MPP

Wow...

2011-10-17T12:28:00.003-04:00

It has been over a year since I blogged. Since I cannot keep up with my scrapbooking, maybe I can blog some, scrap some. Hmmmm

I am going to be revamping the blog. It needs a face lift, title change, etc.

Hang on, it's gonna be crazy!

Two Years Ago...

2010-07-06T18:57:00.004-04:00

Two Years ago we were in China getting our little sweet girl...

One Year later...

Now look how big she is...

May 2010 -- It's been so long...

2010-05-20T20:56:00.002-04:00

January 2010
We are growing like a weed...

February
We are potty training - fun fun!!

March
We saw Elmo -- can you tell I was into it??

April
Easter

May
Was her last day of school...

So far the first half of the year has been good. Petunia is growing like a weed, learning to pee pee on the potty, have had some speech therapy and am talking like crazy. She is the joy in our life. I can't believe we have been home almost two years!! Time just flies!

2 Year Old Pictures

2009-10-25T12:52:00.006-04:00

These were our 2 year old pictures we had made. It is amazing how she has changed! Time flies way too fast. She is starting to say words like mama, dada, bye, no is her all time favorite.

I just turned 2!!

2009-10-12T10:52:00.005-04:00

Here are the pictures from my birthday party. I am 2 now and I had a fun party!!

My little Big Girl

2009-08-22T22:53:00.003-04:00

So, Miss Iz has decided she likes to "talk" on the phone to Nana. Okay so Nana does all the talking and Iz just walks around with the phone on her ear. It is too funny!! And, she decided that she enjoys using mommies sweeper on the kitchen floor. Mommy says, "you go girl!!" She will go all over the floor with it until the battery dies. She is such a ham. She is also growing so fast that I just cannot believe it!! She IS my sweet Princess Petunia!! I love you!!

Bite Bite

2009-07-30T07:14:00.003-04:00

Well this has been a week of bug bites. First it was her nose and now it is her eye!! She really reacts badly to mosquito's. I spray her with bug spray and it doesn't seem to help. Anyone have any advice on how to ward them off?? We have a pool and I don't know if that is part of the problem or not! My sweet girl has been so good even though she has these bites!!

SpaghettiO's

2009-07-20T11:27:00.006-04:00

Miss Iz decided that eating with her spoon did not shovel it in fast enough so we moved on to using our hands!! She has grown so much over the past year. We got home on July 9th last year and it has been one year since we have been home. Time goes by way to fast! I think we love her more and more each day! She is our jewel!

WoW!

2009-06-24T23:00:00.005-04:00

I cannot believe that one year ago tonight we were going to bed and getting ready to leave the next morning on our long journey to China to get our sweet little Izabella! I just keep thinking about how I felt. I can remember it like it was yesterday. I was excited, nervous, scared, happy, sad, every range of emotions that you could imagine! Wow, what a difference a year makes. Now I am worried about getting my deck stained before we really start swimming for the Summer. I can't believe I am a mama and I cannot believe that I have the cutest, sweetest, funniest, most pleasant child that I could have ever imagined. Thank you God for this wonderful little blessing in our lives!

On the Way home from the airport..

Look at me now...

ONE YEAR AGO!!!

2009-05-02T07:35:00.006-04:00

2008 Referral Day - One Year Ago!

I couldn't decide which day to post this since it happened on a Friday but was Actually May 2 so I am up really early and decided today would work. Not only is it 2009 Kentucky Derby's Running of the Roses but I cannot believe that one year ago we receive our referral of our precious Izabella.

I cannot believe how our lives have changed and how how happy we are. My sweet girl, I hope blogs last forever and you get to read this, we could not be happier that we waited 3 years for you. Had it not been that long you would not have been here and our daughter. We love you so much and are so happy you are finally home with us and cannot believe that a year has gone. We love you our Princess Petunia!!

Easter 2009

2009-04-12T22:35:00.005-04:00

My Baby is growing so fast!!!!!!!

Long Overdue Update

2009-02-20T11:33:00.007-05:00

Here are some updated pictures of our Izabella

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO US!!

2008-12-25T23:26:00.006-05:00

I cannot believe that this year we finally have our little blessing! It has been a very emotional week! Izabella has been so cute this week. She just changes every day and every day goes by so quickly. We have had the best Christmas! Words cannot describe how she has changed our lives and how happy she has made us. Hard to believe we have been home with her almost 6 months!! Here are a few pictures from the week. I wil post more tomorrow as well...

My first Hershey Kiss!! mmmmm

Not loving the big guy!!

Some of our friends we met in China!

Play date with Ella!

Nothing Exciting Today

2008-11-17T12:16:00.004-05:00

I have been behind on posting pictures this month. I have to admit I don't have the time to post like I did before we got Izabella. Today I have time so here I am. She is growing and changing every day and it is good but it makes me sad to know that she won't be a little girl forever. She is trying so hard to walk. She weighed 22 lbs. the last time we were at the doctors office. She is babbling a lot and says mama & dada and bye and she knows exactly what no means even though she does not say it. She know how to climb up the stairs as Scott followed her all the way up several times. We now have 6 teeth and there are more coming!! She just amazes me how much she has changed and progressed since we brought her home. I cannot believe 4 months has passed so quickly since we returned home. We will have our first Thanksgiving and Christmas and have so much more to be thankful for this year!! Now on to the good stuff!

This is the newest way we carry out cup...

We finally turned our carseat around.

BUSTED!!!

Uncle Ron Always makes me laugh!!

On a morning stroll with Papaw!

I'm already learning to use the phone!

Nana's not looking, lets see if I can find some CASH!!

Halloween 2008

2008-11-03T21:30:00.003-05:00

Miss Ella and Miss Izabella in their very first Halloween Costumes!!

Here, let me straighten that for you!!

At the end of the night! She was out like a light!!

HAPPY 1ST BIRTHDAY MY SWEET GIRL!!

2008-10-09T22:57:00.004-04:00

Izabella, I cannot believe you are 1! You have made your dad and I soooo happy and we cannot wait for many many more birthday's with you!! WE LOVE YOU!!

I'm gonna be 1 tomorrow!!

2008-10-08T16:24:00.003-04:00

We finally had to put up a gate between the kitchen and Family Room and someone was not so happy!!

Look how big I look! This was a day at the mall and all that looking around just wiped me out!! Then I was having fun playing in mommies laundry basket. It was full of laundry and I thought it was lots of fun!!

This was our very first social worker A. She came to meet our sweet Izabella!!

Izabella and Ella

2008-09-18T16:47:00.002-04:00

Hello Everyone!!

2008-09-13T15:20:00.002-04:00

11 Months/2 Months... September 9, 2008

2008-09-09T23:22:00.004-04:00

Well our little Petunia is 11 months old today AND we have been home 2 months! It is hard to believe that we have been home that long. Time is going by way too quickly! Our little poptart is growing and changing every day! We just love her so much!!

This was July 9th, getting in the car to go home from the airport.

This picture is from today at 11 months! Showing her curious little nature!! She was looking through the door from the family room into the kitchen at Nana's!!

This was from yesterday but shows what a ham she is with her Dora bandaides that she got into!

Izabella the Explorer

2008-09-08T22:14:00.002-04:00

I went exploring and found Dora Bandaides! Mommy put them on me!! hee hee

Look at me, I'm standing!!
Her first little league OCYFL Broncos game!!

My Girl

2008-09-05T00:08:00.003-04:00

What a week!

2008-09-03T22:31:00.004-04:00

Well our little princess has been with us 2 months since this past Friday the 29th! Hard to believe when we got her she could not even sit up on her own. She is now sitting, crawling, babbling, pulling up and taking steps with our help!! She also has gotten a new tooth in the last 2 weeks!! It is on the top and she has discovered how to grind it - like nails on a chalkboard!! She also mocks us, especially if we cough! It is so cute! So here are a few recent photos!!

I made her first 2 pigtails!

I love to pull out what I should not!!

I'm wearing Great Nanny's beads and I LOVE them!!

And Mommy had to add her headband!!

Why play with the toy when I have the legs of the toy to play with??

My Crazy Daughter...

2008-08-23T09:42:00.003-04:00

This morning my cute little girly decided she was going to help me clip coupons...

Izabella's Ears

2008-08-16T14:37:00.002-04:00

For those who think I am a horrible mother for getting my little girls ears pierced, don't you think that is our decision as a parent? I think it is better to do it when your child is young and when you can take care of them yourself instead of trying to make sure they are taken care of when they are old enough to know they are there and possibly not take care of them? I have so many friends that this has happened to. She cried for like 5 second becuase the noise startled her. She never touches them and they are very healthy because I have taken good care of them. I pretty much think if you don't like it, don't read my blog and keep your comments to yourself!

Kentucky State Fair!!!

2008-08-15T22:04:00.003-04:00

Well tonight Izabella got to go to her first Kentucky State Fair!

Back by popular demand....

2008-08-12T22:28:00.008-04:00

Here is an update on our little princess! This passed week, we broke gum on a new tooth!! I think another is coming, we had a rough afternoon. Also this passed Saturday we turned 10 months old and were home exactly one month! Time is flying by too quickly!! Before we were like hurry up so we can get her. Now we are like slow down, she is getting older too quick! We are so happy that we just can't stand it. Looks like we might get to see Molly, one of her orphanage "sisters." this weekend that we met in China. Her and her parents are supposed to come down and visit on Saturday. We are really excited to see them!! Well, here are some photos!

