Finding our Daughters in China - an amazing experience

Happy Birthday, Emma!

2012-01-25T13:32:00.000-05:00

Our baby girl was 6 years old yesterday!! Boy, is that hard to believe! It seems like just yesterday that we received her referral picture, brought her home, and now, she's 6!! My how time flies. She has really grown in the past year too! She's lost that sweet baby look, and it's been replaced with a smart little girl look - we are very blessed to call her our litte girl...

Happy Birthday, LiYang!!

2012-01-25T13:28:00.000-05:00

Our oldest daughter turned 15 on Friday!! I can't believe she's 15!! She is so smart, funny, and is a joy to have around! We celebrated with dinner at a local Italian restaurant, and surprised her with a guitar. She is a blessing to our family, and we are so happy that she is with us!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!

2012-01-16T13:37:00.000-05:00

Christmas day was one busy day at our house!! We woke up early to see what Santa had left, opened our gifts, and went to church. After church, we fixed Christmas dinner for our families, and had another Christmas when all the grandparents arrived! The girls were spoiled rotten with gifts from all, and they have had a wonderful first Christmas together. Our oldest son and his wife spent Christmas with her family, so we had them for New Years - and did Christmas again! Here are some pictures of all our kids and family enjoying a wonderful time together.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! - slideshows

Getting Ready for Christmas

2012-01-16T13:22:00.000-05:00

It has been a while since I have posted, so I have put together a slideshow from just after Thanksgiving to just before Christmas. We decorated the house and tree Thanksgiving weekend, had our annual Families with Children from China Christmas party, and visited a local hotel to see all their Christmas trees and take pictures for our Christmas cards. We stay pretty busy these days, and I don't get on the computer very often. Enjoy the show...

Getting Ready for Christmas - slideshows

Happy Gotcha Day, LiYang!!

2011-12-19T19:36:00.000-05:00

It is so hard to believe that it has been one whole year since we met LiYang in China!! She has grown and changed, even in this short amount of time. She is a lovely young lady, who has not had the easiest of times this year. She has really missed all things China. She misses her grandma, her aunt, her friends and teachers from China. She has done really well with us, though. She is smart, funny, very artistic, and very sweet. She has made friends at school, and at church, and has started participating in the youth group activities. We know that God has some majorly special plans for this young lady. Her grandma is a Christian, so LiYang already knows a lot about God and the Bible. He is working on her!!! Here she is in the same outfit she had on when we met...

Happy Gotcha Day, Alyssa

2011-12-13T20:41:00.000-05:00

One year ago today, in China, we received our third daughter, Alyssa. It is so hard to believe she has been here a whole year. She has learned so much - she knew no English, and now, has forgotten most of her Chinese. She is a very smart young lady! We can't wait to see what God has in store for this special little girl!

Our Sunday Smiles

2011-10-25T08:40:00.000-04:00

Our good camera has been broken for a while now, so I haven't been able to post much. Here are some pictures from Sunday, and a few of LiYang and some of her drawings - she is so talented!!!

Sunday, Oct 23, 2011 - slideshow with music

FCC Fall Get-Together

2011-10-25T08:28:00.000-04:00

On Saturday, our local FCC group had our annual Fall gathering. Everyone had a great time! One of our families always hosts this event at their home. They do a hayride and a bonfire, which everyone always loves and enjoys. This year, we had 2 new families there - one who has been home since infancy, but new to our group, and one precious little boy, home 2 months now. It is always exciting to see new families joining in!! We are all so blessed to know each other, and to be able to share what God has blessed us with - the gift of adoption...

2011 Fall Get-together - slideshow with music

HAPPY GOTCHA DAY, EMMA!!

2011-08-15T20:04:00.000-04:00

Saturday was the 4th anniversary of Emma's "gotcha day" - we can't believe she has already been with us for 4 years!!! She was 18 months old, and is now 5 1/2 and getting ready to start kindergarten next week. She is a beautiful, sweet little girl, who loves to sing for Jesus, and has prayed to have Jesus in her heart! We know He has amazing and wonderful things in store for this little girl!! Here she is, still able to wear the outfit she came to us in!!...

Just some random summer pictures

2011-08-14T18:52:00.000-04:00

Well, summer is almost over, and we've had a great one! lots of fun in the sun, swimming, beach for two weeks, and, we were blessed to have "Ms. Sue" stay at the house with the girls this summer. She is wonderful with them, and they love her so much! Thank you Mrs. Sue for loving our girls!

Water balloon and Pool fun

2011-08-14T18:22:00.000-04:00

The girls all love the water, and playing in anything to do with it. Here are some pics of their water balloon fun and playing in the pool...(ignore the date - I forgot to set the camera date)

HAPPY GOTCHA DAY ALLIE!!!

