Saturday, November 15, 2008

Welcome to the Saturday Morning Chat Group...


Today is National Adoption Day.

I have been up since 4am today. My FIL came in last night and he and my husband left this morning in hopes of bringing home the big buck...oh yes, it's the opening day of deer season here in Michigan.

I finished the book Wild Swans while I was flying home from Pittsburgh this week. This book was very impacting for me. Being an American, I truly have no real concept of the suffering that goes on and has gone on in the world. This book is a true account of 3 generations of women from the same family. It is absolutely amazing and I would recommend it to anyone.



There are two fundraisers going on that I am aware of, they are on my sidebar. One is for Mia Hope and you can win a $500 gift card, the other is for Kris' baby E. and you can win a wii. Please do what you can to support these families.


I have 2 ladies who have joined me in Project Christmas Angel to send a shoe box with a 2 lb bag of rice and a small gift to be delivered to The Angel House Orphanage in Haiti. If you would like to join us, please send me an e-mail and I will get the details to you. timnkim@gmail.com

Visit http://threeangelshaiti.org

You can see photos of the waiting children and find information about the orphanage, the school and opportunities to volunteer.

329 comments:

1 – 200 of 329   Newer›   Newest»
Musings from Kim K. said...

Happy National Adoption Day!! I feel so blessed to have so many friends who support and understand how special this day is.

PS. Sounds like you could have joined us at 4am in our house with Miss Josie who was ALSO awake. Best wishes to your husband and FIL on their deer hunting!

redmaryjanes said...

Hi Kim! How are you?

Musings from Kim K. said...

Doing well. I'm on my 3rd cup of coffee (wee wee). Josie's sitting next to me in her highchair with crayons. Emma's looking over toy catalogs.

redmaryjanes said...

I need to make some more coffee for sure! I made breakfast for Tim Eli and Dad. I was so hoping would go back to bed, but no way on that wish. So, I baked a cake, the house smells great and I'm going to make another pot of coffee. Eli is watching Disney Channel and playing Transformers.

redmaryjanes said...

I was hoping Eli would go back to bed, I left his name out of the sentence.

Musings from Kim K. said...

Sounds like a super productive morning at your house. I can't say I've been productive (aside from feeding kids and changing a diaper). I'm still in my pjs.

redmaryjanes said...

Oh well, I'm still in my pj's too with a big hot pink fuzzy robe on. I usually am still in pajamas on the chat. I'm trying to think of something fun Eli and I can do this afternoon since it will just be the two of us and it looks yucky outside.

redmaryjanes said...

Oh, and the cake was out of a box, so not too Martha Stewart this morning :)

Cupcakes and Hairbows said...

Hi Everyone -- It's Lucy (at cupcakes blog). That book sounds fascinating!

We are HOPING to get our LOA this week and finally hear from the USCIS about our 800A - have any of you applied thru the new 800 forms?

redmaryjanes said...

Hi there Lucy!

redmaryjanes said...

There aren't too many ladies on right now, but more should be joining soon. I don't know a lot about the 800A except that it's a tough process to get through. I hope you get your LOA too!!!

Cupcakes and Hairbows said...

So TODAY is national adoption day? I knew Nov was the month!!! What a great observance...

redmaryjanes said...

I had heard of National Adoption Month last year, but just found out this year that there is an actual day.
You must just be on pins and needles, I went over and read your latest post. How exciting! You are all packed to go.

Musings from Kim K. said...

I've been doing a whole tribute to adoption awareness this month on my blog. Adoption magazine had some great tips and suggestions for honoring this month. I'm hoping to actually get a family picture of the 4 of us to celebrate today. We haven't had a picture of all 4 of us since China.

redmaryjanes said...

Your blog is so beautiful Kim, just darling. Your story is really amazing I think. I had heard of your situation with 'the agency' way before I ever met you in blogland. I think it's great that you will be celebrating today, you worked very hard to bring your family to where it is today.

Musings from Kim K. said...

I wouldn't recommend other families doing what we did to get our daughter, but praise GOD it all worked out and we have Josie home and she has a fully repaired heart.

redmaryjanes said...

Well, I tell you. I am feeling pretty hopeless right now with our situation.

Unknown said...

good morning..just got home and had my chik fil a biscuit..yummo

Cupcakes and Hairbows said...

I will look at Kim's blog too - I'm such a blog addict!

The only one who is packed is the daughter we don't have yet! We are still a few weeks away from even having a "good" guess on timing. It is starting to feel real!

