Saturday, February 02, 2008

Welcome to the Saturday Morning Chat Group!







Good Morning Everyone! Today is the launch day for the Starfish Foster Home Supply Raiser! If you would like to help, please contact me at timnkim@gmail.com or leave a comment with your e-mail address so that I can contact you.
All supplies will be sent to Amanda, who is woman in China who started her own foster home to help China's most fragile special needs babies who may not survive in a traditional orphanage. Her orphanage is what we would consider a mid-sized apartment and she has up to 15 children living there at a time.
She raises money on her own through LWB to pay for their lifesaving surgeries and goes with them to provide the love and support that they need to survive the procedures. She loves and cares for them as she prepares them to be available for adoption.
If you join in, please put the graphic on the upper left hand corner onto your blog sidebar to show your support.
Also, please feel free to do a post to help the cause, I would really appreciate it.
If you would like to send a note for Amanda and the children, I think that would be wonderful and if you want to make a donation for the postage you can, but it is not expected. We are willing to cover the cost of shipping.

291 comments:

1 – 200 of 291   Newer›   Newest»
Unknown said...

Cant wait to learn more..How are you my friend?

redmaryjanes said...

Good Morning Amy!
How are you?
We're good here. Lots of snow though.

Unknown said...

Fun!!! I am tired..We had our First Friday group last night and then I went to work

redmaryjanes said...

How was your group?
You had it at your house?

Truly Blessed said...

Good Morning Kimberley!

Truly Blessed said...

Oh, Good Morning to you, as well, Amy -- I typed that first line, then went off to get Katie dressed and didn't check the comments before I hit send.

BTW, I love the idea of your 1st Friday group.

Unknown said...

Oh no, we have our First Friday adoption group at the church..It was great..We had "red thread" night where 3 families shared their story and passed red thread thoughout the group who had part of their journey.very cool!

redmaryjanes said...

Hi there Kelly!
It's been strange not having Tyler around this morning. I keep having to remind myself that he's at snow camp.

redmaryjanes said...

Kelly,
I thought that you had said something at one time about an adoption group forming at our church.

I think that's wonderful Amy.

Nancy said...

Good Morning.
Kelly - any news on Ella's orphanage?

Truly Blessed said...

I doubt our kids slept much last night -- I'm glad we don't have to deal with them today!

ABC does such a great job with it's teen programs. All of the kids will have such a great time.

Unknown said...

I love to hear about other peoples churches..

RMJ, thanks for the mail btw

Margaret M said...

Hi everyone,
I am a newbie to the chat. I wanted to come last week but didn''t make it. I may only be here for a short while or in and out this morning as Lily Wen is sick.

Nancy said...

I sent in a registration form for the two older boys this week for a camp sponsored through our new church. They will both be gone a week this summer.
Not sure how that will go. We have never done it before.

Truly Blessed said...

Good morning Nancy!

Kimberley, there are a group of us who are trying to get an adoption group started...the passion is there, but all of us lack the time to do what has to be done. I really should email the ladies today and see if we can get together SOON.

BTW, Katie just pressed some random buttons on the keyboard and my font is HUGE now! Funny. Not sure how to get it back to normal (it will take me 20 minutes to scroll down with things this size!)

redmaryjanes said...

Hi there Nancy and Margaret! Good Morning.

redmaryjanes said...

You're welcome Amy.

Nancy said...

Welcome Margaret!

My fingers have a serious case of dyslexia this morning. Have to reread everything I type, and then edit.

Truly Blessed said...

Good morning margaret miracle is your name Margaret?

I have to pop over to your blog to see your Lily Wen. so sorry she's not feeling well...

redmaryjanes said...

Margaret,
I'm sorry that your baby is sick. This is a bad flu season.
We love new people, so thanks for dropping in.

redmaryjanes said...

Nancy,
I guess that my bows were mailed out yesterday, so I should have them in time for the bow swap!

redmaryjanes said...

Kelly,
You can count me in with the church group if you guys need any help.

Truly Blessed said...

Oh Margaret, Lily Wen is beautiful and "Baby Becky" aka Graham is gorgeous!

Unknown said...

Hi there Margaret! I know you! Glad you could make it

Truly Blessed said...

Nancy,

Have your boys gone to camp before? I know this will be a new camp for them, but they will likely love it.

My boys have always loved camp.

RMJ, just keep lighting a fire under me so that we get this show on the road. I'll tell the others you want to help and maybe that will spur us on to getting going! In the meantime, pray!

Nancy said...

I went to get my bows yesterday, and the store I have been waiting to open delayed a day.
Will need to try to get back there today.

Truly Blessed said...

Amy, are you still around? Just back from work, are you?

Nancy, no word from Ella's orphanage. I am deeply concerned for my baby there. The area is not used to the extreme temperatures and it's just killing me that the babies might not be warm enough or have enough food.