This was our first time holding our big girl cup... And our last. She wants nothing to do with feeding herself or holding her own cup.

Daddies girl with a football, what more could he want??

Mama's girl looking pretty!!

With Denise, my brothers girlfriend - she is smiling cause she buys her stuff!

Playing like crazy!!

Our little Cheerleader - NOT!!

Just chillin in the pool!

Our first pig tail - very tiny - but there!

Those eyes melt my heart!

My First Sleepover...

2008-07-30T22:00:00.007-04:00

These are the pictures that ended my stay with Nana and Poppi, and great nanny.
We stopped at Cracker Barrel to get dinner and boy was I hungry, I had prunes, mashed potatoes, green beans, and carrots, they were so good.
Then we rocked on the porch where I sat on poppies lap and played with the top off the can of my goodies. I had a fun day. While I was gone I had lots of people come to see me and we went to see people. I was good and slept all night like mommie said I would, and Nana did what mommie told her to as nap time and the right foods. I am going back and visit cause I had two play mates and they were "boys" one was a friend Caden and one was my cousin Andrew and he brought me books so they can read to me.
Love,
Izabella

Sleeping at Nana & Poppi's!

Me and Cousin Andrew

Dinner at Cracker Barrel

Cayden and Me

This was my bath from last night. Mommi made my hair Spike!!

Look at the boo boo's on my legs. I had to get 4 shots today but I was a big girl and didn't cry!!

I am too cool for school!!

Look at me, I am standing in my cute new outfit!!

Me and my poppi!

Life with Mommi and Daddi is lots of fun!!

Splish Splash!!

2008-07-20T19:32:00.008-04:00

We got in the pool with Izabella this week. She LOVES the water. She get's in her little ladybug float and leans forward and kicks her legs like a little mermaid!! I have burned up the camera this week. Check them out!!!
She fell asleep from all the fun!!

Kicking Back in my float!!

With Uncle Ron!!

we GOT OUR EARS Pierced!!!!

with uncle ED!
aunt Kayla!!

Movie Star!!!!!!!!!!!
She is sooo happy!!

We are having so much fun with OUR SWEET GIRL!! we NEVER KNEW Parenthood COULD BE SO GREAT!!

It's 2:30 AM!!

2008-07-14T02:33:00.003-04:00

Okay so we got little Petunia in bed at 8 pm!! Wow, it is hard but we kept her up ALL DAY - well after noon. In the process we had her in the Johnny Jumper and you see in the picture what happened in our effort to keep her awake!! It was funny!! Anyhow, we had lunch for mom's birthday! I would have posted pictures from that, but forgetful new mommy left the camera in the car! Well, it is time to try and coax her back in to bed!! We'll see how it goes!!

She is making her first attempts at crawling!!

HOME SWEET HOME!!!

2008-07-10T23:55:00.006-04:00

We finally made it through that greweling travel to the homefront!! We are sooo glad to be home and so many things that we take for granted are not always so easy in other countries. I am so blessed to live in the USA and glad our sweet Petunia is finally with us! Don't get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with China but there is no place like home!! Our internet connection in Guangzhou was so bad that when I had time to blog or send an update so here is what happened at the end of the week before we came home...

This was the infamous Red Couch Picture. Izabella was trying to lay on Molly, Molly was screaming and Isabell and Sydnee couldn't figure out what was going on. Chloe Grace was doing what she was supposed to while poor Julia was crying tears of joy because Mr. Bee was by her side!!

LUCY's!! Our favorite place to get American food in China!!

Izabella went crazy on the carrots!

This was our first night at home when my sweet baby girl decided not to sleep at 1:30 am but in China it was 1:30 pm!!

The girl playing in the floor!!
At the pearl factory!
Going to the pearl factory - it looked a lot like Time Square!

This was a Christian church in China - yes IN CHINA. I always thought they were underground but apparently not - it was a nice experience.Sweet Petunia ready to go to church for the firs time!!

I cannot believe this dream has finally come true. We are so in love with this little person. After 3 long years of waiting it has finally happened and we are so happy!!

First Day In Guangzhou

2008-07-05T02:35:00.005-04:00

We had to do the medical check up today. It really is not much. They review their medical information, weigh them, measure them, look in their throat, etc. Then we did a little shopping!!! It is very hot here but places have air. We went to this place called Lucy's and had grilled cheese and fries. Very good. I think I have lost 20 lbs. in this past 10 days from not eating and sweating!! But finally we are having a better time and getting the hang of this parent thing!!

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!!!

2008-07-04T18:54:00.003-04:00

This was us right before we left Chongqing. Napping. We took baby girl back to the doctor before we flew and he had me increase one of her meds and did a nebulizor treatment on her. It really helped to clear her up. The doctor we saw this time looked like Dr. Rolf from Days of our Lives!! So glad to leave Chongqing but yet sad. I cried all the way from the hotel to the airport just thinking that this is where she was born and the first place we saw her. It was a tough ride for me.

We arrived at the airport with meds in hand and bottle ready to make her have a comfortable airplane ride. It was her first and she did GREAT!! Slept most of the way. When she feels good, she is such a good baby girl! We are soooo in lover with her. We had a very smooth flight and arrived in to Guangzhou about 9 pm and as we left the airport Scott ran in to McDonalds in the airport and got me a Diet Coke with Ice!!! Ahhhhhh It was steamier than ever but once we got to our hotel, it was really really cold. Our room has air that is cold!! Yipee!!!

Here is my 4th of July Baby - thanks for the outfit Aunt Rhonda!! We finally made it to Guangzhou it was midnight and she was still smiling!!

More Photos

2008-07-03T05:20:00.004-04:00

She LOVES the water!

This is Isabell - isn't she a tiny girl?? She has on the same swim diaper as Izabella!!

2008-07-03T03:25:00.005-04:00

We finally found a plug to make our fan work. Iz is sleeping right now. We have had a long day. We went to city hall - it is beautiful building but of course NO AIR and 5 million steps with a 21 pound sleeping baby - yeah that was fun. But we watched a local artist that was in this building paint and I got a very beautiful panda painting. I have been very choosey about how we are spending on souviniers. While we were there, Iz decided to do a massive poop and the restrooms have no changing tables, no hand soap, no towels and of course the sink was nasty - it looked like there was mold on it so we went out in the hallway on the floor, I'm sure they did not like it but I have to draw a line somewhere!! There was another artist who painted names and we got one for Hannah, Garrett, Fallon and of course Izabella - so cute!! We then went to a park we had to push the stroller all up hill in the heat - this is a great weight loss place -- like fat camp but you get a baby too lol - no eat - sweat and walk!! Anyhow, then we went to a tea room and tried different teas. Scott had to take a poo and he came back running saying there was no TP and they were squatty potties! Too funny! So I gave him baby wipes and he came back laughing saying he had to strip down to go so he didnt make a mess! We were all rolling. Scott has been the fun of the poop jokes. We really have a great group of people we are here with in Chongqing and our guides are really great! Then we were on to lunch and we had wound our way up to the top of the park -- And Chongqing and had lunch! It was another good one!! We had beef, pork, broccoli and of course rice and we had ICE in our drinks today!!!! Oh my gosh!!! It was filtered water so we were allowed to drink it!! I cannot describe how good that was! I am dying for a big glass of iced tea! But Iz had a bit of a melt down, she was hot and tired and I think her ears are still bothering her a bit but she is also cutting more teeth on the top because she is chewing and drewling on everything! We are now back and just waiting for her to wake and we are taking her to the pool!! I'll have to post more pictures then!!

This was at the Tea Room...

Princess Petunia is throwing a fit because we stopped moving the stroller!!

At Eling Park
Local artist painting names at Eling Park
She finally gave out!

The art gallery
With her leg propped up
The top of Chongqing - very smoggy

Jessica and Sydnee - our new friends from KY!!

Hello

2008-07-02T05:38:00.008-04:00

Izabella say "Ni Hao (said nee-how)" -Hello!

Well today we had a bit better day. We have gone from getting better from an ear infection and upper respiratory infection to teething!! Sweet thing just went to bed and she is still sniffling in her sleep once and a while. This parenting thing is hard when your babies feel bad!! But is so great!! She is so precious that she melts my heart every time I look at her!

Today we got to go to the Panda Zoo of Chongqing - it was great! I was dying to see some Panda bears and we got to see those and Tigers...

It was one of the most beautiful zoo's I have ever been to. The bamboo trees and palm trees were everywhere and it was plopped right in the middle of of the city all around. Of course it is not the same without Jack, Palmer and Katelyn!!

These pictures were from the silk factory we went to visit. They had some beautiful items. We decided to save our money for later in Guangzhou!

This was our lunch today! It was some kind of chicken - bone and all and the red things are some type of red peppers. Allison kept telling us that it was very spicy. So far I have not had anything too spicy!! Lunch was way better today!! They even served corn - with peas and carrots of course! They put peas and carrots in everything!

Izabella crashed at the restaurant after the zoo!! She downed 2 bottles in a row! She had hardly eaten in two days so I let her have it. Would not have normally but her wanting to eat is a good sign of her feeling better!

This was one of our groups at lunch! The restaurant was very beautiful! It started out sweltering hot in there and they must have had to mop the floors from our sweat because they turned the air on for us!! Yea!!

This was a beautiful fan that I bought from a lady at the zoo today!! I just love it!!

This is the Panda Purse that mommie just had to buy for Izabella!!

Another bath today!! We love the water!!

