Surprise!

Surprise! and Congratulations Kim and Mike!

Yesterday was Kim's surprise baby shower and I am so happy that I could share the day with Kim, Mike and their family and friends. I had such a great time.

We played fun games: I was able to identify strained carrots (baby food) blind folded, yum! Well actually it needed salt :). I didn't win in "baby gift bingo", but it was awesome to see the great gifts Kim and Mike received. Not to mention that the food was absolutely delicious!. It was well worth going off of Weight Watchers for the day :).

Kim and Mike will be leaving for China in less than 2 weeks to bring home beautiful Annie! The new pictures Kim had are so precious, Annie now has "peach fuzz" hair. I'm in love!

Kim, it's been a priviledge to share this journey with you! I look forward not only to our continued friendship, but the friendship that our daughters will share.

Hurry Up and Wait...

That's what our wait feels like right about now. June referrals haven't yet arrived.
There is still a possibility we could be in June's batch, but I am still thinking at least July. But based upon my friend Kim's experience over the last several weeks, it sounds like once we receive our referral for Marissa Renee, things start to roll, and roll quickly. Once travel approval (TA) is received, things go into high gear and travel to China isn't far behind. Kim and Mike received their referral for beautiful Annie,three weeks ago this Thursday and just received travel approval three weeks later on Thursday. They now leave for China in less than two weeks....
Wow, Yippee!!
So...in preparation I've visited Human Resources at work to begin the necessary paperwork for my family leave. I have the form needed to be completed, but can't do anything yet because we haven't received our referral. I need official documentation. So again I said......

Hurry up!!!! and.......wait!!!!

Thank you Lord for granting us your peace throughout this long journey!!

"Be not anxious but in all things with prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."
Phillipians 4:6-7

The First Rumor....

Yesterday, on Rumor Queen, the first rumor of June finally surfaced. It is that the CCAA may have completed matching all of March 06. Have to admit that when I first read it, I got anxious and excited. Don't know when the June referral batch will be received, and don't know whether we'll be included. And so we wait....patiently.....well, maybe not that patiently, but as patiently as possible!!

Congratulations Dana

Today was my niece Dana's Holy Confirmation.

As my friend Pat pointed out the other day, it seems that time has flown by in all things in our lives, except for our adoption wait. Here is a picture of my Dana at the beginning of our adoption journey as compared to today. My has she grown into a beautiful young lady. (And hopefully a great babysitter too!!! ;-) ).
Note also how handsome my nephew Anthony has gotten too!!!!! Karen and Anthony, you look awesome too!!!


In regards to our adoption, no new rumors to report yet.

38 months and counting....

Yesterday was 3 years and 2 months since our dossier was logged in by the CCAA (Chinese Center For Adoption Affairs). Yes, that's a long time, but now I post with a refreshed sense of purpose and excitement. Again, only 8 days remain, till our log in date. I see a new light at the end of that tunnel I've been staring down for so long. A flurry of thoughts enter my mind again, from calling the physician who will review our referral to shopping for things we'll need on the trip (yes I know I have time for that!) to making arrangements at work for my family leave. All these things, and many more have been placed up on a perverbial shelf for a long while.
I've now taken them down and dusted them off.
So, when do I think we'll receive Marissa Renee's referral?? I remain as always caustiously optimistic. I've been in this process too long to set myself up for failure.
Based upon Rumor Queen's latest projections, I could be looking at June, July and I'll include August. Not that I want to, but again I've got to be ready for whatever happens.

Referrals Have Landed!!!

Referrals have arrived in the US, and the cut off date is March 14th!! That leaves 8, I repeat 8 days left till our turn. Wooooo Hooooo!!!
Waiting anxiously to hear about my friends Kim and Mike. They should hear news any minute. I am just bursting at the seams. This is so exciting!!!!!

What A Ride...again!!

