Referrals & Halloween Fun...

Referrals are on their way and the CCAA actually made it through August 25th!! Can this be an indication of a slight speed up??? I sure hope so. Congrats to my bloggy friends Julie and Lisa who made the cut-off this month. It was nice to move them on my sidebar from Patiently Waiting to Waiting to Travel...soooo cool! I can't wait to see what Tess and Baby S look like!

On the flip side, my heart goes out to my friends Nancy and Brian, who missed the cut off by one darn day! Nancy was so hoping that this would be the month, but was also trying not to get her hopes up too much. But, how can you help it?? This wait is so dang long, that it much be just torture towards the end. Nancy, I know you are going to get totally sick and tired of hearing this one, but at least you KNOW you are next and I can't wait to see Lily's face next month!

My friend, Jennifer, had her annual Halloween pumpkin carving party again this year and it's tradition that the night before we get together and make caramel apples and treats for the party. This year we got together at my place. The first task was unwrapping bags and bags of caramel. As you can imagine, not all the caramels made it into the bowl!


Here's my niece, Katie, and nephew, Joshua, dipping the apples...


The best part is eating the left over caramel after all the apples are dipped!!


Next we made these adorable little marshmallow witches made with chocolate wafer cookies, mini peanut putter cups, and Hershey kisses as the hats. We had an assembly line going...


On Sunday, it was off to the park for the pumpkin carving party. The weather was beautiful and everyone had a great time. Here's some of my favorite pumpkins...


One of the party guests happened to be a balloon artist and he created this monkey in a tree hat for my niece, Emily. That's one talent you need to keep to yourself unless you want a long line of kids by your side!

Eight easy steps...

and you can have your own comfy fleece blanket! Several of you asked for the instructions on how to make this blanket, so here is goes...

I used one yard each of the printed fleece and the contrasting solid fleece. This made a blanket that's a nice size for a stroller or crib. Lay the printed fleece right side up on the solid fleece and trim all the edges so they are straight and even. Cut a square through both fabrics from each corner the same size as you would like the trim. I made a 6" square from cardstock and used that as a guide for each corner. Once you have the corners cut out, cut the edges into even strips (I did mine 1.5" wide). Now your blanket should look like the diagram below.




To "tie" the strips, make a small slit (about 1/4") with a seam ripper through both fabric layers ending slightly above end of strip cut.
Lift the top layer up...

and feed it through the bottom layer through the slit you just cut.

Once you feed the top layer all the way through, pull the bottom layer up so you can find the slit... and then feed the bottom layer through the slit...

pulling it tight to make the edge border.That's all there is to it. Although it's a lot of steps to show with photos, it's actually super easy to do. If you try it and get stuck or if you have any question, just e-mail me.

Secret Pal Revealed!!

After nine months of receiving the most wonderful Secret Pal gifts ever, I finally know who my pal is!!! Drumroll, please.........it's STEPHE, our Philly trip hostess extraordinare and a fellow China travel group mate!!!

This adorable Panda Bear was the first item I opened from the box. When I pressed his left paw he said "It's me, Stephe, your Secret Pal." Leave it to Stephe to come up with such a creative way to reveal herself. I was laughing so hard...it's the cutest thing!

Lauren is going to have so much fun with this Panda recording herself and playing back over and over.




The second gift I opened was this beautiful framed print of the red thread proverb with our Precious Panda bear personalized for Lauren from Stephe, Giorgia and her furbaby, Pirate. Double click on photo to enlarge. Seeing Lauren's name on this, brought tears to my eyes. It was one of those moments when it hit me that this is real...I've talked about those "moments" before.



I LOVE piggy banks and check out this totally adorable piggy with a pink bow, rosy cheeks and Chinese character. Soooo cute.

I also love this little Dora dressed in a Chinese outfit. Isn't she cute?
















Here's a shot of my entire box of goodies.

Stephe, you have played such a HUGE part in making this long wait so much more bearable and even fun. Between our e-mail "chatting", our DTC group, the Philly trip and all the wonderful gifts you have sent, you have really played an important part in this adoption process for me. I so appreciate all your thoughtfulness, creativity, and the generosity you have showed me.

Luv ya and can't wait for Giorgia and Lauren to be playing together soon!!

New Yahoo Group...

As a follow-up from my previous post, I've created a new Yahoo group called China Bound Weighting Mommas for any of you who would like some weight lose buddies.

If you're interested in joining, send an e-mail to this address. I'm hoping this group will be a place for support and also sharing recipes, tips, menu ideas, etc. I can use all the help I can get!

I'm finally motivated...

to start back up on Weight Watchers before it's too late to loose some weight before the China trip. This has been in the back of my mind since we started the paperchase and if I don't get my butt in gear now, the next thing I know we'll be getting our referral and I wouldn't have lost a pound.

