28 May 2008

World’s 2nd best Potato Salad


Here my friends the worlds second best potato salad recipe. It comes in 2nd place because my mother in law's potato salad is loved by so many of our family members. I remember as teenagers, my sister in law and I would eat a 5 pound bucket of it with the help of her then boyfriend-now husband while my father in law would say he wasnt going to share the bucket and my mother in law would say, now kids, I can always make more.

When they visited us the first time when we moved to Virginia in 2005, my mother in law brought all the ingredients to our house along with them. She taught me how to make the potato salad.

Up until 2 months ago, that was the only potato salad I would ever make. It still didnt taste the same though because that motherly love wasnt one of the ingredients when I made it.

2 months ago we had a BBQ, abotu 10 people which here in Guam's tropical paradise is a monthly event always held at someone's house on a Friday or Saturday night.

Everyone loved it and was asking who made it.

Here my friend's is the recipie.

Bacon, Cheddar and Potato Salad

2 lbs red potatoes, cut into cubes, 1 cup mayo, 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup sliced green onion, 8 slics of bacon crisp cooked, crumbled, 2 tbs milk, 1 tbs apple cider vinegar.

Cover potatoes with water, boil, simmer uncovered 10 minutes until tender. Drain and cool slightly.

In a large bowl combine remaining ingredients. Add potatoes, toss to coat. Serve chilled or at room temp.

27 May 2008

Belly shot of the miracle baby girl, cropped for the privacy and protection of our birth mother, who is of one of the strongest and most couragous birth mothers out there. Of course, I probably am a little biased. :)



Just 9 weeks until her due date.

26 May 2008

So, the home study is DONE! The social worker said a HS can take about 6 months. So we did 6 months of work in just 2 days. She says she can have our report in a few days. I expect it to be about a week. Then she will notarize it and mail it to us and then we mail it to our attorney. From there Im not exactly sure what happens.

Only thing left to do is schedule flights. Please continue to hope and pray things go smoothly and our stresses are lifted.

24 May 2008

Just a quick update on today...Im tired! So, day one of the homestudy went fantastically. I honestly dont think it could have went any better than it did. I am still utterly amazed at how everything is just in perfect line for us. I dont get it....this never happens to us. Nothing ever happens so smoothly and perfectly. Its like its all just meant to be. It feels like everything is just happening naturally.

Any who, it went great. Our social worker was at our house from about 2ish to about 5:30ish. She is a really nice lady and we got along great. She interviewed us...asked us each questions, like..How do we plan to parent the baby, and do we agree on religion. She asked us to describe our relationship in only 3 words. She asked us how we felt about our baby being tri-racial. She asked how we met each other. She asked us how we resolve conflicts, what is 1 thing that makes you mad about the other person. The list goes on. Nick and I actually had fun with this. We had fun! We had fun? Yup. Talking about our life, dreams and goals to someone who could give us an outside opinion was actually great. She wasnt judgemental at all and she even laughed and joked right along with us. She told us her services dont stop when the homestudy is done. She said she will always be there for whatever we need being parental issues, relationship issues or just to vent. I might take her up on the venting..lol.

She walked around our house, made sure we had food in the fridge, fire extingiushers, smoke detectors and adequate space for the baby. She pointed out safety hazards for the baby and went over some things that we need to child proof. I knew we had to do this but I told her to be honest, I didnt want to prepare our home for the baby yet in fear of a jinx. And she was totally understanding.

And the crazy, weird, exciting part...she called me Momma and refers to our baby by her name. What an amazing feeling. And no...I still dont want to share her name on here yet. I dont know why...I just dont have the want to do it yet.

I am actually looking forward to tomorrow. That is when she will interview us separetly. She will ask about our families, upbringing and childhood.

She also said that she would have our home study report done within a few days.
D-A-Y-S!! What a sweetheart of her for getting it done so quickly for us. She said a normal homestudy takes about 6 months. Can you believe she is going to do 6 months of work in just a few DAYS? Thank God we found her.

Also, we paid her for her services today. To be exact, $1,729.00. This is almost the exact amount that YOU all have donated to us. YOU. ( I wish there was a pointing icon I could use here) This baby is going to be everyone's baby to love. So many people have helped us. Its incredible.

Its all still so hard to believe. Can this really be happening?

Please keep the thoughts and prayers up for K, our birth mom, that she will be and stay strong for us and keep her confidence.

Hey Bloggerians!! Yes, I just made up that word.
Thanks for all the support I have been getting. You all are utterly amazing. You give me smiles, strength, hope and happiness. And most importantly you give me thoughts and prayers and after all this time, it's paying off.

Quick update: We got all our documents together for the home study. It was insane trying to get each and every single one in just 1 week. But the hard work is about to pay off! Our social worker is flying in from Japan tonight at midnight. She will be arriving at our house tomorrow, Saturday from 1-6. She will be doing the safety check on our house and interviewing us together. Sunday she will be here from 12-3 interviewing us separatly. She seems like a wonderful woman and I am excited to meet her. I think her and Nick will get along fantastically. They are both that outgoing type who can make a joke about anything and turn anything into fun. And heck...she calls me Momma. That right there earns her credit from me! I cannot wait to get this part over and done with though. Then from here, we will figure out flight plans and all that jazz.

