Merry Christmas!

Wow I can't believe we are just days away from Christmas! Are you ready? I'm almost ready! One more day to get the last few things checked off my list! The kids are foaming at the mouth with excitement and really cannot be contained in any shape or form! It makes me happy to see them so excited! I remember the anticipation of Christmas as a child and I'm so glad my sweet babies have a love for the Christmas season as I do! We have been listening to Christmas music since we got home from China and I'm still loving it! I want to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Happy 9th Birthday Coopy Baby!

Happy Birthday to my sweet baby boy! Once again can't believe another year has passed and we are celebrating yet another birthday! Birthday number nine, my how time flies! So nine years ago today this precious boy came into our lives and has added so much joy and love! Cooper has such a kind sweet heart, he is very sensitive, he is very creative and has a great imagination! He is social and outgoing and most of the time makes me beam from ear to ear! He is a great little brother and a super big brother and a very special son!

We have had a crazy weekend full of birthday parties! Two of Cooper's friends also have December birthdays so we are all caked out! All of these boys are so stinking cute and so into nerf guns! We have exchanged various models of nerf guns and ammo amongst the three of them! Tonight Cooper has five little boys her and we are having a sleepover!

Happy Birthday my Coopy Baby! I love you!

Happy Thanksgiving

We have so much to be thankful for. It is especially evident this year as we spend Thanksgiving in Fuling, China. Today was the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the new Fuling Social Welfare Institute. It was a very touching ceremony as they included our children in the celebration. We have felt so welcomed and loved by all! The new orphanage sits high on the hill and has beautiful views! The building is really something! So big and nice for the children to live in till their forever families come.

We were not able to meet Gracie's foster mother. We were told she is in another city working now. We passed along our gift for here in the hopes that it will make it to here someday. But we did meet a Nannie named Yang Pei Fen who recognized Gracie and asked is she was Ying and rubbed her legs. We also met a lady who worked in the infirmary who took care of Gracie. We snuggled with babies and surprisingly Gracie was not jealous and wanted to hold them too! She gave them sweet baby kisses and love! Very difficult to see these kiddos and not leave with a handful of them! Troy has a special place in his heart for one little baby boy who he held for quite sometime. These past few days have been very very emotional. Moments of elation and moments of uncertainty and helplessness and all at the same time.

We hope everyone has a fabulous Thanksgiving as we count our blessings of three beautiful children, family, friends, our home, our country, our freedoms, and of course all the new Fuling family we have met this week. Happy Turkey Day!

A few photos

Our First Days in Beijing

Well we finally made it to Beijing Saturday afternoon. Our flight had a total of 6 Fuling families on it and we got to know one another at the airport and during the flight. The girls range from age two to eight. Gracie is completely in all her glory with all these little girls. She is so happy to sing and dance and play with them all! It certainly makes me realize how important this trip is for her just to see the sheer happiness on her face!

The first morning, Sunday we were invited to the Ministry of Civil Affairs, who is in charge of international adoption where a very moving ceremony was held in honor of our girls. The ceremony was very nice and the girls and families were all given gifts. Lots and lots of media there. We were in newspapers and on the news here in China. When I find the link I will insert it for everyone to see. Gracie, Troy and I made it onto the news!

We then made our way to the Great Wall. We were very lucky, we got to see a different section of the wall. Troy and I elected to use the cable car this time with Gracie because there was just no way we would make it to the top with her in tow. Gracie was very excited to be on the Great Wall and loved going up and down the stairs while we were there. Once again the wall took Troy's and I's breath away! Absolutely amazing!

On Monday morning we went to Shei Hei Park which is across the street from the backside of the Forbidden City. In the park the mountain is made from the dirt dug from the moat around the Forbidden City. We climbed to the top and were blessed with an awesome view of the Forbidden City and surrounding Beijing.

We then went onto the CCAA and got a tour. Very interesting and sad at the same time as all the dossiers there are waiting for a match. Kristy I looked for your dossier to put on top on the pile, but I couldn't find it:(

We then flew to Chongqing and this morning we are going to see the pandas. Gracie is very excited! And then this afternoon we and going to the Civil Affairs office to review our children's files. I will post pictures in a bit as we are getting ready for breakfast and Gracie is starving!

In holding...

So we have had a delay. :( We had mechanical problems on our flight out of San Antonio, so we missed our connecting flight. We were rebooked and put on a different flight, but we will arrive in China on the 22nd and not the 21st. :( We are sad, we had plans for Saturday, but oh well we will just deal with it.

And We're Off!!

Most of you know that we are going to China tomorrow morning! The orphanage that Gracie is from is moving to a new orphanage and they have invited all the children that have been adopted from Fuling to return and participate in the ceremonies. More than forty families will be there celebrating. We did not expect to return to China so soon, but we are so very excited to be going back! We will be spending a few days in Beijing, then going to Chongqing and finally onto Fuling. When we adopted Gracie in January 07' we only spent a few hours in Fuling and now we are going to spend days there. We will get to experience more there and all though Gracie will not remember most of our trip I hope that she will remember some and that she will have positive feelings and pride for her birth country. We will also have so much more to share with her when she is older about China and Fuling. Gracie is so very excited about going to China! I'm not really sure if she really understands, but we have been talking a lot about China and what we will be doing and what to expect and that we are a forever family! So in the morning we will be boarding that plane and hoping for an unforgetable trip (unforgetable in a good way of course:D). We will be updating the blog while in China so come along for the ride if you want! See you in December! Oh and I can't wait to eat, I love Chinese food!

