Vacation Over

I was on vacation all last week and today. I start back tomorrow. It's been great being home but I am ready to go back and get back into a routine. Crazy, huh? Jerry flew in from Boston (Coast Guard) on June 30th and he's here until July 15th. So my days have been busy hanging out with my family.

We had 4th of July picnic at Veronique's. I followed Alissa everywhere (no surprise) so i didn't get pictures of everything. I think everyone had a good time. After everyone left, we went to the Shelby County Fireworks. I found it terrible that they charged $2 admission including children! The fireworks display wasn't even that good. I've been meaning to write someone about this.

My mom and I kept Emily and Alissa on July 5th since Veronique's dad had heart cath and angioplasty performed. Glad he's doing good.

I played Shanghai Rummy alot with mom and Jerry. It's a really long card game, but alot of fun.

Here are a few pictures of my vacation!




Mom's dog Angel.


Veronique & Emily playing BINGO.


Mom playing BINGO with Erika.


Alissa posing on 4th of July!


My dogs relaxing in the SUN!

Adoption Fundraiser Yard Sale

All week Mom and I have been getting for our yard sale. Since last October, I have had family and friends donate items towards our Yard Sale. Last Saturday, I went to all the neighbors and told them we were going to advertise as a Neighborhood Yard Sale in hopes of getting more customers. Thankfully, enough wanted to participate.

It had been so hot & humid outside ALL WEEK. I was praying it would not rain (although we needed it). The weather was PERFECT! I even had to put a jacket because it got a little chilly. The yard sale went great! We sold a lot. We made about $170 and have some left over for another yard sale. It was about 2:30 and we started packing the stuff up when the rain started. Great timing!

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I am extremely tired, but it's $170 more than we had yesterday and will definitely help towards the cost of the adoption.

Praying for a speed up with the Adoption Process!

We had our Home Study Update

We had our 12 month home study update on Monday 6/4. I left work early so I could go home and clean. Also gave me time to let the dogs run off some energy. It was pouring down rain.
She arrived at 6:15 and I have to be honest, she made me very nervous. She seemed rushed and didn't smile. I thought "I'm going to force you to like me" so I just smiled and smiled. We talked for about 5 minutes and answered questions. We then had to have separate meetings. Chad went first. I went back to the computer room really upset that she couldn't have been more friendly and happy for us. Chad came and got me and told me it was my turn. I walk in the kitchen and she is just smiling. I thought what did Chad say to her (or do) to turn her around. Chad and I laugh and joke around about it.

She was only at our house for about 40 minutes. I sent off our police, child abuse checks. Our home study doesn't expire until 7/5.

Chad and I are so glad it's over! (so are our dogs)

Home Study Update

We are getting ready for our 12 month home study update. Kentucky requires a 12 month update. We will have a different social worker than we did before. We're really nervous about that. We loved our first social worker.

Vessalina (sw) is coming to our house on Monday, June 4th. We're going crazy with cleaning.

I got an updated Employment letter from my work. This morning I emailed Chad's temp agency and asked for a letter as well.

Jerry (brother) came home last weekend. We had a great time! We celebrated mom's birthday on Saturday. My dogs hate when Jerry comes home because they don't seem to get any attention when he's here. We just run from morning to night. We try to spend as much time as we can with him.

My Adorable Nieces

Staying Busy!

A lot has happened since last posting. Alissa celebrated her 1 year birthday on April 13th. I love this little girl so much. I'm so thankful for my precious niece. She started crying when everyone started singing Happy Birthday to her. I couldn't stand to see her cry so her mommy let me get her out of her high chair. I didn't even care that she had icing in my hair and on my clothes.


My other niece turned 5 on April 11th. The parties were together. Emily is a precious girl that wants to marry my husband. She is so in love with Chad.

Chad started a new job on April 2nd. He is temp-to-hire for 4 months. We're praying that they have adoption benefits.


Last Wednesday night, I had a wonderful time with my Ladybug Believers Yahoo group friends, Leslie, Jessica and Jami. We ate at PF Changs. Chinese isn't my favorite, but I loved the company.

Praying the referral process speeds up!

5 MONTHS LID!!!!!

Today is our 5 month LID. We went to church this afternoon. Then I went to a marriage vow renewal for my Uncle Bill and Aunt Ruth. It was so sweet. They have been married for 51 years!

Still trying to get used to the time change. I'm exhausted. Going to bed.

My First Parenting Class

Today was my first parenting class. I was so excited. I really wished Chad could have gone, but he had to work. Our church had him this morning as a speaker. He was WONDERFUL! His name is John Savage. He is principal of Academy of Individual Excellence is Louisville.
This is me with Mr. John Savage. (His eyes are almost closed).


This is my cousin "Aunt Cindy". She was also at the parenting seminar.

Referral Update!

The CCAA has finished the review of the adoption application documents registered with our office before March 31, 2006.
The CCAA has finished the placement of children for the families whose adoption application documents were registered with our office before October 24, 2005.

I'm leaving in a few minutes to go see my nieces and play some darts. Such a beautiful day outside!

TGIF!

I found this cute website to make a "Bless This Chick" while on Leslie's website. It was so much fun to make.

I was off work today. Chad and I went to the gym to play some basketball. Of course, he won at everything but it was very good exercise for both of us. We then went to Cracker Barrell to eat using the gift card from Chad's parents.

Still waiting for news about referrals. The last referrals given were on February 2nd. Still hoping and praying for a speed-up.

My adorable new niece

I got to see my wonderful little niece last night. I have 3 nieces but only Alissa came last night. She is just precious. I just can't see her enough. I get to see her about once a week. She loves her Aunt Sherry. She is 10 months old.

We were hoping that Alissa and Lauren would be around the same age, but it seems that with the delay in China adoptions, that won't happening, but I'm sure they will always be close cousins.

Don't you just want squeeze those cheeks?

A little change to website

I'm getting better with the website (I think). Anyway, I thought I would post a picture of me and my husband.

We have been married for almost 8 years. It will be 8 years in March. We tried for about 6 years to conceive. God blessed me with a desire to adopt from China and I am so thankful that he did.

Money is tight, but we believe that God will work it all out. He has been so good to us and has blessed us in so many ways.

Update

I'm not very good at blogging. I'm going to try to do better.

We had a wonderful Christmas Holiday. Jerry couldn't come home but we are hoping he gets to come home in February for a week. Jerry is in the Coast Guard.

I'm still working 2 jobs.

I will have to post the wonderful little gifts I received for Christmas from friends for Lauren.