Saturday, May 31, 2008

Good Morning Everyone and Welcome to the Saturday Morning Chat Group!



Today is the last day to enter Robin at Red Thread Stitches IPOD Raffle, so head on over there!

Saturday, May 31, 2008

iPOD SHUFFLE RAFFLE!

Drawing will take place at 6pm cst
Lets see....if 500 people would stop buy for 1 chance our dossier would be heading to China! Or if 250 people would buy 2 chances....or 125 people would buy 4 chances... Any chance of that happening?? heehee A mama can dream can't she?? :)
We are so grateful for your help in bringing home our Mia Hope!
If you would like to donate to our iPOD SHUFFLE RAFFLE please click on the chip in button to the right!
Just $5 buys you a chance to win the iPOD SHUFFLE including a $40 iTUNES GIFT CARD!



The world has never seen a digital music player this small! Weighing in at about half an ounce and 1.6” long, the new 1GB iPod shuffle clips right on your clothes for true portability. Wear up to 240 songs on your sleeve, your belt, or your lapel. Load songs on your iPod with the iTunes gift card! Perfect for any age!!!



Good Morning Everyone~
I have been really busy this week, so if any of you know of any news that should be posted here, please let me know : )
Today I want to let you know that it is almost time to launch my new blog. It has been on my mind for a while now. The blog is meant to be an informational site for families who are interested in or have adopted internationally. The focus in not solely China, but all countries. On the right sidebar, countries will be segmented and blogs of families who would like to be accessible will be listed. So, for example, my blog will be under China. I am going to give families the opportunity to e-mail with another family who has experience in the country that they are hoping to adopt from. So, for example, if a family e-mails me that they would like to correspond with a family about some questions they have about adoption in Russia, I will connect them with an experienced family.
Which leads me to asking for help...as I always do from all of you.

1) I know that several of you have already volunteered to be listed under your country. Thank you! Please leave a comment if you are willing to be listed under your country.

2) Would some of you volunteer to be an informational family who would help another family with questions about their dossier or the adoption process?

3) Also, most of the families I know are adopting from China. If any of you are friends with wonderful families who think may be willing to participate and are adopting from other countries, could you ask them to contact me?

4) Lastly, I would like to have some helpful links on the blog for families. I am looking for a Shaohannah's Hope link and any others you think would be good.



This is the header. The address internationaladoptionfamilies.blogspot.com Nothing is there yet, but hopefully a great place is coming. Verna has the test blog completed, so we should be very close.

The chatroom in now closed, have a great weekend!

254 comments:

1 – 200 of 254   Newer›   Newest»
Chelley said...

HI

redmaryjanes said...

Hi there Chelley!
How are things down under?

Chelley said...

All right~



Thanks so much for your GIFT

Chelley said...

Do you live next to a lake????????

redmaryjanes said...

Yes, if you go out our front door and take about 40 steps, you are the lake. There are a lot of lakes in Michigan.

Chelley said...

When I was looking at your photos

Oh man I was drooling!

Kim said...

Good Morning...LOVE Your new blog.. that is going to be wonderful...
I can't stay to long.. have to get off to work.. working short day.. due to the Kenny Chesney concert this afternoon/evening..

redmaryjanes said...

I do feel blessed with where we live. I bought this house when I was single mom about 10 years ago and I got a really good deal on it. It had been on the market for a year and the man was desperate to sell. Now the values of the lake houses is crazy and I couldn't afford it now.

Chelley said...

Kenny Chesney awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww


no fair!

redmaryjanes said...

I love Kenny Chesney

Chelley said...

you can say that again about how crazy house prices have got!

we bought our house 5 years ago for $51 000

now its worth upwards of $250 000

Kim said...

oh yes.... Kenny is my favorite.. I can not miss one of his concerts... DH got these tickets for my bday... If you ever get a chance make sure you go to one.. he never leaves the stage and it is GREAT..KyLee is going with me.. she leaves tommorrow and won't be back until July 27..

redmaryjanes said...

Isn't it crazy? But good for us!

Chelley said...

We never have any decent sountry singers come to Australia

redmaryjanes said...

Is it Kylee's time with her dad? He lives out of state?

Chelley said...

well apart from Garth.... Who I got to kiss!!!

GRIN

redmaryjanes said...

You got to kiss Garth?

Chelley said...

oh yeah!!!

