Thursday, December 29, 2005
Home Study 1 & 2
We are supposed to have four homestudy sessions.
Today we did the individual husband and wife interviews. It wasn't at home -- funny, aye? We met our SW at a local coffee shop. I wasn't nervous and each of our interviews took about 35 minutes.
On my homestudy autobiography, I didn't put a lot of information about my employement history, so the SW would like for me to send her my resume. We also have to submit e-mail addresses of our references so she can send them some questions. DH really dislikes asking friends for help.
Scott and I still need to go get our medical examinations. I'm not looking forward to the examinations because I am the biggest wimp when it comes to needles. I actually start crying while waiting in the waiting room. Imagine when we have to go get our hep A & B series of immunizations. I'll be blubbering the whole time. I'm also not looking forward to getting weighed. I think I gained five pounds over the Christmas holidays. I know five pounds doesn't sound a lot, but it makes a difference because of my height.
I also have to start the certification of my documents, but I need to call the agency and find out if there are going to be changes in January 2006 with China entering the Hague Convention. I think that documents are apostillized rather than certified.
- Husband & Wife
- Husband
- Wife
- Family (which will be another couple because we don't have children)
Today we did the individual husband and wife interviews. It wasn't at home -- funny, aye? We met our SW at a local coffee shop. I wasn't nervous and each of our interviews took about 35 minutes.
On my homestudy autobiography, I didn't put a lot of information about my employement history, so the SW would like for me to send her my resume. We also have to submit e-mail addresses of our references so she can send them some questions. DH really dislikes asking friends for help.
Scott and I still need to go get our medical examinations. I'm not looking forward to the examinations because I am the biggest wimp when it comes to needles. I actually start crying while waiting in the waiting room. Imagine when we have to go get our hep A & B series of immunizations. I'll be blubbering the whole time. I'm also not looking forward to getting weighed. I think I gained five pounds over the Christmas holidays. I know five pounds doesn't sound a lot, but it makes a difference because of my height.
I also have to start the certification of my documents, but I need to call the agency and find out if there are going to be changes in January 2006 with China entering the Hague Convention. I think that documents are apostillized rather than certified.
Tuesday, December 27, 2005
Passports
Today, DH and I went to to the post office where we could get our passports. I must say that my picture for my passport came out really nice. DH said his looks like his usual self, but nothing spetacular. We purchased extra copies of our pictures for our dossier.
Two weeks ago when I went to pick up the applications there wasn't a line. Today, we had to wait an hour. I guess a lot of people have this week off.
While we were waiting for the clerk to fill out some of our paperwork, my husband told me he wishes we could get our passports faster than the 3 week expedited fee. The clerk said, we could have driven to Houston and stood in line a few hours to have it expedited same day... or something to that comments. DH says he would have liked to do that since we were off this week. This would also give him a reason to stop by and visit family. Upon arriving home, I checked with the passport website and we could have expedited same day service if we were traveling within 14 days. We wouldn't have qualified for the service.
Needless to say, we did pay the expedited fee and spent all of our anniversary celebration money. Happy 7 year anniversary, Honey!
Two weeks ago when I went to pick up the applications there wasn't a line. Today, we had to wait an hour. I guess a lot of people have this week off.
While we were waiting for the clerk to fill out some of our paperwork, my husband told me he wishes we could get our passports faster than the 3 week expedited fee. The clerk said, we could have driven to Houston and stood in line a few hours to have it expedited same day... or something to that comments. DH says he would have liked to do that since we were off this week. This would also give him a reason to stop by and visit family. Upon arriving home, I checked with the passport website and we could have expedited same day service if we were traveling within 14 days. We wouldn't have qualified for the service.
Needless to say, we did pay the expedited fee and spent all of our anniversary celebration money. Happy 7 year anniversary, Honey!
Monday, December 26, 2005
Twas The Night Before Christmas (Eve)
... and my step-mother calls me to tell me my half-sister isn't going to show up for Christmas because her son's grandmother is sick -- sis decided to remain friends with her son's father and family and not get married.
When my step-mother calls me it is always something sad or negative. Either someone died, is sick, or she has something on her mind that she HAS tell me.
After a few minutes of conversation about my sister, my step-mother throws a curve ball and ask "So, why don't you adopt from Mexico instead of China?" Where the heck did that come from? I basically told her that in China, we know we will get a child within 2 years and once we travel to China the child is ours. End of story. Easy and sweet. I didn't see that one coming, believe me. Oh well. I love her and accept the fact she may be a little closed minded. I don't foresee her rejecting our daughter. She is probably concerned how we will explain to our child why she doesn't look like Daddy, Mommy, and the rest of the family.
My father couldn't be happier. I think he does have concerns about how our child will fit into society with parents who look different, but he knows we are capable of handling it. Besides, his great-grandmother was Chinese, so it doesn't bother him too much.
I did let both my father and step-mother know we already know couples within a 5 mile radius of our home who are in the process or have adopted from China. Our child will know other families who have similar experiences.
When my step-mother calls me it is always something sad or negative. Either someone died, is sick, or she has something on her mind that she HAS tell me.
