D a i s y B o x

2011-02-27T15:05:00.000-08:00

2011-01-02T21:17:00.000-08:00

2010-12-13T07:44:00.000-08:00

One year ago today, I met my baby girl. We both had a cautious smile. Gwyneth kept kicking her foot. We both wanted to play, one wardrobe change and a bottle later...

http://www.youtube.com/user/ohhappydaisybox#p/a/u/1/nR7n3hUJ_ec

one year ago today.

2010-10-13T08:40:00.001-07:00

Referral

October 13, 2009

and

now

2010-09-07T10:58:00.000-07:00

2010-07-05T15:12:00.000-07:00

Driver's Ed with Daddy!

2010-07-05T12:04:00.000-07:00

Sit still while mommy takes your picture.

I need a camera with better shutter time.

2010-07-02T09:36:00.000-07:00

Gwyneth's First Art Exhibit

Gwyneth shows her work .

Gwyneth explains her technique while sharing the inspiration behind the painting.

Gwyneth responds to feedback and critiques.

2010-06-24T21:11:00.000-07:00

Memorial Day Weekend in Iowa

2010-05-19T10:18:00.000-07:00

2010-05-09T15:08:00.000-07:00

Mother's Day 2010

2010-05-08T20:41:00.000-07:00

A Morning at Lucky Acres!

Sooze, Dan and Caroline invited us to Lucky Acres Farm for breakfast, crafts, animal petting and fun with friends!

2010-05-08T20:16:00.000-07:00

When Gwyneth heard that Zoey (her YiYang cradle friend) was going to be in Prescott visiting her grandparents, she insisted that we go on a road trip. Off we went, after all...Gwyneth was bringing her daddy for show and tell.

YiYang girls with daddies

Mothers and daughters. Finally!

2010-04-09T03:01:00.000-07:00

Gwyneth's first Easter

Saturday morning brunch with the girls...

Caroline's mom made goldfish carrots for each of the girls. (Mary - Thanks for letting Gwynnie make that phone call)

Easter breakfast before church. I forgot to take photos before church, but we sat in the back pew and she waived at everyone when they entered the church. She also started babbling momma over and over again during the end of the sermon. She was so LOUD.

Gwyneth sat next to the Easter bunny that she received from Aunt Marge and Uncle Merle. She was a little shy at first, but she loves her bunny.

Gwyneth's first Easter egg hunt at Aunt Beth's. Maybe next year we will tell her about the candies in the eggs

2010-03-28T16:46:00.000-07:00

2010-02-15T15:03:00.000-08:00

Welcome Home Jennifer!

2010-02-11T03:02:00.000-08:00

Daddy ran to Starbucks and returned so that we could watch Gwyneth wake up (the sun rise).

2010-01-18T08:54:00.001-08:00

Thank you Mom and Dad!

Make a Smilebox slideshow

2010-01-03T20:57:00.000-08:00

2009-12-27T12:20:00.000-08:00

Jet lag

Praise God. We are home!

Ed, along with our family and friends greeted us at the airport on Christmas night.

Life is good.

2009-12-09T06:48:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas!

I will be leaving today to meet Gwyneth this weekend. I will do my best to update my travel journal every day while I am in China. I hope you have a wonderful Christmas.

My travel journal will be

here.

2009-11-25T14:29:00.000-08:00

14 Days

My parents and I will be leaving in 14 days. Gwyneth’s room is almost done. My suitcase is full. The handyman has been busy assembling the crib and highchair and everything else baby needs. I have laundered everything in baby friendly laundry detergent. I submitted my FMLA paperwork. Everynight before I go to sleep I look in Gwyneth's crib. One month from today, she will be home.

Cell phone photo of my living room after gifts from family and friends arrived.

Gwyneth's crib makes a great drying rack for clothes and the walker is a great place to dry hats, tights and diaper covers.

2009-11-10T11:38:00.001-08:00

Updated Photo of Gwyneth

Tentative Travel Schedule

December 10 - Thursday: Leave the US

December 11 - Friday: Group arrival in Beijing

December 12 - Saturday: Group Sightseeing in Beijing: TianAnMen Square, Forbidden City, the Great Wall

(Juyongguan), Lunch is included. CHI orientation

December 13 - Sunday: Fly to Nanchang, Jiangxi

December 14 - Monday: Meet Gwyneth

December 15 - Tuesday: Begin adoption process, registration and apply for Gwyneth's passport

December 16 - Wednesday: Free Day

December 17 - Thursday : Free Day

December 18 - Friday: Receive Gwyneth's passport and all adoption paperwork. Fly to Guangzhou.

December 19 - Saturday: Medical Examination

December 20 - Sunday: Free Day

December 21 - Monday: Free day and re-check on medical tests

December 22 - Tuesday: American Consulate Visa Appointment

December 23 - Wednesday: Sign the DS230 form in front fo the US Consulate Officer and take oath

December 24 - Thursday: Receive Gwyneth's visa late in day depending on date of ACS appt.

December 25 - Friday: Depart from Guangzhou on this day and return to the US.

2009-10-27T06:56:00.001-07:00

Making Friends!!!

click Here!

Here

2009-10-21T10:08:00.000-07:00

Gwyneth is Growing!

She weighs 16 lbs.