The day before the concert I got to talk to him on the radio they had a call in thing I was a babbling mess and then the next night he dedcaited THE RIVER to me!!! OMGoodnes I was in heaven

then I got to go up and and stand at the front of the stage and he lent down and pecked me on the head

Chelley said...

I was 18 years old

redmaryjanes said...

Way cool!

Kim said...

Yes , KyLee is going to her Dad's.. he lived in Indiana.. her step-sister just had a baby last weekend.. so she is excited.. Well I have to go.. or I am going to be late..
Wish I could stay longer...
I always miss out on this great sat. chat...HUGS to you all..
I will have pictures for sure..

Chelley said...

Bye HAVE a super time!!!

redmaryjanes said...

Have a great day Kim!

redmaryjanes said...

So, how are the kids Chelley?

Chelley said...

They are well!

It was football and ballet morning and tomorrow its basketball!

Chelley said...

Was hoping for "foster" this week! but they didnt ring with a placement!

redmaryjanes said...

We are done with all of the sports for now, except for tennis and that's on night a week. No weekends.

redmaryjanes said...

I think it is so wonderful that you are doing that Chelley.

Do they have good laws there that protect the children?

Here their main goal is to put the child back with the family and it leads to dire consequences in many cases.

Chelley said...

I think that every system has it flaws!

And in Australia they are REALLY big on putting a child in care till they are 18... They are now trying to change that if they cant go home or to a family memeber then they need to be put with a forever family!!

Chelley said...

I have been told that they have too many kids in need of care and not enough foster parents to look after them! In our area its like 400 kids to 60 foster parents

redmaryjanes said...

Here, families can adopt in foster care, but only if the parent signs of their right. So if they are in jail for 25 years but won't sign off, then the child is bounced from foster home to foster home their entire childhood.

Chelley said...

But like most govement run places there isnt enough case workers and they are under paid and over worked with too much on there plates

redmaryjanes said...

You are so strong. I think foster parenting is an amazing gift.

Chelley said...

They are saying that in july they have 6 babies that are going right in to the foster care system from birth!

Chelley said...

And all of those will be on placement orders until the parent can prove it can care for the child... Of those most of them have kids already in the system!!!

redmaryjanes said...

What is the story of the mother's?
Do they not have a strong adoption system? Why wouldn't they go up for adoption?

Chelley said...

The most common thing that people say to me is

"how can you do this? How can you give them back? How can you do that to your own kids"

Pretty much all of those questions at the same time!

redmaryjanes said...

That is so sad Chelley.
Would you and your husband be willing to adopt a baby?

Chelley said...

In my state they are ONLY just looking to laws to put this little ones up for adoption!

redmaryjanes said...

I think it is a gift to your own children. It teaches them the importance of compassion and caring for their neighbor. They will be incredibly blessed by the experience.

How can you give them back? That is my failing? I would fall in love and it would be so hard to give them back, especially to a situation that I wasn't comfortable with.

But I admire the women who have the strength.

Chelley said...

I think it will be at least a good 5years away before they set laws down!!!!


dh and I are VERY open to having a child become a forever child

Chelley said...

I know that I will be VERY sad when a child leaves esp if I know what they child may be going back to....


But how can I not help this child? How can I let this child go back to what it came from?
Just maybe I will make a small differece in this childs life

Maybe I might show this child that there is more in the world that parents that can hurt you..

that you can be loved

Chelley said...

Maybe in this childs life I will make a difference!!

Chelley said...

Even if I cant spell to save my self!

redmaryjanes said...

You will definitely make a difference. There is no doubt.

redmaryjanes said...

I tell you, there is so much for children in this world. There are so many spaces that need to be filled. I am glad that you have found one and are willing to share your love.

Chelley said...

I would adopt in a heart beat

and I have a passion for SN's but $$$ Are stopping that!

And the face that it is VERY hard to adopt SN in Australia

Chelley said...

How is your Grandmother

redmaryjanes said...

My Grandmother is doing well. She has no hair now, but is working through it. I haven't talked to her in over a week now. I keep calling and leaving messages for her, but she is keeping herself busy I guess. I am hoping to get in touch with her this weekend.

Chelley said...

My prayers are with her...

redmaryjanes said...

The US gives a pretty decent tax credit for families who adopt, so it helps a lot.

redmaryjanes said...

Thank you, I appreciate that and I know that they are working.

Chelley said...

