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

Good Morning Everyone and welcome the Saturday Morning Chat Group!

We are having some very rainy weather here. The skies are all gray and it looks like it's going to be an indoor weekend to me. Which isn't easy with Eli because he likes to be out on the move. I'm hoping it will clear up this afternoon.
Gas prices went nuts here yesterday because of the hurricane. People waited in lines as our gas prices went up over 50 cents a gallon.

Please pray for our friends in Texas. Ike has hit Galveston and looks to be amazingly powerful.


Alyson and Ford have been on my mind. They are in China to bring home their daughter Alyzabeth. If you would like to follow their journey, their blog is 'Imagine Alyzabeth An'.

*THE CHATROOM IS NOW CLOSED, HAVE A WONDERFUL WEEKEND.

Some Bling and A Smile...

The Diamond Award href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNJR6mARn9dnSYP1gc4nEjqZzDe-A9gSGNv96dzn8aQqpFoROb4fKlFHwDUFdCh8NJek0jGWHH9iA1R1_v6qigvj6O3ZyJn-7MiYxy3R56bMD_kvHLv3FuIXO19zdLj8NHcIqNAQ/s1600-h/diamond__blog_award[1].jpg">

Isn't it lovely ladies? Thank you so much to my friend Tonggu Momma for this fabulously fun award!

There are no rules for this award, so I will pass it along to some ladies who I think add a lot of sparkle to our group:

The Pixel Fairy Princess...her photography is nothing short of breathtaking. She is able to capture people in a way that stills your heart.

Denise at 'Tucked Inside My Heart'. She is always there to lift me up when I need it and her blog designs are so gorgeous (she does them herself) and she definitely has amazing taste.

Kim at 'Isabella Bison'. She always finds the coolest stuff on-line. If you are looking for something unique and memorable, ask her. She has the most giving heart and truly is an amazing friend.

Daleea at 'Jewels of My Heart'. This woman has so many strengths and talents. She designs so many of my baby shower headers and sidebar graphics. She is an amazing seamstress. She is a true friend who anyone can turn to when they need encouragement. She has raised over $5,000 for my favorite cause, Starfish.

And last but not least Steffie from 'Never Too Many'. She is my friend, mentor and keeps me from going nuts through this wait. We can meet for lunch or dinner and talk about anything for hours. I can call her when I'm about to cry and she gets me back on track. Truly, I don't even think I know how much I need her. She has bling for days too...this is a perfect award for her!

The Smile Award

My good friend Patricia from Hip Hip Hubei 2 (private) gave me this award. Her little girl Kiera is Eli's soul sister (they were born on the same day in the same year). Thank you so much Patricia! I love this award.

I must pass this along to Fliss. She doesn't just make me smile, she makes me burst out laughing. She calls me when I'm really struggling and her outlook on life just busts me up. I love her accent and her energy. She is someone who everyone should get to know.

Chelley at 'Live Fully Laugh Often Love Deeply' She is always making me smile. She's my Aussie friend. She has 3 children and is foster mum to 2 little ones. Head on over to her blog. She's begging for someone from the states to send her some poptarts. (really, now you are smiling about that aren't you??)

Kelly at 'Truly Blessed' (private) makes me smile. I am fortunate to live close to her and she has been a constant source of friendship and strength to me through this adoption journey. She is a veteran and has 2 daughters from China along with 3 sons. I am very blessed to have her in my life. It's amazing how God brings people into your life who you will need to make it through certain times.

Lea from 'Oh My 6' makes me smile. She is an absolutely wonderful and giving person. She always leave me the nicest comments and does fun things on her blog. She races dragonboats too...

Lala at 'Ladybugs and Dragonflies' makes me smile and so does little Annslee. And everytime I think about Coby coming home and their

9/11

Quote for the Week...

I know that there are quite a few of us who need a hug right now and a shoulder to lean on. There is a lot going on in blogland. Adoption stress, paperwork stress, health issues etc. We all are very fortunate to have such a large support group of women who reach out to help and to pray for one another.

For Margaret...

Margaret,
My Aunt Pam has told me that you have been reading my blog. I want you to know that I am really touched by that and by your interest in my life. I have been hearing your name for as long as I can remember and I know how close you have been to my Aunt and how you knew my Mother.
I want you to know that you are so welcome in my life. I would love for you to meet my husband and my children. Perhaps we can meet again the next time I come home. I'm all grown up now (obviously) and would love to know you at this stage in my life.
Thank you for being such a strong and constant friend to my Aunt. She is my 'home' in this world and I know how much she has needed you over the years.
I just wanted you to know that I know that you come here to check in on me and the door is always open. I would love to hear from you.

Feeling a Little Old...And Not Liking It At All...

Yesterday I was at the store buying a couple of things for Sophia (no referral yet, just shopping). I was at the counter and my items were being rung up. The woman next to me complimented one of the outfits I was buying and asked me who it was for. I told her it was for my daughter. She looked at me kind of strangely and asked 'You are having a baby?'. The tone was not referencing the fact that I looked 'too thin' to be pregnant, the reference was very obvious to the fact that she thought I was too old.
Now, I did need a touch up on my hair color...it's true. But for heaven's sakes. I turn 40 this month, not 60. I have been coloring my hair since I was 28 (still young then right?) I am not planning to give birth at this phase of my life, but if I became pregnant...would that be outrageous? I tell you ladies, I felt like I wasn't just climbing up the hill, I was definitely 'over the hill'.
I politely explained that we were adopting a little girl from China. It seemed like that was acceptable for her, I wasn't too old for that. Maybe I should have told her I have a 3.5 year old who I bore just fine. But, I think I was too in shock and I took my bag and left for the car to look at my old self.
Needless to say...I colored my hair last night. Maybe I could start getting discounts at Bill Knapp's.

Happy Birthday Kelly!

Yesterday was Kelly/Truly Blessed's Birthday. Hmm...she didn't say anything to me on Sunday about it. But I found out anyway : ) Her blog is 'Living' My Dream' if you'd like to send some good wishes.

Some Weekend Fun...

We had a great time this weekend meeting up with Kelly/Truly Blessed and Kate and Ella. These are the best pictures I have because these kids were always on the move. We met at the park and had a really wonderful afternoon.




Grandpa Gary came over on Sunday and brought his remote control boat. It was great to watch it fly across the lake.

Sunday...