Saturday, September 06, 2008

Welcome to the Saturday Morning Chat Group...

SPECIAL NEWS!
Paula has her third daugher! Little Bella is home with her family. Please go to 'The Baby Journals' to welcome their new family member. She is just darling.

Good Morning Everyone and welcome to the Saturday Morning Chat Group! We're going to be hanging around the house today and then we have our annual family reunion to go tomorrow.

Robin at 'Red Thread Stitches' is auctioning off her services as a seamstress for a year. She will make 12 custom outfits for the winner.

I am going to be holding the Halloween Blog Contest again this year, so you may want to start collecting or creating your Halloween graphics : ) It's going to be a lot o fun. I already have some great judges lined up.

THE CHAT ROOM IS NOW CLOSED...HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND EVERYONE!

PLEASE CONTINUE TO SUPPORT THIS PROJECT FOR CHINA EARTHQUAKE RELIEF. IT IS IN THE TOP 25 AND HOPEFULLY WILL RECEIVE A DONATION FROM AMERICAN EXPRESS.

Submitted by: CM248586 from Oregon
Updated: September 03, 2008
Project ID: YBIBMW

Children’s Recovery Centers for thousands living in refugee camps near the quake’s epicenter. Traumatized children will be offered a safe place for emotional healing – a chance to be children again. In ‘Big Top’ tents there will be preschool programs & afterschool/weekend therapeutic & fun activities for school-age children. Caregivers will be trained by trauma specialists & mental health professionals in nurturing and counseling for the long-term recovery of children suffering pain and loss.

Many children lost parents, family members, teachers and class-mates in the devastation of May 12. Children who experience such a violent, traumatic event need specialist care in their recovery – they may experience on-going fear, problems sleeping, eating, or even feeling any emotions at all. In order to heal, children need support through and beyond the grieving process. Children’s Recovery Centers will provide specialized programs and trained caregivers in a safe place for this purpose.

Thousands of children who survived the quake now suffer from trauma and loss – the impact will not have taken its toll only in the first days of the crisis, but will do so for months, even years. Each Children’s Recovery Center in the temporary camps near the epicenter will support approx. 1,000 children while the re-building of communities takes place. This project will support establishment and operation of 4 Centers serving about 4,000 hurting children for at least 2 yrs. Budget 540K.

I am proud of being part of a team that helps orphaned children in China by providing them with the love of family-like care. We’ve not been involved in disaster relief before this year, but immediately after the earthquake we wanted to jump right in and help -- and we did. I felt so much gratitude for being in a position to help back in May, but now the hype and world-wide attention has died down, we must still help the youngest survivors heal and rebuild their lives.

Concentrating on an art project

2879 people have nominated this project.

More ways to get involved

323 comments:

1 – 200 of 323   Newer›   Newest»
Truly Blessed said...

Good morning, friend!

redmaryjanes said...

Hey there Kelly!

redmaryjanes said...

We have to get together about our adoption group. We have a lot of fun work to do. Are you going to be in church on Sunday?

Truly Blessed said...

Aggh, these old bones are creaking this morning. It's chilly outside -- such a change from last weekend, that's for sure!

How are you doing? (BTW mean to tell you how much I like the photo of you on your sidebar)

Truly Blessed said...

Yes, we'll be at church -- as an entire family. I am so looking forward to getting back in the groove.

I was looking through my computer files for the adoption stuff we'd already done and can't find it. I must have used a different computer. I'll dig deeper, find them, and send the files to you.

redmaryjanes said...

It is quite chilly this morning. We're only supposed to hit a high in the low 70's. Fall is definitely making its claim.

Can you believe that sidebar photo is a passport photo? We had to re-submit passport photos to our agency, so that one is mine.

It's not the one on my actual passport though, that one is terrible.

redmaryjanes said...

Sounds good. I would like an updated list of as many adoptive families as we can find, their phone numbers and e-mail addresses. And whether or not they would be willing to help other families.

Truly Blessed said...

Too funny about the passport photo. I like it, a lot. I know what you mean about hating the one that's on your passport -- hate mine, too. But it expires next year and I can get a new one (NOT that I have plans to take any international trips anytime soon).

redmaryjanes said...

I can't wait to see little Ella.

The Johnson Family said...

Good morning everyone!

Truly Blessed said...

Can you tell me again how you "refresh" the comments? I have to A) write another one or B) refresh the entire page (which takes a long time on your site).

redmaryjanes said...

How are you guys doing with getting back into the school routine?

Truly Blessed said...

Good morning, Crystal! How's that beautiful family of yours doing?

redmaryjanes said...

I open up the comments and then I maximize them so that they take up my entire screen, then I can see all of the comments and just hit my refresh button on the top and they quickly update.

Truly Blessed said...

