Oatsvall said...

Steffie, you know i love you too sister ... what a masterful God we have ... i don't know what i would do these days without my China Travel Family !!! Tell Emmie Good Luck .. I am off to a flag football game, but will be back soon ...

Kim said...

Good Morning.... Sounds like the shower is off to a GREAT Start...
I am so blessed to have met you all on this amazing journey..
Maggie has a wonderful family and she is sooo lucky...
I had so much fun shopping Gwen..
I will be sending out your gifts Monday..( I need to find a box and finish wrapping) Can't wait for you to open...
Well I will only be here for a few cause I have to work, but I will be back later after work.. I am sure this party will be hopping..
I LOVE THE MUSIC
and all the pictures are great..
GREAT JOB KIMBERLEY
Kim

redmaryjanes said...

Have a great day at work Kim! You are a great supporter of all of us here.

Kim said...

Gwen- I love letter and gifts that your brother and family posted... The blanket is beautiful..

mommy24treasures said...

Good morning,
I just ordered my gifts for Maggie and they are on their way to your door Gwen. I am so happy for you and your family. You are very blessed to have been chosen by Him to have darling little Maggie as a part of your family. She is a very precious trasure.
We have a busy day and I will check in and out to see how things are going. Have a lovely shower and enjoy!
Love
Connie

mommy24treasures said...

thats treasures phooey for fast typing!

Jewels of My Heart said...

Dear Beautiful Maggie,
I thank Jesus that He led your Mommy and Daddy to you. There hearts ache to hold you but there faith is strong. The Lord is holding them in His arms just as He is you.
You are so beautiful little one. I am so sorry for the things you have suffered. You have endured so much. But I look at your sweet little face and I see God's love stamped upon you. In spite of it all you are sweet and loving and I see hope in your eyes. Surely the Lord is guarding your heart, your mind and your soul. You are so loved Maggie and so many are praying for you. What a joyous day it will be when we see you wrapped in your Mommy's loving arms.
God bless you little one and keep you from harm's way.
God's Speed
Daleea

redmaryjanes said...

Good Morning Everyone!

Kim said...

Well girls... I am off to work..
Keep the party jumping.. I will be back later on...
Can't wait to catch up..
Sorry I had to miss some of this amazing shower...
Gwen- have fun..
Kim

redmaryjanes said...

Have a great day Kim!

Michelle said...

Good morning! We have rain today so our soccer games are cancelled. We have an open house in an hour at one of the kids schools but then we are home:) I am so excited for you Mommy,Daddy, Jeremiah, Elijah and Emily. We are thinking of you! One gift will arrive soon and another small one is in the works...Happy Baby Shower!

redmaryjanes said...

Good Morning Hoping For Six!
I'm sorry, I don't remember the name attached to the blog. Can you give me your name so that I get it right in my book and then I'll never forget again? :)

Nikki said...

Good Morning, ladies...I'm a slow mover in the morning and I've already missed Stef (off to soccer) and Gwen (off to flag football)...

Kimberley, you are just so sweet to host another baby shower here. I was telling some friends at work about it and they thought it was such a great idea. You are always soooo selfless.
My hubby just brought me my coffee and he's got cinnamin rolls in the oven...he said I've gotta have brunch for my baby shower!
(wish we were all enjoying it together - live and in person!)

redmaryjanes said...

Good Morning Nikki!
I wish we could all be togther too. I think I have as much fun with these showers as the mom's do. Your hubs is the best! I'd love a cinnamon role!

Glinda said...

Ooo, I just love a party...

Hi, Gwen. I'm Glinda. I know you only through RMJ, but any friend of her's is a friend of mine!

To celebrate your referral and shower, I have written (and posted on my blog also) a little verse in your honor:

A tiny hand
Fingers outstretched
Reaching for
Clinging to
The strings of
Her mother’s heart.

I can only imagine how full your heart must be.

Also, its no secret I love to shop, so when I heard of your shower, shop I did. It will be on its way Monday and I hope you love it. I knew it was for your sweetness as soon as I saw it.

