Ladybugs and Lollipops

Merry Christmas

2011-12-25T22:46:00.002-05:00

The Graduate

2011-06-12T20:35:00.003-04:00

On Saturday Joshua Graduated from Mooresville Senior high. We are so proud of him and can't beleive it has already been 12 years of school..Way to go Josh...

Chinese New Year photos

2011-05-16T21:46:00.003-04:00

Long time no post

2011-05-15T16:02:00.004-04:00

I know it has been a long time since I posted on here I am trying to get back, the last few months have been rather busy. Let's see if I can remeber them all Prom,girls weekend to Georgia, Easter, Mothers Day, Field trips, Carowinds,Zoo, Dana's new work schedule that has him away from home alot more and missing alot of nights here at home, My Thirty One business that is really blooming and just too let you know I LOVE IT.... and in less than one month Josh will be graduating from High School and will be leaving as he has joined the military. So I truly am overwhelmed and stressed and most day just fall asleep as Makenna does so no time for this blog. I am going to try and get some posts done this week.

Happy Chinese New Year

2011-02-03T08:54:00.004-05:00

People born in the Year of the Rabbit are articulate, talented, and ambitious. They are virtuous, reserved, and have excellent taste. Rabbit people are admired, trusted, and are often financially lucky. They are fond of gossip but are tactful and generally kind. Rabbit people seldom lose their temper. They are clever at business and being conscientious, never back out of a contract. They would make good gamblers for they have the uncanny gift of choosing the right thing. However, they seldom gamble, as they are conservative and wise. They are most compatible with those born in the years of the Sheep, Pig, and Dog.

祝┏┯┓┏┯┓┏┯┓┏┯┓┏┯┓┏┯┓♥(\ /)
福┠恭┠┨賀┠┨新┠┨年┠┠快┨┠樂┨ღ( . .)ღ
您┗┷┛┗┷┛┗┷┛┗┷┛┗┷┛┗┷┛c(”)(”)
Happy Chinese New Year!

Thermal tote sale

2011-01-17T18:24:00.005-05:00

Thirty one is having a great sale on their Thermal totes. I am placing an order on Friday January 21, If you would like to purchase any please go to my website and go under events then to Thermal tote

These Thermal tote make great gifts, perfect for a pool or park day,makes a great Easter basket.Please go to my website to order www.mythirtyone.com/michelledancy
Email with any questions

Want to join my team

2011-01-14T19:16:00.008-05:00

If you are looking for a job to make some extra money, make friends and have lot's of fun then you will want to look into joining my Thirty One team. Tomorrow starts the first day you will receive the new Spring kit which you will love...
so go to my website and join my team you receive over $300 of products and business supplies for only$99..www.mythirtyone.com/michelledancy

Wordless Wednesday

2011-01-12T20:28:00.002-05:00

Snow Day

2011-01-10T19:23:00.001-05:00

This morning it started snowing about 4:30 am and continued through out the morning when it ended wwe had about four inches. Josh woke up early to go outside and play with Makenna. Kayla was not feeling well so she decided to stay in the bed for the day. Josh and Makenna had a blast throwing snowballs at each other Makenna beg for him to hit her with them. Makenna would just roll around and finally got to make snow angels.. It was a great snow day even though Daddy had to work and stay overnight in SC.

Christmas Morning

2010-12-28T11:48:00.003-05:00

Christmas morning I think we slept in until 8:30 and then went downstairs to see what Santa left. Makenna really must have been good she got a Barbie jeep and a dollhouse. Josh and Kayla asked for clothes and money and I think they were very happy except for the cash burning a whole in their pockets. We took Makenna out to test drive her jeep before the snow started. I will say she needs a few more lesson.

Christmas Eve

2010-12-25T18:53:00.004-05:00

On Christmas eve we go to my parents for the afternoon. My neice got a new puppy his name is Buddy and he is very cute. Makenna got Buzz and Woody and she loves them.. It was great to be able to spend time with family and celebrate Jesus Birthday..

Merry Christmas

2010-12-18T09:43:00.000-05:00

Asian Tree

2010-11-28T20:38:00.004-05:00

Last year I saw an Asian tree on another blog and thought it was a wonderful idea so I started collecting ornaments and decided to put it up this weekend. I am still looking for a few more ornaments I just thought we would add to it over the next few years. Makenna really loves it and calls it her tree. I hope to leave it up until Chinese New Year.I found the Tokyo last year on clearance after christmas and I love it since we spent the night there on our way to get Makennna...

Christmas parade

2010-11-28T20:30:00.003-05:00

On Tuesday we went to the christmas parade and even if it rained a little Makenna and Erin seems to enjoy it. Makenna and Erin ended up with alot of candy and even got to see Santa at the end...

Dear Orphan

2010-11-18T17:24:00.000-05:00

I saw your photo today. You are so adorable!
You're eyes are so deep and full of hope.

I love your little smile,
I know it must be hard some days to find
the strength to smile.
I have heard how little food you have,
but you are still willing to share
with your friends.
What a sweet little person you are!

But, I am writing this letter to tell you that I will
not be able to help you.
You see, my family is happy with the life we
are living.
I know that we could get bunk beds and you could
share a room with one of our bio kids,
but really,
that is no life for either of you.
We have so much going on around here and
life would just be too chaotic.
Our neighbors just got a new TV and game system,
we really think we need to have one too.
I have a 'ladies night out' next week and
I have nothing to wear.
I really need to purchase a new outfit.
I guess I could sponsor you...
but,
it will have to wait til next month,
I really need that new outfit
and my kids are dying for some fast food tonight.
Good luck to you!

I found this here and they got it from someone else. I hope it is ok that I too am posting it. It just broke my heart with it's truth....
So I too am sharing it... I hope that someone who just doesn't "get it" will read it, and I am praying that in doing so, they will "get it".
God bless the children...

What happens when you miss nap time

2010-11-04T18:58:00.003-04:00

This is what I found when things were a little too quiet. Yes she is actually sleeping standing up.

Trunk or Treet

2010-11-01T19:54:00.002-04:00

We went to the church for trunk or treet on Sunday Makenna loved the slide and the other bounce house. She didn't care for the really scary costumes..I think she was the cutest monkey ever..

