Good Morning Everyone! Welcome to the Sat Chat. Donna and Joe are still in China bringing Lauren Elizabeth home. She's having a tough time with the transition, so I'm sure they would appreciate any kind words that you all could send 'Waiting for Lauren Elizabeth'.
Also, I will be starting up the Starfish Supply Raiser again next month. Amanda is happy to receive gently used or new clothing for boys and girls in sizes preemie to 4t.
We are working on firming up our Chinese New Year plans, what are you all doing?
*THE CHAT ROOM IS NOW CLOSED, HAVE A WONDERFUL WEEKEND!
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Good Morning and Welcome to the Saturday Morning Chat Group!
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
201 comments:
1 – 200 of 201 Newer› Newest»Morning
What are you doing for Chinese New Year?
We are packed up hoping to sell our house soon so we are at a loss as to what to do this year.....
Have we set a date for Amy's shower?
I definetly want to do that....wow that was a surprise..I can't keep up with the blogs because of the move!!
Good morning, I can't wait to see what all you get going for Amanda. You did a awesome job last year. I am going to China in March just for fun not sure if I will be close to Amanda while there but I was going to e-mail her and see. Hope your Grandmother is doing some better. Also go over to my blog and look at this precious young family that had their first child yesterday and she is having some heart problems, please pass the word to pray for them.
Hi!!
We are planning on having dinner out and then attending a Chinese Cultural Festival event.
I am working on firming up a date for Amy's shower, but haven't yet. I think she's gone to Disneyworld for her birthday.
But there will DEFINITELY be a shower.
hi there Cyndi. How are you?
I hope the clothing drive goes well too. I tell you, last year was such a great surprise. I could not believe all of the wonderful things she received.
Amanda is in Xian. Donna and Joe met her because someone in their travel group received one of the Starfish babies.
I will go over and look at the baby on your blog.
Good Morning. I have 12 minutes until I have to get people up to get ready for a basketball game.
we were thinking of taking Emily to the Dragon Dance, but she is so afraid of dogs, I think she will freak...........they look like big monsters to her...
Right now we don't have any plans, but will definately have dinner at Yen Chings here.
Oh man, I just over at Glinda's site and she has a video that has me sobbing.
Good morning Kimberley, Carol, Cyndi & Nancy - how's everyone doing this frigid, snowy morning (well, it's frigid and snowy where we are!).
Eli loved the dragon dance, he thought it was so cool!
I need to hop in the shower too because we never know when the real estate people will call us to do a showing of the house...basically we like to leave and let people look at the house without us here....
Hi there Kelly!
I think Emily will be scared...I think we will do a little something....maybe some poppers at the house and cook some Chinese food maybe...
That's what we always did when people came to see our old house. We just went out and did something fun while they looked around. I hope it sells Carol. Now, where are you moving to?
Carol, I don't envy you - I remember the days of trying to sell the house -- with kids -- and how I was always crazy about having everything picked up so neatly. Tough work!
I'm looking forward to our CNY celebration. Getting together with friends, dinner at Yen Chings, the CNY gala -- should be fun!
Sorry to say, I am actually not moving this year. 5 years out of 7 was enough. Don't envy you at all!!
TB yes it is HARD to keep it clean!! I basically had to pack up 90 percent of the toys so the kids wouldn't destroy the place and they are NOT happy......
RMJ...we can't find a house that we agree on unless it's out of our price range!!! AAACKK...I'm getting scared...our realtor thinks our house is going to go quick.....we may have to live with family for a while and I DREAD moving in with my kids that will be ROUGH!!
Ladies, go to my sidebar and click on 'Give Me Back My Slippers'. Glinda's video is just beautiful. Grab a kleenex.
Has anyone elses agencies told them they are raising fees this year, and that everyone is paying the increase?
Carol,
Are you moving to another town, or do you need a larger home?
I'm hoping this will be the LAST move for a LONG time!!!! Hubby has FINALLY found the job he loves so we should be all set after we find our new home...and I don't care if it's a box as long as we have some LAND!!!!!
Gotta go, time to wake the chief and indians.
Have a great day Nancy!
ha ha that is cute...say Hi to the indians...
