http://www.youtube.com:80/watch?v=4PcL6-mjRNk
Nacho wants one of these for Christmas this year~! Check it out!

I received this today from my Father-in-Law and thought I should share it. The message certainly gives us peace in our adoption journey.

Malachi 3:3 says: "He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver."

This verse puzzled some women in a Bible study and they wondered what this statement meant about the character and nature of God.

One of the women offered to find out the process of refining silver and get back to the group at their next Bible Study.

That week, the woman called a silversmith and made an appointment to watch him at work. She didn't mention anything about the reason for her interest beyond her curiosity about the process of refining Silver.

As she watched the silversmith, he held a piece of silver over the fire and let it heat up. He explained that in refining silver, one needed to hold the silver in the middle of the fire where the flames were hottest so as to burn away all the impurities.

The woman thought about God holding us in such a hot spot; then she thought again about the verse that says: "He sits as a refiner and purifier of silver." She asked the silversmith if it was true that He had to sit there in front of the fire the whole time the silver was being refined.

The man answered that He not only had to sit there holding the silver, but he had to keep his eyes on the silver the entire time it was in the fire. If the silver was left a moment too long in the flames, it would be destroyed.

The woman was silent for a moment. Then she asked the silversmith, "How do you know when the silver is fully refined?"
He smiled at her and answered,
"Oh, that's easy," "When I see my image in it."

If today you are feeling the heat of the fire, remember that God has his eye on you and will keep watching you until He sees His image in you.

This is Matt. I came home from work today and had a large package waiting for me from Lucasfilm. They sent me a resin statue of Darth Maul, my favorite new character from the Star Wars prequel trilogy. I had mentioned in the interview that I loved the look and presence of Maul and they sent me this beautiful work of art in the pictures here. Very cool. This whole experience the last few weeks has been pretty amazing!

Referral Update:

We recently received news that CCAA (Chinese Center Adoption Affairs) referral cutoff date for this month is January 4, 2006. (Finally in OUR LID year!!)

of the referrals our agency received, they were all girls and one set of twins! The children ranged in age from 6 1/2 month to 8 1/2 months. Also, the children in this referral group are from the following Provinces: Jiangxi and Hunan. Congratulations to these families!

http://www.starwars.com/community/news/family/f20080303/index.html

The official fan site interview is up... check M out!

March First
============

march v. To proceed directly and purposefully. To progress steadily onward;
advance. To be arranged in an orderly fashion that suggests steady,
rhythmical progression.


Giving advice is easy. Giving really good advice is harder.
Providing an example is hardest but is usually the most effective way of
influencing both youth and adults. After all, adults are simply older
youths who were influenced by someone's example early in life.

Our walk or march through life is the greatest teacher that we will provide
for others. Even Paul in the Bible said, "Follow my example, as I follow
the example of Christ."
(1 Cor 11:1 NIV)

Today is the beginning of the month of March.

Perhaps today should also be the beginning of a new walk.
A walk of direction and purpose. A walk worthy to follow.

March first.

Then advise.

Check out Matt's profile on this blog regarding his book:

http://blogs.amctv.com/scifi-scanner/2008/02/jedimasterquizb.php

Matt has been in high demand recently for the fans of the movie series! He has been interviewed by several fan sites. Check back with us and we will link his interviews on our blog.

May The Force by we you!!

Set your TIVO...
TLC show - a must see

Connie recently watched this show on TLC and so I did a little digging to find out when it would be on again. Sounds like an interesting show about a family who "Brings home baby" from China. Set your TIVO!! :)

Feb 27, 10:00 am Eastern Time (check the time in your area), The Learning Channel (ch 183 on Dish Network)
(30 minutes)
Bringing Home Baby
Sara Comes Home
TV-G, CC
Pamela and Alan have waited a long time to become parents and finally get their wish when they adopt a toddler from China. Bringing home Sara is filled with much anticipation and excitement, but also has its challenges.

I hope you all get to watch it.

http://akapayton.blogspot.com/2008/02/in-search-of-rusty-miller.html

'Yall check out this link! Apparently I am married to a "Missing" man! :) Too cool!!!!

