Here it is all pinned up! I just love it.
Friday, April 9, 2010
Zodiac Quilt
Well, today I went over to my friend Debbie's house so she could teach me how to pin the top of the quilt to the batting and back of the quilt. The next step will be to actually quilt it and then sew on the binding. That's going to have to wait until my parents get back from their vacation.
Here it is all pinned up! I just love it.
Here it is all pinned up! I just love it.
Monday, April 5, 2010
April Referrals
Well, the CCAA hasn't officially changed their internal box yet to reflect the official cut-off, but matches were made and it looks like referrals were made through April 17, 2006. A 6-day referral batch!! Only 88 more referral days to go until we're matched with our daughter. I can't believe an end is in sight!
I'm really hoping that by this time next year I will get to hold our daughter in our arms and give her the world's biggest hug and kiss.
UPDATE: It is official. The cut-off is April 17th, 2006.
I'm really hoping that by this time next year I will get to hold our daughter in our arms and give her the world's biggest hug and kiss.
UPDATE: It is official. The cut-off is April 17th, 2006.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Adoption Tax Credit
Well, some great news happened along with the signing of President Obama's healthcare reform bill. The Adoption Tax Credit was extended!
Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (Engrossed Amendment as Agreed to by Senate)
This is a huge sigh of relief as the adoption tax credit was slated to end at the end of this year. It is now one less thing to worry about. Yeah! The timing couldn't be better! Bring out the champagne!
If you click on either part of the bill above, it will take you to the government website where it gives the complete descriptions of the main bill and the section.
H.R.3590
SEC. 10909. EXPANSION OF ADOPTION CREDIT AND ADOPTION ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS.
If you click on either part of the bill above, it will take you to the government website where it gives the complete descriptions of the main bill and the section.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Dear Grandma,
You were a major part of my life and I wish I was there to say "goodbye". I love you very much. You were supposed to hang on for another year or two so you could meet our daughter - your great grand daughter. This wasn't in the plan. You were supposed to live to be at least 100 - you only had a few more years to go.
While you weren't great on stature (I'll give her the benefit at 4 ft 10 inches), she made up for in personality. She was fiery and strong willed. She loved her daughters, grand kids and great grand kids with all her heart. I know we were the pride and joy in her life just as she was to us.
One photo my mom has hanging on her refrigerator is of me hanging on to my grandma's leg while she was trying to vacuum. I was probably only about 4 years old. I didn't want to let go. I used to love going to grandma's house as she would spoil me rotten. We used to play Rummikub, Hearts and Gin Rummy.
She is and always be my "little grandma". I will miss you always.
Love,
Sue
This bottom photo is the last photo I have of me with my grandma. It was taken this past Thanksgiving.
While you weren't great on stature (I'll give her the benefit at 4 ft 10 inches), she made up for in personality. She was fiery and strong willed. She loved her daughters, grand kids and great grand kids with all her heart. I know we were the pride and joy in her life just as she was to us.
One photo my mom has hanging on her refrigerator is of me hanging on to my grandma's leg while she was trying to vacuum. I was probably only about 4 years old. I didn't want to let go. I used to love going to grandma's house as she would spoil me rotten. We used to play Rummikub, Hearts and Gin Rummy.
She is and always be my "little grandma". I will miss you always.
Love,
Sue
This bottom photo is the last photo I have of me with my grandma. It was taken this past Thanksgiving.
Monday, March 15, 2010
Grandma: The Quilting Queen!
Well, as our wait to our daughter has extended, the urgency of working on her quilts had been put on the back burner. Well, all that has changed! I really feel like within the next year we'll be getting our referral. So, now is the time to start working on her quilts. I've already collected most of the needed squares and now it's just a matter of putting it all together which is NOT an easy task! Neither my mom or I have ever quilted before.
Thankfully, we had the assistance of a quilter friend of mine who has graciously donated her time (and the use of her amazing sewing machine) in teaching and guiding my mom and I in this little venture. I have no idea how we would have done this without her help.
So, last Monday, I got all the pieces trimmed so that when they came over today, the sewing began in earnest. It really came along fast. My mom, who had sewn, but never quilted before really did an amazing job. A proud grandma for sure! There was so much love put into this. I can't wait for our daughter to be able to snuggle up with this and carry it around the house.
The quilt is a representation of the 12 signs of the Chinese Zodiac (Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig).
Here are a few photos from the day.
Thankfully, we had the assistance of a quilter friend of mine who has graciously donated her time (and the use of her amazing sewing machine) in teaching and guiding my mom and I in this little venture. I have no idea how we would have done this without her help.
So, last Monday, I got all the pieces trimmed so that when they came over today, the sewing began in earnest. It really came along fast. My mom, who had sewn, but never quilted before really did an amazing job. A proud grandma for sure! There was so much love put into this. I can't wait for our daughter to be able to snuggle up with this and carry it around the house.