Look Granny - I have a bow in my hair - of course it won't stay in long because my hair is too short!!

Each day seems to get better!! We actually had good food tonight at the restaurant in the hotel! It was Tex Mex night - believe it or not, it was really good - spicy but I like it!! That is what this area is know for, its spicy food - Sichuan!! Going to bed now!!

We are Still Alive!!

2008-07-01T00:10:00.006-04:00

I know I have been a very bad blogger! But I have had a very sick baby! We just returned from the doctor and I got her some antibiotics! Let me start from yesterday and move forward!We had to exchange money and finally pay our fees and do some paperwork so I sent Scott to do all that because Izabella was not feeling well and I was so tired so he did that and then we all went to lunch at a very very fancy restaurant where there was more western chinese food. It was very good and more Sichuan which is spicy! I loved it. Did not take pictures but I have the best story to tell! Scott was in line for the first diaper and when it came time, it was at the end of this lunch - so I told him I would not make him do it alone. So, I went with him so we were in this restroom inside the private room that we had for lunch and I was to the side assisting and explaining that we use wipes on girls from front to back so once he wiped her he must have hit an explosive daddy poop button because green poo shot out at him and he flew back and hitt the door and it slammed and everyone was laughing, we were laughing and we finally got everyone cleaned up and it was pretty funny once we left the room and came out and explained to the group what had happened. Anyhoo we were off to the civil affairs office where everything was finalized - for those AHH girls who want info - here is a BIG TIP - when they tell you are going to civial affairs be prepared -- they did a family picture and group picture and lots and lots of pictures - I had NO makeup and my hair was all pulled back. I look horrible!! We were all a little upset that they did not let us know that ahead of time. Anyhow, she is officially ours as of yesterday, June 30, 2007!! That was an interesting experience! But she is ours to keep! So it was soooooo hot - hotter than hot and we were all sweltering in that building waiting to get that done. All the babies were crying and tired and falling asleep and we left and came back to the hotel and just stayed in the room. We all went to bed last night at 6:30 because we were so wiped out. We woke up about 3:00 because we could not sleep and then Izabella woke up about 30 minutes later because she was hungry. She would only take one bottle yesterday and I should have known something was up. So Scott gave his first 3:00 am feeding this morning and then we gave her a little rice congee. She was not feeling good all morning and finally she was just screeming. We could not do anything and we knew she was sick. So Scott and I both were in tears! I finally said, okay, let's call Allison - our guide and she called and got me in to a Western doctors office. Hopped in a cab - remember what I said about the crazy driving here, well I got to experience it!! For those who have driven with Key, it is much worse. It made him look like Miss. Daisy! And, babies do not use car seats so I put her in my snuggly and off we went. She has an ear infection and upper resperatory infection. Which we knew! But we now have medicine and she is sleeping. Needless to say, my first bout with parenthood has been an experience, not just a long trip far away but, the sickness as well! But things are looking up!! Okay, here come some pictures!!

Dad's first 3 am feeding!

Our whole travel group!
The ladies from her orphanage!

Our sleeping beauty.

Her first bath!

More From Today...

2008-06-29T09:52:00.006-04:00

Having her bedtime bottle. She is so congested that I had to prop her up to breath.

With her daddy - Don't you love those rolly polly legs?

She will take a passy - she is getting teeth. She has two on the bottom already!

The little Boys from the airport this morning!

Our food at lunch!

So we had everything but something to mix formula in so all we could find was a wine glass in the room!

You all, I don't even know what to say! She has been a perfect baby so far! She has not cried once and she is sick! She had a temperature when we got her and has horrible congestion. The orphanage gave me some medicine to use and when it is gone I will try and get something else. Anyone has suggestions I am open. Remember can get a prescription and we are IN CHINA! I have baby Tylenol and Motrin. She is taking formula and eats rice cereal and they said she also eats egg custard (Christie she likes souflee - ha). They said she went to bed at 9:30 and I don't hear her rolling around anymore in her crib! We just laid her down and she didn't cry or anything. It is funny if one of us is holding her she wants to see where the other one is. We got a stroller from the hotel and walked down to a Pizza Hut because we litterally have hardly eaten anything. They take us to authentic Chinese and it is NOT the same!! No General's Chicken Key!! We did have Kung Pow Chicken Sichuan Style and it was really good. Izabella is so cute and so fluffy!! If we are silly with her she will giggle at us and smile and get excited. In the stroller when we went to dinner she would kick her leg up on top of stroller. Chongqing is much like New York. Crazy driving and LOT AND LOTS of people. There were people cooking things along the streets and they were playing Chinese Dominos (Mom) and cards. We are definitely in the minority here and EVERYONE stares at us! It is so bizaar! We are so happy and just love her to pieces! I am totally exhausted and while it is quiet I'm going to bed. I'm going to post a few more pictures over on the blog and saying goodnight!!

A Perfect Baby

2008-06-29T09:50:00.000-04:00

Hi, it's me Stephe. Hope has been able to access blogger and was the one that uploaded the first Gotcha day photos!! I just got this email and I am posting it. Please disregard if Hope posts the same one... For now, here it is! ~Stephe

(email from Hope deleted...she just posted it in the next post)

I found these photos on the internet for your viewing entertainment!! ~ Stephe

Above: Chinese Men playing Dominos

Above: Street Vendors in China

HERE SHE IS!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-06-29T05:57:00.002-04:00

Here she is!! Will post more later!!

Waiting Patiently

2008-06-29T01:00:00.000-04:00

From Hope and Scott:

"Well it is 10 till 4:00 pm in Chongqing and we are waiting for the call to go down and get the babies. This was THE most amazing place when we were flying in. Sunny, HOT but mountainous. There are hills and mountains everywhere, much like Eastern KY but with skyscrappers! It is a very different place. It sounds like New York as I sit here and type. There are horns honking everywhere and people drive crazy. Once we got here went to an Chinese restaurant in the basement of an art gallery I think! The food is spicy here. Sichuan is what they are known for. We had Kung Pow Chicken today and it was good but very spicy. Pumpkin Soup and many other strange things. I have been hungry and tired most of the time we have been here. But, I am like the hibernating bear - NOT going to starve! We got up this morning at 4:30 am and left at 5:15 for the airport. Beijing has an amazing airport - architecturally it is amazing! When we arrived at the airport Scott had on a t-shirt that had USA on it and was approached by some young boys and they took turns getting their picture made. Then when we arrived at Chongqing, these two little boys were giggleing and trying to snap my picture so I leaned down and waved them over and had my picture made with them and then took their picture! They just giggled! Another interesting thing is the split pants. The young children here don't wear diapers. They wear split pants. They are split in the crotch from front to back. Our guide who is Chinese says that it is because they are poor and if children have to go to potty, they go behind a tree or in a corner. They really do have a different culture here. She said Chinese people don't wear wedding rings because they feel like it is too showy and they are way to modest as a culture where Americans try to outdo each other with the size of their diamonds. It has been interesting and fun having Allison with us (our guide) and she has been so amazing. Taking care of EVERY detail and all has run sooo smooth!!

I have so many emotions right now but don't know what to say. I know they are driving in on a bus from Yunyang and they don't use car seats here so I am praying for their safety. I know they are going to be tired and hungry. I know that they had at least a 6 hour bus ride! Scott is napping! I want to nap but don't want to fall asleep! Well, I have rambled on long enough. It is now 4:05 and we are waiting patiently for our call!!!!!"

Here are some photos that I found on the internet to show you where Hope & Scott have been and where they are now. Enjoy. ~ Stephe

Above & Below: The Amazing Beijing Airport

They flew into the Province of Chongquing.

Below: Chongquing city Life.

Below: A little more rural area of Chongquing.

Below: Babies and the Infamous Split Pants.

Below: Yunyang County with over 1400 years of history is reputed as the 'Bright Pearl of Chongqing' This is where their precious little Izabella is from.

Oh Sweet Izabella, you are in route to you forever family and they are just bursting with excitement with the anticipation of your arrival. All of your family, friends, and Precious Pandas here in the US are so ready to see your precious little face. We're sending all you lots of hugs and kisses!!! ~ Stephe

Oops!

2008-06-28T09:26:00.005-04:00

Oops! She did have some photos that were sent. Here they are! ~ Stephe

Above: Getting Started with the packing!

Above: The car is packed and ready to roll!

Above: The happy parents to be!!!! Love that shirt girl? Where ever did you get that done!!! (ha! ha! I'm Shameless~ Stephe)

Above: Day one photo.

Touring Beijing

2008-06-28T09:01:00.008-04:00

From Hope & Scott:

Okay all. Still tired. Still no sleep. I think maybe last night we got 4 hours because we got up and had breakfast and went to see the Forbidden City and the Great Wall. Along with the Cloisonne factory. Along with an semi-American/Chinese lunch – needless to say, our little group that we were with today are still REALLY hungry. We met a couple and their two boys from Clinton, Kentucky and they are getting a girl the same age as Izabella so they will be traveling along with 4 other families. Scott is crashed in the bed right now. We have to be up at 4:30 am in the morning it is currently 7 pm now so once again short please forgive me if I slur my typing. So here is what has happened so far…

We left at 8:00 am to go to Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City and the Great Wall. It was a lot of walking but we had a great time! One thing that has been really weird is that 3 or 4 people came up to me because they wanted their picture made with me. I am told it is the blonde hair – so I feel like a celebrity. I’m not used to that. It has really cooled off and has been overcast and misty still humid, not unbearable!! We were in the bus a lot traveling and we are going on literally no sleep. At the Great Wall, we had 4 or 5 in our group that made it way way up. I got Izabella a tea set at the Great Wall Gift Shop and I cannot wait for the day that I will give it to her! The money is weird. They do not have coins it is all paper but for those waiting to travel, print off the conversion chart, it has helped us out a lot. In fact other have borrowed it because it is hard to do it in your head! I am also glad I brought the Sharpie and hot pink Duck Tape because we all had to use it to mark out luggage for our BIG TRIP tomorrow. So we are up at 4:30 am to get to the airport and will be off to Chongqing to get our sweet girl. I had a melt down on the bus today on the way to lunch wondering how they were preparing her for the trip and how she has no idea how her life will change tomorrow forever!! And, how happy she is going to make us and we hope to make her just as happy. Sorry picture today are boring but I promise to have more exciting ones tomorrow!! I must go now so I can pack to leave for our next big adventure – parenthood!!

