A look at the past year.....

I'm in the Christmas program! Like my skirt? Remember my long hair that got tangled all the time so we decided to cut it?
Every girl needs pink cowgirl boots! And a little fringe and fun striped tights make them even cuter! In this picture I was barely 4 yrs old and getting ready for preschool pictures.
My brother and I had so much fun in the snow! I'm an outdoors girl so I could have stayed out all day, but it was really windy and cold!
My brother was nice enough to pull me on the sled.
Mom liked to enjoy the pretty snow from this view!

As I finalize everything for travel, I discover I still had pictures on one of my digital cameras that I had yet to put on the computer! It was like going down memory lane of the past year, it has Christmas program shots, Sunday School program, a snowy day, Valentines, Easter, little girls major hair cut and more! I'll post a few snibbits here.

We leave the day after tomorrow! I nearly went off the deep end today but now I'm better since I have EVERYTHING bought, (I keep saying that!) and 98% of my paperwork done. Problem with being the boss is that there is a TON of work to do to prepare for a trip. I've never been gone this long ever. I'm sure tomorrow night will be a VERY late night. I have yet to put a single item in a suitcase. It's just all layed out in the spare bedroom to inventory before I put it in. Hubby really stepped up to the plate though. He helped get paperwork ready and all the dang cords. I'm still worried about charging everything there. I want my lap top, straightning iron, and the kids game boys to be charged! Any tips appreciated. I have 2 adaptors but I've heard the stories!

I'm going to try really hard to keep this up while traveling. Oh and another thing! Babies room is all put together! OMG is it cute?!! A few more things to do and I'll take pictures.

Now some fun shots!

Yeah Fedex!

Our tickets came today! It's official and I can't change my mind on the kids going, or when and how we're getting there. I know what you're thinking, "Brenda change her mind? No!" We're flying Cathay Pacific. I may have already mentioned that! I layed everything out on our spare bed last night for the baby. I started labeling ziplock bags with everyones meds. I feel better after that. I have a LOT to do though. Then we get a call today with news of our first house showing TOMORROW! I have a mess in here! It's my birthday, I have to work, I have plans plans plans! What timing!

Big Expensive Day in Adoption Land!!!

After going back and forth on airlines all day yesterday we finally found our flights last night! We are using Todd whose a travel agent that only books for adoptive parents. He's a very nice guy and he's in the "Just Noodles" Restaurant business! We are flying Cathay Pacific. There will be 4 flights to get us there! If we flew United from Chicago there would only be 3 flights but haven't heard great things about them and they don't have personal tv's for each passenger or the service that Cathay is supposed to have. When your traveling with 2 kids those tv's are important! Some planes don't have outlets for you laptop or dvd player so we'll have to take extra batteries! Those of you booking international flights on less than 2-weeks notice know how horrible the expense is. And we're going the time of year when many flights are booked. We needed to be sure there were plenty of seats for return flights since dh and 5 yr old are coming home sooner so we'll have to change their ticket. MANY flights are booked in August!
OK Todd just called!!!! Gave out the Credit Card and we are BOOKED! It just doesn't feel real! I have so much to do but the reality of it is once I just get going on it and quit procrastinating I can get it all done! Off to pack, pick up meds, start baby laundry, put her room together, and head to little girls gymnastics and Grandma's Dr. appointments! whew!

Travel Travel Travel Travel Travel!!!

We leave next week! As you can tell our travel changed from the original date of my birthday to the week after. We should have the flights confirmed tomorrow hopefully. They want us in HCMC on July 22nd and return on August 9th! Two weeks from tomorrow we should see our baby for the first time! Finally!
We're hoping to upgrade our seats on the plane. A couple of airlines have a deluxe or premium class with more room. Hopefully there will be something left for all 4 of us! Yes we're taking the kids now! A almost 5 yr old and our 10 yr old. Pray they do well! The youngest did good on our 4th of July trip and we drove 5 1/2 hours home today! But on the way we were a little worried. "Daddy my foot fell asleep!" "Daddy I have a cramp!" "I can feel crumbs on my car seat under my dress!" I told her Dad, ok she's the type of princess that would feel the pea under the mattress! Yes she is that much of a princess!

Happy Birthday to Me, Happy Birthday to Me!

I received an email on Friday that said they are thinking we may travel around July 12th!!! First I was upset because there is another group going around the 4th and why aren't we? I've been waiting the longest! My baby is the oldest baby! She is going to be 7 months old now when we get her. I want to get on a plane tomorrow, not almost a month from now. I'm ready! I have everything bought and could leave tomorrow. Our agency said they are sending them in groups based on where our babies are located. They've never done this before. But you know that's just my luck! First we're delayed because of TET, now a travel delay! Today they actually said the provinces are moving slow so it could be July 22nd give or take a week. Well I'm still hoping it will be the week of my birthday. Which happens to be a big one on July 12th! My sweet husband, not known for being as chatty as I, sent me a simple email, "Happy Birthday Babe!" He's been told for the past 2 years all I wanted was a baby for my 40th! But you know what's going to happen if we're not leaving until after that? I'm renting a limo or two and we're having a party! I've been planning things now for every weekend to keep us busy. Here I was rushing around to get ready to go and now I'm ready,(pretty much) and we wait. I've also been working on the babies room. I shabby chic'd a cute hutch, and now I'm doing little table and chairs. So cute. I'm looking for a round rug that's a muted pink and cream. Not easy to find. I still have to wash all her clothes. Well that will take me just 2 or 3 loads. So not long.
Keep the prayers going for travel soon and the health of our precious babe that's ready for her family!!