My New Camera!

So, I just bought the Canon Power Shot A580 bundle. It' s a 8 MP and takes great pics! I'm still learning, but here's a great shot of Razz with Sampson just leaving the water bucket!

Well Intentioned People

Clarification: Let me say that in no way do I mean to offend these "well intentioned people". I am only trying to open eyes to this subject. In many other subjects I am the "well intentioned person". Knowledge is powerand so is experience. In the end it is my responsibility to handle these situations to the best of my ability. That is the main reason for this post. For me.

I thought I would take this opportunity to address the awkward questions that seem to follow international adoption. Most are very common. Even now I heard how lucky my child will be. Well the thing is most people don't mean any harm, but when those statements or questions are made in front of your daughter, well it can hurt her. I need to be on my toes when these moments occur. I want her to know that she is very much loved and that she is not the "second option". The best way to do that is to practice my response.

1.Q: Isn't she a lucky little girl? What wonderful people you are!A: We're the lucky ones, to have such a wonderful child!

2.Q: And do you also have children of your own?A: Just this one.

3.Q: Where did she get that beautiful tan?A: God gave it to her.

4.Q: How could the mother have given up such a lovely child?A: It was very hard for the birth mother, but she just couldn't take care of ANY baby. (This reassures the child that there was nothing wrong with him or her.)
5. Q: What do you know about the real parents?A: Well, we're her real parents!

6. Q: How much does an adoption cost these days?A: It's about the same as giving birth in a hospital, if you don't have maternity coverage and allow for complications.

7.Q: Are you babysitting?A: No time for that, now that I have one of my own!


I'm sure there are more questions out there. I just want to make sure my answers reassures that there is nothing wrong with her and helps build her self esteem. I want to be aware of her little listening ears at all times.

Memorial Day

Nationwide, most American families are enjoying a three day weekend. Some are cooking out at home, others venturing out on small vacations. We live in such a fast world. Let us take a moment to remember what this day is about. Let us appreciate those who have given their lives for our country. For our freedom. Teach our children the meaning of Memorial Day, so that they will grow up with a respect for our men and women who defend our liberties. I want to say thank you to all of you that have served our country. My prayer is that we (this country) does not let you down. That your families will remain safe, strong, and healthy. That we continue to show our appreciation everyday, because your commitment is not just one day. The sacrifice that you and your family make is huge. Again, Thank You and God Bless!

The Nursery

Sophie's room is almost complete, just a few finishing touches to be done. Her daddy is working on the Elliott painting. I can't wait to hang it. There's still room in the closet, but I am trying to refrain from shopping now until we receive our referral. I love dresses.The Hanna's are my favorites!

The Chapman Family

This morning I awoke to the news of the tragic accident that happen the the Chapman family. Steven Curtis Chapman, singer, songwriter, and advocate for the orphans lost his daughter last night. Apparently his teenage son was driving up the driveway and did not see his sister. I cannot even begin to imagine what this family is going through. I pray for the Lord to wrap himself around this family, to help this boy heal emotionally, and to give mom and dad the strength they need to get through. This is just heartbreaking.

Earthquake and IA

Since several people have asked me about the effects that the Earthquake might have on our adoption, I thought I would address that issue here.
So far this tragedy has brought about the deaths of over 35,000. It is thought that about 10,000 have become orphaned. Because of the one child law, many parents have lost their only child. It's unimaginable.
Most orphans will be adopted by other Chinese who have themselves been touched by the devastation.
As far as the international adoption process, I believe the impact will be minimal. Out of the 8,437 files submitted to the CCAA in 2007, only 97 came out of the Sichuan Province. Thank you all for your care and concern. Please continue to pray for the people of China.

(WenChuan Earthquake MV)Don't Cry, SiChuan四川，不哭!

Levi at 3 Months

He's such a sweety and growing so fast!!!

Say Cheese!!

I'm gonna do it. Between bloggin' and wanting to upload pics while in China I have decided to buy a digital camera. The question is WHICH ONE?? My budget .......200.00. My goal .... to upload pics to computer. I can use Snap fish or something to print them, so I don't need a printer. I still have my very nice 35mm to take pictures with. But how much memory will I need?? Hummm....ok is there a digital camera for dummies site???? I've heard good things about the Cannon. I'm thinking atleast 7mp. Right??? Help!!

