Happy Birthday Michelle!

Happy Birthday to Michelle at 'Waiting for Pumpkin'. I hope you are having a great day!!

The 5 Things Meme...Morphed into 20 Things About Me...

I have been tagged twice to do this meme, but I already did it a week or so ago. So, I guess I'll post some things you probably don't know about me...

1- I liked this show when I was a kid.
2- My favorite place when I was a child was my Grandmother's house.
3-My favorite holidays are Halloween and Christmas.
4-I love chocolate chip ice cream, just plain chocolate chip ice cream.
5-At Starbuck's I always order Chai.
6-I have cut my own hair since high school. I don't let anyone else touch it (except my Aunt).
7-I am a cat person. I love our dog, but my soul bonds with cats.
8-I have big feet/size 10.5
9-I believe in ghosts.
10-I believe that people who have died can communicate with you through dreams.
11-I believe that personalities are passed on through families. My son Tyler has my personality.
12-I am extremely loyal to those I love, but if you are not, I can't deal with it.
13-I associate people and events to music. Most people I love have a song and most major events in my life have a song associated with them also.
14-Whatever is on my mind usually comes out of my mouth.
15-I tell it to you straight, I don't candy coat anything.
16-I am completely unable to suck up. Don't do it.
17-I can't pretend to like someone I don't. This causes me problems sometimes.
18-I can hold a grudge like nobody's business (I know it's bad, I'm working on it).
19-I'm a shunner, you'll know if I'm mad at you because I won't speak to you.
20-If you are in trouble, call me, I will get you out of it one way or another.

Happy Birthday Shrimpy!

Have a wonderful birthday little Sterling!! I'm sure he would love to see some wonderful comments on his Mom's blog 'Dragonfly and Ladybug'.

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

Good Morning Everyone~ Grab a cup of coffee, or tea and leave a comment. I'd love to talk with you this morning. Today we have an early afternoon wedding to attend, so the chat room will be closing at 10:30am. But until then, tell me about your weekend plans!

Hockey Camp...

Today is Zach's last day at hockey camp. I'll be picking him up at 3pm. He has really been working on his skating skills this summer. His coach told him that he needs to be faster to keep up at the high school level. Hopefully he'll be ready now for this year's season. This is an old photo as I have been 'told' yes, that's 'told' and not 'asked', I have been told to not take any pictures of him and embarrass him. Yes, it's official now. I am his 'embarrassment' risk factor. Well, he'd better get over it pretty quickly here. I've been freezing in a hockey rink for 10 years now and I'm going to yell and jump around and take pictures just like I always have!

Have a Great Thursday Everyone!

It looks like it's going to be a mellow day today. It's not supposed to rain, but it looks like it could. I got an e-mail from Steffie B. It looks like our neocounters quit working..are any of you having that problem? I've got the 'furminator' on my mind..maybe I'll check one out today. I've got to find some postcards for Amy's postcard swap. Do I just send out ones that say Michigan on them? Have any of you done a postcard swap before? Let me know and have a great day.

The LayDFrog Bib Swap...

Dannye, thank you so much for organizing the bib swap! Doris, Amy and Chris...my bibs are in the mail! Expect them soon. I hope you like them.

A Quiet Day...

Christine at 'Sophia's Journey Continues' gave me this song. Thank you, it means a lot to me.

I Need to Get Out and Smell the Flowers...

I am ready now to shake off this sadness and get back to my old self. I have made it through the funeral and it's time now to return to my life. I think I'm going to have a good cup of coffee and get back in touch with all of you. Nothing sounds more relaxing on this rainy night than sitting back, listening to some good music and reading some of your blogs.

An Overwhelming Secret Buddy Gift...

I got home last night about 11:30 from a tough day. We had the viewing and were at the funeral home most of the day. When we pulled into the driveway, my husband said that my secret buddy gift had arrived. I opened it up and read the card. I literally sat down and cried. It was so personal and touching. Thank you so much. I send you our condolences and love over the loss of your mother 4 years ago to cancer. I really hope to one day know who you are because you are such a wonderful woman.

Along with the beautiful card, she sent this beach towel with Sophia's name embroidered on it and a darling pair of sunglasses. But most importantly, she made a donation to the American Cancer Society.

Thank you so much. I usually post your cards, but not this one as it is very personal and special to me.

Quote for the Week...

I Think We're Getting Through This Ok...

Today is the viewing, so we have to be at the funeral home this afternoon. I think we've accepted what has happened. Hopefully we will make it through the day ok. Think cheerful thoughts right? That's what I'm going to try to do.

If there is a woman in your family who has survived cancer, call her up and tell her that you love her. I'm going to call my Aunt Pam.

Blog Baby Shower for Maggie Oatsvall, September 15th...Please Join Us!