After a few minutes of conversation about my sister, my step-mother throws a curve ball and ask "So, why don't you adopt from Mexico instead of China?" Where the heck did that come from? I basically told her that in China, we know we will get a child within 2 years and once we travel to China the child is ours. End of story. Easy and sweet. I didn't see that one coming, believe me. Oh well. I love her and accept the fact she may be a little closed minded. I don't foresee her rejecting our daughter. She is probably concerned how we will explain to our child why she doesn't look like Daddy, Mommy, and the rest of the family.
My father couldn't be happier. I think he does have concerns about how our child will fit into society with parents who look different, but he knows we are capable of handling it. Besides, his great-grandmother was Chinese, so it doesn't bother him too much.
I did let both my father and step-mother know we already know couples within a 5 mile radius of our home who are in the process or have adopted from China. Our child will know other families who have similar experiences.
Saturday, December 24, 2005
I Couldn't Do It
DH and I were all set to go to my dad's side of the family for Christmas eve. I decided at 4:10pm I couldn't face my family after our loss. Especially since there have been two births in the family in the last 3 months.
My step-mother gave me a little grief, but I quickly got over feeling guilty. By the way, I have something very interesting to tell you about what she asked me yesterday. I'll post it tomorrow. I will go visit dad's family later next week invidually.
Tomorrow shall be interesting. I will try to make my first rib roast. I know it doesn't seem that difficult. You just throw some herbs on a hunk of meat and toss it into a low temperature oven for a several hours. I do not want to get this wrong. That hunk of meat cost $70. Darn the holidays! They raised the price to $8 a pound prior to Christmas. Last week, the same cut of meat was $5 a pound.
Thursday, December 22, 2005
Holiday Shopping
I have baby lust. Okay readers, not that kind -- perverts! I have been shopping for Christmas gifts the last two days and all I can shop for is our future daughter(s). I wonder what size she/they will wear during their first Christmas in America?
NOTE: I think I will stop referring to twins. It gets kind of tedious. So, readers, you know we want to adopt twins. Going forward we will say "her or our daughter". The probability is high we will get one, not two. We hope for two, but will be extremely happy with one.
Anyway, I find myself walking into Baby Gap & Childrens Place Clothing Store. Why? I have two nieces, but my husband already bought them their gifts. I calculate how long we will have to wait before our child is placed with us. So, we are thinking we will get our daughter somewhere around July 2007. There is so much winter clothing on sale. I am deciding whether to come back in January for after Christmas sales and buy a size 18 month dress and snow outfit. Okay! So, in central Texas it snows every 3 years for one day. The snow suits are adorable. Besides, you never know if we may take her skiing. I was 30 years old before I saw my first mountain of snow and officially learned to ski. (I grew up poor and never got a chance to go skiing with my friends). I digress... I saw this adorable holiday dress too with a matching jacket. So cute!! I so badly want to fill her closet and bedroom with funiture RIGHT NOW.
(sigh) I have to finish my autobiography tomorrow. DH told me he is going to turn his homework in late. Great! I wonder what the SW will think? I decided to put a positive spin on my childhood. I hate to open myself up to negative crap.
NOTE: I think I will stop referring to twins. It gets kind of tedious. So, readers, you know we want to adopt twins. Going forward we will say "her or our daughter". The probability is high we will get one, not two. We hope for two, but will be extremely happy with one.
Anyway, I find myself walking into Baby Gap & Childrens Place Clothing Store. Why? I have two nieces, but my husband already bought them their gifts. I calculate how long we will have to wait before our child is placed with us. So, we are thinking we will get our daughter somewhere around July 2007. There is so much winter clothing on sale. I am deciding whether to come back in January for after Christmas sales and buy a size 18 month dress and snow outfit. Okay! So, in central Texas it snows every 3 years for one day. The snow suits are adorable. Besides, you never know if we may take her skiing. I was 30 years old before I saw my first mountain of snow and officially learned to ski. (I grew up poor and never got a chance to go skiing with my friends). I digress... I saw this adorable holiday dress too with a matching jacket. So cute!! I so badly want to fill her closet and bedroom with funiture RIGHT NOW.
(sigh) I have to finish my autobiography tomorrow. DH told me he is going to turn his homework in late. Great! I wonder what the SW will think? I decided to put a positive spin on my childhood. I hate to open myself up to negative crap.
Monday, December 19, 2005
First Home Study
Our first home study will be next week. Interesting. I thought they would start with the "couple" sessions first, but instead we will be doing individual interviews back to back. DH is up in arms because I told the SW we would have our autobiography done by this Friday the 23rd. He wasn't upset, but said why couldn't it be the 26th? What difference would it make? I know he wouldn't have it done by the 26th. I am almost finished with mine. I have a few more questions to answer and on Wednesday, I'll check grammar and spelling.
Wednesday reminds I have to go start my holiday shopping. I know!! I am not joshing!! I haven't purchased any Christmas gifts. I am preoccupied by paper chasing!. Some would say I don't have my priorities in the right place. Wednesday or Thursday I will head to the mall and buy gifts.
Ugh! I hate the commercialization of the holidays. I long for the days when we could give a peppermint stick, a nickle, an orange and apple. OKAY! So, that wasn't my generation, but I have heard it from my great aunts and uncles. That was the norm!! It wasn't about the gift, but about being with each other. I'm off an a tangent.
By the way, update on copying documents. I was lucky enough to find someone who had paper which was the size of our marriage certificate. It was a bear trying to reconfigure the copier. I had a lot of dud copies, but eventually was able to configure it. Then I made copies of our car and house insurance delclarations. I also made copies of our employer statements.
