3 Posts Today....I'm Going Down Baby!!

I hit a crossroads with my weight. I had a private conversation with myself and this is how it went down. You are almost 40 years old. I'm good with that. You are self-conscious about your weight. I'm not good with that. This has been going on for a while now. I know. You have to make a decision for your own peace of mind. Ok. Either reconcile yourself to the fact that you are going to be heavier than you used to be and let it go. Get rid of all of your 'skinny girl' clothes that you haven't worn since Eli was born and be happy with yourself. No more self-consciousness, no more worrying about it. OR make up your mind that you are going to do something to lose the weight and stick to it until you are to the point where you are more comfortable with your body.
I chose option 2 and started a diet that has been very successful for my girlfriend Julie. It's a form of the M*anagement W*eightloss diet. You eat all real foods, fruits, vegetables, very few starches and lean meats like chicken and fish. Well, I have lost almost 15 pounds since Christmas. My goal is 10 more before Spring Break. Then 10 more before summer hits. And if I hit these goals, look out, I'm breaking out the bikini!

Quote for the Week...

I just noticed that I'm a little late with the quote for the week. I think this is a good one for all of us right now.

For Kim...

This busts me up every time I read it. I need to post it on my front door.

I just Can't Believe It...

I heard about the death of H*eath L*edger yesterday afternoon and I can't shake a feeling of sadness. I am very curious to see what the autopsy will reveal. I am really hoping it isn't an OD. Rest in Peace.

For My Secret Buddy...

Thank you for going out of your way and finding gifts that are one of a kind.
Thank you for taking a personal interest in me and my family by reading our blog.
Thank you for the kind words in your cards, I have kept every one.
I want you to know that I truly appreciate you and I can't wait until the day comes when I know who you are.

I love these Little Princess booties and the plaster hand and footprint kit is just wonderful.

You have made every month so special for me.

Does your cat do this? Mine does.

Dinner...And Tell Me She Did Not Call Me That...

Sorry about my tiny pictures!


My pictures are so tiny, but they are nice and big on Steffie's blog. (Along with her new description for me). All I can say sister is that it's a good thing you used the word BLOG first. You know I love you when I let that slide! ; )
We had a wonderful time last Friday night and talked and ate until late in the evening.
Oh yes, we had 'hot waiter' who can be seen below. He told us he was our personal butler for the evening. And yes, he truly goes by 'hot waiter', neither Stef or I know his real name, that's all we call him. Too funny, but he seems to like it.
She and I are just really in the same boat together and I think we only have one paddle, so we're kind of going in circles but we're in it together and eventually we'll make it to the other side. She has to paddle though as my talents evidently lie in farming equipment (hoe) ; )
We are with the same agency and have very similar LID's. I am grateful for that. It brings me a lot of comfort to know that I'm not alone in my circumstances and that I have someone who I can believe in to help me with information and more importantly support and friendship. I would be lost without you Stef! Thanks for a great evening and we definitely need to spend more time together.
I tell you, when you talk to her, you just start telling her everything about your life and family. I feel like I got a lot out of it...a great dinner with a friend...a therapy session and a lot of laughs.

Please Sign Up for Nancy's Bow Swap!

I took this directly from Nancy's blog ASENND.

Swap Idea

I have come up with an idea for a swap as I have been walking around at the Mall lately. I think it would be fun to do a bow swap. I think it would be nice to trade names with 2 or 3 other people and send a couple little bows totalling no more than $10. I don't think the postage would be much either.

If you would like to participate, or if you would like to let others who read your blog about it, please send me an e-mail at npoellot24 at yahoo.com.

My goal is to get names out and try to get this going be early Febuary.

I am also thinking about doing a swimsuit swap for the summer.

Sunday...

Welcome to the Saturday Morning Chat Group!

Good Morning Everyone! Welcome to the Saturday Morning Chat! A very windy snow storm blew through last night so everything is white this morning. We don't really have any firm weekend plans. Verna the Blogfairy and I are working together again for a new benefit we'll be rolling out in February to help the children at Starfish Foster Home. This is a little different than anything we've ever done before, so keep your eyes open for it.

Thank you to everyone who came by for the Biggest Chat Group Saturday ever! It was a great morning. The chat room is closed now.

Dinner With A Friend...