Weenie Roast

2010-11-01T19:45:00.005-04:00

On Saturday we went to some friends to roast weenies and marshmellows. We had a great time and enjoyed all the activities including the hay ride.

2010-10-03T17:33:00.003-04:00

This is the new Holiday gift guide from Thirty One gifts I know you are going to love the new items and would love to tell you more about them. I am doing fundraiser for families that are adopting from China and would love to do a fundraiser for any family that is adopting so if you are interested let me know and I will give you all the details.

Look who's Sweet Sixteen

2010-09-20T17:45:00.002-04:00

Kayla turned 16 (did I just type that)where has time gone I am not sure one minute she was starting school and now she will start driving a car soon. She has not taken Driver Ed yet which I am very happy about. On Saturday we celebrated with her favorite ribs and shrimp. Tonight we celebrated with cake and ice cream.

Makenna's first day of school

2010-09-05T19:25:00.003-04:00

On Wednesday Makenna started going to preschool at a local church. She was very unsure all morning getting ready to go. On the way I called her Daddy and told him to start praying cause if she cried I didn't think I could leave her. I will just say prayers worked their were no tears... Makenna came home from school saying she quit I told her she could not quit preschool she needed to have some friends to play with. Friday she was excited we I told her we were going back to school she is just upset that she can't ride the big yellow bus..

Fort Fisher aquarium

2010-08-22T20:36:00.005-04:00

We went to the aquarium for the first time and it was such a great time. Makenna really loves sea creatures and is so excited looking at them for hours I think her favorite is the turtles. Kayla took the pictures and enjoyed herself.

Our vacation was wonderful

2010-08-22T20:13:00.003-04:00

Let's just say our vacation started off on the bad side after a trip to the NC Aquarium which was a great visit and Kayla and Makenna really enjoyed all the sea creatures. Then off to Myrtle beach we headed to get checked in the resort we booked online. When we drove up my stomach started doing turns as soon as a saw the first pool and it was very dirty and that was from afar. Then we ask to see our room and I wanted to start crying our room was so dirty and lets say we shut the door and ran real fast before the bugs started chasing us. We went back to the front desk and asked about the room on their website and they agreed their were no rooms that looked like the one on the web. After an hour they finally decided to give us a full refund and we were on our way to find a new place to stay. The kids were starving and so was we so we went for dinner first and the after checking five different resorts we found one that could accomodate our family and our friends. The rest of the wek was great..

Happy Family Day

2010-08-18T10:16:00.000-04:00

I can't believe it has been two years since Makenna joined our family. Last year she aid her favorite place was the beach so we planned a beach trip for this special day. We thank God for giving us such a precious gift and entrusting us. We celebrated with gifts and cupcakes.

The swingset has Boo boo..

2010-08-15T20:54:00.003-04:00

Our new swingset was taken out by a strong storm last week Malenna was very sad and kept saying it had boo boos. Dana had to try and fix it with some of the left over wood. Glad to say it is all better.

Sister's forever

2010-07-27T09:55:00.002-04:00

When I started my Thirty one business in March I knew that there would be alot of juggling between the way Dana's work schedule and me getting to do home shows. The first time I had to go to a meeting Kayla watched Makenna and she cried for me almost the entire time. The last few times she has still been very upset when I am leaving and want go to sleep with out me. Last night I went to a meeting there were no tears when I said bye and she was asleep when I got home. This morning Makenna woke me up and said where is m sister. Not one word about missing me. I was a little sad until I thought what a great relationship my daughters are building it has took almost two years though for Kayla that prayed everynight for over a year for a little sister. And know it is starting to be like she had dreamed. I am truly blessed.

Makenna's turns 3

2010-07-15T22:52:00.004-04:00

We had Makenna's Dora party a few weeks ago and she loved it she is about Dora.. We had a very small party and the kids went and played on the swingset afterwards for the rest of the afternoon. Makenna loved her new bicycle that she got from Paw-paw and Maw-maw she is already riding it around the block.

Stone Mtn

2010-07-13T21:09:00.003-04:00

A few weeks ago I took the girls to Stone Mtn state park to camp a few nights with Paw paw and Maw maw. The was the first time Makenna had been camping with them and since then that is all we hear she wants to go back camping and play in the camper.We had lot's of fun and even to a four mile hike to see the waterfalls. My laptop decided to die a few weeks ago so today is the first time back online.

Just a splashin

2010-06-22T13:22:00.004-04:00

Last week we met some friends for some fun in the splash area at a local shopping center. At first Makenna was a little uneasy about the water and then she amazed me and could not keep her out of it.

First time go to the movies

2010-06-18T20:11:00.003-04:00

On Wednesday we went with some friends to the summer movie for children this was the first time Makenna had ever been to the movies. On Wednesday you can get in and get popcorn and a drink for $3.00 a pretty good deal. The movie was Monsters vs Aliens.

Makenna turns 3

2010-06-14T10:10:00.002-04:00

Happy Birthday to my sweet baby and I hope all your dreams come true. We actually celebrated as a family after church on Sunday since Kayla left this morning for a week with the youth on a mission trip can I say I am very jealous though still very excited for her and I know that this week is going to change her life. Makenna has been saying for days that she wants to smoke her cake after all the confusion we figure out it meant blow out her candles and that is just what she did and let's just say I have never seen a child more proud than she was. We will be having her party this weekend when Kayla returns.

Josh goes to the prom

2010-05-27T20:13:00.003-04:00

Last Saturday was Josh's prom and I have to say seeing him in that tux sure made me a little sad. I know that I only have him for one more year due to he plans to join the Air force and is really looking forward to it. Our school system really makes a big out of the prom they roll out the red carpet and parents go and take pictures as they annouce their names and they take the walk inside.Josh's friend Cody came over to get dressed and take a few pictures before they picked up their dates.

Makenna's new swingset

2010-05-25T09:19:00.005-04:00

We decided to buy Makenna her a swingset this was for her Birthday that is in three weeks. We thought since the weather was cool last week it would be great for putting it together. It took us over 12 hours to complete and the look on her face when she first went down the slide was totally worth it.