The quilt is a representation of the 12 signs of the Chinese Zodiac (Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig).
Here are a few photos from the day.
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Sue with Straight Hair
Well, using my name and straight hair in the same sentence usually doesn't go together. I naturally have a wild mess of curly hair that has a mind of its own. On Thursday, I had my hair appointment and my hairdresser got a bit excited to blow my hair straight. It takes her about a half-hour. I, on the other hand, will NEVER do it. I just don't trust myself with a flat iron. It's important to know your limitations!!
Well, here's what I look like with straight hair. Robert caught me while I was making my famous Chicken Tikka Masala. YUM! (That is if you love Indian food like we do!). I have a hard time looking at this picture and seeing myself - I look more like my sister. Scary!
Well, here's what I look like with straight hair. Robert caught me while I was making my famous Chicken Tikka Masala. YUM! (That is if you love Indian food like we do!). I have a hard time looking at this picture and seeing myself - I look more like my sister. Scary!
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
March Referrals Are Official!
Well, it's official now, the CCAA made it through April 11, 2006. It was a 6-day referral month. Yippee! Only 94 more referral dates to go until our daughter comes home!Here's the official notice:
3/2/2010
CCAA
The CCAA has finished the review of the adoption application documents registered with our office before April 30, 2008
The CCAA has finished the placement of children for the family whose adoption application documents were registered with our office before April 11, 2006.
Friday, February 26, 2010
Rumors are Flying!
It's just hard to believe that when we met with our social worker for the very first time in September of 2005 and were told to expect somewhere from a 12 to 18 month wait. So we turned in our paperwork to adopt in December of 2005, completed our dossier and was logged-in for China on July 14, 2006. What a long and strange trip this has been. Who would have guessed?!
I'm ready for a "speed-up" and my daughter to be home already. I love roller coasters, but this is one roller coaster ride that I wish I wasn't on!!
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Chinese New Year - Year of the Tiger
Along with being Valentine's Day tomorrow, it is also the beginning of the Chinese New Year - The Year of the Tiger. Robert was born in the Year of the Tiger. I think it fits...
According to the Chinese Zodiac, the Year of 2010 is the Year of the Tiger, which begins on February 14, 2010 and ends on February 2, 2011. The Tiger is the third sign in the Chinese Zodiac cycle, and it is a sign of bravery. This courageous and fiery fighter is admired by the ancient Chinese as the sign that keeps away the three main tragedies of a household. These are fire, thieves and ghosts.
Tigers are physically powerful, gracious, independent and brave, they are extremely bold animals. They are friendly and loving but can also selfish and short tempered. Tigers seek attention and power; frequently they are envious in a relation. Tigers live dangerously which often leads to trouble. They are intolerant, take risks and are always searching for excitement. Tigers are also instilled with a good dose of courage.
The Tiger has an overpowering attraction and is very kind and always takes on the character as protector. The Tiger flourishes by power and attention and takes advantage of all circumstances it gets itself into. The Tiger is a natural leader and loves to be the centre of attention. As a rebel it goes up against authority and speaks out about wrongs in society, and willingly puts up objections. Even if you don’t agree with the beliefs of the tiger you admire his way to protest.
Just as how their counterparts in the jungle are impulsive, so too are individuals born in the Chinese Year of the Tiger. When people think of tigers, it is their vigor and power that comes to mind first. But it has also been noted that tigers are known to share and are unselfish animals. The reason people admire the tiger is due to the fact that they are ferocious and domineering on the outside, but they are just as noble and distinguished on the inside. These are the same personality attributes that persons will have who are born in the Year of the Tiger.
People that are born in the Year of the Tiger are generally well liked because of their charismatic personalities. Often, failing at a given duty or being unproductive in his personal or professional life can cause a Tiger to experience a deep sense of depression. A Tiger is always at their happiest when they endeavor to climb the ladder of success. Attaining the top spot is his foremost purpose; being in a position of power is her ultimate goal. They are quick learners, need to be challenged and often prefer to work alone. Some Tigers tend to change careers more frequently because they get bored quite easily. They are natural born leaders and perform at their best if working towards positions of power and influence. So once there is no further room for progression, they will often move on to something else.
Anyone that is born in the Year of the Tiger is usually straightforward and outgoing by nature. They will never give up no matter how aggravated they may become. But, they are also full of suspicion and at times will take hasty action. Never lose sight of the fact that Tigers are smart and instinctive.
People born in the Year of the Tiger always take pride in being different from others, and normally demonstrate their originality best in their homes. Their homes are typically filled with exotic possessions. It is no surprise that one of the Tiger’s favorite gemstones is the cat’s eye, but tigers also love the sparkle of rubies and diamonds. They like to spend money, and also to share it. They can be very impulsive spenders because they know they can at all times make more.
