Saturday, July 29, 2006

I have been tagged! The list of 7's.

Thanks to Mindy - I have been tagged and DH will not help with this or participate. I guess the fun of writing many lists is not for him. Check out Mindy's blog. Here’s my attempt of the list of 7’s. With more time to think, I probably would hope to come up with more profound thoughts; you will have to settle for my first thoughts for now..….. 7 things I’d like to do before I die:

  1. Be at Lizzy’s wedding and Kilee’s and Alivia’s…..
  2. Shovel the clutter out of my house. The kids will no doubt wonder why we have all this stuff.
  3. After reducing the clutter, organize the possessions we want to pass onto Justin, Leaa and Lizzy.
  4. Develop a landscape plan and actually do it.
  5. Save more money and give more generously.
  6. Exercise and “get healthy” so that what is in my control, is done, so that I can accomplish being alive to do #1.
  7. Own property near family in Maine and visit more often.

7 things I cannot do (or cannot do well)

  1. Cannot sing in tune, on key or any way that would be pleasing to your ears.
  2. Cannot donate blood, unless you want to see someone pass out in 30 seconds.
  3. Because of #2, I will not work in any of the medical professions.
  4. Cannot get pregnant.
  5. Cannot sleep in late in the mornings.
  6. Cannot sleep without under wear on.
  7. Cannot decorate or make any sense out of interior decorating, moving furniture or selecting wall colors, or …. You get the idea.
7 things I can do:
  1. Work and earn a good living.
  2. Bake homemade “goods”.
  3. Read my favorite books over and over.
  4. Spend two weeks in Europe with only a medium size backpack (did it twice!). DH believes in packing “light”.
  5. Play cribbage.
  6. Water ski and snow ski.
  7. Watch college and pro football; and I can spout facts about NASCAR drivers, races and Owners with the best of them (even though by modern afictianos, I am a “newcomer” fan since I began watching NASCAR races routinely in 1995).
7 things that attracted me to husband:
  1. Handsome!
  2. College educated (a bit snobby on my part, one of my dating criteria back then).
  3. Doesn’t smoke, do drugs, no debts.
  4. Caring and compassionate towards family (he called and visited with his parents regularly, kept in touch with sisters, brothers, cousins, etc.).
  5. Great smile, charming and good public speaker.
  6. Work ethic.
  7. He always says how pretty I am (wow!).
7 things I say often:
  1. Yes-Sa (my version of “Yes, Sir).
  2. OK
  3. Salty, go lay on your bed. Stay!
  4. Breve latte, half decaf, please.
  5. Have you checked the blog today? Anything new?
  6. Coffee ready?
  7. Hey. It’s me. Guess who?

This is what I should say more often: I love you F. 7 books I love:

  1. The Bible
  2. Pride & Prejudice (anything by Jane Austen)
  3. Southern Living Annual Recipe cookbook.
  4. Betty Crocker Cookbook (1950’s edition)
  5. Thorn Birds by Colleen McCullough
  6. Ladies of Missalonghi by Colleen McCullough
  7. Your Money Counts by Howard Dayton
7 movies I love:
  1. Wizard of Oz
  2. Monsters, Inc.
  3. Sixth Sense
  4. The Sting
  5. Bridges of Madison County
  6. Murphy’s’ Romance
  7. Sound of Music
I won’t tag anyone; you know that this is not an exercise just to list things for a blog, it makes one take time to think about goals and how we spend our time. Try it!

Thursday, July 27, 2006

It's Match Time

The CCAA has mailed the next group of matches. It appears they will include families whose dossiers were submitted from 6/29/05 through 7/13/05. Congratulations to each of the families. You must be walking on air!

