Details later...

for now, just enjoy the picture of the cutest flower girl and ring-bearers you've ever seen.

We had the honor of being able to witness my sweet little brother (and only brother) (and only sibling) and his amazing bride tie the knot. I am thrilled beyond words to have Tristen as part of our family (I have a new sister!... I've seriously lucked out in the sister-in-law department) and love watching the two of them together. They've found the perfect teammate in one another and it was a beautiful thing to see them commit to that union for life! Congratulations again to you guys; I love you both dearly.

So, more details to come of our great trip to California. We had a blast and are fully back in the swing of normal life and being initiated in our first season ever of sports where all three kids have decided to play something. All. Three. Kids. How do other families cope?

a little tour of the Spread the Word prize package

I know I posted the link to Operation BDHQ, our fundraiser. What I had hoped to do, and sorry it's taken me so long, was to highlight some of the prizes here on LifeTrain, where I could ramble a bit more. While we purchased a number of the prizes, we also had very generous and very talented people donate for the drawing and I'm dying to gush about them and their talents!

Today, I'm showing off the "Spread the Word" prize package because it is just so easy to enter, and it doesn't cost a thing! You get one entry for sending an e-mail to all of your friends and family with the link to Operation BDHQ (and cc me). You can get another entry for posting the bloggy button in your blog sidebar (code to the left in my sidebar... if you need help with this, let me know. And, finally, you get a third entry for writing a blog post about our adoption fundraiser. Enter in just one way, or all three!

And what does the Spread the Word prize package contain, you ask?

1. A Coach handbag

2. A box of designer chocolates

3. Handmade art stationery cards

4. a beautiful necklace

The Coach handbag

Let me first say that I probably deliberated over this purse for far too long. At least a day or two. I do not own a designer handbag. Never have. In fact, until very recently, I had been lugging around the same purse I've had for 3 or 4 years. Then, my savvy supermom neighbor tipped me off to the great gently used handbags that can be scored at our local charity shops and I nabbed a Jones New York bag for $2.75 and an Nine West bag for $3.50. So, now I have three handbags for normal everyday use plus two evening bags. I guess I'm rambling because I had *no clue* what would be desirable by those who truly follow designers. Project Runway, and a few fashion mags at the gym is about all the knowledge I have. But, I knew the handbag would be a great luxury item that would be so much fun to win. In the end, I picked this fun Coach bag because I hear that their leather is super top quality and that they hold their value if you are practical like me and want to re-sell the bag. :-)

The chocolates

I am giddy over this prize! My childhood girlfriend, Jen, is amazingly talented with chocolate. You may remember that I visited her in NYC in October. She works in a fabulous restaurant (probably my best dining experience EVER!) and is one of their pastry cooks. I have personally seen her chocolate room; it is heaven! She was inspired by Dorothy's birth country and is making up chocolates that showcase the unique flavors present in Indian food. I don't think she's totally settled on which flavor pairings, but we did brainstorm things like chai, curry, and mango chuntey. I can't wait to see what she comes up with. In the end, there will be 3 different types of chocolate and about 7 of each flavor in the box. And if you don't win the Spread the Word package, keep your eye out in the main drawing- she's donated 3 boxes total!

Art cards from Zahra Beauty

Aimee is the owner and creative energy behind Zahra. She is a sweet soul that I met through the art group at our church. Her genuinely sugary sweet personality seeps out of her- you can't help but feel the joy of the Lord! For Operation BDHQ, she has donated one of her art card "stories". The concept is so lovely. Each set of four cards conveys a story through the colors and materials used. But if that's not enough, they also come with the poetry to include with your card. I find that it just stirs a warmth in me when I read them. The cards and "stories" are packaged in a beautiful case made from a book cover.