Referral two years later

2010-04-20T09:20:00.006-04:00

On April 15 we got the call that has changed our lives and our hearts and neither never be the same. I tried getting a pictures of Makenna though she was not in the mood for photos.

Thankful Thursday

2010-04-15T09:30:00.002-04:00

Today I have alot to be Thankful for and I want to give God the glory...

1. I am thankful that God choose Makenna for us today is our referral day!!!

2. I am thankful that Makenna is finally potty trained...

3. I am thankful that my Dads test came back with negative results praise God..

4. I am thankful that my son has not outgrown telling me he loves me without me saying it first...

5. I am thankful I was able to get some releif for my allergies if only lasted for a day...

6. I am thankful that tonight is my launch show for my new Thirty one business and I am excited about all the friends I am going to make through this..

Hope you have a blessed day....

Saying goodbye to the SUV

2010-04-06T16:58:00.003-04:00

A few weeks ago we were talking about trading our SUV for a minivan. I decided to try to sell on our own so I listed it on craigs list. Less than a week later it was sold and I was without a vehicle. I have to say when they pulled out of the drive I was very sad to see it go. Now we have our new minivan and I am in Love. Makenna has been saying that she wants to drive the van to China. I wish it was that easy.

Easter egg hunt

2010-04-06T11:01:00.003-04:00

On Saturday morning we went to church for an eggg hunt with our friends. The first time Makenna was not that sure about what was going on the second time to hunt her basket was overflowing. We had a great time and wonderful fellowship.

This is how I have been feeling lately...

2010-02-25T19:38:00.003-05:00

Once our eyes are opened we can't pretend we don't know what to do. God, who weighs our hearts and keeps our souls, knows that we know and holds us responsible to act"
Proverbs

Happy Chinese New Year

2010-02-14T19:07:00.004-05:00

Last night we celebrated with our local FCC families. This afternoon we went to our friends from our little group event. We have had lots of fun and lots of food. Makenna has had alot of fun playing with little girls. One of the Moms was reading books and playing music with the girls.

Snow fun

2010-01-30T11:26:00.006-05:00

Last night it started snowing and I think it snowed all night We don't get much snow where we live very often so the kids were very excited. They went outside and Makenna could barely walk. Josh shoveled the driveway and Kenna wanted to help. After a hour or so it was time to come in for some hot chocolate. Kenna was not happy at all and let us know it for the next thirty minutes. I am thankful we don't get much snow where we live cause it's alot of work and extra laundry..

Playing a little Wii

2010-01-27T19:44:00.003-05:00

Since Kayla got a Wii for Christmas Makenna sure loves to play a little Wii. She likes playing Boxing and I have to say she is a really good at it.

Winter Jam 2010

2010-01-12T20:57:00.002-05:00

On Sunday afternoon we headed to the Winter jam as a family. We decided to take Makenna since she loves christian music and it's all we listen to in the car. We had a great time after standing in line for over a hour. Third day was the main group and lots of others. Holt International sponsors this and have tables with childrens pictures and a little info so that a family can sponsor them while they are waiting on their forever families. It's hard to walk by and not look at all the little faces. Their was a little girl that touch Dana's heart and he wanted to see if we could find out any more info on her and if she is listed for adoption I contacted Holt and still waiting to hear. We all left and said we will be back next year..

What makes the perfect Family? (Part one)

2010-01-11T21:28:00.005-05:00

It was three years ago that we finally put our trust in God and answered his call of our family to adopt. It took over two years of God trying to convince us.. This story begins right after we moved to a new part of the state and away from all family and friends.
We moved due to we wanted Dana to be able to get a job that he could be home more often since at the time he was gone for up to two weeks at a time. I quit my job and started being a stay at home Mom.. Josh and Kayla were in school all day and after a few months I was very bored and needing to find something to do with my time. I applied to a Preschool for a position and was hired as a two year teacher. Then God started to speak to me about having another child and I thought that working with kids would take care of it.
In December Dana was still traveling and we had time to go out to lunch without Josh and Kayla and I told him during lunch I thought that God wanted us to adopt a child. He laughed so hard and I just looked at him and said you just need to pray about it. That Christmas Dana asked my Dad if we could borrow the money to adopt and everyone thought that we had lost our minds and said the words that I will never forget you have the perfect family a son and a daughter.
A few months later a little girl walked in to my class a preschool she had been adopted from China just a few months earlier. I was in awe of her and asked her Mom alot of questions about adoption. I remember telling Dana about her and said I know that where we will adopt from one day Dana still just laughing. The next year I started working in the one year old class and was very excited to be working with little ones. I still brought up adoption ever so often and Dana was still not ready.
We had been looking for a new church since moving and had been going to a church for about six months when in the bullentin they were having a baby shower for a couple adopting a little girl from China. I showed Dana the insert and I said I wonder who they are. The week before the couple left for China they gave their travel website out to the church and I remember going home and reading all the entries no matter how much I read I just could not get enough. They traveled in October and I came home from work everyday and check their updates and when they came home and brought their little girl to church tears filled my eyes.
Dana had finally found a job that he was home everynight and we were all trying to get use to this. In November the radio station had a special on every night for one week on Orphans and adoption. We listened every night and Dana had started praying about adopting. In December Dana said he knew that we needed to adopt though didn't know how we were going to afford it and I said God would provide if we followed him.
In January we chose an agency and mailed in the application then in Febuary I was doubting that we could actually afford to complete the adoption when I was on the way to have our taxes filled out and a commerical came on the radio about an adoption agency and I knew God wanted me to hear that at the time. After getting our taxes filed I was in awe again we got a refund for the exact amount we needed for the homestudy and for the first agency fee. God pursued us for a long time and never gave up even when we was not willing to follow. He knew our family was missing someone and I thank him for not giving up on us.