The last six weeks have been the most wild ride yet on our "roller coaster" of a wait. The "swine flu" made us all jumpy, and referrals which usually arrive more at the beginning of the month, were late. Can't tell you the mood swings I've gone through, from happiness to shear depression in one full swoop. Just like doing the loop de loop on on the coaster above.
Well good news to report.....

Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day to all my family and friends. May your day be filled with love. For my friends who are "waiting", may you be filled with hope, knowing that we too, will one day, be able to experience this holiday first hand.

Happy Mother's Day Jean! Thanks for letting me know that you are following along. We had a great time yesterday. Congratulations again to Andrew on his confirmation.

Since my last post over a week ago, the swine flu has leveled off here in NY. New cases have been reported, but at a slower rate , and thankfully those who have it are recovering.

I was really "riding the roller coaster" of rumors last week. It appears that the CCAA is still giving travel approval but we have not yet received referrals for this month (hopefully this week!).

It's a beautiful day today. Sun is shining, it's warm and breezy. Gotta get going and get outside. Maybe I'll go get some impatients today!!

A Probable Pandemic

Watching the evening news....it looks like the Swine Flu outbreak will become a pandemic. There are many cases in New York, and now Nassau and Suffolk counties are effected. Although the flu is continuing to spread, those who have caught it here in NY are getting better. I'm very thankful for that. I am very sorry for the child in Texas who has passed away from this flu, and my prayers are with his family. The news just reported that this child was from Mexico and came to Texas to visit family. What is Mexico doing to curb this illness?? The World Health Organization has announced that all countries now need to put there pandemic plans into effect.

Rumors today, strongly suggest that the CCAA will halt referrals and TA's for at least 20-30 days. When I first read that on RQ this morning, it knocked the wind out of me. 3+ years and counting waiting for our child and now this. I readily admit I had a small pity party at work this morning. It couldn't have been larger cause I was at work. If I were home, I'm sure I would have given in to my emotions, so maybe it was a good thing that I had to work today.

I can't find fault with China and the CCAA for their decisions. They are protecting their citizens and children. It is the responsible thing to do.

My faith is strong, I still believe that our Lord is in control of this adoption and the length of time that it will take. But....that doesn't mean that I'm happy at the moment. I am trying so hard to remain at peace, but it's hard, really hard.

My thoughts and prayers are with my friend Kim, who was imminently expecting a referral and who now must wait again. I send all the hugs I can. I'm right there with you bud!!!!

A Day At The Vanderbilt

This was our first view of the Vanderbilt Musuem as we walked towards it.

Have you ever seen "Crocodile Dundee II"? Remember the mansion on Long Island where is girl friend was held captive? Remember when the crowd walks into the walkway of the mansion?? It was the Vanderbilt!! I just learned that today!

The court yard and clock tower.

Today was a beautiful day in New York. Our first day this spring, above 80 degrees. Ahhh, shorts and flip flops, love it!!

We decided to find something to do that would keep us out of doors as much as possible. Well we decided to visit the Vanderbilt Museum and Planetarium.

We so enjoyed walking the grounds. What a beautiful view of the Northport Harbor and the Long Island Sound. It was such a beautifully sunny and clear day that we could see all the way to Connecticut!

We decided to take in the planetarium show about our solar system. The last time I visited a planetarium was a long time ago when I was a young girl. My Dad had taken us to the New York Planetarium in NYC. I remember that after the show, we visited the gift shop and he bought me a book all about the solar system. I remember reading that book over and over for many years to come. I thought of my Dad so much today, I know he was with me.

We also took a tour of the Vanderbilt Mansion. All I can say about the tour is.....wow!! William K. Vanderbilt built the mansion between 1910 and 1936. I'm a history buff and loved the tour. I think John really had a good time too.

What a great day!

37 Month LID Anniversary

Wow, today is our 37 month LID anniversary. We have been logged in with the CCAA for 3 years and one month today. This is not an anniversary for wine and roses, LOL!, but the one thing I know for sure, is that we are one month closer to meeting our daughter and that is what is really worth celebrating.