And in 73ish days, our baby will be here. It feels crazy but I just am so excited. Yes, I have progressed into the excited stage. Let me tell you why.

I have been nervous. K and I talk everyday on myspace.She is a great girl. The day before her appointment with the attorney to turn in her paperwork was the last I heard form her in 2 1/2 days. So I spent all the time worried. I hoped she and the baby were ok. I was praying that she wasnt having second thoughts or trying to avoid me. I know..Im paranoid..but you know my history. Then this afternoon I got a message from her and I was soooooo relieved. She said she turned in her paperwork to the attorney and everything on her end is done. She said the attorney and her both love us and think we are the perfect family for this baby. She wont see the attorney again until 4 weeks before baby girl is due to be born. I assume this is to figure out and arrange the birthing plans for her and us. She said she is so happy. And so am I! I cant wait to meet her!

So, the adoption is still a go! And baby girl is due in 73 more days! Holy cow have things changed so fast! And I still believe Aunt Deb has a hand in it. I just feel like she does. I cant even explain it. 1 week after her passing, all this came about. And I know it was with her help.

Oh and...Nick and I did decide on a name for baby girl! Im just not comfortable sharing it yet. One of these days soon I will. I think deep down inside Im just afraid to jinx anything. Because it could all change in an instant.

21 May 2008

Well after 4 hours of sleep last night, and getting a phone call I been waiting on for 2 days I feel better. Oh..dont you worry...yes I am still stressed to the max, but I feel better than yesterday. Yesterday I was at my witt's end. I just wanted to go into a corner and hide for a little bit. I asked God and Aunt Deb to please let this work out and fall into place and please ease my stress level, even if just a hair. And they heard me. I really believe she is up there watching and helping me. And that makes feel good and helps me get through all of this. Also, knowing that we will have a daughter in 74 days plus or minus a few days...makes it all worth it.

We found out that North West Airlines cannot give us the 65% discount because we are not doing an international adoption...which we figured but thought it would be worth a try. So we have yet again, another plan. The plan would be: I take a military hop to Texas from here 3rd week of June to FL. Nick ran into a guy today that used to work in that department and he told us it would be very easy to get onto a hop to Texas. Then once in TX I purchase a one way ticket to FL and visit our birth mom. Then up to PA I go until the end of July so I dont have to pay a $950.00 ticket back home to Guam. At the end of July Nick would do the same and meet me in FL for the baby's birth. Then both of us back to PA to spend time with the wonderful family. And the military hop...or buy tickets to get home to Guam.

This sounds like the plan so far.

As far as everything else, its all coming together. We pick up our background checks today at 2 pm. Then our physicals are at 3 pm. and then to pick up our child abuse checks at 4 pm. We have to pick up a letter from our health care provider sometime in between these appintments too, just to prove that we have insurance for the home study. Tomorrow I have the bundles for babies class at 9 am. and on the 30th we have another parenting class called 1,2,3, magic. Those 2 classes under our belt will be great in the home study. We have 2 of our 3 reference letters done and my questionaire is about done. Nick still has to do his but he could knock it out in 1 night. We also have to call Guam social services and see if they have any reqirements that we have to meet in the home study. Lets all cross our fingers they have very small requirements or even better...none at all. Hopefully we can knock that out today or tomorrow.

Phew. Its all going to be worth it. Please Aunt Deb, God, let it all be worth it.

20 May 2008

So stressed! I knew that adoption was hard work. But wow. I am so overwhelmed. I cant sleep..that has just gone out the window for the past 3 nights. I guess I will be prepared to have an infant in the house! My appetite has gone out the window right along side my restful nights. No time to think about eating or what to get out for dinner that evening. Hot dogs it is!!

There is so much to do in such a short time amount time. Our home study starts this weekend. And in just 2 days we will be completing work that is normally done over 1-2 months time. Today I made all the copies of the douments that need to be included in the study...marriage license, bank statements, all debts, creadit cards, tax returns and all that jazz. Today I called the lady about our child abuse check and hopefully I can pick that up tomorrow. I called security forces here on base to get background checks for us but had to leave a message. I plan to call her again tomorrow at noon if I dont hear anything. I also have to sign us up for a few parenting classes. Our social worker said that would look good in our study. Tomorrow we have physical appointments to be sure that we arent going to die off soon or give the baby a communicable disease, there is special paperwork for that. On Thursday morning I have a Bundles for Babies class, but Nick go to that one. This is where parents to be get a whole bunch of baby items for free and learn how to care for a newborn. That should look good in our study. Tomorrow we also have to get proof of our insurance. The lady was supposed to email it to us today and she didnt. Grr. We have life story questionairs to still fill out to before the social worker gets here.