After 14 years of "back to school" it's anti-climactic around here. At the end of summer I ease the boys awake each day earlier, that's the roughest part of BTS for us.

redmaryjanes said...

Hi there Crystal! How are you?

redmaryjanes said...

You can hit jump to comment form if it's at the top of your page and you can easily comment that way too.

redmaryjanes said...

Crystal, I was talking with a woman who I work with about Savannah Hope's hair. She is African American and she said to not put it into little puffs with hair bands, she says it will break the hair. She says you have to train it and it can take years. She said to condition it heavily. She uses a leave in conditioner on her daughter's hair. She did not put any bands in her daughters hair until it was long enough to braid. She uses Nexxus hair products.

Truly Blessed said...

Tried it, and ended up getting tossed off your site. Yours and Stef's blogs often crash my session (both with Safari and Firefox), not sure why but I think it's because both of your sites are so big (lots of links/graphics/music, etc).

I'll try the "jump to comments" form next time.

How was BTS for you two?

Desiree' said...

Good Moring ladies!! Wanted to drop in an say hello. I can't stay long, my DH just came home with our new daughter last night!! She is transitioning slowly but is adorable.

Truly Blessed said...

We will be so glad to be back in church tomorrow. I'm worried that Katie will resist going to her new classroom -- listen for her, you might just hear her "complain" from the sanctuary!

My oldest son is going to serve as a small group leader in DV for a group of 8-10 boys -- gulp! I hope he's ready for it, but am so proud of him for wanting to serve this way. I really think he'll enjoy it when he gets to know the kids.

Truly Blessed said...

A new baby -- last night? How incredible, Desiree! Congratulations!!

redmaryjanes said...

Ok, hold on. Go back to the post and right click on 19 Words From A Friend to open the comments. Then click on Open Link in New Window.
Then you get your tool bar with the refresh button. I have firefox and my refresh is a blue arrow in the shape of a circle.
Just hit the arrow and the comments will refresh themselves and you can easily comment.

redmaryjanes said...

Good Morning Desiree!
How are you? We are trying to all get situated with our comments this morning.

The Johnson Family said...

We are great! thanks RMj I have only put it in puffs once that day of the pics and i did not use rubber bands. I do use lots of conditioner including a leave in and as a matter of fact the shampoo and conditioner are nexxus!!

thanks for thinking of her and giving me the info!!

Did you see her video I fiannly got on the blog!

redmaryjanes said...

Desiree,
Wonderful news! I'm going over to see your blog!

Desiree' said...

Thanks Everyone!! She is so much smaller than I expected.

Desiree' said...

Better run but I will check in again later.

redmaryjanes said...

Crystal,
I'll have to go over and take a look. I tell you, with these blogs it's like you all are my family. I talk about all of you guys and try to find out information.

The Johnson Family said...

Desiree she is beautiful!!!

Truly Blessed said...

Desiree, she's beautiful. I left a comment on your blog, but feel bad that I wasn't even aware your DH was traveling (or I'd have left comments for him during his travels). We've been out of touch this summer.

Unknown said...

Good morning friends

Truly Blessed said...

Good morning, Amy (& Michael). How are you today?

Unknown said...

MIchael went to work. we are doing good. I am really tired this morning, gotta work tonight. Last night was First Friday and not only did I see friends, we spent a lot of time listening to a talk about lifebooks

redmaryjanes said...

Hi there Amy! And good baby names?

Gail said...

Good morning everyone! I wanted to stop by and say hi, we've been up since 6:30am with William ready for the day. Don't know how long I can stay.

Truly Blessed said...

Thanks, Kimberley, for trying to help. I wasn't able to make it work the way you suggested, but I can click on the "apple" and "R" and just the comments refresh.

Talking about new babies -- Paula's (from the Baby Journals) baby Bella came into the world on Sep. 4 (dom. adoption). Can't wait to see pictures of her! Also, Digging a Hole to China had a baby girl (Georgia Mae) on Sep. 4 also!

Truly Blessed said...

Hi Gail, how's that precious boy doing these days? Oh and you have to teach him to sleep in on Saturdays!

Unknown said...

Georgia Mae's mom always makes me laugh. Great writed. I have a feeling she will go private soon.

I missed it but apparently baby Atlanta was admitted this week

Truly Blessed said...

Can you believe the 12 outfit auction Robin is doing? How wonderful would THAT be? I hope lots and lots of people are bidding on it.

I'm afraid my DH would have a cow if I bid on it (especially if I won!).

redmaryjanes said...

How are you Gail? So, William is a morning person??? How is his transition going?

redmaryjanes said...

Robin has a $700 bid for it right now which I think is pretty good.

Unknown said...

that is a great bid!

How is eveyone doing?

I am having issues with getting things to Starfish by the way. I have 2 big boxes to go and would love to send more but only one family from Atlanta is going to China and they already have boxes to take.