I've been struggling with my weight since as long as I can remember and have been on and off Weight Watchers over the years. I lost 40 pounds once and 50 pounds another time, but always gain it back slowly when I get tired of following the program and start slacking off. I've been on the program long enough to know how to eat right, but my main problem is overeating to relieve stress and for comfort and God knows between this seemingly never ending wait and my job, I certainly have my share of stress.

Well, it's time to tackle my weight problem head on and see if I can loose some weight before we travel...50 lbs is my goal. That's my short-term goal, since I would have more to loose after that. I figured if I track my progress here then maybe that would give me an added boost to stay on track. I'm going to join Weight Watchers on the web and use their on-line food journal and points calculator.

If there is anyone else out there who's had this on their minds and wants to join too, let me know...I would love to have a weight lose "buddy". Heck, maybe we can start a Yahoo group to support and cheer each other on!

Eight months down...

We've been logged in for eight months today. I'm really hoping that this puts us firmly at the half way mark to referral. If things speed up at the CCAA that would be great, but I'm trying to accept that realistically we are at the half way point right now.

I know that we all complain about the wait, God knows that I've had my moments, but I have to admit that these first eight months have really flown by pretty quickly. I'm sure that those of you who are further along are going to tell me that the closer you get, the slower time goes. That's kind of what I'm expecting. Is is true?

I finished my first fleece blanket project and sent it off to my Secret Pal. It has a really cool edge finish that Nancy taught Heather and I a while back. Of course, I never actually finished my own blanket that I had started back then, but I did this blanket in one evening.


The back is done in a contrasting color...




and the way the strips are done it makes a really cool border on the front of the blanket. Pretty cute, huh?

I hope my Secret Pal likes it. This is the last month of our exchange, so it's reveal time!

*** Update: Since several of you have asked, I will be posting photos of how to do the border on this blanket very soon! ***

Thank God it's finally Saturday...

It's been a really long week, so thank goodness the weekend is finally here! For one thing, we were short staffed at the office and it was super busy. Also, Joe left for a business trip on Monday morning and just got home Thursday night.

With Joe out of town, I was on official doggie duty (no pun intended), which means waking up at the crack of dawn to feed and walk the girls and somehow still making it to work by 7am! Then, feeding them and walking them in the evening after work and then collapsing on the couch. How in the world am I going to handle a baby if taking care of my furbabies solo for the week got me exhausted?? Needless to say, I really missed my hubby!!

When Joe's flight landed and he called me on the way home one of the first things out of his mouth was "guess who was on my flight, sitting right in front of me?" So, I'm thinking celebrity and trying to guess who would be on a flight from Ohio to Phx. It turned out to be a women with her adopted daughter from China. I think it was so sweet that Joe was excited about that. The little girl was 4 years old (adopted 3 yrs ago) and from the Hunan province. Joe said she was happy, very bright and beautiful.

Well, tonight Nancy & Brian are throwing a referral party for Kim & Scott. They just got referred twin girls with this last batch. I can't wait to see their actual referral packet and photos.

I know a couple of my Blogville buddies live in Ohio. Joe was in Columbus and said the changing of the leaves was just beautiful. We don't get to enjoy that kind of thing here in Phoenix. He also said it's a total college town and Ohio State rules...I guess people go as far as to have huge, blow-up mascots on their lawns. Ok, Robin, fess up...do you have a mascot on your lawn?? ;)

New York, New York...

My brother and his family are in New York visiting my Dad and sent some photos. I thought I'd share a few with you...

World Trade Center site...

Cross at the site...
Sculpture that was originally in the plaza at the Trade Center...



When I was back in New York a couple of years ago, I got to see the site in person and it truly is heart wrenching. I've been up in the towers several times over the years and to be at the spot where they used to stand is just surreal. I can't imagine how New Yorkers who pass the site on a daily basis must feel.

Something to pack for the trip....

This was the theme for my September Secret Pal gift and my Pal didn't forget a thing! Did I mention already in a previous post that I have the best SP ever? Hmmm...I'm pretty sure I did, but I must say it again...SP, you're the BEST!

This month's box was decorated with adorable Asian cherubs (double click any photo to enlarge)...

aren't they too cute??

I had so much fun opening up all these little packages...

Check out all the items we have now to put away for the trip...

The items include:

• Chopsticks
• Luggage strap
• Bibs
• Chinese Dictionary
• Travel clock
• Drink mixes for bottled water
• Rolaids for after a dinner of stuff we don't recognize
• Purell
• Clip-on calculator
• Scented diaper disposal bags
• Air freshener
• Baby wipes in portable container
• Oxyclean for stains
• Travel toothbrushes & paste
• Little stuffed ladybug bear for Lauren to play with
• Charmin to go....very important item ;)
• Jet-alert caffeine pills for dealing with the time change
• Plastic loops for hooks things to diaper bag/stroller

Even with all these things, my VERY favorite item is this quick reference book chock full of all kinds of information we'll need in China.