I was able to get a overview of our health insurance, but have to call the insurance company about getting something about adding a child and have them state if they cover pre-existing conditions. I'll do that tomorrow.
I also called the CIS office to see if I have to send original birth certs or copies, but I didn't get an answer to my question. They said I would have to go request an infopass appt and ask the question in person. OH MY GOSH!! Drive 125 miles. I DO NOT THINK SO! I'll ask our dossier consultant and see what she says.
Wednesday reminds I have to go start my holiday shopping. I know!! I am not joshing!! I haven't purchased any Christmas gifts. I am preoccupied by paper chasing!. Some would say I don't have my priorities in the right place. Wednesday or Thursday I will head to the mall and buy gifts.
Ugh! I hate the commercialization of the holidays. I long for the days when we could give a peppermint stick, a nickle, an orange and apple. OKAY! So, that wasn't my generation, but I have heard it from my great aunts and uncles. That was the norm!! It wasn't about the gift, but about being with each other. I'm off an a tangent.
By the way, update on copying documents. I was lucky enough to find someone who had paper which was the size of our marriage certificate. It was a bear trying to reconfigure the copier. I had a lot of dud copies, but eventually was able to configure it. Then I made copies of our car and house insurance delclarations. I also made copies of our employer statements.
I was able to get a overview of our health insurance, but have to call the insurance company about getting something about adding a child and have them state if they cover pre-existing conditions. I'll do that tomorrow.
I also called the CIS office to see if I have to send original birth certs or copies, but I didn't get an answer to my question. They said I would have to go request an infopass appt and ask the question in person. OH MY GOSH!! Drive 125 miles. I DO NOT THINK SO! I'll ask our dossier consultant and see what she says.
Friday, December 16, 2005
More Paper Chasing
Today I took off of work to go drive around central Texas. I drove around 110 miles. Doesn't seem, much, but boy, I'm tired.
First thing this morning, I drove about 50 miles south to the county records office to get a copy of our marriage license. I had sent off for it last week, but it was returned to me with a note saying the rates for certified copies went up from $9 to $20. Ouch!! Plus there were these other fees I couldn't make heads or tails of. So, it was easier to go in person and get it.
Okay, now the story gets interesting. I had to make copies of this license for my records and our homestudy. The sheet was 8 1/2 x 17. Who the heck has that kind of paper?? I drove around North Austin trying to find a copy place that carried it. I stood in soooooooo many lines. There were so many people trying to send gift. I guess everyone had off today because the kids got out of school early. I walked out of two copy/shipping places in disgust after standing in line for 20 minutes without moving. I finally go to the grocery store and they have a copy machine with the paper. 10 cents a copy. Score!! I put my dollar in and nothing happens. The blasted thing is turned off!!! Go to customer service and get them give me my money back. They go turn it on and leave me. I have to feed the blank paper through manually. I am trying to line up the certificate on the glass and lean over and accidentally hit the COPY button. The machine lights up and the paper is scanned. AHHHHHH!!!! The copy comes out with the original not centered properly and has a huge hand print. Do these count as finger prints? I go back to customer service and out of pity they give me my dollar back. I was so furious and at the point of crying.
Then I went to the local police department to get a police report. The clerk was really helpful, but admitted she hadn't done too many of them for adoptions. The last one was over a year ago. She said that my husband to come in person and she wouldn't do both of ours today. She said she didn't want the Chinese consulate to send the reports back because they weren't pulled on the same day. She mentioned she had a couple who had their reports sent back because the reported needed to be typed up together on the same day. She couldn't remember where they were adopting from, but she didn't want to take any chances with our reports since my husband wasn't present. I graciously gave her my thanks and left our names and social security numbers. I told her next week she can type them up and then give me a call. My husband and I would take time off of work and go sign them in front of the notary. As I was backing out of my parking space, a lady who was parked next starts to back out about 10 seconds after me and almost hits me. I stopped her by honking my horn. Her car was a few inches from mine. Get me out of here!!
I am so emotionally drained because I felt like I didn't accomplish anything today. What was the point of taking off of work? Did I mention I am PMSing (still)? Hormones have turned me into a mad woman one minute and a blubbering cry baby the next minute. What was I thinking? I should have just stayed home and done housework.
To do list for next week. Go buy 8 1/2 by 17 inch paper because we don't stock it in our copy room. DOH!!! Call the clerk at the police department to coordinate a day and time to come in to sign our police background check. OHHHH darn!!! I have to o Christmas shopping for gifts. MIL and Bro I.L. come in next Friday for a four day holiday weekend. I haven't bought a single gift. We are too broke after all the gas, stamps, and fees we paid this week.
4:45 pm. Hubby will be home in 45 minutes. I guess I'll go take a hot jucuzzi bubble bath, put on some soft jazz music and relax with scented candles and a glass of red wine. By the hubby walks into the door, I'll be in a better mood.
I love the weekends!! That should cheer anyone up if they don't work the weekends.
First thing this morning, I drove about 50 miles south to the county records office to get a copy of our marriage license. I had sent off for it last week, but it was returned to me with a note saying the rates for certified copies went up from $9 to $20. Ouch!! Plus there were these other fees I couldn't make heads or tails of. So, it was easier to go in person and get it.