Gail said...

Kelly, thanks for asking about William. He's doing great now, things have calmed down dramatically and he's a happy boy, so I'm a happy mama. William tends to be an early riser. Hey but he sleeps well! I hope your new little one is doing well too.

redmaryjanes said...

The best way to ship to China is to find someone who works for a company that has a discount with FedEX, DHL or UPS.
I had to ship the clothing drive boxes to a family in New York who worked for UPS so we could get them to Starfish for the amount of money that I raised.

Truly Blessed said...

Gail, boys are the best (but girls are pretty special, too). I love being a mom to my boys.

My new daughter (home 2 months, 3 days) is doing exceptionally well. I can hear both girls singing in their cribs right now (twinkle twinkle, little star), so that means I have to scoot.

I'll be back!

redmaryjanes said...

Georgia Mae and Atlanta. Definitely some Southern girls.

Gail said...

I love those names, so pretty!

Unknown said...

are you doing another drive by any chance? I am also thinking of sending the boxes to friends around the country will be leaving for China who could take them. Not sure. If I did that, I could certainly collect more

Pam and Jeff said...

Hi-everyone!!!

Gail said...

Hi Pam, how are you today?

redmaryjanes said...

Good Morning Pam! How are you guys doing?

Truly Blessed said...

Ha, Daddy to the rescue. He's spending some time with the girls in their room, talking about what we're going to do today.

Katie is POTTY TRAINED!!! YEE HA!!!

Truly Blessed said...

Back to Robin's dress auction, $700 is fantastic! Some lucky little girl/girls are going to be VERY well dressed in the coming years. How very, very cool!

redmaryjanes said...

Amy,
I do plan on doing the clothing drive again this February. I may have to ask some friends for help this year with packing and everything (hint Kelly).
But I do plan to do it. It was a little overwhelming last year, but I know more now and hopefully it will all work out.

Unknown said...

Hi Pam! I got to meet Pam thisweek. s week Yeah for me

redmaryjanes said...

Robin still has quite a bit to raise, so she is coming up with some and creative ideas.

Gail said...

Katie is potty trained, YIPEE!!!
William is so far away from that...not something to worry about right now.

redmaryjanes said...

Crystal,
I LOVE the new video. Very emotional. How is your Mom doing?

Truly Blessed said...

BTW, friends of ours, Ruth & Brian (Bringing up Daisies) are leaving for China on Sep. 11 -- and they got their referral on August 12! I cannot believe how quickly their travel approval and CA came! I'm so happy for them, their three sons and their precious Abigail.

Ford and Aly also leave on the 11th to bring home Lizzy, the most hauntingly beautiful child I've seen.

SO HAPPY FOR THEM!!

redmaryjanes said...

Kelly,
I am happy for you that Katie is potty trained, that is such a big milestone for you and her!

Unknown said...

I found out a friend from FF who was logged in Feb 2007 and added a MCC in May 08, got a referral and will be traveling in late October!

Seriously, people you have to meet Pam and Jeff. Very cool people

Truly Blessed said...

Gail, Katie is my nearly 3 year old, she's been home with us since Nov. 06.

Ella is our nearly 2 year old, the one who has only been home for 2 months. Ella is NOT potty trained (but she IS walking!!!!!)

Pam and Jeff said...

I am doing great. Just made some coffee. We really enjoyed it. Definitely going back. I just realized that we have no "official" plans today. Yeah!! It can be fun to be spontaneous.

LaLa said...

Good morning lovely ladies!! We are watching "Little Bill" and just hanging out. It is rainy now but should clear up later. I LOVE summer but admit I am ready for some fall fun : )

redmaryjanes said...

Yes, it is exciting that some families are going to be travelling soon.
Alyzabeth is very striking. I love her eyes.

The Johnson Family said...

I wish I could stay and chat all morning, i hope you all have a wonderful weekend. blogger keeps knocking me off and I need to get ready for the funeral home so I better jump off here.

Congrats to all on referrals and arrivals!! I hope to get to everyones blog soon and catch up!!

redmaryjanes said...

Hi there Laura,
How are you all? Any work on Coby coming home?

redmaryjanes said...

Have a great weekend Crystal, wonderful video!

Unknown said...

I am glad you will come back. I really enjoyed spending time with you guys!


I found a crib. I am buying a friends crib which is one of those that turns into a bed

LaLa said...

Desiree...she is GORGEOUS!!!!!

redmaryjanes said...

We don't have any official plans for today either. It is really cooling off outside. I think we'll probably do some fall cleaning.

redmaryjanes said...

Amy,

I like those cribs that turn into a bed. I have a crib I can use if I need it and I have 2 toddler beds, so we'll see what we use when Sophia gets here.