Well ladies, it's time for us to come together and welcome another little one! Please join us for a baby shower for Maggie Oatsvall on September 15th. Her parents are Gwen and Scott from 'The Oatsvall Team'. Please feel free to visit their blog and become acquainted the family.

Thank You for your Friendship, Prayers and Just Being So Incredible...

Thank you so much for your kind words and support. I cannot tell you how uplifting it has been to come home after facing pain and loss, and find all of your comments and blog posts. I am overwhelmed. I feel the warmth and sincerity of each comment. I am so thankful that you are thinking about us and praying for our family.

Sunday Verse...

Good Morning Everyone!

Good Morning Everyone and thank you for all of your comments regarding my Mother-In-Law's passing. It really does make things easier when you can come home from a tough day and find your blog filled with uplifting comments.

We are all doing ok. Next week probably isn't going to be very easy, the viewing is Monday and the funeral is on Tuesday, but this weekend is kind of a reprieve for us and a time for us to spend a few days doing the normal day to day things that we do.

SO, WITH THAT SAID, GRAB YOUR COFFEE AND TALK WITH ME! Last Saturday turned out pretty well with being the first Saturday and all of open chat. You don't have to just talk with me either, address your comment to whoever is here. After you comment, if you hit your refresh button, you will continue to see everyone else's comments.

It's 12 noon, so I am closing down the chat group. Have a wonderful Saturday everyone!

My Mother-In-Law Passed Away Today...

Rest in peace my dear friend and mother. I pray that the gates of heaven have opened for you and that all of your loved ones who have passed on before are there waiting for you. Thank you for opening your arms and welcoming me into your family. Thank you for loving us all and for all of the help you showed me when I was so sick carrying Elijah.

I will miss you every day.

The blog will be quiet for some time as we prepare and bury our dear mother Fran Girvin.

Thanks for the Ideas...

Thank you everyone for the great ideas! I'm going shopping over my lunch hour (or two) today and I'll let you know what I find!

What Should I Get My Husband Tim for His Birthday???

Any suggestions on a good Birthday gift for Tim? I am totally stumped. He has everything! He's turning 39. He's an outdoorsman (he fishes and hunts), he's a computer and networking geek, he's a big guy (6'3" and weighs about 250). Whenever I ask him about something, he says it's not what he wants, but he can't tell me a single thing he does want. What are some things that are on your men's wish lists?

Don't worry, he never reads my blog.

4 posts today...I don't know what's going on, but it's tough right now in blogland...

It seems like so many of us are struggling right now. I keep reading blogposts filled with sadness and challenges. I'm hoping that next week is brighter!

Secret Agent Has the Post-Referral Blues...

Please join me in sending a kind word to our friend Secret Agent. She has a bad case of what I am calling the post-referral blues. I know because I've been down this past week too. It's hard when referrals come out and those of us who are waiting see how few days have been processed and take a realistic look at how far ahead our referrals will be coming in.
Her post just broke my heart. Her blog is 'Loud Secrets'.

Doris at '3d's Adoption Journey' needs a hug...

Please join me in supporting Doris and the family at '3D's Adoption Journey'. Their dog has become ill and they are very worried and upset.

Terri from 'Our Whole World In His Hands' Is Having a Bit of a Hard Time...

Please join me in supporting Terri at 'Our Whole World in His Hands'. She was in a car accident (she's fine) and she's having a bit of the Post-Referral Blues. I have received so much kindness from her. She is really just a wonderful woman.

Many Posts Today...Please Join Me in Sending Support to this Young Woman...

In the past couple of months, there have been some younger women and girls who have started leaving comments on my blog. Ashley is one of them. Last week she posted a comment and I went to her blog and found a post that made me sigh. Ashley is a college age young woman and her post sounds like she feels alone in the world. I left a comment asking why she felt this way, but have not seen her on my blog since. No comments and still the depressing, lonely post. Today there is a voice in my heart telling me that this girl may need to feel cared for and supported. She is a Christian young woman. Please join me in leaving something uplifting on her blog. It would mean a lot to me, and hopefully it would mean a lot to her too. Ashley's blog is 'Absolutely His'.

Quote for the Week...

Friday Is My Darling Husband Tim's 39th Birthday!

I love you!

Thank You To Verna The Blog Fairy for my Wonderful Headers!

Thank you Verna for answering my Help Wanted Ad and designing so many beautiful new headers for my blog. I really appreciate how patient you have been and how hard you have worked to come up with just the perfect designs. I am thrilled to have your work on The Seventh Diamond.
Big Hug! RMJ

Today is Our 6 Month LIDiversary!

Today is our 6 month LIDiversary!

Have a Wonderful Sunday...

I just love this graphic. I think that it is an Irish blessing, and since I'm an Irish girl...be blessed and have a fabulous day...

Sunday Verse...

Some Not so Good Photos of the Boys and My Dad...

