Grace's Palate Surgery

I am so far behind in posts but wanted to share this. We had Grace evaluated by the Cleft Team yesterday. They had a cancellation for today and wanted to go ahead and do her surgery. If we didn't take it March was the next available appointment.

So at 2:45 today, Grace will have 2 teeth pulled, tubes put in her ears, and her palate repaired. If all goes well she will get to go home tomorrow. She will be at UNC Hospital. Dallas had no choice because they have the best cleft team in our area.

Please keep her in you prayers.

Check out my Slide Show!

Yesterday, we headed to Greenville,NC for the day. Dallas and I both graduated from East Carolina University. We couldn't miss the homecoming parade plus Dallas and 3 of the kids were going to the football game.

I was very pleased that we were able to get together with my college roommate, Vickie. I haven't seen her in at least 7 years. It was great talking with her again. We were roommates for 2 years and had a lot in common. Without her and her sister, Ginger I don't know if I would have survived 4 years away from home. Ginger was my roommate before Vickie. Vickie hooked me up with Ginger. We both needed new roommates so it worked out great for us both. When Ginger graduated Vickie became my roommate. Ginger and Vickie kept me from being so homesick. They led me to the Baptist Student Union. I met lots of new friends there and Dallas.

Vickie and I spent the day shopping and talking. I would love to get together with her more often. Our lives have taken different paths but I really enjoy being with her. We had so many good times together and I am hoping for many more. I am secretly hoping she will adopt a child one day. She is great with children and has been in the schools for 14 years. She is now a media specialist for a high school. Is she brave or what? Did I mention she has lost 75 lbs? She looks fantastic. I think she is going to be my inspiration to start my diet.

Ginger and their Mom met us for lunch at Chicos. Chicos was the mexican restaurant Vickie and I would go to if we came into a little money. It was usually too expensive for our college budget. I had not seen Ginger in 17 years. She has not changed a bit. It was just like we were back in college. It was wonderful catching up with her. She is assistant editor for the Greenville paper. Way to go, Ginger!

Julia really wanted to go to the football game with Dallas. She is always begging to go but we didn't think she could make it through the game. Saturday we decided to let her go. She loved it and was extremely good. Her favorite part of the game was yelling at Pee Dee the Pirate. She wanted Pee Dee to wave at her so she would yell Hey,Pirate! The Pirates won big. Go Pirates!

Two Funny China Pictures

I wasn't going to post this picture. It is not very flattering but I have to admit it is funny. Since only about 2 people read my blog, why not.

Look closely at this picture. You wouldn't see this in the U.S. The boys thought it was gross.

Grace

Happy Birthday, Ansley!

Better late than never, right? We were fortunate enough to be in Florida a couple of days before Ansley's birthday. She is my brother's youngest daughter. On October 16 she turned 13 years old.

Thanks!

Thanks for visiting Paige! We all had a great time. We pulled up in the driveway today and Julia asked "Where's Paige?" Don't know what she was thinking, Paige has been gone for 2 days. I guess she was just missing her as we all do.

Check out my Slide Show!

Steven Curtis Chapman and the North Carolina State Fair

www.stevencurtischapman.com
Last Friday night we were able to go to see Steven Curtis Chapman at the North Carolina State Fair. What I can I say? It was an excellent concert and he has a powerful message. Steven Curtis Chapman has 3 biological children(21,18,16) and 3 daughters adopted from China. His 18 and 16 year old sons are touring with him. One is the drummer and the other plays the electric guitar. Can you imagine? The echo in the arena was a bit annoying and he did have to abbreviate his concert but it was well worth it. His music is beautiful and touches the soul.

We were able to go to the fair twice. Wednesday night we went and let the kids ride the rides. Friday night we ate dinner there and went to the concert. Both times we had a great time and were so glad my friend, Paige joined us Friday night.

Certificate of Citizenship

Today, when I went to the mailbox Grace's Certificate of Citizenship was in there. Even though she has been a citizen since we landed in Newark,NJ on August 22, it was great to get the offical certificate. We can now apply for a social security number and get her U.S. passport. Included in the envelope was also a letter from President Bush congratulating her on her citizenship.