Nancy said...

The boys have NEVER been to camp, or away from us for more than a night or two.
It will probably be alot easier on them than me.

Unknown said...

Im still here..I had a contest on my blog and I am posting winners..and I amsooooooo tired...short chat today

redmaryjanes said...

Ok girls,
Can I count on all of you to send a little something for Starfish? I'm going to collect everything here and then ship it out to China. Do you all have my address?
Kelly, I don't have yours. I can e-mail it out to anyone who is missing.

Truly Blessed said...

Kimberley,

I love the "supply" raiser for Starfish. You might be shocked, however, to find out how much it costs to ship overseas.

I'll email you my address (then you can stop over for a cup of coffee someday!), but anything I donate I'll just give to you at church.

redmaryjanes said...

Amy,
I always check your adoption blog, but I'm not so good with the Random Thoughts blog. I missed your big giveaway group.

Nancy said...

Definately, but would it be possible to make a donation in cash that she could use to buy the clothing items or shoes there? I knows shoes are alot cheaper there, and the money would go alot further.

Truly Blessed said...

How does anyone keep track of all the blogs out there? I have about 60 bookmarked, but I cannot get to all of them. How does everyone else do it?

redmaryjanes said...

I know that it's going to be quite expensive, but I really feel good about it.

LaLa said...

Good morning lovely ladies (and Mr. Brian if you show up) Kim...I will email you about the supplies later today to find out what you need most.

We have a bday party this morning then our big FCC Chinese New Year celebration tonight...hope the Dragon Dance doesn't scare her like last year. Catered by Pei Wei so YUMMY

Nancy said...

Just had to got to Punxsutawney Phil's site with my youngest to learn that he saw his shadow.
Winter isn't over yet ladies!

OH MY #6 said...

Good morning everyone!

Kim

I would love to help. Please let me know the details.

I will post the starfish.

Lea

redmaryjanes said...

I e-mailed with her initially about raising supplies and got Amanda's buy-in for that. But she has been so busy. They had two babies who needed emergency surgeries this month, and then a third who they took in this week who she had to fly to a specialist because his spina bifida sack was leaking.
I haven't been able to arrange a way to get the money into one of her LWB accounts.
In the future when she has a child who needs a surgery, I thought about taking that on and doing a fundraiser for that specific child with a prize that could be won in a drawing and doing a link to one of her LWB accounts. But I don't want to do that without her permission.

redmaryjanes said...

Hi there Laura!

redmaryjanes said...

Man, he sees his shadow every year!!!

redmaryjanes said...

Good Morning Lea,
How are you?

Unknown said...

last night at First Friday we talked about ANnabelles wish and started collecting things for this one orphanage. They have collected 5 big boxes and are asking families who are going through Bejing to take one of these boxes with them. It only takes 13 dollars to send it once in China which saves a lot of money!!!!!

Cant wait to read more about Starfish

Nancy said...

Of course he sees his shadow. With all the camera lights, how couldn't he.

OH MY #6 said...

I have no complaints.

Except maybe a s..t load of snow here this morning AGAIN to shovel!

OH MY #6 said...

but the snow is pretty.

Unknown said...

oh and Michael and I love blog contests..heehee

Truly Blessed said...

Nancy,

My kids have gone to summer camp for years. In fact, they go to the same Bible camp I went to as a child. It's a great place.

I think every kid needs to go to summer camp at least once. It's such a memorable experience!

BTW, Nancy, how are the boys doing at their new school?

Truly Blessed said...

Oh Nancy, you're so jaded!

Nancy said...

The boys are doing well. My middle son came home the first day and was telling us about all his new friends, the youngest has girls chasing him at lunch to kiss him, and my oldest is adjusting.
He is still struggling academically, but was at the other school too.

Unknown said...

ladies if you like reading blogs in China check out our friends

http://ladmans.blogspot.com/

They leave in 12 days to get Micah1!Yippeee!

redmaryjanes said...

My boys go to the same church camp each summer too and have for years. Well, this year will be Tyler's second year and he is 12. They LOVE it!

Truly Blessed said...

I figured out how to reduce my font size, thankfully.

You all in bloggerland inspire me. I even went hunting for a new header yesterday...I must be nuts!

redmaryjanes said...

Who are going to use for the header?

Unknown said...

where did you find headers at?

Truly Blessed said...

I don't have a clue. I'm just out "shopping" for ideas. I love so many that I can't decide what to do.

It seems like such a huge commitment! Well, except for you, RMJ, you have more headers than anyone I've ever seen! How do you keep track of them?

redmaryjanes said...

I like to read peoples blogs while they are in China. It really has helped to educate me on what to expect when it's time to bring my daughter home.
I am really into Lynn's right now. She is bringing Olivia home.
I'll check out your friends Amy.

Truly Blessed said...