Kelly,
Is your sidebar photo one of the girls in the triangle mirror at the Children's Museum?
Nancy, I read what your agency is doing to you and it's outrageous. How incredibly frustrating. But, have a great basketball game! Stay warm.
Kimberley, yes, that's my sweet Ella-bella-Cinderella!
I just cleaned up the chat post. Man, I had typos all over the place!
What's going on with Nancy, I'm going to see her blog.
Kimberley, thanks for meeting the girls and me for lunch on Thursday. I'm so glad Eli enjoyed his rifle. My boys LOVED that thing! And the picture story, well, if I'd known it was going in a frame, I might have selected a different picture for him!
Good morning, sweet one. You are so kind.
Here is the name of the song and artist: Long Lost Child by Mindy Gledhill. I was inspired and deeply moved by this song; it fits perfectly into the grooves of my heart, worn raw by this exasperating time in our lives.
It feels good to sit with you this Saturday morning.
Good morning everyone! Happy Saturday! Glad to be home from China! Lucy
Hi Lucy!!!!! Loved your trip blog!!!
Good Morning Glinda. I have missed you so much. I am so glad to be able to talk with you. Your video is beautiful. Any word on a referral for you all?
Carol, how is it that we haven't "met"? I just popped over to your blog (I guess the old one) and realize I had never seen it before. I thought I'd happened upon every China adoption blog at one point or another!
I'm a slacker, I guess.
Anyway, pleased to meet you. I'm Kelly, mom to three teenage sons and two precious girlios from China (Guangdong and Jaingxi). Kimberley and I go to the same church and are hoping to spend CNY together with another bloggy AP mom and her family.
Lucy,
How are you? How was China?
Morning Glinda.....don't think we have met...is that your real name??
My kids love that movie
TB....I've stalked your blog...I'm ashamed to admit....I just am not good at keeping up anymore....must do better!
Lucy, I am SOOOOO sorry, how in the world did I miss your trip to China? I feel horrible. I'm going to go back and read every word of your trip journal and comment on every one -- and it will be as if I was traveling with you. I'm really bummed I missed your trip!
I have known Glinda for a very long time. I would say almost 3 years. Her blog is one of the first that I came to know.
Well peeps....my wee one is awake...I must go...she needs a tubby bath in the worst way....
Our trip was great - we had so much fun and our almost 6 year old is doing so well. If any of you want a laugh, click to our blog and watch the little video of her teaching us how to say her name! you will laugh out loud!
I feel terrible too Lucy. I wasn't able to find a way to click to add your blog to my list when you were on the last chat.
Starfish is in Xian.
I'll definitely watch the videoes (Lucy's AND Glinda's). I wish I was better at keeping up with the timelines of various families. Comments and emails when you're in China mean SO MUCH.
Good morning, Carol.
RMJ, no word yet; I am expecting a speed up...being positive works for me.
Going to the movies later today to see Gran Torino, has anyone seen it?
No worries - we got our TA so quickly and left 4 days later -- we actually flew out of Christmas morning!
FOUR DAYS??????? Holy cow, that's amazing. And MY agency said it couldn't be done when we wanted to leave 14 days after receiving our TA ("too much to do, it has to be done properly...etc. blah blah blah").
I'm still bummed.
Your girls, BTW, are gorgeous together. What fun!
I am hearing a rumor/yes Kelly from RQ. So, take it as it is...but it is an incredible rumor of 23 days being matched this month. That would be incredible.
Glinda,
We have switched to SN and are waiting for a referral.
We have received a couple, but there were not a girl.
It's been a tough process, but we are hopeful.
It was a whirlwind -- I think the lady at the consulate said we were the 2nd family to come thru on the new 800 approval! Thankfully all went well and we had no problems!
Our daughter is adjusting wonderfully - we tried to document a lot of her adjustments on the blog!
Look at all of my typos today...
Sending warm wishes to all you ladies out there.Hope your Saturday is great.
It's warming up in Iowa, it is actualy 32 degrees right now.I'll send the warm weather your way as well.
Happy Chinese New year to all of you.Hope it will be fun for all.