Tonight I'm meeting Steffie B. from 'Never Too Many' for dinner. She has become such a good friend to me. She took me under her wing when I was just getting started with the adoption and the blog. She made sure that I was signed up with the right Yahoo group and could find some fun blinkies and graphics for my blog. She introduced me to all of her friends in blogland. And very importantly, she taught me how the whole adoption process works and what information was important and how to find it. I would be lost in all of this craziness without her. So hopefully, we'll get our favorite 'hot' waiter. That's him to the left. We'll have some good food, a few totties I'm sure and some great conversation.

Getting Ready for Chinese New Year...

I'm getting ready for Chinese New Year. I am going to send out cards to our family and friends and give them status on the adoption. I thought this would be a fun way to introduce them to some Chinese culture and to answer the questions they have been too polite to ask.
I went to the Hallmark store to buy some cards...if you want some you'd better hurry ladies, they are selling fast. Oh, and I got the cute Chinese New Year stamps at the post office.
Our entire family is going to a Chinese New Year Dinner Party at one of our favorite Chinese Restaurants with our friends over at 'Never Too Many'.
We are really looking forward to the fun!

Step Up and Introduce Yourself...

You don't have to have a blog to leave a comment. You don't have to be adopting from China or another country or this country to have something valuable to say. You don't have to be a mother or a father. You can voice an opinion, offer a kind word or participate in any of the activities that happen here.
There are hundreds of people who read this blog every day and I'd love to know who you are and why you read it. What keeps you coming back?
Grandma Linda is a frequent visitor here. I love her comments and she has no blog. We find ways to communicate with each other.
Also, Diane mother of 5 left a beautiful comment that made my eyes all watery at work the other day.
This blog is open to and welcomes anonymous comments, so step up today and introduce yourself. You know a lot about me already...

Wisdom from Senja...

Most of us know and adore Senja. When she writes it's most often funny and sometimes sarcastic but quite often deep if you look under the layers. She's been leaving me messages in her special code for quite some time now. You know what I'm talking about. I think that the latest message is quite valuable and should be shared...

tick tock break the clock

some of the best things happen while you're waiting for it to happen

I want some wonderful things to happen here in our family while we wait, but I have to let it happen. I have to go on with my life and enjoy every day to the fullest. These are the last days I have with some of my children before they go on to college. I don't want them spent pining for Sophia. I have to change what I can for the better and endure the rest as best as I can.

HEY, have any of you seen that Laughing Cow Cheese commercial? I swear that the lady on there is Senja. I can't find a picture of her, but if you've seen it...you know what I mean.

Re-Committing Myself to My Daughter...

I posted this graphic several months ago and my friend Jennifer from 'My Three Sons and a little China Girl' has kept it on her sidebar ever since. I think it helps her endure this uncertain wait. I'm going to join her and keep in on my sidebar. I would love to see it on yours.
I have had to take some time and step back before and re-commit myself to Sophia, visualize my daughter as best as I can.
I look at my sons and I ask myself how long would I wait? What would I endure? The answer is forever. I would give my life. The same is for Sophia. She is my child even though I cannot see or touch her, there will be a day when I can.
So, about this insanity and projections of years. It's not what I want, but I'll do it. The answer is forever.
Please hold on. I know you will.

Sunday...

Grandpa Knows All...

This is a funny story:
My father reads reads our blog. He wants to keep up with what's going on with our family and our adoption. He wants to go with us to China when we go to bring Sophia home. My children don't read the blog so they have no idea what I tell the people in blogland about them.
Well, remember the post a couple of weeks back about Zach's girlfriend issues? I guess that my Dad read it.
Zachary was talking to me in the car last week and was blown away by some text messages that my Dad sent to him. He had no idea how Grandpa could know that he had a girlfriend or girl issues. To this day he is still wondering how in the world my Dad could know what is going on in his personal life.
I guess my Dad responded to his question by saying "I'm your Grandpa, I know everything!"

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

Good Morning Everyone! This weekend should be a quiet one for us. We are working on getting our arrangements made for Chinese New Year. We have plans to go to a local restaurant and meet up with Steffie's family from 'Never Too Many'. We also are good friends with Kelly's family from 'Katie's Antics' and may do something with them too. It's going to be so much more fun this year because of the friends we have met in our area throug the blog. Last year I didn't even really know what Chinese New Year was. This year I want to start a tradition in our family. I want us to celebrate Chinese New Year every year as a way of honoring Sophia's culture and homeland.

The chat room is closed, thank you for a wonderful morning!

Thank you Jennifer!

Thank you so much to Jennifer from 'My Three Sons..and a little China girl' for thinking of me and giving me this award. I just love what it stands for.