When I first opened this I saw our address info, photo and an adorable little card that says "On our Way to Lauren Elizabeth." At that moment, it hit me...we ARE actually going to China and I got teary eyed. Sometimes I have those moments were it feels more real than other times and it just hits me. I think all you waiting mommas totally understand this and have your own "moments."

Inside this book, there is tons of information that we might need while in China like our pet-sitter, passport and agency info; symptoms and treatments for all sorts of conditions that we could encounter; medicine info, info on how to get medical treatment while there; info about the food, water, and making phone calls to the U.S., info on American friendly restaurants and shopping in Guangzhou, and more!

This reference book is SO thoughtful and SO very appreciated. It's just the right size to slip into our backback while in China so we have everything we need with us while we're on the go.

THANK YOU SO MUCH, Secret Pal!! Next month we find out who our Secret Pals are, but this organized little book is a GIANT hint to who my pal is.

For those waiting to travel...

This poem is dedicated to all the waiting mommas who have their referral and are waiting to travel, including Christi, Tiffany, Mary-Mia, and Kim...

A Baby Asks God

A baby asked God, "They tell me you are sending me to earth
tomorrow,but how am I going to live there being so small and
helpless?"

God said, "Your angel will be waiting for you and will take
care of you."

The child further inquired, "But tell me, here in heaven I
don't have to do anything but sing and smile to be happy."
God said, "Your angel will sing for you and will also smile
for you. And you will feel your angel's love and be very happy."

Again the child asked, "And how am I going to be able to
understand when people talk to me if I don't know the language?"
God said, "Your angel will tell you the most beautiful and sweet
words you will ever hear, and with much patience and care, your angel
will teach you how to speak."

"And what am I going to do when I want to talk to you?"
God said, "Your angel will place your hands together and will teach
you how to pray."

"Who will protect me?"
God said, "Your angel will defend you even if it means risking its life."

"But I will always be sad because I will not see you anymore."

God said, "Your angel will always talk to you about Me and will
teach you the way to come back to Me, even though I will always be next
to you."

At that moment there was much peace in Heaven, but voices from
Earth could be heard and the child hurriedly asked, "God, if I am to
leave now, please tell me my angel's name."

"You will simply call her, "Mom."

Thanks & Wishes....

Thank you to all my Blogville friends for your kind words on my previous post about our 7th month anniversary. You all always know the right thing to say, and I can always count on you all to lift my spirits. :)

I just posted a couple of new wish pages you can check out here.

Wow, it passed without notice...

Huh, I didn't even notice that our 7th month anniversary of our LID passed right on by last week. I've been so busy, I didn't even notice. I usually have it on my mind each month around the 17th.

When we first submitted our adoption application back in August of last year, this is right about the time we would have received our referral if they would have stayed on track with 6-8 months. Last Christmas (like many of you) we celebrated our final Christmas without a child. I was SO excited back then knowing that next Christmas we would have Lauren here with us...it was going to be SO special. We hung ornaments on the tree just for her and just knew that next Christmas we would be wrapping presents for her.

Now we are looking at getting our referral sometime around next June and I still haven't fully accepted the fact that another Christmas will come and go without Lauren. Everytime I think about it, I start to tear up and quickly try to direct my thoughts to something else (as I am doing right now). I'm sure many of you have been having the very same feelings and I know I'm not alone, which is very comforting to me. I'm so thankful for my waiting momma friends.

Now if only I could figure out a way to accept that we still have a long wait ahead so I can move on and enjoy the upcoming holidays, even without Lauren by our side.

Back from Philly!

I got back from Philly on Sunday evening and then I was up at the crack of dawn to head back into the office for a big dose of reality. I was dog tired and it was definitely a Monday in every sense of the word!!

I am SO glad I faced my fear of flying and got on that plane to Philly because I had an absolute BLAST with my Precious Panda "sisters"!!! I can't tell you the last time I laughed that much and felt that comfortable with a group of women. Even though we are from all over and have different stories of how we came to adopt, there is definitely a very special bond that we all share and an unspoken connection between all of us. I think we all felt the connection and will carry that with us during the rest of this wait and beyond.

Susan and I arrived on Thursday evening and stayed at Stephe's place in Deleware. On Friday afternoon, Cheryl (our 4th roomie) came in and the rest of the group trickled in later that day. Friday night we all got together at Stephe's place and Susan made baked ziti and meatballs (double click photos to enlarge).




Saturday morning we all met up and headed to Philly for our China town tour. It was raining at the beginning, but you can see that we made the best of it...plus, the weather cleared up pretty quick.