Monday, July 24, 2006

Beware the Adoption Taliban

I learned a lesson awhile back from my good blog friend Johnny without his ever knowing. If you don't like something that someone blogged, then don't link them and don't go back. What you don't do is leave a comment taking on a lofty moral attitude because they don't think the same way as you. BTW Johnny, thanks, but as you can see, I couldn't help myself... Beware The Adoption Taliban The adoption moral police are out and about. Yes, we have our own Adoption Taliban alive and well in blog-land. A little background: One adoption blog I regularly visit recently expressed their thoughts regarding the few families recently referred a boy after having requested a girl. Her reaction to that bit of news that she shared on her blog, acknowledged her having her heart set on being referred a daughter and the hope that she would be referred a girl and not a boy. A dream shared by many I’ve run into while making my way through adoption world I might add. And then along came the comments from the Adoption Taliban crowd. Now for whatever their reasons, as if we each don’t have reasons of our own, this lady and her family had decided they wanted to adopt a daughter. They wanted a girl. Hard to believe isn’t it? I mean here we have a family making the decision to adopt, on their own. But they didn’t just stop there. Oh no, they went further than that. They actually had the gall to choose the country they wished to adopt from. Hold on, we’re not through here. It gets better. You know what they did next? Sit down for this one. They requested an infant. They did, I’m not lying. More. Did you know that some greedy baby huggers out there are putting down for TWINS! Can you believe the nerve of some people?! There’s more. There is talk among the Taliban that some of these families are asking for healthy babies and putting it in writing! And just when you thought it couldn’t get any worse. Some of these same families are grumbling about hopes for a more speedy delivery. I know it’s almost too much to read and harder still to believe. I mean, how fortunate are we to have our own Adoption Taliban take the time to sift through our blogs perusing our thoughts and opinions, we stupidly had considered to be our own, and then take the time to thankfully point out the true hideousness of our ways. On second thought, thanking them just seems so weak compared to the mental rigors they have had to endure while slogging through our shallow and unfit to adopt lives chronicled in blog-land. Whatever gave you, yes you dear reader, the idea that you could have an opinion of your own? An individual thought not yours but rather one determined for you by another. A sense of moral direction not freely chosen but one mandated for you. If not for the Adoption Taliban, how would we ever know right from wrong? Have you given thanks today for those that correct you? Scold you? Berate you? Vilify you? No? It’s Ok, your worldwide Adoption Taliban will find you soon enough if you too are silly enough to have your own opinions and sillier still to dare express them. Here’s my hoping you do.

Sunday, July 23, 2006

"Lizzy, Let Mama Carry You"

We went shopping. Introducing: The Hip Panda Let's face it. Babies can start to feel plenty heavy when carrying them from place to place. So with that in mind we went searching for a baby carrier. According to the website the HipPanda baby/child carrier can easily accommodate a small infant (from 14 lb) and a large toddler (up to 40 lb). As soon as your baby can hold their head unassisted and feels comfortable on your hip, she is ready for a HipPanda baby carrier. They offer up tons of styles and colors. So, for those times when a stroller just won't do, maybe the Hip Panda will work for you. As you can see from the photo, Alyson is practicing with a very special bear. Alyson's grandmother E-E handmade this treasure from the heart.

Saturday, July 22, 2006

OHGWQ - Family Squares

Four more squares from family! The top picture is of three fabrics from sister, Terri's family. The fabrics have my favorite colors for Lizzy: pink and browns. The wishes card has buttons representing our home State of Maine. The buttons are another way of remembering our Grandmother, E-E, as she collected buttons. The next three pictures are from my DH's family: the golfing fabric is from Brother #2 and DW, Joan who are both champion golfers. The next square is from Joan's daughter, Amy and Matt. They sent a great fabric that has many races of people representing different professions. Great fabric for our future diverse family! The bottom square is from Joan's son, Mark (how did she get the guys to do this???). He sent a wonderful fabric with "retro sports" represented. Love the squares! Thank you to the Missouri family! I am highlighting these few more wishes and squares that we have received from Family. Having family donate fabric is very important as many memories and family stories can be retold when reviewing the wishes scrapbook. I think it will be a great way to walk down memory lane.... Thank you.

