My Precious...

Z.

Ty

Eli

Spice, Spicegirl, Puss, Princess Puss

These pictures didn't turn out the best, I snapped them around the house. But these are my darling boys and I love my cat. It looks like Tyler has been staying up too late. I have to start getting everyone back into the swing of school. I let them stay up and hang out with their friends during the summer. But school starts after Labor Day and we'll be getting up a lot earlier then. Tyler's Open House is tonight, so we'll be meeting his new teacher.

A Fun Post from '2 Kayaks'...

I read this post on K1 and K2's blog '2 Kayaks' and I loved it. I decided to share it with those of you who didn't get the chance to read it on their blog, with their permission of course...

If The Adoption Community Ran The World

• There would be no war because everyone would be too busy shopping for, wrapping up and sending out secret pal gifts, cyber shower goodies and post card thoughts.

• Had a bad day? No worries! When you arrive home, you will find 20+ messages on your answering machine cheering you up with inspiring thoughts.

• Had a good day? Great! When you arrive home, you will find 20+ messages congratulating you and making you feel like a million bucks.

  It takes such little effort
  to reach
  in
  to another human being.
  ~Hugh Prather~

• Laws would dictate that Waiting Mommies' Dinners were mandatory and restaurants would be forced to incorporate large, circular tables to accomodate everyone.

• Airlines would be made to offer rock bottom prices for travel to China and for travel within China.

• Airlines would also be made to offer free tickets to Waiting Families for Blog Parties throughout North America

• Free shipping for all referral gifts sent to friends!

• Employers would allow all Waiting Family Members unlimited Internet access throughout the working day and would encourage blog surfing and commenting during business hours.

• Banks would offer interest free loans for all Waiting Families

• The term, "Adopted daughter/son" would be axed from common phrases.
  

• Fun Dip would be free and would not rot one's teeth (okay, so that's not really an "Adoption Community" thing...but it would be nice).

I was thinking today about how amazing the support is in the Adoption Community and how the world would be different if all communities were as supportive and as loving. Add your thoughts and tell me your vision.

Quote for the Week...

Although I was quite young when Gilda Radner died, the thought of her makes me smile. She was a funny woman, but evidently a deep one too.

It's Monday Again...

Another Monday...hopefully a mellow one. Hope you have a great day!

Went to a New Church Today...

As many of you know, there was a large upheaval at our current church. Our pastor was literally lynched by some elder members of our church. There was no meeting, no one in the church body was consulted, it was all done behind closed doors. My husband and I have had a really difficult time dealing with what has happened. Also, there really isn't a strong youth ministry. There is no youth group for our high school children at all and Eli is usually the only child in nursery.

Today we decided to visit a new church. We were literally amazed. The main focus of the church is on the youth. There are groups and activities for every age. When we sat down to listen to the youth pastor who was speaking today, I literally cried during the sermon because I could relate it to God's goodness as a Father in my own life. It was wonderful.

But now I feel bad, like I'm cheating on my old church.

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

Good Morning Everyone! It looks like another rainy day here and our forecast said we'd have a sunny weekend. Oh well. The coffee is brewed and I'm looking forward to talking with all of you!
Chat Group goes until 12 noon.

Jude has Passed Away...

I want to say how wonderful it was to see so many people praying for this child. Whenever I would go to check on his situation, I would read through some of the thousands of comments that people left from all over the world. It was unbelievable and inspiring.
Jude passed away yesterday with his family by his side.
It saddens me tremendously. All I can think about is the pain, I can't even imagine losing my Elijah and that is exactly what has happened to this family.
Please keep them in your prayers.

It's Friday...Blogging From Work!

We're fine, thank you for your comments from last night. My tomato plants are completely trashed, but that's our only loss. Our internet is out at home, so I am doing my first post from work! I hope that you all have a great day. I 'll post more later.

Something Wicked This Way Comes...

A storm is coming in off of Lake Michigan with winds of up to 80 miles an hour. It's heading straight for us, so keep us in your thoughts tonight. The sky is growing dark as we speak. There are areas around us who have already lost power and the storm isn't even here yet. There are tornado and storm warnings. I'm getting the candles ready. If I don't post for a while, you 'll know why.

Eli...King of the Pot!

Yes, we are in the midst of potty training. We're halfway there. We love to pee on the pot, but we hide for the poops. So, if we can't find Eli, we know what's going on. He's usually under the table. I opened up the latest box of pull ups and inside was this crown..too funny!