Bible verse for the year

2010-01-09T14:34:00.002-05:00

Our Sunday school class teacher asjed us to find a bible verse for the year and for us to memorize and live by, I was looking for the right verse this morning and I looked up on Bible gateway and found the one for me.
Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished. Luke 1:45

Christmas morning

2010-01-04T19:52:00.002-05:00

We got home very late on Christmas eve and I told the Josh and Kayla to try and sleep until 8:00 the next morning. At 7:00 Josh came in our room and said can we go ahead and get up so I decided to let them wake up Makenna and I went downstairs to get the camera ready. Kayla came down first and her expression was exciting. Then Dana brought Makenna down she was a little worried that Santa was still here and see just peeked. The kids open their stockings and then the rest of the gifts. We spent the rest of the day at home and playing with Makenna. We played the Wii with Kayla during nap time. I see why is seems everyone has a Wii they are so much fun.. At lunch we sang Happy birthday to Jesus...

Christmas Eve

2009-12-28T15:10:00.002-05:00

On Christmas eve we headed to my family to open gifts and enjoy some time together. Makenna really enjoyed opening gifts and spending time with her cousin Payten. Everyone had a great time and got all they wished for. Makenna got a Zhu zhu pet and she was afraid of it at first she would scream and run from it. She also got a pink laptop that she loves very much. Kayla got a pair of boots and video game she had been hoping for. Josh asked for cash and he was excited that he got to go on Sunday and buy exactly what he wanted.

Merry Christmas

2009-12-25T11:15:00.003-05:00

I hope everyone got all they wished for and remember the celebrated the birth of Jesus...

From our family to yours Merry Christmas...

Funny things Makenna says

2009-12-23T12:46:00.002-05:00

I thought I would put these down before I forget... Last night Makenna and Daddy was playing ball and Daddy bounced the ball instead of rolling it to her and she said that was not nice was it. I started laughing and had to walk away. She calls us Mommy doll and Daddy doll all the time. She now asks where my Josh is and my Kayla is. I believe she thinks they belong to her only. Yesterday I heard her moving the navitiy set around I asked her who moved the baby Jesus and she explained that Josh did it and for me to go get him and put him in time out..This year she is terrified of Santa and when someone asks if santa is coming to her house she cries no and says MawMaw is coming... I can't wait for to see her excitement on Christmas morning.

Billy Graham library

2009-12-20T19:06:00.003-05:00

On Wednesday we headed to the Billy Graham library to take a look at what everyone was talking about. Let's just say that if you live close by you should visit. They have it decorated for Christmas with lights,a live nativity and carriage rides. The library was beautiful inside and we took the tour which lasted around 1 hour which was the life of Billy Graham. I never knew that his wife Ruth was raised in China as her father was a missionary. We were so glad that we went and hated that we didn't dress in the approiate attire for the carriage rides. We have already said that we will return. Kayla and Makenna enjoyed hot chocolate with peppermint sticks as I looked through the gift shop.

Tanglewood lights

2009-12-14T18:15:00.002-05:00

On Saturday we headed to Winston-Salem to see the christmas lights. We decided to eat first and then head over to Tanglewood to get in line. I looked online before we left home and they didnt open until 6:00 so when we were on our way a 6:15 I was a little happy thinking we would not have to wait in line to long. Dana made a bet and said it would take us three hours to get through I just laughed. We got close and the traffic began the kids became restless and Dana played games on his phone while we waited. Makenna climbed the entire car over and over again. She would say we going to see christmas lights and we agreed. Finally three hours passed and we had made it to the entrance. It took us another hour to get through to the end. Watching Makenna's face light up and pointing at all the different lights was priceless. We had a long wait though was totally worth it.

Gingerbread house

2009-12-12T11:21:00.003-05:00

This year I purchased a gingerbread house the girls were excited Dana was not. Afew years ago we purchased one and it was a total diaster. This one was already together you just had to add the icing and candy. Kayla really enjoyed decorating and Makenna really enjoyed sneeking pieces of candy to eat. Makenna had her camera and was taking picture also. Thanks to cousin Payten for the camera Makenna loves it and Mommy does also...

Merry Christmas

2009-12-07T15:23:00.004-05:00

Last year I heard this song and could not listen to the entire song without crying I finally found it this year and I still can't listen without crying. I wonder if this is because we have been feeling that someone is missing from our family. We have been praying lately to see God's plan for our family. I am so thankful that God opened our eyes and hearts to the orphans of the world.

Wow how much she has grown

2009-12-02T19:14:00.003-05:00

This is a picture of Makenna from December 2008 and then one from today.

Cupcake fun

2009-12-02T15:06:00.002-05:00

Today it was so nasty outside I decided it would be perfect day to make cupcakes. I let Makenna help mix and then let her lick the mixing sticks. She enjoyed it and made the cutest sounds as she enjoyed.When Kayla got home I let them decorate and enjoy them.

Christmas parade

2009-11-25T17:52:00.004-05:00

The christmas parade this year was very special. We got to go as a family for the first time since moving here. To make it a little better was that we got to meet Cheyene's Grandparents and sit with her family. We also got to know a little secrect of who Santa Claus was in the parade and I have to say he did a great job. Makenna loved the parade and I though she was going to wave her arm off. She would get scared of the people that dressed up and would say cover my eyes Mommy. All day she has been singing songs that she has made up. I think she has christmas spirit.

Foster Family

2009-11-19T20:00:00.002-05:00

We have been trying to find out more information on the foster family Makenna was with from January to August2008. Today I received a photo of the foster dad with another child I was trying to decide if I wanted to show it to Makenna or not. We did decide to show it to her and when she saw it she had a grin on her face and said something that sounded like a name. I could tell that she knew who it was and that the child in the photo was a little boy that was there with her. It was good to see something from her past that I will be able to show and explain a little.

Riverbanks zoo

2009-11-15T20:11:00.006-05:00

We headed to the zoo last weekend with friends and had a great time. The weather was perfect and it was not crowded at all. Makenna loves all the animals and just loves being outside. After getting back home we ordered pizza and watched the movie Fire proof. This was the second time we have watched it and I would watch it over and over again. I recommend any married couple to watch this. We have been visiting a church and went a joined a sunday school class. After class was over I had a couple come up to us and tell that they are waiting on a referral from China. They fell in love with Makenna and I started talking to them about the special needs program. They have been waiting for over two years now. Pray for me that I can give them more info about the special needs program and maybe just change there minds. Last Sunday was Orphan Sunday and the church we are visiting celebrated with a video and testimony from adoptive families. It is amazing to see in a small church how many lives have been changed thru adoption.

