Anniversary - LID-aversary...

18 years ago today I married the man of my dreams, full of hope for the future. Today also marks 39 months waiting for our daughter Hope, it just shows that you can never predict what the future will hold and what God has planned for you is so much more than you can ever hope to dream!!

Praying for many, many, more years of wedded bliss...but that this is the LAST month waiting for HOPE!!!

Happy Father's Day!

...to the best Dad in the world!

June Referrals

Referrals started coming out today - it looks like families with LID's from March 15 - March 20th are in. Since (so far!) the CC@@ hasn't processed less than 2 days in a month... we know we are in next month.

On March 22, 2006, 39 months ago... our referral was entered into the system in China. Each and every month since, we have followed referrals with eager anticipation of how many babies would be matched with families and how soon they would get to us. Each month we would wonder what it would feel like when it is our turn, then month after month, the journey began to feel futile. But now here we are... knowing... that NEXT month WILL be our turn.

It is a surreal feeling, some parts of me are numb, other parts have that pins and needles feeling when a sleeping part of you is just starting to wake up...

When will it really be?
How old will she be? Older or younger than Kate?
What will she look like?
Will she have hair?
Will she be smiling in her picture?
Where will she be from?
Will she be happy?
Will she be healthy?
Will she have been in foster care or a HTS orphanage?
When will we be able to go get her?
What do we need to pack?
Will Chris miss school? (do we really care?)
Will our trip be quick or will we need to wait.more.time.

So many exciting unknowns.... just.can't.wait.

Birthday Rumors!!

What a great birthday present... good rumors reported on Rumor Queen!

Another Year Younger...

Well let's just say it's a double digit year which has always been good luck. I know this year, my wish will come true!

Today is the beginning of the rest of my life....

I am beyond giddy today! I really should be cleaning... like I said I would.. but I guess I will once I write this post.

Here are some of my giddy highlights!

Today is Chris' first official day of summer vacation and we got to sleep in until 9:00 when Kate woke up! It was so great to sleep in!

My friend Lisa got her baby Ava over the week-end, and got her to smile!! It was so amazing to see her in Lisa's arms! It is surreal to think that we are on our way soon!


The first crazy rumors out of China this month are that they are going to match through the End OF MARCH!!!!!! Now I don't believe this for a moment... but it is a very fun rumor to dream about!! Especially after looking at THAT ^ picture!!!

So... today is the beginning of the summer but also where we begin to plan for our trip to Hope!

Prayer for Ava's Family

One of the joys among the challenges we face in this journey of Chinese Adoption are the connections made with those we would never have otherwise made. Our red thread connections are not only with our daughters, but with those who have made our journey with us.

I sit here this morning with joyful tears because one of those dear friends is leaving for China today, to finally realize her dream of adding a daughter to their family. We spent so many years supporting each other over the wait, that it is hard to believe, she is finally going to get Ava... and if she is going... then my turn is just around the corner!

So my dear friend, this blessing is for you:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank you so much for placing "L" in my life, her support and laughter has been a true blessing. I pray as they journey to Ava that you hold them and their travel group under your wing of protection, that they find smooth, safe and restful travel.

As they spend time sight-seeing in Beijing I pray that they have fun and absorb the rich culture and history. I pray for a feeling of awe and wonder when they stand atop the Great Wall and view the incredible beauty you have made.

Lord, may their meeting Ava comes quickly, yet allow time to stand still that first moment, so that they will never forget. I pray that they find her smiling, healthy and sweet, that Ava bonds with them quickly and that you will guide them in whatever Ava needs.

Bring them swiftly and safely home, full of sweet, happy memories to share with Ava when she is older.

In His precious name... Amen!

P.S. Lord, I pray that they didn't forget anything they need, their luggage does not weigh too much, that they rest on the plane and not need to watch those 2 seasons of "The Office" as I know it will warp their brains! Help them to find food that they like, but if not, I pray they don't have digestive issues from eating too much peanut butter and diet bars. I pray that they bought the correct transformers and that their electronics are safe and that her flat iron was a good investment (because I'd like to borrow it when I go). I pray that their underwear dries quickly overnight and that the hotel laundry doesn't shrink their clothes more than the weight they have lost from only eating peanut butter...but mostly... that they laugh... everyday...

Love you "L" - God speed!