For Monnie!

I was on the phone with my mother today and out of the blue she asked, "Are you ever going to do anything on your blog again? I keep going to it and it has been the same thing for over a week!". I didn't realize Monnie was such a blog stalker but since she is, I put a little slide show together for her. :) When we were at the beach playing ball this summer, my brother's family and my sister's family were right down the road in Destin. We went to visit them one afternoon and here is the result along with a couple tournament parade pics....

Random....

I am so caught up in the Olympic craze! I don't see me going to bed before midnight until they are over...I AM SO TIRED!! I love it though! Go Team USA!! Isn't Michael Phelps amazing?!

I was looking through some pictures today and found this one of me and my boys from when we went to Gatlinburg with Leslie and her family in March. I had forgotten all about this one but thought it was actually pretty good. This was on our way home and I was starting to get the nasty flu (Thanks Larry!)...UGHH! I just wanted to share this of me and my precious boys.....see I told you it was going to be a random post! ;)

08.08.08

Today, August 8, 2008, marks the beginning of the 2008 Summer Olympics that are being held in Beijing, China AND our 21 months of waiting for Ruthie. We are very excited about the Olympics at our house for several reasons. First of all, we love to watch them no matter where they are...can't wait for the gymnastics! Secondly, we now have a heart for China and we think it is going to be wonderful to see the pictures, hear the sounds, and learn more about this country that will soon be so much a part of our family. Thirdly, many people believe that the slow down in China's international adoption program is in large part due to the Olympics. No one really knows this for sure but it does make sense that a country that is so determined to be prepared for the world to descend upon her would put a halt to lots of other things that don't concern the Olympics. Our hope and prayer is that in the months after the Olympics we see a steady increase in the number of referrals out of China. I remember saying about two years ago that I didn't know how long it was going to take to bring Ruthie home but it would surely be before the Olympics! HA! Well...it will be before the Olympics....we just aren't sure which ones??!

The fact that the Olympics are starting on 08.08.08 at 8:08pm is not a coincidence as I'm sure many of you have already heard. The number 8 is considered to be the luckiest number in China. I found the information below on onlinechineseastrology.com about the number and why it is lucky.

For Chinese the number 8 is considered lucky just like the number 7 is considered lucky in the West. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that the Olympic games in China start on August 8, 2008 or 08/08/08. In China you have to pay extra to have the number 8 in your phone number or license plate. In addition, home and business owners like to have the number 8 in their address.

So, why is the number 8 considered lucky in the minds of Chinese people. The main reason has to do with the pronunciation of the word for the number 8 in China. It is pronounced "ba" and sounds like the word for prosperity which is pronounced "fa". Another reason why the number 8 could be considered lucky is because it is a perfect symmetrical shape. You can cut the number 8 in half vertically or horizontally, and both halves mirror themselves perfectly. Perfect symmetry lends itself to perfect balance. In Chinese Astrology, perfect balance is considered the ideal.

On the date 08/08/08 there is predicted to be a record number of weddings, even surpassing the number of weddings on 07/07/07. According to Chinese Astrology, the date 08/08/08 is in the year of the Rat, the month of the Monkey and the day of the Dragon. It just so happens that the Rat, Monkey and Dragon are in the same affinity group or trine. That means the three Chinese Zodiac animal signs are perfectly compatible with each other. Therefore, the date 08/08/08 will be especially lucky for Rats, Monkeys and Dragons.

We feel very "lucky" that our LID is 11.08.06. Hopefully we will find out how blessed we are to be Ruthie's parents very soon.

LET THE GAMES BEGIN!

First Day of School!

Well...it is official, I am the mother of a middle schooler and a third grader. I dropped Jon Milledge off at the middle school this morning with tears in my eyes. Thankfully, he didn't see them because he was sooo nervous. I walked Anderson in to his class and he was more than ready for me to leave! I pray that they are having a great day and that both of their nerves are settling down. Mine will be settled after I pick them up today and know that everything went well and that they both had good days.

Isn't this cartoon too funny and oh so true?!

What Do You Think?