Just visited RQ, and latest news is that the CCAA has begun matching. Hopefully we'll hear some rumors soon as to what the next cut off date will be.

Fourteen (14) days and counting!!!!!

Happy Easter

Wishing you all a very happy and blessed Easter!

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." - John 3:16
"For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved." -John 3:17

He Is Risen!!!!

Hallelujah!!!!

April Referral Update

Referrals began arriving this past Friday for log in dates, 3/7 and 3/8. Trying to look at things with a positive spin, for although the CCAA referred only 2 days (I think**), 3/7/06 was a big day (lot's of dossiers were logged in that day). Congratulations to all the March families that received their referrals!!

My heart goes out to my good friends Kim and Mike as their referral (their LID is 3/7) was not received on Friday. Their agency did not receive referrals for 3/7, but they were received for 3/8. Hopefully this was an oversight and will be rectified as soon as possible, but I can only imagine the angst and pain my friends are experiencing. John and I are sending our prayers, hugs and positive vibes their way.

** RQ posted today that possibly some agencies also received 3/9 referrals as well. Well, I've changed the LID countdown to 14 days. I'll wait and see if I should change it further.

Time Marches On and Love Remains

We are marking two sad anniversaries in my family. March 24th was 21 years ago that we lost my dear mother Dolores to lung cancer at the young age of 54.
My sister and I visit her grave often and bring lots of flowers, especially purple ones, as purple was her favorite color.
Although it's been a long time since mom passed, her memory is very much alive for us both.
If not for this wonderful, caring woman, we would not be who we are today.

This Friday, April 10th will be one year since my dear father Martin passed away. It is so hard to fathom that it's been a whole year already. I miss him so much. I still find myself thinking that I have to call him and tell him about this or that, about things that are happening in my life, only to be snapped back to reality. I still talk to him, all the time, but sadly cannot hear his wonderful voice in return. How I miss his soothing voice.

Today my sister and I visited our parents graves and brought them both colorful bouquets of flowers. We looked up to the beautiful blue sky and again let them know how much they are missed and of course loved.

Happy 36 Month "3 Year" LID Anniversary

Note the date above and the date in the header at the top of my blog and you'll notice that today is our "3 Year" log in date anniversary. Wow, now this is an anniversary that we never thought or expected to celebrate. Are we actually celebrating?? Well yes, we'll be having dinner with my sister, brother-in-law and my nephew and niece. Cornbeef and cabbage, a belated St. Patty's Day dinner where we can also celebrate this date as well.
So... how much more of a wait do we have? Ever hear of the saying "so close, yet so far...."?, well that sort of sums it up. There are 16 LID's left till it's our turn.
We are hopeful that we will receive "MR's" referral very soon, very soon, very soon....my mantra very soon, very soon!!!!!
Have a great day!!!!

Log In Date Update

Just a quick post to update where we are in regards to our log in date. As of March 2nd of this month, the Chinese Center For Adoption Affairs (CCAA) has completed matching referrals for log in dates up to March 6th, 2006 . As our log in date is March 22nd, 2006, there are now only 16 LID's left till it's our turn to receive our referral. How much longer?? That depends upon how long it takes for the CCAA to match referrals for those 16 days. If they match 4 days a month, then we are looking at a referral in June, if they do more than 4 than we could see Marissa Renee's face sooner. If they do less than 3 days.... well we'll deal with that as it comes.