The Year of the Tiger is the third year in the cycle of “Heavenly Branches”. Customarily, it is called “Yin”. Those born in the Year of the Tiger are compatible with the horse, dog, and dragons. The year 2010 is another Year of the Tiger. It is the ji-chou year. Jji is the sixth of the Ten Celestial Stems and yin is the third of the Twelve Terrestrial Branches and marks the Year of the Tiger.
Were you born during a Year of the Tiger?
You were if you were born in one of these years:
1902, 1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, and 1998.
According to the Chinese Zodiac, the Year of 2010 is the Year of the Tiger, which begins on February 14, 2010 and ends on February 2, 2011. The Tiger is the third sign in the Chinese Zodiac cycle, and it is a sign of bravery. This courageous and fiery fighter is admired by the ancient Chinese as the sign that keeps away the three main tragedies of a household. These are fire, thieves and ghosts.
Tigers are physically powerful, gracious, independent and brave, they are extremely bold animals. They are friendly and loving but can also selfish and short tempered. Tigers seek attention and power; frequently they are envious in a relation. Tigers live dangerously which often leads to trouble. They are intolerant, take risks and are always searching for excitement. Tigers are also instilled with a good dose of courage.
The Tiger has an overpowering attraction and is very kind and always takes on the character as protector. The Tiger flourishes by power and attention and takes advantage of all circumstances it gets itself into. The Tiger is a natural leader and loves to be the centre of attention. As a rebel it goes up against authority and speaks out about wrongs in society, and willingly puts up objections. Even if you don’t agree with the beliefs of the tiger you admire his way to protest.
Just as how their counterparts in the jungle are impulsive, so too are individuals born in the Chinese Year of the Tiger. When people think of tigers, it is their vigor and power that comes to mind first. But it has also been noted that tigers are known to share and are unselfish animals. The reason people admire the tiger is due to the fact that they are ferocious and domineering on the outside, but they are just as noble and distinguished on the inside. These are the same personality attributes that persons will have who are born in the Year of the Tiger.
People that are born in the Year of the Tiger are generally well liked because of their charismatic personalities. Often, failing at a given duty or being unproductive in his personal or professional life can cause a Tiger to experience a deep sense of depression. A Tiger is always at their happiest when they endeavor to climb the ladder of success. Attaining the top spot is his foremost purpose; being in a position of power is her ultimate goal. They are quick learners, need to be challenged and often prefer to work alone. Some Tigers tend to change careers more frequently because they get bored quite easily. They are natural born leaders and perform at their best if working towards positions of power and influence. So once there is no further room for progression, they will often move on to something else.
Anyone that is born in the Year of the Tiger is usually straightforward and outgoing by nature. They will never give up no matter how aggravated they may become. But, they are also full of suspicion and at times will take hasty action. Never lose sight of the fact that Tigers are smart and instinctive.
People born in the Year of the Tiger always take pride in being different from others, and normally demonstrate their originality best in their homes. Their homes are typically filled with exotic possessions. It is no surprise that one of the Tiger’s favorite gemstones is the cat’s eye, but tigers also love the sparkle of rubies and diamonds. They like to spend money, and also to share it. They can be very impulsive spenders because they know they can at all times make more.
The Year of the Tiger is the third year in the cycle of “Heavenly Branches”. Customarily, it is called “Yin”. Those born in the Year of the Tiger are compatible with the horse, dog, and dragons. The year 2010 is another Year of the Tiger. It is the ji-chou year. Jji is the sixth of the Ten Celestial Stems and yin is the third of the Twelve Terrestrial Branches and marks the Year of the Tiger.
Were you born during a Year of the Tiger?
You were if you were born in one of these years:
1902, 1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, and 1998.
Monday, February 8, 2010
New Toy
Well, with Valentines Day quickly approaching, I decided to get myself a fun little toy from Williams-Sonoma - their personalizable cookie cutters. I thought it would be fun to make cookies with all sorts of sayings on them. So, here was my first test of the product.
Step 1: Make Robert's mom's hanukkah/hamentashen cookie recipe (basically a sugar cookie recipe).
Step 2: Add red food color (it is for Valentine's Day!)
Step 3: While dough is chilling, insert letters into cookie cutters (this was a bit more difficult than anticipated. Next time, I'll stick to only 3 text options - it's too hard to change them out all the time. But, I guess you wouldn't want them loose while you're pressing them into the dough.)
Step 4: roll out dough, press out cookies and then bake
Step 5: EAT and ENJOY!
Here are my photos.
Step 1: Make Robert's mom's hanukkah/hamentashen cookie recipe (basically a sugar cookie recipe).
Step 2: Add red food color (it is for Valentine's Day!)
Step 3: While dough is chilling, insert letters into cookie cutters (this was a bit more difficult than anticipated. Next time, I'll stick to only 3 text options - it's too hard to change them out all the time. But, I guess you wouldn't want them loose while you're pressing them into the dough.)
Step 4: roll out dough, press out cookies and then bake
Step 5: EAT and ENJOY!
Here are my photos.
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