It is always funny to me to hear people's perceptions of who they think children look like. I don't think my boys look anything alike but that is probably due to the fact that I know them and how different their personalities are. We both feel like Jon Milledge looks like me and my side of the family where Anderson looks just like Milledge and his family. However, we have gotten lots of different comments about who other people think they look like and even several people have asked if they are twins! WHAT? I have had people tell me that Anderson looks just like me and I simply say, "You must not know his daddy!". ;)
Even though I think Jon Milledge looks more like me than Milledge, I have never really realized how much until my mother came across my 5th grade picture a few weeks ago. She even said that she had never thought that we looked THAT much alike. Look at the pictures below.....we have freckles in the same place and our eyebrows look exactly the same! Wasn't I the cutest little 5th grader??

So.....what do you think?

Happy Birthday, Beth!

Today is my sweet sister, Beth's, birthday! Happy Birthday! I hope you have a GREAT day! Beth is four years younger than me and actually, she is what I got for my fourth birthday. My mother says that my fourth birthday was the first one that I had really gotten into and was excited about. I had a little party planned and knew exactly what I wanted.....a baby doll, I'm sure. As my birthday grew closer and Miss Beth hadn't arrived, my mother prayed that she would not be born on my birthday and that I would be able to have my party. Beth was two weeks late but still allowed me to have my big day by deciding to come the day after my birthday. I have always said that I asked for a doll and got a real baby instead! Beth and I are complete opposites in every way all the way down to our looks. She has blond hair, green eyes, and olive complexion. I have dark brown hair, blue eyes and VERY fair complexion. Beth's personality is pretty true to her birth....she doesn't get in a hurry for anything, she is very content with where she is, she is calm, laid back and she is more than happy for others to be the center of attention. Me....well, like I said, I am the complete opposite! ;) Beth and I have gotten closer the older we have gotten and we now have a great relationship where we talk almost everyday, at least once. We have those kind of conversations where it takes us an hour to tell a two minute story because we are laughing so hard, to the point of crying and we can't understand each other. I know it's going to be a great phone conversation when I answer and all I hear is Beth laughing!

Anyway....all of that to say....Happy Birthday to the best sister ever!!! I love you!

They are Home!

My Happy Campers!

ok....my tired, dirty campers!

My boys rolled back into town around 5:30 today! I am so happy that they had the experience of camp, had a great time, made some new friends and most of all...made it back home! They both say that it was lots of fun and they can't wait to go back next year. Well, actually Jon Milledge is entering into the youth group in a couple of weeks so he will be going to youth camp next year....OUCH! They have been talking non-stop since they got home about everything they did so I am assuming that Camp Kid Jam was a success. If stinky clothes=tons of fun then I know my boys had more fun than anybody else there! I opened the laundry bags a little while ago and was literally blown away by the sweaty, dirty, boy camper smell! Does the laundry of girl campers smell bad too?

P.S.....yes haircuts are definitely in order for tomorrow! ;)

The Reasons I Breathe.....

The other day my mother was telling me about a lady she knows who describes her grown son as "still the reason I breathe everyday". It brought tears to my eyes and I simply said to my mother, "I can understand that". Now, don't get me wrong, I know there are plenty of scientific reasons why I breathe everyday, like, it is an involuntary reaction of my lungs blah, blah, blah. Also, I know that since I am a believer in Christ that He has my days numbered and that I will breathe as long as He sees fit. I have a wonderful husband whom I love dearly, who I know loves me with all of his heart, and who I can't imagine my life without. However, in my feeble mind there are two reasons that I daily take in air....Jon Milledge and Anderson.
I believe that we all question why we are here, what is our purpose in life and what our life goals are. I have never had lofty goals of being a doctor, lawyer, astronaut or having any seemingly professional career. I have known since I was a little girl that my goal, my job, my purpose on this earth, my reason for breathing was to be someone's mommy. I have a job and I have different titles that are important and special to me like....wife, daughter, sister, aunt, cousin, friend, daugther in law, sister in law....however, none is more special to me than Jon Milledge and Anderson's mother.
My mother was waiting somewhat patiently (ok...not really patiently at all) in my hospital room the day that Jon Milledge was born via C-section in Fort Worth, Texas. They wheeled me back to my room for recovery and there was my sweet mother and the first and only thing that I could say to her was, "I am sorry...I never knew you loved me this much". The love that I felt for him and then Anderson, three years later, was instant, real and HUGE. Even though the love was great, so was the responsibility that was now upon me. I am not the best mother, probably not even a great mother most days but I try and I hope they know how much I love them and how just them being here has fulfilled every dream that I have ever had. I pray that the things I have said to them, taught them, allowed them to experience and even not allowed them to experience have not only shown my love to them but also the love of their heavenly Father and ultimately made them want to be better people. I pray that they become men of God who are respectful, loving, gentle, kind, and strong in their faith.
I give thanks to God for allowing me to be a mother and for entrusting me with these two wonderful sons who give me reason to breathe everyday.