Musings from Kim K. said...

I'm sorry this waiting list program has sped things up. When I was in China in March our guide was very clear in saying that the orphanages were filled with many SN children that just weren't made paper-ready. It was heart-breaking to hear those things. I was hopeful that the recent trip to China with Bethany would bring good news for families.

Cupcakes and Hairbows said...

RMJ -- why are you feeling hopeless? I haven't caught up!

redmaryjanes said...

Hi there Amy! How are you doing? And good news from your agency on the SN lists?

Cupcakes and Hairbows said...

Hey Amy -- Chik Fil A? YUM! I have a pile of coupons in my car and use one about once a week! Don't you know the Straights? They are really close to going back for #2 - waiting on TA!

redmaryjanes said...

Well, I do think that our mutual friend S. will be matched from the trip. At least I sure do hope so. The fact that we are holding out for a girl is what is holding us up from what our agency says.

Unknown said...

hey guys,, we will see how long i last..yes chik fil a...

rmj, 7 matches this week from our agency. i actually requested a file but i was too late..thats okay. im still not discouraged

redmaryjanes said...

Lucy,
We are waiting for an sn referral. We initally signed up to see the waiting child lists and were told we could see the next one coming out in 3 months, then when 3 months passed, we asked to see the list and they told us their rules changed and we had to wait until we were through the review room, so 6 months after that we were through review and they changed the program again and now we are waiting for a little girl and most of the sn babies are boys right now.
So...we wait.

redmaryjanes said...

That is great news Amy!

Cupcakes and Hairbows said...

Amy -- you all are considering SN? What is your agency? Is it CCAI? Both of our girls are "heart babies" from SN lists -- neither was on the shared list. There are so many mild needs out there, but sometimes they are a little hard to find (especially now that they have made it so competitive)...

Unknown said...

what else is going on with everyone?

Musings from Kim K. said...

I'm looking forward to picking our former social worker's brain when she comes over for dinner on the shared list program and her recent trip to China I promise to keep you posted. I want to share good news with you.

redmaryjanes said...

Kim, you do always seem to have the latest info. My poor social worker doesn't get much of the scoop. She calls me her mole.

redmaryjanes said...

Any good baby names Amy?

redmaryjanes said...

It seems like the shared list kind of has a life of its own and goes through trends. Right now the trend is mostly boys and children with more severe needs. Hopefully girls and babes with less severe needs will reappear soon.

Cupcakes and Hairbows said...

RMJ -- that is another very frustrating thing about all of the NEW rules that China puts in place, then you have to deal with the agency rules that are out there! Our agency here in ATL that we used for our first adoption kinda "frowned" on us adopting out of order -- so we found our new daughter at another agency... I hated not to use them, but we wanted an older child this time.

Truly Blessed said...

Good morning ladies!

Happy National Adoption Day to all of you. In 2006 we were flying to America with our sweet Katie on N.A.D., that was a fun way to celebrate!

Kim K. you don't live too far from Kimberley and me -- we should get together!

redmaryjanes said...

Yes, I wish the weather was better, I would love to meet at a park or something.

Unknown said...

obama was admitted last night

redmaryjanes said...

I have seen only good experiences come from families who have adopted out of birth order. I know that my agency doesn't have issues with it. I would like our daughter to be younger than Eli and he is about to turn 4, so we signed up for a little girl 3 or younger.

Truly Blessed said...

Good morning Amy! I understand that there have been quite a few Obamas born recently. I sure hope this little one is okay.

Musings from Kim K. said...

Yes. We do need to get together. I'd love to finally meet in person. We've been talking about it, we just need to do it.

What's the latest on Obama? I haven't had the tv on this morning.

Unknown said...

yes we have had 3 babies named obama lately and you cant stereotype these babies... the siblings were luke, mandy and obama

Truly Blessed said...

Kim,

The "Obama" Amy is referring to is an infant. She works in a hospital and every week Kimberley asks if there were any interesting names at the hospital. There always are.

The President-Elect Obama is apparently fine.

Musings from Kim K. said...

Ah...I'm behind this morning...too much coffee. Obama (baby) not the real person. hee hee.

Unknown said...

i should have clarified..all the baby obamas will be okay

Truly Blessed said...

Lucy, I don't think we've met. I'm TB and my blog is Living My Dream!

So, you adopted out of birth order -- for whom are you expecting LOA? I well remember that wait (and the wait for TA and the wait for travel...excruciating!).

Who will your newest cupcake be?

redmaryjanes said...