Okay, now the story gets interesting. I had to make copies of this license for my records and our homestudy. The sheet was 8 1/2 x 17. Who the heck has that kind of paper?? I drove around North Austin trying to find a copy place that carried it. I stood in soooooooo many lines. There were so many people trying to send gift. I guess everyone had off today because the kids got out of school early. I walked out of two copy/shipping places in disgust after standing in line for 20 minutes without moving. I finally go to the grocery store and they have a copy machine with the paper. 10 cents a copy. Score!! I put my dollar in and nothing happens. The blasted thing is turned off!!! Go to customer service and get them give me my money back. They go turn it on and leave me. I have to feed the blank paper through manually. I am trying to line up the certificate on the glass and lean over and accidentally hit the COPY button. The machine lights up and the paper is scanned. AHHHHHH!!!! The copy comes out with the original not centered properly and has a huge hand print. Do these count as finger prints? I go back to customer service and out of pity they give me my dollar back. I was so furious and at the point of crying.
Then I went to the local police department to get a police report. The clerk was really helpful, but admitted she hadn't done too many of them for adoptions. The last one was over a year ago. She said that my husband to come in person and she wouldn't do both of ours today. She said she didn't want the Chinese consulate to send the reports back because they weren't pulled on the same day. She mentioned she had a couple who had their reports sent back because the reported needed to be typed up together on the same day. She couldn't remember where they were adopting from, but she didn't want to take any chances with our reports since my husband wasn't present. I graciously gave her my thanks and left our names and social security numbers. I told her next week she can type them up and then give me a call. My husband and I would take time off of work and go sign them in front of the notary. As I was backing out of my parking space, a lady who was parked next starts to back out about 10 seconds after me and almost hits me. I stopped her by honking my horn. Her car was a few inches from mine. Get me out of here!!
I am so emotionally drained because I felt like I didn't accomplish anything today. What was the point of taking off of work? Did I mention I am PMSing (still)? Hormones have turned me into a mad woman one minute and a blubbering cry baby the next minute. What was I thinking? I should have just stayed home and done housework.
To do list for next week. Go buy 8 1/2 by 17 inch paper because we don't stock it in our copy room. DOH!!! Call the clerk at the police department to coordinate a day and time to come in to sign our police background check. OHHHH darn!!! I have to o Christmas shopping for gifts. MIL and Bro I.L. come in next Friday for a four day holiday weekend. I haven't bought a single gift. We are too broke after all the gas, stamps, and fees we paid this week.
4:45 pm. Hubby will be home in 45 minutes. I guess I'll go take a hot jucuzzi bubble bath, put on some soft jazz music and relax with scented candles and a glass of red wine. By the hubby walks into the door, I'll be in a better mood.
I love the weekends!! That should cheer anyone up if they don't work the weekends.
Wednesday, December 14, 2005
Cross-Eyed from Paperchase
I feel like I am reading how to put together a bike that needs to be assembled before Christmas day. The adoption manual reads... well...like a manual.
If you haven't had a chance to visit the blog Research China, you should. There is a very compelling interview with two birthmothers.
Update on the birth certificates. BC's received from a Texas county are considered notarized. Yippee!! I don't have to get one from state archives. DH's birthcard is legit too, but not only do I have to get it authenticated, I also have to write a notarized note explaining Hurricane Katrina. We also received a call from our social worker. We are going to do two interviews the week after Christmas; sw & me and sw & DH. We'll set up the couples interview for sometime in January. That reminds me I have to go make photocopies of our birth certificates. Off to the copier...
If you live in Texas, the next two pages are for you.
If you live outside of texas, go to page 3.
If your homestudy is conducted other than by representatives from GWCA, go to page 5.
At least it is better than reading the IRS tax descriptions. Hah!If you live outside of texas, go to page 3.
If your homestudy is conducted other than by representatives from GWCA, go to page 5.
If you haven't had a chance to visit the blog Research China, you should. There is a very compelling interview with two birthmothers.
Update on the birth certificates. BC's received from a Texas county are considered notarized. Yippee!! I don't have to get one from state archives. DH's birthcard is legit too, but not only do I have to get it authenticated, I also have to write a notarized note explaining Hurricane Katrina. We also received a call from our social worker. We are going to do two interviews the week after Christmas; sw & me and sw & DH. We'll set up the couples interview for sometime in January. That reminds me I have to go make photocopies of our birth certificates. Off to the copier...
Monday, December 12, 2005
A little sadness during the holidays
Today was our office holiday party. Needless to say I am also PMSing, so I can tell it is purely hormones.
I am supposed to be 6 months pregnant and its been 3 months since we lost the baby. My co-workers were talking about each other's children and the toys our department was going to donate to a local shelter and WHAM! I started thinking that I should be six months pregnant and find it difficult to walk. I then started to think about all the cute maternity clothing I bought that I will never get to wear. The heat rose to my cheeks and my throat tightened up. I got up from the luncheon table and walked (no more like ran) to the bathroom and started bawling. Then I tried to sneek to my office where I had a few co-workers stop by to check on me. I just couldn't stop crying. I finally had to go home.
I should be happy we are adopting. Don't get me wrong, I am. However, I am still grieving for our loss. I probably will feel this way until our son's due date passes in March.