Xandra from Heart of Service created this award to honor those Blogs that are "must reads".
In her own words: "So here's to all the blogs that you've discovered that you can't possibly live without. They make you laugh, cry, think and feel connected every time you read a post. They give you a thrill as you see them loading into your browser and you get an equally satisfying thrill when you see that they have commented on your blog."

I would like to pass this award along to:

Jane at 'Much Ado About Books'. She is just magic to me. I love knowing that a person like her is in this world. I really enjoy going to her blog and reading about what she is reading and doing. I have known her for a while now and she is such an amazing woman. Her faith inspires me.

Also Glinda at 'Give Me Back My Slippers'. She is such a talented writer. I love the way that she looks at life and at what is important. She has blessed me with her friendship and reached out of the confines of her blog and touched my life. I am surrounded by reminders of her kindness.

Meredith at 'Not So Long Ago'. Her blog reads like classic literature. I love how she lives her life and loves her family. She shares her hopes and dreams (past and present). We have a lot in common and that makes me smile when I visit her home in blogland.

Kris at 'Mad Race for Macey'. Before our blogs became so blessed with numerous visitors, we visited each others blogs. She was one of my very first comments. I care for her in my soul. There is a sweet connection.

Connie at 'Somewhere in China'. Hers is probably the most real blog out there. She experiences life with the best heart and sense of humor. I laugh out loud and the next day my eyes water up. She shares her life in a way that you can always relate to. She forgives you when you post her personal info and she reminds you take care of your 'girls' and get a mammogram. It's just all good on her blog.

Dinner with Daddy...

We look a little tragic in this picture, but we had just gone through a sleet storm outside to be able to get away and have dinner together. I can't tell you how rare that is, that we actually sit and are able to talk to each other and spend time alone. I love my husband very much, but with our schedules and the kids' schedules being what they are, we are like two ships passing in the night. Today when I was talking to Tim on the phone about what we were going to have for dinner and how I was going to be late getting home because of Tyler's tennis lesson and his haircut, I just blurted out that we needed to go out to dinner. That it had been too long since we just talked to each other without interruptions. Zach offered to keep an eye on Eli and we went to Applebee's. We didn't go too far from home and it wasn't anything fancy, but it was wonderful to hold his hand and look in his eyes and feel like a couple.

Blogging With a Purpose Award...

It really made my day today to see that Amy at 'Make Up Mess UPs, Me' awarded me with the Blogging with a Purpose award. It means a lot to me. I have been smiling about it all day.

I need to acknowledge 5 bloggers who I wish to pass the award along to:

Kimber at '3 Peanuts' is a tremendous woman. Whenever I need to get the word out about a prayer request or a fundraiser, I know that I can go to her and she will always help. I love her ability to share her heart and family. I just think the world of her.

Terri at 'Our Whole World In His Hands' is always lifting my spirits. She is a very spiritual and loving woman. She just brought her daughter home from China a couple of months ago.

Amy at 'Catching Butterflies 2' is on a mission to find a home for all of the children that she possibly can. Her blog is filled with photos of waiting children. Her heart is dedicated to adoption.

Kim at 'Journey to Isabella' always has her heart on her sleeve and is just an incredibly loving and supportive friend.

K1 at 'K1' keeps track of everyone's needs and celebrations. I love going to her blog. She really supports me and my family. I appreciate it tremendously.

So, there you have it, my 5 inductees. Below are the guidelines to follow when choosing the next 5.

AWARD GUIDELINES:

1. Awarded parties must nominate five people who have not received the award.
2. The blogs that receive the award must serve some purpose.
3. In their post about the award they need to link back to the original entry.
4. Awarded parties must post the award banner on their site. The banner must remain linked to Eric Novak's site.

Quote for the Week...

My Starfish Babies...

I think that we all have causes that are near and dear to our hearts. It's no secret that I am truly inspired by the Starfish Foster Home and Amanda who is its founder.
I had a unique opportunity this year to sponsor a child at the Starfish Home. Anyone can do it, just go to their webpage www.chinesestarfish.org or to Amanda's blog at www.chinesestarfish.blogspot.com
Today in the mail I received the photos and information on the two children who we chose to sponsor. They are just so beautiful. I look forward to following their journeys as their little hearts and bodies are nurtured at Starfish Home and then placed in the arms of their forever families.
I have often wondered if maybe our child will come from Starfish.

Congratulations to Marina and her family for the Referral of their little Sarah!