We dont get any type of money help AT ALL

and they look at you as if you have 3 heads if you even ask about it??????

Its such a shame!

Truly Blessed said...

Good morning all...

redmaryjanes said...

I do know of some families that are adopting from Australia and I do get some hits from there. But I think The US, Canada and Europe are the main ones. At least for China anyway.

redmaryjanes said...

Hello Kelly,

How are you? On cloud 9? Are we going to do the quilt square shower?

Chelley said...

We have let it be know that we would be open to a downs syndrome child (in Australia) And have listed on the VERY long list of names

Chelley said...

G day Kelly

redmaryjanes said...

Really? There is a long list for a Downs baby? That is amazing and wonderful to hear. That is a big commitment.

Truly Blessed said...

Not exactly cloud 9, more like cloud 4.

This house issue is really at the forefront of everything right now -- it just keeps getting worse and worse. The guys are working this morning (I don't even want to THINK about what time and a half is costing me!).

But, yes, I'm thrilled that we will be going to China soon, and ecstatic that our daughter will join our family, but this other thing has dampened the joy a bit.

Chelley said...

I have found a few that have adopted NSN China

none that are SNs

Truly Blessed said...

About the quilt square shower, I'd love it.

Good morning, Chelley. I can't believe Garth Brooks kissed you -- how fun!

redmaryjanes said...

I will see what I can do about the quilt square shower!

Chelley said...

Aww no Kelly I am sorry that that is happening to you!!

All this will make you stronger!!!

Chelley said...

But I have to say KELLY you are going to CHINA!!!

And I am so excited and happy for you!

Truly Blessed said...

Chelley, yes, we are finally going to CHINA! We are extremely happy and relieved that we will go before the Olympics -- oh, you have no idea how much I hate the idea of the Olympics these days. Ordinarily, I enjoy them, but knowing they are the cause of thousands? of children not getting to meet their families in a proper amount of time -- I don't think I'll be able to watch them.

Kimberley, don't stress about the quilt square thing. It's a lot of trouble and my girls will be fine without having 100 good wishes quilts! At least they will grow up with walls!

redmaryjanes said...

Kelly,
I love the idea and I already have a great plan...are you sure?

Chelley said...

It will intresting to see how the Olympics will change things...

Mind you there seems to be a LOT OF LOAs AND TAs coming in at the moment?

Chelley said...

Esp LOA's and TA's for SN's

Margaret M said...

Good morning!! I am late arriving and will only be here a short while. Much to do this weekend!!! I will catch up on the other poss and be right back.

redmaryjanes said...

I was thinking of asking Verna if she could do a graphic for it and I would display it on a Saturday Morning Chat and have it run for a month on my sidebar to have people welcome little Ella with a quilt square. I will post it once a week for the month and share your info with legitimate bloggers who would like to send a square.
I think it would be darling.

Chelley said...

What is a quilt square shower?

redmaryjanes said...

Good Morning Margaret!

Chelley said...

I would love to send one!

Chelley said...

G day Margaret

redmaryjanes said...

Well, this is the first one that I know of. A tradition in older China I am told is for each member of the family and close friends of a baby each donate a piece of fabric with a wish for the child. These pieces of fabric are made into a quilt for the baby.

I would like to have a kind of shower for Kelly where people send a piece of fabric and a wish for Ella that can be made into a quilt for her from everyone who loves and cares for her.

Truly Blessed said...

Kimberley, that sounds fine. It really is sweet of you to do this for us.

Good morning Margaret -- you all finished packing?
I can't believe you're going so quickly. My agency balked at us leaving June 20, but I pushed them hard!

Unknown said...

morning

Chelley said...

Margaret only 6 days!!!

Man I am shocked you have time to come Chat!

Truly Blessed said...

There do seem to be a lot of TAs and LOAs coming in and that is fantastic. But if the agencys won't let their clients travel (and mine threatened us that we wouldn't be able to), what good does it do to have those documents fast?

redmaryjanes said...

Kelly,
In the short time I have known you, you have been an amazing friend. I am happy to be able to do something that will make you smile : )

redmaryjanes said...

Good Morning Dear Amy!!

Chelley said...

Margaret I have been a lurker on your blog for awhile! hehehe


G day Amy!

Unknown said...

you guys all rock!

Truly Blessed said...

Good morning Amy!

Margaret M said...

Hi everyone! Chelley, I really don't have time to chat but needed the time with friends. It helps keep me sane.