Hammered Sterling Silver necklace from Freshie and Zero

Beth (aka "Freshie") and I met in 2006 at the very first Mamamade Open House I participated in. She wasn't selling her items, but had come as a friend of Beth Howard Snyder's, I believe. Anyway, she bought the very first watercolor I ever sold and was a big heap of encouragement regarding my talent. I think I sold it to her for $25 and she was shocked at how low I'd priced it (it was framed, too!). The following Mamamade Market in 2007, Freshie was a seller and she had this stunning jewelry. Stunning. On top of it, her display was professional and so was her attitude. There wasn't a doubt in my mind that her business was set to take off and that soon tons of people would know her name. Now, she's been seen at some of the top shows for crafters in the nation, and is doing jewelry full time. Her look is elegant, simple, and timeless. this Double Lucky necklace would go with anything.

In further adoption news, our papers have been in India for nearly a month, and our agency is certain that they are being reviewed by CARA now. There isn't a log in date, but they said they would have heard of any troubles by now if additional documents had been needed. So, in about 6-14 weeks we can expect NOC (No Objection Certificate). No guarantees, as we've heard of people who get NOC in 3-4 weeks time, and the horrible cases of people waiting 10 MONTHS just for this first step. Right now, that is unthinkable. I pray that's not us- but I bet those people did too. This whole process is so darn unpredictable!

30th Birthday, Part 2

So, we left the Field Museum and made our way to grab some lunch and pick up our bags at the hotel. Though our time was brief and we were headed to the airport, it had been a lovely trip to Chicago.

We arrived on time to O'Hare via train and made our way to the gate.

Remember those low-lying clouds I thought were so beautiful?

Delayed flight. We called and let Tim and Angie know we'd be later picking up the kids. Delayed flight again. Later still. Then- Cancelled flight. Eric called Tim and Angie again and spent a good deal of time on the phone with them discussing the fact that there were no more flights that evening and that we'd be forced to spend the night and make our way out first thing the next morning. They were really on the phone a long time and I could see Eric doing lots of gesturing. Finally off the phone, I asked him if there was a problem with them keeping the kids overnight. He kind of brushed me off and we joined the line to have our flight re-booked.

At this time, I'm a bit disappointed that I won't see my kids on my birthday. I'm tired and frustrated. Then, Eric lets me in on Surprise #3. The phone call had been to address the very large group of people that had planned on being at our house for a surprise party once we drove home from the airport! Apparently, about 50 people were going to be showing up, the house was decorated, and carrot cake (my favorite!) was waiting! And we weren't going to be there. The thought of seeing all my favorite people on my birthday, after an already wonderful celebration, was fabulous and I got teary knowing that it wouldn't happen.

When we finally got to the front of the line, the Airlines helped us book a night at a local hotel. Another phone call later, and the "surprise" party was re-scheduled, with a smaller group of friends, for the next day after church. After Shuttling to the hotel, the kind receptionist upgraded our room to a suite for my birthday. The room was huge. Not as nicely appointed as the Knickerbocker, but it had a desk and a wet bar and a whole seating area with two couches and a large bed that I was dying to crash into! We ordered in to the room from a restaurant down the road and watched Austrailia with Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman. I completely fell asleep on the ending, which was fine because the movie wasn't that great and we had to be up at 5:00am to catch the shuttle again and board our new flight.

The airport and flight were uneventful, thankfully, and we made it home on time. Angie had been making a huge breakfast for the kids so when we picked them up, we joined in also. Cinnamon rolls, bacon, eggs, hashbrowns. Sooo good. So good to see my sweet kiddos again.

We finally came home after breakfast and the house was perfect! My amazing sister-in-law, Angie, had cleaned and decorated while I was away. Balloons were hung, some of my clutter had been shuffled to less conspicuous location, and banners were up to greet me. They had thought of every detail. Seriously.

The actual party was so sweet. Good friends celebrated with me, kids played, and the cake was awesome. :-)

I feel so spoiled and loved.