Unknown said...

http://www.shoplonestarbaby.com/browse.cfm/4,1078.html

if you want to see a picture

Gail said...

Amy I love the cribs that turn into a bed.
Grace has swimming lessons later this morning, otherwise we have no plans which is is great.

Unknown said...

now we have to decide on a nursery theme. Ugh. Im not creative at all. I thinking either a garden room (which could include some ladybugs,but dont want a ladybug room) or a panda room ( hubby has some amazing photos we could frame)

redmaryjanes said...

That is beautiful Amy. Very elegant. I love the whole set.

Unknown said...

a friend is selling me the crib. I can find inexpensive furniture somewhere.. She has a crib still in the box and is giving me a really good deal

LaLa said...

Hey Kim..I just did an update post on what we are doning since the VN process is different from China. Basically we filed our I600 and now we wait for US approval..it is taking 60-100 days..then when we get approval we will have about a one WEEK notice until we have to be in VN...yeah, over two years of waiting then hurry onto a plane LOL
Like I said, we can go now and officially adopt him in VN but we need US approval for a Visa to bring him home so we will wait on that ....

redmaryjanes said...

Laura,

I have seen quite a few people's paperwork getting done pretty quickly, so hopefully yours will be too : )

redmaryjanes said...

Pam,
Congrats on your 22 month LID! Our 19th is today.

Truly Blessed said...

Oh, I'm so happy that so many babies are coming home!

Congratulations, Lala, what a relief you got through the VN process!

Pam and Jeff said...

Amy-It was great to meet you too-twice.
What is the name of the crib? (The link did not work in my browser.) I would love to see it. I want to get a crib like that.
(Did Michael win last night?)

Truly Blessed said...

We went to a Chinese Cultural group "Moon Festival" last night. The little girls had a great time.

Kimberley, I can't wait until Sophia is home and you and Tim come to some of these events with us.

Pam and Jeff said...

RMJ-
Thanks!! Congrats on your 19th LIDversary. Even though time is going slow, it is also going fast. We are going to blink and be at New Years.

LaLa said...

I know...we had two weeks to spare. My heart breaks for the families who are still waiting. The DOS released a statement saying they are in fact returning those dossier to the agencies...all that waiting, work and hoping for nothing...sad

On a happy note..a family with our agency is in Vietnam now and will meet their son on Tues...we sent a care package with them and should get updated pictures and video from them!! They said they would give him a kiss from us : )

Anonymous said...

wow! I didn't realize there was a regular chat session!...I am so far behind in the conversations though, that I will probably just sit back and read a while!

redmaryjanes said...

Kelly,
I can't wait either. Our families really should spend some time together. We have children whose ages coordinate well. We should get together one day.

redmaryjanes said...

Hi there Monica! It is great to see you. How is your family?

redmaryjanes said...

That is so exciting Laura. I am so glad that you guys made it through and received your referral. Little Annslee must be so excited.

Unknown said...

MIchael and team came in 3rd. Each person won about 70 bucks..Yeah trivia

Anonymous said...

My two little ones and my no longer participating in family life teenager(!) are all well and happy (though, as mentioned earlier, one of them is getting to be a bit anti-social...would rather bury herself in her room talking into her computer mic on faceboook with her friends from school than share any air space with her so un-cool family)...how did this happen?

Truly Blessed said...

My heart breaks for all those who are waiting for their child/ren from countries in which the IA programs are so unstable or uncertain.

So happy for those of you who are in the VN program and made it through.

I wish I knew what was going on with China -- I just cannot fathom why they are still accepting dossiers.

Hi Monica, I'm Kelly, I don't think I've ever "met" you!

Truly Blessed said...

Kimberley, yes, we should get together as families. When? Where?

Gail said...

Well I've got to get moving ladies, it was great to drop in and chat. Hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

Unknown said...

Lifetime crib, savannah linen white
She bought it at The Baby's room in kennesaw

redmaryjanes said...

Monica,

My 16 year old son loves to talk to his friends on facebook too. He still hangs out with us, but we are definitely not his number one option. If his friends are all busy, then he will spend time with us : )

redmaryjanes said...

Let's work something out tomorrow Kelly, a firm date and place so that it won't fall between the cracks.

Anonymous said...

Hi, Kelly! Great to meet you! Oh shoot...my parents just arrived (here visiting from KC, but spent last night at a local hotel) anyway they are here now...and, as I just complained about MY daughter isolating herself away on her computer, I guess I shouldn't sit with my laptop here in my lap still typing away while my own parents sit here in my living room...at least I come out and SHARE the same air space with them! I think we have LOST our 13 year old...we have to PRY her out of her room even for MEALS for pity's sake! (I finally made made a rule that she can't stash food in her room.)

I'm sorry to run out just as soon as I arrived. I will have to catch everyone next week!

