I'm officially a Quilter!.... maybe??

I returned home this afternoon from SC. I think I posted before I left that I was going to scrapbook while my Mom and my Aunts quilted Lexi's quilt. Well... I arrived Tuesday afternoon and my Aunt Lucille, Louise, Alice and Mom were quilting away! I wasn't there no time before my Aunt Lucille asked me if I wanted to learn. I didn't say much and then later, she tells me to pull up a chair and she'd show me what to do. So I began. I didn't do very much. I'm very, very slow. But I did it! I can't even begin to express how grateful I am to these sweet women. They worked day and night on the quilt and when I left this afternoon, they were still going strong. I've selected some pictures to share.

They had made it about this far when I arrived. On Monday they worked until 11:30 that night! My cousin Kay told me that it was funny to watch them because the first step before beginning was having a piece of cake!

The meticulously stitched in and around each square. At this point, I was still a spectator.



This PCV frame was made by my Uncle David. They told me that in "the old days" the quilt frames that they used were made of wood and the quilt rolled up on it. At night they lifted it to the ceiling to get it out of the way. All of my aunts have quilted before. Mom said that my Grandmother used to show them how to do it but she hasn't ever made one until now. I remember visiting my Grandmother and sleeping under several quilts to keep warm in winter. The old house they lived in was made of wood and had a wood burning stove in the kitchen and the living room so the rooms were very cold at night. Being the youngest, I had the earliest bedtime so I always went to bed first. I remember running and jumping in the bed and shivering like mad for the first few minutes until the quilts and my body heat got me warm. It was then that my sisters would ALWAYS come to bed and scoot me out of my warm spot and claim it as their own. As much as I fussed about it as a child, it's a fond memory now. I loved that old house and we had so much fun visiting our Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, and cousins.

But back to the quilt, each time they finished stitching a section, they had to make sure the backing was not bunching up anywhere and attach it perfectly to the frame. Each time I took at least 10 minutes to do and each time, my Aunt Alice ended up UNDER the frame and the quilt. It was so funny!



This is the back of the quilt. You can see all the stitching and the quilt is taking shape. Yesterday in the sunlight, you could see the squares behind the backing. It was beautiful but I couldn't seem to photograph it. I wonder how many stitches this quilt will have??


I needed to leave just after lunch today if I was to see Geoff off on a business trip but before I left I stitched Geoff's square. It took me about an hour to do this one square. I love this picture. Everyone says me and Mom are beginning to look more like each other.


This is a close up of the individual stitches for each square. I never dreamed so many stitches would go into this quilt!




This is a picture we took today. It "looks" like the quilt is finished but they still have many hours of work to do. When I left today, they were on the last two rows of squares. Then they were going to design a pattern to go all around in the pink gingham. Mom is going to do the binding around the outside once she comes home. The quilt gets more beautiful every time I look at it!

Before I left, I drove down the dirt road where my Aunts live and took this picture of the property where my Grandparents house stood when I was growing up. It burned down when I was still a teenager. The only building left is a smokehouse but yet when I look at it, I can still see that old house surrounded by big oak trees with the red brick chimney. What fond memories it holds!

Part of what has made this quilt so special all along has been that it has brought so many people into and even back into our lives. I'm going to title my scrapbook pages "Making Memories" because that's exactly what this experience has been . I'm so glad that I went to SC even if I couldn't stay the entire time. I'll forever have wonderful memories of all the love and time that have gone into this quilt.

I stayed with my cousin Kay, and her husband Ronnie and son, Will. I had really lost touch with Kay even though we were so close growing up. It was great to reconnect. The first night I was there we were all up until 2:30 talking! I slept in Will's room. That was the first challenge of the week! Will has a corn snake... IN his room. Being in the "country" we had exchanged a few "snake" stories during the evening. When I went to bed that night, I knew the snake was there but figured I could do it... As I was going to bed I looked on the wall to see Will's poster of a bunch of snakes. That's when I decided that I better take an Ambien "just in case". :) Well, it all went well. I slept soundly and "made nice" with Mr. Snake. That's just another story for me to share with Lexi now.

I know this has been a long post... but this blog is really for Lexi. I use it to keep track of things while we wait and the last few days are certainly some days I do not want to forget. Even scrapbooking these memories will not enable me to share it all. And in the end, this experience has been so much for me too. I know my Mom and Aunts love me very much to do this for Lexi. I can't wait for her to meet this wonderful people in our lives. We're truly blessed!

Tryin' Again... Thanks Holly and Phil!

Last week we received a scrapbook page from Geoff's Uncle Phil and Aunt Holly. It's taken me way too long to post it but suffice it to say... I Love it! We called last night to thank them and I learned that this was Holly's very first scrapbook page. Not only is it totally awesome, it's very creative and heartfelt. Holly must have researched China adoptions to know about the invisible red thread connection in American-Chinese adoptions. (I'll post this info one day soon.) I need to do a page in Lexi's adoption album about the red thread.

Inside the box with the scrapbook page was a Gymboree box with the cutest little summer dress with matching sunglasses. Yea! Another dress for Little Lexi! What a cute little girly girl she will be! This was an unexpected surprise for us. Phil and Holly... we love and appreciate you both very much! We can't wait for Lexi to meet you both!


P.S. Thanks Holly for your thoughtfulness and Phil for cheering her on as she worked so hard!

On a side note... has anyone noticed the disappearing ladybug at the top of our page??? Does this mean that once the lady bug "waits" herself right off of our page Lexi will appear??? I wish!

Sometimes I absolutely HATE blogger and DSL! Tonight is one of them. I just finished typing a post that I've needed to do for a week now and low and behold when I uploaded it... gone into cyberspace-can't-be-displayed-neverland!!!

I'm trying to get a bunch of things wrapped up before I head up to SC tomorrow. Mom left today after the funeral of one of our oldest dearest family friends. (We love you and will miss you Ms. Betty!) I'm going up tomorrow to join mom and her 3 sisters (Aunt Alice, Louise, and Lucille) as they begin hand stitching the quilt. I'm trying to bake a cake to take... cause what else can I do but help feed them! I only WISH I was talented enough to make a quilt! I've still got to pack and hopefully get some sleep tonight so that I can drive in the morning. As an insomniac, I tend to have NO trouble at all sleeping while I drive! Last night it was 4 AM before I drifted off. And what happens but some kind of glitch that will make me repost!! So here I am trying again, just to see if I CAN post... and complaining a bit while I'm at it!!

One Year Ago Today...