Friends

Have I mentioned that I miss my Florida friends? It has been over a year now but we try to get together whenever I am in town. We all taught at the preschool together. I miss my early morning talks with Sally, being with Alexa all morning with our 2 year old class , and chatting with Terri when I would borrow something from her classroom(which was quite often). Of course, those aren't the only times I miss with them. If only things had been different I could still be hanging out with them.

Zachary, Grace and I went to Florida for the weekend. We had a great time but it always makes me sad when we have to leave. When we arrive in Jacksonville I always feel like I am back home and start looking to see if I know anyone. Of course I don't but I can't seem to stop myself.

Celebration?

While the girls were celebrating, Dallas and I definitely weren't. My car needed two new front tires. Well, that was almost $200.00. We had put it off long enough and knew we were just going to have to get them. Little did we know that by the time we were done, we would have shelled out an additional $500.00. Come to find out my brakes were all bad,too.

Have a Diet Coke and A Smile!

Can you do this?

The Search Continues and Grace

Tonight we tried another church, Community Hope Church. It like Cleveland Church is a Southern Baptist church. You would have no way of knowing this unless you go to the Southern Baptist website and look for churches.

Dallas, Zachary, and I went tonight. We enjoyed the music and the sermon on Loving your Enemies. This church is probably more our speed. Cleveland Church is alittle like going to a Rock Concert. This service was contemporary but not as loud or showy. I am curious to what Kristopher will think when he goes.

Kristopher babysat the girls tonight. This is the longest he has ever watched Grace. We were relieved that everyone did great. Thank goodness Grace is getting used to us all. She will even initiate hugs with Dallas now. I think she is really starting to understand she is stuck with us and we are her family.

Here is the link to tonight's church.

www.gethope.net

A Day at the Park

Why Adopt?

There are so many reasons to adopt a child. It is a win win situation. These are children that need moms and dads. They need someone to love and protect them. The rewards for a parent are immeasurable.

There are lots of myths that are often associated with adoption. One, that you can't adopt if you don't have a lot of money. I have seen so many people fundraise to bring their children home. There are so many ways to do this...yard sales, ebay, adoption dinners,refinance a house, adoption loans, etc. It can be done.

Another common myth is that you can't love an adopted child like a biological child. Not true, I feel no different towards my adopted children then I do my biological. They are all my children and there is no distinction between adopted and biological.

Lots of people think the child is the lucky one. I have to disagree. Dallas,the boys, and I are the lucky ones. These two girls have truly blessed our lives. What would we do without frilly dressses, lots of giggling, and lots of hugs and kisses?

Look at these four cuties. Three of them have the same special need as Grace. They are all still looking for their parents. Doesn't someone want to experience the blessing of adoption and make one of these sweeties their own?

O.K. Mom, I Have Had Enough!

First Pony Tail

My Big Girl

Thanks, Debi for this adorable outfit.

Cool Picture of Grace

When I was taking this picture Grace decided she was going to try and touch the viewfinder on the camera. Her finger is reflecting the light.

Bad Hair Day

C3 Church

Since bringing Grace home I had not gone to church. Dallas has just been taking the other 4 kids. We don't want to make the same mistakes with Grace that we made with Julia. We brought Julia around other people too soon and let other people watch her. We knew we needed to keep Grace more sheltered so we wouldn't have the same problems we have had with Julia. Last week I feel God was really talking to me telling me I needed to get back to church. I had heard about a couple of churches that have Saturday night services. That would work perfectly. I can go on Saturday night and Dallas can still go on Sunday. Saturday night I worked up the nerve to try one of them. Kristopher agreed to go with me. The church we attended is the fastest growing church in our area. It is very contemporary which usually wouldn't be my preference and a bit far away. I was so glad we went. I don't know if it is the church for us but Kristopher and I enjoyed the music and the sermon was great! While we still want to try the other church with a Saturday night service it is so nice to find somewhere I can go and hear God's word and not have to worry about Grace.

www.c3church.org