2011-07-15T13:13:00.000-04:00

Three years ago yesterday, sweet little Allie was placed in our arms in Shenyang, China. She is such a blessing! She is a rowdy, happy, playful, and tomboyish little girl, who has brought us many blessings and much joy! Here she is in the same outfit (which will probably fit her for many more years)!

Beach Vacation 2011!!

2011-07-11T19:24:00.000-04:00

We are so blessed that my grandma (MaMa) has a place at the beach!! We get to spend the fourth of July week, every year on vacation at Myrtle Beach!! This year, we were really lucky, and got to spend 2 full weeks!! It was wonderful, and we all had a great time!!

Very Busy!!

2011-07-11T19:09:00.000-04:00

The girls have been keeping us very busy, and I hardly ever have a chance to post any more!! I have to do better!! First, May 13, Emma graduated from Pre-K! Can't believe it, but our youngest will be in kindergarten next month!!

The girls continue to do well together, and play together great! They love to play with water balloons, bubbles, anything outside, and Church/Sunday School! Our local FCC group also had our annual picnic, which was lots of fun!!

Mostly LiYang

2011-05-30T20:22:00.000-04:00

I am really loving having an older daughter - she is a very special young lady. She has been through so much in her 14 years, yet, she is kind, loving, and such a joy. I would encourage anyone to adopt an older child. There are tough times, and, of course, a lot of normal teen behavior, but, seeing her blossom as she has gained friends, as she's learning English, as she's taking on other interests such as choir, and guitar - she is a beautiful young lady! She doesn't like us taking pictures of her all the time like we do the younger girls, so I am actually borrowing some of hers from her camera for this post...

Easter at the Beach

2011-05-30T20:13:00.000-04:00

We spent Easter break at the beach this year. The first day, our camera broke, so we used LiYang's to take a few pictures. The girls had a great time playing in the sand, the beach, and, in the pool! They built castles, found sharks teeth, and, LiYang and Alyssa began learning to swim!! Can't wait until our summer vacation - we get to spend 2 weeks at the beach!! Enjoy a few pictures...

Last few pictures

2011-05-11T13:09:00.000-04:00

We spent the week of Easter break at the beach, and, my camera broke!! I can't believe I have no pictures of Alyssa and LiYang at the beach for the first time!! Here are the last few pics from before we left - LiYang won an award in an art show, Allie was in a program at school, and Alyssa sang a Chinese song in the talent show!!

Very Busy Girls!!

2011-05-11T13:03:00.000-04:00

The girls have been very

busy with school, softball, birthday parties, and just playing and having fun...

Sunday Smiles

2011-04-04T11:06:00.000-04:00

The Fashion Show

2011-04-03T19:52:00.000-04:00

Yesterday, the little girls decided they wanted to try on a few of their summer dresses - they did, and had to model, and dance a little too!! We had a great time! Enjoy some of the great pictures I got of them...

We love outside!!!

2011-03-23T07:47:00.000-04:00

The girls love to play outside, and with the warmer weather we've had, they've been out quite a bit!!

Sunday Smiles

2011-03-14T08:19:00.000-04:00

We got a few pictures of the girls before church this morning, and, Justin came to church, then Josh came by - so, we had to get a few of all six of our children together!! I still have a hard time believing we have six kids!!

Sunday Smiles

2011-02-28T06:28:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday Lucy!

2011-02-28T06:27:00.000-05:00

Sweet Lucy is now 5 years old!! We had a great time at her birthday party on Saturday afternoon!!

Oath of Allegiance

2011-02-28T06:26:00.000-05:00

On Friday, we traveled to Fairfax so that LiYang could take her Oath of Allegiance, and receive her Certificate of Citizenship!! It was a great day! LiYang was already a citizen, but due to her age, had to participate in the ceremony in order to receive her certificate..

Happy Birthday Pictures

2011-02-23T06:22:00.000-05:00

Finally, a chance to put together a slide show from Alyssa's birthday! In China, Alyssa had our guide tell us that she wanted to ride the little cars for her birthday. So, we went to a local place called Thunder Valley, and that's what she did - all the kids seemed to have a great time, and they all loved the little cars!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ALYSSA!!!

2011-02-17T07:47:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was our sweet girl's 8th birthday! She is happy, loves school, loves her sisters, and they all get along so well! We are very blessed that she is our daughter! She is really learning English quickly too, and teaches us a word of Chinese here and there! Emma and Allie are picking it up much faster than mom and dad are!!

We will have a birthday party for her Saturday, so stay tuned for pictures...