One year ago today, we filed our online application to CWA to adopt from China and began our paperchase to Lexi. Geoff and I were talking about it last Saturday and reminded ourselves how easily Lexi came into our lives. On the 16th of last year, we attended an International adoption seminar and by the next day we had named our daughter. There were no other considerations... just Lexi. It's funny how names come to you. We didn't have this name in mind, we had never met anyone named Lexi and yet, we both loved it. She's meant to be ours. I pray each night for her and wonder if she is born yet. I pray for her mother and those who will help and love her. In my heart, I feel that she is not quite born yet but it will be soon. I pray for her mother as she embarks on the beginning of a journey that will ultimately bring Lexi to us. I know it will be a heart-wrenching thing to do but in the end, I can only be grateful of Lexi's birthmother's courage and love for her daughter.

So here we are one year passed. It's doesn't feel like it's been a year already but yet the 9 - 10 months that we probably still have to wait until we hold her seems so far away. This is why I pray every night and do my very best to put it all in God's hands.

Stars, dresses, horses, and bunnies - Oh MY!

I can't believe it is already Wednesday. I can count on time just passing super quickly now that my summer vacation is almost over. I got the dreaded "It's almost time to come back to school" letter today. It never fails, these letters come wayyyyy to quickly! Whatever happened to 3 months off for teachers???

Well, in the "Waiting for Lexi Saga", I accomplished a few things today and added a few unnecessary, YET FUN, things for her. I made a trip back to St. Simons to the quilt shop today. Mom has been sewing meticulously and could now determine how much fabric the quilt needed for the backing. So I went back for some fabric that I totally fell in love with last time. Let me digress... once it was determined that the quilt would NOT fit a double bed without looking silly, my dear sweet mother went on a mission to add some squares. Within a couple of days, she has sewn enough more squares to go across the top and down one side again. She used some left over fabric for some of the squares (meaning, some people will have their fabric in more than one spot and for the rest, she is counting them as hers. Given the time, devotion and quest for perfection... I think she can do that!). So, low and behold, Lexi will have a full size quilt. The fabric I chose for the back was pastel colored stars. I felt this was perfect for a quilt of good wishes!

Mom is going to SC next week to join her 3 sisters. Together, they will hand stitch the quilting. I have no idea how this works! I will be going up for a couple of days to document it and just maybe learn a thing or two.

After leaving the quilt shop, I couldn't help but stop by this Children's shop called "Baily's Boys". St. Simons is full of little boutiques with unusual items. Well, they were having a 40% sale... you know what that means! Lexi Jayne has a new dress! I was thinking about the clothing we have purchased for her. Geoff tends to pick out the fun everyday clothes and I on the other hand choose the cute little dresses. I thought I had bought a lot but really I've only bought 4 total. That's really not bad. This one was too cute to pass up.

I also bought her this little stuffed horse. Sable is so jealous! She would just love to lick it and pull it's hair out. This horse is even softer than the little pink puppy Geoff bought her months ago!

And I bought Lexi this cute little bunny pillow. I can just imagine she will enjoy this pillow for many years to come. I don't know why exactly, but shopping for Lexi is so much more fun than shopping for me.

Just for you Kelly!

I haven't even tried to post all of my scrapbook pages even though, I am thinking of creating a link on the side bar to share some of my creations. However my niece, Kelly, has been dying to see her page. Well, I've been feeling under the weather today and decided to scrapbook. I made a double layout for wishes from Sara and Chris, my sister Shirley and her Chris, Kelly and Kim and Alyson. So Kelly.... check these out! I hope you like your page.

I've really run out of wishes to do. I've now got a pile of fabric pieces from a couple of people that I think I can still get their wish. And then I have the pile of pieces that I don't really think I will be sucessful. These I'm thinking of doing a double layout titled "Wishes in their hearts..." I don't want to leave them out, but also don't want to write their wish. Some people just didn't get the 100 Good wishes quilt idea but yet they wanted to participate. The quilt has 63 squares. That's enough for 126 people. We really only got fabric from around 108 people... I think! It got hard to keep up with. I've still got to double check. It's turning out awesome. So is the Wish Book. Mom sewed all the green around the squares. It's turning out to be a bit smaller than we wanted but I keep telling mom I don't care. It's the thoughts, time, and patience that have gone into it. If it won't cover her double bed enough to be used as a "comforter", she can still use it for warmth or she can use it on her toddler bed.

The Nursery is done!

I've been wanting to post this picture, but with our Internet and wireless misbehaving, I haven't gotten very far. We shall see if I can it to work today.

We have had the nursery mostly ready for some time but I have been waiting to put things on the wall until I got everything I wanted. I've been eyeing some sheers in the Pottery Barn catalog since early Spring. I wanted them to go on sale. Well finally last week they did and we ordered them. I wanted to bring in some pinks to liven up the colors.

This photo shows the last piece of furniture that we have added. Geoff's parents brought it down in April. I didn't have the knobs on it so I've waited to post. I love this piece! It was Geoff's dads growing up, then they used it with his brother, and now for Lexi. Granpa Jake painted it match Lexi's other furniture. It's really lovely!

To see the rest of her nursery go to http://lexisnursery.blogspot.com or click on the link that I added to the sidebar.

Happy Fourth! / Check this out!!!

Happy Fourth of July!! (A day late... our internet was down last night.) We went to my parent's house today for a cookout with most of the family that live here near town. It was delicious! After lunch, my mom, Carolyn, and I laid out the squares for the quilt. Mom is ready to begin sewing the border onto the squares. I've known all along that this quilt is going to be precious but we could really get a feel for what the finished quilt will look like. The first picture shows all the squares arranged in the order they will be sewn.

Here is a sample of what the quilt will look like with the background and the borders. The length of the pink gingham will depend on how long we need it to be on her double bed.


Within a few hours of getting home yesterday, Mom called to say that she had already sewn some of the green background to some squares. This is getting soooo exciting! I haven't scrapbooked any wishes in a while so this just makes me want to get busy on it again and finish it! I had to order a second Creative Memories book to put the wishes in. It's turning out to be a 2 volume set!

We're also very excited that we are finally finished with the nursery. I'm going to post pictures later. Hopefully, I'll have a new "Nursery" section on the blog very soon.

