Hanging in There

Today is the first day in a really long time when I have cried about how long this is all taking us- how long it will be before we have Jade home with us. I haven't had too many really hopeless days like this, but today was one of the saddest. Perhaps it was reading projections of 2013 that did me in.

In any case, I told my sister this morning about how I was feeling. She left work early and came and surprised me with some very special things. She brought me a holy adoption bear, a medal and prayer card for St. Thomas More, the patron saint of adoption. She also gave us a gift card for Cinemark movie theater for a date night for Ken and me. I was so surprised and touched.



I just have to keep hanging in there and know that Jade is at the end of it. As my friend Stan told me today, "Always remember if things are meant to be they will be and at times there are reasons for things happening. Keep praying and watching for signs." I will do just that.

Jade's First Quilt

Jade's first quilt is finished! I never thought we would receive over 400 squares, but with all of the swaps I did and all of the squares from family and friends, that's what we ended up with!

This is her first quilt which we fondly call the Cozy Critter Quilt. We pulled out many of the animals and insects for this one. We chose a style called Attic Window so it looks like you must peek through the little windows to see the animals. We chose pretty greens (one pattern with dragonflies) for the background.

My coworker, Kathy, did the front and back. Then we took it to Diana, a woman who has a longarm quilting machine to put it all together, and then it went back to Kathy again for the binding.

We are really pleased with it and think it turned out just like we wanted!

Thank you, Secret Pal!

We received our WONDERFUL package from our Winter Blossoms Secret Pal, and what a package it was!

First, Jade received the most adorable ladybug dress. Ken and I saw one almost exactly like it on a little girl recently and had admired it. Now it was if Laura read our minds, because there was one waiting for Jade in our package! Jade also will be warm and snuggly with the hooded towel and slippers. They are so cozy and cute.

Jade received a giant bank with lots of goodies inside, and speaking of goodies, we received the prettiest candy I have ever seen! It was inside a little purse and each candy was colorful and decorative. The flavors were incredible and unique!

Lastly, Laura did not forget our two doggies, Penny and Bailey, and sent them healthy treats. That was incredibly thoughtful and really touched us. She included a very special (and pretty) note. This followed her many emails (secret, of course!) throughout the month which I really enjoyed as well. She was truly a special secret pal.

Thank you, Laura! We really appreciated your thoughtfulness!