As far as headers go, I just googled "digital scrapbook blog headers" and wanted to see what came up. One site, shoot, I can't remember the name, had a couple of cute ones -- and they were only about $2.50 each. And it's only the header, none of the cool wallpaper.

Margaret M said...

thanks for the warm welcome and yes Margaret Miracle is my name. My mother made sure at my wedding that everyone knew that I was marryinng a Miracle. Most days, he is one. I missed a lot by running down stairs to check on Lily. Kim, I will need your address for the Starfish.

redmaryjanes said...

The majority of my headers are not real headers.
They are photos that I found out on the internet and I just put them in as a header.
I do have quite a few customer headers though.
These are the people who have made them for me:
Verna the Blogfairy
Daleea from Jewels of My Heart
Sara from Our Journey to Mia Lin
Heather at Digging A Hole to China
Donna from Waiting for Lauren Elizabeth
And I believe it was Adele's son who did one for me too.

Truly Blessed said...

I was, and still am, addicted to "in China now" stories. My absolute favorite site (and the one we used) is My Adoption Website. Joe and Jen, the owners are Christians and who are wonderful and incredibly helpful.

redmaryjanes said...

I don't ever do the wallpaper because it limits the headers I can do and I don't know how to switch wallpaper by myself.
I keep things really simple.

OH MY #6 said...

I just love your BLOG, Margaret.

LaLa said...

Hey ladies...I just was reading some of my blogs and Laurie over at Pho for Four has written a great post on attachment/bonding. She is an MD and just got back from Vietnam with her second son (they were in VN last year for their first son) and she is currently pregnant and due in May!! BUSY

Anyway, since it is a Vietnam blog I knew many of you may not know about it. The post is worth a read

http://goodhappenings.com/WordPress/

Like Kim said..Lynn's journey has been amazing and it is another reminder that these little ones are not going to immediately say "oh mama, there you are" and the gotcha day may not be a fairytale....but they will love us as much as we love them..it just takes time on both sides : )

Truly Blessed said...

Margaret,

I love your last name! How cool is that? Lucky.

Kimberley,

But how in the world did you learn to swap them out? I got into my template area one time and it all looked greek to me. I even got a tutorial from Verna once but it may have been written in Chinese!

redmaryjanes said...

I'll check that our Laura.

redmaryjanes said...

Is there anyone here who doesn't have a Saturday Morning Chat Group Link and wants one for their sidebar? I can e-mail it to you.

Nancy said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
redmaryjanes said...

Kelly,

My saving grace with this blog is that I am married to an IT Manager. My husband is a whiz at all things computer related. I just tell him what I want and he magically makes it happen. He set up the build-out of my blog and taught me how to change things. My header swaps out just like the pictures on my sidebar do. It's very easy. Can you change the pictures on your sidebar?

Nancy said...

I love Joe and Jen's site. That is where I got to meet Katie's family.
We are signed up with them, when we get to travel.
Had it set up ready to go, and then the move came. Put everything on hold, and haven't updated it since.

Truly Blessed said...

Since I've BTDT, I can say that the first week with baby/toddler is rough. You might as well get the idea of the beautiful "gerber" baby out of your head and prepare for a shocked, grieving, crying, screaming mess.

We were fortunate, Katie was young enough that she only grieved hard for about 3 days and mostly slept as a way of coping. But it's hard no matter what the age or the grieving style.

The 2nd week in China with baby is much more "fun" and even then, by the time you've been home a month, you would not be able to recognize your child from the child you picked up in China.

Nancy said...

Kimberley maybe your hubby could write us a tutorial (at about a 5th grade learning level).

OH MY #6 said...

Ladies,

I have to to get out and shovel snow so the poor dogs can get out the back door.

I hope you all have a great day.

Kim, I would love you to e-mail me the Saturday morning chat link.

I will e-mail you and remind you.

Lea

Glinda said...

Just stopping by to say Good morning; I'm late, I'm late for a very important date...off to the gym w/ DH to beat myself into submission ;0.

Wonderful weekend to you all.

Go Brady Bunch. (New England)

redmaryjanes said...

Lea,
Just give me your e-mail address and I'll send it right over.

Nancy said...

Kelly - Did Katie ever really prefer one of you over the others? I read so many places where that happens, and worry that the boys will feel rejected if that happen to them.

redmaryjanes said...

Good Morning Glinda~
I hope you have a fabulous weekend. Good for you getting out the gym! I definitely should be doing that.
It's great to hear from you. You are a very special friend.

Truly Blessed said...

Kimberley,

I had no idea that Jim was an IT guy -- everything makes so much more sense now!

Yes, I can swap out pictures on the sidebar.

BUT, as I said last week, I'm nearly out of space on Blogger so I set up an account at Wordpress. The problem there is that my images are TOO BIG to use as ".JPG" and I don't know how to set my camera to upload them as both ".jpg" and ".JPG" I'm just a mess.