Look what happens when sister's spend time together

2009-11-09T19:05:00.003-05:00

On Friday night I gave Makenna a shower and dressed her in her pj's and she ran off to play with her sister. They came downstairs later with different hairstyles I had to take pictures. Makenna loves when Kayla fixes her hair and shows her lot's of attention.

Jumping in leaves

2009-11-04T08:08:00.003-05:00

We only have two small trees in our yard so not many leaves though Kayla raked them in a little pile up just for Kenna to jump in and she jumped with her whole heart and talked about jumping all afternoon.

Halloween

2009-11-01T15:04:00.005-05:00

We have been unsure if Makenna would be going out for Halloween since she has been sick all week with the swine flu. She started feeling better and had no more fever since Thursday so last night we dressed her in her costume and headed to church for Trunk or Treat. We had a great time and played games and won some delicious brownies from the cake walk. Makenna is very scared of the scary outfits and is terrified of clowns. She stayed in her Daddys arm for most of the night. We went a visited Josh at work before heading home.

The princess sleeps here

2009-10-26T15:20:00.002-04:00

I forgot to take pictures of the before we painted.. I took this after I finished decorating Makenna's room. She loves her room and sleeps in her big girl bed every night.

Home away from Home

2009-10-24T10:57:00.002-04:00

Lately we have been spending alot of time in Lowe's picking up paint and other supplies for the house. After a few days the guys working in the paint dept knew Makenna by name and would laugh when she would say are you shaking up the paint. When we were leaving this week to run errands and we past Lowe's she started crying and saying I want to go to my Lowe's. I took the picture of her in Lowe's a few weeks ago because she found my camera and was playing with it. We are still trying to get settled in this house and I hope to be posting again soon.

On my mind lately

2009-10-13T20:36:00.003-04:00

In the last few weeks we have had alot people comments about adoption and Makenna. Most of the time the questions are very innocent and with good intentions sometimes families are just interested due to they would like more info for an adoption of their own. Dana has a hard time when people just stare at us and have strange looks on their faces. We really get stared at when we go out as a family with the two older kids. We get question like are the two older ones adopted also or are they from a previous marriage. I just say that God called us to China for our precious daughter and his plan was perect. When I look at my children they look the same to me and I love them more than words can say. Just this morning Makenna woke up and asked where Josh and Kayla was like every morning I said their at school she just smile and said I love my Josh and Kayla. Now that's all I need to hear. God is Good!!!

Swine flu

2009-10-08T21:22:00.002-04:00

Yes Josh and Kayla have swine flu... Kayla has had a fever since Saturday and Josh started with a fever and headache on Sunday. On Monday they both stayed in bed all day and didn't eat at all. Tuesday I called the doctor and they said that it sounded like the flu and I could just treat it at home or bring them in for a test. Doctors are not treating this flu with any medication and it just has to run it's course. Today has been the first day with no fever. There school has been saying all week that they are going to close down for a week since they have so many kids with the flu I hope this is true since I don't want to send them back and let them get it again. We had our closing on our new house on Tuesday afternoon and started painting on Wednesday we have alot of work to do and with the kids being sick we have not been getting alot done yet. We have to have the entire upstairs painted before Tuesday when they come to replace the carpet. I hope to remember the camera tomorrow to take pictures of the house. I can't believe how nasty it is I guess that's what happens when people don't care anymore since they were losing it.

Play date with Caiya

2009-10-01T20:24:00.003-04:00

The weather has been amazing the last few days so we decided since Makenna was feeling better to go to the park and play with Caiya. Makenna and Caiya really enjoyed the swings and slides. After the park we went to get ice cream Makenna had Cotton candy flavor and loved it. On the way home she fell asleep and ended up taking a three hour nap when we got home.

Pray for Makenna

2009-09-25T19:32:00.002-04:00

Yesterday Makenna started running a low grade fever and acted like she was getting a cold. By last night her fever was 103.8 and would not come down. She started turning blue around her lips and having trouble breathing. We headed to the ER and was taken right back to the treatment area after a few tests and breathing treatment it was determined that she has pnemonia and a upper respiratory infection known as the croup. They gave her injection of antibotics and a few others things and when her fever came down to 100 we were on our way home only four hours later. Her fever keeps returning and she is not feeling well at all. It's so hard because she only wants Mommy and no one else will do.

Happy Birthday Kayla

2009-09-20T20:05:00.006-04:00

Fifthteen years ago on September 20, God blessed our lives with a sweet little girl that has grown into a beautiful young woman (I can't believe I am saying that) she is growing up way to fast. On the day she was born we were quite surprised that she was a little girl due to we were told it was a little boy and had been calling her Jacob for months. It took us weeks to convince Josh that she was not a Jacob.
Being that we didn't have a girl name or anything for a girl I had everyone running to the stores for her to have some girlie things when we got home. My grandmother had been telling me the entire time that the baby was a girl and I would just laugh and tell her the doctor's said it was a boy. On the day she was born I was so happy to see my grandmother and let her hold her first great-granddaughter I will always remember the smile on her face when she said I told you she was a girl.
Sometimes we don't get what were expecting though God knows better and gives us exactly what we need. I thank God for Kayla and her caring heart and the relationship that we have. Happy Birthday Kayla!!

Marshmallows

2009-09-14T11:52:00.005-04:00

On Saturday we used the fire pit and roasted marshmallows our neighbors heard us outside and climbed the fence to see what was going on. Kenna thought that is was strange for the girls to be looking over the fence she kept saying what the girls doing. Kenna loves marshmallows as you can see in the pictures. We finally got our last post-placement and sent it to our agency after they send it to China Kenna's adoption is complete. I can't believe that we have been home for over a year. Time flies!!