A Difficult Time

I have tried to post many times, but have found it too difficult. The last several weeks have been so hard both emotionally and physically. My work load at my job multiplied in a very short period time, with project deadlines looming. I take my job very personally, and often times find myself lying awake at night, unable to sleep, worrying about one thing or another.
During this time, I also found out that a dear, childhood friend was very ill. She ultimately lost her valiant battle with cancer and passed away last week. I have been so sad, trying to come to terms with many things. Losing my friend so young (she was only 48 and with young children) is a tragedy in it's self. My heart goes out to my friend's husband and family, my thoughts and prayers are with them constantly.
I'm also dealing with guilt. I had not seen my friend for almost a year. How I wish that I had called and been in contact with her. I did not know she was ill again, I should have known, a good friend would have known.
A lesson to be learned....if you have a family member or friend that you have not called, written, or had contact with in a while, get in contact with them. Let them know how much they mean to you, let them know how much you love them and care for them. Don't let so much time pass, that one day you just run out of time.

Yippee!!!!!!!!

John checked the mail this morning and......our I-171H extension has arrived!!
Phewww! I was getting nervous, as we were fingerprinted over two weeks ago, and
our current I-171H was due to expire in the next 3 weeks.
The I-171H is essentially the first step of the approval given to us by the USCIS (US Immigration) to bring Marissa Renee home from China. We complete the process at the American Embassy in Guangzhou, China.

The latest rumors are that the next batch of referrals will get to March 6th, 2006. That would leave 16 more days, till our LID. Watching and waiting!

Next week we attend our travel meeting with La Vida, looking forward to it!!!!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Hope your day is filled with love, friendship and many blessings!
Oh....and some chocolate too! ;)

Our Travel Hand Book Has Arrived!!!

I'm cautiously starting to get excited. John and I will finally after over three years of waiting, be attending La Vida's travel meeting in March. At that meeting we will learn all we need to know about preparing for and traveling to China to bring Marissa Renee home. Along with attending this very important meeting, La Vida has sent us our travel hand book, as well as other important information we'll need. Just getting to this point is surreal. When you wait as long as we have, and you finally see some light at the end of the tunnel, it's just mind boggling. That's really the only way I can describe it.
I'm still again cautiously optimistic that we'll receive Marissa's referral within the next 3 months or so, with travel to China this summer.

And as always, all praise and glory goes to our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, who without Him, none of this would be possible. We continue to wait in His perfect timing for our daughter Marissa Renee.

Fingerprinted again!!

Today John and I were fingerprinted by the USCIS for the third time! Fingerprints are only valid for 15 months at a time. Ours actually expired this past July, but we knew that we would have to renew the immigration approval (our I-171H) we need to bring Marissa Renee home to the USA, again, so it made sense to wait till we were in the renewal process. Our fingerprinting today is hopefully the last step in renewing that approval (hopefully for the last time!). The fingerprinting process is not how you may think, no black ink involved (yippee!), it's all computerized. They spray your hands with water and you place your hands on a glass panel that reads your print. It takes all of about 5 minutes. I thought it was really cool!

We're Hitching Flights to China!!!....Not!!!

John, I and my friends from the FCCLI "waiting group" went to brunch this morning at the 56th Fighter Group. We had a blast, the ladies sat on one side of the table, while the guys did their thing on the other end!! 56th Fighter Group is a restaurant right off of a small airport in Farmingdale, Long Island. The brunch items available were vast and delicious: salads, seafood, pasta, breakfast foods such as omelets, pancakes, waffles, lunch items such as ribs, chicken, steak, and I haven't even gotten to the desserts!! Everything was delicious. I paced myself and was able to try a little of everything. I also enjoyed a Mimosa!! which I had been thinking about for several days :)
After brunch we wanted to take pictures by the planes in the back of the restaurant.
We asked the guys to gather first...and the result is the picture where the guys are all faced forward toward the planes with their backs to us...we ladies laughed so hard that we cried!! The guys turned around, not understanding what we found so funny, and then we got the face front picture!!! Then it was the ladies turn!!
I have to say how much I value the friendships of these fine ladies...Pat, Kim, and Lori. We are sharing this journey of adventure together while we wait for our referrals. Lori has a unique view as she is waiting for her second child from China, and offers understanding and advice that is priceless.