Finally July... (come quickly March '07)

I may just like Wal Mart afterall. As much as I dislike our visits to our local Wally-World, I may just appreciate the place while in China. I've been reading some blogs about fellow CWA clients in China as we "speak". They all seem to go to Wal-Mart! It does appear that Wally-World is different in China including items such as Tiger-paws and octupus. Ugh.... it is comforting that we will at least have a familiar place to shop for clothes that fit and a nearby McDonalds. At this point, I'd prefer to be able to fast-forward to March to our referral date and be preparing to travel. It will come. As July comes, I can only think that on this date one year ago, I wouldn't even think about international adoption. Talk about eating crow!! That's me!! And at this point, I'll accept the role. I now know that our daughter is in China, waiting for us to come take care of her. Each night as I go to bed, I pray for her, her mother, and then for the time when we can finally meet her. I honestly know that this time next year, we will be showering our daughter with our endless affection. That's really a comforting feeling. (Sleep well, little Lexi... we're coming as fast as we can! And I love you sooooo much it hurts!!! I'll love you forever! Mommy)

January DTC Sock Swap!

Our January DTC group is at it again with a Sock Swap! When I got home from my Atlanta trip I had two packages waiting for me. This pair is from Lori H. She had these made especially for our swap. They are adorable!
This pair is from Cindy P. Pink! Gotta love it! These will match just about everything in Lexi's closet.

These ladies are very thoughtful!

Opposites Attract

They say opposites attract... this is very evident in our marriage. Take this list of TV shows my dear hubby just LOVES to watch (for the moment anyhow)!

King of Cars (Chop, Chop! . . . "The Blue Genie!")
Dog the Bounty Hunter
Walker, Texas Ranger (I now know the theme song by heart...that's so sad!)
Inked
Hogan Knows Best (although he's losing interest in this)
Real World/Road Rules Challenge (Will those kids ever grow up and get a real job??)
Wrestling (oh, how I hate to admit that one!!)

Now my list...
20/20
Cold Case Files
City Confidential
American Justice
So You think You Can Dance
Dateline
Close to Home

Geoff swears I watch all those crime dramas to plot how to murder him. Of course I need him around to help parent Lexi. *wink :-) *

In all fairness, these are the shows we agree on:
Survivor
American Idol
House
Lost
CSI

Of course, we ONLY watch tv when all of our "homework" is done. And of course, I chose to blog this silliness because he's watching King of Cars right now... what else is there to do at 10:00??? I'll gladly turn this nonsense in for the opportunity to parent our child and be so worn out when she goes to bed that I'll turn in as soon as she is down for the night!

120 Days Down and Quilting!

Take a look at the counter. Today marks the 4th month of officially WAITING!! That's 120 days down, approximately 240 to go until referral (with the current timeline... but still hoping for a speed up). As much as I hate the waiting, I'll admit we ARE at least making some progress... Albeit SLOWLY!

Mom and I went to a quilting store today in St. Simons (The Stepping Stone) to pick out the fabric that will go in between the squares that she has been making and the pattern along on the sides. They had TONS of fabric!! You might ask how long it took to pick out 3 different fabrics??? Let's just say... about one hour per pattern! We must have touched every single bolt of fabric in the store! The words for today are, "Well, What do YOU think??" I wanted this work of art to be extra special for Lexi but also I wanted it to be extra special for my Mom. She is afterall putting in all the hours and hard work. Well, after hours of mixing and matching, and remixing and matching a nice lady came over to see what we were doing. Keep in mind this quilt store is in a fairly remote area and not on the beaten path so beside us, we only saw one other shopper. The other ladies were there quilting together. She comes over and asks us about the quilt. When we told her what a difficult time we were having, she offered up her friend who is the "color expert" of the group. Within 15 minutes this woman had us straight and ready to check out! Imagine that! I still wouldn't have it any other way though. I've got a great story to tell Lexi about her quilt and she'll know how much time and care her Grandmother took to make her the absolute PERFECT quilt. One of these days I'm going to make some pages for her Good Wishes book that tell about the making of the quilt and today's journey will certainly include the words "Well, What do YOU think??"


The green will be used to frame the squares, then the yellow will provide a border and the pink gingham will be used as a frame and piping. It's going to be so beautiful!

Happy Anniversary to us!!

Today is our 7th Wedding Anniversary! It's amazing how fast time flies. We didn't plan anything special for today. Geoff is cooking steaks on the grill but the reality is, we know that everyday is an anniversary and we love each other very much! We've been on this journey to have a child together for almost 4 years now. We've experienced many ups and downs along the way, however this has to be the most positive outlook we've had so far...even with the longer wait. By this time next year, we'll be celebrating the arrival of a little girl who has made us a family. How cool is that!!

Scrappin!

I signed up for a scrapbook class for last Friday. I figured it would give me something fun to do while Geoff was off taking a CPA Review class. It was fun and I did learn a thing or two. It takes me HOURS to make a layout. The girl teaching the class said it only took her about 20 minutes to think of this layout once she was given the materials. Ugh... will I ever reach that point??? Here's the results of my first class.



So once I arrived home, I decided to work some more. I made these two pages for Lexi's book. I guess you can see the middle name Jayne has stuck!



I'm all geared up for my visit with Samantha. I'll be flying to Atlanta on Wednesday. We are going to scrapbook until we drop! I can't wait! She expecting her first baby in early August so the two of us are going to make some pages that we can just add pictures to once our little ones arrive. Geoff is going to pick me up on Saturday, so in the meantime, he'll have plenty of time to STUDY!!

Pink Flamingo's!!

Last Thursday, I went into Savannah to do some shopping for a couple of babyshowers and for my June Fun in the Sun Secret Pal gift. Of course, I had to stop in Gymboree and see if the little outfit that I've been wanting for Lexi was on sale yet. Low and behold it was! Check this out!


I just totally fell in love with this little Flamingo outfit with the ruffly bloomers! There haven't been too many outfits that I couldn't pass up and this was one of them. However, I have learned that if you wait Gymboree WILL have a sale. So I've been waiting for about a month now... and now it's in Lexi's room! Geoff couldn't believe I liked the Flamingos. I threatened to pay some of Sara's friends when she was in High School to go next door and steal a "flock" of Flamingos from our neighbor. (Turns out it was just a fund raiser where you pay to get them removed from your lawn and then you pick whose house they go to next.) I approve of Flamingo's on clothing... just not on lawns.

I also bought her some more PJ's. Of course, I had to pick up the matching stuffed sheep so that she can cuddle it as you goes off to sleep! These will work for summer or even as a play outfit around the house. In our house, you can NEVER have too many PJ's. I think someone should pass a National Wear Your PJ's to Work Day. I love them that much!

Catching Up!

You know, you never know how tied to the Internet you are until it messes up. I have been wanting to post but something has been wrong with our Internet the last couple of days. So now I find myself with a lot of things to post so if you are a reader of our blog, beware!

