Sunday Funny

It's that time again...

It's been seven months since my LID for Sloan!!

Sunday Funny

Grandma this one's for you..

St Judes Advert

Our sweet mighty Macy is in this commercial with her mom Carrie. Macy is after Robin Williams at the 34 second mark.

Have a Happy Thanksgiving!!

Update on Macy..

Last week Macy's CT scan showed an abnormality in her spleen. Further tests today showed the following; posted by Macy's Dad:

Hooray Hooray,
Well the first good news in quite a while. The MRI revealed blood flow through her spleen. Her spleen is abnormal in shape and it appears that the CT was detecting some form of blood flow which caused them to believe it was tumor. Keep Macy in your prayers.
More to follow.
DAD

Thank you for all of your prayers, they really helped!!

Six months...

6 months of waiting are complete.

Pray for Macy..

Macy returns to St. Judes tomorrow for another scan. Please pray that she is cancer free!

Another special family wish..

I received another special wish from my cousin Michele and her family from Missouri. The wish theme is 'It's all about love". She even included a quote from one of her son's who said "Our Hearts are Stuck Together". Michele has a beautiful family as you can see from the photo. Thanks J family!!

Special Wish

This is a very special wish from my Aunt Norma and Uncle Paul in St. Louis, MO. The asian fabric is from a dress that my Grandmother made and wore years ago. She has since passed away but I feel like this is her contribution to my quilt. She was very crafty and cool. Grandma C made many clothes, quilts, pillows...you name it. I think she would be so excited to know I am putting this quilt together. Thanks Aunt Norma for sharing this with me!

Ming Ming

Check out MING MING for her recent adventures in the Marvin comic strip. I haven't had a chance to post them this week.

Quilt Scrapbook Page

I started working on Sloan's Good Wishes Quilt scrapbook this evening. I completed one page that contains the wishes from my parents and my brother. I plan to separate my wishes into Family & Friends, May 2006 DTC, AWAA families and blogging friends.

More Family Wishes

This wish comes from my cousin Jeff, his wife Dana, and their 3 boys; Jacob, Colten and Corbin. They live in Springfield, MO. Thank you for the sweet wish and scripture.

This wish is from my cousin Brian, his wife Carrie and their two girls Madison and Macy. The lady with brown hair in the photo is Marlo Thomas. The recent photo is from St. Jude where Macy is undergoing treatment for Wilm's tumor. Macy and her family have been in Memphis for the last 6-7 months and I so appreciate them taking the time to send this to me.

This wish is from my cousin Shelia, her husband Mike and their two kids Nick and Brad from Springdale, AR. I love the fabric! I just heard that they lost their Boston Terrier, Timmy and I know they are so sad. We all love our pets sooo much!

This last wish is from my cousin Jennifer and her husband Brett from St. Louis, MO. The wish she wrote is so sweet and brought tears to my eyes!! Thanks Jennifer!!! Go Cards!!

MARVIN

5 Month Sercy

I found this cute shirt last week in Greenville's Life Is Good store. I love their shirts and had to get this one for Baby Sloan. I hope she likes it as much as I do!

5 months down...

Check out the ticker another month down. Molly is such a sweetie to endure this humiliation. She did get an extra doggie biscuit today!!

Happy Birthday Mom!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY !!!

Mom, I hope you have a good day and I wish I could be there with you! Love you!!
(For some reason blogger wouldn't let me load photos, I am sure my Mom is happy about that!)

***Updated, finally able to load a photo of dear sweet MOM

Weekend getaway..

I spent this past weekend at Edisto Island in South Carolina for a little R & R with my good friend and frequent travel buddy Shari. We stayed in a friend of a friend's beach house on the coast. The weather was beautiful, most of the time. We caught up on some chick flicks. I read a book Meeting Sophie about a single gal adopting from China and we ate alot of seafood.
This is where we stayed and we also rented bikes to ride around the island.
That's Shari in front of Bell Buoy Seafood where we bought shrimp for our lowcountry boil. Looks a little shabby but the shrimp was good and fresh. The island is not at all commercialized. There are only a few restaurants and a Piggly Wiggly grocery store.

This is our house, beachside.

The beautiful sunrise of the South Carolina coast. Great with a cup of coffee!

Mooncakes vs. Birthday Cakes

Well, I haven't been very good about my blogging lately, just busy with work, vacation and other misc. stuff. I did celebrate a birthday on October 2nd, my 29th;). OK my 34th, but it just doesn't seem possible. Anyway, I was in Atlanta for the weekend and my parents took me to a Chinese Bakery to pick up some mooncakes for the Harvest Moon Festival. We purchased a lotus bean paste and a mixed fruit and nut to sample. I have a feeling they were packed full of trans fats but who knows? I was a little surprised to see a pack of silica gel in the actual mooncake package. I am used to seeing these in a shoe box but with cake, hmmm? Anyway, we did the taste test and I must say we really did want to like it, but not so much. My Dad liked it the most but he has been know to eat pickled pigs feet and sardines on a regular basis, so his vote doesn't really count. We did have my birthday cake from Rhodes Bakery in Snellville, GA, the best cakes ever made!! I am certain it had a few trans fats! YUMMMYY!!!

