Wow - has it really been a month???

I cannot believe it has been a month since I posted to our blog. With the holidays, time just seemed to fly by. So, grab a cup of coffee and I will fill you in on the latest at our home.

We had a chance to share an early Christmas with my mom and dad in late November. My Parents spend the winter months in Florida, so we have to have an unconvential Christmas. The kids loved it!

Thanksgiving was great! We spent the day with Terry's family. Terry had to work on Friday, so it was a short trip - but still a lot of fun. I had the chance to spend the rest of the time off with the kids. I love these times. We laughed so much! With four children in our home, there are very few "dull" moments.

We tried something new this year - Gingerbread houses. O.K. - it was a kit - I did not bake the gingerbread (that would be way too Martha Stewart for me lol) Anyway, the boys and the girls worked together to make some amazing gingerbread houses.

We spent the rest of the month of December getting ready for Christmas. We have 7 trees in our house this year. Yep - you heard me right - 7 trees. What was I thinking?!?!?!?! They look beautiful and the kids loved them.

We also celebrated two birthdays this month. Tanner turned 10 on December 8 and Taylor 15 on December 11. For Tanner's birthday, we took him out for dinner with just mom and dad. He chose Red Robbin. He loved when they sang to him and brought ice cream. He also chose a new pet this year. Tanner now has a hamster named Buggies. She is really cute and all the kids love to watch her run in her wheel.

For Taylor's birthday, just she and mom went out to dinner and to the salon for a makeover. I was really needing some highlights (other than the gray) and Taylor wanted a color stripe in her hair. She settled on a pink stripe in the front of her hair. Her dad was not excited, but after I convinced him that it will eventually wash out - he was alright with it. Taylor also finished this quarter on a high note with honors again. She is doing great in High School. I am so proud of her.

When the kids were writing their letters to Santa - I caught a glimpse at Tanner's letter. It made me cry ( not a tough task when it comes to my kids). He first asked that his mom and dad would have a great Christmas. Pretty cool - huh. Then after he finished his list of item he would like - he asked to help him be a good boy so he could go to China to get his baby sister next year. Once again, I teared up. He is such a sweet little boy!

Christmas was spent here at home. I unfortunately had the flu. I drifted in and out of sleep on Christmas eve, while Terry finished wrapping all of our gifts. He also tackled those "some assembly required items". It was not a pretty site. He was pretty frustrated when he finished at 1:30 in the morning. uggh...

The kids loved all of their presents. In the afternoon we kept our tradition of going to the movies on Christmas Day. We started this about 6 years ago - and still enjoy it. There are no crowds and a lot of new movies debut on Christmas Day. This year we saw Bedtime Stories with Adam Sandler. It was a really cute movie. The kids loved the guinea pig.

So, what is the latest on the adoption???? Well, our home study arrived the week of Christmas and we have filled out our I800A application. I am mailing it to our agency this week and then they will send it to the USCIS with their documentation. We are getting closer...

I hope you have a wonderful new year and I promise to keep up with my blogging.

Until later...

A New Look

As you can see, we have a new look to our blog - courtesy of Danielle. She did an amazing job with our site.

In other news, we received the first draft of our homestudy today!! It felt so good to send it back and know that we are on our way. We still have not been matched with a child - but I know God's timing is perfect.

Well, have to get ready for the Thanksgiving holiday - wishing you all the best.

Time...

Time - it is something that I never seem to have enough of. I am constantly running - either to my next meeting or home from work to get dinner, do laundry, etc. At times I feel like I am frantically trying to catch-up.

A dear friend of mine had this information from Rick Warner posted on her site - and it caused me to STOP - and examine why I am running so much. I hope it blesses you as much as it did me.

The Time of Your Life

by Rick Warren

Make the most of every chance you get. These are desperate times! Ephesians 5:16 (MSG)

*** *** *** ***

Why is it that time drags when you want it to pass quickly and flies when you need more of it? It’s not very cooperative!Time is the great equalizer.

We all have the same amount of it. The difference between successful people and average people is this:

Achievers manage their time wisely. Rather than wasting time or spending time,

they invest time.

They make the most out of each moment.

In these difficult days, people are realizing that time is more important than money.

Money is a renewable resource - there are always places to get more of it.

But time is a limited resource.You only have a certain allotment of time in your life.

When it's used up ... that’s it!

YOUR TIME IS YOUR LIFE.

When you give someone your money, you’ve given them something that you can replace.

But when you give someone your time, you've given them a part of your life.

This means time management is really “life management.”

The Bible has this to say: “Use your head. Make the most of every chance you get.

These are desperate times! Don’t live carelessly, unthinkingly.

Make sure you understand what the Master wants” (Ephesians 5:15b-17 MSG).

