Check This Movie Out :)

This movie looks fantastic. The preview alone brings tears to my eyes, happy, heartfelt tears.......

http://www.theblindsidemovie.com/

I'm Not Particularly Crafty...

I am not a very crafty person. I have dabbled in some beadwork and enjoy that when I have the time and feel inspired. So when my friend and next door neighbor texted me this past Sunday to invite me over to "scrapbook", I was a little unsure. We don't even print out pictures that often. Anyway, my neighbor Priscilla said one of her friends would be there and ...wine, so who was I to refuse?? :)' Now, let me preface this by saying that several years ago I had been invited to a Creative Memories party, and just didn't really get into it that much. I figured we'll gab, cut a few things out, stick some stickers , gab some more, and drink some wine. In the back of my head was a voice telling me this would be a good time to start our child's lifebook.

So I go next door with the few pictures I printed and walked into a Scrapbooking Storm!!!! Cardstock upon cardstock, scissors...no like 20 different kinds of scissors that cut different edges, rubber stamps piled high and near as many stamp pads all different colors, bags of buttons (why buttons? ) and machines!!! Yes machines. I was so overwhelmed I felt like I walked into a Dr Seuss illustration, you know, the ones with the gadgets piled on top of eachother precariously?

I took a sip of wine.

Pricilla and her friend took me under their crafty wings ...and we scrapbooked. I had so much fun. What was different this time as oppoesed to the very first party I went to ? This time I had something to scrapbook about...

I was INSPIRED. THIS IS FOR OUR CHILD. :)

Thanks Priscilla and Tiffany for the most delightful afternoon!! I look forward to continuing this while we wait. And thanks to our child whoever You are for inspiring me. The results are below...

Not Much to Say, So We'll Do Wordless Wednesday!

My First "Worless Wednesday"

By The Way...

Not that this means anything, and its by no means official, but on the "Unofficial Unoffial List" we have moved to 82. On the "Reality Unofficial List" that puts us at #298. Wooo Hooo!! We dropped under 300, barely :) I know this still puts us a long way off, but seeing progress makes me feel hopeful.

Still Busy...

Well, summer is quickly coming to an end. As I mentioned before, we have been busy, busy, busy. And we still are. First of all, on the adoption front, whats happening?? NADDA, nothing. Just a lot of waiting and me getting crazier ;)'
It's ok. I figure if I'm going to be crazy while waiting for our first child, that's acceptable and probably a little "normal". Right now, there's nothing I'd rather be crazier about!

Back in June I mentioned a list of things Chris and I wanted to get done before our child comes home. We got a biggie done last week...

Living Room Before

Living Room After (with new laminate flooring)

Swiffer away!

The highlight of the past 2 weeks has been the wedding of our wonerful neighbors, Mike and Priscilla. We were so happy to share in their special day!

Congratulations Mr. & Mrs. Baumgartner!!!

So now, we hope to slow down a little. September is almost over, we've been waiting 5 mos. Before we know it October will be here and the air will get crisper. As much as I hate to see summer go, Fall brings us one season closer to our baby.

Yes, We're Still Here...

What a whirlwind of a summer it has been!! We were so busy, busy, busy. It's so hard to believe that it is September already, and my brother, Tom, has been married to Jenn for a month! Their wedding weekend was certainly the highlight of our summer. A wonderful weekend was had by all on her parent's farm, Grouse Ridge Kennels in Oxford, NY. It was so nice to spend time with family and friends, old and new. Here are some pictures from the special day...

The bridal party arriving at the rehearsal dinner in style

Inside pavillion at rehearsal dinner -- food was awesome!

Tom (the groom) and Tara (sister) --the Twins

oops...got this on here again...don't know how to delete it??????
Oh, the "waver" is Aunt Peggy

Alecia (sister), Dad, Me


Reception tent as seen from ceremony site

Katie Flanagan, Mother of the Bride

Pete Flanagan, Father of the Bride, escorting his daughter to Tom



Mr & Mrs Thomas Bradley, the happy couple!

Meant To Be.............

On the adoption front, of course a whole lot of nothing has happened. The 50 referrals that came down in July....came to a screeching halt. There have been no referrals for several weeks. It was explained to us by our country specialist that it has to do with the court closure which will be over by Oct. 1. Basically, the care centers are at capacity until more families can travel to be united with their children. She did mention that there could be another big batch of referrals once the courts reopen. As we are seeing how things are unfolding, we are expecting to be close to hearing something around this time next year...lots of time to prepare (as if we weren't ready already haha).

We have been going to Tajitu (Ethiopian restaurant in Frederick ,MD) at least once a month. The owners now remember us when we visit. We have been introducing friends to Ethiopian cuisine, so far everyone has liked it. Its about time for us to go again.....

So all in all it was a good summer, lots of activity to keep me distracted. Now, not so distracted. I have good days and bad days where I feel like this will never happen. I have feelings of helplessness because I feel like I should be doing something.....something......anything......to prepare for our child. So we wait, and wait, and wait...