No I haven't been in China!

Found myself down and out for a few days with a herniated disk. But after one visit to the physical therapist and about 100 prayers, I am at 100%! I knew God would heal me, and he did!


I had hoped Maire would be in our arms by now, but we are still waiting for our USCIS paperwork update. I will wait 10 more minutes then make my daily call to my officer for a status update! We have already sent in Maire's I-800 request and Visa paperwork, so we are moving in the right direction! I got a new picture of my sweet girl, but it came in a pdf and cannot for the life of me figure out how to get it to a jpg-but I can tell you, this child has the cutest dimple right in the middle of her chin! I just love it! And she looks like she's put on a pound or two in foster care, which is FANTASTIC!
Please pray for God to prepare her heart for this difficult journey in her future. As the end of July approaches, I must switch my thinking cap to "First day of school". Jude turned 5 this summer (see pics) and starts Kindergarten on August 18. I am praying to be here for the first day of school for the boys! I really don't want to miss it. For Jude's birthday he got a brand new Star Wars backpack and lunchbox. He put it on eagerly and has not taken it off since (I had to peel it off of him while he slept one night!) At his party, I watched him put it on the first time...and I cried. He isn't a baby anymore--a big boy. My mom and sisters saw me, understood, and teared up, too. My husband, brother in law, and Dad looked at me like I was crazy!

So, I start collecting the school supply list, getting out the uniforms and figure out what fits who and what doesn't fit and what pants need to be hemmed for Jude or patched for Jack. What shirts are salvageable and what shirts should now be used for cleaning cloths! School shoes, school shots (yikes), school haircuts, school school school!

Gotta get it all worked out, so I'm not leaving my parents in a lurch when TA comes. I am trying to plan ahead, but I know me, and I will still be running around like a crazy women when the time comes!

Maire's Quilt

We anxiously wait for our CIS paperwork update--hopefully only another week! Then we will finally get our TRAVEL APPROVAL. Please sign Maire's Quilt! It is a great way to send her a message she will keep forever! Thank you friends and keep us in your prayers! I am battling a herniated disk, but know that by travel time, God will have healed me 100%.

Mercy of the morning

Every morning His mercies endure. I awoke this morning at 6:15 and headed down for my cup o' joe. Now those who know me must have thought something terrible was wrong considering I DON'T do mornings! But today was my volunteer day at the Farmer's Market on our town square. I took 15 minutes to spend with God, asking for patience, guidance, and forgiveness (I was still very angry with my agency). And once again, He provided! The morning was absolutely beautiful, the company at the market was superior, I met a family with 2 girls from China who shared so many wonderful stories and advice, sold some Maire Z Doats bags, participated in an impromptu street band (just played the wind chimes!), captured some "Norman Rockwell" images on my Nikon 5000, shared a plate of homemade snickerdoodles with my boys (for breakfast!) and came home and decorated the front porch for the 4th! All before noon!! (then I took a nap) Unfortunately, after my nap, I wasn't feeling so great and am still fighting something...not sure what though. This first indication that I will be getting sick is the fever blister slowly appearing on my lower lip. Seriously, is there anything more awful than a fever blister right smack dab on your face?!? Plus, it kills when I eat potato chips...and I LOVE potato chips. The horror of it all! But I will not let that get me down!

I feel so much better today than yesterday, and I believe this delay has happened for a very good reason. I have no doubt. In time, we will know why, but for now, I will take this additional time to better prepare to meet my girl! And nurse my lip back to its normal size and color! In the meantime, we would love for you to visit Maire's online quilt (link below). You can write a message on the quilt that will serve as a keepsake for Maire, plus help us raise the remaining funds for travel. Check it out! And don't forget, Maire Z Doats (debating a name change to Maire Z Totes--hubby's idea) are still available, special order! Thanks, and keep sweet Maire in your prayers!

Maire's 100 Wishes Quilt

The unknown

"Houston, we have a problem." Well a hiccup, really. We just learned of a paperwork adjustment that needs to be made before we can get our travel approval. Unfortunately, this information only came to us today (despite the fact that our agency has known for a few weeks--but that is for another day). So the "any day now" has morphed into another 4-6 weeks. So the last 4 weeks of "waiting" for our Travel Approval...well, we weren't really waiting for anything.