I haven't received any photos from Hope and Scott yet so I'm improvising for your entertainment. Here are some photos of the places they were!!! ~Stephe

The Forbidden City, built in 1421 during the Ming Dynasty,is a linear series of buildings (halls) facing south, you walk through one and come out in the courtyard of the next. They seem to go on forever.

The Great Wall extends 2,480 miles from the East China Sea to Central Asia. We climbed a long, steep flight of steps to one of the numerous towers that dot its length. The area immediately below the section that we visited is thronged with shops, stalls, and vendors - every bit as touristy as it would be in the U.S.

In the Cloisonne Factory you would expect to see workers applying the tiny wires that form the designs with tweezers and then filling them in with enamel. One could have easily spent half a day in the showroom and purhase lots of gorgeous items!

Hope & Scott in China!!!!

2008-06-27T20:59:00.005-04:00

Hi, this is Stephe, Hope's partner in crime! Kidding! I am one of her fellow Precious Pandas from the January DTC group!!! Since China is making it hard on bloggers to post, I am posting for them.

Email from Hope:
Okay, here is the message I tried to post last night when we got in! It was like 12:30 pm here when we finally got to our hotel... we were in bed at like 1:30 and up by 5:30. Gonna crash hard tonight!! We get our baby tomorrow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Will post more later!!

Hey everyone, I just took an Ambien so I might not last long! But we made it, our AST flight landed at 10:00 pm Friday here in China which is am. Our whole group is exhausted and we are in our fabulous hotel!! The Grand Millennium in Beijing!! It is very nice and cozy. I have to admit I am a bit home sick but know that we are so close our little Izabelly so, tonight and tomorrow night and life will no longer be the same and praise the Lord!! Love you all but will write more when I find my brain! Stephe, I have lots of packing tips for you. We have shampoo, shower gel, toothbrush and toothpaste, q-tips... okay my pill is making me swurlly so I'll try to post more tomorrow. Got to go to sleep. Love, Soctt and Hope

This is a photo that I found online of the Grand Millennium in Beijing! Below is what the rooms look like!

Sweet Dreams Hope and Scott!! Izabella will be with you soon!!! Stephe

Bon Voyage!!!

2008-06-25T22:49:00.002-04:00

Okay, this is Bon Voyage message!! We are heading out in the morning – early to the airport – maybe to get a good upgrade!! I cannot even tell you how we are feeling. We are so excited and happy and just cannot wait to meet our daughter for the first time! Thanks for all your enails and prayers for our trip!! I promise to post as soon as we are there and are able to connect!!

Hang on my little pop tart - you have no idea how much love you are about to receive!! Mommie and Daddie are on their way!!!

By the Way...

2008-06-24T20:09:00.002-04:00

THREE MORE SLEEPS!!!!!!!!!!!

Our Itinerary!!!!

2008-06-24T20:03:00.002-04:00

Finally we will be bringing our girl home!! I cannot believe we are going to be parents in less than a week!! I just wonder what she looks like?? We have had NO updates since the old pictures of her that we got. I know she has changed a lot!! I hope they have not cut her hair! I think I am going to kiss her little face all over when I get my hands on her!! My good bud Stephe is going to keep this blog updated while I am gone with updates and pictures since it is usually not updatable in China!! Cannot wait be home and share all our fun!!!!!!!!!

6/26 NW3741 leave Louisville at 11:05 am, arrive Detroit at 12:36 pm
6/26 NW25 leave Detroit at 2:25 pm, arrive Tokyo 6/27 at 4:20 pm

6/27 NW29 leave Tokyo at 6:45 pm am louisville time), arrive Beijing at 9:35 pm
6/28 visit Tian An Men Square, Forbidden City and Great Wall
6/29 Leave Beijing at 8:20 am to head to Chongqing (where Izabella is!)
6/29 in the afternoon China time WE WILL GET IZABELLA!!!!!! HAPPY DAY!!!!!!!!!!
6/30 - 7/4 we will be in Chongqing with OUR DAUGHTER!!!
7/2 9:30 am Visit Chongqing Zoo and People’s Hall
7/3 9:30 am Visit Eling Park Chaotian Gate
7/4 6:45 pm we leave for Guangzhou and arrive at 8:45 pm HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY!!!
7/5 9:00 am take Izabella’s Vista Photo and her Medical Check up
7/6 10:45 am Walk to a Church Service
7/7 9:00 am Izabella’s Visa will be taken to Consulate and we will get our Red Couch Photo at the White Swan
7/8 2:45 pm To Consulate to have the Oath Ceremony

7/09 4:30 am wakeup call – 5:30 Leave hotel for the Long Journey Home - leave Guangzhou NW28 at 8:20 am, arrive Tokyo at 2:05 pm
7/09 leave NW12 Tokyo at 4:15 pm (4:15 am US time), arrive Detroit at 3:00 pm
7/09 leave Detroit at 5:01 pm, arrive Louisville at 6:25 pm WE WILL BE HOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

4 More Sleeps!!

2008-06-22T22:22:00.003-04:00

I cannot believe that we sleep four more times before we leave for China!! This time next week we will have Izabella in our arms!! I am so happy I could just pop!! We pretty much have everything packed. Still need to get the car seats in and a few more things to buy and mail to stop. I promise to check in again before we leave and post our itinerary of our entire trip!!

Flooding in China

2008-06-16T12:10:00.002-04:00

Here is the latest on happenings in China. We have to go to Guangzhou to finalize our adoption and Izabella is in the Chongqing province. So many bad things happening right now. The country really needs our prayer...

GUANGZHOU, China - Massive flooding across a broad stretch of southern China killed almost 60 people and forced 1.3 million others from their homes, state media reported Monday.

People were forced to flee their homes across nine provinces, including Sichuan, still reeling from last month's earthquake that killed nearly 70,000 people, the official Xinhua News Agency said. At least 57 people died and eight were missing, Xinhua reported.

Water levels on the swollen Wujiang River in Guangdong province rose to nearly 79 feet, far surpassing the "dangerous level" of 20 feet, he said.

Heavy rain in Sichuan, Guizhou and Yunnan provinces will further raise water levels downstream, especially in the coastal manufacturing powerhouse of Guangdong, Xinhua reported. Most of those areas are expected to receive more heavy rain over the next 10 days.

The worst-hit province was Guangdong, where 20 people died and eight were missing, and nearly 5.8 million people in 17 cities were affected, Xinhua said.

The North River (Bei Jiang) swallowed up a cluster of brick homes with orange-tile roofs on its banks, where about 100 people lived in the Sanshui district of Foshan, a city about an hour away from the provincial capital, Guangzhou.

One man, who would only give his surname, Huang, stood on a dike and looked across the river at his submerged home as his neighbors crossed back and forth on wooden skiffs.

"The water came in fast. It started rising yesterday morning and by noon, our homes were swamped," Huang said.

"So far the government is ignoring us and not providing any place to stay," he said. "We're living on the second floor of the tallest building in our neighborhood. We had to do the same thing during the flood in 2005, which was much worse than this one."

Huang worked in Sanshui's southern port, which was also flooded. Tall towers of shipping containers were inundated by water.

Streets and houses along the Xijiang River in Guangdong were submerged in the worst flooding to hit the Pearl River Delta region in 50 years, the official China Daily newspaper said.

"A major flood is feared if rain continues," Huang Boqing, deputy director of the Guangdong flood control and drought relief headquarters, was quoted as saying.

Vegetable prices in Guangdong have risen by 70 percent in four cities including Guangzhou, the paper said.

Economic losses have reached $1.5 billion because of the floods, it said. More than 45,000 houses collapsed and 140,000 had been damaged.

14 More Sleeps!!

2008-06-12T10:16:00.002-04:00

14 More sleeps until we leave for China!! We will be holding Izabella for the first time in about 2 1/2 weeks! I cannot believe this is happening! Dreams DO come true!!

Well here is a montage of pictures from my first two showers...

We've Got our flights booked...

2008-06-06T17:56:00.003-04:00

Here is our flight information. 3 weeks from today we will be IN China. I am having such a wide range of emotions right now. I just can't wait until we have our little princess with us.

6/26 leave Louisville at 11:05 am, arrive Detroit at 12:36 pm
6/26 leave Detroit at 2:25 pm, arrive Tokyo at 4:20 pm on 6/27
6/27 leave Tokyo at 6:45 pm, arrive Beijing at 9:35 pm
7/9 leave Guangzhou at 8:20 am, arrive Tokyo at 2:05 pm
7/9 leave Tokyo at 4:15 pm, arrive Detroit at 3:00 pm
7/9 leave Detroit at 5:01 pm, arrive Louisville at 6:25 pm

Yipee and Wohoo!!