Then onto the $ issue. Ughh. We tried 2 places to try for a loan. Both of these places we have held credit cards with. Neither place would give us a loan of any amount. They both said if it were based on credit score then we could have a good amount loan, BUT...they dont have long enough credit card history on us on file so they cant prove that we would pay it which doesnt make sense to me. We have had these 2 credit cards (one of which was used for IVF and the other for car)for about 2 years now and both of which never had any late payments and even at times when we could afford it we doubled up on payments. So now..we have to apply for a credit card for all this and hope the interest rate isnt too bad. This part is a stress all in itself.

Then there is the flight issue which hopefully will be figured out in the morning. Nick is going to call first thing. But here are our 2 options as of now. A round trip and a 1 way ticket is costing the same so far. I have to visit our birth mom in June. Nick does not need to be present however I dont feel comfortable going alone to a new place to meet total strangers and be on my own. The 2nd trip will have to be Nick and I both for the birth at the end of July to mid August. ONE ticket from Guam to FL is $950.00 with military discount. Now count that for me times 2 and Nick once. Yikes. $3,000 not including the tax, hotel and meals. Wowza.

And yes, we have thought about military hops but from Guam it will be very difficult and not very reliable at all. And the 2nd trip is very time sensitive! We dont want to miss our baby's birth!!

So option B, which seems what we will go with. We havent even gotten to ask Nicks Dad if this would be ok, yet..but with the time difference..its hard. So we will have to talk about this probably over the weekend. We are 14 hours ahead of east coast and man that takes a toll...

Only me fly straight to FL for $950.00 and visit the the birth mother. Fly Nicks Dad down to FL with me so Im not alone for $200. That will save $750.00. Then we both fly back home to PA- ticket for me $200. Stay with family until the birth, fly down to FL for the birth and meet Nick there. Another $950.oo plus $200.00. So again saves $750.00 since I will be flying from PA and not Guam. Then from there since we will both be in the states probably for the last time for atleast 3-4 years to come, we would both fly to PA for $400.00 and stay with family so they can soak in the new baby, and then fly back home to Guam. Phew.

But, we still have to find out about this thing we saw online that NWA offers a 65% discount on international adoption flights. Which hopefully in the morning we can find out about.

Plus we still have to pay the attorney his fees, about $12,000 and we still have to pay the birth mother for her living expenses which are abotu $1,000 each month of pregnancy until the birth- plus after the birth the attorney said the birth mom should be paid atleast $4,000 after the birth.

So...ya see why I am so stressed? I think this is the most stressed I have ever been in my life!

But ya know what? In 75 days our baby girl is due! And its going to be soo worth it.

Nick and I think we settled on a name. I didnt want to. But as of last night, for the past 3 days I had a name in mind. It just popped into my mind out of nowhere one day when I was sitting at the computer looking through names. I kept it to myself. I didnt want to discuss names yet. Not until I atleast meet our birth mom, just trying to protect myself and not get attached. I kept the name to my ole little self. Didnt say a word. I didnt even tell the cats. :)

Well, last night Nick was looking through a name book while he was lounging on the couch after work. I was sitting at the computer, totally stressed out. And he's rambling off all these bizare names...then all of a sudden he says the name I was thinking of. And he adds, "I really like that name." So I turned around...and I say "Yeah?" And I tell him that I already thought of it and really like it too. So for now...we are settled on a name but I dont want to tell the world yet. Not yet. I want to feel more confident in all the good that is happening to us right now, before we go about officially giving Baby Girl her name.

Thank you for the thoughts and prayers for us, for everything to continue to fall into place! Its working...keep it up!

Just hours after my last post I got an update! The lady at the Family Support Center on base did some research for us. She sent us a phone number to a lady who works at Family Advocacy on a Marine base in Okinawa, Japan. She does home studies! I emailed her and minutes later got a response. After a few emails back and forth this is what I got:
*She charges $850.00 for a home study.
*The HS can be expedited since our Birth Mother is due Aug 3rd. No problem.
*All she asks for is a plane ticket and 2 nights hotel. Food is on her cost.
*She requires 2 days of visit for safety check and interviews, the rest can be done by phone and email.
*Her price also includes the post-study if the attorney requires it.
*She does all the flight and hotel booking herself and she will just give us a reciept so we can pay her back. So we have no planning on our part to do!

All in all...we hired her and she is coming THIS weekend!! Our home study just fell into our lap little effort but 1 email. Can you believe it?! We start our home study THIS weekend!

And I got a small update on our flight prices. Online we are finding tickets are about $1600+. Nick called the air line and with a military discount they are about $950. Nick is going to see if they will give us the adoption discount on top of that. Wouldnt that be so nice?!

Wow, are things happening so quick! And Thank God, and Aunt Deb! I cant wait to have our little girl after so much failure. Im shocked. Im amazed. Im utterly speechless.

All Nick and I can say is Wow!
Is this what it feels like to have something be that is actually meant to be?

19 May 2008

Thank you to everyone who has given us love and support the last few days since our big announcement. Having support makes this journey all that more special. It really does. I dont think I would be where we are today without the impact of my supporters. Infact, I KNOW I wouldnt be.