"M.I.A"

I just got the giggles because Matt is being "hunted"! There is another HUGE star wars fan at CDC who knows of his past with Star Wars and follows the message boards at starwars.com This person ran across a thread where people are searching for my husband... How KEWEL!!!

1. Homie Bear Says:I’ve often wondered what became of him, too. Also I wonder what became of my copy of Jedi Master’s Quizbook.
2. Somepetow Says:That would be interesting to find out what he’s doing now
3. Nate Says:…I think I have this book.
   
4. Pabawan Says:

   There’s a couple that stick out in my mind — one about Snaggletooth and one about the number of engines on the back of the blockade runner. Yes, I remember that from childhood because of the discussion it sparked.

5. Lee Thomas Says: I know where Rusty is; he is a co-worker. But I won’t give him up for anything less than a firkin of good juma. Or a wax job for my leeku.
6. Rusty Says:
   Lee let me know that I am being hunted. Hello!
7. Mark Says: Hooray! Rusty has been found! Good to see you here mate, that book is on many a fans bookshelf.Hey, once you’ve been interviewed by the official site, how do you fancy an interview with www.lightsabre.co.uk? Ahhh, how cool is this!

Ringling Bros. & Barnum & Bailey Circus

The GREATEST Show on earth!

http://www.ringling.com/

It has been YEARS since either of us went to the circus! We couldn't pass up the opportunity to feel like kids again ~ we suggest everyone give it a try as often as possible! :)

We made the trip down to Phillips Arena with our good friends Connie and Daniel (otherwise known as Figgy & D). Check out our group photo with the lion statue. The photographer said she has been able to get as many as 11 people in one photo! Matt and I got a kick out of straddling the lions back. Our seats during the show were pretty high up so most of our show pictures didn't turn out so well. The show was full of acrobatics, lion tamers, dog trainers, elephant maneuvering, horse demonstrations, etc... and of course CLOWNS a plenty! To our dismay cotton candy was $12! So, our only souvenir was our cute group photo.

After the circus we went to check out the CNN center. During our short jaunt Matt and I ran into our favorite CNN personalities. Matt was glowing as he stood next to Glenn Beck and...

...Julia couldn't keep herself from blowing kisses (and whispering sweet nothings) into Anderson Coopers ear. ;P

RUN THE REAGAN
Race Date: Saturday, February 16th
http://www.runthereagan.com/home.php

"Runners can choose between the half-marathon, 10k, 5k or 1-mile fun run. All of the races start at the corner of Ronald Reagan Parkway and Presidential Circle in Snellville, GA. "

Julia ran her first 1 mile fun run and Matt ran his first 10K!! Also, this was the first group event for "Team 3M". Who is "Team 3M", you ask?? Matt and I make up 2/3 of The Magnificent Miller Milers! Our other 1/3 is Matt's father Ed.

The race was run on the Ronald Reagan Parkway which connects Snellville to the Gwinnett Place Mall Area. The entire Parkway is 6.5 miles long- the 1/2 marathon runners ran from one end to the other and back.

Matt's portion of the course was at times rolling and a bit hilly. Matt paced himself for awhile by trying to stay ahead of two little older ladies. They played cat and mouse until Matt grew embarrassed and moved on.

Ed and Julia's course was relatively flat and Ed set a blistering pace with his long stride. Quite literally, Julia is nursing a blister on the back of her heel! Julia spoke to a pro runner after the race and received guidance on tying her shoe! Yes, everyone, there is a proper way to tie your shoe to avoid blisters! Who knew?! If you need directions, just let me know! :)

Having energy left Matt & Julia headed to the gym where Julia ran three more miles, Matt worked on strength training and Ed returned home to walk another mile and a half at his local community park with his beloved bitch- Border Collie Charlie. Also, Team 3M has plans to participate in the Memorial Day 5K and fun run in Dacula! Watch this space for announcements of appearances by Team 3M in a city near you... BE THERE! ;P

Team "3M"
The Magnificent Miller Milers

Before Race Picture of Matt and his father Ed.
Race numbers 1-500 ran the 1/2 Marathon
Race numbers 500-1300 ran the 10K
Race numbers above 1300 ran the 5K or 1 mile fun run

Before the race picture of the "milers" Julia and Ed.
2 hours to go before the fun run would start.