I need to send a big hug to our secret Pal! We got a package in the mail on Friday. It was my secret pal gifts for May and June. The theme for May was something for a new mom and June is Fun in the sun. I have to say my SP just outdid herself this month! She sent my favorite Victoria's Secret scent, "Love Spell". It had the body scrub, mist, and lotion in a cute little carry bag. I was almost out of my Love Spell stash, so it was perfect timing!

And for Fun in the Sun, she picked out the most adorable little swimsuit with matching shoes, hair bow, and sunglasses. It's even from Gymboree which of course is Geoff's favorite baby store. She topped of an already super nice gift with a sand bucket full of baby sunscreens! What a wonderful treat! I hope our SP reads our blog so that she will certainly know how awesomely thoughtful I think she is! I can't wait to take Lexi to the beach for the first time in this cute little swimsuit!

Father's Day

Finding just the right "present" for Geoff in our situation was challenging. I wanted to do something but yet not too much. So on Saturday, I got the idea of making a scrapbook layout that I could put in our "Journey to Lexi" book. I used papers that Geoff had picked out for me for my birthday. He even had asked me to use one of the patterns for his wish page (it just didn't match his fabric!). So I decided to use it. I pittled around and found some suitable pictures and here it is! I love how it turned out. I also got him a shirt for Lexi that said, "Daddy's Girl" and a bib with "I love Daddy" on it. We went to church yesterday and then afterwards went to dinner with my family for my Dad. It was a nice day and it's so nice to think that next year on Father's Day, we may one of the lucky couples at church dedicating their baby to Christ.

Slow Summer Days...

I guess anyone who reads my blog can tell that I have too much time on my hands these days. I'm really trying to stay busy but still find myself feeling a bit lazy too. I rationalize that sleeping late is a luxury that I don't normally have... so why NOT sleep in. I'm sure I'll get past my lazy days of summer soon. I need to go to work and move my personal items to my new room (the computer lab!!) and do some planning for next year. But right now, that just seems like a big CHORE! This morning, I went and had my hair highlighted, had lunch with Geoff and then came home. I browsed through my cook books and settled on two new recipes to try and ran out to get everything I needed. Now after finishing dinner.... I have to say it was DELICIOUS!! We had Garlic Shrimp, lemon buttered new potatoes, toasted French bread and garden salad. Yum!!! Both of the recipes were from one of my Southern Living cookbooks. The Garlic shrimp was cooked in a sauce that was just delicious as a dipping sauce for the bread. This meal is a keeper! Geoff thinks he's got a gourmet wife and is loving every moment of me trying out new recipes. So wonder what's next??? We shall see!!

More Bibs!

This past Saturday, we got this cute bib in the mail from S. Allen in New Jersey. It's too cute! I love Winnie the Pooh!



And then yesterday, we got another one from the Cappello's, also from New Jersey! It's also adorable! You can never have too many bibs. We really appreciate everyone's kindness!

It's Raining... It's Pouring...

Tropical Storm Alberto has kept us wet all day! I have a love/hate relationship with rainy days. They make perfect stay in bed late days but then I have to deal with the dogs. Sables is a mud-puppy and gets soaking wet running through puddles every time she goes out. Patches on the other hand practically will "hold it" all day to avoid getting her feet wet! Talk about opposites!

So to deal with the rain, I've delighted my dear hubby by cooking for him. Getting lunch cooked is one of the few perks he gets from me being home in the summer! I cooked a regular lunch (Italian marinated chicken, lima beans, and stove top stuffing) but that motivated me to try something new for dinner. I searched on Allrecipes.com and found recipe for Chicken Marsala and Garlic Linguine. I was a bit worried trying two new recipes but it turned out really good. I doctored the linguine a little bit. The Chicken Marsala wasn't even close to being as good as Carrabas but we enjoyed it. Now I'm itching to find something else new to try! Any suggestions anyone??

First day of Summer Vacation!!

So today was my VERY FIRST WEEKDAY OF SUMMER VACATION... I still couldn't sleep as late as I would have liked. I had to get up and take poor little Sable to the vet. (For those of you with a week stomach... stop reading here!!) Last night she had ruptured an anal gland... not too comfortable I'm told. After some investigating on the internet, I figured out what was going on but they used the words... extremely painful, expensive, and DANGEROUS. So I made sure I took her in first thing this morning. She's fine. They put them on antibiotics for safety purposes. In reality dogs seem to know what is best for them. (We were mortified when she "scooted" on the concrete patio.) Poor baby.... She also has the beginnings of cataracts. At this point, you can't convince me that babies are more expensive than Sable. If it can happen to a dog... it will happen to her. She has canine epilepsy, eyes fixed, been "fixed", had knee problems, and now this. She has been our "baby" for almost 8 years now. Next week, we will celebrate our 7th anniversary. The next day Sable will be 8 years old. The day of our wedding, we came back to the house to change to leave for the honeymoon. The ONLY picture we took here was of us with Sable with Geoff in his tux and me in my wedding dress. It is still my favorite of all our wedding pictures. I guess this is evidence that we really DO need a baby to spoil.

On another note, the (probably) LAST piece of fabric for Lexi Jayne's Quilt is IN THE MAIL. Somehow, our sweet daughter sent a postcard to her dear Great Aunt Neaners and Uncle Charlie telling them that her quilt would not be complete without their fabric. (The end of May was our cut-off for fabric as Mom is anxious to finish the quilt). Lexi is already showing the family sense of humor as her post card was a picture of the University of Ga. knowing that her Uncle Charlie is an alumni of Ga. Tech. We got a call from Neaners today saying that the fabric was in the mail and turns out their little "Auggie Doggie" can relate to Sable's little problem. :)

With today being the first official day of my summer vacation... I still found myself bored after the vet visit. Poor Geoff.... poor, poor Geoff. He lives for the days of year round school. I checked the mail, weeded out the stupid stuff, and had questions about some of it (like the donation to the Humane Society... aren't our own vet bills proof enough of our caring for animals??) By the end of the week, he'll be begging for me go find a part time job!!

The latest in our "Waiting for Lexi Saga" is planning one more adult trip before she arrives. We are planning a trip to Vegas the week of Thanksgiving with my sister and her husband, John. Afterall, we won't be taking her there. It will give us one more thing to look forward to and if we're wise, we can use the stipend that I will be getting for extra training as our ticket there. We're going back to VEGAS BABY!!!

Postcards, bibs and Summer VACATION!!

Our DTC Yahoo Group has been doing a postcard exchange. Actually this is the 2nd one. I've enjoyed getting postcards from all over the place! Today we got one from Lisa and Brent from Virginia. It had the sweetest poem written on it so I decided to share.