~Amy~ said...

Goooood morning ladies! :)

Glinda said...

Thank you, RMJ--back at you ;)

I've been terribly busy this week and have not been able to do my usual joypopping (blog surfing). I hope to get caught up later today.

Good day, all.

Unknown said...

Guys, I am fading..have got to go You guys are awwesome. have a great time today!

Unknown said...

See everyone in bloggy land this week!

Kristy said...

Godd morning Ladies, how are all of you??? It sounds like all of you are a little snowed in this morning. Here it is about 40 degrees and the sun is out , so I opened all of my blinds and I really hope it gives me lots of energy because this is the first saturday in forever that I have absolutely nothing that I have to do and I plan on cleaning around the house. I love this saturday morning chat thingie!!!

Kristy said...

Bye Amy!!

Truly Blessed said...

Nancy,

To answer your question, yes and no. In China, Daddy and I did all of the carrying and meeting needs. The boys mostly played with her -- on the floor, on their laps, etc., pushed the stroller when we got one, that kind of thing. Katie preferred me, but would also go to Daddy, and she did not like it when we put her down.

Once we got home, she started treating the boys differently. Our 2nd son definitely became her source of comfort if Mom or Dad wasn't readily available, and the other boys were much more playmates.

It's still like that today (and son #2 is the only one who is able to put her to bed if DH and I are gone for the evening -- she won't let the other boys do anything to get her ready for bed.

Kristy said...

Kim,
Can you email me your address and also tell me what kind of supplies to get for you to send??? I know it is probably the obvious but what is she specifically asking for?

~Amy~ said...

RJM...so are the things that they need at starfish suppost to be all new things? or can they be used?

redmaryjanes said...

Amy,
I am going to send some of Eli's clothing that he has outgrown that is in very good shape. I figure that if she doesn't want it, she can get rid of it but if she needs it, it will go to great use.

redmaryjanes said...

Kristy,
If you look down one post, you can see the list that Starfish has provided for what they need. But I think that anything you would like to give would be wonderful.
I bought a lot of sleepers and some summer clothes.

Unknown said...

oh I want to stay but I have to go to sleep!

But FYI, guess was on my floor of the hospital last week?

GARTH BROOKS

Im so bummed i missed him

redmaryjanes said...

Get some sleep Amy. It was great to talk to you this morning : )

~Amy~ said...

Ok thanks...I'll see what I can do.

What are your plans for today/the rest of the weekend?

redmaryjanes said...

NO WAY!!
Garth Brooks!!
What was wrong with him?

Unknown said...

nothing, he was helping to raise money for my hospital

Jewels of My Heart said...

Good morning Sunshine!
I got your sweet card and the check. Thank you so much. I am so glad you like your header. I will be waiting until after you display it to show it on my blog site.
I hope you are well.
Will try to gather some things for Amanda. I love that you are helping the babies.

Unknown said...

had to tell someone
NOw I am really leaving..

Thanks for commenting on hubbys blog where he has a very sweet pic up!


www.valtool.blogspot.com

Kristy said...

Ok thank you Kim, I will get some things together, you are a sweetie for doing this.

Truly Blessed said...

Garth Brooks, huh? Maybe he was there granting a "wish" to a sick child?

BTW, I'm going to make a list of things Amanda has requested and keep it in my purse. A lot of stores are putting winter things on clearance to make way for spring merchandise, so I can bargain shop for the things I'll donate.

redmaryjanes said...

Today Zach has a hockey game at 12:50pm, so I'm going to have to close the chat a little early, or you all can stay and talk it up.
My husbands Aunt and Uncle are coming to dinner tonight and then we have church and a hockey game tomorrow.

It will be a fun weekend.

OH MY #6 said...

thanx Kim, I have posted it. I am really gone now. Hope everyone has a good day. Gosh, I love this Saturday am thing!

Lea

redmaryjanes said...

Thank you Margaret and everyone. This is the most caring and giving group of people that I have ever known.

~Amy~ said...

Thats good. I went out bowling with some friends last night...it was a good time. I'm so used to playing the Wii bowling, I forgot how hard "REAL" bowling really is!

redmaryjanes said...

I'm not a great bowler, but I do have a good time going with the kids. So, have any good plans come up for you Amy?

Kristy said...

I hope all of you have a great day!!! Talk to you next saturday!!
Love and blessings to all of you.
Kristy

redmaryjanes said...

Hi Daleea,
I just saw your comment! How are you this morning! Thanks for sitting on my header until its debut. It really is cool!

~Amy~ said...

OH not really...just laying low today and a superbowl get together tomorrow. I'm trying to stay positive though!

redmaryjanes said...

Have a great weekend Kristy!!

redmaryjanes said...