OH MY #6 said...

I wanted to say good morning to you all! Looks like I might have just missed Gail!

I am off in the rain to do some Dragon Boating. Hope you all have a good weekend.

Lea
xo

Truly Blessed said...

So, Kimberley, you aluded to something in yesterday's post that gave me pause -- you're waiting for "the Call" from your agency -- does that mean you're that close?

If so, how wonderfully exciting!

Unknown said...

I love facebook. I want "the call"

Unknown said...

I will keep dreaming and hoping

Unknown said...

So, RMJ are you doing another drive this year?

redmaryjanes said...

Have a great week Monica and enjoy your parents!

redmaryjanes said...

Hi there Lea!
I am drinking out of my special mug!
Have fun at the dragon boat races.

redmaryjanes said...

OK! IS IT THE MOON FESTIVAL? DID I MISS IT? I JUST GOT 3 MOON FESTIVAL LANTERNS THIS YEAR TO PUT OUT

~verna said...

Good Morning All. Just dropping in after 2 cups of coffee and 2 kids waking me up. Hope you are all well this morning. Will take a moment to catch up on the comments.

k1 said...

Good Morning, All

redmaryjanes said...

We are that close. They are looking for a baby to match us with, but there is no timeline as to when they will have one.

redmaryjanes said...

Good Morning Verna,
I have been thinking about you. Tell me about Noah's surgery.

redmaryjanes said...

Hi there Karen and Mav!

Anonymous said...

Amy (yes...I am TRYING to break free here and visit with my parents, but my fingers just keep typing!)...anyway, Amy, you LOVE facebook??? I don't "get" facebook. I signed up on it so I can hear from my daughter at least once a day (kidding!)...actually so I can just be aware of where is she going on the internet and who is talking to her (mother bear)...but, I just don't "GET" the whole facebook thing. I don't get what the draw is. It doesn't seem fun to me...I must be missing something... (for one thing, I find it confusing to navigate about in...and I don't know how to use the bells and whistles)...but I have heard more than one blogger this week mention on their blogs how they have become addicted to face book and each time I read that I think "What am I missing...there must be more there than I am realizing..."

Truly Blessed said...

Hi Verna & Karen!

Kimberley, the Moon Festival is really at the end of September/beginning of October -- not sure why our CCGGGR group had the Moon Festival get-together during the crescent phase of the moon, but they did.

The group is getting together on Oct. 18 for a Klackle Orchard trip (we won't be able to be there as I'm taking the girls to MN to visit family), but it would be a fun way to meet people and see all of the gorgeous girls, and still enjoy the orchard with Eli...

Unknown said...

I think what I love is the contacts from high school and college and even elementary school. Its very confusing and there is so much to look at so yes I totally understand that part

Pam and Jeff said...

It seems like on Sat mornings that I have harder times multitasking. I went to check my email and got caught up on a family reunion email. I totally forgot I was on the chat.
Love the crib.

k1 said...

Don't know if Mav is about yet. Haven't heard from him this morning yet.

Anonymous said...

My daughter just came out to actually SHARE my airspace and reading over my shoulder, her comment to my observation that I don't see what the appeal to face book is....she, slumped on the sofa next to me with a sour "you woke me up to early and made me come out and breathe your same air" look on her face, opened her mouth for the first time this morning and grumbled (at my assertion that Facebook isn't any fun), "It's because you don't have any FRIENDS, Mom." Ouch. So that is the problem!

Truly Blessed said...

Monica, I totally agree with you about Facebook. I have an account, but just don't understand the "draw". My teen sons are on it as often as they can be -- they love it. I check it once every two weeks if I remember. I have caught up with some old college buddies, so it's been worth it in that respect, but I don't "get it" either!

redmaryjanes said...

Amy,
Do you mean the clothing drive? I am thinking about the clothing drive. I think I will do it. It was a lot for me last year. So many clothes came and I was afraid that I wouldn't be able to afford to ship them all. I really worried about letting you all down, but God took care of everything and just the right amount of money came in. And Amanda was so happy. She loves taking the babies out and having them look so nice. She loves them as her own and doesn't want people to look at them as unloved orphans. She said that people in China don't believe her kids are orphans because they are so well dressed.
The generosity of all of the families overwhelmed me. The clothes everyone sent were so beautiful and all of the clothing made it to Starfish.
So, if I had to decide today, I would say yes that I will do it again.
My close friend's husband just got a job with Northwest and they get a 50% discount with FedEx, so it looks like I am in good shape for postage.

Unknown said...

I do the same thing Pam. but then I love catching up on whats going on. So many people here have so much interesting stuff going on

k1 said...

Amy, I vote for a Panda theme!!

Truly Blessed said...

Monica, you have friends, I'm sure. Most of them probably don't hang out on Facebook.