I am supposed to be 6 months pregnant and its been 3 months since we lost the baby. My co-workers were talking about each other's children and the toys our department was going to donate to a local shelter and WHAM! I started thinking that I should be six months pregnant and find it difficult to walk. I then started to think about all the cute maternity clothing I bought that I will never get to wear. The heat rose to my cheeks and my throat tightened up. I got up from the luncheon table and walked (no more like ran) to the bathroom and started bawling. Then I tried to sneek to my office where I had a few co-workers stop by to check on me. I just couldn't stop crying. I finally had to go home.
I should be happy we are adopting. Don't get me wrong, I am. However, I am still grieving for our loss. I probably will feel this way until our son's due date passes in March.
Sunday, December 11, 2005
Heidi Lounging Out
Heidi has mellowed out since coming into our family nearly a year and a half ago. It took her over 8 months to sleep on her back. I keep telling her it is so unladylike to sleep that way. Notice she takes up the whole couch!
Beware if you are ever sitting on the couch and get up to get something. When you come back, she is already sprawled out. She gazes at you as if saying "you snooze, you lose" or "finders keepers".
Okay, I am procrastinating. Back to finishing one page of the 12 page homestudy autobiography questions. By the time I am finished with the document it will be twice as long. They get so personal.
Thinking of Names
Ran across this site today from the U.S. Social Security Office [ http://www.ssa.gov/OACT/babynames/ ] It is a list of the most popular names registering for SS cards since 1880.
Here is a list of my favorite girl names that I have been thinking of:
Here is a list of my favorite girl names that I have been thinking of:
- Madison
- Emily
- Cora
- Miranda
- Geneva
- Francesca
- Veronique
- Gabriella
- Jordan
- Jocelyn
- Reagan
- Caitlyn
- Kendall
- Lena
- Mayme
- Myra
- Docia
- Nola
- Macy
- Marcella
- Lillian
- Emilia
- Annamae
- Drucilla
Saturday, December 10, 2005
USCIS Traveler Tips for China
The U.S. Department of State has a site giving tips for travelers going to China. They also suggest you register your trip with the U.S. embassy or consulate in the area you are traveling to.
https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/
Registering is also beneficial in case of an emergency: your passport gets stolen, you get seriously ill, or become a victim of other types of criminal acts.
Even though I completely trust my agency, I plan on registering before we leave for China. I choose not to leave it to just someone else, but rather try to depend on myself as well. I rather be safe than sorry.
Another tip, always carry your itinerary with you along with your emergency contacts. If you are in an auto or pedestrian accident and aren't able to communicate, emergency workers can at least try to get a hold of someone you know.
My Christmas Tradition Growing Up
Christmas tree – Currently a small artificial tree that goes on a table. Before we get our little one (or two) we’ll get a large artificialal one! Growing up: We had this 6ft artificial tree. We didn't have much money, so our ornaments were a mix of hand me down ornaments and homemade ornaments. Mom saved almost every ornament me and my brother made in art classes. I can't wait until my little one (or two) makes us their ornaments. I'll make sure they make a few extra for their grandmothers.
Mom says I wasn't too excited about decorating the Christmas tree when I was little. My fascination was with bubble lights. They look like candles on a stick, but the candle part had colorful liquid in them that bubbled when they were turned on. I found bubble lights a few years ago and HAD to buy them. Hubby tapes them on the window sill. To this day, I can still stare at them for hours.
Favorite classic holiday movie– Not a classic, but I think it will be someday -- Elf with Will Farrell. Favorite line: With great excitement "SANTA!!" and then softer "I know him !!"
Favorite holiday classic on TV– Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer. I cry when they don’t let him play those reindeer games! How mean! Just because he's different. It is those differences that make him save the day.
Favorite holiday drink – Mexican Cinnamon Cider (in Spanish it's called Canela). Very Easy. Mom, would make this during those cold days:
Pour into a large mug. Yes, there may be cinnamon stick floaties, but it added to the taste. You can also pour through a sifter to take out the impurities.
I don’t know if it is Mexican, but I’ve never seen my friends from other ethnic groups make this.
Favorite Christmas cookie – sugar cookies with colored sugar crystals and silver and gold sugar beads.
Favorite Christmas candies– homemade pecan la leche (milk) candies. Sadly, I don’t have this recipe.
Main course for your Christmas dinner – Homemade Tamales. All the women and girls in the family get together a few days before Christmas (in the case of this year, one week before Christmas). It is a great bonding moment. You get to find out that your Aunties are just as crude in thought just as you are !!
Favorite holiday story to read to the kids – How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Favorite Christmas story – A Christmas Carol
Favorite Christmas carol– Mine is a rock song. All I want for Christmas is You.
Most memorable holiday tradition from your childhood: My family (on mom and dad’s) would celebrate Christmas Eve. We would go to mom’s family early. Then we would got to dad’s family. Dad's family knew how to celebrate Christmas. Two of the men in the family would always be chosen to play Santa Claus and an elf to pass out gifts. So what the family would do is gather all the kids and read a holiday story or sing Christmas songs while the chosen Santa Claus would get dressed. Then the elf would knock on the door and one of the younger children gets to open the door. The elf would announce Santa parked his sleigh on the roof with the reindeer. {This is pretty funny, considering we don't get snow in central Texas except once every two years in late February}. Out of the darkness Santa would appear with a bag of selected gifts from under the tree. Then Santa would call out each name on the gifts from the bag and under the tree. When he was finished handing out gifts, he would say he has other families to go visit. Growing up, when I realized there wasn’t a Santa Claus, I would try to figure out which family member was playing Santa and the elf.
