Blog Design Giveaway!

Hey Ladies! Like my new blog design?
My good friend Kim (from our CCAI travel group) has recently begun doing some blog designing, and would like to make a go of it as a business. She has graciously agreed to do a FREE blog makeover for one of my friends! I am so excited! She is a hip momma to many kiddos, the most recent, Phoebe, from China. All you have to do is leave me a comment at THIS POST between now and next Monday, and I will draw a name.

Her prices are great, and she wants all her clients to be 100% satisfied. Feel free to check her "ad" in my sidebar for more info.

GOOD LUCK!

My Kiddos

These are my kiddos. You all know Miss Lucy, and you all have seen Joey before, but I never really explained much about him. Perhaps I was afraid I would be judged, perhaps because the truth is painful. Joey is the son I placed for adoption 18 years ago as a scared young girl. Although he had always just knew me as Jill, he found out I was his biological mother in 2000. I remember that day vividly. We both just sobbed and sobbed. Last week he flew to Ohio for a week to visit with my family. During this time he confided in me that he is angry about me adopting Lucy. I pretty much had figured that out, as he really didn't have much to do with her. I cannot blame him for his feelings, and take responsibility for it. Things were just SO different way back then, and I thought I was doing what was best for HIM. But that doesn't mean it doesn't hurt, and I get that. The night before he flew back to Wisconsin, and said he would let me take a picture of the 2 of them together. My heart was so full of joy! I know he still doesn't fully understand, but I feel this is a great first step. And hey, I will take what I can get. I love them BOTH!

Photoshoot Friday

Friday we had a fun photoshoot with our friends. Becca is 4, and is from Hunan. Her mom Emily is my best friend, and was my mentor through CCAI. They moved to Indiana last summer, but drove 3 hours back just for the pics! Linley is 2 and is from Guangxi. We met her mom Shannon through Emily, and we all became fast friends. Then of course there is our Lucy, almost 3 from Jiangxi. Are they not the cutest? We mommies are so proud!

Sad news

Mark's grandfather passed early this morning surrounded by family. I feel so sorry Mark's mother, as she has lost her mother, brother, and now her father all in the last year and a half. I remember the pain I felt when my father passed away. It was a pain I have never felt before, and have not felt since. I also remember thinking that "part of me" was lost. One of the two people responsible for ME was gone forever. I know when I lose my mother, although I will be surrounded by loved ones, I will somehow feel alone. Knowing this, I feel for her in a special way. Both people responsible for HER are gone. My wish for her is that she knows I truly care for her, and am so PROUD to call her my mother-in-law. She is a strong strong woman who would do anything for anyone, even sacrificing herself. I pray the Lord provides her peace and comfort, and loving people for support. I know the next few weeks and months will not be easy for her, so please continue to pray for her and her family. Thanks to ALL OF YOU who left such sweet messages last night. They did not fall on deaf ears.

News.....

Sorry I have not posted. Mark's grandfather is dying as I type this. Back to the nursing home. Please keep our family in prayer.

Tagged X2

Okay guys! I have been tagged by my gals Keli and Kelly. I am REALLY trying to get to it ......I promise! Just give me a little more time!

WE ARE ACTIVATED!!

WOOHOO!! YEAH! Praise the Lord! We are activated baby! Our profile can NOW be shown to prospective birth parents! No more paperwork! (well for awhile anyways! LOL!) I can finally relax! Between Commonwealth closing and taking our money, and switching to this domestic program from international (Nepal) we (really I) have been doing paperwork since March. I really thought once or twice I may lose it. We are over the moon excited to have a son, but we do stop every once in awhile and think we just might be crazy. And who knows, maybe someday there will be another one after that.
Maybe I should start praying now that we win the lottery!

Go Buckeyes!

Last night Lucy stayed all night with her "aunt Essie & uncle Tom". Today they took her to a fundraiser at The Horseshoe (aka Ohio State stadium). The Buckeyes had an away game, but they broadcast the game, and had Brutus show up. Although I would have loved to have a picture of my daughter with our beloved mascot, alas, as usual, she freaked out. ( we are thinking no Santa this year........?) So, instead of said photo, please enjoy the one of friends of ours with Brutus, Mr. Davis and Miss Sally, children I had the pleasure of sitting for as infants.

At The Mall

The table after lunch. Next pic, the floor. YES, we tipped him REAL WELL!

Big Girl Bed

We tried the "big girl bed" Thursday night. It lasted 20 minutes or so. Back to the crib. At 2:15AM she woke screaming "I want my crib!" Keep in mind she WAS in her crib! Tips anyone?????

Sad Day For Our Nation

'Nough said.

Trick or Treat Wisconsin Style

Bottom row: Brodi & Tyler
Top row: My brother Jeremy, Kelsey, Lucy and my husband Mark
BUCKEYE FANS AT HEART

My talented sister-in-law Amy handmade these costumes in less than a week! No sewing machine at all! (You should have seen her blisters..or NOT!) They are suppossed to be the "weiners" from the races for the Milwaukee Brewers.

Lucy picked her own costume this year...a piece of candy corn. We weren't sure she would wear anything, so when SHE picked this out, it was a go!