Makenna is determined to get in the fridge

2009-09-10T14:03:00.004-04:00

Last week we had to buy a lock to go on the refrigerator due to Kenna would not stay out of it. All day she would go get whatever she wanted out and thought that she had to have it. So we bought a lock and put it on except for the older kids forgeting to lock it back it has worked until I was doing laundry today Kenna asked for a pickle I told her when I finished folding the towels I will get her one lets say she has no patience I heard the kitchen chair being moved on the floor and came to find Kenna was unlocking the fridge and going to get her own pickle.

Corn maize

2009-09-06T21:13:00.009-04:00

We went to the maize adventure for some family fun. We had a great time and the maize was one of the best we had been to. It took us almost two hours to go thru the entire thing. After the maize we enjoyed jumping on the large pillow and riding the cow train. Later we enjoyed some frozen lemonade and kettle corn. There was music playing in the background and Kenna would just start dancing and everyone was just watching her and laughing.

A very relaxing weekend!!

2009-08-31T10:58:00.004-04:00

This weekend we decided that we would try to relax due to in few weeks we will be working hard on our new house. Saturday we spent the afternoon at the pool and then after dinner we walked to around the neighborhood and met some of the neighbors at the new house since we only live a few steets away now. On Sunday after church we had some friends over to the pool and enjoyed a full afternoon of sun and fun. I have alot to work on this week with all the paperwork for the house and appointments to get the house measured for carpet and picking out paint colors. Makenna has been into everything lately and the other day she found a pen and marked all over my comforter and then she was in Kayla's room and found some makeup from dance recital and tryed on the mascara. I went to her room the other to check on her during her nap and took a few sweet pictures.

First day of school

2009-08-26T15:11:00.005-04:00

Well summer is over and school started yesterday I am sorta happy since we will be back on a routine and the kids wont be sleeping all day long anymore. I can't beleive that Kayla is a freshman and Josh is a junior where has the time gone. They both had really good first days. I said little prayers throughout the day for Kayla not to get lost and to have some friends in her classes. You know when your in High school it's all about friends. Makenna was at home sneaking in her brothers room and listening to his ipod. Life is going to be very busy this year.

Playing hide and seek

2009-08-24T08:57:00.003-04:00

Over the summer Josh and Kayla have taught Kenna how to play hide and seek and I have to admit she is very good. They have told her when she is hiding to be very quiet and not to come out when you call her name. At first she was only hiding behind doors or in another room. She now hides under beds in closets under the messed up bedding on the bed.
A few weeks ago we couldn't find her anywhere we both got a little panicked and knew that she had to be in the house after screaming and screaching everywhere Dana headed outside and looked around I finally found her under the comfortor on Kayla's bed. I had been in Kayla's room looking under the bed and in the closet and even hollered for her with no response. I tryed explaining to her when Mommy and Daddy was calling for her that she needed to come to us. Now our house has different locks on all the doors that lead outside just in case she gets brave enough to go outside and hide.

We are finally going to be moving!!!

2009-08-21T21:51:00.002-04:00

A few weeks ago we found a house that was in the neighborhood that we love it is a foreclosure and they were taking bids on it for two weeks only. So we decided that we would bid and never thought we would get it. We had prayed for a house big enough and in our budget so I can continue to stay at home for a little longer. Let's just say how surpised we were when Tuesday at 10:00 pm our cell phone rang and it was our realtor saying we won. I said what did we when she laughed and said the house of course.
I explained to her we were at the beach and would be back Saturday. She said that she was shocked due to she had never had a client win at the bidding game. She also said if we didn't sign the papers first thing Wednesday morning the house would go to the next in line.I got very worried and thought that I would leave in the morning and come home to sign the papers when she volunteered her husband to drive all night to bring us the papers and be there before Dana left for work at 5:00 am. I felt really bad that this was the only way to get the papers signed.

On Wednesday morning we signed the contract on our house from our hotel room at 4:45 in the morning. We have an awesome realtor and she went above and beyond her job this week for us. I am so thankful that we found our next home especially since we have been looking since November. Hopefully we will be closing at the end of September.

One year ago our lives were changed and will never be the same!!!

2009-08-18T21:32:00.004-04:00

Today is our Gotcha day anniversary and we celebrated while we were at the beach. We went swiming in the morning and then after a good nap went to get a pizza and bought a cake to have for a dessert. Kenna was saying it's a happy day after we said a prayer over her cake. Tomorrow we plan on going to the Aquarium and out for her favorite Texas roadhouse she loves it because the ladies dance. Sometimes I can't believe it's been a year and then other times it seems she has always been here. Josh and Kayla love her much more than I ever expected they always ask to take her with them everywhere. I can't beleive how much she has growed and how much she has changed over the last year. We will never forget our time in China and the life long memories with The Hoffman's that we traveled with.

Where were you a year ago today?

2009-08-14T09:15:00.005-04:00

We were on our way to China and I can't believe that it has been a year already. Our lives have been changed and I know that was what god had planned. We just found out that we are going to the beach next week and going to be celebrating Makenna's family day there. Here is a few pictures of the beautiful clouds from the plane.

Firepit and smores

2009-08-10T08:30:00.003-04:00

I have been wanting to get a fire pit for a back patio for over a year now. We finally found one that we liked and Dana said that if we buy it we have to use it every weekend. Sounds good to me and Kayla. This was the first weekend we had to wait until the heat from the day was gone and we fired it up. Makenna just walked around saying Hot and burn baby. Kayla and Dana had a great time making smores and burning the marshmallows. I think we are going to have lots of fun with this maybe not every weekend though.

Praying for this family

2009-08-08T21:52:00.002-04:00

I have been watching a story unfold in China this week that is absolutely breaking my heart. An American family was there adopting their little girl. New rules from the CDC now require newly adopted children to be tested for TB before being allowed to leave their country of origin. This little girl tested positive a month ago, but no one except her orphanage knew. (They were unaware of the new CDC rules.) They began medically treating the child, who is now no longer contagious. Children cannot pass TB via cough anyway, because they are unable to cough hard enough to bring the germ up from their lungs. SO...like I said, this child IS NOT CONTAGIOUS.

She has been denied a visa to the US. Her parents, who have a child back home waiting for them. Neither can stay in China due to both needing to go back to work.