Waiting

I haven't met you yet or seen your face

but in my heart you hold a place.

My hopes grow with each passing day,

even though you're miles away.

I know you're there waiting for me,

as I am here waiting to see,

the child God has sent from above,

to make me a mother

and share my love.

K. Cooper

What a sweet poem! Reading it, you can just tell that it was written by someone waiting for a baby and it certainly sums up how I feel!

We also got another surprise in the mailbox! It was a bib from Kim in the January DTC Yahoo Group. We do all kinds of things to help pass the time. We've recently begun a monthly swap. This month is bibs. Socks are next.... it's fun packaging and sending things out to others. Today, we got this cute bib for Lexi! It's just adorable but I don't think it will match her Thing One outfit (will anything???)

Tomorrow is my L*A*S*T day before my summer break!! I'm actually taking some training from Intel this week as my last week so I'll be popping in next week to clear out for the year and move my things to my new room. But at least I can do that on MY own time, WHEN I want! I soooo need a break!! The big question is "how long will it take for me to start driving Geoff crazy because I'm off and he's still working???". He gets a bit nervous when I'm off because I clean every square inch of the house, which means I file.... throw out stuff... and CLEAN OFF HIS DRESSER!! Then I make it worse by constantly reminding him of all the repairs that need to be done around the house. That said... I'm still not feeling sorry for him. Where's the trash bags and dust cloths???

Nursery "Doodie"

Who would have EVER thought that by me teaching Sunday School, I could get some "training" for our upcoming potty training experience with Lexi?? Not me!! I have this one little guy who just will not let a Sunday go by without me having a "doodie" experience. I'm beginning to dread going now! I'm sure changing your own child is TOTALLY easier to do. This morning I even started asking him right away if he needed to go potty. The thing is, this is the child who didn't want to get his hands dirty with paint to make a handprint poem for his mom on Mother's Day but yet he doesn't mind the dirty diaper! Ugh... it's just ... augh!!!

We got double duty with kids this morning. After Sunday School, we were asked to assist with His Kids. This is our church's version of worship service for kids 3 to 5th Grade. Well, after it was over, Geoff's comment was .... no wonder we want a girl! The boys in his group were very "active" to put it nicely! I had some of the same problems myself. It's hard for me being a teacher because the teacher in me wants to come out as soon as they begin acting out. The others in the church though are more likely to "coax" them into behaving. I just tell them straight up. Of course while we were in there, we were snagged to help out for the entire month of July. Are WE NUTS OR WHAT?????

Thing 1...

This is LJ's new outfit. I showed it to Wanda, but of course she was not very thrilled with the thought of her being Thing 1. This is going to be one spoiled girl. We have already been looking into different schools for her for later. Wanda wants her to go to elementary school here in the county, but we are not sure about after that. There are a couple of schools in Glennville that we might look at, or there is always Savannah. Some provide transportation from here, so that will be important. We have plenty of time to worry about that, so I will leave that for later. Saturday begins my classes for the CPA Exam. I will be traveling a lot, but in the end it will be worth it. I should have all of these tests completed by the end of the year.

Let's RETIRE May!

Is it Thursday already??? It's amazing to me how fast the "speed of life" can be at times and at others how it can just c.. r.. a.. w..l! The month of May has not been slow for me, not one bit! Now that June is here, I only hope that things will slow down. I haven't even had time to work on the Big "D" even after my advisor called and we simplified my study! I even now have ALL of the data I need to finish the thing!! But I do need to have some uninterrupted time to work on it. My sister called today to tell me that my niece is on the look out for a post of her wish "scrapbooked". I wish it was done but the reality is that I have PLENTY of time to get it done before Lexi comes and scrapbooking is on the list of things to do AFTER I get what I HAVE to do complete. Today I had so called "Train the Mentor" training in our county. Keeping in mind that I have spent the last year training teachers.... this training just totally stunk! We basically spent the morning reading from a manual that I could read on my own. Not only that, the material we were reading was all about best practices in teaching, which because I have proven to use these practices I was chosen to take the training. THIS is one of the reasons I think Education is in trouble in America. We WASTE so much time on training and talking about what should be done to the people who do it already. I'm supposed to redeliver my training (3 days worth) to Mentors of new teachers, who will then "mentor" a new teacher next year. Sooooo.... the big question is why do I need training to oversee someone that I have to train when they could be sitting in the training right now along side of me??? And the waste of money!!! I'll be paid to oversee the mentors. Does anyone see the absurdness of this besides me??

And while I'm complaining..... I will probably get "in trouble" because I did not return from lunch today. I had prior approval from one of the "head honchos" to attend a luncheon for my current supervisor. She is retiring this summer after over 30 years of awesome service. Well, when I arrived at training today and spoke to the "other honcho" she was mortified that I would not be there for every single second!! I mean, goodness knows I can't read the manual being read to us myself!! Well, lunch lasted longer and I just didn't go back. I had the feeling that honoring this woman that has done so much for our school system and for me personally was more important. There are times in our lives when we do have to "stop the speed of life" and look at what is important. This was one of them.

And I guess now that I've vented my frustrations, I step off my soap box and quietly wait for June 9th to come when I can spend some time catching up on things like the dissertation and driving my hubby crazy cleaning out every closet in the house yet AGAIN! (Quietly you say? Well, yes!! I pinky swear!... well maybe!!)

Good Times!

We're HOME!! We had such a good time even if is was HOT, HOT, HOT in Orlando. We had 4 day passes to Universal Studios so Geoff and I spent the morning going back to some of our favorite rides today before we left. I needed to ride the Revenge of the Mummy again because I missed a lot yesterday thanks to my sister. She hates roller coasters. Well, yesterday we got in line for the Revenge of the Mummy and waited in a long line for about 45 minutes or longer. We didn't really read the map about the rides so none of us really had a clue how it would be. The funny part was Cindy and Kelly (the other couple that went with us) went ahead of us and rode it while we were eating lunch. They called John just before we got on the ride and told him how scary it was but John played it off and told Carolyn that it was a cake walk... until we were locked in the seat and he said, "now do you want me to tell you what Kelly really said?". Geoff and I were already laughing at them when the ride started and I don't think I stopped laughing for the next 20 minutes. My sister screamed the entire ride in short panicked screams. I don't know exactly why I laughed so hard but it just tickled me silly. Of course, this is great "teasing material" I'll have to rib my sister for quite some time!