Sorry its been 4 days since my last post. My mind has been all over the place.
The adoption is still a go! Right now were are scrambling around overwhelmed with all the things we have to do. But we know it will fall into place. I have found an adoption agency in Pennsylvania, in my hometown, that is willing to do a home study for us. We just are waiting on reply from the attorney in FL, so we know if he can accept a PA home study. I have also emailed a lady in Okinawa Japan to see if her being closer would be any cheaper for us. We are going to have to pay extra to expedite the home study since Baby Girl is due in just 77 days, or 11 weeks!

We are also searchign plane tickets so Nick and I can go meet Baby Girl's birth mother and her family. Wow...from Guam to FL is holy cow expensive. We have heard that Northwest Airlines offers a military discount and we have also found a website that NWA offers 65% off for families adopting internationally. Only thing is, we dont know if we would be considered as an international adoption. But flying from Guam to the USA, we possibly could be. And that would save an incredible amount of money for us since we would both have to travel to FL 2 times. Once for the meeting and then for the birth. We tried to call them today, but the time difference....aaaahhhck. They are closed and its just morning here for us. So we have to call them tomorrow morning at 5 am to get them when they are open. Im hoping we good news from them and they can save us some cash that can go towards the adoption expenses instead of travel expenses.

Its all so much to think about but ya know...its worth it a million times over.
Baby Girl's birth mother is giving us a dream that noone else could give us and she will forever be in our hearts. I cant believe how lucky we really are.

On other topics, Im planning a yard sale again. In the spare room we have 2 huge closests. 1 1/2 of these closests are filled with things I wanted to sell on Ebay. And in a corner od the room is another pile of things about half the height of me. I have been selling things here and there on Ebay. Its kind of like a hit or miss lately on there. But I really need to get these things out of the house and make some extra cash. So Im working on getting more things into those piles and then having a yard sale. Maybe asking the nieghbors if they want to put some things out as well and do like a block yard sale or neighborhood yard sale. I could put a cooler of drinks out there and sell hot dogs too. I remember when I was a kid and mom would have yard sales I would in charge of selling hot dogs and sodas, and we ended up selling a lot of those...well...all the ones I didnt eat we sold. hehehe.
I wanted to have this yard sale in June sometime, but I have to find out when we are getting our plane tickets for. So that is on hold for now.

Thats about all thats going on around here. My seedlings that I planted have been growing like weeks. I have to work on transplanting them this week. Yesterday I got 4 into flower pots and 1 sunflower into the ground. Only 10+ more to go. It just gets sooo hot outside to be playing in dirt.

Thats about all the news for now. I will update as soon as I get some more info!

Please pray that things will continue to just fall into place as they have been.

16 May 2008- long post...Its a girl!

Yes, you read the above blinkie right. We are preparing to adopt! Can you believe it?
I hardly can. I'm sitting here and don't even know what to type. I'm speechless, wordless. I cant even think of the proper words to describe what is happening. I don't think they exist. Maybe I can invent them? I'm so happy. As happy as I have ever been in years. But, I'm not letting myself get excited just yet. In my heart of course I am excited, but in my mind I know that things could quickly change. Just like the 2 miscarriages we had. But it's crazy how everything is just falling into place. Everything is just falling right here, right into our lap...and if you have been a sincere blog reader for the past 1 1/2 years of my blogging life, you know things don't fall on our lap. Never. But it is. Things are falling into place and it is a surreal feeling. It feels so right. Could our dream really be coming true? Could one unselfish, courageous, brave young girl love her baby so much so, that she wants a better life for her, so she will be placing OUR dream into our arms?

I'd like to think that it all has fallen into place for a many reasons. Our orders to Guam- if we wouldn't have gotten orders to Guam when we did we wouldn't have rushed into IVF when we did. Our miscarriage- if it wouldn't have happened at the time it did we would not have built our website at the time we did. If Aunt Deb wouldn't have said Goodbye so soon, Mom would not have been able to send her an email to heaven asking her to help us. And the 'what-if's' can go all the way back to the 7th grade. Yep, 7th grade when I was 12 years old. You want to know how? Because 7th grade is when I met my friend Jen Snead. There are so many 'IF's' in all of this that I would like to think it is all falling into place for a reason. I cant even begin to explain the feeling.

And before all this came about, miraculously about 2 weeks before, I had been waking up in the morning with a new sense of hope. A new strength, a stronger belief in God. I felt more than ever that God had bigger better plans for us and I was at peace with that. I was at Peace with the 2 angel babies that left us. I was OK.

So the details you ask? I will post what details I feel comfortable sharing. And maybe as time goes on and I feel more confident in what is unfolding, I will post more.

So how does Jen come into play? Let me tell you. Jen Snead has a cousin who has a friend who has a sister. The sister (who we call K on this board) was told about our website not long after we made it. But it took her a while to look at our website. She finally did and decided WE are the family shes been looking for. "WHAT?" you say? Because I said the same thing. Are we lucky enough to be chosen for a baby so special? And with God's perfect timing?

