Another funny...

I "borrowed" this from fellow blogger Tifanny again over at Gingham and RicRac and thought I'd share with y'all.

A Post Turtle

While suturing a cut on the hand of a 75 year old rancher, who's hand was caught in the gate while working cattle, the doctor struck up a conversation with the old man.
Eventually the topic got around to Obama and his bid to be our president.The old rancher said, 'Well, ya know, Obama is a 'Post Turtle''.
Not being familiar with the term, the doctor asked him what a 'post turtle' was.
The old rancher said, 'When your driving down a country road on you come across a fence post with a turtle balanced on top, that's a 'post turtle'.
The old rancher saw the puzzled look on the doctor's face so he continued to explain. 'You know he didn't get up there by himself, he doesn't belong up there, and he doesn't know what to do while he's up there, and you just wonder what kind of idiot put him up there to begin with'.

I am King of Poo.....

Here me scream....

Ok, just had to get that out before a recap of the weekend. This is the nickname I was given by Hope after changing the fifth poo diaper today. (yes, and it's still early folks.)

We had a very relaxing weekend. Not much planned. Just some Saturday house work and Sunday driving around. We ended up taking the kids to the cider mill, where they played, had donuts, cider and then screamed like banshees when it was time to go. (OK, that was just Hope)



Lots of fun and nothing stressful.

So I thought. Monday comes around and I am sick again and so is Jake. Hope and Grace have a tummy bug and I am up to my eyes balls cleaning poo. Yes, I thought I would give y'all a visual because I am at my breaking point here. It's seems like everyone has been or is sick these past 4 weeks. Grace most likely has giardia, but the doctors say no. Keep in mind this is a tough bug to get rid of and it took me three tries to get Hope tested correctly. Grace has been tested once by a doctor who had no IA experience and didn't even get a complete blood work up on her.

I know this is all a part of parenting but come on can I have one day where the girls will poo on the potty and and one of us isn't sick??? Please?

Those of you that know me, know I am kidding. I mean yes, i would love a day without toxic diapers and sick kids, but that's part of parenting and it won't always be this way.....Some day I will be wishing they were still in diapers instead of going on dates, driving, staying out late and talking back!! LOL

The first two pictures above are in our back yard. The kids and I love to spread a blanket or sheet out and just enjoy the sunshine.

We also have, for your viewing pleasure a video. This is what happens when Grace has to hold anyone's hand. We pray before meals and this always gets a big laugh. (not the praying, Gracie's reaction to holding hands)

The latest contest winners

Jeanne and Barbie!! Please email me your addresses or leave a comment and I will get your outfits out asap.

Ice Cream, Ice Cream.....Everywhere!!

A funny from another blogger....

I found this on Gingham & RicRac as I was browsing blogs while the kiddos were napping, playing with friends ect... I had to include it because I find myself saying or doing some of these things. It is just to funny.

"What I really meant to say was..."

1. **Fine** This is the word women use to end an argument when they are right and you need to shut up.

2. **Five Minutes** If I am getting dressed, this means a half an hour. Five minutes is only five minutes if you have just been given five more minutes to watch the game before helping around the house.

3. **Nothing** This is the calm before the storm. This means something, and you should be on your toes. Arguments that begin with nothing usually end in fine.

4. **Go Ahead**This is a dare, not permission. Don't Do It!

5. **Loud Sigh** This is actually a word, but is a non-verbal statement often misunderstood by men. A loud sigh means I think you are an idiot and wonder why I am wasting my time standing here and arguing with you about nothing. (Refer back to # 3 for the meaning of nothing.)

6. **That's Okay** This is one of the most dangerous statements a women can make to a man. That's okay means she wants to think long and hard before deciding how and when you will pay for your mistake.

7. **Thanks** A woman is thanking you, do not question, or faint. Just say you're welcome. (I want to add in a clause here - This is true, unless she says 'Thanks a lot' - that is PURE sarcasm and she is not thanking you at all. DO NOT say 'you're welcome' ... That will bring on a 'whatever').

8. **Whatever** Is a women's way of saying **@%#$ **YOU!

9. **Don't worry about it, I got it** Another dangerous statement, meaning this is something that a woman has told a man to do several times, but is now doing it herself. This will later result in a man asking 'What's wrong?' For the woman's response refer to # 3.

And of course some more pictures of the cuteness. Here she is doing her breathing treatments. She doesn't seem to mind and I make a game of it. We'll see how long she finds this entertaining.

Better days ahead....

Grace is getting better slowly, I wish I could say the same. After nursing four of the five kiddos through this illness I am now sick. Grace will still need breathing treatments for quite some time. She is also taking steroids and antibiotics for the next week. The meds are making her feel better and her walking and balance is so much better. Poor thing must have had ear infections from the get go as she couldn't stand steadily at all. Her personality is so sweet and she laughs all the time. Hope is getting better with sharing and loves her sister. We will be going back to the doctors again on Monday for a recheck and to do her blood work again. The first doctor was not familiar with what she needed.