OHGWQ - More Fabric Squares from Family

The picture is of the "wish" and fabric square from Alabama country cousins Stephanie and Butch. Great fabric!! Thank you!! My fabric squares for Lizzy's "100 Good Wishes Quilt" keep coming in. I have over 120 squares and wishes! When we began in March, I thought I would never be able to have 100 squares so lovingly made and donated to this quilt. I now will have enough to make two shams in addition to the quilt. I have reminded some family members about sending their wishes so will anticipate about 10 more squares. I really enjoyed swapping with fellow bloggers. They were the first ones to come through with wishes and made the collection so easy. I did join and follow many quilt square swaps on the Yahoo group "OHGWQ" and participated in two swaps: the "Red all over" and the "Christian" swaps. I would recommend doing that as you get to communicate with different adoption families and they are all interested in making a quilt for their children. I am posting a few pictures on this blog of squares from family. All the fabric and wishes pictures will be posted on the Quilt blog (link is on the right). Thank you again for sending me the OHGW squares. I hope to thank all of you sometime during the making of Lizzy's quilt. I am so happy that we decided to jump into this "quilt" making as it has meant so much to us; more than I would have guessed back then!

Quilt Square from Las Vegas Niece

Our niece, who was married and graduated from nursing college both in 2005, sent this square and wish. We are so proud of her and it has been years since we have seen her. She and DH Aaron have made a nice home together in Las Vegas. The wish is so lovely with Alyzabeth's name across the top, words from a Lee Ann Womack song and their welcome to Lizzy into the family. Family is worth keeping in touch with no matter the distance. She is a faithful and interesting correspondent (they travel alot!!) and sends pictures regularly. Wish we lived closer to her and our sisters and brothers.

Wednesday, July 19, 2006

Searching for Alyzabeth

Saw this picture on To China and Back and loved it! Since I grew up near the Atlantic Ocean and around lots of lighthouses, this is exactly how I feel……… just looking and looking for Lizzy; waiting and waiting. We made the decision to adopt (May 2005), selected an agency (June 2005), finished the dossier (January 2006 – we were a little slow doing it ourselves what with work/other obligations) and finally LID (January 27, 2006). We are now almost six months into the "wait". Agencies are officially saying we should get Lizzy's name and pictures (referred a daughter) in about 12 months. Rumors, however, say maybe 18 months!!! How long can this take? Just seems like I need to stop and look for her. Can’t do that however as we need to get the bedroom ready, put finances in order and make a quilt (scary thought!). Plenty to do but I just want her here so we can begin the American journey with Lizzy.

Sunday, July 16, 2006

Birthday & Christmas A Little Early

This must be the week for boats. Our son Justin has been fishing out of a small 10' plastic boat for over 10 years. He has used it for everything from shrimping, diving the river for arrow-heads and of course, fishing. To say things were cramped would be a gross understatement. Especially when Clemus the family dog accompanied him. Last Sunday while on my way to church I spied a boat rig for sale in our neighborhood. I knew Justin had been looking for a 12' aluminum Jon boat. Long story short(ened). I stopped to take a very quick look because I was already running late. It was a good deal. A very good deal (fingers and toes crossed and a prayer that this wasn't a HUGE mistake). In less than five minutes of "bargaining" I told the owner that we had a deal and I would stop by as soon as church let out. I don't know if he was truly convinced since the for sale sign was still on the boat when I returned. So now Justin has a new "old" boat. It's a 17' Grumman Outlaw SX sporting a 70 HP Suzuki oil injected motor with a Shorelander trailer. It has power trim, two live wells, a foot controlled trolling motor, a CB radio, two fish finders (only one said to be working), an anchor, life jackets, fire extinguisher and two casting chairs (front & back). It's a comfortable fishing boat for two people (and a dog). It's a fine little river boat for a family of 3 just looking to cruise along. Best of all, it's suppose to float and run as opposed to sinking and never starting. Still, I cautioned Justin, take it out a couple of times without the family onboard and check it out good. After all, it's OLD and it's sure to have its share of aches and pains... Not fancy, not pretty but a whole lot better than that plastic thing he was fishing out of for sure. Good luck Justin, let's hope it really does float and the engine isn't shot! And oh yes, Happy Birthday and Merry Christmas (just a little early this year).