Ladybugs In My New Office!

I work in a huge hospital that is undergoing new construction and major renovations. My colleague and I are going to be moving to a new office very soon. We will be sharing the office with two other people as well. One of these colleagues saw me today (who is fully aware of the adoption and the significance of ladybugs!), and proceeded to tell me that our office is filled with ladybugs!!
Think about this for a moment, this office is on the 18th floor, as well as the fact that it's the middle of winter and the average temperature lately has been about 29 degrees. Wow!! Can't wait to see them for myself!!
ChinaAdoptionForecast.com updated their website today, and based upon our LID of 3/22/06, they are predicting that we are still on target for a May referral. If that's the case, we'll be traveling to China in July. What a birthday present that will be!

Gong Hay Fat Choy!!!

Happy Chinese New Year, The Year of the Ox. I just happen to have been born in the year of the ox! If you get a chance, visit my friend Kim's blog, she's posted an awesome explanation of the personality of the "Ox".

34 Months And Counting....

Yesterday, January 22, 2009 was our 34 month LID anniversary. 34 months ago the CCAA logged in our adoption dossier. Two more months and we'll reach our three year anniversary.
Wow, that's one anniversary I never thought we'd celebrate.

Yesterday, some of the members of our Marching Panda yahoo group began receiving their referrals. I am so happy for them, congratulations!!!! To the Marching Panda's that missed the cut off this month, just remember, next month is your turn!!!

A Let Down

Latest rumors say this months's batch of referrals may be pretty small.
Maybe including only 2 days worth.... maybe only up to March 2, 06.
I admit it's a let down after riding the high of a rumor that appeared to include our LID.
But as always, we trust in our Lord's perfect timing. It is all in His capable hands.

To my dear daughter, my dear baby girl, where ever you may be, know that you are and have been in my heart for a very long time. I long for the day when you are placed in my arms forever. Until that day comes, I am patiently waiting for you. Dear Marissa Renee, mommy loves you, now and forever.

The Rumor's Have Begun!

I'm an avid reader of the Rumor Queen. Her site is really the only place to find out information about what is happening in the China adoption world. I think that I really would have lost my mind over the last 3 1/2 years if I didn't have her site to go to. With that being said, Rumor Queen (RQ) is very clear concerning the rumors she reports. She rates them R1 -R5 depending upon how much information backs the rumor up. R1 is a weak rumor, where by an R5 is just about fact. Once a rumor becomes an R5, you can bet it will be a reality within a short period of time.
RQ reported last week an R1 that said there was a possiblity that the CCAA may get much farther into March 06' when they next send out the next batch of referrals. Maybe as far as March 23rd 06!! Well, that would mean that with our LID of March 22, 06, that we would be included!!! I have to be honest, when I read that, my jaw dropped to the floor! I then started to giggle profusely and all the thoughts and dreams that I had put on a shelf for the last 2 years, came roaring back into my mind! I have to be honest, it felt good, really good to think that we may be that close. I tempered my enthusiasm knowing this is an R1 rumor and could very possibly be false. Oh but what a wonderful couple of hours I had thinking what if?..........

Oh Boy Am I Behind!!

I should have blogged several times already, I am so behind.
First I hope that everyone had a very merry and blessed Christmas and I wish you all a very happy New Year!!!! I hope and pray that 2009 will be a year filled with peace, love and joy for everyone.
Well it's official.....the CCAA has completed February of 2006!!! On December 29th, the latest batch of referrals was received which covered LID's Feb 24th through to the 28th! That means there are now only 22 log in dates till we receive Marissa Renee's referral. I think I am finally letting the realization in, that next year at this time, I will finally be a mother. Wow, mind boggling after this long wait. 33 months and counting!