By the way, I speak as if this tradition in the past, but this tradition still continues. Grandma is 92 years young and it is so exciting to see her giddy as a school girl with her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren surrounding her with love. We can never start eating until Grandma shows up.
Mom says I wasn't too excited about decorating the Christmas tree when I was little. My fascination was with bubble lights. They look like candles on a stick, but the candle part had colorful liquid in them that bubbled when they were turned on. I found bubble lights a few years ago and HAD to buy them. Hubby tapes them on the window sill. To this day, I can still stare at them for hours.
Favorite classic holiday movie– Not a classic, but I think it will be someday -- Elf with Will Farrell. Favorite line: With great excitement "SANTA!!" and then softer "I know him !!"
Favorite holiday classic on TV– Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer. I cry when they don’t let him play those reindeer games! How mean! Just because he's different. It is those differences that make him save the day.
Favorite holiday drink – Mexican Cinnamon Cider (in Spanish it's called Canela). Very Easy. Mom, would make this during those cold days:
- 2.5 quart pot of water – bring to a boil
- 4 whole cinnamon sticks
- 1 cup of sugar (I use splenda) less or more to your taste of sweetness
- Large fresh orange peel
Pour into a large mug. Yes, there may be cinnamon stick floaties, but it added to the taste. You can also pour through a sifter to take out the impurities.
I don’t know if it is Mexican, but I’ve never seen my friends from other ethnic groups make this.
Favorite Christmas cookie – sugar cookies with colored sugar crystals and silver and gold sugar beads.
Favorite Christmas candies– homemade pecan la leche (milk) candies. Sadly, I don’t have this recipe.
Main course for your Christmas dinner – Homemade Tamales. All the women and girls in the family get together a few days before Christmas (in the case of this year, one week before Christmas). It is a great bonding moment. You get to find out that your Aunties are just as crude in thought just as you are !!
Favorite holiday story to read to the kids – How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Favorite Christmas story – A Christmas Carol
Favorite Christmas carol– Mine is a rock song. All I want for Christmas is You.
Most memorable holiday tradition from your childhood: My family (on mom and dad’s) would celebrate Christmas Eve. We would go to mom’s family early. Then we would got to dad’s family. Dad's family knew how to celebrate Christmas. Two of the men in the family would always be chosen to play Santa Claus and an elf to pass out gifts. So what the family would do is gather all the kids and read a holiday story or sing Christmas songs while the chosen Santa Claus would get dressed. Then the elf would knock on the door and one of the younger children gets to open the door. The elf would announce Santa parked his sleigh on the roof with the reindeer. {This is pretty funny, considering we don't get snow in central Texas except once every two years in late February}. Out of the darkness Santa would appear with a bag of selected gifts from under the tree. Then Santa would call out each name on the gifts from the bag and under the tree. When he was finished handing out gifts, he would say he has other families to go visit. Growing up, when I realized there wasn’t a Santa Claus, I would try to figure out which family member was playing Santa and the elf.
By the way, I speak as if this tradition in the past, but this tradition still continues. Grandma is 92 years young and it is so exciting to see her giddy as a school girl with her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren surrounding her with love. We can never start eating until Grandma shows up.
Thursday, December 08, 2005
University of Texas going to Rose Bowl
Just a side note. University of Texas, Austin is going to the Rose Bowl in Pasedena. 2nd year in a row.
Okay, well I never attented Univ of Texas, but many of neighbors. I'm from a smaller university called Texas State University about 50 miles from here, but I think in 30 years we will be big rivals.
On another topic, Texas State changed their name a few years ago from Southwest Texas State. Give it some time. Since they changed their name, their attendence doubled the first year. I started to get my masters degree in legal studies there before I decided moving from an executive administrator at a large company with predictable hours to a legal assistant with unpredictable hours was about the same pay. It wasn't worth completing my masters degree.
Besides, what do you want on your tombstone? Loving wife and dedicated mother or loyal to the work clock?
I've already chosen.
Okay, well I never attented Univ of Texas, but many of neighbors. I'm from a smaller university called Texas State University about 50 miles from here, but I think in 30 years we will be big rivals.
On another topic, Texas State changed their name a few years ago from Southwest Texas State. Give it some time. Since they changed their name, their attendence doubled the first year. I started to get my masters degree in legal studies there before I decided moving from an executive administrator at a large company with predictable hours to a legal assistant with unpredictable hours was about the same pay. It wasn't worth completing my masters degree.
Besides, what do you want on your tombstone? Loving wife and dedicated mother or loyal to the work clock?
I've already chosen.
Overwhelmed with the PaperChase
The paper chase has officially begun. I thought I would get a head start and obtain the birth certificates from the counties where we born.
Big Mistake.
I should have waited for the adoption manual or asked a GWCA representative. I needed to obtain the records from the state vital record archives because those are considered CERTIFIED, not to be confused with the county certified records.
I know DH's Louisiana one is going to be a hassle, but I'll try to get it. Louisiana has a huge backlog because there are not enough workers due to hurricane Katrina. The website says 12 weeks but it may be longer. I may have to use the birthcard and have a notarized note saying that we couldn't obtain it because of the ramifications of the hurricane.