Enjoy this spectacular day full of friendship.

Nikki said...

Gwen,
You already know how I feel about you...words don't even cut it. You embody what it means to be a mom. You love so deeply and you open your arms so widely...I am constantly amazed and inspired by you and your entire, beautiful family.
Maggie will bring even more joy, love, and hope into your lives and you will bring sooo much goodness into hers as well. I look forward to seeing you all together as a family, the way God has planned.
Great big hugs to you all!

Nikki said...

Me again,
Just to let you know, I am bad about shipping shower gifts out...just ask Elizabeth who is still waiting patiently for hers...I'm looking at it right now. Ugh. So, I'm slow, but it'll get there I promise!

RMJ, what are your plans for this chilly weekend?

redmaryjanes said...

Glinda,
That is just so beautiful. You really are so talented with taking things of the soul and putting them into words.

Dannye said...

morning all!! my lazy tushie just got up...of course I didnt go to bed til almost 3 this morning, watching shows online (the Nine, Lincoln Heights, the first 17 mins of Prison Break)...

anyway, Gwen I did mail your package off earlier this week (Wed I think), but totally forgot about enclosing the orphanage things, so I will be following it up with another package!!

redmaryjanes said...

This weekend is pretty mellow. Last night Tyler was at a church camp-out, so Tim picked him up this morning. Today Ty may have a friend over. Zach is getting a new water ski, but it's so cold he's not going to be able to use it I don't think. Sunday we have church. I'm going to wash our windows this weekend and clean out my garden. I'm ready for fall.

redmaryjanes said...

How are you Dannye??
I just love it when you pop in. So, you are a night owl?

Dannye said...

yup Kim lately I just can't sleep I don't know why, but if I get 4-5 hrs of sleep that's lots....so when I finally get some sleep I take it, but usually get awoken by a solicitor on the weekends...

redmaryjanes said...

Dannye,
I have been hearing about a lot of women having those issues. I sleep pretty well. I would go nuts if I just got to sleep and a solicitor called me.

Glinda said...

Thank you, RMJ, you're so kind.

Well, as is customary, I must not go a day without shopping, so I am off to Target to buy a Shabby Chic bookcase for our daughter's room.

My husband would like to put a CD player in her room to "play lullabies." He just melts my heart.

Be back soon.

Laura Nipper said...

Good morning ladies from San Diego. Our family is just waking up, but I was very excited to see how the baby shower was going.
Gwen I started shopping last night and was able to find a few things but not quite finished. I will try and mail of the gifts this coming week. Redmaryjanes your blog look beautiful. You through a great blog shower. Praying for you sweet Maggie that you will be placed in your families arms very soon.

Dannye said...

well I better get going for the day, but will be back later this afternoon/early evening, keep the blog hopping and popping til that sweet Maggie comes home!!

redmaryjanes said...

Hi there Laura,
Thank you for dropping by!

polkadot said...

Hello Oatsvall Family and congratulations on the addition of Maggie to your family.

Maggie's sweetness shines through her photos, and I know she will be reaching right out to you on gotcha day, eager to share the love your family will bring from that very first day.

We will follow your journey and hold you up in prayer.

redmaryjanes said...

Have a fabulous day Dannye!!

redmaryjanes said...

Enjoy the shopping Glinda!

redmaryjanes said...

Good Morning Hausfrau! I just love your blog.

polkadot said...

Gwen, I just looked at your blog and I couldn't tell where you are in the process -- waiting for LOA?

Laura Nipper said...

Your welcome. Well I am off to get ready for my friends wedding. I will stop by after its over.

Gwen enjoy this day for you sweet baby girl. She is loved by so many people.

redmaryjanes said...

Laura,
Have a wonderful time at the wedding!

Nikki said...

We're off to a fair...I'll check in later!
Hugs to you all!

redmaryjanes said...

Have a great time Nikki!

jennifer said...