Walk for Autism

On Saturday we had the honor of Walking for Autism for Antonio. Antonio is the nephew of one of my dear friends. Antonio's mom, two brothers his Grandmother, his aunt, two cousins, two girlfriends and Gracie all walked for Antonio! It was a lot of fun and really touched me. Autism affects so many families, mine included. Antonio is such a sweet boy! He hit two major milestones this week! He spells his name, A-N-T-circle-N-I-circle. :D And while at the walk he lost his very first tooth! He and his family have been through so much this year and we will keep them in our thoughts and prayers! Thank you so much for letting Gracie and I take part in Antonio's Special Day!

Just two layouts...

Where is the time going? I can't believe it is already November! We are keeping busy here and seem to always be on the go! But would we want it any other way? In just two short weeks we will be on our way to China. Gracie is so excited as are Troy and I! We got our visas yesterday and now all I have to do is pack and get everything ready for Nana to stay with the boys!

Credits:
Ooblek: Bren Boone Design, "Sunkissed" from Shabby Pickle, journaling tag by JBullock, "Skippitydoo" from Shabby Pickle, font Pea Walker and sidewalk
Sweet Baby Love: font Pea Amy Rica script, template Fei Fei Stuff, kit Vintage Faire by Laura Deacetis from Shabby Pickle

Two Years Ago...

we recieved the phone call we had been waiting for! Fu Bao Ying was waiting for her new Mommy and Daddy to come to China to get her! What a great afternoon! Gracie has grown so much and her sweet little personality and smile are so addictive! We could not be more blessed with the gift of our daughter! We love you Gracie Mae forever and always!

Credits: Everything from Trish Jones Designs "FlatSoda". Font Pea Alicia.

Happy Birthday Gracie

Gracie turned the "Big 3" today! Gracie has been asking for a "Pink" birthday, so pink is what she got! She had a pink purse cake, too cute, and all here gifts were wrapped in pink paper! We had a quiet celebration here at home. Gracie got lots of dress up clothes, which she has been playing with all day! She is so girly and I'm loving it! Pink and dress up clothes! Could it get any better? She also was a bit shy when it came to blowing out her candles. Zak and Coop helped her, but after everyone was done with their cake and it was just Gracie , Troy and I she wanted to try and blow out her own candles. So we relit them and she blew them out three times!

Happy Birthday Little Lovebug! I love you!

Credits:
Happy Birthday - Kit "Doodle of a Summer" a freebie by Chere Nordstrand, font Pea Alisha

8/16/08 - Kit "Tiny Jewels" by Julia Makotinsky from Little Dreamers Designs, font Gigi

3 looks good - font Pea Kristy, Kit "Flower Stand" by Shabby Miss Jenn Designs

Happy Birthday Zachary!

Wow is all I can say! Is it possible that I have a child that is ten years old! I remember so vividly seeing him and holding him for the first time and all the emotions of becoming a mother for the first time! Zachary is such a great kid! He is creative, inquisitive, sweet, smart, loving and 100% boy! Wishing my beautiful boy a Happy Birthday and a fabulous 10th year! I love you Zaky!

A few Layouts

Here are a few more LO's I have been working on.

Credits:
Light of my Life - Elements by Kasia Designs "Blowing Dandalions", Paper by Bren Boone, "One Summer Day" both from Shabby Pickle, font Pea Candice

Summertime - Paper, frame, ribbon "One Fine Day" by Julia Makotinsky letters "See Spot Spell" and bottlecap "put a lid on it" by Leora Sanford, font peaCandice

Sparring - kit "inenarrable" by Laura Skathi from WindgeFleusters, cluster frame by Maria La France, font Pea Tiphanie

4th of July Parade - Template by Simply Yin, fonts Gigglesby Shabby Princess and Pea BethC, paper by Redju Designs

An American Child - Kit "Liberty" by Jackie Eckles from Little Dreamers Designs, font Sidewalk, date brush by Darcy Baldwin

Dress Up Shoes - Kit "Rummage Chic" by Shabby Princess, Template by TeresaP

Sweet Summer

I know it has been a while, but oh how we are loving summer! I'm having a great time with the boys home from school. We have been keeping busy and going to the Y and swimming tons! I haven't really had much time to scrap and I guess I feel like I'm in a little bit of a slump anyway, but hopefully I will start feeling creative again. Troy had two weeks of leave and we got a ton done. We stained everything and anything that was made of wood in the yard. We went through the house and really cleaned out everything and had a big garage sale, we took the kids to Six Flags, went to the zoo, lots of bike rides, and lots of swimming! Coop says he is ready to go back to school and learn because he "has a lot of things to learn yet." That made me giggle! He really is such a social person and needs to be with lots of people everyday. He gets so lonely without friends here all the time. I guess that is why there is always two to four extra kids at our house every afternoon that we are home! Oh well the more the merrier, just happy I don't have to feed that many mouths everyday! Zak he is just loving being home. He is not as social as Cooper! Gracie loves having her brothers home everyday and really loved having Daddy home from work for two weeks! When Troy went back to work she was constantly looking for him! So glad we have one whole month left of summer vacation! We have a few more things planned for the kids this summer, maybe even a trip down to the beach!