Kelly, I can't believe you arrive in China the day we leave...ugh! I guess we will have to meet whenever we get a reunion of blogger friends together.

Kimberly, I love the idea of the quilt square shower for Kelly....I'll participate!!

Truly Blessed said...

Hey, did everyone hear that Karen (K1) is going to travel back to China with us? Just like when we went for Katie...

Special K said...

Good morning!

Margaret M said...

Kelly,

I finally finished sewing Lily's quilt last November and my goal is to finish Graeme's by this November...I think I have most of the squares for his but have not had time to check. Lily watched me sew it so I think it means more to her. I hand did the whole thing and have never sewn more than a button. I am pretty proud of it!

Unknown said...

good morning!!!

Unknown said...

good morning!!!

Unknown said...

Look, the 2 people who won the books from my blog are here..

Hi Karen!

redmaryjanes said...

Good Morning Special K!
What is your name?

redmaryjanes said...

Karen,
I think we will be doing a quilt square shower for the month of June. So, keep a look-out in your mailbox!

Truly Blessed said...

This is pretty funny --

This morning when I was in the shower (our room is on the 2nd floor), I kept hearing weird sounds. When I got out of the shower, there were men on my roof! Um, there are also windows in my bathroom -- I don't think I've ever moved so fast in my life to get into my closet and get away from the window!

Unknown said...

Special K is one of my wonderful First Friday Friends

Margaret M said...

Hi Amy!!

Kelly, I read Karen's blog that she may have to work the day after returning. That would be HORRIBLE! I am so hoping they get that worked out for her!

Chelley, I'll be adding your blog to my list to check in on....I just left you a little comment

redmaryjanes said...

Ok Ladies,

Are any of you willing to sign on as a family whose blog is listed on No Place Like Home blog?

Are any of you willing to receive e-mails from a family who has adoption questions?

Chelley said...

OH yay Kelly!!! I would have ben so embarrsed!!!! LOLQ!

redmaryjanes said...

Thank you Amy!!
I am thrilled!

Right now I am reading Kelly's book that the father wrote about his journey to his daughter.

Special K said...

My name is also Karen

Truly Blessed said...

I'll happily participate in the There's No Place Like Home thing. I don't get a lot of traffic, but I'd still like to help. I think it's a great idea.

Chelley said...

Would that at all include foster care?

Truly Blessed said...

Speaking of books written by fathers, I see Steven Curtis Chapman's book "Cinderella" is in the stores now -- our local Christian bookseller is advertising it for Father's Day gifts, along with the CD featuring Cinderella.

Chelley, thought you'd get a kick out of knowing Katie is dancing with joy to the Wiggles this morning!

Margaret M said...

Hi Karen....I loved the pictures on your blog of Micah's second first haircut....that is priceless.

redmaryjanes said...

Hi there Karen.

Margaret M said...

Kimberly,

I'll be happy to be listed and share my e-mail with other families in the process. The support I have recieved here and throught comments left on the blog have really sustained me. I would love to support others!

redmaryjanes said...

Chelley,
I don't have foster care on there right now, but it may be a move in the future. right now it focuses on international adoption.

Truly Blessed said...

Ohh, it's getting dark and looks like rain...not good, as my chimney is totally exposed at this point. Oh well, what's a little MORE water in those walls? : )

Special K said...

I'd be happy to be a resource for people with adoption questions.

Truly Blessed said...

Speaking of traveling to China (specifically Margaret, who is leaving in 6 days), it's easier, I think, for families who have already made that trip. We know what to pack and how to pack and that if we forget something we'll be able to purchase it in China. I'm not stressed about packing at all.

Margaret M said...

Lily is dancing to the soundtrack to High School Musical. At 4, she loves movie soundtracks and live performances!!! It is hilarious!

redmaryjanes said...

Thank you Margaret.

Karen, can I list your very cool blog too?

Special K said...

Of course, you can list my blog!

Mom 2 six said...

Good Morning everyone !
It's a beautiful day in Wi. I would love to be a resource for adoptive families. Some of the best advice and support I got when pickig up Mia-Faith was from my blog friends.
Shelly

Unknown said...

blogging friends rock!

redmaryjanes said...

Margaret,

Maybe Lily will be in the musical theater, that would be wonderful.

Special K said...

I would have never made it to or through China without my lifelines at home! I'm committed to paying it forward by helping others who are adopting.