Really, it was a team effort. Eric's sister, Angie, came up with the idea of flying somewhere for the weekend and they worked together on all of the details. From my wardrobe, to the cake, to seeing a show, to inviting guests. Had it not been for the flight cancellation, the whole thing would have gone off without a single snag! Two weeks later, I still feel humbled and stunned that it happened.

Eric's got 10 years think about how to top this for my 40th!

Eric's beautiful sister with her sneaky look. :-)

Yes, they really made me blow out 30 candles.

Our sweet neighbor, Julie.

Our whole dining room table becomes the "kiddy table" with this many people.

My dear Lael.

More Dorothy pictures

Thank you to JE and his wife, RN, for additional photos of Dorothy. They just picked up their daughter from the same orphanage at the start of March. It looks like they shot these frames at the same time as the in-country coordinator, so they may not look much different to YOU, but to Mommy and Daddy... they are PRICELESS. More pictures= more glimpses at our little girl.

The fact that *two* cameras were going, and 3 adults were standing there must have contributed to her frowny face and furrowed brow ("What is going on here?!").

Darling girl- we can't wait to get you!

30th birthday, Part 1

It's all been lies, lies, lies around here!

Dear friends, neighbors, and even my husband- all liars! And they pulled it off.

I'd been preparing for a surprise date night for my 30th birthday for the past month. I gave Eric the parameters, and he had full permission to work out the details of a birthday celebration night without me knowing the specifics. I told him I wanted to be with him, friends would be nice, and that I wanted to dress up. But that's all I knew.

Since Eric and I had plans for Saturday, Angie wanted to take me for breakfast on Friday. We went to the famous Pancake Pantry in downtown Nashville that I'd never been to. Apparently the line wasn't terrible- we only had to wait 30 minutes (many times, it is out the door and around the corner of the block... at least an hour!) The kids had these crazy sugar dusted, M&M and chocolate chip pancakes (Bears in the Snow and Polka Dot pancakes) and I enjoyed "Chocolate Sin"- crepes filled with chocolate ganache and covered with raspberry compote and whipped cream. Oh. My. Goodness. So good.

We were taking care of the tab and I suddenly feel arms around me. Eric! Angie just looks at me and says, "goodbye". What?! Surprise #1. She stays with the kids and I depart with Eric.

I'm just in so much shock that I don't really know what to say. We drive and drive and drive and then pull into the airport. He laughed. I nervously laughed. It could have been a diversion to confuse me except that we pulled a ticket and parked in an overnight parking spot. Bags? He packed them! And it was at that point that he revealed to me that we were flying to Chicago for the night and had tickets to see Jersey Boys. No stinkin' way! Still in shock. Looking back, I feel a bit bad that I may not have reacted in an elated, gleeful way- I was simply stunned. Surprise #2.

I've had a few friends tell me that they would be nervous to have their husbands pack for them. Let me tell you that Eric got *everything*. Make-up. Dress. Shoes. Jewelry. Undergarments. Everything. Hair rollers. Even my perfume.

Our flight took us into O'Hare, and then we rode the trains into downtown to our hotel. Eric booked the Millennium Knickerbocker Hotel Chicago. Such a cute hotel. It's old and has fun little details like a multi-floor mail slot (you can actually watch the envelope slide though the clear chute between floors when someone drops a letter). But the rooms are nicely appointed and modernly decorated and the bathroom had us brainstorming a re-do in our own house. Anyway, there was just enough time to get dolled up for dinner and the show. Perfect timing.

I found the dress on sale at Dillards on a shopping trip with Angie. It's silk, with silk lining and a raised velvet-ish design on it in black line. The modern puff sleeves and cut had me thinking this needed kind of edgy shoes. I found some great ones on sale at Dillards, too- Calvin Klein open toe patent leather high heels in black with suede wedge heels. Yay for sales! Jewelry is Target. I'm not a put-together fashion person so this was really hard for me. I'm not a sweatsuit kind of mom, either, but I don't often think of the details like belts, handbags, accessories. Costume jewelry- I don't really own any. I wear the real deal, usually, or nothing. It would appear that I've turned into my mom.