I wanted to get a nice picture of my Dad with the boys before he left yesterday. They were willing participants, but only for these shots-none of which turned out the way I was hoping. So, here are the photos I will be putting into our scrapbook to remember my Dad's trip here this summer. Eli would only sit as long as had some playing cards.

Enjoy your day!

Saturday Morning Live Chats!

Good Morning Everyone~ I still did not get up early enough to greet Steffie. Drop by with your tea Stacy! To all of my friends, hang around a while, I'm going to start doing Saturday Morning live chats, so leave a good morning comment and I'll drink some coffee and talk with you for a while, hopefully some of our friends will jump in too~

Live chat ends at 12 noon. It was great sharing my morning with you all-hope to talk with you next Saturday!

Referrals...

Most of us know that referrals have come in. The CCAA processed 7 days worth of LID's this past month. I want to say Congratulations to all of the families who are seeing their children's faces for the first time. I am truly happy for you.
Now for those of us who are still waiting, this can be a difficult time. This month is a difficult one for me. I sat down and figured out that at this pace, I will have my daughter in 5.6 years. Not exactly what my agency quoted when we signed up. Now, I understand that things could speed up. I also understand that things could slow down. I know that for the last 3 months, this is what we've been seeing. Next to no movement.
But this month, just as each before, I am renewing my dream. I am re-dedicating myself emotionally to my daughter. I am choosing to stay the course. I will never give up.

Please Pray for My Mother In Law...

Please pray for my Mother In Law, her name is Fran. She has lost her battle with cancer, hospice has been called in and we are waiting for news of her passing. She has been such a loving presence in my life and has always supported our family in any way that she could. I love her and will miss her more than I probably can know right now. We have done all we can to be with her these past months and weeks. Please pray that her suffering will end and that the Lord will take her home.

Thank You Elizabeth...

Elizabeth at 'Dragonfly and Ladybug' sent me this wonderful CD. Thank you so much E, the music is beautiful. You can hear one of the ensembles playing on the blog today.

Sending you a Smile...

Whenever I hear this song, it makes me smile. I don't know what it is about it, but I love it. Right now it's my song. So, enjoy and smile!

The Five Things Meme...

I was tagged by Laura at 'Jewels of my Heart'.


Five Things I Was Doing Ten Years Ago:
-Going through a painful divorce
-Re-defining myself
-Raising my sons
-Looking for a new job
-Being grateful for the outstanding friends that I had and still have


Favorite Snack Food:
-Mustard flavored pretzels
-Doritos
-Chocolate chip ice cream
-Cashews
-Ice Cream Sandwiches


Five Songs I Know All the Lyrics To:
There are a million songs I know all the lyrics to.
-Don't Fear The Reaper-Blue Oyster Cult
-Holiday-Madonna
-Crazy Love-Van Morrison
-The Promise-Tracy Chapman
-The Broken Road-Rascal Flatts


Five Things I Would Do If I Were A Millionaire:
-Send money for all of the surgeries that Amanda at Starfish needs
-Pay for the rest of my children's college educations
-Pay off this house
-Invest so I can retire at 50
-Own and manage a greenhouse


Five Bad Habits:
-Crack my knuckles
-Don't eat enough fruit
-Don't drink enough water
-Spoil my children a tad
-Listen to my music too loudly


Five Things I Like To Do:
-Spend time with my children
-Cook
-Scrapbook
-Garden
-Read


Five Things I Would Never Wear Again:
-Spandex
-Banana Comb
-Saddle Shoes
-Jordach Jeans
-Love's Baby Soft

3 Posts Today! Secret Buddy Update....

Secret Buddy Questionnaires were sent out in e-mail today. If you are one of the ladies participating, please check your e-mail and complete the form as soon as possible. When I have them all back, I will forward them to your secret buddy and our group will begin. All of you have been matched!

UPDATE: Everyone's questionnaires have been forwarded to their Secret Buddy. If you did not receive an e-mail with your person's information, please let me know. Instructions and themes for the group will be sent out tomorrow (Wednesday).

Join Me in Sending Dolores a Hug!

Please join me in sending a hug to Dolores. She's having a tough time right now and would like a little support from all of us! Dolores' blog is 'Watch Our Family Grow'.

Quote of the Week...

Welcome Grandpa!

My Dad is flying in today from Kansas City to spend the week with us. It will be really great to have him here. The kids are very excited to see him. Zachary has a hockey scrimmage tonight, so today will be the first time that his Grandpa will see him play.
Have a great Monday everyone!

Enjoy Your Sunday!

This morning we are working in the church nursery. There are no plans for the rest of the day, and that's just the way I want it. I think we will go out in the boat and do some swimming. We're supposed to have great weather. My father is coming from Kansas City tomorrow to visit us for a week. It's going to be really great for all of us to be able to spend some time with him. I guess I'll have to clean up around here a bit. Get out the swiffer, my floors are a mess!

Sunday Verse...