Sick Gracie ****updated****

As I write this I just walked in the door from the ER. We ended up at an urgent care center Wednesday night. They released us, but when we got home Grace got worse so we headed to the ER. They kept us overnight and we just got home. (7:30) Grace has pneumonia and ear infections.

I apologize to the winners of the last contest but it will be a few days before I can get them in the mail.

Please say a prayer for Gracie, she seems to be breathing easier but I still am a little worried.

**Update**

Grace still has pneumonia and her ear infections but add to that possible asthma. We made an appointment for the doctors once they opened and I am glad I did. Her oxygen level went down again and they did another breathing treatment. We stayed until it came back up and then were sent home with five prescriptions and a machine for breathing treatments. Hopefully this will help poor Gracie. She is just not herself. (I am also not going to say a word about the possibility that she is allergic to the family dog.....Jake will be devastated)

A Glimpse into my morning.....

Today was Grace's cleft appointment. I had everything worked out, the kids would be in school and I would take Hope and Grace. I had to schedule this appointment about 6 weeks before Grace came home to ensure that I would get in. He is one of the best and booked solid into November. So anyway, I get up this morning and Hannah our oldest has a fever. Ok, no big deal she is 12 almost 13 and can stay home while I run to the doctors, I 'll just ask the neighbor to check on her. On to the boys, Caleb is up and eating, next Jake, he has a fever and coughing like crazy. Ok, this is still doable, I did not schedule this appointment in vain. I will call the neighbor she can watch the kids. Right??

No, she isn't home from work yet. Ok, still workable. She gets home around 9, I don't have to leave until 10. Still can get ready and go. All is going well, neighbor is on board. We get there and I can't find the office. I have ten minutes. I call and figure out I am in the wrong building. We finally get there and I check in. The receptionist calls me back up and says : " Grace isn't on your insurance yet and you will have to pay for this appointment." Ok, I call Kerry he says yes she is and it goes on like this for a couple minutes. Finally I just tell them whatever, we are here I wil just pay and deal with insurance later. SO I think everything that can happen has and things will start to settle down now...right?

WRONG!! We get into the office and meet the doctor, he seems nice. Right behind him are about 6 student doctors and two social workers. Hope starts to panic. I try to reassure her this is for Grace it's ok. No deal, she starts getting hysterical and there is no going back. Meanwhile the doctor is trying to explain the process to me and needs pictures ect... Luckily Grace is taking everything in stride and being very good. Hope is having a major melt down at this point and yelling. " I don't want the stupid doctors!" (yes she really said this) I try and explain that Hope was traumatized in China by doctors, they seem to understand but I need to get out of there asap. The social worker is next and she tries telling me this will get better. I say yes it will as soon as we get out of here. No hint, she goes on and on about things I could have talked to her over the phone about. Finally we leave and get another appointment for October. aah!! I think I will have Kerry take Grace next time.

I didn't get to talk with the cleft doctor and what he did tell me I can't remember because Hope was screaming. Something about ear tubes and appointments for next time and that I'll be seeing 5 specialists next time. Oh joy.

But the good news is I am the very proud mama to a healthy little girl who is the sweetest thing.

Seek the Lord and his strength;seek his presence continually!
—Psalm 105:4

I will look back on this morning some day and laugh.

And now on to the promised give away for this week. There are two as usual. They are a size 2 and 4. The pants are super cute and have a ruffle on bottom and the top is kind of like an apron but I have Hope wear hers with a long sleeved top underneath. If you would like to enter, leave a comment. Feel free to link back here if you want.

Yes, I did notice the little fingerprint on the lense of the camera but not until after I had taken the pictures.

I am selling the Halloween reversible pinafore. You can see them on the side bar and Here. I will be making Thanksgiving and Christmas ones too. My good friend Keisha sell the cutest matching hair bows. There is a link on the side bar to her site.

What do you get with a gallon of ice cream???

Here are a few more pictures from the weekend. Don't forget to check back on monday for the next giveaway!!

We have winners!!

I didn't have to many people sign up for this but did draw winners. The size 4 goes to Marilyn and the size 2 goes to Denise. (Denise I will need your address) I will get these out by early next week. Watch for the next give away. They are very cute outfits!!! I have a size 4 and 2 again. (Can you tell I made to many clothes for my girls, hence the give aways)

As always I couldn't resist a picture of my smiley girl. I would include one of Hope but she hasn't been cooperating lately.

Laughter, the best medicine!!

Grace is coming into her own. I hope she feels more comfortable with us. She seems to be a lot more active and definitely outspoken. This video is my favorite. She is so cute.

We have quite a few doctors appointments to go with the cleft one on Monday. I am hoping next week will be more laid back and she will get on a better schedule.

I probably won't be posting as much in the next few weeks. I'm not even sure anyone reads this anymore.