Besides, I read that Michael Phelps has 49,000 "friends" on facebook, the majority, I'm sure, he has never met, will never meet, does not want to meet and never checks their facebook pages. "Friends" on Facebook are highly overrated (but don't tell that to your daughter -- she won't want to hear that from you!).

LaLa said...

The New Moon Festival is the 14th so you haven't missed it : )

SOOOOO exciting..hope the call comes soon!

Truly Blessed said...

Karen, DH just asked if you're going to come for Christmas this year (that is an invitation). Can you come?

Pam and Jeff said...

I have a confession to make. I am on FaceBook under a different name-"Lynn Bentgrass"(my soap opera name). I just wanted to see what it was all about. It has been a lot of fun. I have found some of my friends on it. I have requested them to be my friends. They crack up when they realize it is me.

k1 said...

So Sis, you are making plans to meet up with others. When you coming out to WA again to see me?

Anonymous said...

Oh, I am so glad there is someone else out there who doesn't get the draw of Facebook!!!

Now, I really have to go...
My parents are just sitting here looking at me as I type!

Great, my daughter is criticizing my typing..."It is just 'g2g', Mom!" (in a very exasperated voice), followed by "why do you put down everything I say?" roll of eyes.

so g2g (got to go)...

My daughter just said, "Wow! That's sad! You don't put the parenthesis there and EXPLAIN the abbreviation. What's the point?"

(well, I, for one, am annoyed when folks use abbreviations I don't understand ....still don't know what in the world "dh" and "dd" etc stand for?????

g2g

Unknown said...

Yeah, lots of celebrities have sooo many friends. I am just excited to talk to high school friends.

RMJ, let me know if you want help. I need to get these boxes out and would love to send more out at the same time. Susan talked to Amanda this week and there are so many things she needs now so I would love to collect some more things and I know some friends would love to help with shipping as well!

Anonymous said...

dsfrfcr
nr

45utr

z

(Hi everyone, this is Katie. Aunt Karen, please come for Christmas!

Love, Katie)

k1 said...

Don't know about Christmas.

Am doing the reunion thing in Fla in Feb. Are you? K2, Shrl, and Mom are. Mav too.

redmaryjanes said...

Monica,
Tell your daughter to give it a rest, you are talking on-line to all of your friends : )

Truly Blessed said...

Monica, you're cracking me up.

DH - dear husband
DD - dear daughter
DS - dear son
HTH - hope that helps
FWIW - for what it's worth
BTW - by the way
BTDT - been there, done that

Those are some that I know of.

Say "Hi" to your sweet daughter from me, tell her she's welcome to come in and chat with us!

redmaryjanes said...

Karen,

Come to Michigan, I'd love to meet you!!

Unknown said...

yall have to find me on facebook
amy christopher

lots of china adoption groups

Truly Blessed said...

Karen,

No, we're not doing the reunion in Feb. Lots going on and we couldn't make it work.

We don't have any travel plans to WA or TX this fall/winter, though I am taking K&E to Minne-soda in October.

Have you heard anything from Justin?

Truly Blessed said...

Oh, and Kimberley, of course I'll help with the drive -- any drive you do. You don't even have to ask!

redmaryjanes said...

Amy,
If you want to send me your 2 boxes in February, I'll try to get them to Starfish with mine.

k1 said...

CUL8R - see you later
MIW - Mom is Watching
PIR - Parent in room
LOL - Lots of laughs, and/or laughing out loud
ROLF - rolling on floor, laughing
LMAO - lauging my butt off

a few more for Monica

Truly Blessed said...

Karen, "butt" doesn't start with "A"

k1 said...

Kel, haven't heard from J. What's up?

Unknown said...

Ya know my plan was to send it all in October to save money but I am going t think about my options. I could put a button on my blog to raise money for shipping. We will see.

I may take you up on that offer

Truly Blessed said...

BRB - be right back
JK - just kidding
BC - because
IMHO - in my humble opinion
IMNSHO - in my not so humble opinion
2 - to, two, too
4 - for

k1 said...

I know how to spell, but wanted to preserve Kimberley's "G" rating for her blog :)

Truly Blessed said...

Justin is supposedly getting married on Sept. 27 -- the date has changed several times and I haven't received any invitation, so I don't know if it's really going to happen or not.

~verna said...

You people are crazy.

K1--you are a huge panda fan! So, what does that "sandbox of life" thing mean in your title. It seems it would fit this better:
http://testblognumber115.blogspot.com/

I was going to email you cuz I was messing with my hobby last week. but I wasn't sure you were a cat person.

Should we take a vote to find out if folks want you to have this design????

OOOPS, I digressed to blog design. I am one obsessed woman.

~verna said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
LaLa said...

