In An Instant

On October 14th I learned the hard way that life, as you know it, can change in an instant.

In the early hours of that Wednesday morning, my good friend was awakened by her husband. He was asking to go to the hospital. They thought that he had a kidney stone and it was trying to pass.

After some tests were run there was a kidney infection. Sadly, the doctors also found large tumors on his lungs and liver. By the end of the week it had been determined that my friend’s husband has Stage 4 esophageal cancer with tumors on his lungs and liver.

Just typing this makes me cry. My friend and I have become very close over the last couple of years. I see her every day at work, and we go out to dinner at least once a month. Only our dinners are never just hour-long visits. We usually end up sitting and chatting the hours away. It is not uncommon for us to suddenly realize that three or four hours have passed, and yet we still have so much to say. We frequently joke that we are sisters separated at birth married to brothers who were separated at birth ~ because our husbands are so much alike.

My heart aches for my friend. I wish there was something I could do. We did manage to get together last night for a couple of hours. It was so good to see her. She mentioned how amazed they are at the number of people who are sending thoughts and prayers for them. It made me think that even though there aren’t many people who still read blogs, maybe one or two extra prayers could come from those who still do read this one.

If you don’t mind, please keep Greg and Pam in your thoughts and prayers. It's the only thing I know to do for them right now.

Four Years Ago

It is hard to believe that four years ago today I got into my car and drove to a small town near Cincinnati. I met a complete stranger, got into her car and drove to another stranger’s house. We then drove to Detroit, Michigan to meet a third stranger.

I often think back to that Friday night in November and wonder, “What were you thinking??” Then I think about all that has transpired over the last four years, and I am so glad that I took that leap of faith four years ago.

One distinct memory I have of that weekend was standing in the hotel room talking about the adoption timeline. It makes me chuckle now to think how hopeful, and yet naive we all were oh so long ago.

Each year I think about the trip. An adventure that started out on a cold, dark November night, but ended with such fun, laughter, and four strangers who became friends. Little did I know at the time, but this little journey would lead to meeting several other wonderful women. It’s amazing!

Here we are four years later. One mama is home with her little one. One mama is in China right at this moment getting to know her little one, and two of us are still hopeful ~ just not as naïve, I hope. With a bit of luck by the five-year anniversary all four of us will be home with our little ones.

Such a GREAT beginning!!!

A Good Thing

A week ago Big Bear and I both woke up feeling like we were getting a cold. Right away I started taking Esberitox. My mom told me about this a while back, and I swear it is the best stuff out there. For me it works a lot better than Airb0rne.

Any time I feel like I am coming down with something I start taking this as soon as possible. I honestly think it has helped me several times. Last week I still had a stuffy nose, but nothing I couldn't deal with. Big Bear, on the other hand, was down and out. He really has had a hard time getting over this cold. I tried to get him to take some of the Esberitox, but he didn't believe me. He ALMOST said I was right, almost. :o)

Right now I can only find Esberitox at a health food store and Whole Foods. It is a little expensive, but I really think it is worth it!

Hannah Day!!!

My good friend, Catherine, is in China and early this morning (EST) she met her daughter Hannah!!! I am so excited for Catherine and Hannah.

Congratulations my friend!!!

To see more wonderful pictures please check out

Catherine's Blog

Oh! I don't think so...

I LOVE animals! I gave up eating meat, because the thought of eating Henrietta, Wilbur, or Daisy is just not my thing. A couple of years ago I saved a baby black snake from one of the horse stalls, because I didn't want to see it killed. I love animals and don't want to see them harmed.

I LOVE rodents of all sorts! Especially...
...and don't forget Jerry!

But I do have my limits! This morning I found some evidence that we had a little visitor last night. The culprit: Mr. Field Mouse!

Don't get me wrong Mr. Mouse I don't mind seeing you outside in the field, in a stall, or at the zoo. I will NOT, however, tolerate you in my house. Thank your lucky stars there is no evidence of you in the kitchen or this would be an all out WAR. For now it's just a battle, so you better scurry and look for a warm place some where else!

You have been warned!

Trick or Treat!

Time To Catch Up...

This post is dedicated to my friend, Red Bud Pam. She sent me an email reminding me that I haven't checked off the days on my calendar that were referred a few weeks ago.

The GOOD from this month's batch of referrals is my friend Doris and her husband Dan received their referral. Congratulations!

The SAD from this month's batch is I was hoping for a bigger batch this time around. CC@@ did not send any referrals in September, therefore I thought we would have a larger batch in October. Nope! They are still playing it slow and steady.

In any event, we are four days closer than we were at the beginning of October. I doubt that we will have a referral by Christmas, like I hoped, but maybe we'll start 2010 with a BANG!

Thank you, Pam for keeping me focused. It means so much to me that you are still in the waiting game with us. Here is the updated calendar:

There are only 15 calendar days ahead of us now. How long that will take??? Anyone want to guess?

Since I'm at it, let's catch up on some other news.

Today I worked on 'paper work' again for the adoption. This was more exciting than renewal paper work. Our agency sent out a 'pre-placement' packet. (Trying to not get too excited!) In the packet were forms they requested be filled out and returned. One of the papers was contact information for the 'BIG' day. I had been waiting for this paper. I had to enter all of our phone numbers, email addresses, and our address so the adoption agency will know how to contact us when they receive our referral. (Toes are tapping, but trying to remain calm!)

This came after getting an email from them asking for the 'post-placement' fees. As one friend said, 'Who knew that the agency asking for money would be exciting!" How True!! Small steps forward, but I'll take it!! It's been SO long since I've felt we were making any progress ~ this is good.

A couple of weeks ago while shopping I found the most adorable sleeper. If you haven't guessed already I have a thing for polar bears. When I saw this sleeper there was not a doubt in my mind that we were getting one. Unfortunately it only went up to nine months in size, but I still snagged one. Look!

Look at the toes! Too Cute!!!

Last weekend I thought I would try my luck at the store in WV to see if they had any of the sleepers in larger sizes. They didn't, but look what the DID have:

I wanted to buy one in every size. I settled on the 18month size. I have NO CLUE whether Polar Cub will ever be able to wear this outfit, because I have NO CLUE how to buy baby clothes, but I LOVE it!

I do have some other things to write about, but I think I will keep this post all Polar Cub related. Oh! One more tidbit, Big Bear and I have finally agreed on a name for Polar Cub. Finally we have a name that 'spoke to me'. Don't ask, because we have decided not to share it until we have the referral. Yes, Mom - that means you too. :o)

Until next time...