I can't wait to take Lexi to a theme park. They had such cool things for the little ones to do. We kept thinking about future vacations with her. It was fun to get away and I think it helped us to take time away from constantly checking on adoption news on the internet. We were able to focus on enjoying ourselves and everyone's company. I even spent time doing one of my favorite things, reading. I've had The Secret Lives of Bees since last summer and just never picked it up as I've spent so much time on my computer since we began this adoption journey. I love this book! I should finish it tonight. Now it's back to work. I have 9 more days until I can say I am officially out for summer.

Blah News!

This disappointing message was posted on CWA's web board yesterday. I think it is ironic that they are giving so much information now on the web board. When I was impatient and freaking out over every single delay during our dossier preparation, I was told I was being difficult (yes, I still have not gotten over that one!) and that they were doing the best they could. Well... they have gotten better and even if the news just plain stinks, at least we are getting regular updates.

Dear China Families,

Many of you have already seen the CCAA website which states that the next referral group will be for families with log-in dates from June 6 - June 15, 2005. CWA doesn't have any families with log-in dates during this time period, so we are not expecting any referrals this time.

I know how breathtakingly disappointing this news must be for many of you, and my heart goes out to you. I get many calls and e-mails from families who are feeling despair, anxiety, anger, and confusion about the long referral wait time. I know this is extremely difficult emotionally, and also very difficult from a practical point of view. It's hard to make plans when the timeline is so uncertain. Also, many of you are growing concerned about when your CIS approval will expire, and asking what will be involved in re-applying to the CIS. (We'll talk about this next week.)

So I am bringing you this disappointing news, but I also send my sympathy and support to each of you. I know this is much harder than anyone expected it to be...


This totally disappointing but it's not totally unexpected. I still believe that it will be a little bit sooner. When we began this process, we thought we'd be in China this summer. Now it's more like summer of '07. Who knew?? Do I regret choosing China?? Not for one minute. As many people have said, our daughter is in China. We're not just out to get any baby.... we're finding our Lexi Jayne! (I'm trying out her middle name just in case we don't keep her Chinese name as her middle name.... sounds great to me!) So in light of all of this....what do we do in the meantime???

Ahh...

Finally, the worst of the school year is over! I made it through the Technology Showcase AND the training for our new teachers today. Talk about a sigh of relief!! I actually fixed dinner for Geoff tonight (it's only been about a week and a half). Last night after a LONG day and even longer Monday, I showered, sat in the recliner and let my toes "uncurl" from my dress shoes, and then went to bed right after 8:00 PM. I still have school related duties until June 10th but the rest is easy compared to the last two weeks. This weekend, we are going to Orlando with Carolyn and John and another couple for some R&R. We promised John the entire time he was in Iraq that we would do something once he was home. The guys have plenty of golf planned while us women will soak up some sun. I know my legs could certainly use some color! On the adoption front, no news really. There are "rumors" again of an extended long wait (specifically 18 - 24 months). I still believe that the wait will be 12 months to referral and then 2 months until travel. This means next April. One thing I'm learning is to expect a long wait and to be patient because there is NOTHING we can do about the wait. Our agency hasn't confirmed long waits yet but within their weekly updates, you can just tell it is really getting longer. Next week, they plan to tell us what to do about renewing immigration paperwork because it is only good for 18 months (I think this is correct). I guess if I have to focus on something "good" about the wait is that a longer wait makes it appear that things truly are getting better for the girls in China. It also means that maybe between now and travel time for us, oil costs will change. Right now airline fees to China are about $600 per person MORE than it was when we began our adoption process. That's just outrageous! With all indications being negative for Chinese adoptions lately, certainly things WILL turn around for us in the future. That's my HOPE and PRAYER and I'm sticking to it!!

Sleeping.... working.... and traveling....

I sort of had a better night last night. I was able to go to sleep before midnight! I've been in "hyper-drive" for the past couple of days trying to get this technology showcase together. Gateway is supposed to be pretty much doing the entire thing but somehow it has landed in all of our laps! By Sunday night, I'll be fretting to get my presentation completed. (Is June 9th here yet????) Tomorrow I am going to go scrapbooking with my group. I plan to get Elisa's page completed with my friend's (Nikki) help. She's so talented! I'll certainly post the completed page and the wonderful story her fabric told.


Geoff and I are also planning a Memorial Day Weekend-get-away with Carolyn and John. They have invited along another couple. Do you know how hard it is to get 3 couples to agree on what to do for a weekend? It's next to impossible. I have come to think that basically everyone starts to agree to just get some plans made! So basically, the "guys" will be going golfing at Disney World and the "girls" will be going to theme parks or sunning by the pool. We had tickets to "the phantom of the Opera" in Jacksonville next weekend but we gave them up to go with my sister and John after his return from Iraq. Of course, I made our Music teacher very happy to get tickets for free. We're not the only ones giving up tickets. Carolyn and John had tickets to see Faith Hill and Tim McGraw. We'll have a great time no matter what. (See how different we two sister are??)

On the adoption news.... none. However, there are "rumors" that the process in China is extending to 18 to 24 months. I REFUSE to take part in these "new" rumors. I have to say... I've learned patience during this process. I know it will happen and I faithfully believe that it will not be any longer than next Spring before we go to China. We will go get our daughter and we will be ready for her when that day arrives!

Insomnia Woes

I'm having the hardest time sleeping these days! I haven't had a good nights sleep since last Friday and the last 3 nights have been the worst! Last night, I tried the couch, the floor in Lexi's room, and walking around in the kitchen in the dark stretching my legs. I finally got up around midnight and took a hot bath to help relax my legs. I've got Restless Leg Syndrome (this has bothered my on and off as long as I can remember, even as a child) and I guess I've been a bit stubborn lately because I just didn't want to take the medicine for it. Afterall, you have to take it EVERY DAY. That's just nuts. But if this keeps up, I'll be refilling my prescription! It's awful because about the time I get to sleep, it's time to get up! I just keep thinking that maybe once we get Lexi, I'll loose the insomina and RLS because I'll be so worn out from chasing her around the house.