Now if we could just get Ruthie home.....

Here are a few of my favorite baseball pictures from the past few weeks and some sweet ones from the beach. I didn't take any of Jon Milledge in Florida but a couple of my friends did...hopefully they will pass them along soon. Enjoy!

The reasons I breathe.....

Church Camp and One Stressed Out Mama!!

HELP! Both of my boys left this morning going to church camp in a whole different state!! I am a little stressed. I know they are going to be fine and have a great time but they are 5 1/2 hours away...not a quick trip if something happens or someone just needs their Mama. Anderson was acting a little weird when we dropped them off at the church. He made sure that he told me that this was his first spend the night camp as well as his first camp out of state. I couldn't tell if he was proud of that or worried about it so I didn't say much. Both boys were very clingy this morning and told me and Milledge many times that they loved us and would miss us. Of course, I cried when I watched the van pull out of the church. My prayer this week is for their safety, that God will reveal himself to them in a mighty way, that they would be open and receptive to what He has in store for them, and that they will have tons of fun! I can't wait to hear all about it! Now, what in the world do I do for 4 days with no children???

Sweet Berry Designs

Do you like my new look here on the blog as well as the last couple of looks that I have had?? If so, you can visit my friend, Leslie, over at Sweet Berry Designs and let her create a look for your blog that suits you and your family. I have known Leslie for a couple of years now and she is actually the one that finally talked me into doing a blog. Ever since I have known her she has been trying to figure the whole header, HTML codes, and sidebar stuff out. She has worked hard and I think she is doing a great job! She has wayyy more patience for all of that than I do and I have enjoyed seeing how she has transformed my blog and several others. You can see examples of her work on her blog.
So, if you are thinking about changing your whole look or even just your header, please give Leslie a try! I know you won't be disappointed!

Thanks!

Me and Leslie

Big Pre-teen Milestone for Jon Milledge

Two weeks ago, Jon Milledge had this done at my office in preparation for today. Actually there were originally 6 of them but I lost one....remember Mother of the Year! :)

This afternoon...before the big event.
Dr. Paschal and Jon Milledge during....
Do you think he could open any wider?
My sweet boy after....he already looks older to me...
Still smiling....
The t-shirt that Dr. Paschal and his staff give to their patients. A great motto for all of us to live by...don't you think?!

P.S. Beach and baseball pictures coming soon...I promise!

The beach was great...BUT...

....there truly is no place like home!

Celebrating from the beach!

I am here.....

...wish you were too! Have a great week!

Happy Independence Day!

May you all have a safe and happy holiday weekend!

God Bless America!

Guess who's been at Anderson's tournament?!

Any guesses??

(this was sort of paporazzi-ish of me wasn't it?) ;)

Do you give up??

Javier Lopez, former catcher for the Atlanta Braves, has been a spectator at Anderson's state All-Star tournament. Javier's son, Kelvin, was playing on one of the opposing teams. We had seen him several times before tonight but hated to bother him because he was just trying to be a Daddy and watch his son play ball. However, tonight his son's team was playing in the game before ours and we were going into the same dugout where they were coming out and our boys just couldn't help themselves...but who could blame them?! Javier was very gracious to sign every autograph for every little boy and some of the big boys too! Milledge talked to him for a few minutes and asked him if he minded all the attention and he said, "Not at all, as long as it is after the game and I have been able to sit and watch my son play without being bothered too much!". Anderson made sure that he told him that he was a catcher too and Javy smiled, patted him on the back, said "Great!" and also "good luck tonight!". He was a super nice guy and ended up taking a picture with Anderson's whole team. How cool was that for 7-8 year old boys(and their parents too)?!!

Milledge getting Anderson's batting helmet signed!

The helmet that will soon be on a shelf and NOT used in a game!!

Javier and the All-Stars!!

Does He Look 12?

Well....as of today 6.27.08, he is the big 1-2!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JON MILLEDGE!!

We love you...bunches!!!!

Someone is Waiting....