Bye,
Mr.Brian
Heh. She sucked you in, too? That's okay, I still go to RQ's site EVERY STINKING DAY -- don't ask me why. I haven't been expecting a referral for 2 1/2 years, yet I still go there to see what's happening -- I do think she has a better idea of what is going on than the agencies do.
And yes, 23 days would be astounding. I don't think it's really possible though, but am hoping it is. My guess is that they'll get through the 8th.
Yes, RMJ, I am aware; I lurk often it is peaceful and welcoming here; though I don't comment, I am with you.
Do you know "Ava's family" -- they live in Greenville. They're expecting Ava's referral next (we certainly hope!). Her LID is 3/8.
Thank you Glinda.
I still have your Elizabeth Barrett Browning Angel in my window :)
I have followed Ava's families blog and almost met her once, but haven't. Yes, there are 3 ladies who should be getting a referral very shortly. Pug Mama, Seastar and Ava's family. I am very hopeful for them. It's so nice to see families I know getting their referrals and it seems a lot of them are coming up.
I just made the mistake of looking outside. Not only is the snow falling, but it's blowing off the roof and it has caused a white out. YUCK. It is so darn COLD here!
We have some good friends who have a LID of Mar 3, 06 -- they are FINALLY (well hopefully) in the next batch!
We were only 5 weeks ahead of them in our original LID, but because we went WC/SN we have 2 China girls in our house!!!! So frustrating.
Our guide explained some of the reason for the wait being so long - not sure how much is for real, but it sounded logical to me!
RMJ, I just noticed you have Mindy Gledhill on your music player...how funny is that. She sings the song in my video...it's that whole red thread thing goin' on.
I'm so excited for all three of those ladies and their families. And Lynn (sewhopefull22) isn't too far off either (I think she's LID 3/22).
Gotta run, little ones are calling me.
I'll be back.
Not to put a damper on things (as far as the wait goes), but if the CCAA does 30 days at a month, the wait will only STABALIZE at 3 years, not improve -- it will take them doing more than 30 days per month for it to SPEED up...
Glinda,
I am looking for some of her music, so I didn't have her on until you told me her name.
They dont' have the song from your video though, just some of her other music. I really want that song.
RMJ, I'm glad you have an angel watching over you...have you heard the Jewel song Angel Standing By.
It's beautiful.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-z-ZfLLCM0s&feature=related
Yes, I wonder if the CCAA is responding to the fact that so little new dossiers are coming in. I don't know. I'm not too sure about the rumor. I'm not really a Rumor Queen fan. I think she does a great service to everyone, but the rumors usually start out great and then end up not so great, that's all. I don't really believe her rumors. This one is incredible though. I check her site if I hear something big is going on and this latest rumor is pretty big in my opinion.
I am listening to the Angel song right now.
I'm trying to create a soothing play list for myself.
I am hoping the next few months will bring us our daughter.
Lucy,
Your daughter is just darling. It sounds like she is adjusting really well.
It's really quiet...is anyone here?
Good Morning all ~
I can stay long. The kids had off the last two days due to cold weather and are itching to get going. We are just waiting for our TA for Elijah. I am thinking about starting to pack today. Nesting has set in.
Shelly
Hi there Shelly! How much longer do you think?
RMJ, you are quick...how did you get those M. Gledhill songs so faster r u on I tunes?
I love Van Morrison; good choice for this frigid Saturday morning.
Van Morrison is my all time favorite.
I just go right over to my playlist and I can whatever songs I like. My mood is very affected by music.
Are you all settled into your new place now? Have you met some wonderful people?
We have been told to kind of plan on the 3 week of Feb. for travel. We will see. We can only hope....
He is so cute. There is such a huge difference in his smile in this latest photo. He is smiling for his family now.
Hey all, I'm back, is anyone here anymore?
Yes, Shelly and Glinda are here...I think they are still here :)
How are the girls doing?
They're doing well. Ella's still a bit of a crabcake, but I think she's getting her 2 year molars. Her hand is in her mouth WAY more than normal!
There's a bit of an issue as Daddy is taking Katie and the two younger boys to the new martial arts place, but Ella's not going with them...yikes!
Hmm...is she crying? You could put in the My Little Pony movie.
Yes, she's sobbing. Poor baby. She doesn't like to be left out.