2008-06-03T13:00:00.002-04:00

We finally got our travel confirmation!! Looks like we will be taking off on June 26 and will return July 9!! I cannot believe this has finally happened!!!

Sweet little girl, we are on our way!!!

Also, Sunday was my first Baby Shower. It was very nice. I have a wonderful group of friends and feel so blessed that they are in our lives. I will post pictures when I get them from Christina -- hint hint!!

FINALLY SOME NEWS!

2008-05-29T22:27:00.004-04:00

We finally got our TA today this is our Travel Authorization from China to travel as well today we received our Visa to Travel to China. I am so excited I can barely stand it!! Finally sweet baby girl we will be on our way soon. In fact our tentative travel date is June 26 so we are hoping that will be it! Stay Tuned...

Dear Sweet Daughter,

As a girl I had a common dream, to be a mom someday.

My baby would have eyes of blue and hair the hue of hay.

But now my dreams have been transformed. New visions fill my head.

Now the tresses that I long to stroke are raven black instead.

And in my dreams those eyes are not so big or blue or round.

Now in my dreams they're almond shaped and colored cocoa brown.

And in my dreams my arms can stretch across enormous seas.

They reach half-way around the world and hold you close to me.

As you grow in your mother's womb, carefully knit together,

you're also growing in my heart, where you will stay forever.

And in my dreams the moment that your mother says good-bye,

I'll be right there to comfort you and hold you as you cry.

Our features may not look alike; we're different as can be.

But still I know the Father has created you for me.

And though I've not yet seen your face, or held your tiny hands,

and though we're half a world apart in very different lands.

I'll be right there to get you just as soon as God allows.

But til He says the time is right I give to you this vow.

I'll pray for your protection every night on bended knee.

For God will hold you in His arms, until you're here with me.

More goodies...

2008-05-18T13:01:00.002-04:00

Our Social Worker who did our Homestudy was just delightful and I will always remember her. She sent us these goodies last week in the mail. I will charish them -- they are so sweet!!

WAITING UPDATE

2008-05-18T11:54:00.006-04:00

Okay, I am sooo far behind on this blogging thing that I have a lot of catching up to do. So, I will start by saying that we have a tentative travel date of June 26. Now this is if everything falls into place as it should. And, we all know how that goes.

This lovely Piggy Bank that Aunt Betty gave us quite a while back. It already has her first money in it. It is adorable.

Now, right after we got our Referral I got a little gift in the mail from Dear Dear Donna. Here it is. It is so precious and I love it so much!!

Then the first gift for Izabella I got after we got our referral was this and I just says soo much...

Update

2008-05-13T22:49:00.001-04:00

We have been told by our agency that everything is okay in the area of Chongqing that Izabella is. Just keep praying for the whole area. It has had horrible devastation and I feel so sad for the people of China.

Worried...

2008-05-12T13:35:00.001-04:00

CHONGQING, China - One of the worst earthquakes in decades struck central China on Monday, killing nearly 9,000 people, trapping about 900 students under the rubble of their school and causing a toxic chemical leak, state media reported.
The 7.8-magnitude earthquake devastated a hilly region of small cities and towns in Sichuan and nearby provinces. The official Xinhua News Agency said 8,533 people died in Sichuan alone and dozens of other deaths were reported in surrounding areas.
Xinhua said 80 percent of the buildings had collapsed in Beichuan county in Sichuan province after the quake, raising fears the overall death toll could increase sharply.
State media said a chemical plant in Shifang city had cratered, burying hundreds of people and spilling more than 80 tons of toxic liquid ammonia from the site.
The earthquake sent thousands of people rushing out of buildings and into the streets hundreds of miles away in Beijing and Shanghai. The temblor was felt as far away as Vietnam and Thailand.

I'm so worried about Izabella today!! I am just praying that God will watch over her and keep her safe until we can get to her!!

MOTHERS DAY!

2008-05-11T19:27:00.004-04:00

This was given to me by my mother on my first Mothers Day. And mom gave this this adorable little set for Izabella... Scott's mom and dad gave us this video monitor that I hope will ease my fears of having Izabella's room upstairs. I hope...

This came from one of my Precious Panda friends and I felt like I would share it today in honor of Mothers Day!! It made me smile since I don't have my sweet Izabella today!!

Today we had our family over and after dinner me, mom, mom-in-law and brothers girl friend went up stairs where he had ALL the clothes that Izabella has been given over the last 3 years and got them sorted and her room more organized. Still have a lot to do but I feel less stressed today and feel like that has been a big weight lifted!! Take a gander at the finished closet.

It was a very nice day - only wishing Izabella's was in our arms!!

FINALLY SHE IS HERE!!!

2008-05-02T20:39:00.005-04:00

Izabella FuLing Simpson

Isn't she beautiful!

We are sooooo blessed to FINALLY have our little girl!! Here is what happened and sorry it has taken so long but we have been on the road since this am at 8:30 and had NO IDEA this was going to happen! I talked to Ebbie (atour agency) Wednesday and he said, we have no word and with the holiday they won't probably arrive until next week. So I have been so bummed all week since then. We ALMOST cut our trip short by one day but we were with another couple and my friend convinced me to stay and shop with her all day!! We shopped until I thought I would die! Major retail therapy! So, we left Pigeon Forge, TN this morning at 8:15 just ready to come home have had a headache for two days -- must have been that pre-labor stuff! Anyhow we are driving home and it was a 4 hour trip and we got to Versailles, Ky which is right past Lexington where our agency is and Susan R. called and said they heard word about Sophia, so I started freaking -- soooo happy and thrilled for them. I thought maybe I need to call Ebbie - our family advocate at our agency, A Helping Hand (HAA). So I called and they transferred and it went directly to voicemail and then my call waiting kicked in from AHH and at that point I was FREAKING OUT!! So I immediately called back and he was actually calling me when I was calling him. At the same time all this was happening, I was driving, trying to call and get it on speaker phone and it was finally getting there and I whipped the car into the Versailles Exit and pulled over literally on the exit ramp edge and brought the car to a screeching halt and Scott was like, you cannot park here and I said Watch Me!! So Ebbie left a message saying that he had our referral to call him and we turned around and was in his office 15 minutes later in Lexington. It could not have happened any more perfect.

So......

Her Chinese name is Fu Ling Yang

She is almost 7 months old and weighs 13 pounds & 24 inches long

Her birthday is October 9, 2007

She is from Yunyang SWI

She is so sweet and we are so in love. We neither one know how to act right now. We are in shock and excited and scared and tired and all emotional. So, tonight we suprised our parents and told them at dinner tonight! I cannot believe this is finally happening!!

You all mean so much to us and we are so glad to share this with you and cannot wait to see her sweet face in China. We will probably travel sometime in July so now we have a lot of work to do!!

SUSAN AND RIZ Can you believe it!!!!

And everyone else that is to come!! It does happen and will happen -- all in time. Hang in there my Precious Pandas!!~!

This is so surreal~~

THINK GREEN!!

2008-04-22T15:25:00.003-04:00

Click this link to vote: http://www.designagreenbag.com/vote-for-designs/bag.aspx?BagId=19660

I'm doing my part to keep our world green. As of today I am going to start using Reusable Shopping Bags when I shop. I even designed my own. Click above and vote for mine, it might even end up in the Kroger Stores. I want our world to continue on so that my children can enjoy it!!
So, the next time they ask you paper or plastic, think about it!!

THE ZOO!!

2008-04-08T21:58:00.007-04:00

Today was our most beautiful day of the year I believe!! So, I took off work and went to the Zoo with my friends Shannon, Jack & Palmer and Leighann & Kaitlyn! We had the best time!! The weather was just fabulous!!! Here are some photos of our day!!

Two Little Monkey's

Kaitlyn can't run from those boys!

Palmer gives Kaitlyn some love!

Supastaaaa!

The new baby elephant!!

The tired boys at the end of the day!!!

The Final Touch!!

2008-04-07T21:43:00.002-04:00

I finally got the chair back from dad. I placed it i Izabella's room tonight. It looks so nice! Thanks dad! You and mom are the best!

Sadness...

2008-04-01T12:33:00.003-04:00

We just found out that we are NOT getting our referral this month. We missed the cutoff by one day. We were for sure we would be in but China had a different plan. The good news is that we WILL be in next month if they only match one day because that will be us -- the 10th. So keep us in your prayers to survive one more month without seeing Izabella's sweet smiling face!!

This is how I feel...

Sweet Aunt Maude

2008-03-28T23:03:00.003-04:00

Well tonight I am in Harlan, Kentucky with my family to attend my great aunt's funeral. She is the sister of my grandmother who will be 96 next month. Yes, my grandmother who I call Nanny will be 96! Her sister (Aunt Maude) died yesterday after a long battle with lung cancer. She lived a long full life and is now in heaven seeing the life that we await. Tomorrow is the funeral here in Harlan where she will be laid to rest.