Hi Ladies,

I am so excited to be a small part of this great day! I can't wait to see Maggie at home with her forever family. You all are so blessed to have found each other.

RMJ-you are so sweet to host this shower for Gwen. Everything is so cute.

Steffie B. said...

Hello everyone....just checking in and sending blogger hugs to you all....the Things are keeping me busy this morning....is it nap time yet?....anywhere? lol

I'll check back later....looks like things are hoppin' here! What fun!

Smoooooch ~
S*

redmaryjanes said...

Hi there Jennifer! Welcome to the shower.

redmaryjanes said...

You know we love you Stef!! Have a great day and pop in when you can!

Gwen Oatsvall said...

i just got back from flag football game ...won 4-2 ... will check in on everyone now ... i am blown away by all your love ...

Gwen Oatsvall said...

i am just going to pretend we are all at starbucks chatting away ... i just read all the sweet comments and prayers for sweet maggie ...i have no doubt God is holding her and preparing her for my voice and my eyes ... my friend suzanne bought me one of those slings that is suppose to carry up to a 3 yr. old ... so not matter what my back feels like i am carrying my daughter the entire trip in china ... i want her to see my eyes and feel my love ...

hello to my new friends ... i will have to go and bookmark you all, so i can check in ...

We are waiting on LOA ... hoping to travel before Christmas ...

Gwen Oatsvall said...

also, can i just say that i will be running to the door all this week as the postman comes by ... and nikki don't feel bad if yours arrives after Maggie gets here ... hee hee .. ya know i love ya more than words can say ... steff, did emmie win her soccer game ??

Truly Blessed said...

Gwen,

I don't know you, but I've seen your darling Maggie on Kimberley's site for a few weeks, and now have seen pictures of her soon-to-be siblings.

She's going to be over the moon when she meets her new family.

Congratulations to all of you!

Gwen Oatsvall said...

Daleea, what beautiful words and Glinda that poem ... and to you all who have me weeping here ... I can't wait for maggie to one day read your words and know that she was loved by so many who have only seen her picture and heard her story ....

Did i mention how fabulous RMJ is !!! you friend are priceless ...

Gwen Oatsvall said...

truly blessed .. thanks for stopping by ... it is so fun to meet new friends through other friends ...blogging has really changed my life ... so many people to pray for and so many more to pray for us !!!

redmaryjanes said...

Gwen,
You are an inspiration to me. I admire you so much.
You have to go over to Glinda's site and see the post she did for Maggie and her shower. It choked me up.
I'm proud to be your friend Gwen. Truly. I wish that I had known what you were all about when I met you at Steffie's birthday party.

redmaryjanes said...

Kelly,
How are you? Did you son make it to the church campout last night?

Truly Blessed said...

No, we had attended the Hawk Fest at EHS and then went to the football game. It was very, very cold last night!

Then T had an 8:30 am football game. Again, very very cold!

I hope to see you at church tomorrow, and I'd like to introduce our kids (T & K are 7th & 9th grades).

redmaryjanes said...

We will be at the 9:15am service. My Z is in 10th grade and Ty is in 6th grade.
And it was really cold last night. The kids were all up until 3am.

redmaryjanes said...

Ok, Ladies, I'll be out for an hour or so, I'm having lunch with my husband and picking up a car we have in for repairs..
Back soon, chat away!

Gwen Oatsvall said...

Glinda, your post for maggie on your site is just precious!

Gwen Oatsvall said...

off to pick up kiddos at a friend's house and pick up Krispy Kreme donuts ... can i get anyone anything ??lol

Did I say how much fun I am having with this ?? Maggie, sweetheart, you are one precious jewel and mommy loves you ... don't worry i will let you have ice cream at McDonald's when I get there !!!!

LaLa said...

Hey..had computer issues : ( I just wanted to say we are so happy to know that Miss Maggie will be with her forever family soon. Maggie, you are such a beautiful girl and will be a blessing to your family!!

redmaryjanes said...