Mother's Day Storm

Here are some photos from the storm that hit Sunday. Property damages are estimated at three million. The EF-2 Tornado touched down three times between Roxobel and Powellsville. With Lewiston seeing the most damage.

May's Big Ticket

I decided to skip April. Heart worm pills for three huge doggies are not cheap. With that said, I also decided to get a "want" instead of a "need" this month. It is the cutest little doll by Berenguer. Some of you know I've been eyeing these for a while. Summer Belle is the winner. She is Sophie's first doll. I just love shopping for the fun stuff!

Next month will be the mattress. I need to do a little research first. This item is very important to me. I want to make sure she gets the support she needs. Any suggestions?

Tornadoes, Cyclones, Earthquakes!!

Mother Nature sure seems to be recking havoc on this planet. Yesterday, I walk outside to let my dogs out before the rain comes. I noticed the clouds were racing and the wind was blowing, but we've seen a lot of that lately. As I am wiping their feet it suddenly becomes dark, the rain is sideways and I am freaking!! We get in the house, the Tv is out, dad calls "it's headed your way." What?? I'm slinging stuff out of the closet. It's over. Just like that. Thank you, Lord. The weather has been really violent this year. This same front came through Ok., Ga., area Saturday, killing 22 people. A Cyclone hits Myanmar last week, kills over 65,000. That's the last I heard anyway. Now I wake up this morning to a Quake in China. The Earthquake measured 7.8 magnitude was centered in the Sichuan Providence. China is estimating three to five THOUSAND killed. Wow this is really unbelievable. I'll be checking Half the Sky for updates on orphanages in that area. Please pray for our nation and it's neighbors.

Projections

Ok, so I'm wondering what RQ is thinking. Maybe she's thinking it's time for a few good batches. ME TOO!!! Here are last months projections:





And here are this months:

Don't Blink!!

13 Years

It's kinda weird. I really can't explain it. Sometimes I feel like the time has flown. Have we really been married 13 whole years? But on the other hand it's like we've been together forever. And we kinda have. I started a diary in 1988. That's 20 years ago! It's all about DH. How much I love him, how mad I am at him, whether or not he won his ball game. Oh I was in deep even back then!! It's really cool though, to be able to seat back with the love of your life and reminisce. He remembers the first time I jumped "the hill", (dirt bike, 13yo) I remember him and his friends slinging off that rope at the sand hole.(not me) We've shared so much together. Good and bad. And after 13years of marriage I can honestly say, I still love that man! It's like the pastor says "Marriage is not to be entered into lightly". Oh how I agree. A marriage has to be "kept up." If ya know what I mean. There are times you just don't have the energy or the time. We need to make it. Don't take your spouse for granted. Let them know how much you appreciate what they do. The everyday routine things that you don't think about. Oops, I've started rambling!!

North Carolina Forest Festival

We had a pretty neat weekend. DH and I finally made it to the Forestry Festival. It's an annual event that DH's boss has been trying to get us to for the past couple of years. It was very interesting. There was log rolling competition, truck driving, and pro lumber jack competitions. Vendors were lined down the street with some of the neatest items. I got Sophie a Smelly Bear! DH entered the Loader Competition. I was soooo nervous! I have always heard how good he was, but now to compete. This thing is not just local. We are talking Eastern North Carolina and parts of Virgina. The Loader Competition was from 9:00am to 3:30pm and that thing ran all day long! At 3:30 the top 6 were to compete against each other! You guessed it. I had to stay all day long because my DH made the top SIX!!!!Now this time I could hardly watch. When he crawled up on that machine, I could feel my heart bounding. (i hate competition, he thrives on it) I would get up to the side line, then walk away. Then I heard it. I heard that graffel stick, it wouldn't turn lose. I could hear it but I had walked away and every one was standing in front of me I couldn't see. I could hear he was working that thing, he didn't lose it, but it had cost him a few seconds. Anyway he ended up in 4th place. He missed 3rd by 2 seconds and the guys that took 1st and 2nd compete in Nationals. So in other words, He did very well. I was very proud. Needless to say, we'll be there next year!! He'll probably make sure he gets some practice in too!!!

Which Pic?

So we are placing an ad in the Summer Edition of the new Bertie County Visitor's Guide. On the right is a poll. Which photo is your favorite?


Photo 1









Photo 2









Photo 3