Congratulations Marina and family! Sarah is just darling. The family blog is 'Over The Rainbow Heart', please leave your good wishes for the family!

New Years Resolution/Start A Revolution...

Sunday...

I am working on this. Last Sunday the sermon was on loving others. And it wasn't just the normal love your neighbor. The challenge given to us was to love people who don't love you or even like you...the people who are mean to you, drive you nuts and who you want to see have a bad day because they have made several of yours miserable. Yeah, those people. This is hard.

See the Best in You...

Acknowledge your amazing talents.

11 Months...

Not much to say about it. Another small milestone.

A Big Congratulations to Dawn and Family For the Referral of Their New Daughter!

Just look at this darling girl!! Congratulations Dawn, to you and your family for the referral of your little girl Lucy Joy JingXuan. I am so happy for you! Please visit the family blog 'Our Little China Girl' and leave your good wishes : )

Happy Birthday Michelle!

Happy Birthday to Michelle at 'Searching for Sophie'. I hope you have a wonderful day!

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

Good Morning Everyone! We're looking for to a weekend of hockey! Zachary has a game today in Cadillac, MI and then one tomorrow at our home rink. I am also going to be working on taking down the Christmas decorations. What are your plans?

What are You Getting For Your Secret Buddy??

Looking for a wonderful gift for your secret buddy? I know that each month I am on the lookout for something special and meaningful to send to my secret buddy. This is what I will be ordering.

About a month ago, Verna sent me an e-mail letting me know about Robin who is using her sewing talents to raise money to bring her daughter Hope home from China. I went to Robin and asked her if she could put together a dress that would fall into the price guidelines of the Secret Buddy group and still allow her to make a profit so that we could help her bring Hope home. This is what she came up with....and yes she named it after ME! Isn't it cute?

Kimberley Dress

$20

(made with Touch of Asia fabric)

Flower Power Halter Dress

$25

(matching headband $5)

Panda Tote (11.5"x 13")

$17.50

The blogsite is http://www.ourblessing.chinastork.com/ There is a link to it right on my sidebar that will take you directly to her blog. There are many other items there to choose from also. Shipping is not included in the price but is very reasonable. :)

Thank you so much Robin for working to put together something in the SB price range. I just love the dress, I think it's darling!

Pssttt...if my secret buddy is reading this post...I love these dresses : )

Eli, Daddy and Frosty Snowmen...

Eli has been waiting so patiently this winter to make a snowman. It seemed like whenever it would snow it just wasn't the right kind for a snowman. He watched Frosty the Snowman several times over the holidays and was convinced that we could build a snowman who would come to life and walk around with him. Finally, we had a wet snow, but we didn't get out in time. It got so cold that the snow wouldn't pack very well. We still took Eli out, but these little wee snowpeople were the best we could muster...the snow just wouldn't stay together. But here they are, the first Frosty Snowmen of the year as Eli would call them. Ours don't have any hats, so they didn't walk around.

What's In a Year?...

I am sitting here with my coffee looking back over this past year and what this blog has brought into my life. It's been so easy to feel like we're not moving, like the line we are standing in is going nowhere. But it has moved in beautiful winding paths through the lives of people we know and care for. This is what I've seen this year while I was standing in line. And let me say that I love the people who are standing with me. You are one of them. Thank you.

I have seen these children united with their families. I have seen the movies and the photos. I have seen the tears and the love:

Ava, Bennett, Ran, Sofia, Maggie, Katya, Sarah, DX, Lilyann, Zoe, Oliver, Eliana, Ella, Emily, Kate Emerson and Ethan

I have seen referrals come for these children and I am waiting to see them united with their families in 2008:

Grace Ryan, Elizabeth, Rosie, Noah, Cael and Paisley

We did move forward this year. Not as fast as many of us want to be moving, but we have had wonderful celebrations.

Thank you for your friendship, advice, love, support, showering my mailbox, prayers and understanding. When I started this blog officially last January, I had no idea what blessings it would bring me. I can truly say that there is no finer group of women. Happy New Year to you! I look forward to watching many of your children come home this year.

*The children listed are from the families on my blogroll, if there are children you would like to add to the list, please let me know. I think it does us all good to see the progress and the names of the children who have come home.

Have a Great Time Tonight Everyone!

Have a great time tonight everyone! I'm not sure exactly what we're doing. We're invited to a couple of parties but haven't decided exactly how we want to bring in the New Year. What are your plans?
Be safe. Don't drink and drive.

Sunday...