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.
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Good Morning Everyone and Welcome to the Saturday Morning Chat Group!
Friday, September 12, 2008
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">
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
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
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.
Tuesday, September 09, 2008
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.
Monday, September 08, 2008
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, September 07, 2008
Saturday, September 06, 2008
Welcome to the Saturday Morning Chat Group...
SPECIAL NEWS!
Paula has her third daugher! Little Bella is home with her family. Please go to 'The Baby Journals' to welcome their new family member. She is just darling.
Good Morning Everyone and welcome to the Saturday Morning Chat Group! We're going to be hanging around the house today and then we have our annual family reunion to go tomorrow.
Robin at 'Red Thread Stitches' is auctioning off her services as a seamstress for a year. She will make 12 custom outfits for the winner.
I am going to be holding the Halloween Blog Contest again this year, so you may want to start collecting or creating your Halloween graphics : ) It's going to be a lot o fun. I already have some great judges lined up.
THE CHAT ROOM IS NOW CLOSED...HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND EVERYONE!
PLEASE CONTINUE TO SUPPORT THIS PROJECT FOR CHINA EARTHQUAKE RELIEF. IT IS IN THE TOP 25 AND HOPEFULLY WILL RECEIVE A DONATION FROM AMERICAN EXPRESS.
Children’s Recovery Centers for thousands living in refugee camps near the quake’s epicenter. Traumatized children will be offered a safe place for emotional healing – a chance to be children again. In ‘Big Top’ tents there will be preschool programs & afterschool/weekend therapeutic & fun activities for school-age children. Caregivers will be trained by trauma specialists & mental health professionals in nurturing and counseling for the long-term recovery of children suffering pain and loss.
Many children lost parents, family members, teachers and class-mates in the devastation of May 12. Children who experience such a violent, traumatic event need specialist care in their recovery – they may experience on-going fear, problems sleeping, eating, or even feeling any emotions at all. In order to heal, children need support through and beyond the grieving process. Children’s Recovery Centers will provide specialized programs and trained caregivers in a safe place for this purpose.
Thousands of children who survived the quake now suffer from trauma and loss – the impact will not have taken its toll only in the first days of the crisis, but will do so for months, even years. Each Children’s Recovery Center in the temporary camps near the epicenter will support approx. 1,000 children while the re-building of communities takes place. This project will support establishment and operation of 4 Centers serving about 4,000 hurting children for at least 2 yrs. Budget 540K.
I am proud of being part of a team that helps orphaned children in China by providing them with the love of family-like care. We’ve not been involved in disaster relief before this year, but immediately after the earthquake we wanted to jump right in and help -- and we did. I felt so much gratitude for being in a position to help back in May, but now the hype and world-wide attention has died down, we must still help the youngest survivors heal and rebuild their lives.
Concentrating on an art project
Friday, September 05, 2008
Happy Friday...Wow! This Week Flew By.
Enjoy your Friday everyone. I love short weeks and this one was great because it flew right by. We're having quite a bit of rain here, so we'll see how it stands for the weekend. It's supposed to be nice. We are still waiting for 'the call' from our agency. I talked to our SW yesterday and she said to hang in there. She knows they are working to match people.
I have started to really shop for Sophia for the first time. I really didn't buy much for her at all over the past 2 years because it didn't seem like she was really going to come. Now I am definitely in a nesting mode and am getting things ready for her. Hopefully we will find her soon.
The boys seem to be enjoying getting back to school. Tyler is a little bummed because he no longer has recess (this is his first time in junior high school/they call it middle school here). But they seem to be getting into a good morning routine and getting used to going to bed earlier in the evenings now. I don't really enforce a bed time during the summer, but I do during the school year.
There will be a Saturday Morning Chat Group tomorrow. Hope you all can come!
Thursday, September 04, 2008
Want to Have Your Own Personal Seamstress for a Year???...The Bid is On!
Bid to have a creation delivered every month for a year!
As many of you know we have been on a journey to Mia Hope stitch by stitch.
- One custom made outfit every month for a total of 12 outfits during the year!
- Creations are available January thru December 2009.
- Creations must be chosen from my product and fabric selections which will continue to grow.
- Free personalization or embroidery on your custom made creation. (subject to availability of patterns)
- I will work closely with you to keep current on measurements for that custom fit. Toddler size 1 thru 6 only.
- Your daughter will love having a custom dress for every occasion!
- If you find your own fabric I would be happy to work with your selection.
- Free shipping on your 12 creations delivered to your door!
- Payment by the highest bidder is due by 10/10/08 or offer will go to the next bidder.
- Split the bid with a friend and divide up your 12 creations as you choose.
Click below to see many creations available as part of this offer!
I'm sorry you guys, I assumed that everyone knows Robin. To place a bid, go to Robin's blog 'Red Thread Stitsches'
Tuesday, September 02, 2008
Monday, September 01, 2008
Labor Day...
Z and Jay tubing.
Z sideways.
Tim and my girfriend's father Fred (who I adore). He told me how beautiful I was every day that he saw me when I was pregnant with Tyler and Eli.
Eli and his girls.
The annual Labor Day neighborhood breakfast.
Good food!
Boat ride with Brody.
Eli telling Dad to 'hit it!' and go faster!Sunday, August 31, 2008
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Help Please....And A Very Cool Doll!
I saw this doll on Kim's blog 'Isabella Bison'. She just ordered it for Isabella. It is darling and it is on sale this weekend for 20% off. So, I am going to place an order. You can find her at 'Baby Be Blessed'.
Here is where I need help. You can put a Bible verse on the tummy. I have been looking and can't find a verse I like. If any of you have a verse that you could recommend, I would really appreciate it so that I can get my order in. Kim put a verse and the Red Thread proverb on her doll.
Good Morning Everyone and Welcome to the Saturday Morning Chat Group!
Good Moring Everyone and Welcome to the Saturday Morning Chat Group. It's been a while since I've been able to host the group, so I hope that everyone comes by today and says hello.
On our adoption front, we are all set for the SN program and are just waiting for a call that a baby has been found on the shared list that would be a good match for us. Please pray for us, that we will have the faith and patience to make it through all of this.
I want to let everyone know that I will be holding the Halloween Blog Contest again this year, so if you are interested in participating, you should begin getting prepared : ). I also need 3 judges, so if you would like to judge, let me know.
Also, The People's Choice Blog Awards is coming to a close. If you haven't already voted for the Seventh Diamond, I would be so grateful if you would. There is a small black link on my sidebar to the site.
IF YOU ARE NEW AND WOULD LIKE TO JOIN THE CHAT, JUST CLICK ON THE COMMENTS AND TALK WITH US : )
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Dad's Barber Shop and A Very Cool Giveaway!!
Oh yes, Daddy cuts Eli's hair and always has. When it's time for a trim, out come the buzzers and the stool!
Tonight he really needed a trim. His hair is very thick and he has 2 cowlicks in the front and two swirls in the back, so it's a challenge to get everything looking just right.
Can you see the little mohawk?
No..... we didn't keep it. Here he is all trimmed up!
Now, this is the most darling mug I have ever seen and I got it from my friend Lea. Isn't it fabulous!!!??
You can check out this website and see their darling product line. Now, my friend Lea is doing a giveaway and I think the item she is giving away is also from here. VERY CUTE! So, go and visit her blog ''Lea's Musings/Oh my #6 and get signed up to win!