Hey guys...just wanted all of you to keep in prayer a family from our agency. Basically, they were hoping to adopt two girls (unrelated) who are 4 & 5 years old. They are in a small orphanage and have been raised as sisters. They had to redo their home study to make it two and up the ages but they wanted them and did EVERYTHING they were suppose to do. The room is ready and they have been waiting 10 months for one man in the local province to release their birth certificates...you have to have that before the DIA (VN's CCAA) will issue an official referral. Our agency has begged him to release the bc but he didn't...Sept.1 came and now they have officially lost the girls. Jen (the mom) is trying to find a reason why he would do this and unfortunately she can't help but let her mind wander to things like "keeping them to sell off later for sex" etc... It does happen! Anyway, they are devastated but are committed to trying to bring them home if/when VN reopens.

The GOOD news is they a few months ago got a China dossier together b/c they saw that the VN thing might not work. They found a 3 1/2 yr old on a waiting list, sent their LOI, and got PA in SIX days!! I think God knew they needed a break : ) Anyway, they are obviously thrilled but are still guarding their hearts.

Sorry this is so long...just pray for Jen that this child actually comes home to them : )

Unknown said...

Verna,

You are always up to something. You rock!

Unknown said...

ok that blog looks great

Truly Blessed said...

OMW, Verna, that is hysterical! That is SO Karen, and YES, she is a cat person (but her cat is solid black).

Karen, you HAVE to use that header -- too, too funny!!!

~verna said...

Kim, I'll send some clothing for the drive. I have a goal to see how many little things I can stuff in to the box. ;)

Noah's surgery is not scheduled. He will have his thumb and pinky released to have opposability.
Should really help him.

k1 said...

Verna, I had a boss once who told us all to "play nice in the sandbox", when there was an office disagreement. Basically, he was telling us we had to work it out among ourselves, just like when we were little kids on the playground. It just kind of stuck.

Since then, sandbox has become used by some as a reference to the warzone in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Truly Blessed said...

Oh, I forgot

OMW - Oh my word
OMG - Oh my gosh

I'm a whole lot more "with it" than I realized!

redmaryjanes said...

Hi there I'm back...made some breakfast.

Just let me know what you want to do with the boxes Amy, it's all good with me.

I am happy for your friends Laura. I wish we could get matched that fast : )

And Verna is wonderful.

redmaryjanes said...

Verna and Karen!
I am busting up. You have to use that blog Karen, it's perfect!

Nancy said...

Good Morning all.
I'm gonna grab some breakfast and pop a squat!
Fill me in!

redmaryjanes said...

Hi there Nancy,
How's the new job?

Truly Blessed said...

Karen & Kimberley,

Katie was just sitting on my lap (did you see that she posted a comment?) and she saw your passport photo, Kimberley, she said, "Hi, Aunt Karen!" to it.

You two have to meet.

Truly Blessed said...

Hi Nancy! How's the new job going?
Did you get all of your supplies ordered and put away?

Pam and Jeff said...

See you all next weekend!!!

k1 said...

Verna, that is FANTASTIC!

I woke my cat up when I started laughing. (am working on dial-up here... it took a while for the photo to load).

Kel, I have noticed the similarities between Kimberley and myself too. She's cuter though!

Nancy said...

The job is going well. I am very busy between it and the boys, but very happy.
Supplies have been ordered, and those that came in have been put away.
I am in a trailer, so storage is an issue. Am doing my best however.

redmaryjanes said...

Yes, Karen is my very cool twin..we were separated at birth in a cruel twist of fate.
We're destined to meet soon though and I think we will become Olympic synchronized swimmers.

Truly Blessed said...

So...what are everyone's plans for this beautiful weekend?

I think my guys are going to take a drive to Holland to check out Hope College.

Not sure what I'll do today, but I probably should get off the computer and DO something!

Nancy said...

Despite not having all the supplies, the kids started this week on an alternating schedule (Mon, Wed or Tues, Thur). They will do this again this week to get use to thing with 1/2 the group, then all 20 for each session will start the following week
Am hoping all the supplies are in by then.

LaLa said...

Ladies...I need to go color my hair...gray hairs showing : ) I am too cheap to pay someone so who knows what it will look like LOL

Have a wonderful weekend!!!

redmaryjanes said...

Bye Pam,
Have a great week!

redmaryjanes said...

Hope College????
No no no...you should be taking your boy to Calvin where I went.

Truly Blessed said...

Oh, you two would look wonderful in those sequined costumes.

Nancy said...

We have a football game this morning, soccer this afternoon, and a band competion this evening.
Tomorrow I need to go into work for a few(really a lot) hours.

redmaryjanes said...

I color my own hair too Laura and I'll be getting to it tonight as I am looking a tad gray myself. Have a great weekend!

Unknown said...

Pam, cant wait to see you again soon!