Yeah, Amy's is a nurse in baby ward and there usually is a baby with an unusual name each week, so I always as her about them.

redmaryjanes said...

Kelly,
How is Karen doing? I haven't heard from her in a long time.

Truly Blessed said...

Karen's doing well. She's getting over something gross (a nasty bug).

We'll see her in Texas next month when we go down for a travel reunion (8 of 11 families plus Aunt Karen will be there -- we are so excited!).

Truly Blessed said...

Hey all, we have TWO two year olds in our house for the next month!

That's right, Princess Ella had a birthday yesterday!

We're celebrating her b-day with the family today, and tomorrow she is getting dedicated at church. Yesterday we celebrated her b-day with the local Mommy & Me (FCC) playgroup. Such fun -- and such great pictures of the cupcake eating!

redmaryjanes said...

Oh, Happy Birthday to my special girl! I adore Ella.

Truly Blessed said...

Ella says "Hi Miss Kimberley!" back.

If Katie were awake, she'd say "Hi Eli and Aunt Karen!" to you (yes, she almost always calls you Aunt Karen) which makes sense, as the two of you do look a lot alike!

redmaryjanes said...

Oh my work Kelly, her pictures came out just beautifully. Wow.

LaLa said...

Hi ladies!! I hope you are all having a wonderful Saturday. It is cold and rainy here...yuck. We had a busy day yesterday with our family day celebration. Two birthday parties today and one tomorrow.....

Going to read what has been written so far...I'll be back : )

Mom 2 six said...

Good Morning all !
Day 67 of LOA wait. It is really getting chilly here in Wi. Does anyone know if LOA's come at any other time than when referrals come... or how that process goes. We were not in the SN route last time.
Shelly

Cupcakes and Hairbows said...

Hi TB -- we are waiting for LOA on Alaina (she is almost 6) -- our youngest, Ally, is from China. All of our girls are at the top of our blog! Nice to MEET you!

redmaryjanes said...

We do look alike, so I'll work with that :)

Truly Blessed said...

RMJ, you really think S. is going to get a match off of this latest list? How incredibly exciting!

redmaryjanes said...

Good Morning Laura! What's the latest news on Coby? And Happy Family to you all.

redmaryjanes said...

Hi there Shelly! Still no LOA for Eli?

Heather said...

Happy National Adoption Day Ladies!! Good Morning:)

redmaryjanes said...

Good Morning Heather! How are the girls doing?

Heather said...

LaLa - I have your gift - haven't been to the post office lately...I will get it there:) I have some for the peanuts too and haven't shipped thiers off either - I am a slacker these days!

Truly Blessed said...

Good morning Shelly! LOAs come out usually just before referrals, but have been known to come out a couple times a month.

We waited 73 days for our LOA earlier this year. I think I figured that 82 days was 'average' (but some files took an inordinately long amount of time, so that skewed the averages...) I believe most people waited between 66 and 82 days (which is a HUGE range when you can't focus on anything else).

I had all kinds of graphs here -- if we get LOA on this day, we'll likely get TA on this day and likely travel on this day... for a bunch of scenarios. It drove my husband crazy!

redmaryjanes said...

Kel,
Yes, I am hopeful that S will be matched. It looks pretty positive :)

Heather said...

Hi Kimberley - Girls are great...Hannah is coloring and Em is writing in her journal (he he)

LaLa said...

Ok..caught up...lots going on..

Kimberley, about the Christmas Child box...we are doing them at our church..is it the same organization I wonder? Annslee has been decorating hers..interesting to say the least LOL

redmaryjanes said...

If any of you know Nancy over at ASENND, today is her 2 year LID and she's kind of blue about it, so go one over and leave her a comment.

Unknown said...

im going to wake up michael..im hoping to be nback right now but dang i am sleepy

redmaryjanes said...

I have heard that there is another project very similar to mine, but I don't know if it their boxes are going to the same orphanage. It could be, but I just don't know for certain.

Musings from Kim K. said...

We waited 120 days for our LOA last year. The wait drove me insane and I had to ban myself from the Rumor Queen website/forum because it made me too depressed.

Best wishes with everyone who is waiting. My thoughts are with you.

Mom 2 six said...

Thanks for that answer. I am at the grasping for straws stage. Wanting any kind of hope. :)
Hopefully soon ! We heard Eli is back at the orphanage so something must be happening...

redmaryjanes said...

Oh Amy, it's ok if you need to go to bed, you've been up all night with babies.

redmaryjanes said...