Sunday Smiles

2011-02-14T06:24:00.001-05:00

Chinese New Years' Celebration 2011

2011-02-07T06:23:00.000-05:00

On Saturday, we celebrated Chinese New Years' with our local FCC group. There were about 100 or so from our community there! It's a wonderful time for all the children to get to visit, (and the adults!) and to see that there are so many families just like their's! Afterward, we headed downtown to our local museum who also hosted Local Colors celebration of the Chinese holiday. The festivities included a wonderful orchestra, demonstrations of a number of martial arts, lots of crafts for the children, and an overall great way to see some of our children's culture.

Alyssa's Visit to UVA

2011-02-03T06:12:00.000-05:00

Yesterday, we took Alyssa to UVA to the SB clinic for evaluation. She came through all with flying colors!! The orthopedic doctor, physical therapist, occupational therapist, and pediatrician we saw feel that she needs no intervention for anything at this point, and will see her again in a year!! We still have the urology appointment in a couple of weeks, but, she's doing great!!

It was a really nice office too. In the front, is a huge glass room filled with castles for climbing, and playing, all kinds of toys, and, when we arrived, a lady playing a guitar and singing children's songs, who had a beautiful voice. There was also someone who was doing different crafts with the kids - they truly enjoyed being there!!

Sunday Smiles

2011-01-30T11:30:00.001-05:00

Sunday Smiles

2011-01-30T11:23:00.000-05:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY EMMA!!

2011-01-24T06:38:00.000-05:00

Today is Emma's birthday, and I can't believe she is 5 years old!! For her birthday, she wanted to do the same as Allie, and have Gemstone the Clown come to her party. So, we got a room at a local restaurant, and had a few friends, and family, had dinner, cake, and presents, but also had a magic show, face painting, and balloon animals - all the kids had faces painted - even PaPa was Spiderman!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LIYANG!!!

2011-01-20T21:56:00.000-05:00

Our sweet daughter, LiYang turned 14 today!! We celebrated her birthday, and our one month anniversary of having her as our daughter - we adopted her on December 20!! She is a special young lady, and we are proud to call her our daughter. We can't wait to see what plans God has in store for her - we just know they are HUGE!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DARLING DAUGHTER - WE LOVE YOU!!

Sunday Smiles

2011-01-17T08:18:00.000-05:00

Since the weather was nice Saturday, we visited the Star at Mill Mtn. We thought it would be nice to show the girls a view of the area where they now live - it was a beautiful afternoon!!

Home for 2 Weeks

2011-01-15T08:22:00.000-05:00

We have been home for two weeks, now! Hard to believe it's been that long. The girls have continued to get along great and play together really well. We have truly been blessed with 4 sweet girls. The little ones love their Leapsters, and, play them a lot. LiYang likes to watch some of her Chinese comics on the computer. This week, Alyssa started school. She is in the first grade, and is doing really great according to her teacher and the principal. LiYang will go this coming week.

Sunday Smiles

2011-01-09T17:06:00.000-05:00

We have had a great week home! Both girls are registered to begin school - Alyssa starts tomorrow, and Liyang will start on the 18th. The middle school is having exams next week, so she will start the first day of the second semester. Alyssa will be in first grade, and Liyang will be in the 8th. The girls have been amazing - all 4 of them. They are getting along well, and so far, we've not had any problems! We are loving having 4 girls (and our 2 boys, of course!!)

Sunday Smiles

2011-01-03T21:09:00.001-05:00

Christmas 2010

2011-01-03T20:58:00.000-05:00

Since we spent Christmas in China, we had Christmas on New Years' Day - Santa made a special trip to our house on New Years' Eve, and everyone came over for Christmas dinner!! It was great - the girls had a wonderful time, and enjoyed spending time with additional family.
By about 8:00 we were all very tired - still re-adjusting to USA time, vs. China time, I guess!
God has richly blessed us this year (and every year) - our two best gifts were our two new daughters! Our family is now complete.edit

Our trip to China was wonderful - and long!!

2011-01-03T20:54:00.000-05:00

We had an amazing trip to China to bring home our last two daughters! Josh and I left on Dec 10, and got home on Dec 31 - a total of 22 days. It was an amazing journey, and we have added two more absolutely precious girls to our family. If you would like to visit our travel journral to read about our trip, go to www.youbelong.net/ourtwogirls

A True Blessing Today!!!

2010-12-01T20:57:00.000-05:00

There is a family in China now, who adopted a precious little 3 year old girl from the same orphanage as Alyssa. Today, they visited the orphanage, and sent us new pictures of Alyssa, and a video!! In the video, Alyssa says "Thank you, BaBa and MaMa for my gifts." in Chinese!! I can't wait to get this girl home!!