Saturday, July 15, 2006

May You Stay Upright During Strong Winds

A couple of years ago Huricane Frances came calling and with that we bid adieu to what was our boat. It was not a fancy boat. It wasn't big. It wasn't fast. It wasn't a boat that attracted attention. It was however, PAID FOR. Also slowly washed away during that particular Huricane season, was the dock. Ultimately, it took the boat insurance money and a few other $$$'s to rebuild and repair and the time and talents of my FIL to restore power and lights. Thank you Ted. So, we have patiently sat at the end of our dock, sans boat and watched as others have more fully enjoyed the spoils of life along the St. Johns river. That has now changed. We once again have our boat. It is not a fancy boat. It isn't big. It isn't fast. It will not attract the attention of others. And hopefully, it will not attract the attention of another Frances...

Thursday, July 13, 2006

Do you LOVE Children? Florida United Methodist Children's Home

Florida United Methodist Children’s Home Enterprise, Florida. Every fifth Sunday (a month that has five Sunday’s), the FUMCH (Florida United Methodist children's Home) requests all Methodist churches in Florida to take up a special offering to go towards the Home's operating budget. The Home is dependent upon the local churches for about 80% of their operating budget funds. We are the representatives for our church to the FUMCH. This month of July has five Sundays. Once a year, in addition to donated funds, we ask our church congregation to donate an item that needs replenishing frequently. In the past we collected over 250 toothbrushes (new of course) and tubes of toothpaste. We collected new and used fishing poles and accessories. Our youth group has collected towels. During this July, we will be collecting crayons, pens and pencils for the children. There are many children who live at the home for a short stay, usually until a family member can take care of them or one of the parents is able/well/cured. The average stay is 18 months with some never leaving until they graduate from high school and are legally an adult. The home tries to give each child their own personal belongings when they arrive and when they leave. It serves to help the transition both coming and going and it also allows each child to have something to call their own. Many churches collect things that are needed every day. We have a church member who works at a business that allows him to occasionally donate hair products that were over runs or simply mislabeled. We have delivered over a pallet full of these hair products to the FUMCH on more than one occasion. This saves money from being spent from their operating funds. Thank You Brad! So the shameless but sincere sales pitch comes next. If you find you have a heart for the Children’s Home, please know we would love to have you joined in our July gift drive for crayons, pens and pencils. 1 or 100, each is a blessing and we can't thank you enough on behalf of the kids. The web link is on our right side bar if you would like to read about the FUMCH.

Monday, July 10, 2006

Carousel Rides Straight To The Heart

Today was a sweet day. I spent the afternoon with our daughter Leaa and grandaughters Alivia (Leaa's) and Kilee (Jusin's). We slipped over to St. Augustine to play in the park and ride an old 1927 vintage carousel. Over and over again. We loved it. Alivia is still too young to grasp everything going on but Kilee soaked the day up like a sponge. Leaa laughed as we were preparing to leave, trying to gather everything up: bottles, diaper bags, etc. and commented that we didn't have enough hands to take pictures. Then she smiled and said Aly would be mad about that. Aly: Leaa is right, we didn't have enough hands! The little ones kept us busy, busy, busy... So with that as a poor excuse, I offer up the only two photos snapped. A first occured when I returned Kilee to her mom and dad . She started crying because I was leaving. As bad as I felt about her crying I couldn't help but feel happy because I knew that she too had enjoyed her time with Poppy. We had sung "Kilee rode the carousel, Up and Down and Round and Round" on the ride back to her house. As I left, I could see her pumping her arm up and down and twirling her finger round and round. Thank you Leaa and Alivia and Kilee. "Kilee rode the carousel, Up and Down and Round and Round"...

