More Referrals!

Well, atleast this batch of referrals included 5 days instead of 3. Congratulations to all the families that will be receiving their referrals!

The CCAA has finished the review of the adoption application documents registered before March 31, 2006.

The CCAA has finished the placement of children for the families whose adoption application documents were registered with our office before November 1, 2005

Our 1st Cybershower Gift!!! (November Nightingales Group)

CYBERSHOWER -- What is it? Its a shower that we do with others in our internet adoption group called the November Nightingale's each quarter. This group consist of other adoptive parents that also have a Log In Date (LID) of November 2006.

Cybershower Group -- November Nightingale's

Cybershower Gift received from -- Ashley Hurtgen from Centennial, CO (also has 3 boys!)

Today we received our 1st cybershower gift from Ashley Hurtgen. We received the most precious green stripped bikini with a pink stripped bow, matching pink sunglasses, and also a matching pick sun hat with embroidered sea creatures. In addition, she sent Kayla Aveena sunscreen and fish gummies and a precious magnet with a poem on it. We absolutely loved everything, even right down to the precious giftbag and card. Thank you!!!

Logged In for 5 Months

Today marks are 5th month since being logged in. Are we there yet??

The Wait -- Years instead of months?

Today is one of the hardest days I've had to experience since we started the paperchase in July of 2006. When we began this journey we thought the wait from LID to referral would be 10-12 months. The referrals have nearly come to a screeching halt from a month, to weeks to just 2 days of referrals at a time. All this time I just keep telling myself that it can't get any worse, right? Well, I received two separate emails today. One from a newsgroup article that I belong to, and another from an email that someone sent to my agency that they had also heard about it and were questioning it also. Although, none of this has been proven yet as factual, its does make sense. The article said that the wait could be 3-4 years. If this does become true, I'm not sure what we will do. I truly feel our daughter is waiting for us in China, so at this point I can't see switching programs. All I can say is that I hope this is just speculation and that hopefully referrals will speed up again. I know that my heart and child is in China and I know that I need to be strong because some day it will be our turn to bring our Kayla home to her forever family.

Nov06LID Group - Hair Bow Exchange (April Theme: Pink/Purple)

Our family received an adorable hair bow with pink and purple ribbons with poka dots and beads from Kelly Berryhill's family. We absolutely loved it. Kayla is going to have lots of precious little bows to pink from by the time she comes home.

We have received so many lovely gifts throughout all our different SB exchanges and are forming so many great friendships along the way.

CHI Nov 06 LID Secret Buddy Hair Bow Exchange

A huge thank you goes out to our CHI (Children's Hope International) Secret Buddy for the hair bow exchange. We love all the hair bows you have sent us and we are so glad to be going thru this journey along with you. Our family looks forward to meeting you! Thanks for everything.

Our SB sent us a purple organza bow for the first month.

On our 2nd month's exchange we received the most darling pink ribbon.

On our 3rd month's exchange we received a bright red hair ribbon, which will look great with her black shiny hair.

Craigy competely covered in mud. Daddy told them to go ahead and get as dirty/muddy as they wanted to. As you can tell, this was actually one of those times that they listened to ever word we said.

It was one of the first really nice Spring days we had this year. It was pretty funny to watch while they both spun around in circles trying to see who could get the muddiest. And the winner is.............CRAIG!

Zack enjoying 4 wheeling with big brother.

Oct 2006 DTC Group -Secret Buddy Theme (April - April Showers Bring May Flowers)

Well, once again our SB nailed it on the head. We got the cutest little raincoat with pink flowers, a lady bug bank (never can start saving to soon...ha ha), link a doos, candy, and a lady bug coat hook (perfect).

The LeMasters Intro

Last year I created a website for Kayla, which I really love www.ourjourneytokayla.com, but found that there were so many more things that I would like to add and customize myself, so in April of 2007 I decided one day to start a blog in addition to Kayla's website. You can also visit Kayla's website by clicking on the above link or the on link to the right of the margin.

I have been blessed with a wonderful and loving husband of 17 years and three terrific boys. As for my husband, he has always been my rock. He's the one that I know if I'm feeling down and just need some rest and relaxation, he's the first to be there for me.

My three boys:

The oldest is Craig, who is 10 (9 at the beginning of this journey). Craig is so much like his daddy. He loves anything to do with putting and taking projects together. He is also my little dare devil, just like daddy. No wonder I have to get my hair dyed! Craig loves to be outside either skateboarding, 4 wheeling, bike riding, basketball, BMX...you name it! At the same time, he's also such an affectionate loving child.

My 2nd child is Zachary, who is 7. Zack is like mommy and daddy. Zack enjoys playing basketball, bike riding, fishing, playing on his scooter, swimming, boating, etc. He is also very active and never slows down. Although I think his favorite thing is to play video games (probably cause mom limits that to weekends only!). Zack is our also a big snuggle bug.

My 3rd little guy is Rylan (aka Ry Ry). Rylan will be 2 in June. He loves to wrestle and snuggle just as much as the rest. I love this age, everyday is a new adventure for him and us. His big brothers are terrific to him. They all love to play with him. I feel so lucky to have such a wonderful family.

Our entire family is anxiously awaiting to bring a little sister and daugther into our family. I know Kayla will enjoy the love and strength our family has to offer. Kayla, hurry home...mommy, daddy, and your big brothers miss you dearly. Not a day goes by that I don't think of the day we get to bring you into our family. We have so much love to offer.