K is due on August 3rd, with a baby girl. Which just tops it all and makes it that much more sweeter. Because you see, Nick and I been secretly hoping for a baby girl. Of course either boy or girl would be absolutely perfect for us, but I just saw us with a baby girl. I have dreams of a baby girl, shopping for a baby girl. I think of Nick's parents spoiling our baby girl. I am drawn to baby girl names, toys, cloths, Daddy and Daughter events. I can just see Nick being wrapped around his little girl's fingers.

And August 3rd? Well, August is the month we got married SIX years ago. July 4th is the day we started TTC on our own 5 years ago. Baby girl's due date is suspiciously close to these 2 dates. For the past 5 years, I have always wondered what month our future baby will be born in.

We do not have a name for her. For many reasons, 1 being I don't want to get attached yet. There is always that what if. Even though this just FEELS so real and right, I don't want to be attached just yet. And 2- no names have spoken to me. I have a few that we like but nothing that says "You just know." So for now- she is just Baby Girl.

Even though we, we as in Nick and I and K, are sure and feel this is right, I plan to take a trip back the states to visit with K. I want to know her. When Baby Girl asks about her, I want to be able to answer her. I want her to be able to know what her birth mom is like and I want her to know how special she and her birth mom are.
I want to meet K's family, her mom and sister. I want them to be as happy as K is with us. I want them to all know so much, that Baby Girl is going to be so loved, so taken care of, so nurtured, so smart and have all the opportunities life has to offer, and not to mention so spoiled.

Well, I wont bore you with the details of the legalities. Just sit there and take in all this information. Pray for us and for K and her family. Pray that things will just continue to fall into place. Thank God, Thank Aunt Deb, Thank Poppy for everything that has lined up for us. Please hope for things to continue to line up the way they should. Pray this is what is meant to happen. Most of all Pray that it works out and no one will get hurt.

Thank you ladies for the team of support you give me. I wouldn't be here without you all.

14 May 2008

For sale:


Partylite Iced Crystal Trio.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=120261807419&ru=http%3A%2F%2Fsearch.ebay.com%3A80%2Fws%2Fsearch%2FSaleSearch%3Fsofocus%3Dbs%26satitle%3D120261807419%26sacat%3D-1%2526catref%253DC5%26dfsp%3D32%26from%3DR7%26nojspr%3Dy%26pfid%3D0%26fsop%3D32%2526fsoo%253D2%26fcl%3D3%26frpp%3D50%26fvi%3D1

Proceeds help us bring our baby home.

13 May 2008

Thanks everyone for the thoughts and prayers. Please keep them coming. They are still needed!

For sale on Ebay is the outfit pictured above. Baby girls top and matching pants size 0-3 months donated to us from our good friend and neighbor Jody.

There is already 1 bid on it and it has 4 days left, so check it out and pass it on. 100% of proceeds minus shipping costs go into our adoption fund. Please help us bring home our baby!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=120261107599&ru=http%3A%2F%2Fsearch.ebay.com%3A80%2Fws%2Fsearch%2FSaleSearch%3Fsofocus%3Dbs%26satitle%3D120261107599%26sacat%3D-1%2526catref%253DC5%26dfsp%3D32%26from%3DR7%26nojspr%3Dy%26pfid%3D0%26fsop%3D32%2526fsoo%253D2%26fcl%3D3%26frpp%3D50%26fvi%3D1

I also have a baby boys item up for sale, just posted. Its a onesie train outfit for boys size 0-3 months. Picture is above and link is below.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=120261461743&ru=http%3A%2F%2Fsearch.ebay.com%3A80%2Fws%2Fsearch%2FSaleSearch%3Fsofocus%3Dbs%26satitle%3D120261461743%26sacat%3D-1%2526catref%253DC5%26dfsp%3D32%26from%3DR7%26nojspr%3Dy%26pfid%3D0%26fsop%3D32%2526fsoo%253D2%26fcl%3D3%26frpp%3D50%26fvi%3D1

12 May 2008

I cannot post details, but I would like to ask everyone to please say a prayer. Say a prayer for a young girl, we will call K. Please pray that God will give her the Wisdom to make the right choice for the baby girl in her womb.

And pray that God will give me Serenity to accept things that I cannot change, to protect my heart.

Please God, allow whats meant to be, to be.

11 May 2008- message from Amy

Important message from a kind, caring, generous, supportive friend of mine:

Recipe Book Fundraiser

Many of you know Nick and Michelle. Some of you don't.

For those of you that do not know them or their story please check out their website www. helpafamilyadopt.

com
Michelle and Nick have been trying for years to have a baby. Unfortunately they have not been able to do this. After several treatments and a couple of miscarriages they are now moving toward adoption. They are doing some fundraising to help with the giant expenses that come with adoption.

I am going to be putting together a recipe book and helping them sell them with all the money made going toward their adoption fund.

I am looking for people willing to submit recipes for this book. You can submit as many as you like and I will put your name and the state you live in with the recipe that you submit. You may also submit a picture of the finished product of the recipe you send.

