How many Things?

As I look back at when I started this blog, it seems forever ago. I believe it was November of 2006. It was to keep up with my travel mates and then it evolved into so much more. I have met several wonderful people. It has been amazing. However, in the last 4 years my life has changed dramatically. I went from having 3 full grown children and one child left in the house, to having 3 more children in 4 years. There are times I have been overwhelmed, tired, stressed, happy, euphoric and drained. lol But most of the time, I realize what each of these children mean to me and deep down I am so very, very happy. All this being said, there are some things that are just going to have to give. I'm afraid the blog is one of them. While I am not going to give it up entirely, I will not be posting as much as I use to. Not to mention I can't remember the last time I was able to get to every one's blog. And I am so sorry for that. I really am! And when I look at the tabs I have on my own blog, I just have to laugh.......like I can really do all those! lol All the pictures that I post on my blog I upload through Flickr. If I have not updated with a post, chances are I have edited pictures and put them on my Flickr page. Especially since my love for photography has increased in the last year. I take pictures every single day it seems. I belong to quite a few groups on Flickr and post quite often. Not all my pictures are public, but I'd say 90% are. So if you come to the blog and click on any pictures, it should take you to my flickr account where you can still see pictures of the Things if you would like.

Thing 1.

Sophia.

My sweet precious girl. She is growing up so fast. She will swim in the pool for hours and not come out until I absolutely make her. She is so ready for Kindergarten and I know she is going to thrive. She sings non stop, and her artistic ability continues to be fantastic. She has made all my dreams come true and them some.

Thing 2.

Daniel.

My little lover boy. The boy who makes me want to pull my hair out on a daily basis and yet he melts my heart with that smile. And those eyes.....oh, those eyes! lol He still is the baby and I know he will grow and calm down once school starts and he is getting to have his own time as well. He loves the pool and going in the boat. He is so passionate. He was my miracle child when I was told I could not have any more. I love him so.

Teen Thing.

Emmie.

She has gone from a little girl and being apart of bringing Sophia home, to a lovely young lady that I am so very proud of. She drives me crazy at times and I know I drive her crazy too, but she will always be my first love. My first miracle, my first baby, my first for everything. I can't imagine my life without her.

Thing 3.

Andrew.

The child I waited for, for 2 years. The child I searched for. The child I thought would never come. The child I knew was in my heart. The child that became my son. He is doing so well. I am amazed at his attitude and personality. He is such a sweet boy. Eager to please and wants approval from both Sophia and Daniel. I often wonder as he is looking off what he is thinking about. If he misses China, friends, caretakers, his foster parents, the places he has known all his life. I wonder if he is happy here with us? If he understands that I love him and that I will always be here. I wonder if he will tell me stories of times he remembers once he starts talking more. I wonder if I will be able to take it? I pray his little soul heals of all wounds. He truly has an old soul already. I can see it in his eyes. My sweet Asian boy.

Thing 4.

Olivia Grace.

In October of 2006, we made the decision to adopt again because we felt it was the right thing to do for our family. It was deep in David's, Emmie's and my heart. We also had to move quickly because of the new rules. That was going to effect us.

Moving on.

The 3rd night we were home from China with Andrew I did my power walk/run around the tennis court. I felt funny. Unsettled. Not at peace like I thought I would be. I began searching other countries the next morning. I emailed my SW to find out options. I was told China was out but perhaps Thailand and Taiwan were not.

The weekend I was at my photography work shop, many of us talked about these issues. I was SHOCKED to hear that China was allowing the age to be 55 in the SN program. That was NOT what I had been told. Again, I emailed my SW and she did confirm (this time) that we could, but it looked grim. I called another agency and spoke to the China Coordinator there at length about our family situation and our arrival of Andrew. She said we ABSOLUTELY could adopt again. We could have all of our paper work ready to go by next April. I got off the phone and cried.

I look around my home and see the "playroom." I room that is not necessary. A room that could be filled with one more daughter.

I am praying about this. I am praying for the right words when I really bring it up to David. (although I think he already knows) But he has no idea we can still adopt from China. I've only told Emmie! ;) I am just praying. Praying for guidance. Praying for a sign. But the one thing I know for sure, if she is waiting for me, the Lord will lead her to me and I will bring

Olivia Grace

home.