The CDC said their newly adopted daughter needed to have a sputnum test--which she did--and it came back negative. Then the CDC said the test was not performed at a facility that they approved, therefore it could not be accepted. Their facility will take weeks to complete the testing.

Many calls and emails have been made, but it came down to the decision of the top man at the CDC and he refused to grant a waiver to keep this little girl with her family. If this child had been a biological child, she would not have been prevented from going home.

Her parents have had no choice but to leave this little one in China with another family until all the CDC requirements have been met. This is a new law by the CDC, and will no doubt start to affect other families in the adoption process. This law is another example of hysteria-driven rules that make no sense. Why would you keep a child--who is unable to pass the germ to anyone on a plane--from being with his/her family?

Please visit their blog for the video of them saying goodbye to their little girl and her screaming for her Daddy it is just heartbreaking. I cannot get over this and have said prayers for all of them throughout the day. Here is the link to their blog http://jayscruggs.livejournal.com

Rainbows

2009-08-05T20:38:00.002-04:00

We had a very bad storm this afternoon and when it was over this is what we saw it was actually a double rainbow though in the picture you can only see one.

Riding bikes

2009-08-04T09:23:00.002-04:00

Kenna loves her bike as she calls it. She always wears her helmet. The weather has been so hot and so raining that we don't get to go outside that much. The other day the garage door opened and she grabbed her bike and helmet and was off.

Things that happen when you have teenagers and a toddler

2009-08-01T08:47:00.003-04:00

Lately Kenna has been picking up words from Josh and Kayla I am not talking about nasty words we don't say them in our house. I'm talking about teenage talk. Kenna has been going around with her cell phone saying I'm texting one minute. When I ask her to do something she says I am like her sister Kayla always says.The other day she looked at me and said my bad. How can you keep from laughing at her. She uses three and four word sentences now. She just 2 years old going on 15.

Visiting Paw-Paw and Maw-Maw

2009-07-27T10:15:00.002-04:00

On Sunday after church we drove to Wilkesboro to visit family and enjoy some swiming in the family pool. Makenna was so excited that she wore her float around her neck while in the car. It was cousin Noah and Payten birthday party. Noah turns nine on Tuesday and Payten turned eight on July 18. They have always had there parties together. We enjoyed a cookout with cake and ice cream for dessert. Noah got a new puppy for his birthday and Makenna loved it. Makenna also enjoyed her first time on the trampoline and everyone loved hearing her saying I jump over and over again. They had Makenna a new float for the pooland she was so happy to float around by herself.

Cooking for Daddy

2009-07-23T22:12:00.004-04:00

Makenna loves her kitchen and making food for everyone. Makenna is always making Daddy a burger and some fruit. If you notice in the pictures she always blows her food and says hot.

Playing in the sprinkler

2009-07-20T20:45:00.002-04:00

We sat up the sprinkler for Makenna to play in and she loved it. She would scream when the water would catch her.

How much do you matter?

2009-07-15T13:36:00.003-04:00

Imagine with me for a minute…

Right now, today… you are small and alone.

You are hungry and lost.

You have no home, no parents, and seemingly no future.

You are scared, and weak, from days without food. You have no where to go, no where to be.

People walk by you but they don’t even look your way. It’s like you are invisible, nothing.

You keep walking, your feet are bleeding and sore… and yet still you manage to cling to the small bit of hope, the little voice inside your head that says maybe, just maybe, one day things will get better.

Maybe one day -you will matter.

It is getting dark outside- inside your fear is growing.

Where will you go?

Your heart is beating faster, and your fear becomes over whelming, consuming your every thought.

Then you see it, a dirty, broken cardboard box and you bow your head thanking God for His provision.

For you have found it- shelter.

Safety, if only for one night.

You slip underneath it, hugging yourself, vowing once again not to cry- because by now you know tears are a waste of your strength.

Your eyes become heavy, despite the sweltering temperature.

As you begin to drift off to sleep you pray, hoping, dreaming, of a family of your own one day...

of a place where you will matter...

to someone.

Half away around the world is a family...

They are just sitting down to dinner together.

They are smiling and their laughter fills the room.

Dinner is served and they bow their heads and they pray- thanking God for their many blessings… their home, their job, the food that is set before them.

They lift their heads and go back to the laughter and the joy.

They talk of their upcoming vacation plans, the lunch date they shared with a friend today and the movie they plan to see this coming weekend.

More laughter, more excitement, more.

As the leftovers are scraped into the garbage can and the table is cleaned up, hot bubble bathes are taken by all.

Evening settles in, and the family slips under their down comforters preparing for a good nights sleep.

Before turning out the lights, the husband leans over to kiss his wife good-night. She shyly smiles at him and begins to tell him that she has been feeling that perhaps God is calling them to adopt.

The room grows quiet as they are both lost in their own thoughts… their minds are flooded with questions, concern, and then inevitably -fear.

How could they manage?
Another child?
Why, they already have two!
Where would they put the child?
Who would share a room?
How could they afford to adopt?
Would they be able to take that vacation?
What would people think?
What if the child, you know, caused ‘problems’?

As their eyelids become heavy, they begin to drift off to sleep... and they think to themselves ‘surely not’.

Surely God knows this is not convenient.

Surely God wants them to take that vacation they deserve...

Surely he knows how busy they are.

They have plans and they have dreams.

As sleep overcomes them, the temperature in their master bedroom is perfect… and their pillows are fluffed to perfection.

Life is good for them, just as they had planned...

Because after all, they matter...

Too much...

to themselves.

"This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth. This then is how we know that we belong to the truth, and how we set our hearts at rest in his presence whenever our hearts condemn us. "- 1 John 3:16-20

I found this on another blog and having been in tears since.

The Fourth of July

2009-07-06T10:08:00.003-04:00

I can't believe that it is already July where has summer gone. We enjoyed the fourth with neighbors and had a wonderful time. The kids had a blast playing in the blow up pool. The food was delicious and then the fireworks was a big hit. I was afraid that Makenna would be scared of the noise I was so wrong she loved them and kept saying more. This was Makenna's first July 4th and I was thinking how sweet it is for her to say Happy Birthday America!