What am I doing? I am working the next 3 days1

redmaryjanes said...

Nancy,

Sounds like a busy fun weekend. I hope you supplies come too. Are they critical? Are you able to teach without what is missing?

Truly Blessed said...

Yeah, we have tried (and tried, and tried) to get him to even consider Calvin, Cornerstone or Hope) but he has his heart set on UofM or Hillsdale. Either would be an okay place, but I'm worried that he'd be completely lost at UofM. He won't even consider GVSU, either.

Kids..........{{{{sigh}}}}

Unknown said...

In case some of you did not read my I accidentally met Pam. She found me at the Yellow Daisy Festival where there were thousands of people. She just came up to me as said Are you Amy?

It was sooo funny

Nancy said...

It's fun to read your blogs and see the differences. We are receiving Mid-terms this week, and you all just started.

k1 said...

I have to join Lala at the coloring sink sometime today.

sequins??? Ah, NO

redmaryjanes said...

Really? That is so cool Amy.
No one has ever recognized me from my blog.

redmaryjanes said...

This past week was my boys' first week of school. I think Michigan is one of the last states to start.

redmaryjanes said...

Kelly,

What size does Ella wear?

I have started buying clothes at 12 months, but I hear a lot of people need 9 months.

Truly Blessed said...

Well, Kimberley, you've only had your picture on it for a few weeks...

I've been reading it for over a year and haven't seen too many pictures of you -- mostly those at YC.

k1 said...

Kelly and I recognized some woman in China from her blog.

Unknown said...

I cant wait to have a reason to really buy clothes

redmaryjanes said...

I am usually the one taking all of the pictures, so I'm not in a lot of them it's true.

Truly Blessed said...

Ella was size 12 months in China. Now that she has gained four pounds (yippee!) she is between 12/18 months. She is so small that no one believes she's almost two. Her mind, however, is two...plus.

And I have to say that she's just too darn cute when she walks around. She's only been walking for a week and two days, so she's not completely steady yet. She's got this Frankenstein thing going on and it's just too cute!

Nancy said...

I have such a supply of things here at home, that I can work with, that I don't worry about it.
It's only a 3 hour day per group. I can keep them busy and entertained that long with crayons, play-doh(homemade of course) and a few toys.

Just call me Mary Poppins!!!

redmaryjanes said...

I have rules to my shopping. It has to be on sale, a really smoking deal for me to buy it. Now, once I get a referral I might change that. But for now, it's a smoking deal or no deal.
It's hard because I don't know what size she will wear.

k1 said...

Verna, I do love that blog design and am honored that you thought of me for it. I HAVE sometimes felt that the sandbox was more like a litter box!!

Kelly, you said Justin was getting MARRIED???? He wasn't even seeing anyone at Christmas when I was there.

Truly Blessed said...

You're right, Karen, we did recognize that mom in Guangzhou. And that lady from Canada came up to me in the porcelain shop in Nanchang and asked me if I was "Truly Blessed" -- that was pretty cool (but she didn't recognize me from my picture, or blog, for that matter, she recognized me because I was traveling with my huge family of giant sons and my two beautiful little girls!).

Nancy said...

Man, blogger went crazy and posted my comment 3 times. YIKES!!

redmaryjanes said...

Zach and Tyler have the MET, so they most likely will go to state schools. Zach wants to go to Michigan State. We'll see. I'd love GVSU because it's closer to home, but we'll see.
He has 2 years left of high school.

Truly Blessed said...

Yes, MARRIED.

I met her on July 4 and wasn't terribly impressed (neither was Mom). K&S don't seem to be thrilled with this decision (or the timeframe) either -- he's only been seeing her (and her 2 year old son) for about six months.

Sheri said...

Good morning ladies -- sounds like a lively chat going on here!

redmaryjanes said...

I cleaned them out Mary Poppins, don't worry about it. : )

Nancy said...

I was only buying thing that were on sale, and that I thought were just too cute to pass up.
Haven't bought ANYTHING for about 6 months now.

Truly Blessed said...

Nancy, do you have any plans to come back to Michigan for dinner?

Kimberley, I think we're overdue for a LNO at YC with HW!

A Mom- In-W8ing said...

Good Morning Ladies!
I hope everyone is enjoying their weekend. We are bracing ourselves for tropical storm Hanna. We are expecting LOTS of rain and wind tomorrow so last night & this morning we packed away most of the outdoor summer stuff. Putting that stuff away always makes me sad because that truly signifies the end of the summer season. Other than that things are good here.
Smiles! :o)
Nikki

k1 said...

oh boy

redmaryjanes said...

I didn't buy anything for 2 years, but I just have a feeling that we are getting close now and that I need to get ready for her.
We'll see. They don't seem to be making very many matches at our agency, so we just have to wait it out.

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