My Fortune Cookie

Today I opened up a fortune cookie and got this for my fortune. It made me think about this wait for our daughter. I've really learned the word "patience" and maybe it's made me stronger for it. Through all the difficulties that this wait has caused, I have found an equal number of blessings - I've been able to make some wonderful friends who are also (or have already) adopted a child from China (as they truly understand what we're going through), a wonderful husband and extended family, and have gotten lots of "last trips before our child arrives" in (I am a travel addict!)

Catch-Up Post

Well, I've been a bit preoccupied with the newest members of our extended family and haven't really posted much lately. Here are a few of the many things we've been up to these last few weeks.

If you know what a Brat is – then you're likely from Wisconsin... it's home. Robert and I went to the Brat Fest this year. Madison holds the "World's Largest Bratfest" every year. We had beautiful weather and a fun time (even though I don't eat brats. Yuck!)


The beginning of Summer starts off with a walk in the Madison Arboretum to view the Lilacs. The smell is intoxicating (although I did have an allergic reaction... it was worth it!)


This past weekend, I got to meet Autumn (one of the ladies in my adoption chat group) and her lovely family in Chicago at Navy Pier. Hopefully, we'll get to travel with them in China as they're logged in a few days apart from us. Fingers and toes are crossed!


Last night, Robert had his last flight with his instructor before he tests for his pilot's license next weekend (weather permitting, of course). To say he's excited, is to put it mildly! I think his smile says it all!


So, as you can see, we've been keeping ourselves busy...

They've arrived!

We're officially an Aunt and Uncle again! My brother and sister-in-law had twin girls yesterday. We couldn't be more excited.

Fingerprint Renewal Time (Round 3)!

Well, it's that time again... we're off again to be re-fingerprinted tomorrow for our THIRD time. This is really getting old. I'm hopeful that this is going to be the last time we have to go through all of this, but time will tell. Better keep my hands all lotioned up - I want our fingerprints to work.

All this so we can get our beloved I-171H form (Notice of Favorable Determination Concerning Application for Advance Processing of an Orphan Petition). The I-171H comes from the USCIS (Dept of Homeland Security) and will be valid for 18 months. Our fingerprints will be valid only 15 months.

Friday Funnies!

Well, I couldn't resist posting this as my brother and sister-in-law are getting ready to have their twin girls in the next few weeks. Just thought this was too funny. I know she's ready to have them make their entrance already... as are we!

May 2009 referrals are in!

I finally have some good news to report. It’s official now… the stork has landed and referrals are on their way to waiting families. The CCAA completed 6 days this month. Yeah! We are now a few steps closer to our daughter. Here’s the official posting off the CCAA’s website:

The CCAA has finished the placement of children for the families whose adoption application documents were registered with our office before March 14, 2006.

We now have a mere 122 days worth of referrals to go until the CCAA refers us our beautiful daughter. We are optimistic that maybe this time next year we will be holding a referral of our very long awaited daughter.

Crack in the Foundation

Well, we've finally have a definitive answer on why our basement is damp... we have a HUGE crack in our foundation wall (see pix below). Not good. Now, to wait for the guy to repair the crack. Hope it's not too long. Please say lots of prayers...


We will also have to trench out our backyard so our sump pump and drain pipes go further out AWAY from the house into our greenway/flood plane. (You would have thought they would have done this when they built our house 13 years ago. Idiots!!) We may even have to re-grade our entire back yard. My head is spinning right now. I'm only seeing dollar signs. UGH!!

Delays, Delays, Always Delays...

Well, we should have heard by now about the next set of matches, but due to the H1N1 virus (swine flu) we've encountered another hitch... It seems that the CCAA is postponing sending out the matches for now, or at least that's what we're assuming here... They don't want a repeat of the SARS epidemic on their hands again.

So, we're still waiting to see how far they're going to get this month. Just hope this virus dies out soon like it mostly has in the media. Even the WHO says this strain is no more dangerous than the common flu. Trying to keep "happy thoughts."

Happy Mother's Day!

Wishing everyone a Happy Mother's Day to all moms and moms-to-be.

Maple Granola

By request, here is my famous Maple Granola recipe... Enjoy!!
It is fattening, so watch your portions... I usually make a HALF recipe at a time.

Maple Granola

7 cups thick oat flakes (rolled oats), uncooked
1 cup flaked coconut
1 cup wheat germ
1 cup almonds, sliced or broken up
1 cup pecans or walnuts, chopped or broken up
1 cup sunflower seeds, raw or toasted
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup vegetable oil
1 cup maple syrup
1 tablespoon vanilla

1 cup raisins or additional dried fruit/nuts as desired (add after baked, if desired)

Instructions
In a very large bowl, combine the oats, coconut, wheat germ, nuts, seeds and salt. Mix well. In a separate bowl, whisk together the oil, maple syrup and vanilla. Pour over dry mixture in bowl, stirring and tossing till everything is very well combined (your bare hands are the best tools for this step).

Spread granola on a couple of large, ungreased baking sheets. Bake in a preheated 300°F oven for 1 hour, tossing mixture every 15 minutes or so. Remove pans from oven and cool completely. Transfer granola to a large bowl, and mix in raisins and any additional dried fruit desired—dates, figs, currants, dried cranberries or blueberries, etc. Store in a tightly closed container at room temperature.