Hi there Daleea!~

Anonymous said...

congrats Steffie, Nikki, and Leigh Ann on winning the surprises ...RMJ you are the superb blog shower master !!!

redmaryjanes said...

Gwen,
I really have a great time doing it and getting to talk to everybody.
Our next RSVP wins a prize!

The Johnson Family said...

Okay I figured out how to join in!! maggie I can not wait to get you here so I can kiss both of those big cheeks, I love you baby girl and pray daily for you to come home quick!! Aunt Crystal

redmaryjanes said...

Welcome Aunt Crystal!

The Johnson Family said...

Thanks this is very cool!! you did a great job RMJ! Also leigh ann I love what you added. Looks like there have been tons of visitors.

redmaryjanes said...

Gwen is a very popular lady and everyone has just fallen in love with Maggie ever since Gwen announced her adoption.

The Johnson Family said...

Gwen,
I am so excited the shower is going so well. I love all of it, and will be over next week to see all the gifts!!! and you know how I like to sort!!!

Steffie B. said...

hi girls.....just stopping by before David and I head out for the night!

Gwen....I hope you have had fun. This week should bring a fun bunch of little goodies to your door. How exciting is that?!?!?!?

Kimberley.....you are an amazing woman. I am so thankful that we have met. I'm looking forward to our next GNO! ;)

Glinda said...

Wow, what a wonderful day for you Gwen.

I just got back from Target and having TBC put together our daughter's bookcase. It looks smashing.

In between putting up the bookcase and cleaning the garage, my husband whipped together some tasty chili, any takers?

redmaryjanes said...

Glinda,
I would love a great bowl of chili!

redmaryjanes said...

Stef,
I can't wait to see you too. You two enjoy a night out!

Michelle said...

Hi Again
I've tried posting twice with no success. I think my eyes are reading the verification letters wrong--my glasses broke. Happy Baby Shower again:) Love the photo of Maggie--just melts the heart. Glinda, those words are so great! Hugs to everyone!
Love
Michelle

Nancy said...

Wow! Looks like the party is rolling. Just got back from a soccer game, football game, lunch and a run to Target and Costco. Now I am back to painting the entry way. Unfortunately it needed a second coat. UUUUGGGHHH!

Will check in when my hubby in up on the ladder - hee,hee -

I am looking forward to GNO too. Please don't change the date. I found out last night my reservation is not refundable;(

UH, OH, I'm being paged.
Party On!

Glinda said...

It's a bit chindy (chilly and windy) here today, so it takes the bite out of the air a bit.

I add sour cream and cheddar cheese to mine to make it a little less caloric ;0

Nancy said...

Chili on a cold day. Great Idea.

redmaryjanes said...

Hi there Nancy!

redmaryjanes said...

Hi there Michelle! It's good to see you back. How's your day going? It takes a little while to get used to this, but after a while you just start commenting away.

redmaryjanes said...

Glinda that sounds so good...I love sour cream.

redmaryjanes said...

PRIZE WINNERS;

I NEED YOU TO LET ME KNOW WHAT YOU WANT, THE PRIZES ARE POSTED!

Glinda said...

Party on, ladies.

I'm off for a walk so I can have extra sour cream.

redmaryjanes said...

Enjoy your walk Glinda!

Beckyb said...

What a bummer to have to work today - I missed all the fun!!! I am praying for that sweet Oatsvall family though - God is smiling on them!!!

redmaryjanes said...

Hi Becky!
You didn't miss out on anything. Everyone is just coming and going all the time.

Anonymous said...

hey, becky missed ya today ... hope the family is doing well ... love ya!

Juliette said...

Hello RMJ and Gwen,
I can't stay but I wanted to wish the best to the Oatsvall family. Maggie is a sweetheart and I am so happy she has found her family and you have found her.
Hoping you will see your little angel soon. All the best and have a fantastic shower and weekend!

redmaryjanes said...

Great to hear from you Juliette.

Nancy said...