Young Hero

On Friday, my cousin's little girl was awarded the Missouri National Guard Young Heroes Award. He was so proud of her! Check out Macy.

GREAT NEWS!!

When I got home from work today I noticed my work's Employee Benefit Information Guide was in the box. This is the time we enroll for next year and we usually find out how much our medical premiums have gone up. Well, they went up a small amount. The BIG news is that my employer will be offering adoption benefits beginning in 2007! Adoption related expenses will be reimbursed up to $10,000.00, yes I said $10,000.00!! Yippee! I have been working extra hours for a prior employer to save up money. But, now it looks like I can use that money for the time I plan to take off when I get home with Baby Sloan and we won't have to eat rice and beans..LOL!
Everyday it is more clear that God has placed me on this path to Sloan. I was slightly worried about the money when I started this journey, but I've had a sense of peace that it was all going to turn out fine. I often feel like this is one of the few times I have really trusted Him and followed His path for me. I am so thankful!!

Sunday funny...

Four months down...

These four months have passed quickly! Probably 10 more to go!

Where were you?

I think everyone can remember where they were on Sept 11, 2001. I remember I was starting my homecare rounds late that morning. I was still enjoying a cup of coffee when the morning news report stated a plane hit the WTC. At that moment the terrible events began to unfold. I remember going to my first patient's home, she was a native New Yorker, the Bronx to be exact. She did not want to participate in Physical Therapy that day and we just sat and watched the news and we talked. The rest of my patients were about the same, just wanting to watch the news and we all would say "I can't believe this is happening".
I can not believe it has been 5 years and I still can't believe it happened. Here are some pictures from my trip to NYC last year and our visit to the WTC site. I can't even begin to imagine what those people went through, along with those at the Pentagon and on Flt 93. I pray that we will never forget!

It's finally here!

I was beginning to think the "BIG BROWN ENVELOPE" from China was an urban legend! But, it arrived today! The funny thing is my parents are in town for the DIRECT TV man to install satellite TV. When my Dad brought the mail in he saw the big envelope was from China and thought it was my referral! I had to give him the bad news, "no China did NOT put your wonderful daughter on the fast track", bummer!

******August Cyber Shower******

Our MayDTC cyber shower theme this month was Red Thread/Adoption Theme. Thanks to Jamie in San Antonio for this sweet gift! Ladybugs are sort of the "mascot" for the Chinese adoption community. Ladybugs symbolize good luck and we all need a little of that. The CareBear is dressed in a ladybug suit and I plan to take him to China! The Grouchy Ladybug was on my booklist(now I get to scratch it off) and there are 2 cute bibs! Thanks sooo much Jamie!

Auburn Tigers

5 days and counting...No, nothing adoption related. As an Auburn University alumnus, I love Auburn Football. Auburn begins the season Saturday against Washington State on ESPN2. Auburn has the following rankings: AP Poll #4 and USA Today Poll # 6!! I thought you might like to watch some highlights from last years Auburn/Alabama game! Enjoy and WAR EAGLE!!!

Book Tag..

I was tagged by Jenny about books. Here goes...

A book that changed my life... A Passage to the Heart by Families with Children from China

A book I have read more than once...The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren

A book to take to a deserted island..Primitive Camping for Dummies;-)

A book that made me laugh... Marley and Me by John Grogan

A book that made me cry..Saving Millie by Mort Kondracki

A book I wish had been written.. The 3 minute Maid: How to clean your house in 3 minutes.

A book I wish had never been written.. Whatever manual the terrorists are using.

A book I am currently reading..Experiencing God by Henry Blackaby & Claude King

A book I plan on reading..Adopting on Your Own: The complete guide to Adopting as a Single Parent by Lee Varon

I tag anyone that would like to share their books...

Sunday funny..

Sloan's 1st Good Wishes from family!

After a frustrating day at work it was so nice to come home to 2 wishes sent by family!! These wishes are so special and I can feel the love for baby Sloan!! Two of my Mom's sisters and my Uncles sent the following wishes:

The wish above was sent to me by my Aunt Una and Uncle Carl in Springdale, AR. Their last name is Carpenter and therefore the carpenter tool fabric. How creative and cool! They offered a scripture:
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us be glory in the church and Christ Jesus. Ephesians 3:20



Aunt Barb and Uncle Bob sent the above wish. They are from Jefferson City, MO. They have their own Mooney plane and spend alot of time flying here and there to visit family and friends; the fabric they chose really reflects their passion. The wish is for Love, Hope and Prayers. It also says: "Little girls are precious gifts, wrapped in love serene. Their dresses tied with sashes, their future tied with dreams."

Thanks yall, I love you!

Sunday funny..

Check the ticker, 3 months down!!!

Well I have completed my first trimester! Ha! (Is it called a trimester because it is 3 months long or because there are 3 of them in a normal pregnancy??) Morning sickness was very minimal but I've sure had some cravings!!;-)

Happy 61st Birthday Dad!!!