Shelly,
What does it mean when they go back to the orphanage? Does that mean they are being prepared for adoption?

Unknown said...

i love you guys. i really do..all of you rock

Heather said...

We have done Christmas boxes here too...Em selected everything herself - it was a really powerful thing for her to do. At Awana, they have been showing them videos about where they can serve and now, she wants to help a town in Africa get clean water...we already help with water purification in Hannah's orphanage - so many areas to help...I love that my child is now holding us even more accountable

redmaryjanes said...

Back at you Amy :)

redmaryjanes said...

Wow Heather, that is fantastic. So far, Tyler is my child who really gets it. He was so moved by the Starfish Supply Drive last year. And when he saw one of the Starfish babies wearing an outfit that Kelly sent that he had folded up and put into one of the boxes, he literally cried.

Heather said...

Do the LOAs have a trend? Or are they random with how long it takes? I'm sorry is that a stupid question?

Truly Blessed said...

Our boxes are done...driving Miss Katie nuts that they're here but she can't play with the toys. We did 3 BTW.

LaLa said...

I know you said your boxes are going to TN to be sent...do you know where?

Truly Blessed said...

Ahhhh, Kimberley, that comment about Tyler made me tear up. What a wonderful young man he is. You have every right to be proud of him!

redmaryjanes said...

Thank you so much Kelly!
Did you see the address to send them to? It's on the link on my sidebar.
I am starting the next book you gave called Before You Were Mine.

Heather said...

Awww, how sweet that Tyler felt that connection - it is awesome when God moves our children and helps them "get it" - as a reformed youth pastor, nothing sets my heart on fire like that

Cupcakes and Hairbows said...

We are currently past 90 days waiting for LOA. Our dossier is supposedly on the SN director's desk and we hope to get it this coming week. None of that matters until we get past this 800 stuff here for the USA!

Mom 2 six said...

We recently sent a care package and the woman called and talked to one of the nannies to see that it was received. She was told he is back there. (He has been in foster care.) In talking with Macie (Jill, my SIL's 10 y.o daughter) She was brought back to the orphanage to prepare for the adoption. I have no idea if this is how the process works everywhere or only done in cases of older adoptions... No matter what the case we are terribly anxious to bring him home.

redmaryjanes said...

The boxes are going to Titusville, FL. A church there is coordinating the project and sending them on to Haiti.

LaLa said...

What a sweetie Tyler is...you are raising such Godly children and there is no greater gift you can give the world

redmaryjanes said...

Lucy,
Tell us about your 800 experience, because I'm not really familiar with everything you have to do and what the new rules are.

Truly Blessed said...

Heather, no such thing as a dumb question.

LOAs come out in batches. Sometimes twice a month. Usually they're pretty big batches.

The average (a few months ago) was waiting 66-82 days from LID for the LOA, then another 24 (av.) days after that 'til TA, then another 2 weeks for travel. Oh yeah, I've still got it!

Mom 2 six said...

Cupcakes and Hairbows-
Can I ask whaat 800 stuff ?
Shelly

LaLa said...

I know LOAs are different...we are on day 73 of our wait for I600 approval (like a TA with China)....got our referral Aug 15th and here we still sit...frustrating. I hope we all get our approvals soon!

Cupcakes and Hairbows said...

The 800A/800 is the new form for the USCIS that replaces the 600A for Immigration. We did the 600 for our first adoption and the 800 was put into place for new adoptions that began after April of this year. I don't know if the people who applied under a 600 will have to also do an 800 (after their 600 expires). Anyway, it's much more involved and takes longer. I'll try to answer any Q's that I can! Limited knowledge, here!!! Lucy

Heather said...

Hannah has been home almost two years now (can you believe that?????????)So, I feel a bit out of the loop as far as how things are going - thanks so much for the answer. God is laying it on my heart to adopt again (Rob is not there yet) but I am just getting my facts straight:)

Musings from Kim K. said...

I need to get more "nummies" for Miss Josie, so I'm signing off. Nice chatting ladies. Happy National Adoption Day. I just changed over my blog banner in celebration of this special day.

To the ladies in West Michigan, let's try and get that meeting date scheduled. Hugs!!

redmaryjanes said...

Heather, do you have a country that you are thinking about?

Truly Blessed said...

Heather, how wonderful for your family.

We celebrated our DD#1s FF day on Nov. 7, and have been home with DD#2 since July 3 of this year. Both girls are two for the next month (crazy!) when DD#1 will turn 12 (oops, I mean 3).

We also have three teenage sons.

redmaryjanes said...