Around the time we started the adoption process, a friend of mine, who was already home from China with her beautiful daughter(Hi Becky!), told me about a Christian group where one of the members had adopted from China and had written a song about waiting. I listened to it but honestly, two years ago the song meant nothing to me as I had not waited at all and frankly didn't think I would be waiting long(the wait was 9 months at the time...haha). Now, so many months later with lots of waiting behind me and unfortunately ahead of me, the song has a brand new meaning. I could've written these words myself and this is my basic prayer for Ruthie.
The group is threefour:one and you can visit their website, read the members adoption story and hear a portion of the song here. Once you enter their site click on the adoption link on the left hand side.

Someone is Waiting

Somewhere, someone is waiting
Though I can't see your face I know your heart
'Cause God has knit us together
Even though we're far apart
And until you can be here safe in my arms
I will trust
That somewhere, someone is holding you close
And keeping you warm.

My thoughts, my prayers are for you
Father, love her, protect her
I know you do
And until that perfect timing
When our hearts and eyes will meet
I will rest knowing that You are there
I will trust
That somewhere, someone is holding you close
And keeping you warm.

If time could stand still
Our love would bridge the ocean
But know that until then
That even an ocean, can't keep me from you

Hold on, little one, hold on...

And until you can be here safe in my arms
I will trust
That somewhere, someone is holding you close
And keeping you warm.

Sweet Ruthie, we know that one day we will cross that ocean and hold you in our arms but until that day comes we pray someone is holding you, feeding you, comforting you, keeping you warm and especially loving you. And until then...there is not just someone....but a whole family waiting for you.

All-Star Update!

Anderson's team is undefeated after 4 games! Tonight is the championship game for the district tournament. If we win tonight we will automatically be in the state tournament. If we lose, the same team will have to beat us again tomorrow night since this is a double elimination tournament. We are the only remaining undefeated team and we have already beaten the team we play tonight, 9-8. Cross your fingers that we can pull out another win....for the boys and for all the parents that have driven 2 hours everyday since Saturday to play ball!! ;) We're running out of gas money!!!!

Go National Team!!!

*****UPDATE*****

Anderson's team made it to state!!!! The tournament will start next Saturday and will continue through the next weekend! We leave the following weekend for the World Series in Florida with Jon Milledge's team. I guess they do call baseball players "the boys of summer" for a reason....considering that has been our whole summer so far!

19 Months

How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy we have in the presence of our God because of you? Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you.....Now may our God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus clear the way for us to come to you.

1 Thessalonians 3:9-11

Anderson is an.......

Congratulations Anderson!! We are so proud of you!

We were notified last Saturday night, just 4 hours after his last regular season game ended, that Anderson had made the All-Star team for his division and that their first practice was the next day at 3pm! No rest for the weary! ;) They practice everyday for two weeks with the district tournament starting next weekend. Hopefully we will make it all the way to state which will be the last weekend of this month!!! Go Pee-Wee National All-Stars!

Low Country Boil....For Heather

In my last post, I mentioned that we had a low country boil during Memorial Day weekend. I wasn't even thinking about this being a VERY southern meal and some people might not know what in the world I was talking about. Actually, when I was looking for a recipe, I found out that a boil is a Georgia and South Carolina coast thing. Interesting! Heather asked what it is so I thought I would share a recipe I found that is just like ours. The only thing that we add that isn't mentioned here is 2-3 onions quartered.
A low country boil feeds a lot of people and is great for big family get togethers. Several years ago my cousin got married in Savannah and we had a boil for her rehearsal dinner. So fun!! Some people bring the huge pot of food to the tables which are covered in newspaper and just pour the food onto the table. Personally, I prefer mine to be in a bowl! ;) Enjoy!

INGREDIENTS
Old Bay Seasoning TM to taste
5 pounds new potatoes
3 (16 ounce) packages cooked kielbasa sausage, cut into 1 inch pieces
8 ears fresh corn, husks and silks removed
4 pounds fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined
newspapers

DIRECTIONS
Heat a large pot of water over an outdoor cooker, or medium-high heat indoors. Add Old Bay Seasoning to taste, and bring to a boil. Add potatoes, and sausage, and cook for about 10 minutes. Add the corn; cook for another 5 minutes, then add the shrimp when everything else is almost done, and cook for another 3 or 4 minutes.
Drain off the water, and pour the contents out onto a picnic table covered with newspaper. Grab a paper plate and enjoy!