Tonight while at the local Wal-mart -- mom forgot to pack underwear -- she's gonna kill me for this one, I asked her, "do you think this time next week I will know my Izabella?" and of course in all of her positiveness, she said "I know you will." But you know, I am thinking about it and how one picture of a child who is 6,859 miles away can have such a life altering impact on two families. Not only my family but the family of the little girl (I'm assuming) that will be our daughter. I'm sure they will always wonder who her family will be and where in the world she will be. If she is safe and loved and cared for. I can't imagine the pain and longing that family must have and excitement and joy that we are anticipating and will feel. Who ever you are out there, I personally can make one promise to you, she is going to have so much joy in her life. She will be so loved and cared for and we are going to give her the best life that we possibly can. If only there was a way to let them know that. It is so hard for me to believe that there are people out there that harm children or neglect their children. It upsets me so much to see or hear something like that. I cannot imagine!!

I just know that this time next week my whole life will possibly be different because of a sweet little face that we cannot wait to see.

More Room Stuff

2008-03-24T21:14:00.004-04:00

Here are the cushions to the glider that I found at the Goodwill! Dad still has the chair and is painting it for me. He finished upholstering the cushions and footrest and the pillows. They all coordinate to the fabric in the letters of her name on the wall. My neighbors Kim and little Ella who will be Izabella's little friend came over to see her new room. Ella squealed and just looked around. I think she liked it!! Dad, you did a fabulous job on these!! I know Izabella is going to love them as much as I do!!

FINALLY ITS DONE!!

2008-03-23T12:31:00.004-04:00

After two long weeks of work, the Nursery is FINALLY done!! I can't believe how beautiful it is!! AND, we are crossing our fingers that we will get our referral possibly next week!!

Now that it is done, it makes me want to go NOW!! I cannot wait for her to see her new room!!!

THE ROOM

2008-03-15T17:16:00.004-04:00

Okay so I have been working on getting the Nursery ready for Izabella's arrival. Hopefully we will know something first of April. That is sure what I am hoping. What a journey this has been. Well, here is what we have done so far. Stay tuned this week as I will have more updates of the progress...

Ron turns 34

2008-03-09T21:53:00.007-04:00

My brother turned 34 today. We had a little birthday lunch for dinner with a strawberry cake from the Homemade Pie and Ice Cream Kitchen!

And here is sweet Nanny - my almost 96 year old grandmother.

And, here is the baby's room so far...

The Past week...

2008-03-08T14:48:00.006-05:00

Well last Friday which was February 29 this is what we woke up to...

It is HAIL the size of peas!!

Then I went scrapbooking for the weekend, got bronchitis and finally am over it and today we got 13 inches of snow overnight -- we just don't get snow like that around here...

This was out the front door this morning...

This was the view from our back deck...

It has finally stopped snowing and the sun has come out and now it is finally melting some on the roads. We did make a stop at the Starbucks this morning. We both have 4 Wheel drive car and at least it paid off for us to have them today!!

Happy Valentines Day!!!

2008-02-14T15:05:00.002-05:00

Izabella, where ever you are, you are going to have a very sweet father!! Look what he did for your mom today!!! They are my favorite!! I hope you are being loved and cared for until we can come and get you! I promise, next Valentines Day will be so special!!!

SNOW SNOW & MORE SNOW...

2008-02-13T10:21:00.002-05:00

Okay, so we are having all kinds of weather and it has all fallen on Tuesdays. So, two weeks ago we had tornados then last week we had more tornados and this week we have had winter storm advisories all beginning on Tuesday!! So we have had snow, ice and cold temps!! I just hope things clear out by Friday because I have bunco with my girls and I can't miss out on that!! And on another note, I FINALLY started my packing list. Thanks to my bud Stephe! She hooked me up with a place to get started and I worked on it for two hours last night. It has really made me excited and scared. Excited to get Izabella, scared about that flight since I'm not so fond of flying!! But I think getting Izabella will far outshine my fear of flying!!

Nursery

2008-02-09T16:00:00.000-05:00

Well today my friend Kim and I went to find things for the nursery and we found some of the cutest pink ladybug stuff!!!! Check it out!! I cannot wait to get going on it!!!

A Little Bit Closer!!

2008-02-05T11:02:00.000-05:00

Okay, I actually have to say that I am very excited to share that referrals went through December 27, 2005 which means 14 more referral days and until us!! Which means we possibly might get our referral in April - May worst case scenario!! Which is great news for me!!

Also, we finally picked out our bedding for the babies room. Isn't is adorable???

Chinese Blizzard and Orphanages...

2008-02-01T13:20:00.000-05:00

Please read the message from Half The Sky and help if you can! I know this is long but so important as our little girl could be suffering through this!!

Welfare institutions in south and central China are having the hardest time dealing with the weather disaster. This part of the country is simply not equipped to deal with extreme cold or heavy snow and ice. The most common critical problems are power outages, lack of safe drinking and cooking water, lack of fuel, diapers and public transportation. In many places where buses have stopped running, our Half the Sky nannies have been walking hours (in one case, 4 hours) along icy roads to get to the children. As conditions worsen, our nannies and teachers are remaining at the institutions day and night. They have given up the idea of going home to their own families for the holidays. They need quilts. They need warm clothing. They need coal, water, disposable diapers and food. Here are the reports... Where you don't see a report, either all is well or there isn't information yet. We've also given all the directors an emergency number to call when/if the situation changes.

Hunan Province -Chenzhou has had no electricity or water for six days. They are relying on coal for heat and cooking. The supermarkets and banks are closed. Staff is using personal money for baby food, diapers, coal and water. Costs are rising due to shortages. They have a natural well which, thankfully, is not frozen. Even the older children are helping to fetch water. They have perhaps six days of food remaining. The local government is overwhelmed by the disaster and is unable to help much. Shaoyang has seen heavy snow every day for 20 days. There is sufficient water and, for the moment, there is power, so the children are warm. However, 5 of 6 power poles have been downed by weather. Only one stands and the institution fears it will fall as well, leaving them without electricity. Much of the rest of the city is already dark. Children and caregivers continue to work and play together. High school students are cramming for exams and trying to ignore the cold. Everyone prays that the power pole will continue to stand. Yueyang also has no electricity. The one functioning power generator is being used in the children's dormitory. They are relying on coal heat but the price has tripled in recent days. They are running out of food and have applied to the local Bureau of Civil Affairs for funds to buy more. Our HTS nannies have been walking for hours to get to work, often slipping on the ice, "even though they try to be cautious."

Xiangtan - has had snow for the past 10 days. The main water pipe is "broken again." There is no water for cooking right now but they do have electricity, coal and blankets. They are still able to buy food but prices have gone way up. Not all of the HTS nannies can get to work every day. They are keeping the programs going as well as they can and make sure that at least five nurturing nannies are there with the babies every day, along with the institution's caregivers.

Jiangsu Province -Changzhou has seen some heavy snows but the director reports that the children are fine. The director says that he's doing his best to ensure that the children do not suffer. Public transportation is crippled by the snow and HTS nannies and teachers are waiting for hours to catch a bus for home or even walking home in the snowy dark. Nanjing reports no problems at all despite the heavy snows. I tried to fly into Nanjing yesterday but it was not possible.

Anhui Province - Chuzhou has both water and power. Only public transportation has failed. HTS nannies and teachers are walking to work. They are leaving home extra early to be there for the children.

Guangxi Province - Guilin has two broken HTS heater/air conditioners in the Infant Nurture rooms and they've asked us to replace. The rooms are very, very cold. They ask for more soft matting for the floors and also snow boots for our HTS nannies who've been slipping and falling in the ice and snow as they come to work. They are so ill-equipped to handle severe weather.

Jiangxi Province - Fuzhou lost power for a few days but now it is back to normal. The snow stopped a couple of days ago but now is falling again. The directors and HTS staff have gathered all the children into one big room to keep them warm. They've bought New Years clothes for the children and will have a party no matter how bad the weather. This year, however, the foster parents will stay home to keep the children safe. The institution has enough food and water. They want us to focus on those in more serious trouble and ask us please not to worry. Jiujiang says they've never faced such bitter weather. They desperately need disposable diapers. Washable diapers cannot be dried. They need warm clothes, shoes, gloves hats quilts and warm mats for the floors. They need medicine for infant coughs and colds.

Hubei Province -Wuhan suffers heavy snows but they still have power. Heaters are working but there is no water for bathing. The local community has offered to take children in for the Chinese New Year and the institution feels this may be the best decision to keep them safe. Huangshi reports that the freeze is so severe that all heater/air conditioners have stopped functioning. They need quilts and warm clothes for the children. They need disposable diapers. Several HTS nannies have fallen on the ice on their way to work and they need medicine to treat cuts and bruises.

Gathering these reports together makes me think about how careful we have always been at Half the Sky to maintain our focus on nurture and education programs. Ours is not a medical or relief organization. There are many wonderful groups who do that work. Probably the primary reason we've been able to accomplish so much and reach so many children is because we've maintained our focus on our core mission -- providing nurturing care for children who've lost their families. But a moment like this really cannot be ignored. The tragedy of Hurricane Katrina in the US taught us that no matter how wealthy a country might be, its vulnerable citizens (old, poor, ill, and orphaned children) are the ones who suffer most when disaster strikes. Even as China seems to be entering the first world, a disaster like this is quite simply crippling. We know that orphaned children will be among those who suffer the damage most. I say this because I think we should break one of Half the Sky's rules and, if there are sufficient funds raised in the Little Mouse Emergency Fund, we should offer relief (water, food, diapers, quilts, clothing) to any orphanage where children need help. Let's see how this goes. If people are as generous as I think they might be, we will work with the provincial Bureaus of Civil Affairs in every hard-hit community, and offer assistance to all welfare institutions where there is need. Please lend a hand, however you can.