Here are some of the pictures...

Our IN CHINA Itinerary!!!!

2010-11-30T17:26:00.002-05:00

In 10 days, we will be on our way, and below is where we will be on each day of our journey!!!

Dec.12: Arrive in Nanjing on flight , transfer to Holiday Inn Aqua City.

Dec.13: Go to the Civil Affairs to meet the child and sign the adoption agreement. After that the guide will go with you to the local department store to buy some daily necessities for your child.

Dec.14: Go to the Civil Affairs for adoption registration, notarization and child’s

passport.

Dec.15: Visit the Taizhou SWI by van, it will take around 3 hours to get there. You will be back to Nanjing on the same day.

Dec.16: Visit Ming emperor’s tomb, Provincial Museum and Xuanwu Lake Park.

Dec.17: Pick up passport in the afternoon.

Dec.18: Nanjing to Jinan on Flight SC4992/13:40-14:45, guide will meet the family at the airport and transfer to Silver Plaza Quancheng Hotel.

Dec.19: Rest and free on own.

Dec.20: In the morning go to the Civil Affairs to meet their child and sign the agreement. Guide will go with the family to the local department store to buy some daily necessities for your second child.

Dec.21: Go to the Civil Affairs again for the adoption registration and notarization, then go by train #D51/10:19-12:42 from Jinan to Qingdao, apply the child’s passport. You will stay at Sea view Garden Hotel.

Dec.22: Visit the Qingdao SWI in the morning, then take Train #D6014/14:05-16:20 from Qingdao back to Jinan, transfer to Silver Plaza Quancheng Hotel.

Dec.23: Visit Baotu Spring.

Dec.24: Pick up passport in the afternoon Jinan to Guangzhou on Flight CZ3708/19:55-22:40, transfer to Victor Hotel.

Dec.25: Take visa photo for the child first, then do medical and TB test for the child.

Dec.26: Free.

Dec.27: Pick up TB test result.

Dec.28: Visa appointment at the Consulate, Oath-taking ceremony.

Dec.29: Rest and free on own.

Dec.30: Pick up the visa in the afternoon, family will take train from Guangzhou to Hongkong, the local guide will have train tickets for you, transfer to the train station. You will stay in Hongkong Regal Airport Hotel for overnight.

Dec.31: Leave HK for home on own.

Praise the Lord!!

2010-11-29T21:14:00.000-05:00

We received our TA for Mandi today!! We are all set now, and don't have to worry about her TA having to catch up to us in China!! We leave Friday, Dec 10, and get Alyssa on Dec 13, and Mandi on Dec 20. We get to Guangzhou on Christmas Eve, and home on New Years' Eve!! We can't wait!! Girls, here we come!!

Letter from our Daughter

2010-11-27T19:00:00.000-05:00

Last week, when we received the new pictures of our 13 year old daughter, we also received a letter from her. I thought I would share it so you can see what a sweet heart she has. We can't wait to meet her in person, on December 20!!

Dear Baba and Mama,

Ni hao! How are you? When I started to write this letter, I cannot tell you how excited I am. I always wanting a home of my own and Baba Mama , brothers and sisters of my own. I am always waiting for the dream come true. Now I find my direction, I got my hope. I really want to appreciate you with the good studying surroundings and family which you will give me.

When I got your gifts, I felt that I really met an angel in my life. I got your pictures. I saw my two lovely sisters. I think I will be as happy and lucky as they are now. I read your letter. It shows so much cares and loves to me. Thank you for your loving me so much.

I am in grade 8.I love physics maths and Chinese. I also love writing. I hope to continue my study in USA.I hope I still can study with my Taekwondo.

I love sky blue and dark and white color.

You are loving heart people. I believe that it is the fate that we find each other. I believe we will have a happy life together. I think I am going to love you with my love heart. Just like how much you love me.
Happiness and lucky find me. I will hold it till I meet you.

My dream will come true very soon..I feel so happy to have a such sweet family.

Thank you for bring me such a beautiful love and sweet and warmly home to me. I am really happy !

Thank you! I will use my heart to love everyone of you in our family!

LOVING YOU!
Your daughter Liyang

FLIGHTS ARE BOOKED!!!! AND...

2010-11-24T18:08:00.000-05:00

Our flight to China is booked, and we leave Dec 10!! That is 2 weeks from Friday. We will be home New Years Eve!! We are really excited, and can't wait to have the girls home. We did have to send off a second Power of Attorney form today - to Richmond for Authentication, then to DC for the US and for the Chinese Consulate stamps. CRAZY DAY!!! We awoke to an email from the travel company in China that told us we needed one for each of the girls adoptions!!