At the game.

Happy Birthday to the best father a girl could ask for! You will be an excellent Grandpa to baby Sloan!
P.S. I changed the music just for you!

Love,
Mariah

Marvin

4...

Tagged by Jenny...

4 jobs I have had in my life...
1. summer day camp counselor
2. shelver at the library..yawn..but good high school job
3. holiday help for The Limited-I lasted one day, I kid you not! I wasn't cut out for retail.
4. Physical Therapist

4 movies I would watch over and over...
1. Rudy
2. Steel Magnolia's
3. When Harry Met Sally
4. The Shawshank Redemption

4 places I have lived...
1. St. Charles, MO
2. Snellville, GA
3. Omaha, NE
4. Charleston, SC

4 TV shows I love to watch....
1. The Closer
2. Amazing Race
3. Bill O'Reilly
4. What Not to Wear

4 places I have been on vacation...
1. Utah/Arizona National Park extraveganza.. Grand Canyon, Canyonlands, Arches, Bryce Canyon and Zion. Would love to go again!
2. New York City
3. Colorado Ski Vacation, Keystone, Copper, Breckinridge and A-Basin
4. Destin, Florida

4 wedsites I visit daily..
1. www.srhs.com
2. www.google.com
3. www.chinaadopttalk.com
4. www.myadoptionwebsite.com

4 of my favorite foods...
1. Tomatoes
2. Chicken and Dumplings...Grandma Kirkwood made the BEST
3. Chocolate anything
4. Peaches

4 places I would like to be right now...
1. China
2. Snow skiing..it is too hot here.
3. On a white sand beach relaxing in a lounge chair with an umbrella to prevent the BURN.
4. On a bike touring Ireland.

Ok, I tag Wendy, Melissa and Lisa

Fun Weekend..

On friday I drove down to Charleston, SC to see my good friend Beth, her husband Clay and daughter Laurel. Beth lived here in Greenville when she was single and we worked together. She is one of those friends that you may only see 2-3 times in 5 years but when you get together it is like time stood still. I truly value her advice and her friendship. It was really fun to be with her daugther Laurel who is 2.5 years old. I realized that I really have only been around baby boys, no girls. She was so sweet. Laurel and her Mom had picked out some things to pass down to baby Sloan and she was so proud to share. One night after her bath when she was in her closet putting on her PJs she reached up and pulled a shirt off the hanger and came running into my bedroom to tell me it was for baby Sloan. Her mom said it was funny because it was a shirt she had just out grown. I also was able to spend some time with Laurel in the toy store while her parents did some shopping. We played with the trains, in a dollhouse then we played in the kitchen. She made us some dinner and then said "lets sit down here and have dinner like a real family". How sweet is that!
They also cracked me up when after putting Laurel to bed they turned on the baby monitor and said "they were tuning into station WCRY"!

----NO pictures I forget my camera, bummer!

Prayers needed..

I just wanted to request some prayers for my cousin Brian's daugther Macy. She has been fighting cancer for just under a year. She is August's featured patient at St. Jude Children's hospital in Memphis, TN. Brian his wife Carrie, Macy and their other two daughters Madison and Hailey are from Missouri and have spent much of the last year at St. Jude. They speak so highly of St. Jude and all the support they have there. So next time someone asks you to donate to St. Jude think of little Macy. She is such a little fighter but could sure use some more prayers!!
Click on her pink name to read her story.

My parents think they are funny...

Grandma and Grandpa purchased this onesie for Sloan and gave it to me for keeping Sadie.

Two Peas in a Pod

Molly and I have had company for the past few days. My parents are RV'ing in North Carolina and they dropped their dog Sadie off for a visit. Sadie is the "designer Dog" as a friend of mine calls her. She is Whippet and such a sweetie. The two of them are so funny. When one moves the other moves, when one barks the other barks. As my Mom says they are as thick as mud. It is also funny to see their different personalities. Molly always plays a bit hard to get but when Sadie is around she realizes there is competition and is much more lovey dovey. Molly also usually takes her time eating her meals but when Sadie is around she has to gobble it up because Sadie eats like a maniac. I think they really enjoy each other but they wear each other out because when the visit is over they are both wiped out for a couple days.
Sadie and Molly on kitty cat patrol.

Sunday funny...

Too cute not to post.

Shopping...

This adoption process is currently a bit unpredictable as to when my group will receive referrals. It could be 12 or 18 months or longer. During this time it is sooo hard not to buy clothes for this sweet child. I can find the cutest outfits but I don't want to buy something that will be totally out of season. I often find myself, like today, wandering around in the baby section of most stores. I have purchased a few items (ok maybe more than a few) that were on sale. Today I was in Old Navy and fell in love with this little outfit for Sloan. They have alot of new things and I thought this outfit could be worn almost year round, just add a cardigan for winter!

Marvin Link

Here is where to catch up on Marvin and Ming Ming. Sorry the posting was getting tedious and possibly illegal? Sorry!


http://www.comicalert.com/comics/7416-marvin/

Marvin

Am I totally breaking some copyright law by posting these?? Anyone know?