I'm sure I'll put the MLP movie in eventually, right now, though, she's snuggling with Mommy.
The boys are trying out today for the MuShu Champion martial arts group. They're the ones you'll see at the CNY gala -- it's an awesome troupe.
Ella says "hi!" BTW
Hey, what did Tim and the older boys think of Eli's new rifle?
It was too funny. Last night Tim got out the gun cleaning kit and cleaned it all up for him. It glides like silk now. Eli LOVES it!
Probably the first time the thing has ever been cleaned! So glad it's a hit and I hope the coolness of it makes up for our "no show" at church a couple of weeks ago.
RMJ, I love music and its affect on my soul.
I have met some wonderful people; mostly at work, one of my favorites is actually my boss...he is a doctor who left the profession to become an attorney...his intellect is inspiring.
Oh, don't even worry about it :) Are you going to be there tomorrow?
Eli just loves it because he feels like the big guys now.
It will be very cherished.
Excellent, mission accomplished then.
Yes, we'll be at church tomorrow (planning on it anyway!).
Good morning friends. I slept late this morning, let me catch up!
I am glad Glinda,
I have lived in the same place for almost 20 years and our neighbors are almost like family.
It would be tough to uproot and move. From what I saw of your new home though, it's gorgeous.
I think of you often in TJ Maxx!
hi Amy,
I thought you were on vaca!
We are. our first shower starts at 2pm today!
Glinda, getting settled in a new place IS hard, so glad you're meeting some folks you enjoy.
Hey Amy, good morning to you!
That is so exciting. We need to firm up a date for your cyber shower. How big is Lynn Marie? What size do you think she wears?
yall have been chatty this morning~
LynnMarie looks like a peanut to me. What a little beauty she is (and updated pictures so soon -- what a blessing!)
Speaking of "surprise" referrals (not that we were, but Carol's initial comment shows up every time I refresh my comments and she commented about Amy's "surprise" referral) -- I was trolling the AP blogosphere and came across a blog where the family announced that they were BACK from China with another child! They hadn't let on at all that they were adopting again. I can't remember the name of the blog, but I thought that was a pretty fantastic secret to keep for several months at least!
we are asking for size 12-18 months. Shes about 16 pounds as of last month
She is so cute!! For sure!
Are you ladies doing Kim Bison's bow swap? I got two ladies I don't know (though one has a blog so I know she has one little girl at home and one she's waiting for in China). The other one I don't have a clue about (whether she's got a child at home or is waiting). Not sure what to do about that one.
I am doing Kim's bow swap and got two ladies too. I would just send the bows to her, if she asked to join in, there must be a little girl somewhere in her life.
I didnt have time to do it this time but maybe next time!
Well, ladies, I have enjoyed this morning, but I must float along now. Must spruce up the house, flog myself on elliptical elephant machine in my basement and then off to a matinee movie with my husband and dinner out in a restaurant I have been wanting to try for some time now.
Hope you all have a glorious weekend I know I will!
Okay, I just checked and the 2nd lady has a blog also. She has a granddaughter in her life that I would imagine the bow will go to.
Glad I know. Now I get to SHOP!
Bye Glinda, enjoy the movie!
Sounds like a perfect day Glinda!
hey, Kimberly would love to email w/ the family you are talking w/ ...thanks for all your encouragement ... i have been praying for you sweet heart lately ... you pop in my head a lot and i just stop and send you up a little prayer ... know that I am here sister ...
GOOD MORNING EVERYONE .. I never get to chat because I am running off to basketball games on Saturday, but just wanted to give a great big ole TN hug to my blog family ... life is so much sweeter w/ you all in it !!!
I don't know where I'm going to get my bows this time. Probably Keisha.
So, I finally figured out how to upload larger pictures onto my blog and I'm so excited about that! Now, I just need someone to teach me how to put some "wall paper" behind my blog, find a cute header and I'll be all set (for a couple of weeks anyway).
Thank you so much Gwen! You were the first person who came to mind when I receive the e-mail from this family. I will forward their e-mail to you and give them your blog address if you don't mind so they can see you all.
Good morning Oatsvall Team!!! Nice to see you on here! You rock!
Good morning everyone!
Good morning Gwen.
Kimberley, who's Keisha?