Referral Update

Last week the CCAA referred children for those with log in dates of February 18th through February 23th. That's 6 more days closer to Marissa Renee's (MR) referral. I've changed the counter on the right to reflect that their are now 27 LID's left till we see our daughter's face.
We are under 30 days!! There are now less than a months worth of LID's before us. I can't believe it. According to China Adoption Forecast.com if China continues at the pace they have been, we should receive MR's referral in May. That's 5 months from now. That's finally under 6 months!!!!!!! March 06 is a large month of referrals, but after waiting 32+ months I've got to hang on the thought that we are so close!!
Someone asked me recently how John and I can handle such as long wait. Our faith is what has gotten us this far, and is what will see us through. I totally trust in our Lords perfect timing.
What also came to mind was a scene from one of my most favorite movies, The Princess Bride, when Miracle Max is asked to hurry up is miracle. His reply was that you can't hurry a miracle, cause if you do you get a "rotten miracle" :-). Well, we are not rushing our miracle, and we believe she will be perfect!!

So This Is Christmas!

John and I finally finished decorating the Christmas tree yesterday. We started last Sunday, putting on the lights and garland, but didn't get to put on all the ornaments till yesterday. We did the garland a bit different this year. We got the idea from a tree we saw decorated at Sears and decided to try it. We used sheer gold ribbon going in one direction, then a more sparkly gold garland going in the opposite direction. Let me know if you like it.
I think I'm finally getting into the Christmas spirit. I've been listening to as much Christmas music as I can to get into the "mood". Josh Groban's "Noel" has to be my most favorite Christmas CD.
Still Christmas shopping, and haven't even started to wrap yet :-(, but most important, to remember that "Jesus is the reason for the season!!"

May your Christmas be joyful, peaceful and bright, And filled with the love of that first holy night. John 3:16

Happy Thanksgiving!

John and I would like to wish everyone a blessed, happy and healthy Thanksgiving. We are truly thankful for all our blessings.
Dad, for your first Thanksgiving in Heaven, we love you and miss you today and always.

Only Two Days

Well it appears that the CCAA only referred two days worth of referrals this month.
No one really understands why. This actually pushes my estimate of when we'll receive MR's referral back a month. Although I'm disappointed, I still must trust in my Lord and Saviour's perfect timing. So again, we wait.

Weekend Catch Up

I wish that I had the time to blog everyday. My job is extremely tiring both physically and emotionally. I get home from work with an ambitious list of "to do's", but I'm usually lucky if I can accomplish even one thing on the list. (Let's see how I do once MR is home!!!)
With that being said, I love my weekends! They go quick, but I try to catch up on all the things I can't do during the week. I'm going to try to blog at least once every weekend, and if I get a chance to blog during the week, well, then that's serendipity!!

I still have lots of pictures to post, from Bermuda, our anniversary, autumn flowers, etc.
I'll catch up eventually ;-)

Well, the 31 above signifies that on October 22 we reached our 31 month LID anniversary. We have been "logged in" in China now for 31 months. We await with "baited breath" to see how many LID's the CCAA will be able to match next. We should begin to hear about the next "batch" of referrals within the next week or so. No real rumors yet on Rumor Queen.
If things proceed as they have, with China averaging to match approximately 6 days worth of LID's per month, we are on track to receive our referral in about 5-6 months. We would then travel to China in the next 7-8 months. Oh my gosh!! To be able to actually type this with an end in site is an awesome feeling.
More to come....

Let Me Post About The Cruise Before Winter Sets In!

During the last week of August John and I took a 5 night Royal Caribbean cruise to Bermuda. We were blessed with calm seas and beautiful weather. The name of the ship is the "Explorer of the Seas". We left from Port Liberty in Bayonnne, New Jersey, which is only about an hours drive from home.

The Verrazano bridge.
Me during the Muster Drill! The Statue of Liberty!

On the way out of the Bayonne harbor, we sailed right under the Verrazano bridge (the bridge that connects Brooklyn with Staten Island). The Captain informed us that from the very top of the ship to the bottom of the bridge is a total clearance of only 7 feet. Yes, I said 7 feet! I'm actually glad he provided this information after the fact! (But it was still really cool!)