We had a great time on the tour and then headed to Reading Terminal Market for lunch, and then back to China town for some shopping. After we had our fill of shopping, we headed to Independence Hall to see the Liberty Bell...



...then onto South Street to hang out and relax a bit over drinks and appetizers. Our night ended back at the hotel hanging out and letting our hair down...what happened in Philly, stays in Philly...right, ladies?



Stephe, thank you so much for organizing this wonderful trip and being our hostess with the mostess for the weekend! To the entire Philly group, it was a pleasure meeting and getting to know each and every one of you! Thank you all so much for a fantastic weekend.

Heading out tomorrow morning...

I'm heading out to Philly in the morning for my 2nd trip to meet bloggy friends! My 1st trip was to Salt Lake last month and I had a great time. This time instead of heading just one state over, it's all the way to the east coast!

I'll be meeting 11 ladies from my DTC group, the Precious Pandas. I'll be staying at Stephe's place, which is really cool because Stephe and I will be in the same travel group to China (we are with the same agency and have the same LID). I'm looking forward to getting to know her in person before we actually travel to China. Also staying with us is Susan and Cheryl. I also get to meet Kim of One More Makes Four who I've gotten to know a little bit (she's so sweet) and Wanda, who just sent me the cutest wishes page for Lauren.

Oh, did I mention that I HATE to fly and have been freaked out about the flight since Monday? I was nervous on the Salt Lake flight (which was only 1 1/2 hours), but I'm in full scale freak out mode for this 4 1/2 hour flight to Philly!!! I keep telling myself that this is good training for the dreaded flight to China, but judging by how freaked I am I think that Joe will have to knock me out and drag me onto the China flight on one of those rolling luggage carts! I'm on my own to Philly, so I have no one to roll me onto the flight!

Well, I'm heading off to start packing and then I'm going to take some deep breaths and try to relax a little this evening. I know you jet setters think I'm ridiculous, but I just can't help it. ;) At least I just suck it up and still get on the plane!

Another step ahead...

The CCAA just updated their website that they have completed review of dossiers logged in before December 31, 2005. This means that they are probably now reviewing January and February LID's!!! I would imagine they were partially done reviewing January by the time they updated their website, so with a 2/17 LID we should be getting really close to review. There are rumors that people with February LIDs have been contacted for clarification on their information, which is a good sign.

Oh my, I think I'm getting nervous now...I hope our dossier is in good order.

This and that...

I've been meaning to post a photo of this cute little mini-diaper bag I bought from Danesha of South Meets East. She has different fabrics she makes them out of and they are the perfect size for a quick trip out with a couple of diapers, a bottle and a small toy.

I love this Asian retro fabric...isn't it cool???










I guess Joe had a long, hard day at work today...what do you think?

Once Lucy saw him resting, she had to join right in and I just had to snap a photo.

I've been busy the past week with some blog re-designs...check out Journey to Annaliese and Bottles and Bones (formerly Welcome Home Lily). I love making Blogville pretty. ;)

Chinese Cooking Night #2...

This past Saturday evening, Joe and I had a Chinese food cooking night at our place. The "chefs" for the evening were Michele, Heather & Damon, Nancy & Brian, Jennifer, and Linda Marie.

Linda came over a little early to help with the initial prep work and surprised me with a brand new rice cooker! This is probably the ONLY kitchen appliance that I don't already own. I know, those of you who know me are shocked that I didn't already have one. ;)

These were the recipes for the night (two of them we already tried and knew were good):

Egg Flower Soup
Egg Rolls
Kung Pao Beef
Shrimp with Snow Peas
Almond Chicken

Linda and I did some of the initial prep work before everyone else showed up, so by the time everyone started arriving we had the meats cut up and already marinating. Considering we had nine people in the kitchen at one time, the timing of everything went VERY well and we actually had all the dishes prepped and ready to cook at the same time. Of course we had a little help with these chocolate covered coffee beans (yum) and lots of red wine!


Here's Nancy hard at work on the Almond Chicken recipe...


and Michele giving a quick lesson on how to roll an egg roll...


Oh, and Brian hamming it up for the camera...


After all our hard work, we were rewarded with a really tasty dinner! My favorites are still the soup and the kung pao beef (from our first cooking night). The almond chicken was also really good. I think if you want to plan your own cooking night, you can't go wrong with these three recipes. Here's the kung pao beef and the almond chicken...


Thank you to everyone who joined us...we had a great time! As you can see, Lucy was just exhausted by the end of the evening...

Thoughts and prayers...

Today, my thoughts are with the families of the victims of the September 11, 2001, tragedy.

My prayers today are for the parents who lost their children, the children who lost their parents, and everyone else who lost friends and loved ones five years ago today. May you all know that our hearts are with you.

New Wish Pages...

Check out the good wish pages I received from Sandy and Shannon here. They are both so cute!