You could summarize these verses this way:

1. Analyze Your Lifestyle. Be aware of where your time is going.

2. Utilize The Present. Make the most of this moment.

3. Recognize What’s Important. Focus on priorities that last.

A question to consider throughout the day: “How much of what I’m doing right now is going to count ten years from now … 50 years from now … or for eternity?”

You have just enough time to fulfill God’s purpose for your life.

If you can’t get it all done it means:

1. You’re doing things God never intended for you to do, or

2. You’re doing the right thing in the wrong way.

Prayer: “God, help me to manage my time wisely this week.”

I had a really cool thought today...

A friend of mine was asking how our adoption was progressing. I very sadly said that we had not been matched with a child yet - but then a really cool thought hit me. You see, I just realized that we are on the brink of something so amazing. I am going to be a mother again - WOW!!! And the fact that God has been planning this all along is so cool. I kind of think of it like how I feel when it is one of the kids birthdays and I have a special gift for them. I cannot wait for them to open it. I spent time choosing just the right gift and imagined the expression on their face as they open the package. It gives me goose bumps. I think that is how my heavenly father must feel right now. He has carefully selected the perfect child for our family. He formed her and has blessed this little girl. He chose her just for us - and now he waits to share that awesome gift with His children. That is so cool!!! I just hope the time comes very quickly, when I can open my present.

Till later,

Diane

Wow - is it really November already?

It seems like the days are flying by lately. I am sure they will begin to slow down as we get closer to our baby girl. So much has happened lately, so grab a cup of coffee - you might be here a while.

First, Terry and I had a night away from the kids. To some of you this may not sound like a big deal, but to us it is huge. The last time we went away together was when we were adopting Tessa. Much like that time, we were attending our home study agencies training. Our agency is Adoption and Beyond and they are located in the Kansas City area. It was an amazing trip. We actually talked - without being interrupted. We laughed more than I think we have in months. You know the kind of laugh that makes your sides hurt.

Adoption & Beyond

My Best Friend

We also learned some new things at the training. We went in there thinking we were the seasoned pros at this adoption thing - but then realized we still have a lot of questions.

When we pulled into the parking lot, I started to cry. I guess it all became very real to me - We are adopting again. I know, not a news flash to all of you, but it really started to sink in. I feel so very humbled to be part of God's plan for this child's life.

My parents were kind enough to stay with the kids while we were away. I think this was some great spoiling time for the kids. They really love their grandparents. When we got home, Trenton started to cry, When I asked him what was wrong, he said he did not want Grandma to leave. I think my mom melted at that one. Thanks Mom & Dad, this really meant a lot to us.

Other updates - we will mail our home study packet to the agency tomorrow evening. We have struggled to get the last pieces together. The kids will have their physicals tomorrow afternoon and then we are done. hurray!!!

Then there is Halloween. This year we had Cinderella, Buzz Lightyear and Harry Potter join us for the holiday. They looked adorable. And boy did they bring in loads of candy. So much for the dieting... This year Taylor chose to stay at home and pass out candy. I think her favorite part is sampling her sister and brothers candy.

Another update is regarding the adoption ministry at our church. I had approached our Missions Pastor, Rick - about the possibility of starting an adoption support group at our church. He asked me to continue to pray about it and to study the book of Nehemiah. I must admit, eventhough I attended a Christian University, I could not recall any details from this book. So I started to read. It took me a few attempts, but I finished it. And now I totally get why he had me read this book. Nehemiah was rebuilding the wall of the city. He fought persecution, like I cannot even imagine - and he did not do it alone. It talks about all the different people who helped to build sections of the wall. It also speaks of how they had a hammer in one hand and a sword in the other. I have learned that I cannot do this ministry alone - I will need a lot of help. That brings me to my next point. God has placed some amazing women in my life lately. Two other families from our church are adopting from China. Right now, it seems like we are all about 1 month apart in the process. Tami and Jennifer are two super mom's. I feel so blessed that God has brought them into my life.

Well, I think that is about it for now. I will try to post more often, so as not to ramble on as much.

Till later,

Where did the time go....

Tonight was kind-of bitter sweet. Taylor went to her first Homecoming dance with a young man. I keep telling myself that this cannot be happening. She as just a little girl last week. Now she is 5'7" and towers over me. She is an amazingly beautiful young woman. I feel so fortunate to be her mother.

Her escort is a nice young guy that she has known for a few years. Joshua is very shy - just like Tay. He took her to dinner at O'Charley's - where they were joined by the rest of our family and Joshua's. So much for privacy...

Tessa

It is hard to believe that almost 3 years ago I first saw the picture of a little girl who would some day be my daughter. Sometimes I forget that she has not been with us forever. I feel so blessed to be her mother. God took us on an amazing journey through our adoption. I grew in my relationship with Him and with my family.