Wow that's close!!
The Captain's Champagne Welcome reception

My favorite picture of us Captain's Night, on the deck .

Our first glimpse of Bermuda.

The cruise left port on a Saturday afternoon and we arrived in Bermuda early Monday morning. We went to the very front of the ship to watch as the ship arrived. It was amazing how the crew so easily brought the ship in to port. More to come.....

What A Ride!!!!!!!

The last three years have been a constant rollercoaster ride. Every month waiting to see how many LID's the CCAA would be able to complete. Some months I felt as if I was soaring high when it seemed that things were moving more quickly, where as many times I felt as if I was heading straight down that first steep slope of the rollercoast when things kept slowing down further and further with no end in sight.
I've included a count down in the right sidebar, which shows how many LID's (Log In Dates) left till we receive our referral. The CCAA had, as of last week, referred up to 2/15/06 which leaves 35 LID's till our referral. Well....I checked the Rumor Queen last night (as I do frequently), only to see that it appears that families with the LID of 2/16/06 have been notified that there referral is on the way. Wow !!! That caught me by complete surprise. I don't believe in the 3 years I've been following referrals since starting the adoption journey that I've seen something like this happen, with referrals arriving again, just a week later. I also don't want to speculate as to a reason why. I'm just going to change the LID count down to 34, send my congratulation out to all those who are receiving their referral today, and just make sure that my safety belt is securely fastened as this rollercoaster ride continues.

Autumn Moon Picnic and Walk-a-thon

Yesterday was the annual FCC-LI Autumn Moon Family Picnic at Belmont Lake State Park. In addition to the picnic, we walked in the First Annual FCCLI Walk-a-Thon around Belmont Lake. The monies raised will be sent to charities that assist China's orphans as well as all those effected by the earthquake that hit Sichuan province.
Originally, the festivities were due to be held on Saturday, but the weather did not oblige us, as it rained all day. Although the weather continued to look threatening on Sunday, the rain held off till later in the evening. And aside from the ground being a bit "moist and muddy", we had a great time.
I've noticed that I'm more of a "scenery" photo taker, as the majority of the pictures above are the views around Belmont Lake. But I did take one of "Maya and Maya", as I walked with their Mom's "Barbara and Tina". I took the pictures with my new IPhone 3G. Boy I love my new "toy". I can take pretty good pictures if I do say so myself, as well as listen to music, etc. But, I digress. The walk around the lake was beautiful, and Autumn arrived when I wasn't looking, hence the beginning falling leaves as well as the beautiful fall colors just beginning to show in the trees.
Oh and Lori , I'll blog about the cruise next!!:-)

Happy First Day of Autumn!

At exactly 11:44am, Summer officially ended and Autumn officially arrived.
Although I had to work today, yesterday John and I visited a favorite Nursery and bought Mums and some ornamental grass plants. I replanted the backyard planters with Mums and ornamental peppers. The peppers are all different colors: purple, orange, yellow and green. I'll take some pictures and post soon, they look awesome. Our impatients still look good, so we'll wait to plant cabbages in their place in a couple of weeks. Our Montalk Daisies are almost ready to bloom.
Only mishap of the day yesterday was that while at the nursery, I was stung by a yellow jacket. Ouch, did that sting, just about all day. Today I feel as if I have a mosquitoe bit.

Happy 30 Month LID Anniversary!

Today is 30 months (or two and a half years) that we have been logged in with the CCAA. We started our "paper chase" just after Labor Day 2005. Our dossier was mailed to China on March 6, 2005, and was officially logged in to the CCAA on March 22, 2006. Wow, how can time seem to go so slowly, but at the same time just slip away. We are hopeful that we are finally in the home stretch.