I started a spreadsheet to organize each document that needs to be notarized, certified, and authenticated.
DH and I work at the same company, but our company HQ'ed is in California. Geez! Another thing to run after.
With the holidays and the fees adding up -- little money for holiday gifts :-) I am really stressed.
We are currently waiting for our SW to contact us to start our homestudy. I may ask the SW to begin the day or two after the holiday's because I'm just swamped with holiday "to-dos".
The other thing is confusing the heck out of us is how to file the I-600A. We are supposed to get a dossier consultant since we didn't choose the dossier service. Oh yes, in case I forgot to mention in earlier blogs, we can't do the dossier service because we don't have our passports.
Oh well, I'm an executive administrator by profession, so I should just consider it one of the huge projects I need to manage, but I'm not going to get paid monetarily, but it kisses and hugs in over a year. Ha!Ha!
Big Mistake.
I should have waited for the adoption manual or asked a GWCA representative. I needed to obtain the records from the state vital record archives because those are considered CERTIFIED, not to be confused with the county certified records.
I know DH's Louisiana one is going to be a hassle, but I'll try to get it. Louisiana has a huge backlog because there are not enough workers due to hurricane Katrina. The website says 12 weeks but it may be longer. I may have to use the birthcard and have a notarized note saying that we couldn't obtain it because of the ramifications of the hurricane.
I started a spreadsheet to organize each document that needs to be notarized, certified, and authenticated.
DH and I work at the same company, but our company HQ'ed is in California. Geez! Another thing to run after.
With the holidays and the fees adding up -- little money for holiday gifts :-) I am really stressed.
We are currently waiting for our SW to contact us to start our homestudy. I may ask the SW to begin the day or two after the holiday's because I'm just swamped with holiday "to-dos".
The other thing is confusing the heck out of us is how to file the I-600A. We are supposed to get a dossier consultant since we didn't choose the dossier service. Oh yes, in case I forgot to mention in earlier blogs, we can't do the dossier service because we don't have our passports.
Oh well, I'm an executive administrator by profession, so I should just consider it one of the huge projects I need to manage, but I'm not going to get paid monetarily, but it kisses and hugs in over a year. Ha!Ha!
Monday, December 05, 2005
Our Application is Approved!
Today we got the great news our application was approved. We were kinda sweating it there for a few days because of all the jabber about China becoming more concerned with weight.
Anyway, I can't sign the agreement yet. We are still waiting for the funds of our loan we took out to pay for the adoption fees. I'll contact the bank tomorrow to see when they'll be ready.
GWCA has a dossier service called the Dragon Plan. Basically, we give them documents and they take care of getting notarized and authentication. The plan does have a catch. When the parents (or parent) submit the dragon plan agreement contract, a copy of the passports has to be sent along with it. We haven't submitted a passport application yet because we are still waiting for DH's birthcard from Louisiana. Hopefully his birthcard will come in this week. I knew I should have requested Fedex return. Instead, I just put a self addressed stamp envelope.
By the way, I walked 2 miles today at a steep incline going 3MPH for 45 minutes. DH and I belong to a gym (members since September of this year). I was really surprised when I weighed myself today. DH was surprised too. We both lost weight! Each of us lost 2lbs.
Me: 4ft 11in 120lbs
DH: 6ft 2in 250 lbs.
We weren't even trying -- except we watch what we eat. We both agreed if the rumors persist about weight, we won't give them any cause to criticize our lifestyle because we workout 4 times a week. Besides, we joined the gym because we did want to make that life change of being healthy for our children and each other.
I love our gym. It has an indoor swimming and lap pool and outdoor swimming and lap pool. Steamrooms, saunas and whirlpools. I usually never have to wait for a piece of workout equipment. visit www.lifetimefitness.com . It also has an awesome children's center for 3 months to 12 years of age. The center has i-macs, a huge indoor jungle gym, a romper room, baby room, and reading area. The pool area has children's hours where they are allowed to enter the pool area with parents. The gym also has a restaurant and salon. I hate when I choose a treadmill or stairmaster near the atrium because I can smell the food from the restaurant. Especially when they are making
someone a sandwich.
I can tell you it is a challenge to make it the gym. By the time you get out of work and go to the gym work out and shower it can be an extra 1 1/2 hours to your evening. Also, if we decide to swim or sit in the hottub after a work out, it can be another 45 minutes. DH and I used to be fanatics about dinner. It really stressed me out thinking we have to come home and cook an elaborate meal. Now we eat breakfast (cereal or toast) or cook lightly in the evening when we get home. I'm planning to learn some crockmeals so we have a stew or soup waiting for us when we get home. Add a whole wheat grilled cheese sandwich and voila! Dinner for two.
Anyway, I can't sign the agreement yet. We are still waiting for the funds of our loan we took out to pay for the adoption fees. I'll contact the bank tomorrow to see when they'll be ready.
GWCA has a dossier service called the Dragon Plan. Basically, we give them documents and they take care of getting notarized and authentication. The plan does have a catch. When the parents (or parent) submit the dragon plan agreement contract, a copy of the passports has to be sent along with it. We haven't submitted a passport application yet because we are still waiting for DH's birthcard from Louisiana. Hopefully his birthcard will come in this week. I knew I should have requested Fedex return. Instead, I just put a self addressed stamp envelope.