Credits:
Sweet Silly Girl - template by Chrissy W, kit "Summery End" by Corina Nelsen, a DST Diamond Member, stitches by Melgen Designs, font Pupcat
The Big Splash - Template by Melinda Staley, font pupcat, kit "Gabs" by Laura Skathi from Funky Playground Designs
Jack Knife - template by DBaldwin, Date tag from Little Dreamers Designs,
sun by Carrie Stephens from "Sunshines and Rainbows" from DST Diamond Member, papers and frames by Misty Merada "Wishful Thinkin'" from DST Diamond member, stitches by Melgen Designs, font Ravie, alphabet by Gina Cabrera

Happy Birthday Troy Boy!

Today is my sweet husbands birthday! We (me and the kids) put together a little book for him!43 Reason Why We Love You! It turned out really cute and we hope that he likes it! We took the kids to see Kung Fu Panda for Troy's b-day. He wanted to see Indiana Jones, but Gracie would have never sat through that one, so another day! Troy is currently at the tattoo shop as I type this getting his first tattoo! Midlife crisis? Anyway hopefully he is doing alright. Later this evening we are meeting friends at a steakhouse for Troy's favorite meal, red meat! Happy Birthday Honey, I love you!

What we've been up to...

We continue to busy here! I guess we would just be bored if we didn't have all this stuff to keep up with! Zak won first place in the Science Fair at school! Who knew an experiment on chewing gum could win, LOL!! Zak and I had a good time putting it together! Coop continues to be a great big brother always sharing with his sister! And Gracie keeps on charming us with her personality! She is really talking up a storm and she amazes me daily with how her vocabulary is growing! Coop earned his yellow belt! He really loves his karate and is doing so well! Zaky was asked to join the Allstar team! So proud of my three babies!

Beautiful Wedding

Last weekend we went to friends of ours wedding! It was absolutely beautiful! Rebecca and Geoff had asked Gracie to be their flower girl. I was very hesitant because I was so afraid Gracie would begin screaming during the ceremony. Well she did beautifully. She placed exactly one rose petal down in front of Rebecca and then promptly ran down the aisle to me! Gracie truly loves Rebecca and I believe rebecca loves Gracie! So glad it all worked out. These photos are obviously from that day! In the Flower Girl LO I used: blue paper, blue ribbons, frame, pink heart, pink ribbon, green stem glitter border from "Anna" by JBullockwhite lace daisy and title from Weeds and Wildflowers. In the second LO everything is from "Damask and Dots" by Shabby Princess.

Here are a bunch of layouts I worked on the week! The one with my three little lights I just love how it turned out, and I just love that photo of them. I remember taking it in January and they were just laying on the floor giggling so hard for no reason, started making me giggle! I used a new kit I got at Funky Playground Designs, "Gabs" by Laura Skathi.

We are already real hot here and Gracie was out back playing while the boys were at school this week. She really loves the pool, the bathtub, the sink or really anything else that has water! For this LO I used another kit from Funky Playground Design by Laura Skathi, "Iphaligio".

Does she take your breath away or what? All I can say is wow! And that she is my daughter! We were on the train ride at the zoo when I took this picture! She was having such a great time and loved the train ride, her first time! For this LO I used a kit by J. Makotinsky called "Tiny Jewels" at Little Dreamers Designs.

This picture of Coop cracks me up! Please note that he wanted the focus on his milkshake! All I can say is that milkshakes have a special power over all of us in this family! Not one of us can resist one! For this LO I used Background yellow paper and brad from "Bounce" by Shabby Princess, lined paper by Angela Niehaus, word strips from "Being Me" by Weeds and Wildflowers, black stamped alpha by Michelle Coleman from Little Dreamers Designs, blue font DJB Stacey, journaling font 'fine hand'.

This Lo is for Zachary so he knows just how proud I am of him! He has worked really really hard this year and his grades reflect that! We are really just trying to install good working and studying habits in our children and truth be told we no longer get the battle of can I do it later? We have consistently enforced homework right after school rule and now it is a habit! Any way Zaky, great job, so proud of you and how far you have come!

So we continue to be real busy. Tonight we are going to our farm team baseball game. Yeah! Hopefully Gracie will have a better time than at her first ball game last year! Coop is going to a birthday party/sleepover, he is so excited! Monday Troy and I are getting away for awhile with friends and I look forward to that and then next week we start over and do it again!