I hope you enjoy the video of our gotcha moment, as well as some recent photos.

I love you baby,

Mommy

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Chip In Fundraiser

We have set up a new fund raising tool through "Chip In". You can donate funds directly to our adoption through PayPal.

We will also use this site for some fundraising give aways later in the month.

Thanks!

The Kindness of Others

I wanted to share something with all of you that really touched my life. For the past few years, we have enjoyed dining at our local O'Charley's restaurant. The food is wonderful, the service top-notch and best of all, kids eat free. When you have a lot of little ones to feed, this is a very important quality. The manager at O'Charley's is Reggie. She has become a very dear friend to our family. If she heard we were celebrating a birthday or special event, she always makes sure to bring out a wonderful dessert at the end of our meal.

She has often asked us about our adoption of Tessa. We recently told her we were adopting again. She was really excited for us. We also explained to her about our fundraising efforts. We mentioned the adoption bracelets that we have been selling. She asked that we bring her some to sell. Well, tonight when we stopped by for dinner, she was glad to take the bag of bracelets and start selling. Before we left the restaurant she had sold 4 bracelets. She was talking about it to all of her employees. What an amazing lady!!! I am so excited for our daughter to read these posts and hear of the kindness that has been shown to us.

By the way, we are also selling the bracelets on ebay.

Thanks Reggie!!

A Very Profitable Night

We hosted our first fall My Red Thread show last night. It was in southern Missouri with a great group of ladies who have purchased a LOT of stuff from me over the years. This night was no different - we sold $659 in merchandise. I am not quite sure of our profit yet - but I think we did well.

It looks like the funds for this adoption will come - just not as quickly as I would hope. I can do all thing through Christ!!!

Just a reminder that our My Red Thread blog is open and available for purchases. If you find something that you like, let me know and I can send you an invoice via PayPal.

Till later.....

A Really Cool Event

I had the opportunity this week to participate in an event at our church. As the kick-off for our Women's Ministry they hosted an evening called "A Night at the Fair". They invited woman with home based businesses to show off their talents. Taylor was my assistant for this evening - and she was great.

I had the opportunity to meet so many amazing women from our church. Many of them gave testimonies about how God had blessed their lives through their business. I also think I made a few contacts for future embroidery parties - hurray!! I will try to post some pictures later.

One verse that I heard repeated many times was Phillippians 4:13 - I can do ALL things through Christ. How often I forget that it is through Him that I can succeed - not by my own power. I am constantly running around trying to fix things or make them happen in my time. But when I rest in Him and allow His will to prevail - I am at peace.

I am so glad that God chose to bring our family to 2 Rivers Church.

Another Fundraising Idea

We are trying to be creative with our fundraising efforts. One option is to sell some things on Ebay. I have a few items listed - Check out our auctions and spread the word. Just click on the word "fundraising" and it will take you to one of our items.

Thanks!

A Date Night

If you are like us, you very seldom get the opportunity for a Date Night. Our church made this opportunity possible for couples this past weekend. The date night was great and I highly recommend the movie - Fireproof. It was awesome!!!

Yard Sale Update

My assistant

Who could resist buying things from this little cutie????

Well, it has been a long day!!! The Yard Sale started at 7:00 am this morning and we closed the doors at noon. Between all of obsolete items and the baked goods, we made $255.00. This is fantastic!!!! We still have a ways to go, but we will get there.

Till later....

Need some prayers

I am really needing some prayers lately. As many of you may know, one of the primary stumbling blocks to adoption is the expense. During our adoption with Tessa, God provided what we needed, when we needed it. It was so amazing!!! Well, we are once again facing the need to raise funds for our adoption. I will be hosting a Yard Sale this weekend to help with our initial fees. I have had to break things down a little, just to try and get my head around it. Right now, we are needing $3,200 - this will pay for our home study update, post placement and initial agency fees. So far, we have raised $100 towards our goal. I have installed another meter to show our progress towards this goal.

If you have some ideas on fund raising, I am open to practically anything. Thanks in advance for your prayers.

Also, we will be selling adoption awareness bracelets as well. This is something we created during our last adoption as a fund raiser. They are great! It is a purple silicone bracelet, much like the ones from the Lance Armstrong Cancer fundraiser (Livestrong). Ours say, "Adoption...A Child Waits" and then our favorite verse from Jeremiah 29:11. Let me know if you are interested in ourchasing a bracelet or would be able to sell some at your church or work.

Walking Update

As you can see, we are now at 21.56 miles towards our goal. Great job team!!!

What a Weekend!

It has been a great weekend. Fall is by far my favorite time of year. I could smell leaves burning in someone's yard today, and it was awesome!!!