So, call everyone you know and get their favorite recipe and email it to me or send it in a message to my myspace. I will be taking recipe submissions until June 9th.

I will post again to let eveyone know when the books are done and how much they will be selling for.

This is one way to "pay it forward" and help a family who truly has a desire and dream.

If you have any questions let me know.

Amy

Isnt the support Nick and I have gotten just amazing? Its incredible. Through this journey, I have made some fantastic, amazing, life long friends.

If you have any questions for Amy, please let me know and I can pass it along to her. If you have a recipie you would like to submit, you can submit it here, or email it to me and I will be sure to pass it onto Amy. Make sure you let me know your first name and your state so she can add that to your recipie in the recipie book.

You can visit her myspace page here:
http://www.myspace.com/amy_l_scott

You can visit her blog here:
http://www.itgoessofast.blogspot.com/

And you can visit her site of hand made cards here:
http://www.funwithcards.blogspot.com/
(You can always find these links to the right side of my blog)

She donates to Nick and I a portion of every card she sells.
See...doesnt she have a heart of pure gold?!

THANK YOU AMY AND SHARON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

10 May 2008- Another Earthquake

So, this morning just before 8 am I was barely awake. Nick got up to go to the bathroom and I was in bed, aware but eyes closed. I thought the bed was shaking ever so slightly. Nick didnt say anything so I assumed it was me being tired. I opened my eyes and that very second....everything shook. Everything was so loud and I heard Nick saying from the bathroom "The door is shaking!!" Duh...everything was shaking.

Islanders woken by 6.6 earthquake

While many island residents planned on sleeping in on this Saturday morning, with others using the weekend to get a jumpstart on doing chores, flea market shopping or running errands, nearly the entire community rushed to dash into doorways after a large earthquake occurred right before 8am. Preliminary data indicates the quake as having registered 6.6 on the Richter Scale.

The U.S. Geological Survey tells KUAM News that the center of the seismic event is estimated to have occurred about 128 miles to the south/southwest of the island's capitol of Hagatna, lasting about 25 seconds. This morning's quake, says geologist Paul Hatorri, is the largest of 2008 and the third such major quake in the last two months.

No damages or injuries have been reported.


Pretty crazy huh? And something even more crazy. I love earthquakes. As long as it isnt big enough to hurt anyone or damage anything...they are amazing.

9 May 2008

YEAH! A holiday for me!!!
Just kidding. Finally a holiday for all military spouses, because being a spouse can be a job!


President's Proclamation Honors Troops' Spouses
American Forces Press Service


WASHINGTON, May 5, 2008 – Military spouses embody the courage, nobility of duty, and love of country that inspire every American. On Military Spouse Day, we pay tribute to the husbands and wives who support their spouses in America's Armed Forces during times of war and peace.
The legacy of military spouses began when colonial Americans were fighting for independence. Martha Washington boosted the morale of her husband's troops by visiting battlefields and tending to the wounded. Since then, members of our Armed Forces have served our Nation accompanied by the steadfast love and support of their spouses and families.

While our men and women in uniform are protecting our country's founding ideals of liberty, democracy, and justice, their spouses live with uncommon challenges, endure sleepless nights, and spend long periods raising children alone. Many military spouses are also committed volunteers, serving other military families and local communities. Our Nation benefits from the sacrifices of our military families, and we are inspired by their courage, strength, and leadership.

On Military Spouse Day and throughout the year, we honor the commitment spouses have made to freedom's cause. To learn about ways to support our troops and their spouses and families, I encourage all Americans to visit http://www.americasupportsyou.mil.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim May 9, 2008, as Military Spouse Day. I call upon the people of the United States to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies and activities and by expressing their gratitude to the husbands and wives of those serving in the United States Armed Forces.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fifth day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand eight, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-second.

http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsart ... x?id=49784

8 May 2008

So Ive applied for jobs today. Golf Course Recreation Aid, Cashier at the BX, Drug Demand Reduction Program Assistant ( this would allow me to randomly select active duty military and civilan employees to do the pee test and report any failures ) and Career Program Assiatant ( would allow me to be the person of contact for any questions for people filing out applications )

We shall see what happens next.

Today is day one of AF. My first AF since the miscarriage. Yes, my body was that confused that it took this long for her to realize she needed to show herself. I hate her. I hate her. I hate her. I H-A-T-E H-E-R.

What the heck is point of me even bleeding? Even ovulating anymore? Why torture me? I cant get pregnant, I cant keep the pregnancies I had, so why? Just take my insides away since they are no good.

I apologize for my rant.
I am not in a bad mood today. In fact Im fine...I just have those thoughts today.

I wonder if the doctor would give me BCP's..ya know...the ones that stop you from bleeding but 2 times a year? Or should I just skip asking him that and just pretend to be normal and ask him for the nomal BCP's then skip the white ones..the sugar ones that make you bleed? Hmmmm.

Tomorrow is Military Spouses Day. A new holiday Bush agreed to just on May 5th. Yay him. Yay me. Hear the sarcasim? (SP?) Actually Yay him for real. I like Bush despite what anyone says and honestly, Im scared of what the world will come to with one of those idiots who are trying to get his position.

