1 Year LID Anniversary and Football

Today is 1 year since we were officially logged in for our adoption. For those of you who don't know the process, this is an important date. This date determines where you are "in line" for your referral. I hope that there will not be a second year anniversary.

I feel this picture sums up my feelings on where we are with the adoption. I can "see" the end but it is very, very far away.

On a happy note, my beloved Bulldogs won the Liberty Bowl today. Dan went out on a motorcycle ride today, but returned in time to see the 4th quarter and the winning touchdown. This time of year always makes me a little sad because I know I have 9 more months until college football resumes.

Finally, I just wanted to tell everyone Happy New Year. May 2008 be the year your dreams come true.

Secret Santa gifts

We belong to a Yahoo group for people adopting their first child from China. Today, we got our Secret Santa gifts. Thanks so much Monika and Jim. We love them and can't wait until the day Alex gets to play, wear and read them. This is our first official gift, so it is extra special.

As you can see, Dennis likes them too.

I think we may have a problem on our hands. Ha Ha

so far so close

This Dan of DnD........

I made it safely home Thursday night despite the best efforts of Northwest and Delta airlines....

I wanted to share a little bit of my flight home because it was like swerving into destiny, not quite hitting it but getting close enough to see it. This will make sense in a minute......

As some of you know I recently took a work assignment in in South Korea.

This has me travelling every 28 days.

While coming home this time, my plane was delayed in Tokyo,Japan.

I noticed several western families with Asian children, babies to be more exact.....

I introduced myself to them and inquired as to were they returning from China after adopting....they were......

See where this is going??? Now does the earlier statement about crashing into destiny make sense???

Anyway, I spoke for several minutes with these lucky families and relayed our story as well...All the children were happy and healthy....

I guess what I am trying to convey here is that I got a glimpse of what it is going to be like for us......one day.....I can't deny that I was stricken with a minor dose of jealousy, but then the eyes of an angel met mine and reminded me that it is not something to covet, but rather something to embrace and be thankful for.........

And it just made my resolve even stronger, for it was then that I realized this was my only true goal left and that I have the rest of my life to prepare, wait, and hope for.......

In closing, if any of those families from Northwest flight 12 from Tokyo-Nari ta, Japan to Detroit on December 14th, 2007 read this I say Merry Christmas and God Bless.......

Happy Day!!!

In less than 24 hours Dan will be on his way home and in less than 48 hours he will be here. I couldn't be happier. This is the first time since 2000 that Dan will be home for Christmas. Alley is coming home for a visit next week too. Being with my family is what the Christmas season is all about to me.

Chickens

A few months ago a hen showed up in our neighborhood. I believe they were escapees from the "hobby farm" behind our subdivision. She had several chicks running behind her and now, we have a full blown chicken flock. They roam from yard to yard eating insects. Sometimes in the morning, one or more of the roosters will come into our yard and crow at dawn. Good thing I'm an animal lover...... I will admit I have used my Miss State University Cowbell to discourage them. By the way, seeing chickens run is just about the funniest thing ever. They have really become pest. I have to watch when I put cat food out for the wild cat that lives around our house or they will eat it. I have even seen them come up and bully him until he leaves. I wish I could find out where the hens were laying their eggs. There is nothing better then fresh, free range eggs.

Alexandria's Christmas ornaments

As some of you know, Dan and I started the adoption process in January of 2006. What most of you don't know is that we had decided to adopt in December of 2005. The panda ornament you see was given to me that Christmas by a client. At the time only 1 other person knew of our plans, so when I got the ornament, it seemed like a good sign. I consider it Alexandria's first Christmas ornament.

This ornament was given to us by our friends Margie and John in 2006. They adopted their little angel in March of 2006. I consider this Alexandria's second Christmas ornament.

Today I was out shopping for presents and I came across this ornament. I knew I wanted to find another ornament for the tree to signify the start of our 3rd year waiting for Alexandria. Ladybugs are considered good luck and in the adoption community they are a common theme. This is what his tag says, "Ladybugs are know to bring good luck. They signal good weather and a good harvest. If a Ladybug lands on your hand, make a wish, and then watch it fly away. Your good fortune will come from that direction." I think that says it all.
Here is the tree finally decorated. Of course, the cats are enjoying the tree.

And for those of you who wonder where Dennis is..he was locked in the bathroom.