You can donate to the Little Mouse Emergency Fund by calling us in the US at +1-510-525-3377 or in Asia at +852- 2520-5266 or by visiting us at www.halfthesky.org. Once there, you can click on "Donate Now" http://give.halfthesky.org/prostores/servlet/Categories?category=Direct+Contributions or go to http://www.halfthesky.org/help/docs/usdonation-orderform.pdf to download a form to mail or fax.

Donations are tax-deductible in US, Canada and Hong Kong. Please forward this message and tell your friends and family. I will be back with an update very, very soon. Thank you!

Jenny Bowen

Executive Director

Half the Sky Foundation

www.halfthesky.org

Half the Sky was created in order to enrich the lives and enhance the prospects for orphaned children in China. We establish and operate infant nurture and preschool programs, provide personalized learning for older children and establish loving permanent foster care and guidance for children with disabilities. It is our goal to ensure that every orphaned child has a caring adult in her life and a chance at a bright future. Since 1998. Ten years thousands of hugs.

TORNADO

2008-02-01T07:36:00.000-05:00

We had some compromising weather on Tuesday night. In fact they are saying it was an F1 Tornado!!! It sounded so scary outside for a few minutes and then it was gone! Here are some pictures of the damage...

This was a large massive tree that was uprooted!!

A tree actually went through the roof of this house.

Here it is inside the persons bedroom!!

This is our local acting theatre in Pewee Valley

There's 3!!!

2008-01-28T13:06:00.000-05:00

My friend at work has 3 new nephews!! They were born 3 weeks ago and hope to come home on Friday. Ben , Jax & Wes are their names. I would love to have just one of them but my friend said she didn't think they would let me!! :(

And, speaking of children look at this below and multiply it times three for this family - Blows your mind...

The Price of Children
I have seen the breakdown of the cost of raising a child, but this is the first time I have seen the rewards listed this way. It’s nice to remember……

The government recently calculated the cost of raising a child from birth to 18 and came up with $160,140 for a middle-income family. Talk about sticker shock! That doesn’t even touch college tuition. But $160,140 isn’t so bad if you break it down.

It translates into:

* $8,896.66 a year

* $741.38 a month or

* $171.08 a week.

*That’s a mere $24.24 a day!

* Just over a dollar an hour.

Still, you might think the best financial advice is don’t have children if you want to be “rich.” Actually, it is just the opposite.

What do you get for your $160,140?

* Naming rights. First, middle, and last!

* Glimpses of God every day

* Giggles under the covers every night

* More love than your heart can hold

* Butterfly kisses and Velcro hugs

* Endless wonder over rocks, ants, clouds, and warm cookies

* A hand to hold, usually covered with jelly or chocolate

* A partner for blowing bubbles, flying kites

* Someone to laugh yourself silly with, no matter what the boss said or how your stocks

performed that day.

For $160,140, you never have to grow up. You get to:

* finger-paint

* carve pumpkins

* play hide-and-seek

* catch lightning bugs and

* never stop believing in Santa Claus

* Read the Adventures of Piglet and Pooh

* watch Saturday morning cartoons

* go to Disney movies, and

* wish on stars

* You get to frame rainbows, hearts, and flowers under refrigerator magnets and collect spray

painted noodle wreaths for Christmas, hand prints set in clay or Mother’s Day, and cards with

backward letters for Father’s Day.

For $160,140, there is no greater bang for your buck. You get to be a hero just for:

* retrieving a Frisbee off the garage roof

* taking the training wheels off a bike

* removing a splinter

* filling a wading pool

* coaxing a wad of gum out of bangs, and coaching a baseball team that never wins but always

gets treated to ice cream regardless.

You get a front row seat to history to witness the:

* first step

* first word

* first bra

* first date, and

* first time behind the wheel

You get to be immortal. You get another branch added to your family tree, and if you’re lucky, a long list of limbs in your obituary called grandchildren and great grandchildren. You get an education in psychology, nursing, criminal justice, communications, and human sexuality that no college can match.

In the eyes of a child, you rank right up there under God. You have all the power to heal a boo-boo, scare away the monsters under the bed, patch a broken heart, police a slumber party, ground them forever, and love them without limits. So, one day they will, like you, love without counting the cost.

That is quite a deal for the price!!!!!!!

How to Take Care of Baby...

2008-01-27T21:37:00.000-05:00

Well I was sent this cute little funny and I thought I would share. I'm so glad I got it cause gee I had no idea on all of these...

Crack Open My Knee

2008-01-23T19:57:00.000-05:00

Today my dad had his second knee replacement. I guess he has the knee of a newborn?? ha I will be excited so we can ride bikes again this spring hopefully!! We have a great place downtown on the river to ride. We can go like 18 miles all running along the river and you end up in a park that has massive trees that hang over the bike path and it is just fabulous!! Also he has to be able to run around and chase Izabella so he better do what the doctor says!! I'm just glad his surgery is over and he is doing well. Hard to believe he was up and walking hours after his surgery!! Amazing!!! Medicine is so cool!!

SNOW DAY!!

2008-01-22T09:40:00.000-05:00

We got our first "Big" Snow of the year! It was enough to call off schools around here but not enough to keep me from driving to work! I used to hate snow but I really like it because it is really pretty. I remember as a child when we knew there was a possibility of snow we would get up and glue to the TV untill we knew if were were out or not, and then, we used to get out for 3 snow flakes. Now I think it takes a bit more for them to call it off. Then if we were out of school we would want to go out and play in it. One year we had enough that it was up around our knees and we would make snow cream which I think today might not be good for you!! Even the thought of it now makes me want to blow chunks!! We would then come in the house soaked and mom would yell at us for tracking wet snow everywhere! Snow is a fond memory of my childhood!! Oh, and another fond memory was when we used to build forts in the hallway of our house. We would take chairs and blankets and build our forts and I thought it was so cool under there in the dark. I always wanted to curl up with a pillow and sleep! Which sounds really good right now!!!

Until next time...

2 Years Ago Today...

2008-01-10T15:52:00.000-05:00

Today is our 2 year anniversary since our papers were logged into China. It has been such a long road. I feel like people think that we are just making up this adoption sometimes. I sometimes wonder if it is real. But it is real and the Crazy Asian Elephant that I refer to in my heading would have had her baby by now. Can't wait to feel her joy!!So, tonight, I send this out to Izabella, where ever she might be tonight, who ever she might be with...

KISSES IN THE WIND
I hold you in my heart and touch you in my dreams.

You are here each day with me, at least that’s how it seems.

I know you wonder where we are…what’s taking us so long.

But remember child, I love you so and God will keep you strong.

Now go outside and feel the breeze and let it touch your skin…

Because tonight, just as always, I blow you kisses in the wind.

May God hold you in his hand until I can be with you.

I promise you, my darling, I’m doing all that I can do.

Very soon, you’ll have a famiy for real, not just pretend.

But for tonight, just as always, I blow you kisses in the wind.

May God wrap you in His arms and hold you very tight.

And let the angels bring the kisses that I send to you each night.

~Author Unknown.

2008 Happy New Year!!

2008-01-08T22:55:00.000-05:00

Well we have crossed over into another year. Still no baby. New Year's Eve was pretty uneventful for me. Scott went to a UK Football game ands somehow ran across a field pass. We was as happy as a kid in a candy store!! I had a little girls slumber party with my friend, her daughter and my neice. We had fun playing Sorry and Uno!

So, China has now matched families with Log In Dates through December 19, 2005. So we wait....

Okay here they are...

2008-01-08T22:26:00.000-05:00

I promised photos from our holiday so here they are. We had a little Gingerbread House party...

Here is Austin and Audry working hard on their house...

The RedPepper Family's house lost its roof!!

This one was mine and Hannah's!!

This is my cousin's little girl Angel - isn't she??? With her little kitty!

And her new little baby Isiaac. He is sooo cute!

This is Dad's Uncle, Dad's brother, Dad's sister & Dad -- of course. Angel had to get in as well!

Merry Christmas!!

2007-12-25T21:27:00.000-05:00

Well another year has come and gone and we are STILL waiting on Izabella. I really hope 2008 is our year! Will post holiday pictures later on!

Merry Christmas!!

Well here we go again...

2007-11-07T19:33:00.000-05:00

It looks as if CCAA has matched families through December 8, 2005, which means within about 33 days of matching, it will be our turn!! Keep in mind, they only do about 5-8 days per month...

So, in the mean time, I went on a Caribbean Cruise with my girl friends (pictures to follow) and I just had surgery which is rapid palatal expansion. My upper palate it very deep and narrow and it is causing trouble with my other teeth, so in order to correct the problem, I had to have the roof of my mouth cracked and will be widening it with an expander in my palate. So, it will be my greatest weight loss challenge yet!!

Well, I went with my friend Nora From Colorado and Sharon and her husband. They brought their daughter and her friend as well. It was a great time!!

This is us at one of the great shows!

Dinner at Johnny Rockets!

Dan, enjoying all you can eat Sundae's at Johnny Rockets!

Our crazy teenagers -- Chelse and Abby!

A cute little place in St. Maarten

This is just half of one of the acts on the cruise called MOASIC (check them out @ http://www.notaboyband.com/). They were so fabulous!

Us girls going to dinner one night!

Our last morning waiting to exit the boat! A sad morning!

Don't Freak Out...

2007-10-10T15:18:00.000-04:00

I know posting twice in one day might freak you guys out!! But check this out from You Tube.

I can't help but laugh every time I see it.

I have a twisted sense of humor!!!