The 10K race has begun, "GO MATT, GO!!"
"I eat lightning and cr*p thunder"

Matt sees the finish line and pushes forward. Time: 1:05

Julia and Ed Walking towards the finish line, completing their first 1 mile fun run.
Time 15:10

Happy Valentine's Day!!

YEAR of the RAT

February 7th, 2008

Here's an article we ran across on Yahoo news... interesting...

"As the Year of the Pig ends tonight, followers of Chinese superstition will be scurrying to consult fortune-tellers, astrologers and feng shui geomancers to guide their year ahead.

Chinese fortunes are based on a belief that events are dictated by the different balances in the elements that make up the earth -- gold, wood, water, fire and earth.

...Lo added that the Chinese calendar follows a 60-year cycle, so 2008 will be similar historically to 1948, when Israel was established and the blockade of Berlin started, both events part of the build-up to long-standing conflict.

The lunar calendar is based on the cycles of the moon and associates each of the 12 years forming a partial cycle with an animal. Fortune-tellers base their predictions on the relationship between the zodiac animals and the characteristics of each.

The Rat is the first of the 12 animal signs, so marks new beginnings, which Lo said will be reflected in changes of leadership in the United States, Russia and Taiwan. The rodent is also seen as a "flower of romance" which means the year will stimulate romance, but also sex scandals.More worryingly, it provokes a clash between water and fire which could mean heavy flooding or a tsunami, Lo added.

"The most famous water disasters in history, such as the south Asian tsunami in 2004 and the sinking of the Titanic in 1912, both incidents happened on a date with prominent appearance of the Rat," Lo said.He also said that the previous Year of the Rat, 1996, witnessed more than 20 plane crashes including the Trans World Airlines Boeing aircraft which exploded over the Atlantic, killing 230 people.Lee Sing-tong, a third-generation feng shui master, said China may suffer a water shortage in the next 12 months. "

LOST
The Beginning of the end
Season Four Premiere, January 31st 8/7c on ABC
2 hour premiere event!! Here's some interesting theories that made us go Hmmm...

Another theory on the location of the Island:
Hurley said he saw Charlie materialize by the Ho-hos. Then when he and Jack were playing Horse Jack only made it to H-O before calling it quits. That's three hos. Who says "Ho ho ho?" That's right Santa Claus. Where does Santa live? The North Pole.

You think I'm wacked right?

Well I may not be. There are alot of people and several websites devoted to a hollow earth theory -- that an opening exists at the North Pole, leading into a "hollow earth" or perhaps another dimmension of earth that we are unaware of. What made me consider this is I remember reading that Hitler, being obsessed with the occult, sent an expidition to the North Pole to find the opening and/or the ancient civilization theorized to exist there.

Here's a snippet I found while dooing a Google search:

Quote:
• In 1939, the Americans and Germans were in a race to explore and claim lands in Antarctica. President Roosevelt sent Admiral Byrd to the frozen continent to thwart any German claims to Antarctic lands in the Western Hemisphere. Hollow Earthers have proclaimed that this was actually a secret mission to beat the Nazis in the exploration of "the land beyond the poles."
That actually says South Pole but accoprding to legend expeditions were sent to both.

What if Oceanic 815 accidentally found a portal into this lost island? What if portals exist all over the world which lead there? Think Bermuda or Devil's triangle.

What if the Lost island IS in a magnetic snowglobe at the north pole?

A few more clues that may back this idea is that Polar Bears were housed at the Hydra station once. Polar Bears are found at the North Pole while Penguins are found at the South Pole.

Also, there was the Swan hatch and the incident. Obviously an electromagnetic anamoly occurred. The North Pole is obviously a strong source for EM activity and it is even believed that the earth has shifted on it axis thus changing the polarity of the planet -- think Magnetic North vs True North.

Lastly, the had to travel to the island via submarine perhaps becasue the magnetic snowglobe/island/dimmension is surrounded by vast fields of ice.

Just riffing but I think the pieces are starting to fit.