Day 3 at beach

2009-07-02T21:00:00.004-04:00

On Tuesday My aunt Cissy and Makenna fell in love and their was no one like aunt Cissy. My Dad and Mom was even a little jealous all Makenna would say is aunt Cissy all day long. Aunt Cissy even convidence Kenna to try the ocean again and she loved it and from then on we could not keep her out of it. This was the first vacation for my aunt without my uncle who passed away a month after we returned home from China. My aunt did really well knowing that they always vacationed with my Mom and Dad. My Dad has never really accepted that his brother was gone until now it was a very hard week for him. My aunt started crying on the beach one day holding Kenna because my uncle never got to meet her in person only seen pictures. All she said was I know how much he would have loved getting to know her. She had everyone a little upset when she mentioned this. He loved Josh and Kayla so much and they miss him so much and recalled everything that he would do with them on the Beach.

Wordless Wednesday

2009-07-01T15:36:00.002-04:00

Paw-Paw having surgery

2009-06-30T07:59:00.003-04:00

We are getting ready to leave to go to the hospital my Dad is having surgery this morning. He found out about three months ago he has prostate cancer. It has not spread and is very likely that this will be all that needs to be done to get rid of it. He is the third person in his family to get this kind of cancer his father had it in his late 50's and then his older brother had it in his early 60's. The doctor has already said that his other brother and any grandchildren will need to be tested and monitored. Please pray it's hard knowing he is the type that has to be on the move all the time and for next two weeks he we be having to take it easy. That's going to be hard.

Day 2 at the beach

2009-06-29T21:11:00.004-04:00

After Daddy fixed us a great breakfast we headed to the beach. Makenna would not go near the water we walked on the beach and she had to be carried. Makenna would only play in the sand and ask us to go get her a bucket of water as needed. After lunch and a good nap we were off to the pool. She loved the lazy river and kiddie pool. There were ducks that would just come right up to the deck and Makenna loved calling them and feeding them she would clap and say come here ducks. Later that night we had ice cream and Makenna got her first cone of chocolate. I'm not sure that she will get chocolate again anytime soon since she stayed up to after midnight.

First day at Beach

2009-06-28T19:46:00.006-04:00

We arrived at the beach around 4:30 on Saturday and unloaded the car. Then we decided to take Makenna to see the ocean. Let's just say we were a little more excited than she was. She went toward the water and when the wave splashed her she was done and wanted to go home. She loved the sand and was very happy to throw it at her brother. Then We went to the grocery store and then came back and rode the golf cart until she fell asleep.

Off to the Beach

2009-06-19T20:35:00.003-04:00

On Saturday morning we will be leaving for a week at the beach. We have been talking about going for awhile and Makenna is very curious as to what we are doing she has become very clingy since I took the suitcase out of the closet. I pray that she will feel more comfortable when we get to the beach. Let's go have FUN!

Swiming with Erin and Ben

2009-06-17T11:33:00.003-04:00

Ben and Erin came over to play at the pool and we had lot's of fun. Kayla loved playing with Makenna and Erin they had a really good time and lot's of laughing.Can't wait until they come to play again.

Happy Birthday Makenna

2009-06-14T23:00:00.003-04:00

Makenna turned 2 today and we celebrated on Saturday with a party. She had a blast and was so excited when everyone arrived. She received lot's of great gifts and her favorite is a doll and stroller from Paw-Paw and Maw-Maw. She would not even open anymore gifts after she got her doll that she had been wanting. In the morning I was holding her and she held my face with her hands and said Moma Love ya. This was the first time she had said this without me saying it first. This morning she woke up and said happy day and has been saying it all day.

Kenna's new kitchen

2009-06-14T21:58:00.004-04:00

We gave Makenna her kitchen for her birthday and she loves it! Everyday she says I love my kitchen and at night she tells it nite-nite. She has been cooking for us and calling everyone on the phone.

Want some watermelon

2009-06-14T21:44:00.006-04:00

Our neighborhood had a summer kick off party a few weekends ago and they had Kenna's favorite food watermelon. I had to snap a few pictures she really does get it to it. She was very sticky afterwards.

Doctor visit

2009-06-12T09:49:00.005-04:00

seen a We had to take Makenna for a doctor visit she had a real hard time. Thank God that the doctor has adopted children and truly understands and trys his best to make her happy. She screams to the top of lungs just waiting in the office and continues to screams the entire time. I had Dana go with me due to the bloodwork they had to do. The doctor said she has gained six pounds and grew three inches in six months. He was very impressed with her language skills through the screaming you could still hear her saying words. The bloodwork was awful she was so scared that it took two nurses and me and Dana to hold her. The nurses said they have never seeen a child this strong at her age. They were very nice and gave her a bear when they finished one of the nurses had tears in her eyes. Thankfully we don't have to go back for six months. We just had to go get her some ice cream for all the pain she went thru. She really enjoyed that part of the day. Then when we got home she had to have a frezzer pop.

What happens when you have a little sister

2009-06-10T09:42:00.002-04:00

This week Josh has been home and unless his door is locked Makenna can get in his room and wake him up. She has been wanting to play with him and was fixing his hair yesterday and she said she needed a bow I gave her one and look at Josh a few minutes later. Josh looked very happy to be wearing a hairbow. She even wanted me to paint his toenails when I did her's this week. Josh said that was a little too much.

Kayla's last day of school

2009-06-10T08:53:00.003-04:00

Today is Kayla's last day of 8th grade and she is excited and also sad she loves school and likes having friends to be with all day. I think she will be fine this summer she is finally old enough to go to the pool in our neighborhood without a parent (there is a lifeguard on duty all the time). She sure has changed alot her hair has grown and she has gotten taller. Oh yes I will have two in high school next year. Can't you tell I'm excited.

Last day of school for Josh

2009-06-08T08:41:00.005-04:00

Josh has completed 10th grade where does the time go. In the back of my mind I keep thinking I only have two more years until he graduates. That might not be a bad thing after the last couple of years. Josh we are very proud of you!The pictures are from the first day and the last day look how he changed. He don't even wear a hat anymore.