Have a wonderful day Kim! Yes, let's get a firm date set up.

Cupcakes and Hairbows said...

Hi TB -- I'd love to see your blog!

Truly Blessed said...

Kimberley & Kim,

How about doing the Children's Museum sometime? That would be fun for kids AND Moms!

Mom 2 six said...

Just wait till you fill out the supplemental 1800 forms (if you have to.... I am traveling alone -someone has to stay and watch the 5other kids- my husband did not travel last time) they are crazy too ! I thought that the I800 was a nightmare process compared to the I600 BUT we were the first family that used the process with our agency. I would think it has gotten easier.

Truly Blessed said...

Lucy, I'd be happy to send you an invite...I just need an email address.

redmaryjanes said...

AMANDA FROM STARFISH HAS SEND SOME ITEMS FROM CHINA TO DALEEA FOR THE AUCTION, so if you haven't seen them, you might want to go over there.

redmaryjanes said...

I would love to meet at the Children's Museum. We haven't gone since Bob the Builder was there.

Heather said...

I am really not sure...I keep praying a baby will be left on our doorstep - is that not a crazy prayer? I have prayed it for a long time though, so the Lord is doing something with it;) Obviously, we have a tender spot for China, but I am uncertain if any of us could weather the wait - we shall see - I keep feeling Taiwan, so I'm not sure what that is.

Mom 2 six said...

I am off - the kids are wanting pancakes. Thank for everyones patience as I obsess about Elijah. I promise to chat about something else next week. Pray that no one breaks a leg this afternoon we are going skating. I have not skated since the 80's. :)

Cupcakes and Hairbows said...

It's lucyhark@yahoo.com THANKS!!!
We don't have to do the supplemental 800. We too are our agencies first family to go thru the 800 process - nothing like being a guinea pig! We have now talked to our senator to help speed along the USCIS process. We had to get Child Abuse Clearance letters from every county we have lived in since age 18! One of those letters was too old, so we just got an updated one sent to USCIS yesterday - hopefully we will get word that our 800A was approved this coming week (we are past 100 days on this) so we can file the 800 (this one usually clears in about a week -so I've heard!)...

Heather said...

Mom 2 six, certainly not obsessing and we pray for limber limbs this pm!

I'm off as well - I need to return Em's Christmas dress - too big - and it is POURING here - oh yucko!

Have a blessed day everybody:)

Truly Blessed said...

Lucy, sending your invite now. I'd love to see yours as well.

Cupcakes and Hairbows said...

TB -- thank you! You can just click on the "cupcakes and hairbows" at the front of our comments -- ours isn't private! Thanks!

We are in GA - and actually did get some rain last night, but now it's looking like a nice day ahead! I don't know that we will ever again be out of this draught -we have had outdoor watering restrictions for the last 5 years... Our lakes are so low!

LaLa said...

Ok Ladies..gotta go make pancakes and breakfast cookies (sausage) then off to a skating party.... have a wonderful weekend!

redmaryjanes said...

Wow, every county since 18 years old. Thank goodness I've only lived in 2 I think and both in this area. I was 17 when I came here to go to college.

redmaryjanes said...

Have a fun weekend ladies!

redmaryjanes said...

It's overcast and chilly here. I don't know what Eli and I are going to do today.

Cupcakes and Hairbows said...

Better run -- I'll check out all of your blogs tonight once all are asleep! Happy Saturday! Take care -- this is so much fun - glad I remembered!!!

Truly Blessed said...

Hey Kimberley,

You want to come over and help Ella eat some birthday cake? We're "doing" her little party sometime this afternoon...

The kids could play and we could talk!

redmaryjanes said...

Are you sure we would not be intruding?

redmaryjanes said...

Thanks for coming Lucy and sharing some new info with us. Please come back next week.

Truly Blessed said...

Not at all! We'd love to have you here to celebrate Ella's 2nd birthday.

As long as you don't expect too much fanfare. A little cake & ice cream and a couple of presents to open and play with.

We'd love to have you both. Katie would be delirious to have Eli here to play with!

redmaryjanes said...

Hold on, let me ask Eli.....
Hmm...I'll take the huge smile and the BIG YES! as his approval :)
We would LOVE to come over.

redmaryjanes said...

Can you e-mail your address to me? I have never been to your house.

Truly Blessed said...

I sure will. I'll also let you know what time would work best around her nap schedule.

And now, I should go and clean up after Daddy -- he made eggs & toast for the girls for breakfast (since Mom was on the computer) and left me a BIG mess to deal with!