Butterfly Video and an update of sorts...

Kerry and Grace have been home about four days. She is such a tiny little girl. She does eat and boy do I mean eat. She can pack away more food than Kerry or Jake. (and that is alot!) We had our first doctors appt. yesterday. She did pretty well considering.

I am not impressed with our doctor at all. She barely looked at her, said she was assessed at a 9-10 mth level and then sent us of for blood work. I am now looking for a new peds doctor with IA experience.

We have a cleft appointment on Monday. I am looking forward to this one. (insert sarcasm) He will look everything over and let us know what he thinks as far as timing and surgeries go.

Kerry and I have decided Grace's adoption will be our last. I know putting that in writing is so hard. As much as I would love to adopt again, it just isn't possible. We have five children, all pretty close in age, all needing us as they grow and I am feeling the pull. I want to give my children what they need and adding more well, I just couldn't do it. maybe when Hope and Grace are a little older we will go back and volunteer. That is something I would love to do. It would also give them an inside look at how an orphanage is run and maybe a sense of closure or understanding for the girls. They were so young when we adopted them, I am not sure how much they will remember. I hope they remember the good things and that their aiya's loved them very much and did the best they could.

I wanted to end this post with something extraordinary but Grace is waking up and I need to run. I guess in closing I will just say that I love all my children very much. Hope and Grace were meant to be our daughter's. I know this. Grace's adoption was especially meaningful. She waited so long because she was meant to be ours. I mean how could a nine month old baby girl go through all the agencies interested clients and then two yahoo groups and someone not say she is mine? It's because God chose her for Kerry and I. I believe that with all my heart. She is a special little girl and with time her true personality will come out, she will start to feel safe with us and know that we love her very much.

One more thing, if anyone is looking for a GREAT agency I would highly encourage you to call ours. (Wasatch) All their China people have been awesome. They went above and beyond what I expected. Marilyn is a wonderful person and always made sure I knew what was going on. The travel part of it was also great. Kerry said the guides were amazing, especially the Xian one. Sabrina, the lady who sets everything up was amazing, she called me at home most every day, mostly because she knew I wasn't able to travel, just to let me know what they were doing that day or that everything was going as planned.

What you've all been waiting for...

At least what I've been waiting for. Grace is home. She is a little peanut and very attached to her Baba. She only woke up once last night and has continued to eat like a horse. I'd love to know where she puts it all. She loves to give kisses. I have already gotten a few.

Don't forget to enter the Give Away contest here: You have until Sept. 12!!

Homeward Bound!!!

Finally, after 6 months of paper chasing, three mths waiting for our 171, two and a half months after being logged in and five weeks waiting for travel approval, Gracie is coming home!! Can I hear an AMEN!! Praise God from whom all blessings flow!!

I am finally going to get to hold my baby.They should arrive tomorrow around 3:30. I ended up hiring a van to bring them home. As much as I want to be there, I really don't want to drag four kids and myself down to the airport. They would also have to miss a half day of school and it's only been 4 days since they started. I will see them once they get here and hopefully it won't as hectic as the airport.

Enjoy some pics from yesterday!! Behold the Elvis hair in all it's glory!!!

Red Couch and a Giveaway!!

Ok, maybe he was going for the Elvis look with the hair?? Regardless, she is the most beautiful baby ever!!

Now, to thank all of you lovely people for ordering from me, my first giveaway!! This is a republican/star print reversible pinafore. I have two. One is a size 4 and the other a size 2. Leave me a comment (and a size request) and I will draw names on September 12.

Medical Exam ok and prayers needed...........

The medical went ok in Guangzhou. Kerry said Grace did very well and didn't cry at all. She even got some smiles out of the staff. Hope never had that happen. She was much smaller though and still in the crying stages.

As for me, I seem to be having a bit of a relapse. I could really use some prayers. I seem to be getting sick again. This is not a good time, (is it ever?) I need to be on my A game in order to get Grace through her surgery. It takes a lot to parent five kids and I need to be healthy in order to do that. We are not sure exactly what is going on, could be colitis, could be crohn's or maybe just a real nasty bug I caught somewhere that isn't going away. The Dr. is leaning towards colitis but not a severe case. I don't know what it is but I can't stand it. I am so frustrated and tired of being sick all the time. I am missing out on way to much. I just hope that I start to feel better before Grace is home. I want this more than anything.

Look at my babies sweet face!!

They are finally back in Guangzhou for the last leg of the journey. Five more days until I can hold her. Kerry is feeling better. They are planning on going to Lucy's, the Pearl Market and doing some local shopping. (I hope) Check the Travel Journal for updates again.

Also, check the sewing blog. I am starting something new. To thank all of you wonderful peeps for ordering and helping us reach our goal for Gracie's adoption, I will be GIVING away new creations about twice a month. I would shoot for every week, but I think I am going to be pretty busy once Grace and Kerry come home.