We had the opportunity to spend a lot of family time this weekend. My husband's company sponsors a day at Six Flags (our local amusement park). They offer early admission to the park, lunch and other specials. The kids had a blast!!! Tess is still my brave little daredevil. She wants to ride everything. This really worries me when she gets her license.

I had the chance to walk a lot around the park. The pedometer is not working, so I will have to estimate my miles for the day.

I am still waiting for miles walked updates from a few people, so I will post our new total on Monday.

On the adoption front, I am still working on paperwork. This will be a big week for physicals and fingerprinting - YEAH!

My babies

And did I mention that it rained....

Isn't he cute.

Taylor looks thrilled to be spending time with her mom - right????

So, why are we choosing to adopt?

This is a question that I have been asked several times lately. I guess the most accurate reason would be that Terry and I feel this is God's plan for our lives. Also, this picture helps to remind me of the children I met during our last visit to China. Each night, these children go to sleep with no one to hold them and tell them goodnight. I feel very humbled by that.

This has been a very big week for us. We have finally selected an agency. This was not any easy process. I am happy to say that we will be working with A Helping Hand Adoption, http://www.worldadoptions.org/ . They are a wonderful Christian agency based in Lexington, KY.

We are currently in the paperwork stage of our adoption. Since this is our second adoption in less than 5 years, we will only need to update the information. This is not an easy task, but I am trying to learn to enjoy it. lol

Now, an update on our walkers. I have spoken with quite a few people this past week who are joining our walking group - Sherry and Carol are two of our newest converts. They walk 3 miles each day at lunch - WOW!!! Welcome to the group.

Until Friday.....

The Cheese Stands Alone

Well, I am feeling a little lonely in my quest for 7,266 miles. I have only recruited my children so far. Many of you have sent your good wishes, but no one has signed up to join the team. I can't do this one alone....

Anyway, I have successfully walked 3.6 miles so far this week. I actually think I walked a little bit more than that, but my pedometer is not the best. It was only $2, so I guess you get what you pay for. There will be a new pedometer purchase in my future this weekend.

So, now as promised, a little more about the adoption. I know many of you may be thinking "Terry and Diane are off their rocker - they already have four kids". Trust me, I have had the same thoughts at times, but we know this is right. Many of you may have experienced this as well, when you are following God's will for your life, there is a sense of peace. I can't describe it, you just know you are walking where he wants you to be. I am sure there will be days that I question what we are doing, but I know that God has a plan for us.

Anyway, let's talk more about this little girl. Yes, we will be seeking to adopt another little girl from China. Tessa has said for months that she has a sister in China. Well, I plan to bring her home. We are still researching which agency we will work with this time. The entire process has changed so much. So until then, let the paperwork begin. We will only need to "update" our homestudy, but that is still a considerable amount of work. We do plan to adopt a special needs child. This term can be so misleading. What one country may consider as a special need is so easily correctable here in the states. We will request a little bit more mild special need this time. Tessa medical needs came with some challenges. She is doing wonderfully, but it has been a tough road at times.

Tanner will be traveling to China with us this time. He is really excited! I think this will be a great opportunity for him.

Well, I think that will do it for now. I will post a barometer on the page later today, to show the meager miles walked so far this week.

Until later......

We are on our way...

I received my pedometer today - hurray!!!! It took me about 30 minutes to figure out how to set the configurations for my small steps. lol But I am pleased to say that I completed the first .10 of a miles towards our goal. The rest of the family is starting tonight.

Let me know if you are ready to join in.

What's In A Name

You may be questioning the title of our blog. Well, it is actually pretty simple - we have chosen to return to China to bring another child into our family. As many of you may know, we were blessed with the addition of our daughter Tessa from China in 2006. She is an amazing little girl! Since we returned home, I have felt a calling to go back and bring home another child. My dear husband was not so sure about this plan. It has taken two years and a LOT of prayer to bring us to this point. That is where the Mei Mei part comes in. The Chinese word for little sister is Mei Mei. We will have more details about the adoption in a later post.

So, how does that bring about the other elements to the blog name??? Well, when we were completing our adoption paperwork, I had to face the fierce reality that I might need to shed a few pounds. So, I thought what better way to loose weight than to walk. Just for fun, I checked to see the estimated number of miles between Missouri (our home) and China. The total number of miles is 7,266. WOW - that's a lot of walking. Even though the adoption wait has increased greatly over the past two years, I do not think I will be able to walk this entire distance alone. So, that is where my friends and family come in. To help pass the time, I would like to invite all of you to walk with me. Each Friday, just send me your total number of miles walked for the week. That evening, I will update the site with our progress. If you want to participate, just send me an email or comment to this blog. I actually purchased a pedometer for each member of our family. I think I might even try to bring the dogs in on this one...lol

Anyway, just let me know if you want to participate, or just check back weekly to see our progress.