On another wonderful note, we also received an email from our amazing agency, Madison Adoption, that our Article 5 was picked up from the consulate on Monday, and is on it's way to CCAA, so we hope to get our TA next week for Mandi!! Maybe by next Friday!!!

Sunday Smiles - Amazing Blessings from God

2010-11-21T19:15:00.000-05:00

Our wonderful church family loves us and loves our children! A wonderful family, the Smith's asked if they could do a breakfast fundraiser to help get our girls home - We held it yesterday, and raised $2,000 toward bringing our darlings home!! We definitely have something to smile about today! God is good!! - All the time!! We started at 8:30, and had a line almost the entire 2 hours! Praise the Lord!!

Happy Birthday Allie!!!

2010-11-20T22:27:00.000-05:00

Just 3 short years ago, on her third birthday, we sent our LOI to China to bring sweet Allie home!! I can't believe our sweet girl is 6 years old today!! We tried something a little different this year - Gemstone the clown!! We highly recommend Jennifer for your children's parties!! Everyone, including the adults had a great time! She was great, and the kids were captivated the entire time! They recieved stickers, coloring sheets, had their faces painted, watched a great magic show, and got balloon animals, hats, and flowers - wonderfully entertaining! Enjoy some pictures of our darling girl on her birthday! She is a special little girl, and we know God has something special planned for her!!

Cabled today for Mandi!!!

2010-11-17T22:45:00.001-05:00

We received our email from the NVC today that we had been cabled!! Madison is hoping to have it dropped off at CCAA tomorrow so our Article 5 will be ready Dec 2, and, hopefully, our TA issued within a week after. We are trying to determine if we can leave Dec 10 and get Alyssa first, and have our TA delivered to us in China for Mandi, so we can be home Jan 1.

We also had a call just a few minutes ago from Sheri with Gifts to China With Love. She had received pictures of Mandi, and wanted me to know she was sending them!! What a great surprise tonight! Here is a couple of them!! She is holding our pictures!!!

TRAVEL APPROVAL FOR ALYSSA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2010-11-15T18:25:00.001-05:00

Sunday Smiles

2010-11-14T18:06:00.001-05:00

Sunday Smiles

2010-11-07T14:23:00.000-05:00

We have been busy!!!

2010-11-06T18:11:00.000-04:00

We have been really busy lately!! Trying to fundraise to get the girls home from China (we hope in December), working, playing, and just having fun! I put together some random photos from the past couple of weeks - enjoy!!

Officially Waiting for TA!!

2010-10-26T06:43:00.000-04:00

We received an email from Madison yesterday that the CCAA now has our Article 5 and our original signed LOI, and we are waiting on TA for Alyssa!! Also, they are trying to move Mandi's I-800 along quickly in immigration so we can get them both home soon!!

We can't wait!

Article 5!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2010-10-22T20:09:00.000-04:00

We received word last night at almost midnight, from our wonderful Agency, Madison Adoption, that our Article 5 had been picked up, and will soon be dropped off at CCAA for our travel approval for Alyssa!!!

We can't wait to get our girls home!!

LOA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2010-10-21T19:00:00.000-04:00

We received our LOA for Mandi today!!! It is on it's way back to Madison, and our immigration paperwork for the I-800 is on it's way too! Pray that they move quickly!! We need to get to the NVC within 2 weeks, then cabled quickly! then Article 5, then TA!! These girls need to get home!!

New Pictures of Alyssa today!!!

2010-10-19T20:25:00.000-04:00

I received an email about lunchtime today with updates on Alyssa!! It included 5 new pictures. She is 46 inches tall, and is wearing a 10.5 shoe. She only weighs about 8 pounds more than Allie. Here are the new pictures!! Looks like we might need a piano!!

Christmas Frenzy!!!

2010-10-16T21:03:00.000-04:00

Please check out this blog, and this post!! This wonderful family is trying to help other adopting families advertise their fundraisers!! You can visit here and start your Christmas shopping, plus, you will be helping to bring another sweet child home to their family!

Busy week!!!

2010-10-16T08:34:00.000-04:00

Well, this was a busy week!!! First, we received PA for Mandi, then, Josh is buying a house, and, last night, we got bunk beds for the little girls room!! We are going to put 2 sets of bunks in the room for Alyssa, Allie and Emma, and Mandi will have her own room. We got one bed together late last night, and the girls love them!! Have to finish it sometime today! Here are a few pics AND one more of Mandi - she loves Tai Kwan Do!