8 Days of school to go and a brown envelope!

You know the last few weeks of school has always driven me crazy. There are too many deadlines and too many panicky thoughts of not doing everything I wanted to with my kids. Inevitably, I always gave in at some point and just let "time" do its thing and relent that I am one person who can only do so much. I thought that I'd avoid this feeling this year since I'm teaching teachers instead of students. Well, that's just not the case. I have a banquet for the teachers that I worked with this year tomorrow and wanted to do all kinds of "extra" things but I just can't do it! The end of the school year is just as crazy as it ever was working with students. The only differenc is that my "students" are now teachers. To add to my load, I began working with 16 NEW technology teachers last week. I wish I could clone myself! (only maybe could I be a skinner version next time??) You can tell I'm overloaded because yesterday we got the infamous brown envelope from China and I didn't even post! I went to bed early instead (even though my mind still wouldn't shut down and let me sleep). The Brown Envelope is the notification from the US Consulate in Guangzhou letting us know that they have received our paperwork from the USCIS (immigration). It contains MORE paperwork that must be done to get Lexi here. It's great to know that someone in China knows we are coming, even if they don't know exactly when. So maybe once next week is over I can relax. I had a training session today with the new teachers and my supervisor walked in just before I was about to continue after a short break and told me that I have to present at technology showcase next Tuesday (can you tell how thrilled I am …. especially since I have more training on Monday). All I can say is "I give up!!" Time wins! The next 8 school days will come no matter what I do. If I think positively, I can say we'll be just that much closer to Lexi. I have until June 9th in this job and then I've taken the position of computer lab teacher at my school for next year. (I just can't seem to stay away from the kids!) So as I said, I give up!! I will do what I have to do and be done with it. I will do what I have to do…. I will do what I have to do… I will… I will ... I ...

Happy Mother's Day!!

Today has been a bittersweet day. It's been a fabulous day but yet, I still feel like something (or someone) is missing. I have to say that it was eventful, complete with Geoff helping me with Sunday School this morning where we made little hand print poems with the kids (and yet another Sunday of ME having "practice" changing dirty diapers"... augh....!!!) and then afterwards we had dinner at our house for my mom. We haven't had everyone over since last Labor Day. This time, we had all the "local" family here(except Chris who worked all night), everything was great and it was sooooo nice having everyone here. Sara gave me the sweetest "Mother and Daughter" necklace. I also wore my necklace that Geoff gave me of the Chinese symbols for Mother and Daughter. I feel like I am on the edge of having two daughters as I sit here and type my post. It's a long time dream of mine AND Sara, who awaits a sister. She is looking forward to Lexi so much too. I can't help but think that by this time next year, I should be a mother for the 2nd time and God willing, a Grandmother too.
Everyone was only gone about 15 minutes when I got a call from my advisor. FINALLY, some good news!!! He actually listened to me for a change and things just got easier for me to complete the dissertation. I have a lot of work to do the next few days but I'm up for it. I am soooooo...... ready to get this part of my life over!! It's one step closer to being ready for Lexi. Hopefully by next Mother's Day we'll be settling in nicely with little Lexi.
And one more thing, I got the nicest card from Geoff, the cats and the pups, and our sweet Lexi (who is by far a smart little girl to send a Mother's Day wish to me as I wait for her!... I have the dearest, sweetest husband ever!!) Life is GOOD!

I'm totally disappointed!!!

I admit it... I'm addicted to American Idol and Survivor! Tonight I'm totally disappointed that Chris was voted out!! He's such a family man. I was hoping he would make it to #1. I guess I should have voted! Now if Terry doesn't win Survior, I'm just going to have to swear off reality TV shows!!!!!!

It's been busy around here!!

So I haven't posted since last Friday. There is a reason for this and it all began last Friday! Geoff and I got a phone call about 12:30 Friday (Saturday morning)from my sister, Carolyn. It seems she fell asleep watching TV and when she woke up her eyes were really dry. So she reached over and grabbed what she thought was eye drops and proceeded to put them in her eye. Well, it turned out to be fingernail glue (aka... super glue!). She spent the night in the ER with her eyelids glued shut and ended up on Saturday morning at the Ga. Eye Institute (after Geoff and I drove her there). Guess what they do when you accidentally put glue in your eye????? They cut off your eye lashes and WAIT! So here it is Wednesday and FINALLY her eye is open. NEWS FLASH: You can put super glue in your eye and NOT damage your eye. However, you DO have to let the glue wear off. The funny part is my brother in law, John who arrived safely from Iraq on Monday. I warned my sister that he would have something smart to say and he did NOT let me down. We hadn't even left the eye institute and he called on his way back from Ireland. Carolyn explained what had happened... these are a synopsis of his comments:
~ Better get yourself some dark sunglasses Helen Keller.... You can use Peedee (their Jack Russell Terrier) as you seeing eye dog . . . Try to keep yourself together until I get home or shall I say "apart!". And once he got home he teased and teased her about looking like a Gecko! He keeps us laughing that's for sure!

So the moral of the story is.... do not keep eye drops anywhere near your nail glue. The containers are soooooo similar you can't tell the difference if you don't look carefully!

As I said before, John arrived home on Monday safe and sound. I haven't ever been to a homecoming ceremony until now and it was totally COOL! It was awe inspiring to see all of those men who have risked their lives for our freedom. I was so proud of everyone and of course my brother in law was a sight for sore eyes! We had a family welcome home dinner for him that evening. This is what life is really about... enjoying our family and all of the blessings we have from above. Welcome back John!! And Carolyn... congrats on finally prying your eye open!!! Now... throw out that nail glue!!!

The Fabric keeps coming!

This is from the Gallant's in Canada. I love this fabric!

This is fabric from my friend Nancy. It's funny that I'm posting her fabric today. It brings back memories of teaching with her last year before she moved to a different school. We had the BEST time with our kids last year during May. We bought them Mexican Jumping Beans and did all kinds of experiments with them. Then on Cinco de Mayo we had a Mexican Fiesta. I didn't like guacamole until I tasted her's. We paraded around school with our sombreros and had a great time! I miss teaching with her. Happy Cinco de Mayo, Nancy!

More Wishes and Surprises!

I've totally been slack with posting this week. I'm not even sure where the week went. I think it was Tuesday of this week that I was on my way back to school from lunch and was thinking of the quilt and which wish to scrapbook next. I was almost there and the words just started flowing in my head of what to say for Elisa's fabric (my teacher friend that just passed). It was amazing! Just words just "hit" me so I grabbed a pen and the back of a piece of paper and started writing my thoughts (as safely as possible I might add). When I came home, I sat down and wrote them out. My friend Nikki at work is going to help me make her page later this month. I'll share it when I'm done. I guess I'm just thankful that God gave the right words to say. Usually, I get my brainstorms in the shower... not driving down the road.

I have some new things to share. Last Saturday, my dear friend Samantha and her husband Dan sent us a package with Lexi's fabric. I was totally immersed in writing my dissertation so I didn't allow myself to post. (I've got to run with it when the mood hits!) I literally worked all day and up until about 9:00. Anyhow, here is what they sent.

