My Thanksgiving Helpers

Michael, Madeline & Cameron are all going through Confirmation this year. One of their service projects was to shop for local families. They were paired up with a partner, given a list, how many were in the family and an amount they could spend...then sent off! It was so awesome to see almost 50 kids walking around Publix, comparing prices, finding "buy one/get one", and being so excited at the amount of food they got to feed a family of 6 or 8 with less than $100. After Cameron's second trip around the store, she said "Grocery shopping is exhausting!".

Tell me about it!

Getting some help from Momma Sandra.

Alex & Cameron...neither one knew what margarine was...we call it butter!

Jessie & Michael...he got lucky since she knows how to shop!

Madeline took charge of her list!

Gabi, Felicia & Cameron...checking out the coupons.

Mike & Madeline dropping it off at the Church.

Kathryn, Madeline & Cameron...in the car to deliver.

Gators vs South Carolina Game

Mom and RC haven't been to a Gator Game since the early 90's. Not sure the game was that exciting, but we still had fun! Go Gators!

Cameron, Maloy, Madeline & Michael

Cameron & Felicia's Campout

We got home from Gator Growl around midnight and Felicia was waiting at our house for a campout in the backyard. I was SO tired and not in the mood to figure out how to put up the tent she had FINALLY borrowed from her boyfriend. (Who knew it would take dating Gabe to find someone who owned a tent?) I went inside and left them to it. When I came out, they had it spread on the basketball court (concrete). Needless to say, I had to help. Their attitudes were CAN DO and they were laughing the entire time. Here's the finished product the next morning and sleeping beauty 1 and 2 . They said it was SO cold!

Happy 17th Maloy

Maloy turned 17 on October 16th. This is my miracle child who survived against all odds. She was born at 1 lb. 5 1/2 ounces and spent the first 4 months of her life in the NICU. They gave her a 50 % chance of living. This stubborn child chose to live and she does that everyday. I used to sit in her nursery and pray to just bring her home, no matter what was wrong with her. I can never thank God enough for allowing me to do just that. She walks to her own tune and doesn't know a stranger. She's 5 feet tall and weighs about 90 lbs. She got a car FINALLY for her birthday and I have to tell you that watching her drive away is one of life's scariest moments for me. I'm making her wash it too...which I think her and Elizabeth enjoyed thoroughly

She had a birthday lunch with friends at BJ's, a birthday dinner at her Grandma's while her Great-Grandpa was in town, and dinner at our house with Lizzie and Gia before Gator Growl. Happy 17th Sweet Angel!

Four Generations

Lizzie, Maloy, Gia and Gucci


Lizzie & Maloy washing each other instead of the car.

We got APPROVED!!!!

Oh my Gosh....walked in the door and had a fedex that we got our Letter of Seeking Confirmation! I started crying and first called Mike, then Erin. She told me to PLEASE update my blog so everyone knows that we ARE still bringing Ethan home. I have had 7 ready to go, but trying to get them all perfect and in order. Well forget it...they are all posted and not in order and I still have more to do, but wanted to let you all know that Ethan is ours! Love you all!

Ethan's Room

So that no one had to give up their bedroom, we gave up our study! I should have taken a complete "before" picture, but I didn't remember until the painter was on his way. So the desk and bookshelves are left, and the room is just waiting to be painted yellow...Ethan's favorite color! Dad got the desk and we got bunkbeds! I have been given so many things...books, toys, motorized cars, clothes...you name it, I've got friends that have passed it along! Now we just need Ethan!

Dossier To China...YEA!

FINALLY...all of our paperwork is ready to go to China! What a time consuming process...get it done, certify it, authenticate it, screw it up and do it again! :) Thank the Lord for Erin...she is my Go To Guru for Adoptions! We were logged in on 9/28, so now we wait! Pray they approve us soon!