Premature purchase

For a long time now, I can't go shopping without checking out the baby and toddler sections. One thing that has always caught my eye for some reason are the diaper bags. I don't even know if I will actually need one as I don't know the age of my child to be but they always interest me. Unfortunately, I have never found one that I really like. I don't want it to look like a traditional diaper bag but I want it to be really cute and classy and just the right size-not too big or too small.
Well--today in the most unlikely place (a Hallmark store) I saw a diaper bag that I absolutely loved. It is a vera bradley bag and you can't even tell it is a diaper bag. It is solid black quilted material and could easily be used by me as a carry-on bag or for anything if a diaper bag is not needed. The really cool part is that the inside is all zebra print--even the pull out changing pad is zebra print. It met all my requirements. I just couldn't resist and I bought it. So now I have a diaper bag and it is exciting to me.

Yep--fingerprints are still the same

I travelled 80 miles to St. Paul today to have my fingerprints done for for USCIS the third time--that's right they expired again. Guess what--they are still the same. I don't understand the need for new fingerprints every year since the guys on CSI can use them from decades ago but I will follow the rules--whatever it takes. My I-171H expires in May 2010 so my new goal is to have this adoption completed before I need to renew that--keep your fingers crossed for me.

I would like to ask you guys to join me in praying for my friend Kim--her little daughter Ellie needs heart surgery and it is a very difficult time for the whole family. Send prayers her way for a successful surgery with a quick and complete recovery so that Ellie is as good as new.

My friend Stacey is in Kazakhstan right now at an orphanage bringing the children love, laughter, fun, and donations. She and her husband are on the "Two Hearts for Hope" mission trip. It is amazing what they are doing. I so wish I could be there but I am very grateful there are people like them. It is all possible becasue of everyone that has donated items or money to "Two Hearts for Hope". If you want to see the kids and read about her trip check out the "Two Hearts" blog by clicking on the link on my sidebar and going to the blog. The kids are so precious.

Also have to give a shout out to my blogger friend Chris who just finalized her adoption of the beautiful Caroline from China. congrats Chris.

Last night I started a new diet program--they call it a Health Maintenance Program--but whatever the goal is the same--to get rid of some of this extra flab on my body and increase my energy level. I figure I better be prepared to run after this little person I will be living with--hopefully soon.
anyway--I got rid of all the "bad" food in my house and stocked up on the foods that are "in the box". A phrase I am quite tired of but that is what they use--when eating "stay in the box" to be the most successful. Again, keep your fingers crossed for me that my motivation stays up.
gotta go exercise now.

Time for an update

I have been lax at blogging lately--enjoying the summer, too busy, too lazy, hooked on facebood instead, no big news--those are just some of the excuses that may apply.

Related to my own adoption, there is no news from the waiting aspect--it just continues. You guys will be among the first to know if I hear anything.
I do have my appointment for my fingerprints from USCIS now--it is only two days before they expire which is a little close for my comfort but I guess it works.
Last weekend I had my first fundraiser. I held a garage sale at a friends house--better location and larger garage. Many fiends and family donated items for me to sell and we had a great day. I was only able to have a one day sale but it was fantastic. We had a lot of fun and raised good money. The funnest (is that a word?) parts for me were the help from my friends and also the shoppers who had some connection to adoption and took the time to tell me their stories. It was very touching to feel so supported. The sale ran from 7am to 4pm which I thought would leave me exhausted but instead I felt renewed and uplifted--what a great side effect that I didn't expect. After the sale, my closest friends had me over for drinks on the patio--it was the perfect end to a perfect day.

My adoption connections just keep growing. Our adoption support group added another new member this week and we had a great dinner together as usual.
One of our members just came home from Ethiopia with her new little son so I want to say congrats to Emily--your son is beautiful.
I also want to say congrats to some other adoption friends that I know through the internet.
Sam who just brought home her daughter from Ethiopia.
Andrea who just recieved a referral for her daughter from Ethiopia.
Katie who just received her daughter from Russia
Robin who has recieved a referral for her son from Korea.
Tammy who just adopted her son domestically
It is great to see these women reach their dreams and to see these children find their forever families.

I have two great events to tell you about.
A good friend of mine adopting from Peru has started an organization here in Minnesota to help Minnesota families with grants for their adoptions. She has started the "Chosen One Run" which will be an annual event. The first one will be help on Sept. 12th. If you some, you will see me there as a volunteer.
Check out her website.
http://bellaadoptionfoundation.blogspot.com
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I also want to put in another plug for "Two Hearts for Hope"--the amazing organization that helps Kazakhstan orphans. Please check out their website and consider donating to the playground fund and/or entering the raffle for a handpainted picture of Kazakhstan.
http://www.twoheartsforhope.org
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There are so many children living in orphanages all around the world--any way you can help is appreciated.

Sorry I couldn't get the links to attach--so frustrating. You will have to cut and paste.