Chelley said...

Sam the yellow wiggle ROCKs well thats what my youngest says!

Margaret M said...

I agree with Kelly...I am much less stressed about the packing for this trip. I am more focused on organized packing....having everything in one bag we need for Beijing so the other suitcases don't even to be opened. Also, just trying to find the time to get it all done. I am doubling up on my private therapy kids so I can take time off so working wild hours doesn't leave much time to get to the little things.

redmaryjanes said...

Thank you Shelly!

redmaryjanes said...

I tell you, I will be asking you ladies for a list when my time comes. I have a big time overpacker!

Margaret M said...

Kimberly,

I can so see that. She was upset with me a few weeks ago when there was a Broadway Review show that many of her friends danced in...we did not because I thought we would be in CHINA. She will make her debut in the Nutcracker this year...should be interesting!

Unknown said...

everyone have a good week?

redmaryjanes said...

Amy???
Can I put you on my list? You are very well connected in Atlanta.

Unknown said...

absolutely!

Special K said...

We've had a busy week. My in-laws are in town bonding with Micah.

Margaret M said...

Kelly,

I hope they get things with your house resolved soon!!! We have a new washer and dryer being delivered this morning...They both decided to dye this week. I have only had them 17 years...you think they could have made it one more week to get us packed for China. Everything is dirty that we want to take so lets hope the new ones are as efficient as they claim!!

Truly Blessed said...

Speaking of blogs, has everyone checked out the beautiful "China...Forever in our Hearts" blog? It's a place for those who have traveled to different parts of China to share photos and special memories. It's really neat.

I think the address is http://chinaforeverinourhearts.blogspot.com

Mom 2 six said...

I can't wait to get to the packing point. We just picked up a Thomas-the-tank rolling suitcase for Eli. I just wonder how long the Olympics/earthquake will delay things.

Unknown said...

Sounds fun Karen!!!! How is the hubby!

Special K said...

Hubby took a couple of days off work to hang with us, so that's great!

Truly Blessed said...

That is the correct address. Margaret, you'll have to do TWO posts to it when you get back from this trip!

I'm happy that your W/D lasted 17 years -- that's pretty cool. Awful timing about them going now, but you'll have NEW ones to wash your China trip clothes, so that's cool.

Unknown said...

Karen has a great family. Hope some of you guys make it to Atlanta sometime!

redmaryjanes said...

Kelly,
What's going on with your house? Is it your GR house or the lake house?

Chelley said...

Karen thats great that you are all able to spend some bonding time together

redmaryjanes said...

We just got a new front loader washer and it is wonderful. I can't believe the difference. Everything smells so much cleaner and fresh.

Unknown said...

very cool RMJ. I need to figure out how to wash my washer.

Special K said...

Who's from GR? The GR in MI?

Chelley said...

Well I am off to bed!! I need to work in the morning! Ugh! I owe so its off to work I go~ LOL~

Mom 2 six said...

We recently got a front-load w/d. LOVE THEM. They are the best and wash huge loads. Instead of 3 loads a day-I do 1. Drying a huge load takes 40 minutes. It is the best!

redmaryjanes said...

Good Night Chelley, thanks for staying up late to join us. Have a great week down under!!

Special K said...

Really? I'm originally from Caledonia and my parents are still in Kentwood.

Margaret M said...

Kelly,

I'll have to mark the site and check it out tonight when Lily crashes and I have a little down time! I have a much better camera this trip and can't wait to take pictures in China. I think I will be more relaxed this trip. We had so much happen the first trip that I hope this trip is not as 'eventful'.

redmaryjanes said...

I have seen that blog Kelly and it is beautiful. Very nice.

Unknown said...

Margaret I can not believe you are leaving for China, SOON! I cant believe i have friends leaving for Ethiopia soon!>..Sooo cool

Margaret M said...

I can't imagine drying a load in 40 minutes.....now, I am excited!

redmaryjanes said...

Hmm... Caledonia, do you know Kelly???

Truly Blessed said...

Karen,

At least two of us are from Grand Rapids (MI) -- Kimberley and me.

Yes, it's our home here. Basically, we got screwed by a bad builder and water has been getting behind the walls of our chimneys for 10 years, resulting in mold, rot and carpenter ants. The walls are crumbling and have to be completely rebuilt and the insurance won't cover it because it was not "sudden and unexpected" but was due to shoddy construction. So we have to pay for it ourselves.