But Honestly, I am in a good mood today. Heck...ITS WING NIGHT! Hot wings at the NCO club on base for only $25 each.

But until its time for wings, Im going to heat up a stress buster for my EVIL cramps and curl up on the couch.

Wow, what a rondom blog. Sorry again.

7 May 2008- Please vote for us!

Hey girls!!
Nick is in an online car contest. The first place winner gets $1,300 in CASH. If we can win, the cash will go straight into our adoption fundraiser account!! Please vote, all it takes is just one click of the mouse. You can onlt vote once. Please click the link below then in the middle where it says pick your favorite, click on Nick's Scion Tc.

Every vote counts and helps us get closer to winning $1,300 in cash to help us bring our baby HOME!!!!!!!


http://www.cardomain.com/features/BM_voting_7

6 May 2008-Aunt Deb

Dear Aunt Deb,

I couldnt sleep. Ever since we heard the news a few days ago, I've spent my time thinking about you before drifting off to sleep, thinking of all the regrets. Not just regrets that I have, but regrets for you...about your life.

I regret that the days, months and even years before you got so sick werent spent happily. You should have been allowed to have the gift of cherishing life and all good things in it.

I regret that God couldnt give you a little more strength and time so you could alteast go happy.

I regret that you had to go before you were able to have atleast 1 happy day.

I regret you had to go with all that hurt burried deep inside you. I now hope that all that hurt is gone. I hope now that you dont feel alone, sad, hurt, or angry anymore.

I regret that you didnt have a blissful time with your husband before you had to go. I regret you werent treated with the respect that you should have had.

I regret that your daughter didnt step up to the plate and be all that she could be before you went.

I regret that you wont see the only light of your life that you had, grow up to be a young man and I regret the fact that he is so young and could have had so many years to spend with you and I hope that his memory of you wont fade. I hope that you will always be with him and his little brother.

I regret not seeing you one more time before we left for Guam.

I regret never again seeing Aunt Deb on a new email in my inbox. I regret never again reading the big, bold, bright, colorful letters "Hi Cookie!"

I regret not taking more time for you, listening to you. But I have never before experienced the death of a family member or anyone that has been close to me. So I was ignorant to the fact that it can happen to anyone at anytime. I now think about all the deaths that will be in my future. And I now realize how unfair this part of life is.

I regret that I now will only ever get to see your smile in a picture, and see you move and speak in my mind.

I regret you will not get to see Nick and I become the Mom and Dad you wanted to see, and that you wont be here to be a great Aunt to our baby to be.

I hope that your Mom wont be scared and confused because "that nice woman" wont be there anymore.

I really hope you wanted to go, and God didnt make you go. I really hope you are now happy and that your smile is a sincere, genuwine, happy smile.

I really hope that you went because you were ready and not because God was so cruel enough to just take you when he wanted you. I really hope he had good reason for taking you when he could have given you many more years.

I hope that when you walked through that golden gate, your father was on the other side to greet you and take your hand. I hope that you are now together. I hope the both of you are watching over all of us. I hope you give your sisters strength. I hope you plea with God to give us a baby. I hope you protect your grandsons and I hope you are able to see your Great Nephew be born next month.

Along with all the regrets I have, I have so many new found hopes for you.

Love,
Your Cookie.

6 May 2008

Hey Everyone!

Thanks for all the Birthday wishes for my boy!

Dont forget to join Nick and I at our new forum site. Nick made this site due to my recent unfortunate events with "trolls" on another board which I am no longer part of. On our site, there is no trolling allowed. Nick is the moderator and he will watch over us and ban anyone that says hurtful or disrespectful things.

You can chat about anything on here.Everything from TTC, IUI, IVF, Adoption, Babies, Gardening, Arts and Crafts, Recipies...whatever your little heart desires!! You can share pictures, talk about your family, dicuss family issues, share ideas on how to's, share your fundraisers, and browse and shop everyone's items for sale. If you have unwanted things for sale I encourage you to sell!! Anything from baby clothing your baby has grown, your old clothing, craft projects...anything you have laying around the house. Put it up for sale...you might make a dollar or 2!

Please join us. The more people that join the better the forum will be!

Hope to see you there!!

http://www.helpafamilyadopt.com/forum/index.php

5 May 2008- Birthday Boy

Today's Birthday boy is.....



Our Pooh Bear!!!!!

Today marks his 7th Birthday. Seven!? He was just 2 years old when he was adopted by us. We were in Aviano Italy. Nick worked with his owner. He was a young single guy and we went over to his apartment a couple times so Nick could play poker with him and a few other guys. Once I went with him just to get out. His apartment REEKED of cigarettte smoke. I mean, you- walk- through- the- door- into- a- gray- cloud- reek. It was BAD.

The whole time the guys played, I sat on the couch petting "Stripe." We bonded, fast.