Will have to make some baked potatoes and bread bowls to go with Glinda's chili.
MMMMMMM!!!

Nancy said...

BTW- Michigan is stomping on Notre Dame.

redmaryjanes said...

Nancy,
It sounds great doesn't it? I think we're grilling. Ty is having a friend stay the night tonight.

redmaryjanes said...

Yeah, we're watching the game. My son is a big Michigan State fan, but he's very curious to see who wins this game.

Nancy said...

We went to Olive Garden for lunch, so it will be a scavenger night here. My husband is a huge Michigan fan. He also loves ND. Last weekend was rough. Not only did those two teams lose, but the Bears did too.

redmaryjanes said...

Yeah, my son is very happy that those two teams are struggling because he thinks it opens the door for Michigan State.

Glinda said...

Bread bowls, what a great idea.

Glinda said...

A question for Gwen:

What was your very first thought the moment you saw your daughter's picture?

Anonymous said...

we are watching the TN/Fl game here and reading to grill some burgers/hotdogs, queso, and brownies .. can you taste it ... my friend just gave me blankets, socks, and wash clothes for Maggie's care pkg .. i just cried ... thinking of those little ones without a mommy/daddy is more than i can handle at times ... i am so thankful that i knwo my heavenly Father loves them more than i can ever imagine ...

Laura Nipper said...

Hello again ladies!! We are back from our wedding. I was beautiful and nice to have sometime with just my husband.
Looks like the shower is going well and lots of comments.
Gwen you are loved by so many. Maggie is so blessed to have you for her mommy.
I had fun last night picking out some cozy blankets and cute little socks to send to china.

Laura Nipper said...

Ment to say it was beautiful not I was beautiful.

redmaryjanes said...

Hi Laura,
I'm glad that you guys had a good time at the wedding.

Anonymous said...

laura, glad you had some time alone with hubby .. that is so much fun ... i am going to have so much fun packing that care pkg. for the orphanage ... i will wrap it all with love and pray that each child in need will feel loved by their gift !!! thanks for shopping for the pkg .. love ya sister ...

Anonymous said...

RJM, this day has just been a blessing in my life .. i think sometimes we can feel that no one else gets our journey and today has just been proof that so many of us are on the same page when it comes to praying and carrying for the orphans around the world .. love ya bunches !!!

Anonymous said...

hey crystal .. just saw your post ... love ya too and will let you help sort the goodies and help pack the pkg for the orphange ..

redmaryjanes said...

Back at you Gwen. It's fun isn't it??

Anonymous said...

glinda, to answer your question .. i had already applied for 7 children on the cop list and when this list came out i had applied for 6 children ... but you can ask becky, nikki and steffie .. because i told them i was so drawn to this face that i couldn't sleep at night without praying for her ... i would wake up and see her face ... i imagine what her pain was like and who would look at her burn and turn their head ... i had a million thoughts, but the main was that i would love this child forever and that if God would allow me to be her mother, she would never face things alone again ... her eyes speak to me each day as i look at them and i long to kiss her !!!

redmaryjanes said...

I'm sorry everyone, Eli has fallen and cut his face, he is going to require stitches.

Glinda said...

Oh, my RMJ; I hope he's o.k.

Let us know as soon as you can.

Glinda said...

Gwen,

Your words are beautiful; I can only aspire.

LaLa said...

Gwen..that game is NOT going well at our house : (

Kim..keep us posted on Eli !!!

polkadot said...

Hello, I went out for a pedicure in Maggie's honor :0) -- Came back to see the fun is still going on.

WHen do you think you might travel, Oatsvalls?

Nancy said...

Life with BOYS!!!
I hope Eli is OK. If stitches are truly required, I hope you get a good Dr.

Anonymous said...

What a beautiful day it is :)

We send you prayers and thoughts for Maggie's union with her family.
Our family is pledging our shower gift to be a $25.00 gift card for Target. We'll get the address from your family here in San Diego

Best wishes from the Storey family

Laura Nipper said...

