Happy Thanksgiving!

The joy of enjoying

and the fullness of living

are found in the heart

that is filled with thanksgiving."

~ Helen Steiner Rice ~

Things that make you go hmmmm....

Ok, I'll admit initially in this adoption journey I was all excited about the ladybug lore. Some where along the way though, it lost its magic, even last week I had a random thought about ladybug excitement being cr*p. Well, what happens when you least expect it and a ladybug shows up in the oddest of places, at just a moment in time when you might have missed it. That's what happened to me today...

I wasat work finishing up some lthings, prepping to be off for Thanksgiving week, and chatting on the phone with my sister about Thanksgiving, holiday shopping, and already planning for all the January birthdays in my family. I randomly looked out my office window and saw a ladybug outside, on the 16th floor of my office building! OMG, funny how that old lore creeps back in, and we couldn't help but wonder if this meant something...could it be...did we dare to think it...was something miraculous happening on the other side of the world...nevertheless, I had to grab a picture with my cellphone. My sister immediately said a November birthday would be fun to celebrate in our family. She encouraged me to document that moment just in case one day I can look back and find a correlation. Of course, she's the same person who also agreed I should "buy" something to mark the occasion (I've been lacking in doing my part to help stimulate the economy) so off to the Hanna Anderson and Gymboree sales I headed after work! (yes, that's smog in the horizon of the picture, ugh)

No telling if it means something or not, but for just a moment in time it was nice to have that old familiar feeling, the one of wonder and endless hope that still lives on in this long adoption wait, the magical myths of ladybug luck. And the shopping sales, well, I limited myself to only clearance markdowns, but let's just say Chloe's got a cute new floral Hanna dress, some Gap capris, and an Autumn outfit from Gymboree. Gotta love those pick me up moments in life, those special times when God chooses a simple moment in time to bless us with his quiet touch and gently reminder of His awe!

And yet another anniversary (sigh)

Another month checked off the calendar, and yet I don't feel any closer today. It has to be this time of year, the holidays, the festivities, the traditions and celebrations. All I want is for this time to past. Deep inside I know the best motto is to enjoy the moment - hah - whoever said that never waited for a child they don't even know, a child that has been born in their heart, with an unknown timeline.


I want to dance, I want my dreams to be a reality.
But what happens if the elusion of a future life isn't as grandiose as my dreams make up. Somehow it's easier to not think about the trying times ahead, coping as a single with a limited income, time constraints, pressure, meltdowns, instead, I choose to think about my child laughing, smiling, dancing, and the image I await, a precious little one sleeping in her room at last.

Day Dreaming
(author unknown)

I stepped into her room today
Knowing she’s not there
This waiting for referral
Is more than one can bear.

But taking in the moment
I sit down on the floor
And dream of her here with me
When waiting is no more.

A little giggle fills the air
As I rub her feet
I place my hand upon her heart
To feel it’s every beat.

A song is sung so very soft
Her eyes begin to close
She’s meeting me in dream land
A place where love still grows.

My vision now is very blurred
The tears stream down my cheeks
I’ve dreamed of her quite often
Throughout these past few weeks.

Suddenly a sound is heard
The phone rings in the hall
Waking up I quickly pray
Please let it be "The Call."

Saluting Vets

They Did Their Share

On Veteran’s Day we honor

Soldiers who protect our nation.

For their service as our warriors,

They deserve our admiration.

Some of them were drafted;

Some were volunteers;

For some it was just yesterday;

For some it’s been many years.

In the jungle or the desert,

On land or on the sea,

They did whatever was assigned

To produce a victory.

Some came back; some didn’t.

They defended us everywhere.

Some saw combat;

some rode a desk;

All of them did their share.

No matter what the duty,

For low pay and little glory,

These soldiers gave up normal lives,

For duties mundane and gory.

Let every veteran be honored;

Don’t let politics get in the way.

Without them, freedom would have died;

What they did, we can’t repay.

We owe so much to them,

Who kept us safe from terror,

So when we see a uniform,

Let’s say "thank you" to every wearer.

By Joanna Fuchs

Many thanks and blessings also to the military families who sacrifice so much for our freedom.

Ups and downs plus referrals!

Good grief, over a month since I've posted! I'm thinking about going to a new blog, fresh start perhaps, but mainly because this darn blogger will not work with me on a new template - aarrgghh. I'm so tired of this pink background!!!

On the flip side - referrals! Woo hoo! There are so several fellow bloggers that I've been following since my LID (05-18-06) and it is like celebrating with friends to see special people finally being matched with their daughters. Progress is good, the line is slowly, but steadily, moving forward. Special shout outs to:

• Giorgia Danette
• Ruby is Coming
• Waiting for Lauren Elizabeth

Congratulations to these new Mommas and to all the new families formed this week.