Amy reminded me to get over here.
Good morning Karen my friend!
Good Morning Karen! How are you all?
Yeah I did. I only have a minute left because mom needs help with the shower
We're doing great. It's cold down here, though not nearly as cold as it is up there!
Keisha is a fabulous blogger. She makes bows too on the side. There is a link on my sidebar to reignbows, it's purple, that's her.
We are not missing the cold in FLorida this weekend
ok, ill try again in a minute, mom needs the computer
Well then, I'll definitely check out "reignbows" and maybe find some cute bows there.
Speaking of bows, does anyone have any idea how many shades of pink there are? And I couldn't find a single bow that matched Katie's sweater this morning.
Micah's speech seems to have exploded again.
Does anyone know Keisha's blog address, I lost it when I moved my blog list.
Good for little Micah. He is such a doll.
IT IS FREEZING HERE!
We've had a great week. Micah's speech seems to have exploded again.
If you order your bow from Keisha, she will mail it your person for you.
Oops sorry about the double post. Blogger's acting weird.
Don't worry about it Karen, I added you to my bloglist.
Are you coming to MI anytime soon?
I think that ongoing speech issues have been the toughest part of adopting a child with a cleft.
Not 'til it warms up! LOL
Seriously, we don't have anything planned, but I would love to see family.
"Not 'til it warms up?" -- see you in June!
Good morning everyone! Hunter is sleeping so thought I'd stop in and say hi!
Hey Kimberley, Karen and Mav might visit this summer. If they do, we'll definitely let you know so you can meet your (older) twin!
I can't say I blame you there. It is so cold here. I can't remember a winter this cold.
Really? She's bringing Mav....must be getting sorta serious. You know that I would love to meet Karen. Just let me know when.
We need to visit Bruce's family in Nebraska too. I don't know how much we can fit in this summer.
Hi Kim,
Congratulations on your beautiful, handsome son!
Nancy was on earlier (I think you're with the same agency) and she's furious with your agency. I feel so badly for all of you.
Karen -- Michigan or Nebraska? I'd choose Michigan!
Oh, and Kimberley, we have two additional tickets to the CNY gala. Our oldest son is definitely coming with me to help (as Dad and the other boys will be in FLA next weekend).
Hi Kim,
I didn't see you up there. Your baby boy is beautiful!
By the way, your SB wanted me to tell you your gift may be a little late this month.
I can't believe what they are doing especially when there is no end in sight...
Ok, I can buy those from you. Where do I get the rest of the tickets that I need?
I just got on line... tell my sb no worries... :)
Hunter is a little sweetie and if we didn't have him the new from the agency would be a lot harder to take... Now I'm just ANGRY :)
Our whole family wants to go.
Kim, have you checked your contract? I think it is unethical of them to raise fees in the middle of a contract. Travel fees are one thing, the price of air fare and hotels fluctuate, but it doesn't cost them ANYTHING to have your paperwork sitting in China. I think I'd fight this.
What's going on Kim, why are you so angry?
Kimberley, do you still have the info on where to buy tickets? If not, I'll send it to you again. If you get two tix from me, you'll need to buy two more, as I believe Eli is free.
Ooohh, isn't that what is happening to Nancy at Assend?? I wonder if you two have the same agency. She has to make 3 additional payments every year or something like that.
Ok Kelly, sounds good.
I posted about it yesterday, but our agency has decided to increase fees for just being in the program...I haven't checked the contract yet.. I still have to talk to our contact there...
Don't tell my inlaws, but I'd rather go to Michigan!
I believe Kim and Nancy are with the same agency (unless there are two boneheaded agencies out there trying to pull one over on their clients' heads).
I still say it's unethical. When we were waiting to travel for Ella our agency raised it's TRAVEL fees. It made sense. Airfare was at an all time high, and hotel prices were being raised for the Olympics. It wasn't good news, but it made sense and we paid it.
But this agency is raising it's overall fees, not travel fees, and that's just wrong.
our agency is aai in MI
Go visit Nancy at Assend, her agency is doing the same thing Kim.