Not only am I upset that this is going to interfere with school (I have to be back in the classroom on August 15 and Jude's first day of Kindergarten is August 18), but I am heartbroken--My Maire is stuck for another month--I am missing ONE MORE MONTH of her life. I'm trying to look at the bright side, but am having trouble visioning it right now! Perhaps it will look better in the morning? Doubt it...

The reality of adoption...

This video was forwarded to me by a good friend and I just watched it...I can't breathe. My heart literally hurts for Maire and all of these "lost girls". I just want her home so badly. I am so blessed that God chose US to be Maire's parents. Adoption is a wonderful thing, created by God. But my joy of bringing Maire home comes at unbearable cost to another mom. My heart breaks for Maire's biological mother. What her mother must have gone through making this decision. I pray God watches over her and provides her with comfort in her decision. I will take care of her daughter. I promise with all of my heart and soul. And my sweet girl who is soon to be uprooted from the only life she's known, given to strangers who look different, talk differently, dragged to a country where everything is foreign. I can only pray that God prepares her heart for this transition. I pray that she knows my soul and finds comfort in us as her parents. Our children are our world and I cannot wait to share that unconditional love with her.

We are still taking donations for Maire's orphanage--if you can spare anything, please let us know. There are still girls left there--without parents. No future...please help them if you can. Thank you...

Parents Journey to China, Meet Adopted Children

Another Monday...

Today I miss my Maire. Actually, I always "miss" her, but today hurts more than usual. I guess the reality of July 1 coming and going without travel approval is creeping up on me. Plus it is Monday and I have to work today...I love my job, but I have to be there so early!! I am not a early bird :) Oh well, considering it is the ONLY day I work this week, I think I can manage it. Plus, spending the day with 17 kiddos (ages 3 to 10) won't allow me anytime to miss my girl!

Went to Gymboree's semi annual sale and stocked up on hats for her! Yes, hats (see picture labeled "bald"). Bugs birthday is July 7 and he will be 5! I cannot believe he is going to kindergarten soon. Crazy stuff for a mom! Got a few goodies for him, but not sure what his "big" gift will be. Someone suggested a trampoline (with the safety net)...I'd like to know other's thoughts on this. I know they are fun and encourage exercise, but are they dangerous?! Is that a myth? Leave a comment if you have advice!

Off to school!! (the characters say "Child of God"...my entire family are His!)

More fundraising!

As we get closer and closer to our travel date (at least we think we are getting closer!), we continue to focus our efforts on fundraising! We have received tremendous financial support from friends and family over the last months. In particular, an amazing donation that really helped ease the stress of Maire's orphanage donation! Thank you my "anonymous" friend!!

I am working on another garage sell with lots of goodies being donated by friends & family. But I am also trying my hand at sewing! I have always loved the idea of sewing and even received a sewing machine for Christmas! I had lots of GRAND ideas...new outfits for Maire. Shorts for the boys--maybe even some Halloween costumes. but I'll have to work up to those things!

I came up with this fundraiser idea one night while putting Bear's tooth in a Ziploc baggie. "I need a bag that is just for his teeth. Put it under his pillow & the tooth fairy exchanges it for a bit o' money!" (yes, I'm one of the parents that perpetuates the lies...) It turned out so cute, that I made lots of more, and passed them out to friends. Then someone says "You should sell these as a fundraiser for Maire on your website!" So here they are!!

Maire Z Doats Bags can fit coins, teeth, lock of hair, 8 crayons, lip gloss & lots of other small items for your little one. Use it as their own "handbag" or for precious keepsakes. With your choice of materials...either Girls Rock (black/pink), Sassafras (brown/aqua), Chickadee (yellow/blue), Cowboy Up (red/black cow spots) there should be one your little one will love! *I am currently looking for more boy material and will post options soon.

The small bag is $5.00 and shipping adds $2.00, but I will gladly combine shipping if you order more than one bag. I make the bags when your order them, so give me a couple of days notice. If you have a need for one right away, just let me know and I will do my best to get it to you when you need it! All of the proceeds from the bags go to my sweet Maire Bear's journey home. I hope to continue to sell them after her arrival and donate the proceeds to other adoptive families. Please spread the word!! Help me bring Maire home!

Choose from the following styles:

Girls Rock
Chickadee
Sassafras
Cowboy Up

Fabric Choice

Girls Rock Sassafras Chickadee Cowboy Up