BIG NEWS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2010-10-14T21:17:00.000-04:00

Today, we received PA or pre-approval to adopt daughter number 4 from China!! We are very excited, and blessed to be able to bring our Mandi Joy Liyang home at the same time we bring home Alyssa - hopefully, traveling in December, getting home before Christmas!! Now that we have received our PA, we can post her picture!!

Friends Came to Visit

2010-10-10T18:49:00.000-04:00

Our friends from PA came for a short visit on their way to visit their daughter in NC. They spent Friday night with us, and the girls had such a great time together! We didn't want them to leave - next time, Hauck family, you HAVE to stay longer!! Here are some pictures of the girls all together - I just noticed, I didn't get any of the adults!!

Sunday Smiles (on Tuesday)

2010-10-05T21:16:00.000-04:00

Sorry, but we've been busy working on a surprise to be announced a little later! I didn't get to download pics until tonight, so here they are...

A new picture

2010-09-26T18:50:00.000-04:00

A family was in Taizhou visiting the orphanage where their son spent his first 2.5 years, and got a picture of our sweet girl!! This was taken less than 2 weeks ago, on Sept. 15!! She is growing up - we need to get her home!!!

Sunday Smiles

2010-09-26T15:23:00.001-04:00

Happy Birthday Talicee!

2010-09-26T15:18:00.000-04:00

The girls were invited to a birthday tea party on Saturday, and what a wonderful party, and how much fun we all had!! A girlie girl party, for sure!! The girls wore beautiful dresses, got boas, gloves, tons of bling, hats, the whole nine yards!! It was so much fun! They had tea cups and saucers for drink, sandwiches cut in the shape of teapots, and parasols, fruit, veggies, a real grown up girlie time!! They just loved it! Here are some pictures of all the little princesses...

Cabled!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2010-09-25T06:24:00.000-04:00

Getting closer to Alyssa!!! We were cabled on Thursday, Sept 23! We received our cable letter yesterday, emailed it to Madison, and it should have been forwarded to their China contact via email yesterday as well. On Monday, our Article 5 paperwork should be delivered to the US Consulate in Guangzhou, ready for pick-up in 2 weeks. Once it is picked it up, C*A* is notified, and, within 2-3 weeks after that, we should have travel approval!!

We are getting very excited about getting Alyssa home soon!! Pray for us as we are continuing to raise the rest of what we will need to complete our adoption.

I just love Allie in purple!!

2010-09-20T20:15:00.000-04:00

Sunday Smiles

2010-09-19T19:35:00.001-04:00

I-800 Provisional Approval!

2010-09-16T20:28:00.000-04:00

We received our Notice of Provisional Approval today, and it was dated 9/10!! That should mean we are either cabled, or close to being cabled!! That means, 2-3 weeks for Article 5, then 2-3 weeks for TA!! Alyssa, we will be there soon!! Can't wait to have our sweet girl home!!

No grandbabies yet, but...

2010-09-16T07:10:00.000-04:00

We have a grand-dog!! Justin and Megan got a puppy last Friday, and Justin came over Sunday to visit...

Isn't he just precious!!! The girls loved him because he was so little. Emma and the puppy fell asleep on Justin...

Sunday Smiles

2010-09-12T18:16:00.001-04:00

So Long Summer...

2010-09-08T20:06:00.000-04:00

We are blessed that my MaMa has a place at Ocean Lakes, in Myrtle Beach. We get to go several times a year, and we just love it! We spent Labor Day weekend there, and had a great time - wonderful weather, lots of fun in the sun! Here are a few pics from our long weekend...Our next trip to the Beach, Alyssa will be with us - we can't wait!!

Very busy week!!!

2010-08-29T20:21:00.001-04:00

We had a very busy week!! First, it was the first week of school - Emma started an all-day Pre-K, and she loves it! Allie is in Kindergarten - I can't believe she's in school already! She had a great week too! Then, on Wednesday, we received our LOA!!! On Thursday, it was received by FEDEX, signed, and sent right back out!! We may be traveling sometime between Mid-November, and early December to bring our sweet Alyssa home!! Then, Friday was Josh's 23rd birthday! How in the world is my baby boy 23 already??????? On Saturday, my nephew was officially out of the Marines, so we had a family get together for him, then, finally, on Saturday evening, our wonderful friends the Browns, Anne, and Buster, were at Barnes & Noble (they moved to Newport News 11 years ago). Buster has had his first book published, and did a book-signing! It was so great to visit with them, and others who showed up - like a family reunion!! Enjoy some pictures from our busy week and weekend!!

Day 35 of the wait, and...

2010-08-25T20:50:00.002-04:00

Sunday Smiles

2010-08-22T21:27:00.002-04:00

I love these sweet girls!!