Ouch poor guy. Never a daul moment with boys in the house.

Michelle said...

Wow, I'm getting hungry reading all about the chili. But then I saw about the stitches--hope he's o.k. Stitches are not fun! So sweet to read about Maggie...

Kim said...

Good Afternoon...
Looks like I have missed a lot..
Looks like everyone is having fun..
Gwen how are you???
Kim

Kim said...

OH WOW...
I was just catching up on what I missed and seen that Kim had to take Eli to get stitches..
Sorry to hear that..
Hope all is okay..

mommy24treasures said...

I am so sorry about Eli. I pray he is ok and that you aren't at the hospital all night.
Caitlyn fell into the pool last sat and cut under her chin, we came close to going but it was such a clean straight across cut that we used liquid bandage and glued it together. Its healing nicely thank God.

Gwen Oatsvall said...

RMJ, sorry about Eli ... we had stitches last summer and it was harder on me than on Elijah ...keep us posted friend ..

brenda, you are so sweet .. i will save the gift card till maggie gets home and see what she needs ...

have we noticed the food theme going on today ... i just at 2 homemade brownies to top off my meal ... i am on a role today !!!

Nancy said...

Fire Pit is roaring, kids are in bed, s'mores are cooking, and the alcohol is plentiful.
Come join us with our neighbors.

Gwen Oatsvall said...

michelle thanks for stopping by, sorry about the computer problems .. my computer has those brain fart days....

Nancy, GNO sounds like fun... wish i could join ya ...

Isabella's Mommy (kim ... i just love saying that) can't wait to see what fun things you have found for maggie....

LaLa said...

Anyone still playing? I am drinking a glass of wine and watching Peter Pan with a girl who should be in bed but isn't LOL

Gwen Oatsvall said...

it is 8pm here and my honey just informed me that Maggie got a pkg today ...

Dannye (Laydfrog.blogspot) sent the most adorable two outfits and book...i just teared up (i have been doing that a lot today) ... i just sat there amazed at how a person i have never meet can send love to my sweet maggie in the form of a gift ...i am overwhelmed and speechless today !!! will post pictures of the presents on my blog starting tomorrow ... oatsvallteam.blogspot.com

Dannye, I pray a quick journey for us all to our daughters !!! thank you sweet friend ...

Gwen Oatsvall said...

still playing here ... i just got my second wind by opening the present from Dannye ... i have 3 here that should be asleep, but not ...

Gwen Oatsvall said...

nancy, did you say smores ??? i am on my way ... i am a chocoholic !!! we have a fire pit and i just love hanging out and listening to whatever God has around me ...

Kim said...

Glad you are still here..
Can't wait to see all the gifts..
And I will have yours sent on Monday..
And you know me... I love shopping..

Gwen Oatsvall said...

hausfrau ... just saw your comment ... i pray to travel by thanksgiving, but feel like it will be more like christmas ... what a gift she will be ... i see you are traveling in 19 days ... soooooooo exciting !!!

Kim said...

Gwen you can tell Jeremiah, Elijah and Emily that they have a surprise coming too..
I didn't want them to feel left out..
And it was sooo cute..

Gwen Oatsvall said...

glad you love shopping because i love opening gifts ... lol ... it is amazing to me that my daughter is being celebrated today and she has no idea how much she is loved and what anticipation there is for her arrival ....

Kim said...

It is weird to see that the kids are going to bed...I looked at the clock..
It is only 6:20 here..
Hope you had a Great Day..
I had to work..

Gwen Oatsvall said...

that is so funny because when emily opened the present that came today she ask what was for her ... i told her it was for maggie, but we would all enjoy the books ...

Kim said...

Once she is with you and the family... that will be all the LOVE she will need...
I sit and wonder what goes through their little minds...
Not having anyone to hold and kiss them .. then they get showered with love..
It must be just overwelming..
I can't wait..
And can't wait to see Maggie in your arms.. and the kids ..

Gwen Oatsvall said...

you are super sweet to think of the Jeremiah, Elijah and Emily ... they will feel special !!!