Ever the teacher and advocate of women, Samantha sent a book about a little girl in China who wanted to go to college like the boys in her family. It's based on a true story and is a real girl power story! She also sent me some scrapbook stickers about adoption. One day soon, I'll post the poem included. It was really touching! Samantha and Dan are expecting "little Dan" in August. I'm planning to go to Atlanta in June to spend a little less than a week with them and she and I are going to SCRAPBOOK UNTIL WE DROP! She even sent me a birthday gift card to Archiver's in Atlanta to make sure I come (we don't have Archiver's here). Poor Dan! At least he'll have full control of the remote control for 5 days!
And of course, this is their page that they sent for Lexi. (Oops! The teacher in Samantha agrees with my sister Carolyn and spelled her name with an "e". We'll fix this in June!)
And this is fabric from Geoff's Aunt Holly and Uncle Phil in Maryland. Holly is going to send their page later. She also shares our love of Gymboree.

I don't have a clue how many pieces of fabric we have. I've lost count but I know we have at least 100. I can't wait to see the finished quilt!

Poor Patches!

What on earth is Patches going to do when Lexi gets here?? She is literally always "attached" to Geoff.

Happy Anniversary Sara and Chris!!

Three years ago (yes, on my birthday) Sara and Chris tied the knot. I can't believe it's already been three years! I love you two!

It's My Birthday and I'll talk (Long) if I want to...

Today has been an up and down b-day. I had a meeting at the Tech Office today (which was not the most fun meeting I've had in a while) and didn't get to my school until after lunch. When I got there, my dear friends Melissa, Melaine, and Susan had a nice gift for me from my favorite store in town. It was a Sign of Love Willow Tree Angel that came with a Yankee Candle as well as a car coaster (really cool!) and some Yankee matches. It was totally sweet of them! Then just after, I got a call from my brother in law. I couldn't believe it because I think it was night time in Iraq. The first thing that popped out of my silly mouth was, "Your calling from Iraq??" Duh! He's only been there for a year now! But we had a nice conversation and he totally made my day!

Geoff surprised me with a set of Golf Clubs. I've wanted to try it so I guess now I will. I thought it would be something fun we could do together. Plus he got me a pink scrapbooking case to carry all of my stuff in when I have a crop. This is cool because now I won't have to lug all my stuff in a rubbermaid container anymore! He's always great a picking out gifts.

Then I selfishly went to our school's Harley driving 2nd grade teacher and got him to have his kids sing happy birthday to me. (Just imagine... "Happy Birthday to you (cha, cha, cha!), Happy Birthday to you, (cha, cha, cha!) and so forth ~ You can't beat kids singing to you!) I missed having a class to do that this year so I made it happen!

Then Geoff called and wanted to grill steaks for me but no sooner did I buy them, did it start pouring rain. So I cooked dinner instead and we saved the steak for tomorrow. Rats! So I decided to get on the computer and check out the CWA web board and my Yahoo Groups. This is where I got down in the dumps somewhat. It seems that the wait is getting longer again! Now the wait for referral is more like 12 months from log in date. If this remains true, we will probably won't be going to China until my NEXT birthday. This experience seems to be the never ending uncertain journey! When we decided to try to have a baby, I told Geoff that I had a cut off date for becoming a mom again. Well, the next birthday is it. I never dreamed I'd be cutting it so close. It's frustrating!!! The only thing I can do is pray that things will change in China and will speed up. I wonder if we will ever get there. I worry that something will go wrong.... Ugh!!

So as I try to be positive I have been trying to think of good reasons to travel in the Spring of 07....
1. More time to get in shape and loose weight
2. Finish the dissertation
3. Have all 100+ wishes scrapbooked
4. learn to play golf before I can't do it anymore
I'm stretching to get 4 reasons... Anyone have any more??? I guess I could add, that I'd have the best birthday present ever but I'd like it at Christmas or Thanksgiving!

So this is it... Happy Birthday to me!

P.S. I titled this especially for my sister because she tells me I'm too long winded sometimes on the blog. :)

Treasures From Our Secret Pal

We got a wonderful package in the mail yesterday from our secret pal. The theme this month is "April Showers Bring Mei Flowers". The package included a wind sock with flowers and a ladybug on it, a pink pacifier with a clip, a pink baby purse with a scrunchy, a bib, some cute baby booties, a baby einstein lullaby cd, a cute yellow and lavender play outfit, a pink and white capri outfit, some white barrettes, and a cuddly pink bunny rabbit. Oh and I almost forgot some delicious marshmallow Peeps. Wow! I think our secret pal "showered" us this month! Thanks Secret Pal! You are the best!

Tryin' To Get Caught Up!

It seems to be getting harder to keep up with posting new squares. Geoff's Mom and Dad and sister-in-law visited over the weekend so we were especially busy over the weekend. So here goes....

This is from a dear teacher friend of mine that now lives in Wyoming. I think I've said this before but this quilt is such a great way to reconnect with friends and family. I was so excited to get this in mail!


This is a wish and fabric from the Stewart's that go to our church. The card has the verses from "Jesus Loves Me" and then on the back of the card it tells about the history of the song. The wish was so sweet and yes, Lexi will grow up singing this song.

This is a wish from a fellow friend, Loretta, and teacher at my school. The wish was very special. She told the story of how her Mom used to make quilts from old clothes. She gave me a piece of fabric from one of her daughter's dresses. How special!!

When I got back from Spring Break, Melaine had some scrapbook stickers for me. My scrapbooking talent is getting better and I was going to redo her page. So she picked out some pretty stickers for me to choose from. I'm so blessed to have such great friends.

I got this fabric and scrapbook page from Nikki at school. She is the most talented scrapbooker I know. This page is totally awesome! The fabric is from Flavia, whom she quoted on the page. It's so sweet!

Thanks everyone! This quilt and scrapbook is going to be a treasure for Lexi! And we're so blessed with awesome people!

John will soon be home!

This is my brother in law, John. He left for Iraq last Memorial Day. Before that he was gone well over 6 months doing training to prepare to go. He's in the National Guard's 48th Bgd. The whole family has missed him so much! So much has happened since he left.... Geoff and I started this adoption journey... Jenna has battled cancer. Mom's working on a welcome home celebration. Hurry home John, and continue to stay safe!

Long Lost Christmas Present Photo

I found this picture on my computer as I wait for the car to be fixed. It's a blanket that Sara and Chris gave us for Lexi at Christmas time. I totally forgot to post it. One of the ladies she used to work with made it. It's so gorgeous and such a sweet gift from Sara and Chris. The corner says "To Lexi with Love".

Car Update****
Okay... so the brakes aren't going to be so bad to fix... but the cd player that quit working would cost over $900 to fix. I think NOT! I guess I'm out of luck there! Just think how many outfits I could buy Lexi with that!!