2010-08-19T21:31:00.001-04:00

Allie had orientation for kindergarten tonight. She loves her school, teacher, and classroom, and has already made a new friend. Anyway, as the girls were walking back down the sidewalk at home, toward the door, they were skipping and holding hands. Emma said, "Allie, I'm gonna miss you this year." and Allie said, "I'm gonna miss you, too, Emma!" - just warms your heart!!

Happy Gotcha Day, Emma!!!

2010-08-13T21:14:00.000-04:00

Three years ago today, a sweet little baby girl was placed in our arms in the Civil Affairs Office in Nanning, Guangxi Province. What a wonderful day - a day we had waited for so long, with such anticipation and excitement, just wondering what it would be like to have a little girl in our family. We were so blessed, when after much back and forth with China, that we were allowed to adopt our precious little Emma Grace SiQi! What a joy she has been to us, and to our entire family. She is smart, funny, snuggly, sweet, loving, and so much more! She is her mommies little "angel pie"! Tonight, we had orientation at the school where she will go to an all-day preschool this year! I can't believe she's ready for that, but she is so excited, and says she loves her school! God placed this special little girl in our family, and we can't wait to see what He has planned for her life! We know it will be amazing! Here are pictures from the day we got her, and our gotcha day anniversaries since that first amazing, and wonderful day...

August 13, 2007

August 13, 2008

August 13, 2009

Today, August 13, 2010

I found another new picture of Alyssa!!

2010-08-09T00:06:00.000-04:00

On a Chinese News site, there was another picture of our sweet girl!! It was taken July 28! She is in the lower left corner - I want her to be home with us NOW!!!

Church was awesome today!

2010-08-08T23:43:00.001-04:00

We had a guest pastor today, Junior Hill - he is great! He shares God's love from his heart, and so many made decisions today. One special little girl in our lives, our friends 7 year old daughter, Lily, gave her heart to Jesus today - how awesome is our God, that He loves us all so much - that He loves every single one, and wants ALL of us to know the joy of being his child - adopted by Him, chosen by Him - that if He could have only saved one of us, He would have died on that cross anyway!

Emma is now asking questions about what being saved means - when I told her it meant asking Jesus to live in your heart, following His will for her life, living for Him, and living with Him forever in Heaven - her sweet reply was, "but I want to live with you, momma!" Then, I explained that since I was saved, and would live in Heaven one day, she would still get to live with her momma, it made her feel all better! Don't you just love how their little minds work!! So blessed that they keep us on our toes!! That's all we want for our children - to belong to Him!

Sunday Smiles

2010-08-08T23:33:00.002-04:00

LID 7/21/2010!!!

2010-08-02T21:21:00.000-04:00

Just thinking...

2010-07-31T23:17:00.000-04:00

Bobby has gone fishing with his dad for the weekend (for his birthday), and my mom spent a couple of days here with us and helped to get some things done at home. Tonight, both girls are sleeping so sweetly, and, when I look at their little faces, I just can't believe how blessed we are. Blessed to have each other, our families, our children, and our sweet Alyssa on the way! Only God could have orchestrated this crazy, wonderful, loving group to come together as a family. Our two boys have grown into wonderful, sweet, God-loving men who still like to spend time with mom and dad - our two girls are totally spoiled by everyone in our family, and they are all looking forward to Alyssa joining us soon. We have a lovely, sweet daughter-in-law, and are looking forward to having a grand-baby (or 2) in the next few years. We have great friends, an amazing church family, and an awesome God who brought us together and holds us together, and is working to mold us to be more like Him each day.

As we proceed with our third adoption, we are amazed at how He has provided this far into the process, and trust fully that He will continue to work through others to help us bring our sweet girl home! We are working on grant applications, and praying at least one will come through to help us get our sweetheart home this year. We are still baking, taking donations for our Ridgeway Waterfall Clock giveaway, and, wonderful friends and family have made donations to help through The Shepherd's Crook - a great way to give and can be used as a tax deduction as well.

What better can we do with our time and money than to invest in the life of a child - a child that one day may come to know Jesus as their Savior - maybe to share with others their story, their heart, and the love of our Heavenly Father. For them to know that not only were they chosen by us as their parents, but also chosen to be adopted by Him, to live an eternal life with God in Heaven, with all their loved ones who will go before and after. It breaks my heart that so many children will spend their lives in orphanages with no real family to love and love them, no one to share with them God's plan and love. Although this will (probably) be our last adoption, we hope to help others as we can financially, and in prayer as they go through this amazing process.