See you later today!

redmaryjanes said...

Ok, have a great morning!

Marla said...

Hi everyone! Y'all still chatting?

redmaryjanes said...

Hi Marla, I'm still here.

redmaryjanes said...

It kind of comes and goes in waves on the chat.
How are you all doing?

Marla said...

We're good, I haven't been able to chat in forever because of soccer, but I now have my Sat mornings back. :)

redmaryjanes said...

Soccer season ended for you guys? Zach's playing hockey right now, but that's the only child we have in a sport. Tyler decided he didn't want to play basketball.

Marla said...

Yep, soccer finished up last week until March. We're wimps here and can't handle playing in the cold. None of mine are into basketball (yet). I have a feeling Jack will be my b-ball player, but he's only 2.

redmaryjanes said...

Well, it's cold here and overcast. Rain mixed with snow is our forecast for the next several days. It's hard because Eli really needs to get out and run around and when it gets cold like this, it's hard to find things to do.

redmaryjanes said...

Did you get your book?

redmaryjanes said...

Oh, what was I thinking? I spaced the book, it wasn't you talking about the book.

Marla said...

I can only imagine, I'm not sure I'd survive living in a wintery state. We have a few cold snaps here and there, but they typically don't last long. It's chilly now (42) but sunny and gorgeous. I'm hoping to drag these guys outside and get our Christmas card picture made later.

Marla said...

LOL, what book? I am looking for more to read.

redmaryjanes said...

I bought our Christmas cards yesterday and am just sending out some wallets of the kids.
I so long to be a Southern woman. I want to retire in Kentucky or Tennessee and turn into Paula Dean. :)

I am waiting to read the Silent Tears book. Have you heard about it? It's by a woman who worked in an orphanage in China and everyone is talking about it.

redmaryjanes said...

How did you get the 'Blogs I Follow' list on your blog? I like that but don't know how to do it.

Marla said...

No, haven't heard of it, but will put it on my wish list. I think books are all I'm going to ask for Derek to get me for Christmas, I love to read. It's my little escape.

We love Paula Dean, she is precious. Any woman who puts butter and sour cream in EVERYTHING is good in my book. :)

Marla said...

I think it's one of the new gadgets when you click "customize", but let me go check on that. I love the following thing, it's so much easier to keep up with everyone than Bloglines.

redmaryjanes said...

Yes, Paula is definitely a favorite. I watch her all the time. I can't wait to see what she comes up with for the holidays.

I don't know what I want for Christmas this year. I truly have everything I want or need. I love dishes, so maybe I'll get a little serving set or something.

Our house is totally full with 3 kids, a cat and a dog, and we don't have much storage, so I can't really just bring stuff in that we don't need.

Marla said...

Yeah, it's the "blog list" gadget.

redmaryjanes said...

Yes, Paula is definitely a favorite. I watch her all the time. I can't wait to see what she comes up with for the holidays.

I don't know what I want for Christmas this year. I truly have everything I want or need. I love dishes, so maybe I'll get a little serving set or something.

Our house is totally full with 3 kids, a cat and a dog, and we don't have much storage, so I can't really just bring stuff in that we don't need.

redmaryjanes said...

Where do I find the blog list gadget? Do you remember?

Michelle said...

Hi. Is anyone still here? I never get up early enough to join in these chats(plus I'm on the West Coast).

Marla said...

I know what you mean, I don't really need a thing either. We're bad about just going and getting what we want throughout the year, so it's hard when the holidays come to have something "special" to ask for. I just got a new car a few weeks ago, so that's my last big thing for a while. ;) We moved into this house in the spring and are thankful for the space (though shocked how fast we filled up 4100 square feet). I loved our previous home, but we didn't build it with 4 kids in mind. We always joke that we would've appreciated God giving us a little heads up on that, LOL.

Marla said...

Just click on "customize" and then "add a gadget" on the sidebar.

redmaryjanes said...

Hi Michelle, Marla and I are here. How are you doing?

Anonymous said...

Hi, Michelle and everyone else! I'm late joining, too (also in a different time zone)...

k1 said...

Jumping in to say "Hi", and am now going to go back and read what you all have been chatting about. Back when I'm done.

Marla said...

Hi Michelle!

Marla said...

Hi Monica!

redmaryjanes said...

We only have around 2000 square feet, so imagine that. We use every inch we have. I wish we had more storage space, that would be a big help. We also don't have a basement because we are close to the lake, so the water table is too high.