Kim said...

I am going to put their names on their gifts... so Maggie will know it is theirs...
I know how it is with little ones... They don't understand..

Gwen Oatsvall said...

it is amazing remembering how Emily was shell shocked for the first 36 hours and then a light went on and somehow she understood who i was and she just became this light and her eyes were alive ...it is the most amazing experience !!! i can't wait to see that change in maggie ...

Kim said...

Okay.. now I know you think I am a dork..
I was thinking of Maggie and put Maggie will know it is theirs.. meaning to put EMILY..
Forgive me

Gwen Oatsvall said...

they will feel so special ... especially elijah ... extrinsic rewards are one of his love languages ...

Kim said...

I am so grateful to get to know all of you before I go to CHina...
This way I have all of you to help me through the questions that I have not an idea about..
The packing and everything else..
I am so nervous on that part..
I know don't be..
I know I have a LONG wait..
Are you taking the kids with you?

Gwen Oatsvall said...

no biggie ... but that is a good idea because right now emily thinks all presents are hers and that all bday parties are hers also ... lol

Gwen Oatsvall said...

not taking the kids ... husband staying home with them ... we just don't have the resources and really no one to watch the kids if we did go, so this worked out great last time and i am sure it will be great again ...

you are right, i got all my best advice on everything from people who had gone on before me ... i am not a big yahoo group person or one who reads lots of books on adoption issues, because i think they paint such a sad picture and if you aren't careful you can over analysis your daughter ... just be patient and love her ...

Kim said...

So when you adopted Emily your husband stayed home and you went by yourself or took another family member..
How did the bonding go with your husband and Emily since he didn't go?

Gwen Oatsvall said...

my best friend went with me ... you know we committed to prayer that emily would know scott's voice, since he wasn't traveling with me and their bonding went great ... he didn't force her when we got home, but we did let her sleep with us a while and i think that helped ... i know most people are against that, but it worked for us ... and now let me tell you that she is 100% daddy's girl ...

Kim said...

I don't want to keep you up all night..
I am running to the store..
I can not find the scotch tape - was wrapping the presents and ran out...
But can't find anymore..
Trying to get this all together so you can have these wonderful gifts..
I am soo excited for you and your family...
I will talk to you later if you are still on... hope all is well with Kimberley..

Gwen Oatsvall said...

i will check in later also... need to put kiddos to bed ... fun chatting with ya ...

i am hoping to wait up and check on kimberly and Eli's stitches ...

LaLa said...

Obviously she is...she has the My Daddy rocks shirt!! Love that little pose she is striking in that pic

Gwen Oatsvall said...

she can strut that shirt too ... one sunday i broke down and let all the kids where their t-shirts to church and emily walked the hallways saying "my dad woks" ... i just couldn't stop laughing ...

The Johnson Family said...

I see the fun is still going strong! Glad you are enjoying Miss maggie's special day, I can't wait to love on her!!

Glinda said...

It's been a pleasure reading all of your well wishes for Gwen and Maggie, but I simply must get my beauty sleep.

Good Night, Moon.

Gwen Oatsvall said...

goodnight glinda ... i am still on a surgar high and just opened maggie's 1st present, so i may be up for a little while ..

hey, crystal ... it has been a fun day ... i know i will have sweet dreams about my sweet daughter tonight ...

Gwen Oatsvall said...

i posted my first gifts i got today on my blog ... this has been the best day !!!! i am speechless to all who have cared and stopped by today ...

love ya ...

Dannye said...

I'm back, am I too late to play??

redmaryjanes said...

Gwen,
I am back from ER. Poor Eli had to get 4 stitches in his cheek.

Kim said...

Gwen -
the outfits and the little book are adorable..
Maggie is going to be the best dressed litte girl around..

Kim said...

Kim -
sorry to hear about Eli..
he must be so sad...
Glad you are back though..

redmaryjanes said...