(I just viewed my blog with this post and it breaks my heart to see my son here so happy and full of life and just below a boy of the same age struggling to stay alive. Please keep Jude in your thoughts).

I Need Prayer Warriors Now!

I have been asked by our friend Kimber at '3 Peanuts' to do a post asking you all to lift this child up in prayer. Click here Jude to see the situation.

This 2 year old child was involved in a drowning. His body is barely alive, and there is little to no brain activity. His parents are asking for prayer and holding on for a miracle. I am literally in tears after reading his father's latest journal entry stating that the doctor has told them that their son will die.

Please pray. I have seen amazing things happen when we have all joined together. Even those of you who do not believe, please lift up a word for this boy.

There is a guestbook also where we can leave words of encouragement and prayer for the family.

As the mother of a 2 year old myself, this is my greatest fear. Just look at him, this beautiful precious little boy.

The Middle Name Meme...

I was tagged by Ashley at 'Absolutely His' to do the Middle Name Meme.

Middle Name Meme

Here are the rules:
1. You have to post these rules before you give the facts.
2. Players, you must list one fact that is somehow relevant to your life for each letter of your middle name. If you don’t have a middle name, use the middle name you would have liked to have had.
3. When you are tagged you need to write your own blog-post containing your own middle name game facts.
4. At the end of your blog-post, you need to choose one person for each letter of your middle name to tag. Don’t forget to leave them a comment telling them they’re tagged, and to read your blog.

Ok, here it goes. My middle name is Dawn.


D I am waiting for my daughter Sophia Jane.

A I love my sister Andrea.

W I live near water.

N At night, I check on each of my three sons just to watch them sleep and make sure they are ok.


I tag Dannye, Emmie, Holly and Noemi.

Quote for the Week...

This quote is so true and I don't think that I reached the place where I really knew myself until my mid 30's.

4th Post...Happy Birthday Susie!!

Happy Birthday to Susie at 'Phillips Path to China'! I still adore you even though you're younger than me.

Happy Birthday Dolores!

Happy Birthday to Dolores at 'Watch Our Family Grow'! I hope that you have had a wonderful day!!

The Nice Matters Award...

I want to thank Connie for choosing to give me the Nice Matters Award. It means a lot to me.

I've been thinking today about who I should be passing it along to and why. Here is the list that I came up with:

Steffie B. is always the first person to jump in and help a new blogger get their site together, help them figure out which yahoo DTC group to join and answer any questions they may have about adoption or the blog world.

Mr. Brian is absolutely amazing and I think one of the most uplifting people I know. He finds a way to reach out to people who need encouragement and support.

Sara who started a weight loss blog for us waiting Mom's and designs blog make-overs for anyone who asks for no charge, you can choose to make a donation to her adoption fees. (which reminds me that I need to make a little donation myself-you will see her handywork in Sept on this blog).

Amy who coordinates a weekly prayer group to pray for our waiting children and the people around them and the families who are counting down the LID's.

Liz who is a constant source of love and support to the people in our community and has shown me great kindness.

Amy's Postcard Exchange

Thank you Amy from 'When Love Takes You In' for coordinating the postcard swap. My postcards from Michigan went into the mail today!

Happy Monday...And Thank You.

This graphic is very fitting for today since it is just pouring rain here. We need it though and it isn't so hard to go back to work on a Monday like this.

I wanted to acknowledge some of the mail that we have received this past week and thank you for your friendship.

E-Thank you for your beautiful card and for proclaiming me the cat's ass once again. You know I proudly accept the title.

Stacy-Thank you so much for your sympathy card. It was a wonderful pick me up. How kind of you to think of us.

Jonni-Thank you for your card. I am really touched by your kindness.

Juliette-Your card is just beautiful. Thank you so much

Stefanie-You have been such a true friend to me. Thank you for your cards. And yes, we will have to get together very soon. I am so lucky to live close to you and be able to benefit from having someone who has adopted from China before, help me along the way.

Jane-There are no need for thank you's from you-but I love the card anyway. I am the one who is blessed by knowing you.

Again, thank you and have a great day everyone!

Enjoy Your Sunday...

Have a wonderful Sunday! It's rainy here and overcast. There seems to be a small lull in the storm though and my husband wants to go out for a boatride. So, I'm going to bundle up and head out with him.

Sunday Verse...