Kelly,
I just read your blog comment. Yes, Tim is very good with my blog. Otherwise I probably wouldn't have one. I'm not familiar with wordpress, but I have seen that many people are moving over there. Is the new blog going to be password protected?
I wonder why your photos are too big for a jpg. I'll have to ask my husband about that.

Nancy said...

My plans involve a 3+ mile run at the gym, shopping for hairbows, and maybe a college basketball game tonight with the boys.

However, they are fighting like Tazmanian Devils right now, so we'll see.

Truly Blessed said...

Regarding the file size, what limited knowledge I have, a "JPG" is a full size image -- when you click on it in Blogger, it enlarges for you. But a "jpg" is a small image and doesn't enlarge.

I think my old camera (the one I dropped in the lake) uploaded both sizes onto my laptop, so I could choose JPG or jpg for my image. Now I don't get a choice, and with Wordpress, the image is HUGE (before you even click on it!).

I don't think I'll password protect the WP site, until and unless I need to. I doubt that will happen.

But, until I can figure out how to upload .jpg images instead of the big ones, I can't post there.

Frustrating.

redmaryjanes said...

Nancy,
I am so proud of you for running. I think that is fantastic. So, are you loving the new house? Any good neighbors who you are meeting?

Nancy said...

You lost me at JPG - jpg

Anonymous said...

iiioooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo i

Nancy said...

I loved my last house (which still hasn't sold). I am tolerating this one right now.

I am not very social in new places. Takes me a long time to get to know people, then we I do make friends, we end up moving. The boys and hubby have met some neighbors, but I haven't yet.

Nancy said...

Hello Sweet Katie.
Thanks for the message:)

redmaryjanes said...

Kelly,

I just asked Tim about that and he says there is no difference between upper case and lower case jpg's. He said that your new camera probably has a larger megapixel rating. If it is 7,8 or 9 it could just produce larger files. The larger the megapixel, the larger the files. Our camera has 6 megapixel and does fine. The new cameras show more detail.
He said sometimes you can change the picture resolution which can reduce the megapixels. Look at your manual.

redmaryjanes said...

Or he says you can use a program to scale the picture.

Truly Blessed said...

You know the saying "a little knowledge is a dangerous thing..."? Well, that's me with computers.

My boys cannot believe I blog -- it truly amazes them.

Always keep them guessing, that's my M.O.!

redmaryjanes said...

Hi there Katie! Big Hug from Miss Kim!

Kelley said...

Good morning! I'm going to catch up on comments... Hope everyone is having a happy Groundhog Day!

Truly Blessed said...

Heh. funny you should mention the manual. I'm trying to find it, but cannot remember what I did with it. I did find the box, but the manual wasn't in it.

Thanks to your sweet hubby for helping. I'll see if my sweet hubby can help me figure out how to re-size the pictures.

Nancy, I'm so proud of you for running and exercising! You go girl!

redmaryjanes said...

Good Morning Kelley! How are you and Chloe this morning!

Nancy said...

Now, if only I could lose weight too. I was actually dieting and exercising, and only gained weight. I gave up on the diet part.

Margaret M said...

Lily is now watching Chicken Little. Wrapped in her High School Musical Blankie and looking pitiful and I snuck upstairs to rejoin the chat all ready in progress:)

Margaret M said...

Kim,

I need the link to the chat and your address. You can e-mail them to me at margaretmiracle@bellsouth.net

I'll delete this post later

redmaryjanes said...

Welcome back Margaret!

redmaryjanes said...

I tell you guys, these snow storms and power outages really have my concerned. I can't imagine all of those people without power in China right now. And so many of our babies being cold.

k1 said...

Haven't checked ALL the comments to see who's here yet, So I'll start with these Good Mornings and try to catch up:


Good Morning Any, Kimberley, Kelly, Margaret, and Nancy!

Margaret M said...

Plans for the weekend have all changed! Lily missed one of her best friends birthday parties last night. She feels so bad that she doesn't seem to care. We as a family were going to a Mardi Gras party tonight. Yes, I am a native of Louisiana and so miss my Mardi Gras (one parade used to roll in front of our house in Baton Rouge). Really missing home today. Instead, Lily and I will have a PJ pajama party day as she calls it to keep her quiet and rested so she can get over this bug as quickly as possible.

redmaryjanes said...

I'll get it right over to you Margaret. I just sent another one out a couple of minutes ago.

Kelley said...

Hee, hee! I've decided that chatting here is like juggling. So many conversations!

Kelly, do you know how to use Bloglines? It will help you manage your blogs. I have about 65 that I follow (I'm so nuts!) and it makes it do-able. Otherwise, I'd never keep up. I can tell you more if necessary.

Kimberley, I had your address once, and I don't have it anymore. Could you send it again? Are you going to collect some money too, for the shipping costs? How are you going to manage that? I'm thinking shipping is going to be EXPENSIVE!

k1 said...