Ok, I'm going to try to get that gadget on really quickly. BRB

redmaryjanes said...

Good Morning Lena! How are you?

Lena Just Lena said...

I'm good-excited to catch you still here....I keep missing/forgetting to check until after you're done. The time zones and all of that!

How are you?

redmaryjanes said...

Hi there Karen! We're heading to Ella's for a little birthday celebration later this afternoon :)

Michelle said...

I just wrote a big long comment on how I am doing and blogger ate it. Argh! Long story short, I have been having a rough week. My husband lost his health insurance and it looks like he won't be able to get it back until June of 2009. I am sick with worry over it.

redmaryjanes said...

I'm doing great. I'm trying to get ready for Christmas. My husband is out hunting for the next 3 days with my FIL. So, it's just Eli and me for the weekend.

I'm really trying to get some folks to jump in on the Christmas Angel project.

Michelle said...

I'm not sure I am doing this right. Do I have to go out of the comments and click back in to see the comments after mine?

redmaryjanes said...

Oh Michelle,
I am so sorry. We are worried about my husband's job and he insures all of us. His company is exclusively tied to the auto industry which is really struggling right now.
We are hoping he can stay employed. Things are so hard everywhere right now.

Lena Just Lena said...

Michelle-I'm sorry about that-health insurance is a big deal....
it's a scary spot to be in...but hang in there.

redmaryjanes said...

Michelle, if you right click on the word comments, it will open a whole screen for you and all you have to do is hit refresh at the top of your screen and it will pull up an new comments. My refresh button has a circular arrow on it.

Marla said...

Oh no, Michelle! That's awful!

I need to check that out Kimberley, I'm sorry I haven't already. For some reason, I can't always get on your blog, it shuts my browser down. I'd love to help though!

redmaryjanes said...

Hey there Monica! I was wondering if you'd be by today. How are things in MO?

redmaryjanes said...

I have heard that people with Mac computers cannot pull my blog up without it crashing.

Michelle said...

I'm worried especially because we have to update our paperwork for China in Jan or Feb and if I recall, there are forms that you have to sign that prove you have health insurance and that your child will be provided insurance and right we can't do that.

Lena Just Lena said...

Oh my hubby will be jealous about opening day! We love Michigan-and he likes to hunt.

I'm glad you're doing well. I am trying to avoid thinking about Christmas this year....at least for now. I'm with you guys-I don't need anything. Except my kids home.

Marla said...

Yep, I'm a Mac person. It's weird though, because sometimes it works fine (like today).

k1 said...

Kimberley, give Ella a big Birthday Hug from me. Give Katie one too! And, the boys, if they will let you. If not, just tell them all I said Hi.

Thanks!

Marla said...

Oh gosh Michelle, I didn't even think about that. My heart just aches for those of you waiting SO long. I can't even imagine.

Lena Just Lena said...

Kimberley, thanks for all your help and support for the Project Christmas Angel. I'm going to go out this weekend and get my stuff together.

I'm planning to to go Haiti in Dec. so I might be helping to get the stuff down there. Not sure yet of details! I can't wait though.

redmaryjanes said...

I'll hug them all for you Karen! Eli is so excited, he just adores the girls.

k1 said...

I see you asked about me earlier. Thanks. I have stopped by the last few chats but they've ended early and/or I got there too late.

before the time change, I slept later because it was so dark.

Michelle said...

I'm trying to keep this stuff off of my blog because I have been having some nasty commenters stop by in the last several months. A couple of people basically told me that my husband and I should not be allowed to have kids if we were struggling financially. I know I need to blow it off, but it bothers me. As is having money is the only qualifier for having a child. Sheesh!

I have seen so much nastiness spread around the internet lately and it makes me sad.....

redmaryjanes said...

Lena,
So how does adoption work for Haiti? What process do you have to go through? How much longer until your sons can come home? Are they at the Angel House Orphanage?

k1 said...

You should be nominated for some big philanthropy award for all the time, effort, heart, and support you put into different children related causes!!

redmaryjanes said...

Michelle,
When we re-did our paperwork, we did not have to show a new document from my husband's employer showing we had insurance. You may not have to show anything.

Michelle said...

I have about 10 minutes before I have to get ready to go to an appointment(now I am wondering why in the world I would make an appt. at 9:00 a.m. on a Saturday? Thanks for letting me vent! :)

Lena Just Lena said...

it will take from 18 months to 24 months-from the time my dossier gets to Haiti (still working on that) although i have met folks online who have waited 3 years.

praying that's not the case.

and yes, that's where the boys live.