I THINK IT'S BECAUSE AGENCIES ARE TAKING A HUGE FINANCIAL HIT BECAUSE THE CHINA PROGRAM IS PRETTY MUCH AT STANDSTILL AND NO ONE IS SIGNING UP. QUITE A FEW HAVE CLOSED THEIR DOORS.
It's still wrong though.
One more thing about this agency and I'll let it go. I just read on a forum yesterday that three more agencies are closing their IA programs. So I do understand why the director of this agency is trying to raise capital, I just think what he's proposing is the 100% wrong way to do it.
BTW, Kimberley, it's aseNND, not aSSend -- and the reason I know that is I've typed in the wrong thing and ended up at a blog that I could have done without seeing, if you know what I mean!
sorry Hunter just woke up from his nap - he's doing these little cat naps lately... He is a hungry boy so need to go feed him...
I'll go check Nancy out... I have some things to send you for Amenda when the time comes :)
Man, I feel like an ASS! ha ha he he
Kimberley, I just checked, and Eli would be $6, the adult tix are $10
I'll shoot you that email now...(and I'd call someone today, because this event has sold out for the past few years).
And then Yen Ching at 5:00 for dinner.
Thanks Kim, I'm hoping to start the Starfish supply raiser on Feb. 1st like last year.
Ok, where do I call?
KIMBERLEY -- I JUST SPIT COFFEE ON MY COMPUTER THANKS TO YOU!
Yeah, when you analyze the "wrong" blog's name, it looks OBVIOUS why you should avoid it!
Hey friends!
Just ordered my BOWS for the bow swap. Lots of fun. thanx again Kim.
Ms. Kimbereley, you talented thing you. Your header is amazing.
It is freezing up here! And it is only mid january.
Hope you all have a great weekend.
Lea
xo
Hi there Lea, how are you doing?
Hi Lea!
Kimberley, I just sent you an email with a couple of numbers. Call TODAY!
Yes, I'm calling her right now.
Hi Lea!
I want Yen Ching!
Can I just say that I am getting really good at doing things one handed and holding Hunter :)
So Kim, how old is Hunter now? He was just an itty bitty baby when you got him, right? How lovely and exciting (and exhausting!) for you!
Well, Karen, come on up here and get some! : )
Ok, I spoke with Mr. W and he told me it's too close and to go and buy my tickets at the FAC.
I love Yen Ching.
Oh yes Kim, you will become amazing with one hand and the arm that holds Hunter will become a Popeye arm because it will get so strong from carrying him around.
Kimberley, try Lily. She's lovely (and she's more likely to have some) - Mr. Wang is a busy guy!
He has tickets, he just doesn't think he can get them to me in time.
Is this this upcoming weekend?
So, doing some mental math here (yikes, not my strong suit!), our group would be 9 "adults" (over 10), and 4 kids, right? Gotta call YC and make reservations for 5:00 for next Saturday!
he is 2 1/2 months and we did bring him home from the hospital.
Yes, it's a week from today.
Wow, Kim, that is so lovely. I certainly hope everything is going well for all of you. I remember those early EXHAUSTING days - can't say I miss them!
I invited Steffie too, but haven't heard a decision yet. She's got a lot going on right now with her new little one on the way.
I'll go to the FAC on Monday and see if I can get some tickets.
I love it especially when he snuggles into my neck when I'm holding him :)
I've got to run.. hopy you all have a great weekend!
Great about inviting Steffie & her family. I should wait then, on calling YC?
Bye Kim, have a wonderful day with your wonderful little guy (and the big one, too!).
No, go ahead and call them. We'll add them if they decide to go. But I'd get a reservation now since there are so many of us.
Baby boys are a wonderful blessing. I have been changed forever by mine. Wait until Hunter is 4 and asks you to marry him :)
Baby boys are wonderful.
But then so are little boys, and medium sized boys and even great big GIANT boys!
I love having boys!
How are you? Hope you are doing great! I have been so out of touch with checking blogs but hopefully I am back in the swing of things. ;)
Take care!
Adele
Geez, what a lazy day this is. I can't believe I haven't done a thing except be on the computer. Shame on me!
Well, I guess I have to go now, it seems someone has a stinky diaper and it needs to be changed.
Hi there Adele,
How are you all?
Have a great weekend Kelly, I'll be in touch!
Post a Comment