21 MONTHS!!!!

2007-10-10T15:06:00.000-04:00

Snagged this one from Stephe my Sparkle Sista!! But today has been 21 months since our papers were logged in China. At this rate, the above photo will be me!!!

It Finally Happened...

2007-10-09T15:39:00.000-04:00

Now that they've created this, you never have to leave your computer!!

FINALLY

2007-10-07T22:13:00.000-04:00

We are finally through November!!!

Okay, how about some good things...

2007-09-28T13:00:00.000-04:00

I thought I would put a couple things on here that help others. Here they are...

This literally just takes seconds to do........

Please tell ten friends to tell ten today! The Breast Cancer site is having trouble getting enough people to click on their site daily to meet their quota of donating at least one free mammogram a day to an underprivileged woman. It takes less than a minute to go to their site and click on 'donating a mammogram' for free (pink window in the middle). This doesn't cost you a thing. Their corporate sponsors /advertisers use the number of daily visits to donate mammogram in exchange for advertising. Here's the web site! Pass it along to people you know. http://www.thebreastcancersite.com/ . This is real and not a scam. I check it out myself.

My mom is a breast cancer survivor and I know how important early detection is. That is why she is alive!!!

AND...

GIVE SHOES TO AN INTERNATIONAL CHILD IN NEED

Inspired by an Argentine shoe with a hundred year history and the continent's poverty and health issues, TOMS was created with a singular mission: To make life more comfortable. TOMS accomplishes this through it's ultra lightweight design and the company's commitment to match every pair purchased with a donated pair to a child in need...there are no complicated formulas, it's simple.you buy a pair of TOMS and the company gives a pair to a child on your behalf. The vibrant colors and patterns in the debut collection depict Blake Mycoskie's life changing experiences in his travels to South America where he embraced the lifestyle wholeheartedly and therefore gave back by creating TOMS - shoes for Tomorrow. Check them out on http://www.tomsshoes.com/

Bed in A Tree???

2007-09-26T20:18:00.000-04:00

Yes, that is right. We had a little get away last weekend and we stayed in sort of a fleabag motel - Unbeknownst to us!! We slept in "Sherwood's Forrest" -- In a tree!! It was not the get away we were hoping for needless to say!

And, my friend at work, just got a new puppy! He is such a cutie!! Puppies are cute but they use your carpet for a litterbox and they shed. I know, I know - don't hate!! I love them, I just don't love what they can do. We have an aquarium -- more my speed!! I know babies puke on your carpet BUT they wear diapers!! I just have this clean fettish. I know when the baby comes, it will end. BUT until them...

Another Slowdown

2007-09-03T21:09:00.000-04:00

Update on the Chinafront---It seems as if family's whose paperwork was submitted up to November 23, 2005 have now been matched. Instead of doing what has been a week at a time, it has been 4 days. So, there you go... still waiting FOREVER!!!!!!!!!!!!

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I know, I have not blogged in over month, I've been a bad blogger, so here is what's been going on...

We had some of our college student friends come over for a pre-back to school pool party. As you can see, it was a lot of fun...

Kelly Actually thinks she can walk on water!

Matt and his Sponge Bob Swimmies!! Very Hot -- hold yourselves back ladies!!!

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Football season has begun. Cannot believe this year has gone so quickly! That means I am a football widow up until Thanksgiving so, I am keeping busy scrapbooking and trying to get caught up before we go to China. At this pace, I will be caught up on all my older stuff!! Since I have just not been in the right frame of mind to work on the nursery or any of the furniture I have to paint!

This would be my pretty pretty princess - I know, he is a manly man but such a Diva!!

The fire department came out and spritzed off the players after practice. It has been around 100 degrees here and I cannot believe those kids have the strength to continue to practice. I would have cracked by now. Go Broncos!!

Little Caroline trying to fit in like Paris Hilton at football practice. She belongs to Drew and Sara, friends of ours. If you go way back here in my blog, I have a picture of her in the hospital when she was born. She is such a sweet little thing!!

Who cut the cheese?? Scott or Ed???

The Team Picture - Crestwood Broncos!!

This was at their first scrimmage.

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Now this is the cutest little group ever!!! My friend Meredith has a neice who is from China and she had a princess birthday party and they went on a carriage ride in a Cinderella Carriage. They are sooo precious. She is the one on the far left and her name is Jaelyn.

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And, of course I cannot leave out my friend Shannon's twin boys. They just turned two and we got them the cars they are playing with for their birthday. They are Jack and Palmer and they are so cute!!

More Matches...

2007-07-10T11:02:00.000-04:00

It seems we are 7 days closer to being matched. They have matched familes who submitted their dossiers and were Logged In China up to November 14, 2005. That puts our date less than 2 months away but if they keep only matching 7 days a month, it will take us forever!!!!!!!!

I am so weary of this process and the length of time it is taking. We are working on our 9th year of marriage and I thought we would have a family by now. Our log in date is January 10, 2007. Today has been 18 months since our papers were logged in China. It doesn't seem real that we will have a baby. I don't think I will believe that it will happen until we actually have her in our arms!

Cutie Patootie's Everywhere...

2007-06-25T21:01:00.000-04:00

Today, I received pictures from friends of my parents who are in China getting their sweet bundle. Her name is Cai, she is 9 months and she is so chubby and sweet. I just want to squeeze her. It seems that she loves her bath and her brother and sister love her already!!!

Fallon allert, my silly neice posing in the sink tub. She loves to take a bath. You cannot mention the word or she goes nuts. It is so funny!!

Mom and the Bachelor...

2007-06-22T22:45:00.000-04:00

My mom went to an event called the "First Ladies Tea," for breast cancer survivors and one of the guest speakers was Bob the Bachelor!!! He was one of my favorite!!

Okay, so catching up a bit and Fathers Day...

2007-06-18T22:32:00.001-04:00

Well, for fathers day, dad and I went bike riding -- no this is not a photo of us, but I thought it was funny and you know my sick sense of humor... Anyhoo, I couldn't ride and take photos but maybe one day I'll be talented enough to do that. We went down to the waterfront downtown and rode for almost 2 hours. It was really a lot of fun!! I can't wait to go again. Then afterward we went to lunch and then we went to have pedicures together. He was hesitant at first but once they started working on us, he was pretty much liking it!! Then on Sunday everyone came over for a cookout and swimming! It was a great weekend!

So Far behind...

2007-06-18T16:44:00.001-04:00

Well another round of referrals have matched and we are now up to November 7, 2005. Getting closer !
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In a zoo in California, a mother tiger gave birth to a rare set of triplet tiger cubs. Unfortunately, due to complications in the pregnancy, the cubs were born prematurely and due to their tiny size, they died shortly after birth.

The mother tiger after recovering from the delivery, suddenly started to decline in health, although physically she was fine. The veterinarians felt that the loss of her litter had caused the tigress to fall into a depression. The doctors decided that if the tigress could surrogate another mother's cubs, perhaps she would improve.

After checking with many other zoos across the country, the depressing news was that there were no tiger cubs of the right age to introduce to the mourning mother. The veterinarians decided to try something that had never been tried in a zoo environment. Sometimes a mother of one species will take on the care of a different species. The only orphans" that could be found quickly, were a litter of weanling pigs. The zoo keepers and vets wrapped the piglets in tiger skin and placed the babies around the mother tiger.

Take a look...you won't believe your eyes!!

This is so precious and reminds me that it is just like those of us waiting on babies, I doesn't matter where they come from, what country, what color, what culture, when you are to be a mother, you just need one to call your own no matter what!! I think it is great!!

Happy Birthday!!

2007-06-02T17:38:00.000-04:00

They are so cute!!!!

My new friend Shannon had a birthday party for her twin boys Palmer and Jack. She has arranged for Jack to Marry Izabella one day and then Palmer is going to marry my pal Donna's China girl. That is if we get them before Jack and Palmer turn 10!! Anyhoo here are there pics from the party today!!

Still no word on referrals yet. No matches since May 1. Come on China, I need my baby!!

The Queen is Coming!! The Queen is Coming!!!

2007-05-02T07:48:00.000-04:00

This week is what is called the ever famous Kentucky Derby here in Louisville, KY. It seems as if we will be hosting The Queen this year who will be with her husband, Prince Philip. They will be attending the 133rd Run For The Roses -- The Kentucky Derby on Saturday as part of a six-day trip to the United States that also includes visits to Virginia and Washington, D.C.

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Also, here are some photos of my little friend at work today. She is sooo cute!! Here name is Camile - she goes by Cami. We were blowing bubbles:

YIPEE WHOO HOO - 6 Days Closer!!

2007-05-01T22:17:00.000-04:00

The CCAA has finished the placement of children for the families whose adoption application documents were registered with our office before November 1, 2005. This means we are getting closer --70 more days to be matched before it is our turn!!

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Here Comes the Bride...

One of my favorite co-workers and friends got married on Sunday, April 29, 2007. Mer and Jer have been counting down the days until the big day. It was a beautiful ceremony and wedding and I especially love the flower girl -- her little niece from China - Jalynn. I'm sure you can figure out which one she is. Very sweet little girly. Congrats Mer and Jer!! Hope you are loving Aruba!!

This is the most precious photo!!

Okay, here are the Easter Pictures

2007-04-08T23:29:00.000-04:00

Here is the beach volleyball game...

This is our house...

Happy girls on the beach...
Us...
Easter Eggs in the sand...
Hunter is pretending to be Erkle...
Audry is 0ur potential pro volleyball player...