He is sleeping now. It was pretty tough. They had to strap him to a board to imobilize him and there were shots and the stitches. He was very brave though.

LaLa said...

Poor baby : ( Glad he is sleeping now.

redmaryjanes said...

Laura,
I'm glad too. What a night. But I am so glad that you all were here to keep Gwen company!

Gwen Oatsvall said...

i am back ... so sorry Eli had a rough go ... I passed out when Elijah got his last stitch .. how lame is that ...

Kim said...

Glad he is resting now...
Poor little guy..
I'm sure he was scared..

Gwen Oatsvall said...

dannye, did you see my blog .. i posted your present ... it is so cute and the purple outfit will be perfect for the basketball games ... our colors are purple and gold ...

Gwen Oatsvall said...

kim, i am sure you are tired also .. it is a very draining ordeal ...it is so hard to see our boys in pain when they are trying to be tough ...

redmaryjanes said...

Gwen,
I can understand that. I kept trying not to cry. He was all strapped in and trying to be so brave. I held his hand and kissed his feet. It was just awful.

redmaryjanes said...

But, I see that you guys have been having some great fun and conversations here.

redmaryjanes said...

Gwen,
I see the gift post on your blog. I just love presents.

Gwen Oatsvall said...

it has been so much fun ... i have been checking the computer all day like a teenager waiting to see who was here ... everyone has been so sweet and it has just been a great day and felt good to talk about Maggie with people who understand ...

Kim said...

You put on the best showers Kim..
I am sure it was hard for you too..
Glad you all are okay now..

Gwen Oatsvall said...

i am glad you and Eli are home safe ... i know how draining the hospital visits are with our little ones ... he will be so cool with his new scar ... elijah still loves to show his off ...

are maggie's presents soooo cute !

Kim said...

Gwen-
I just got done wrapping all the presents and sealed the box..
Ready for take off to you and the kids..
Can't wait for you to open..
The gifts on your blog are wonderful...
It is like an early Christmas..
Maggie is going to be stylin

Gwen Oatsvall said...

i meant to say "aren't Maggie's presents sooo cute" ... my hands are going numb from typing so much ..lol

Gwen Oatsvall said...

I told the kiddos that you were sending them presents also and they got a gleam in their eyes ... so i am sure we will all be running to the mailbox for the next couple of weeks ...

redmaryjanes said...

I hope you have had a great day Gwen. It really is a lot of fun for me to have the showers. I love getting to talk to everybody.
I am so exhausted though, I hope you don't mind if I say goodnight and get some sleep.

Kim said...

Goodnight Kim ...
Sorry I didn't get to talk with you tonight..
Take care
Have a good night

Gwen Oatsvall said...

go to bed sweet friend ... i am heading that way myself .. it has been a blessing of a day ... thanks just doesn't seem to cover it ...

love ya !!!!!!!!!!!

Maggie's Mom signing off

redmaryjanes said...

Good night ladies.

Kim, it is tough for us to chat because you usually work on Saturday mornings when I have the morning chat.
Now Gwen will have to come to the morning chat.
Maybe we'll have to start earlier or something.

Sleep well all.

Kim said...

GOOD NIGHT GWEN...
Thanks for chatting tonight..
Hope you had a great time.

Dannye said...

Good night sweet Kim!! Thank you for this wonderful successful shower!! Sweet dreams...

Dannye said...

yes Gwen I saw your post, I am so glad they came today, I so wanted you to get them on the day of the shower, and was in such a hurry to send them to you I left the orphanage pressies out by mistake, so I'll mail those out to you this week....

Laura Nipper said...

Just checking in. It's only 8:44pm here.
Kim glad Eli is okay. You brought back memories of when they strap Morgan down, to get a tiny piece of glass out of her foot. It was awful.

Gwen just wanted to say how honored I am to have been apart of this shower. What a blessing it has been to follow along with you on this journey to Maggie.

Nancy said...

Kim,
I am happy to hear Eli is doing well. What an ordeal. I hope he slept well for you last night.