Salty Dog's Shaggy Hair-Do! The Before Picture

This is Salty Dog or as Ford sometimes refers to: our Death Row Dog. We rescued Salty from the local county dog pound a little over six years ago. Do you think Salty Dog could use a haircut? Not to be confused with my own hair! Salty doesn't have a problem growing his fur; it seems to grow quite fast. He was trimmed very close the first week of April. Now it is the end of June and he is due for a grooming. Here’s the “before” picture. Hope Ford will take him to the groomer's soon! What a handsome devil of a 7 ½ year old he is!! And complain as we may about his having to have haircuts it certainly beats shedding. Salty doesn't shed!!! ac Well, Salty got his haircut but other than being able to see his eyes now I kind of miss our miniature sheep(dog)... I don't know if you can tell from the pictures or not but Salty wasn't in the best of moods. They treat him fine at the groomers, I just think he prefers the "Beatles" look over the "Punk" look. Try as I might Salty wasn't going to smile for the camera. In fact he seemed quite put out with the whole ordeal. It took a car ride to finally bring him out of his funk.

Geez, it was only a haircut Salty.

fm

Friday, July 07, 2006

And Just A Couple More From The 4th

More 4th Photos

A 4th With Family & Friends & KIDS!

Our 4th of July was spent with family and friends at our daughter Leaa's home. We wimped out and didn't make it down to the river to watch the fireworks later that night. I guess that will have to change once we have Alyzabeth. One of the more interesting aspects about the gathering was seeing the little ones now being raised by the "kids" that grew up with Justin and Leaa. It was a sobering look at "us" as parents in a world of youth. Still, we're up to the challenge and hopefully the younger parents will accept Aly and I with open hearts and minds...

Thursday, July 06, 2006

The Wait - Update...

Word on the street is November is out of the review room! December and then US!

Tuesday, July 04, 2006

Moxie Festival - The "Soda of Maine"

Since I am a Mainer living in "exile", I love to dream about the days when I can roam around my home State again. Here's a fun small town festival - Check out The Maine Moxie Festival. My BIL is a sponsor and vendor at this weekend's Moxie festival in Maine. "Moxie", a hold-over from the greatest generation, is a snappy soda that was originally patented as a cure-all and was marketed as Moxie Nerve Food. It was the first mass produced soda. Boston batter Ted Williams shilled for the drink, contributing to its all-American allure, and former President Calvin Coolidge toasted his sudden inauguration with an ice cold Moxie and was known for enjoying the beverage during his tenure in the nation's highest office. While Moxie may be experiencing a resurgence, one thing that hasn't changed is the taste. It's no secret that the drink is an "acquired taste,". Part of its allure is a strong aftertaste, caused no doubt by the gentian root and wintergreen extract in the soda."

Sunday, July 02, 2006

Trip to Maine - I Met Sister's Beau!!

My trip to Maine on June 16th was over very quickly, just a Friday through Sunday visit. I left Maine at 6:00 a.m. Monday morning and went to work once reaching sunny Jacksonville. While enjoying seeing family and friends, I also met my sister’s boyfriend for the first time. Seems he has been infiltrating the family for almost a year now. I won’t ask what she did with him during the two weeks Ford and I were in Maine last September. My impression of him is that he is genuinely a caring sweet man. He has two children by his first (and only) marriage. He helps out all the time from helping with broken down cars, troubleshooting car problems and even providing parts! He cooks, actually has custody of his children half of every week, works full time, loves his family (Mom, Dad, sister, etc). And he likes my sister. So far so good…. Here’s a picture of boyfriend and children, enjoying the water on a hot summer day, at my sister’s home.

Saturday, July 01, 2006

Fourth of July!! A Family Quilt Square

It is almost the Fourth of July and we are getting ready! My sister's MIL sent us this lovely quilt square in time for the July 4th Holiday! Thank you G.S.!! Also, a big Thank You to all of my family members who have come through with quilt fabric and wonderful wishes for Alyzabeth and her "parents". I am so happy. I have squares from the Stone's, Barker's, Stephenson's, Caton's, Soule's, Cobb's, Clarke's, Kleinhans, Cruce, Hollaway's, Benefield's, Hathcock and Kuhn's!! Just yesterday we received three from the Morgan's, Armbruster and Schroeder's, all from DH's family. Pictures will follow soon. The fabric is really cute and reflects each family's wish for Lizzy! I hope to be receiving more quilt fabric from the Morgan's, Deimund's, Morge's, Salter's, Strobel's, Brooksbank's and Jackman's soon. All family members. I can't wait as that will finish out my 100 Wishes. Love you all!