Yeah, there's a lot of stress in my life right now.

Special K said...

I let Caledonia about 30 years ago, but I still have family there too.

redmaryjanes said...

My Eli has a Thomas the Tank Engine rolling suitcase, is your shaped like Thomas Shelly?

Margaret M said...

I can't believe it is so soon too....In my head, I am saying 5 days because we will literally travel all day Thursday....when you live 2 1/2 hours from the nearest airport....well we will have to leave pretty early!!

Truly Blessed said...

Karen, NO WAY!!! I graduated from CHS in 1981...

Margaret M said...

It is such a small world....my hubby grew up in Michigan.

redmaryjanes said...

I can't wait to follow both of your journeys!!

redmaryjanes said...

This chat group is so funny. It's amazing how connected everyone is.

Special K said...

So you'd be a couple years older than me. I would have graduated in 83 but we'd moved away by then.

Truly Blessed said...

Karen, my sister was CHS '83, but she started there in the 7th grade, not sure if you'd know her or not.

Margaret M said...

As much as I hate to leave, I should go get dressed before the delivery men arrive in 20 minutes!!!! Have a wonderful few weeks and I will try to chat on the 21, no promises as we will not get in until so late. THANKS for all your support!

Kelley, you are in my thoughts!!! We will pass in the air!!!

Kimberly, I can't wait to watch your progress with the new blog...you are doing some AMAZING things in the world of adoption.

Toodles to all! margaret

Anonymous said...

Speaking of following our journey, I put together a travel website yesterday...

http://www.youbelong.net/trulyblessed

That's where I'll post when we're traveling, because so many people have huge trouble with blogger.

Margaret M said...

Surreal moment...just realized, Graeme will be running aroung this room the next time I chat. Tears! Not usually this emotional! It's the little images that get me! Hugs to all!

Truly Blessed said...

Um, I have no idea why that last post showed up as anonymous, as I didn't choose that button, but that travel blog is mine, and I claim it proudly!

Bye, Margaret, you can be sure we'll follow your journey to Graham!!

A Mom- In-W8ing said...

Good Morning Ladies!! I can't believe I have missed so many Sat. chats!

We just purchased a new (to us) vehicle this week and LOVE it!!

I hope everyone is have a good morning. I love the blog "China...Forever in Our Hearts", very beautiful pics!

redmaryjanes said...

Godspeed Margaret! You will be in my prayers and I will be following along!

Mom 2 six said...

Shaped just like Thomas. I have to run. Breakfast calls....
Have a wonderful weekend everyone !
Shelly

redmaryjanes said...

Good Morning Nikki!
I'll have to check out the new car.

redmaryjanes said...

Have a great weekend Shelly!! Both Eli's have the same suitcase. You can really fit a lot in it even though it looks small.

Unknown said...

Guys gotta go.Lucys barking and Im falling asleep..Michaesl here so maybe he will pop on later

redmaryjanes said...

Have a great week Amy!

redmaryjanes said...

Kelly,

Are you going to put a link to the travel blog on your regular blog?

Nancy said...

Good Morning all. Catch me up. Haven't even looked to see who's on yet.

Truly Blessed said...

Good morning, Nancy!

Yes, Kimberley, I already did...it's at the top right of the blog and clearly labeled.

Nancy said...

Kelly - sorry if this is a repeat question...are you doing a site with Jen and Joe again this time?

redmaryjanes said...

Good Morning Nancy!

redmaryjanes said...

Nancy and Nikki,

Would you be willing to be listed under China on the new blog?

Would you be willing to be available via e-mail to a family who has questions about adoption from China?

Truly Blessed said...

Nancy, not a repeat question. No, as much as I wanted to, I just couldn't justify the expense this time (they're $150 but worth it). I went with YouBelong.net at a third the cost, but with good recommendations from people. Joe and Jen were fantastic to work with and I'm bummed we aren't using them now. But I've got to watch my pennies carefully with the repairs to our house...

A Mom- In-W8ing said...

No "good" pictures of the new car posted yet, but there will be soon!

It is a bit of a gas guzzler but we love it anyway!

Truly Blessed said...

Nancy,

I switched the template on my blog and I think the comments will work better now.

Nancy said...