More on this theory:
Are the writers that clever? If so, many props. Anyway, awesome idea. Another clue is the painting Hurley was working on was of an Inuit (or whatever) pulling a sled away from an igloo. One more is the fact that Penny had a research team working out of the Arctic. If your idea is correct, ten bucks says the "Freighter" is actually an icebreaker.....

Hurley is drawing a picture of an Eskimo by an igloo. Penny's team seems to be in the Arctic. The Swan password is the joke about what one snowman says to the other. There are many hints like that. You may well be onto something.

Snow Storm 08: find your lip balm!
Northerners, and Coloradans, don't you laugh! We got two whole inches of snow and a little sleet last night. No bread or milk left on any grocery shelf in our county, maybe even in the state ;P. It's beautiful and it will be gone by this afternoon. In our defense, there was sleet and some freezing rain mixed in so the roads were a little slick. We usually have horrible, damaging ice storms instead of snow so this was a treat for us!

It's cold this morning! We woke up to temperatures in the teens! Factor in the wind and temperatures are in the single digits (7 degrees)! I don't care if you are in CO, 7 degrees is freakin cold! LOL!! The air is DRY and we find ourselves searching for lotion and lip-balm! Just like the dry air zapped a lot of the moisture off the roads, it is doing the same to our skin.

A recap of Saturdays snow day: Snow started falling in our area at 10 A.M. And, it was coming down fast and furious~ we expected a real-live bona-fide snow day! We had high hopes of creating a snowman by end of the day. Those hopes were squashed around 2 P.M. the snow slowed down and did not pile up on the ground. Snow melted on anywhere without grass and the roads were wet!

The Chihuahuas did not enjoy the cold ground and would not venture out into the yard, staying close to the sides of the house to "do their business" as quick as possible. Last night as the frigid air came in, icy streets were a concern. But, this morning we wake up and the streets are dry, just like our skin! Imagine that!

Snow storm 08 was beautiful to watch, gave us hopes and made us giddy. We didn't take many photos... but, we hope you enjoy the ones we did take.

Staying warm as possible today~ check out the pic of the Chi's!

Hello all. We have snow falling here in Atlanta (pics and video to come). The mail just came and, surprise of surprises, we actually got our I-797 form back already. So, we are now good to go through July 2009, which, God willing and the creek don't rise, should get us to China and back. Next step is doing the pre-adoption education on the web that the Hague Convention has mandated. Onward and upward.

Inspired

I have a very good online friend who continuously inspires me through her creativity. (Shout out to the pink-butterfly) We have never met in person, but we communicate frequently through our love of scrap booking! We met online at my fave hangout spot (scrapbook.com). Reading her blog this evening I felt inspired - a little excerpt:

"i've seem to have picked my word for 2008........
BALANCE
vb. compute the balance , equalize , bring into harmony or proportion.
Balance is a key component to any with a family, job, friends, hobbies, lifestyle.....i always think about how i would love to have everything balanced out and fine tuned. especially when all 7 kiddos are hanging in tow at the grocery store or we have a 2 week break and lots of fun things planned. Or how i really love my clean house but am lacking in me time.....BALANCE. My one word for the year. I decided to finally get that art journal going....now i have something to kick it off!
Have you picked your one word for 2008?"
If you have a chance you should stop by and say "Hello" to Charygirl. She is one of the most creative (and friendly) Internet person I know!~ http://www.creativegirlz.blogspot.com/ and, tell her "MKJulia2000" sent you :)

Okay, so back to the word I will focus on through 2008: Patience.
Maybe it seems a little too obvious. BUT, possibly I just haven't learned the lesson yet. Really?! Yes, I'll be glad when our lesson in patience is over~ "To every thing,.. there is a season...and a time for every purpose under heaven." ~ Name THAT Tune! Anyone? Bueller?!

for all things have a time and a place! I truly believe this. So, Patience, Julia, Patience!

patience/n. 1. The capacity, habit, or fact of being patient, 2. solitaire
patient/ adj. 1. bearing pains or trials calmly or without complaint 2. manifesting for bearance under provocation or strain. 3. not hasty or impetuous 4. steadfast despite opposition, difficulty, or adversity. 5. able or willing to bear.
patiently-adv.
Okay, already I know that patient as an adjective is where I should focus my efforts (#1 & #5the willing part gets me every time)!!