We're in Limbo

I know I promised to let y'all in on what we are doing and where we will end up but we are in limbo once again and I can't say a word.

Soon, I promise. It may also not be what you thought. There are so many factors to take into consideration here. This has to be one of the hardest decisions we've ever made.

OK, enough of the heavy stuff. Yesterday Hannah and I went to get haircuts. She needed a major confidence boost and I just needed a real haircut for once and not a Best Cut*s version. (so says Kerry) Here is the final result for Hannah. Doesn't my baby look so grown up now?? Mine is about the same, just three inches shorter and evened out a bit.

Christmas Day Fun

The kids actually slept in today!! We heard them around 8am and decided to get things started. Grace was still out so we woke her up, this was her first Christmas at home with us, so we just couldn't resist. Didn't want her to miss out on anything. As you can tell from the pictures she was still kind of sleeping : )

Santa tricked the kids this year and put the presents in the family room and not under the tree in the study. Jake was the only one upset, the other kids caught on quick and rushed to the other room. As is our family tradition we read the story of Jesus' birth before letting them tear into the gifts.

Hope's favorite gift was something Santa got on clearance after Halloween. She keeps saying she is going to be a brain surgeon when she gets bigger. Santa found this amazing costume for her and a medical kit with a brain book!! She hasn't taken it off all day!!

Hope all of you had a very Merry Christmas!! Oh, I won't be able to post for a couple days but promise to give the answer to our new place of residency on Monday. It's nothing as glamorous as England or anywhere like that. Another hint. Google Pink Panther.

A special thank you and a hint....

First I want to send a very special thank you out to one of my husbands co workers. She sent us a very beautiful handmade blanket with pictures of Gracie's adoption trip. Her note said that maybe Grace could use this but I think I will put it in her hope chest and save. When she is older we will get it out and show her the pictures and the story behind the quilt. Not only did this very nice lady send us this gift, she was also the one who notarized most of our paperwork for us.

Now onto the hint...

My wonderful husband was offered an amazing opportunity to work for another company. So, we will not be going to Washington DC after all. The hint is below. Can you guess where we are going???

Something close to my heart....

There are so many beautiful kids waiting over at CWA. This is with their Hope Project. The kids are all in Beijing and really want a family. I am especially attached to the the little girl who is assigned #20. She is so cute. Her palate and lip have been repaired. Looks like they did a great job. She would need speech therapy. In her interview she says she would like a large family. How I wish that could be our family but like everyone else is America right now, we don't have the funds to start an adoption.

Cleft issues are not as hard to deal with as you would think, so please take a look and advocate for these kids. Wouldn't it be wonderful to give them the gift of family for Christmas???

Here is the excerpt from CWA's website for her;

“Hi, I am... I am 10. I am in 4th Grade at Gao Li Ying primary school. I am going to sing a song for you. The name of the song is … by …”
Segments of the interview:
Dr. Dan asked her if she wanted a big or a small family, she said “A big family”. Q: “Do you want brothers or sisters on the family?A: “Both”Q: “Do you want older or younger sibling?A: “I want a family with many siblings; it does not matter if they are older or younger than me; or if they are brothers or sisters.”
Dr. Dan’s impression of her: “A cute and smiley face makes her so endearing to be around. Great personality; easy to speak to. She seemed eager to talk and was comfortable and relaxed with me. A real sweetheart!”
She can pronounce words clearly and without difficulties; she just sounded nasal.

more pictures...

Ok, I have heard all of your pleas for word on our news but, you will have to wait another couple of days. I promise it will be soon, we have a few more details to iron out.

I have been busily baking and trying to figure out my camera. We have Grandparents coming up to visit and Kerry's birthday is tomorrow. So a busy weekend.

The Road Less Traveled...updated

We are at a crossroad, there are two paths, which one will we take?? That which we knew was going to happen may not. Any guesses?? We have a major announcement soon.

And just because, a picture of my girl. Oh, btw I did get my new (to me) rebel slr in the mail but have no idea how to use it. Any suggestions?? I am not one to sit and read a manual. Like I have time for that. LOL

This last picture was taken with my new camera. I have no idea how to use it yet. I got lucky with this picture. It may not look amazing to you but if you saw Grace's pre surgery scar from China and her nose you would be shocked at this new one. I think by the time her 6 mth. check is due her scar will be almost invisible. Dr. Jackson is amazing!! We are so blessed to have had his expert services for her palate and lip repair! (oh, please ignore the lovely chocolate, in my excitement I almost forgot it was there)

Update:

I did figure some things out, now how about pointers for photo shop. Here are some more pics of the kids and Sadie. Now remember, I am just beginning, so be kind.

My Future Rock Star

Sorry for the lack of background lighting. In case you were wondering, she is singing "When we were young". Purely Hannah's influence.

Saturday Fun

Where do I begin? Major change is coming. I can't even get into it right now but will soon....I promise. It may not be what you are expecting.....

I am trying to get into the holiday spirit with everything that is going on but it's hard.

We started the day by having the boys go out for breakfast and do a little "mommy" Christmas Shopping. Not sure where they ended up but I did get a total of five phone calls asking about this and that.

While they were gone, the girls and I baked sugar cookies. Have any of you ever tried to make gluten free cookies?? I tell you it isn't easy. The wheat flour is what makes them good and well without that....you get the idea. But, I had success!! The cookies are alot lighter in color (due to the coconut and rice flour) so I had to watch them carefully. The frosting is pretty much the same. The boys came home so I had them do the frosting and sprinkles. They were very yummy and almost gone, so I guess they were pretty good. Seriously, they had a lighter texture, were a little softer and not quite as sweet. (which is good with all that frosting!!)

Not long after we finished that my darling DH came up and said he was taking three of the five with him to finish up shopping!! That in itself is a gift, what more could I need?? Gracie is sleeping and Jake is playing with the kitty. I am about to go park myself on the couch with some major cough meds and a remote : )

Have a great weekend everyone!!

Please help us name kitty!! We have come up with Sage, Sally Sue, Sadie and Sasha but need to all agree. What would you name her??

This is Hope left to her devices for a mere ten minutes. Lovely isn't it. Sorry for the terrible pictures. I am selling my old camera on eBay because I won a Canon Reb*el!! Yeah!! Anyway I am using an old small digital until it comes in the mail.

Breakfast of Champions??

Apparently the girls were tired of waiting for me to get them breakfast. Usually they don't eat right away, so I thought I was safe in making my bed before getting them something to eat. (they did each have a bottle )

Well, I walked into the kitchen to find this.

Oh, and did I mention we are trying to sell our house and have a realtor coming tonight??

Christmas Fun...err, humuliation

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Our Happily Ever After

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

I needed this like I needed a hole in the head.....

but Kerry and I talked it over and after having Hannah drive us crazy for about six months we decided to give her this for Christmas. (a little early)

Meet Sally Sue or Su Su for short. I know not real original but what the kids liked.

Happy Birthday to Me....

My wonderful DH had this delivered for me today. The girls and I really enjoyed it. Yummy!!

It is so hard to find a gluten free cake or even a recipe for a good one. I really appreciate the fact that he took that into consideration. What a great husband I have!!

Grace's favorites were the chocolate covered strawberries. (can you tell??)

Our News....

There may be a second part to this....stay tuned for more later.