Kimberley I would be willing to help. I know when we got started, knowing we were probably going to receive a toddler I started reading all the toddler books and got REALLY freaked out about what was there. I connected with some other families my agency had under their referral list and my fears were put to ease that the books usually only list the worse case scenarios.

Nancy said...

I just tried it Kelly, and was actually able to get in. YEAH!!!

Can't imagine how crazy things are now with traveling in 3 weeks and trying to get everything done for 6 people. Wish it was me though. I would welcome the chaos if it meant Arianna was coming home.

Truly Blessed said...

Nancy,

Unless you specifically requested a toddler, you likely won't get one. We were VERY surprised when Katie turned out to be 8 months old at referral. I thought for sure she'd be closer to two.

redmaryjanes said...

Nancy,

Thank you so much!

Kelly,
I know your blog is private, but you are a HUGE resource of information. Would you be willing to be available to a family via e-mail if they had questions?

A Mom- In-W8ing said...

I would be honoured to be listed on your new blog! I remember how important having my questions answered by BTDT families was. I will happily support any new families starting the process however I can. I think this new blog is a great idea; I wish it had been around about 2.5 – 3 years ago!!

Smiles! :o)
Nikki

Special K said...

Sorry I've disappeared, I had to go make breakfast

Nancy said...

I actually paid for Joe and Jen's site over a year ago just as I finished a temporary job. I wasn't sure if the money would be there later, so I am paid in advance. I started setting it up with them, and then the hubby got fired, was jobless, and then moving. I need to get it going again, but the thought of having it sit and sit and sit almost depresses me.

Nancy said...

We put in a request for a 12-30 month old. I really hope for the younger, but am concerned that she will be like an only child with the growing age difference from the boys.

Truly Blessed said...

You know, it's funny. We had a family meeting the other night about how I (mom) am NOT going to do everything to get the boys ready for this trip. They're 13-17 years old and they can pack for themselves.

I made a list for each of them and suggested they start thinking about what they want to take now and to put those things in a special place. I also suggested they take their lists with them, to make sure everything gets back into the suitcase when we switch hotel rooms.

I cannot and will not be their "mommy" conscience when it comes to their things on this trip. With two toddlers and all of the adoption related stuff I have to keep track of, plus my own things, I am not up to it. They seemed to understand. Let's hope!

Truly Blessed said...

Kimberley, of course you can list my blog as a resource (I actually volunteered about 100 comments ago!).

redmaryjanes said...

Thank you Nikki.

redmaryjanes said...

What is Joe and Jen's site, I have never heard of it before.

Nancy said...

My older boys both have camp coming up. They have never done this, and I think the list is a great idea to put into their bags to make sure they come back with everything they took.

Any suggestions from anyone who has BTDT for things I should make sure they have?

Truly Blessed said...

Nancy, I understand about the sitting there thing. This wait sucks on so many levels...

Joe and Jen are fantastic and I love MAW -- it's my favorite site and I still read every families journey.

Nancy said...

I'm sure you have Kimberley. It's Myadoptionwebsite.com
I love the stories there.

redmaryjanes said...

Welcome back Karen!
Women come and go all the time on the chat.

Nancy said...

Kelly and her family were one of the first we followed. We connected with them due to the three boys traveling. Since we plan on taking the boys we try to follow families like hers for pointers.

Truly Blessed said...

Kimberley, Joe and Jen are owners of My Adoption Website http://www.myadoptionwebsite.com

We used them to host our travel journey for Katie. I think the site is still there -- www.myadoptionwebsite.com/katie

check it out!

redmaryjanes said...

Kelly,
I have just arranged for someone very special to make your shower graphics.

Truly Blessed said...

Summer camp...

1. Flashlight (make sure they bring one!)
2. Swimsuit & two beach towels
3. gross and grody clothes that you won't care if they bring home
4. Pre-addressed and stamped envelope with a piece of paper inside -- tell them they HAVE to write home at least once
5. Bug spray and sunblock
6. Lightweight jacket/rain jacket (because it always rains at camp!)
7. Extra pillowcase to use as a laundry bag
8. Fan (unless your camps cabins have A/C)

LABEL EVERYTHING WITH their names (even socks!)

Seriously, boys don't change their clothes too often, and probably don't change their underwear AT ALL at camp, and what comes home is usually pretty gross...

Nancy said...

YEAH...a shower.

redmaryjanes said...

If anyone would be willing to link their travel journal to the new blog, I think it would be tremendously helpful.

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