A few months later we got a call from said guy. He was moving back to the states and could only take 1 of his 2 cats. He said "Stripe" would adjust more easy to a new family then his other cat. Right away I said yes and Nick said lets talk about it first. Well, I won him over within minutes.

Days later Pooh Bear was at home. We were warned that "Stripe" doesnt cuddle. He's the boss, and he does not cuddle. He wont go near a bed. Wont sit on it, lay on it, sniff it- nothing. When he brought him home, he hated me. I couldnt go near him without him growling and batting at me. He wouldnt leave our bedroom. He wouldnt explore the house. He wanted nothing to do with me or the house. The only thing he did was sit on Nick's tall dresser and at stare. He was mad.

He changed quickly. Within days. The first day he came downstairs Nick and I were in the living room, on the floor opening our Christmas gifts. It was Christmas Day. He adjusted to his rightful name fast, and he was soon sleeping with me, on my side of the bed.

Now he's the most loving, most cuddly attention hog I know. And his lungs have been smoke free for 5 years now which Im sure has added many years more for us to be together.

To my Birthday Boy...How's Fancy Feast for dinner sound? Happy Birthday Pooh Bear. Maw and Paw love you like no other kitty.


Next month, is our other boy's 4th birthday. FOUR?!

4 May 2008

Thank you all for your prayers and thoughts for Aunt Deb, and our family.

Nick and I got a call this afternoon at 1 p.m. It was Nick's mom and it was 11 p.m. eatern time May 3rd.

Aunt Deb gained just enough consciousness to say her grandson's name and hear his voice on the phone. Then passed away at 10:36 p.m. It was quick. And now she can be happy.

Its still a shock. Unbeliveable that death can come at anyone, at anytime and so quick and unexpectedly. Even if the person was alive and thriving one moment. Even when they dont deserve it. Even if you dont get a chance to say goodbye. Even when it was never expected. Even when you spent time with them, saw them laugh and smile and be happy and the thought of possible losing them never even came to mind. Even when you just didnt expect it at all.

I am just glad that she can now be happy and I hope that she is watching down on our family and is able to bless us all with the miracles we each need.

I cant believe Im saying this but...

Rest in peace Aunt Deb. May your spirit live in all of us, in the sun, in the clouds, in the breeze, and in the ocean's waves.


Rest in peace Aunt Deb.

Aunt Deb and her 2 nephews, Nick and his brother Tony.

3 May 2008

WARNING- possible Tear jerker or waterfall post ahead.

Please everyone, say a prayer for Nick's Aunt Deb to pass quickly and peacefully.

About 2 weeks ago she was wondering her neighborhood in her nightgown, dazed and confused with a bloodied face and all she could say was she fell down the stairs.

A few tests later showed a tumor on the front part of her brain blocking her speech and balance. This explained why she was in the condition she was in when found.

After a biopsy, Lukemia was confirmed. Prognosis is grim. We just found out about this yesterday. Nick's Mom told us Aunt Deb was already unconsious and probably wont wake up. Mom told us she has a week. Today, according to the message Nick's Dad left us, she has much less time than that. They were headed to the hospital right then. I wish we were home to get the call. Unfortunatly we were volunteering our Saturday monring helping at a children's soap box derby.

I cant believe it. Its not fair. Shes only in her 50's. Its not fair. She was a kind woman. She had a big heart and loved to talk your ear off, a chatterbox. She often let us know that she was praying for our baby. She called me Cookie because I "was as smart as a cookie for my age." She would often times tell me the story of her and Uncle Fran having so much trouble getting pregnant. Then they started to adopt from China and then bam...she was pregnant. She always wanted to give me hope that it would happen. She always asked about my Mother, my family, knowing that I havent had any of their support. She would remind me that it would be ok, I had her and all of Nick's family to love me. She would tell me how proud of me she was, how happy she was that Nick choose me. She would tell me how strong I was and she had no doubt that I would be a mother. She would tell me she loved me just like she loved her biological nieces and nephews, like I was supposed to be part of the family.

It's all just so quick. So sudden and not fair. Not fair. Why?? Why cant the murderers, rapists, child molesters in jail rot like this? Why isnt it them who cant father children? I dont understand. I often times wonder if there really is a God. If there was a God, why would things happen like this? Why would so many good people be made to suffer? One week she is fine and then to only have just days to live? How? Why?

Aunt Deb was struggling to get through life. She was unhappy and unstable for many reasons for a while now, so I wonder if she is just ready to go. Me thinking that she is wanting and ready to go makes it a little more bearable.

Please pray she makes its safely, painlessly, and quickly. Pray that she will soon see her Father again and finally be happy again.

Pray that the family can get through this time. Her sisters- Nick's mom and Aunt Ellen, her daughter, her grandsons, her Mother, her nieces and nephews, her husband.

Maybe she can plea with God and get him to agree to send us our baby sooner rather than later. It really hurts me that she will not get to see Nick and I become parents. She has wanted this for us as much as we do. And she wont even be here to see it happen.

Its not fair.

The 3 sisters: Mom, Aunt Ellen and Aunt Deb in 2006.



The 3 sisters, plus me.