....and to Lala and Lea. Almost caught up.....

redmaryjanes said...

Good Morning K1!
Can I use your real name or are you incognito?

Marla said...

Good morning ladies! I should be assembling boxes (we're moving, ugh), but I thought I'd pop by here with a cup of coffee first.

Kayce said...

Hey there all! Just wanted to pop in and say hi before I ran off to a vestry retreat all day with my church.

Stay warm all you getting snow today!

Kayce

Kelley said...

Margaret, it's nice to meet you! I popped over to your blog, and your Lily Wen is beautiful!!!

redmaryjanes said...

Margaret,
That is a great idea. I love that you call it a pajama party to make your sick little one think she is having a great time staying home and nursing the flu.

redmaryjanes said...

HI THERE KAYCE!
I see you today girl!

Nancy said...

Hello K1. Sunroof fixed yet?

Truly Blessed said...

Good morning K1 & Kelley!

K1, you're up early again.

Kelley, no, I don't know how to use Bloglines. CougChick suggested I do it on my blog, but I cannot figure out how. It's no secret I'm a computer idiot.

redmaryjanes said...

Good Morning Marla,
Grab your coffee and join in!

k1 said...

....oops, hi/bye Kristy, and Hi Daleea (sP0.

There. Got all but one:

HI KATIE

k1 said...

And the other Kelley...(sorry)

~verna said...

Good Morning Ladies!
I'm trying to read all the comments but wanted to say HI

Margaret M said...

I now have so many new blogs to read! Exciting!

I too am worried about all the babies in the orphanages in China. I worry a lot about our son waiting for us in Anhui. Is Graeme warm enough and does he have enough food. One post said from Half the Sky said that public transportation is out in parts of Anhui and that the nannies are walking to and from the orphanage. Now that is commitment. I have not heard any specific about his orphanage though. I feel so far away.

Truly Blessed said...

Okay, I just have to share.

Daddy made fried eggs for his breakfast. Katie had already eaten.

That didn't stop her from climbing on his lap to eat some of his eggs. I turned around and saw them sitting there, and said, "you two are so cute."

Katie immediately said, "Camera!" So I complied and took their picture.

The two of them are having a tea party now -- Daddy is sitting at Katie's little table and yes, I took a picture of that, too!

Marla said...

I can't wait to gather up some things for Starfish, what a great idea! I'll email you in a bit to get details.

Nancy said...

K1 - I saw something either this week or last week where you can go to the same Panda sanctuary you went to in China, but instead of just meeting a panda you can be an honorary panda keeper for the day now.
Did you see that?

Margaret M said...

thanks Kelley! I am looking forward to reading all of you blogs later today when Lily Wen naps.

Marla said...

That is so sweet truly blessed! Nothing like Daddies with their kiddos to melt you into a puddle. :)

Truly Blessed said...

Margaret,

Katie's blog is invite only, but since you left your email addy for RMJ I'll send you an invite into the inner sanctum. It's a crazy place, be warned!

K1 - did you go back to sleep last Saturday after the chat, or did you stay up and get some things done?

k1 said...

Wierd.... I just got kicked out of the site and had to wait to get back in.

Anyway, Yes, Kimberley, you may all use my real name...

Hi, my name is Karen, and I'm a blogger.

Nancy, YES, my sunrood is fixed!!!!

Sis (Kelly without an E). I am ONLY up to chat with you guys. Have a cram packed day today so got up early 'cause I won't get to stay until 9 (noon your time)

redmaryjanes said...

What's your e-mail Kelley? I looked in my 'Official SpongeBob Adoption Blogs Address Book' and I don't have it. I'll e-mail my address to you.

I talked to my husband and prepared him that it's going to be expensive. I may have to break it out over a couple of months depending on how much it is. But we are committed to doing it.

Amanda quit her job and started this home with no experience. She just knew that this was something that she had to do. She takes in the babies who the orphanages can't because their situations require a large amount of care. She saves their lives, she travels to hospitals and finds ways to earn money and arrange for surgeons.

If she can do that, I can pay the postage to get her some of the things that she needs.

Besides, all of you are mailing me the supplies. The boxes will be filled with your donations.

I though maybe you all could send along notes too with your gifts if you want.

Nancy said...

Karen, you sounded as if you were at an AA meeting.

'Hi, my name is Karen, and I'm a blogger.'

Too funny!

Truly Blessed said...

I think I might sign up for a community education class to find out more about my computer and blogging.

what do you think?

Nancy said...

Gonna get dressed now and head out to the gym with hubby.
Check back later

~verna said...

I would like to ask everyone to go over to Shelley's blog and congratulate them on LOI for a little boy. Shelley was one of my very first blog clients. At that time they were going to Tiawan but something happened and now they are LOI to China for a little boy. Can't wait to see his picture.
http://finishingourfamilyfromchina.blogspot.com/

redmaryjanes said...