When I was little and getting my ears pierced, I wondered why mom mother wasn't having more fun with her jewelry. As a twelve year old girl, I was imagining the possibilities of matching earrings with outfits and my mother often wore the same gold and precious stone studs for a week at a time. Now I realize, it was a matter of time, or comfort (and allergy... some of the non-gold stuff itches!). But this shopping excursion did have me thinking I should put more effort into my ensembles on a regular basis because it felt nice to consider every detail. Watching my friend's Savvy Outfit of the Day also proves it's not about the money.

Anyway, we grabbed a cab and made it to Rosebud on Rush for a nice Italian dinner. The Stuffed Mushrooms appetizer we split was the best I've had, and my Eggplant Parmesan was fabulous. So filling that I insisted we walk to the theatre even though it had become quite cold and windy. the walk settled my meal and gave me a chance to breathe in the city. I love Chicago.

Eric and I made it in perfect time to the show. It's so funny that I really knew nothing about The Four Seasons walking into the theatre. I wondered if I'd even know some of the music. I didn't really care since so many people had said it was a good show and well worth seeing and I love theatre. Let me tell you- I knew almost all the songs! We probably all do. If not through the band themselves, through jingles or movies (Earth Angel?- Back to the Future!). Such fun. The story was well told and enjoyable. Wicked is still better- but I really enjoyed it. ;-)

The following day, we went to The Field Museum. When we came to Chicago in June, it was one of the museums we'd hoped to see but ran out of time. We saw Sue, the most complete T-Rex ever found, and the Pirate exhibit, and the man-eating lions of Ghost in the Darkness fame. By no means did we see all there was to see, but we had to get moving so we could grab a quick bite to eat and head back to the airport.

Leaving the Field Museum, I saw one of the most beautiful sites ever. The lake was filled with frozen slushy "icebergs". Mini icebergs. It was magnificent and the stillness, paired with the crunchy creaks of the ice was breathtaking. Top that with the low looming clouds and it was magical. God put on a show that morning. All for me on my birthday.

More later... I've far exceeded my blogging time for now.

this shot is my favorite

the handsome man I get to be with always

at the Knickerbocker... that dotted chair was way too cute

Sue, the world's most complete T-Rex skeleton

The Field Museum

overcast skies... can't even see the tops of the buildings! (I love overcast weather... so this was perfect for me)

icebergs surrounding the field museum

A Happy Post :-)

Exiting the winter doldrums is enough to celebrate (temps in the 60s today- yay!), but there was more.

Today, the little things that have made me happy:

• curling up on the couch with Grant and reading a literature book in the early part of the day. A book that that is so Jane Austen-ish in its style that I never imagined him enjoying it, let along *requesting* I continue reading and reading and reading. (Understood Betsy)
• seeing that Lael's self hair cut, far worse than the first one, is mostly repairable and looks cute. Extra "yay" for finding a competent stylist who didn't charge $50 for a hair cut.
• hearing Dean tell me from the back seat of the van that I am beautiful no matter what I wear or how I look and meaning it. Then hearing him hold his stance when older brother, Grant, challenged him with, "but what if she was bald?!
• Seeing a "kite" made from a plastic grocery sack, a stick, and a length of thread make so many neighborhood girls happy.
• watching birds finally come to the seed feeder Dean made. All it took was one bird telling his buddies!
• having great conversation with my neighbor, Tiffany.
• grinding grapefruit rind in the garbage disposal and let the fragrance travel through the kitchen air.
• wearing flip flops
• having all the laundry folded and put away (for now)

Updated Pictures!

Our agency's in-country coordinator was able to get updated pictures of Dorothy this weekend. She's filling out, and needs someone to help her smile. Boy can that girl frown! I wonder what had her so unhappy. Did she just wake up from a nap? Did she not want her picture taken? Boy do I want her in my arms!