Marla said...

I don't understand that either Michelle, and honestly it pisses me off that people have nothing better to do than leave rude comments on other's blogs. I just don't get it.

redmaryjanes said...

You know, things just find me and they grab my heart. It seems like when one project ends, something else comes along that I feel I should do something with. This Haiti project isn't going very well though. I only have 2 ladies who are going to send boxes, I guess there is another very similar project going on right now too.

Marla said...

I agree with Karen!

redmaryjanes said...

Anytime Michelle, a lot of venting goes on at the Sat Chat. :) We're here to support each other.

k1 said...

Happy National Adoption Day to all of you here. Of course, it's happier for those of you that already have your child(ren), but the rest of you WILL get yours. Someday. If I were King (Queen) you'd all already be matched, referred, travelled, and home!

Michelle said...

Kim-was it the same employer? Because this is a new employer. Pretty much nothing is the same this time around for us(it has been 3 years after all. I don't know what they expect!) Both of our jobs are different, different income, we moved, etc.

redmaryjanes said...

And I totally agree about people leaving nasty comments (usually anonymously) on other peoples blogs. So many people have been attacked in the past couple of months. I tell you, if someone wants to come after me, they'd better be big enough to leave their name. That bothers me more than anything, blasting people and then hiding out.

redmaryjanes said...

Michelle,
Yes, he has the same employer. We didn't have any changes to report, so maybe that's why we didn't have to supply too much.

k1 said...

I'm gonna have to run soon. It's another landscaping day at the church and there will be a small crowd, I'm sure, because this is the men's retreat weekend. Plus, the group that show's is usually quite small. It's up in the air if Rick will show. I gave him my cold. I'm starting to feel better, but he wasn't doing too well last night. Haven't heard from him yet this morning to know if he survived the night.

redmaryjanes said...

I have missed you Karen and wondered how you were. I thought maybe Mav was taking up all your spare time now (wink).

Lena Just Lena said...

It's really sad that some people have nothing better to do-leaving those rude/judgemental comments...I have had friends attacked too, recently. I think it says a lot about the person commenting....especially without leaving their names. Cowards. And they must be pretty unhappy in their own lives to spend their time doing things like that!

redmaryjanes said...

Poor Rick! I hope he gets better soon, the cold bugs are starting to come out in our area too.

redmaryjanes said...

Lena, that is so wonderful that you will be able to go down in December and visit your boys. What are their names?

Anonymous said...

Sorry, there has been such a delay between my "hello" and replying! I went back and tried to catch up on all the previous comments.

Michelle, I am so sorry you have been getting nasty comments. That is horrible. I think as adoptive parents, we get criticized/judged more than bio parents....a totally different standard is applied, too often, to us.

As far as finances go, WHEN I would like to know can ANY OF US really AFFORD to have a child, much less another child? Good grief, if you waited until you could "afford" it, no child would have a home!

Having a loving family is what a child needs....not a lot of material extras.

k1 said...

Mav gets my time on Wednesdays, Saturdays, Sundays, and the ocassional Monday. That's in person. I am SO glad we are on the same cell phone plan. Our airtime costs nothing that way. He switched after our first $500 phone bills. Now we can talk as long as we want for no more than the monthly cost of the plan...

Lena Just Lena said...

Steeve & Jean

Marla said...

Ok, I was just reading about the Haiti project, count me in! So I just print off that form and mail it with the box and $10? I will go and get the goodies today so it will get there on time. My kids will enjoy helping pick out toys to send, they love stuff like that.

Michelle said...

I have to run, but thanks so much! I'll try to come back. Well, I'll try to drag myself out of bed earlier on Saturdays :) It's only 8:10 in the morning and I am not an early riser on the weekends! A baby will be the cure for that. :)

redmaryjanes said...

Woo Hoo! Marla, I got the list on my blog. Man, my sidebar is sooo long.

Marla said...

Bye Michelle! Have a good weekend!

Lena Just Lena said...

Thanks for jumping in Marla!!! We need all the help we can get! (I'm involved with Three Angels, and adopting 2 boys from Haiti) so I am a big fan of the project, and anything to help that organization's children.

k1 said...

Okay, so I can't spell. Occasional.

I know my sister is Truly Blessed, but God truly blessed me when He engineered that I met Rick.

redmaryjanes said...

Thank you so much Marla! Yes, that's all you need to do.

redmaryjanes said...

Have a great day Michelle and keep your chin up!

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