Have a great workout Nancy!

Rachael said...

Kim, I didn't read through all the comments, so maybe you already addressed this, but I imagine the postage to send all those supplies is expensive. I would be happy to give you a small donation from my Simple Wishes fund to help pay for postage.

Email me at rach(dot)wanted4(at)gmail(dot)com and let me know if it would be easier to mail it to you or paypal transfer it.

k1 said...

I read about the cold in China yesterday and put an entry in my Prayer Request sidebar about the SWIs and Foster Homes yesterday.

I had not seen being a panda keeper for a day at Chendgu. I knew that Woolong had that type of program. That is one of the things I'd really like to do before I die.

I stayed up last week, and will be out the door running this morning too.

Anyone else have a crammed day today?

Dannye said...

morning all...getting ready to get dressed to start the day...yup late start, it was nice to sleep in some....anyway, Kim I'm gonna go shopping today and get some of the supplies Starfish needs and will mail them to you next week...and if you can email me the graphic, I'll post it...

redmaryjanes said...

I saw you Verna!
Are you here??
Love that 'I support Starfish Foster Home' graphic you made.

Margaret M said...

I would love to be invited to Katie's blog. the crazier the better. I am off to sit with Lily Wen for a while. I'll check back in later if I can. We own one TV and it is of course on another floor of the house than the computer.

redmaryjanes said...

Thank you Rachael! Good Morning, how's it going at your house? The 4 kids have you hopping?

redmaryjanes said...

Good Morning Dannye!

k1 said...

Nancy, I did that on purpose. I think there should be a BA (Bloggers Anonymous) group for some of us!!

Kelley said...

Detailed Directions For Bloglines
(skip if you're not interested)

1. Go to www.bloglines.com
2. Create an account (enter your email and a password)
3. Go to your email to confirm your account
4. You'll be directed back to Bloglines, and they'll offer you some picks. Skip all of this. You can directly start to enter the websites that you'll like to visit, but this takes a while. Look for the words "easy subscribe button."
5. When you click "easy subscribe button," there will be very clear directions of what to do. You'll right click on "sub with bloglines" and then you'll add a "sub with bloglines" button to your favorites menu. This sounds more complicated than it is. It's really easy.
6. Once you have the "sub with bloglines" on your favorites menu, you can visit whichever sites you like, and then when you are there, you go to your favorites and click on "sub with bloglines." You will be adding the website to your Bloglines list.
7. When you go to Bloglines every day, they will have a list of all of your sites that have been updated. That way, you don't waste your time clicking on every blog that you have bookmarked.

I usually check my blogs in the morning, around lunchtime, and at night. There are only a few updated each time. If I let a day or two go, then it takes me awhile to catch up. Like I mentioned, I have about 60 that I read regularly, but not everyone updates.

Sorry this is so long, but it's a HUGE timesaver to use Bloglines, so I wanted to share. Kelly, I hope this helps!

Truly Blessed said...

Margaret,

Graeme is gorgeous. You said he's in Anhui. I don't know where that is, but I'm guessing it's been hit pretty hard by the snow and ice. I pray continually for all of the babies in orphanages over in China. I cannot fathom trying to keep ALL of those babies healthy and warm in this weather.

What is your timeline? We have a 2nd daughter in Jinagxi province and it's killing me that we aren't able to get to her. We are almost DTC -- next week, I'm praying.

redmaryjanes said...

Dannye,
You have the Saturday Morning Chat graphic.
The 'I support Starfish' graphic you can just copy and paste off of my post. It's not an html.
How are you guys doing?

redmaryjanes said...

Kelley,
Thanks for those instructions.
I have never been able to figure out bloglines. Maybe I can this time.

Kelley said...

Kimberley, my email is kapow1969@yahoo.com

Marla said...

We have dear friends that are waiting on a little boy right now as well, he is precious. They should be DTC very soon.

redmaryjanes said...

I guess what I will say regarding the postage is that if anyone would like to send a postage donation along with their supplies for Starfish, that it will be appreciated. But it is not required. We are willing to absorb the postage.

Kelley said...

Kelly or Kimberley, or anybody else who's interested,

If you can't figure out my Bloglines directions and need help, I'd be happy to help!

One more thing...when you "sub (subscribe) with Bloglines," you won't see all of the fancy blog decorations on a site. You'll only see the text of the post, and the photos. You can't comment either. But if you click on the blog title, you can go directly to the site. So when I see which sites have been updated, I usually visit there to see the decorations and comment. Just FYI, because Kimberely, I know you won't like not seeing the blog itself.

The reason I love Bloglines is that I know exactly which sites I need to visit. :)

redmaryjanes said...