We have made wonderful friends, both on-line and in person through our adoption journies. God has placed so many on our hearts, and we pray for so many each night. What a blessing this journey has been, and continues to be - to see so many who have the same heart we have for these precious little ones - only God can do that! We are blessed indeed, and so very thankful!

Happy Birthday Bobby!!

2010-07-25T19:42:00.002-04:00

Today is my sweetheart's birthday! Happy Birthday honey! We all love you!!

Third Package to Alyssa

2010-07-22T19:28:00.000-04:00

We mailed another package to Alyssa today. This time, we sent her a little skirt, top, and a pair of sandals for summer. We also included a set of 5 DVDs to help her to learn English. The nannies at her orphanage said she would love that, and they would let her use the player at the orphanage on weekends! We hope for our LID next week, and LOA in the next month!!

Sunday Smiles

2010-07-18T16:07:00.001-04:00

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! DTC !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2010-07-15T20:12:00.000-04:00

For those of you not in the adoption world, this means our paperwork has been mailed from our agency - YESTERDAY!!! and, today, we received the tracking number so we can see when it arrives!! Next step,

We hope to receive our log in date quickly, because that's when the real count-down begins!!!

Happy Gotcha Day, Allie!!

2010-07-14T20:42:00.000-04:00

Today, we celebrate our second "Gotcha Day" with our sweet Allie Faith YiNong. She has been a blessing to our family, and we love that girl!! She is happy, funny, loves to play rowdy, laughs a lot, loves her family, and is learning about Jesus!! She has had 2 surgeries since coming home, and has been a trooper - she finished pre-school, and I can't believe it, but she starts Kindergarten in just a few weeks!! Here are a couple of pictures from the day she joined our family, and a few from today in the same outfit...

Dossier is on it's way to Madison!!!

2010-07-13T18:12:00.000-04:00

Our Dossier is on it's way to our wonderful agency, and, we got another picture of Alyssa last night!! We are really praying she will be home before Christmas!!

Sunday Smiles

2010-07-11T21:47:00.001-04:00

Our Annual White Dress Pictures at the Beach

2010-07-11T21:32:00.002-04:00

We always do a picture in a white dress our last night at the beach with the girls - here's this years...

Fourth of July at the Beach

2010-07-11T20:02:00.000-04:00

Our family always spends the 4th at the beach - my mom, & my grandma always go too, so it's a fun family week. The girls had a great time!! We swam, played in the sand, ate too much, & just had a wonderful time! We are blessed that MaMa has her place at Ocean Lakes, so all our vacation costs is gas to get there ! Here are some pics from our trip...

New Alyssa Pictures!!

2010-07-01T20:50:00.000-04:00

These were taken May 31!!

Sister Fun

2010-06-27T19:50:00.002-04:00

Sunday Smiles

2010-06-27T19:35:00.000-04:00

A New Home

2010-06-27T19:11:00.000-04:00

Justin and his wife, Megan, bought their first home, and moved this weekend - we all paid them a visit as they were moving! Her family was there, and all of us too - they have a lovely home (maybe soon, we'll see some grand-babies!) Here are a few pictures of their house, and really nice fenced back yard where a swing set would be a great addition!!

Beautiful Creations by our Creator

2010-06-27T18:52:00.000-04:00

On Wednesday, we traveled to Charleston, WV to have our fingerprints done for USCIS approval. On the way back, we took the "back roads" and stopped at some beautiful waterfalls - enjoy the pictures!!!

Saddleridge Ranch (VBS)

2010-06-27T18:26:00.000-04:00

The girls went to VBS this week, and just loved it! Every day, they told me the stories about Jesus that they learned, and they did some great crafts, and had lots of goodies too!! Friday night, was a cookout, play with inflatables, great fellowship, and we got to hear the songs that the kids had learned all week - it was great!! Here are a few pictures from their week...

Fingerprints DONE!! Check!

2010-06-23T21:25:00.000-04:00

Today, we drove to Charleston, WV and had our USCIS fingerprints done!! When we got home, all our docs were back from the Sec. of the Commonwealth, so by the end of the week, they will be on their way to the courier for the Sec of State and Chinese Embassy seals in DC, then we will rush our immigration approval through, and be ready to be DTC - we hope by early July!!

Alyssa needs to be home this year!!!

Some people ask why we adopt...this is why

2010-06-20T17:01:00.002-04:00

Sunday Smiles

2010-06-20T16:35:00.001-04:00

Happy Birthday Lainey!!!

2010-06-20T16:14:00.001-04:00

Saturday evening, we went to Laine's 4th birthday party! Everyone had a great time, and the girls were wonderful!!...We love you Lainey, and hope you had a special day!!