By the way, I walked 2 miles today at a steep incline going 3MPH for 45 minutes. DH and I belong to a gym (members since September of this year). I was really surprised when I weighed myself today. DH was surprised too. We both lost weight! Each of us lost 2lbs.
Me: 4ft 11in 120lbs
DH: 6ft 2in 250 lbs.
We weren't even trying -- except we watch what we eat. We both agreed if the rumors persist about weight, we won't give them any cause to criticize our lifestyle because we workout 4 times a week. Besides, we joined the gym because we did want to make that life change of being healthy for our children and each other.
I love our gym. It has an indoor swimming and lap pool and outdoor swimming and lap pool. Steamrooms, saunas and whirlpools. I usually never have to wait for a piece of workout equipment. visit www.lifetimefitness.com . It also has an awesome children's center for 3 months to 12 years of age. The center has i-macs, a huge indoor jungle gym, a romper room, baby room, and reading area. The pool area has children's hours where they are allowed to enter the pool area with parents. The gym also has a restaurant and salon. I hate when I choose a treadmill or stairmaster near the atrium because I can smell the food from the restaurant. Especially when they are making
someone a sandwich.
I can tell you it is a challenge to make it the gym. By the time you get out of work and go to the gym work out and shower it can be an extra 1 1/2 hours to your evening. Also, if we decide to swim or sit in the hottub after a work out, it can be another 45 minutes. DH and I used to be fanatics about dinner. It really stressed me out thinking we have to come home and cook an elaborate meal. Now we eat breakfast (cereal or toast) or cook lightly in the evening when we get home. I'm planning to learn some crockmeals so we have a stew or soup waiting for us when we get home. Add a whole wheat grilled cheese sandwich and voila! Dinner for two.
I honestly hope that weight doesn't become a barrier to adoption. There are so many families out there who want children who will absolutely make great parents. The women in my family are content being round. My husband has the body shape of his uncles. Genetics, but also busy lifestyles.
Besides, we both agreed that we didn't want to lose too much weight. This adoption is going to be expensive. We really can't afford to go buy new wardrobes!! DH is already on his last inside notch of his belt. Time to get out the hammer and nail to put a new notch. Ha!Ha! I told him we can get him a new belt, but he'll have to live with loose clothing until I can put money aside for new clothing. He has to dress professional because he interfaces with customers.
Saturday, December 03, 2005
Our Furball Babies
We have two dogs; a German Shepherd and a chihuahua. I know...a huge difference, but it is comical when we walk them because hubby is tall and I'm short. Our GSD is Heidi and our Chi is Scooter.The German Shepherd is the baby at 3 1/2 years old. We adopted her from a rescue shelter in May of 2004. She was a "return". The previous family adopted her and decided to bring her back a year later because they couldn't stop her from urinating in the house. I heard that the couple had jobs that required her to be locked up in a room for long periods of time. He was a truck driver and was hardly ever home and the wife worked long, inconsistant hours at Wal-Mart. They didn't have time to nurture her. She then sat in the shelter for 6 months before we came around and adopted her.
When we were looking at the dogs at the shelter, she was housed with another GSD female that was larger. She kinda was in the shadow. I kept going back to her while DH looked at other dogs. What sealed the deal was I convinced DH to take her for a walk and wh
en he stopped to check her out, he kneeled down to look at her and she wet slobbery kissed him!It has taken Heidi over a year, but she finally settled into family life. She still has relapses when there is a thunderstorm or "daddy" is gone on business travel, but I try not to make a big deal of it because it stresses her out more.
She is definately preparing us for parenthood. Within the last week she has been coming into the bedroom at 3AM in the morning asking to go outside. Then all she does is loaf around. She then does the same thing at 5AM and 7AM. UGH!
Scooter is our old, little guy. He is 10 years old and pretty much would prefer to be an only dog. He prefers to be around mommy, but will snuggle up against daddy when he wants an extra dog treat. He tolerates Heidi, but isn't overly excited about having a sister.
Friday, December 02, 2005
Weight Requirement for China??
I received the strangest call today from GWCA. I was told they were still reviewing our application. They said we used the old application and that the new application has one section added; height and weight.
I've heard through the china adoption forum that there is a rumor going around about height and weight which may be considered in future adoptions. Meaning, our adoption is a future adoption considering we haven't even been accepted. Apparently, CCAA was having a meeting today with agencies and supposedly several agencies were going to ask that question. I guess we'll know something in a few days.
Anyway, I was too scared to ask what the question implies.
My height and weight: 4ft 11in , 122 lbs
DH height and weight: 6ft 2in, 250 lbs < - I told them his weight was 255.
DH and I joined a gym in September, so we've been losing weight. Hopefully, our weight is within whatever requirements the CCAA sets.
I've heard through the china adoption forum that there is a rumor going around about height and weight which may be considered in future adoptions. Meaning, our adoption is a future adoption considering we haven't even been accepted. Apparently, CCAA was having a meeting today with agencies and supposedly several agencies were going to ask that question. I guess we'll know something in a few days.
Anyway, I was too scared to ask what the question implies.
My height and weight: 4ft 11in , 122 lbs
DH height and weight: 6ft 2in, 250 lbs < - I told them his weight was 255.
DH and I joined a gym in September, so we've been losing weight. Hopefully, our weight is within whatever requirements the CCAA sets.