Verna,
I will check out that blog.
How's Mr. Brian doing? He's been kind of quiet lately.

~Amy~ said...

Ok I've just been sitting here with my coffee and lounging in my new sily jammies...reading all your comments! haha I don't really have much input today! I'm gonna head to the shower and try to do something productive today...muahaha...we will see about that one! ;) BYE GALS!

Truly Blessed said...

Kelley,

Thanks for the tutorial. That will help (assuming I can figure it out when it really counts!)

DH is going to try to help me with the re-sizing pictures for the new blog.

Margaret, I sent you an invite to Katie's Antics.

~Amy~ said...

that is "silky jammies"..haha

Dannye said...

ohhh....I haven't updated to the new way to do blogger and when I tried to put the graphics in the sidebar it messed up my blog...I think i need to get either Verna or Becky on my blog...it needs help I guess and I am not that savvy...

and Kim, can I send you some money too to help with cost of shipping the package(s) to China (it's gonna be quite expensive)...

k1 said...

Margaret, I saw you son's referal photos from the post on RQ's site. He is cute. A big welcome to the Sat AM Chat group. How'd you find us?

Marla said...

I will definitely include a donation for postage!

Truly Blessed said...

Amy,

Are your pajamas "silly" or "silky"?

k1 said...

Bye Amy

Heather said...

Hi all - have never come to this before but Kim I wanted to get my email to you
(stil2sharp@verizon.net) so that I can send any needed items for Starfish. Amazing outreach:)

I am hosting my girlfirend's playdate day here at my house today - so I'd better get dressed, don't want to scare the children (or the mommies for that matter, although I suspect they'd understand;)

I'll try to check back - have a great day!

Rachael said...

Yes...hopping as always over here. I haven't gotten in on your chat in a long time, but am now settled in front of the laptop with a cup of coffee and HOPE to be left along for a FEW minutes at least! :)

How about I'll send you some money and you can use it either for postage OR to purchase more supplies. Is that okay? I know as a Mom to many (like me) you make your fair share of Target runs! That way, I won't have to pack it up and ship it to you 1st.

~Amy~ said...

definitly silky...haha! ;)

redmaryjanes said...

Anyone who would like to donate for postage, that would be great but you don't have to.

Dannye,
Your blog is kind of custom, but you should be able to save the picture as a jpg and put it on your sidebar like any other picture you have on there.

Verna,
Can you help?

Truly Blessed said...

Hey, for those who will be purchasing clothing for Amanda at Starfish's kiddos, Toys R Us just announced an additional 50% off of clearance priced clothing and shoes.

BTW, if any of you like Robeez shoes, Dillards has some adorable pairs on clearance for $12.00.

~verna said...

I haven't heard much from Mr Brian but I think he is feeling better being back at the Nursing home. He did request that folks leave a little joke in his comments but I don't have one to put in there.

So glad all folks are responding to the Starfish need BUT that is what I expected. What a great group

Dannye said...

gotta get dressed and out the door, I'll check with you guys later...have a great one!!

redmaryjanes said...

Thank you so much Rachael. I will let you know what your contribution was used for.
How's Katya? I just can't believe how well she is doing in school and how quickly she has learned English.

For those of you who don't know Rachael, she adopted a little girl from Russia last year and she is in 2nd grade, am I right with that or is she in 1st grade?

k1 said...

Welcome Heather.

redmaryjanes said...

Have a wonderful day Dannye!

k1 said...

Bye Dannye

Truly Blessed said...

Speaking of 'jammies, here I sit wearing mine and the doorbell just rang. My heart stopped.

It was Fed Ex -- my heart started pumping overtime (I'm expecting our dossier from the Chinese Consulate) but it was just a package from Dillards -- thankfully I didn't need to sign for it, and the driver was already at the truck.

Kelley said...

Regarding clothes shopping for good stuff to donate (and for yourself, too),
JCPenney had lots of winter stuff 75% off this week, too...should still be on sale.

Kimberley, I looked over the list, and I think I may just send you money, too. That way, you can shop for what things you didn't get mailed to you, or use it for postage...whichever you'd rather do. Is that OK?

~verna said...

Dannye, yes, you should be able to save it and load it as any other pic. Updating to new blogger does make that easier but it should still be possible on old blogger.

k1 said...

I think Brian is trying to figure out how to use his new camera.

Truly Blessed said...

Hey Verna & Kimberley,

Wouldn't it make sense to have the Starfish supply raiser icon link to RMJ's site? That way, people would be able to find out more about it and what to do with any donations.

Just a thought.

Rachael said...

1st grade. Yes, it is amazing how quickly she's picked up English. We've hired a tutor to work with her to keep her Russian and just yesterday the tutor commented that Katya's English is nearly flawless and she wishes she could learn that quickly! Not as easy for adults, I guess. (Katya's been home for 9 months now).

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