One Step At A Time

I thought this might be a good time to give an update as to where we are in our wait to adopt Marissa Renee. We are "waiting in line" for China to get to our LID (Log In Date), the date our adoption application was officially logged in by the Chinese Center For Adoption Affairs (CCAA).

As noted above, our LID is 3/22/06. As of the beginning of this month, the CCAA had completed assigning children up to and including the LID 2/09/06. This means there are 41 LID's left till the CCAA gets to our date. How long will that take?? Well I'm hoping that I can finally say that we are in the home stretch and we expect to receive our referral in about 6 months. How do I know? Well I don't know for sure, but I base it upon information I can gather from the websites of others who keep close track of what China has done in the past.

One website I frequent monthly is China Adoption Forecast. This site attempts to forecast when we may receive MR's referral based upon their statistical analysis of what China has done in the past.

The website that really keeps me going is that of the Rumor Queen. I visit her site daily, multiple times a day, to keep abreast of what's going on in the Chinese adoption world. News can travel slowly from our agencies, so this is a place of support and sharing. I probably would have gone crazy a while ago if I hadn't found this site.

Our immigration approval will expire at the end of March 09. That means we will probably have to renew it again, not to mention we will have to be refingerprinted, and have our home study updated as well.

Last but not least, I named this post "One Step At A Time", the new release by Jordin Sparks. The minute I heard it, I fell in love with it. It is my self proclaimed "theme song". I am taking this wait one step and one day at a time. I continue to trust in my Lord's perfect timing. And as the song says ...." It'll happen when it's supposed to happen". Listen and enjoy!!

Our Blog Make Over Is Complete!!

I'm am just so excited! Our new blog design is complete and I just love it. Hope you like it. Thank you Diana of Custom Blog Designs for creating our beautiful blog design. If you look to the right below the side bar is the name of the kit Diana used. When I saw the color scheme and lady bugs, I new that's what I wanted. The picture of John and I comes from our recent Bermuda trip.
So now that our blog has a brand new look, it's time for me to kick it into high gear and start blogging seriously.
So.....here goes.

Complete Blog Overhaul in Progress!

I am having my blog professionally redesigned. So far the template looks great.
Can't wait!!

We're Still Here!

Haven't "blogged" in a long time. I feel as if I'm driving through a long
underground tunnel, and am starting to see the light ahead.
I still miss my Dad so much sometimes that I can't breath.
I don't know about other people, but I find writing my thoughts down to be
very difficult. That's another reason I haven't blogged in a while.
Well.... John and I will be leaving in about 2 hours for our first away, away vacation in almost 6 years (does are honeymoon count??).
We will be taking a cruise to Bermuda!!
Not taking the computer with us, but will take lots of pictures and blog about it when we return.
I'm also planning a major blog overhaul. I'm determined to master blogging.
See you when we get back!!
Sue

I Love You Dad!!!!!!

I haven't blogged in a while for several reasons.
The most important reason, is that my dear and beloved father, Martin,
passed away about two and a half weeks ago.
The last 9 months since my dad became ill, have been filled with pain, anxiety and worry. They have also been filled with many blessings.
I miss my dear dad more than words could ever say, and I am so proud not only of the
life he lived and the legacy he has left behind , but that I was blessed to be his daughter.
Although I am at peace knowing he is with our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, I am full of grief over losing him. That grief is eased somewhat by the many wonderful memories that comfort me and my family.

Dad I love you now and forever!!!

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.- Psalm 91.1

Happy Chinese New Year! The Year Of The Rat!!

It's Ground Hog's Day!

Can't believe it's February already. On one side of the fence, I'm glad, because that means that winter is almost over (depending upon which ground hog you listen to :-) ), on the other side, it just feels as time is speeding by.

Rumors are abound that another batch of referrals are imminent. Also that the this batch will include December 27th and may even finish off 2005!! That would be so great!! If the CCAA makes it to the 27th, that leaves 85 log in dates to March 22, which is our LID.

More to come...