Gotcha Day Blogs

I've added to the right of my blog under "Gotcha Day July 2007 Blogs" different families blogs that just got their babies this week and are still in China. I know it helps me with the wait to finally see all these families so blessed to finally get their babies, and with the long wait this is sometimes the only thing that makes long days bearable.

OK.....Girls like to be clean...Right???

Well, what can I say. Today was on and off cloudy today, so the boys decided to jump on their 4 wheelers. Anyways, they were doing really good until Craigy, our 10 year, decided to get off his 4 wheeler and go over to a mud puddle and throw some mud at Zack. Well, needless to say, it was a pretty big mud puddle with all the rain we got this week, so before we knew it they were giggling and rolling around in the mud. They were covered from head to toe. I think we finally had them cleaned up about an hour and a half later. So, when we finally do get our little Kayla, odds are that she won't want to be dirty, muddy, bugs, etc. I could use a girl in the family (ha ha). We also took a quick video of it, if I can figure it out, I'll post that too.

Logged in for 8 months

Today is our official day of being logged in for 8 months. My boys got together and used a couple of noodles to make the number 8 for our 8th month LID. I love this picture of them. I thought it was pretty cute.

Special Gift for Kayla

My mom got our little Kayla the most precious little porcelain music box that plays "You Are So Beautiful". On the outside of the box its reads" Dear Granddaughter and inside reads "I was never so blessed as the day you were born". My mom also wrote a special letter and placed it inside the music box for Kayla for her read. I thought this was such a wonderful and precious gift. I remember growing up and having a music box and how much I loved opening it and listening to it over and over. I especially love it because its something special that she will have between her and grandma. Mom, thank you...and we love you. I know Kayla will love it also!!!

JUNE 2006 IS OUT OF REVIEW!!!

I'm so excited. I checked my email a couple times today and thought I'd check it one last time before heading off to bed...and guess what. The CCAA website shows that they have REVIEWED through June of 2006. This brings us one step closer to our paperwork being reviewed with China, now if we could just speed up referrals too...wouldn't that be great!!!

Myandra China adoption story

Thought everyone might enjoy this adoption video especially those of you receiving your TA (Travel Approvals) today!

TA arriving today!

Congratulations to everyone receiving their Travel Announcements today. I've heard alot people say that they arrived sooner than anticipated,so......let's hope that's a good sign for referrals. Congratulations!

Bring Me Hope

I saw this video on someone else's blog that got it off of youtube. As I watched it the tears just poured. Have your tissues ready. I thought I would post it on my blog as it really touched me so profoundly

Movie Night

Well tonight we went to the movies with my sister and her boys, my brother and his boy, and our boys to see "Transformers". We had a lot of fun. The kids really wanted to see this movie and I thought well the kids should enjoy it, so why not. Little did I know, I REALLY enjoyed the movie too! Oh, by the way, did you notice that our entire family is ALL BOYS. (ha ha)

Craig Comes Home From Camp!!!

Wow, Friday is finally here. I thought the day would never come that I would get to go pick up our son Craigy, who is 10! He stayed at camp from Sun, July 8th to Fri., July 13th. It seemed like a lifetime. I'm glad he got to go though. It's was really good for him and he met a lot of new friends and learned more about respecting others, the Lord, and so much more. Oh, and by the way, the camp counselors toss anyone in the pool that receives a letter addressed in RED ink, so mom and dad and of course, Grandma and Grandpa both sent letters. Needless to say, he got thrown in the pool twice that week fully clothed (jeans and all!) too funny!!! After we left camp, we went for ice cream with three of the other boys and their families. What a great way to end a week of camp and a great way to start off the weekend. Craig has already decided that he's going again next year.

Craig goes off to Camp!

Wow, what a long emotional weekend. From the excitement and joy of my youngest son turning 2 and having a huge birthday party for him....to today sending my oldest son off to an overnight week long camp for the 1st time!!! He has been so excited and I'm excited for him, but boy, its hard to watch that little guy walk off and know that your not going to see him again for a week. It's been real hard, but I know it's a wonderful experience. Hug and love your kids often. They grow up right before your eyes. Next Friday feels like an eternity. I know he's probably having the time of his life since his cousin and two of his good friends are all staying in the same cabin with him, but I still can't stop worrying about him. I don't think I'll be able to relax and sleep till me little guy his home again.

Happy 2nd Birthday Rylan!!!

Today was Rylan's beach/pool party. All our friends and family were here to celebrate. Happy Birthday Rylan, Love Mommy and Daddy

Oct 2006 DTC Group -Secret Buddy Theme (July - Fun At The Beach)

We received the most precious two piece pink swimsuit with ruffles and matching pink sunglasses to match Kayla's swimsuit and a matching sun hat (too cute!). As if that wasn't enough, she also sent Kayla a 3 in 1 Fun set of inflatable rafts and they even match her swimming attire. What a clever clever idea!!! But wait.....I'm not done, she then sent a 2 pack of water bombs to each of our three boys. The boys were so excited that they ripped open one of the packages before I took the picture. Thank you secret buddy. I read in your letter that you read my blog regularly. I truly enjoy all your gifts and I'm going nuts waiting to meet you! You are the greatest!!!

CCAA Update

The CCAA has finished reviewing adoption application approvals before May 31, 2006. We have a Log In Date of 11/27/06. Still a long road, but atleast we're moving ahead.

Currently the CCAA shows referrals through November 7, 2005, but strong indications are that new referrals are coming out this week for a cut off date of November 14, 2005. We've still got a long long long road to our referral.

Happy 4th of July

Wishing everyone a safe and Happy 4th of July!

October3006DTC Cybershower (June Theme:Summertime Fun)

Wow, we received the coolest toys. Kayla received a little mermaid chair, a lawn squirter to play in, little mermaid water squirters toys and bucket, and the cutest little pink and black Nike sandals. Our 2 yr. old son wanted to keep the chair for himself. We're working on the sharing thing:-) Thank you Slusher Family!!!

Our 1st Annual Adoption Picnic while awaiting Kayla