Here is the footage from the Mother-Daughter Tea Party from December



And here is a video of the dogs and us outside on the March 1, 2009 snowstorm

Rare photo of Mexican Navy Seal

Matt and I were feeling a little festive for St. Patrick's Day! So, we made these little chocolate-nilla wafer-caramel lollipops for his co-workers.

I found the recipe in the February issue of Women's Day Magazine. And, they were so simple to make! Here is the recipe:
pop sickle sticks
semi sweet chocolate chips
caramel square candies
Nabisco Nilla Wafer Cookies
Decorative candies
makes 16 lollipops
directions:
Melt approx. 18 caramel candies according to the pkg directions. Put a dollop of melted caramel onto one nilla wafer cookie. Lay a pop sickle stick thru the middle laying it from top to bottom of the cookie. Top sandwich with another nilla wafer cookie. Let cool. Mean while, melt semi-sweet chocolate chips in micro wave (stir every 20 seconds until melted). Dip cookie sandwich in chocolate until coating all sides. Dip end into candy pieces. Lay on top of wax paper and stick in the freezer until hardened (less than 10 minutes).

I am in a women's bible study with the Church we are about to join. The bible study is reading the book "Lord, Change my attitude, before it's too late" by James MacDonald. On page 178 of the book is this poem that touched my heart. And, I knew I wanted to share it with all of you too.

Doubt sees the obstacles.
Faith Sees the way.
Doubt sees the darkest night.
Faith sees the way.
Doubt dreads to take a step.
Faith soars on high.
Doubt questions, "Who believes?"
Faith Answers, "I".
Gospel Banner

Also, on page 168 of the book is a paragraph on "Irrevocable Promises. Let's get on the table some sample promises God has made...
* God has promised to provide for us. Philippians 4:19 says, "My god will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory of Christ Jesus."
* Goad has promised to protect us. Isaiah 54:17 says, "No weapon that is formed against you will prosper...This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord".
* God has also promised to prosper us- though, as some are quick to add, that doesn't necessarily mean financially. But Psalm 84:11 says, "No good thing does He withhold from those WHO walk uprightly." Your life will not lack one single thing that could increase your happiness if you will walk up rightly with the lord.
All three of the above promises, along with hundreds of others, are signed by God Himself. "

Though we are excited to finally have a date to look forwards to (for the adoption) it can be difficult to remember God's bigger picture for our lives. Our story is not yet complete. God is working behind the scenes to provide for us...to protect us... to prosper us. In one of Beth Moore's study she says remember... "God is who is says he is. God does what he says he will do..." Through our journey to parenthood our faith is growing, our faith stretching. Praise God!!

Adoption Update

This morning Matt and I spoke with our adoption agency to touch base regarding our upcoming renewal requirements. Our immigration paperwork is about to expire (for a third time). To renew we will need to do another home study update (back ground checks, physicals, etc.). So, we wanted confirmation from our agency that we were gathering the necessary documents with in a time frame that would keep us from having to re-do everything for a fourth time!! And, it appears we are right on schedule.

The most exciting news from our conversation is that we were given a guesstimate on how much longer we would likely wait until we receive our referral. And, their best guesstimate, based upon the current speed China is matching and the agencies knowledge of how many families are waiting- - MARCH 2010!! We are both thrilled!! Yes, another year to wait for a picture and travel plans. But, we are okay with it because that was what we anticipated (for best case scenario). This means we would travel to China May-June 2010!! Just around the corner!! Lots to do, lots to do!!!

Matt heard this quote on TAGG Radio dot com (interview with Roddy Piper) and we had to share. Read through the end, we hope you get a giggle!

Irish Blessing.
To those who love us, may God bless them. And for those who don't may God turn their hearts. And for those whose hearts He cannot turn, may He turn their ankles so we recognize them by their limp

I have another photo to share from our Helen, GA Valentine's Day get-a-way. I love this pic!!

Last month we met my (Julia's) father for a photo "contest". Something my sister and I used to do with him when we went on camping trips. I needed tips on how to work the fancy camera so we turned our outing into a game of who can take the better picture. Our subject- a rusted out Clipper. Here are some of the pictures I took from my camera.
The Clipper...


My winning photo:


A cool view:

Adoption Update...

This morning Great Wall Beijing confirmed with the CCAA the cut off date for the last batch of referrals. The CCAA informed us that they have completed the matching process for families with dossiers registered through March 6, 2006.

The cut off date issued by the CCAA is the date through which they were able to match referrals. For example, last month the CCAA’s cut off date was March 2, 2006, so all families with LID’s before and on March 2, 2006 were sent a referral. As for this month, the CCAA’s cut off date was March 6, 2006 so families with LID’s before and on March 6, 2006 were mailed their referral.

Reminder: Our LID is September 18, 2006

SNOW in GA!

Yes, it is SNOWING in GA! We are enjoying the beautiful scenery! Watching the snowfall is very relaxing. Before our satellite TV went out, we heard the forecaster dude say the last time GA had such a large snow was the "Blizzard of '93". All native peaches know about the "Blizzard of '93"!! It was the last significant snow fall we had! The difference in '93 and today is the temperature~ the ground isn't going to be cold enough for any of this white beauty not to melt.


Walking the Chihuahua's in the snow required 3 matches each (have we shared our match trick with you?! It's disgusting, but it works! All dog owners need to know how to force your pet to do his/her business in a hurry or in inclement weather! HAHAH!). Aren't they cute huddled up together? They do NOT like the cold, wet ground. Here they are begging us to let them back inside...