2009-10-14T10:25:00.000-07:00

This is what I know about her.

distinguishes between aquaintances and stangers
locates the direction of sound/voice
knows her name, turns her head when called
active and restless
fond of playing with toys
has a ready smile

She doesn't know it, but she is loved by many.

2009-10-13T12:52:00.000-07:00

2009-10-13T12:43:00.000-07:00

Chinese name: Yi Xiao Yang
Date of birth: 03/05/09
Orphanage: SWI of Yiyang County, Jiangxi Province

photos coming...she is precious

2009-10-12T04:40:00.000-07:00

HOPING!

It's official; families with log in dates through March 28th have been matched. Does this mean packages have been mailed from China and I will see my daughters photo this week? I hope so. I hope packages have been mailed... I hope the remaining March LIDrs get matched soon.

2009-10-02T15:49:00.001-07:00

October?

Update: Did I mention that September referrals were SKIPPED?

2009-09-25T04:27:00.000-07:00

Another Rumor

..more confirmation that the 29th LID is in this batch of referrals.

2009-09-23T16:06:00.000-07:00

My Favorite Salad

OK, there are no worthy adoption rumors ... so, this is what I am making for dinner tonight.

I found this recipe for "Peach, Mozzarella, and Basil Salad" in a REAL SIMPLE magazine a few years ago. I was pleased to see that the magazine posted the recipe online here. I prefer to put the cracked pepper and crunchy salt on at the last minute and serve it immediately.

2009-09-15T05:15:00.000-07:00

Rumor

There is an early rumor out there that families logged in 3/29/06 are in the next batch. I am 3/27/06 so I know that I am in the next batch (unless there was some type of goof up with the assigning of my log in date...let's not go there). I wonder if family files are being matched with children files right now?

Update: I corrected a few of my horrid typos...I guess I am not thinking clearly.

2009-09-11T05:24:00.000-07:00

Much to Say about Nothing

My wait to see my daughters photo is getting shorter. I should hear something within the next few weeks. I wish I had something to say but I don't -no rumors from Spain, Denmark, Australia or Indiana. So I wait.

2009-08-27T10:33:00.000-07:00

Cute as a Button!

I found theses buttons on Butteredparsnips. I may not know my daughters size, but these buttons will be darling on any size cardigan or jumper...or both.

2009-08-25T16:54:00.000-07:00

2009-08-17T09:40:00.001-07:00

I am going out on a limb.... NEXT!

Rumors indicate that families logged in on March 23rd & 24th 2006 will be receiving referrals and photos of their children soon. Since March 25th & 26th 2006 are weekend days and I am logged in on March 27th, I feel very comfortable saying that I am next! Congratulations to families that will be seeing their child's face for the first time this week. SEPTEMBER, I AM NEXT!!!

2009-08-12T16:22:00.000-07:00

Update!

August Matching has Begun

Baby files (that will be referred to families this month) are currently being matched with parent files. I still think I will receive my referral in September...but I am hoping....

Click here to read about how babies are matched.

2009-08-01T08:23:00.001-07:00

Test
I m going to text to my blog and submit a photo

2009-07-29T17:14:00.000-07:00

Here and There

The Davenports are home from China with Lauren

the Schneiders are on their way to China to meet Kailahni.

2009-07-25T08:52:00.000-07:00

Agency Update!

I almost missed this but Stephanie posted this to her blog.

My agency said....
"On Tuesday, July 21^st we received 8 referrals for March 22, 2006 log in dates. The eight little ladies are all from Shangrao in Jiangxi Province. Ages are 10 mos, 12 mos, 13 mos, 14 mos, and 15 mos. We also received 2 Seeking Confirmation Letters for waiting children. Congratulations to all the proud parents!! Our next log in date is March 27, 2006."

WOW. Did you see the last sentence? I love the word "NEXT". I am thinking September will be the month, but I love seeing the word "NEXT"

2009-07-20T05:54:00.000-07:00

July 2009 referrals are coming. Congratulations to the families logged in on March 21st and 22nd (2006), you will receive referrals soon!

With a March 27, 2006 log in date, I have 4 days ahead of me. I am planning on a September referral, but I will not complain if I hear something in August.

2009-07-17T05:51:00.000-07:00

Hola!

There is a tiny rumor in Spain.

The July 2009 referral batch MAY cover waiting families logged in thru March 22nd, 2006.

closer, closer, closer....

2009-06-26T13:13:00.000-07:00

Agency Update!!!

On Monday we received 6 healthy girl referrals for LID March 17, 2006. The little ladies are 17 mos, 19 mos, 2 are 20 mos, 22 mos and 35 mos. They are all from Guiyang Children’s welfare institute in Guizhou province.

Our next LID is 3/22/06. The month of June we have received 8 Seeking Confirmation Letters for waiting children families. Congratulations!!

“The CC*A has finished the placement of children for the families whose adoption application documents were registered with our office before March 20, 2006.”

I am still hopeful for a September referral....I am hopeful....could it be sooner?

2009-05-23T10:13:00.000-07:00

Agency Update!

“The CC AA has finished the placement of children for the families who adoption application documents were registered with our office before March 14, 2006.”

My LID is 3/27/06....I am really hoping to see a photo of my little 'woolly bugger' in September.

My good friends Mardi & Mary have recently received photos of their little darlings. Please click on their names and check out their blogs! They hope to be traveling to China in a few months!

2009-05-11T06:51:00.000-07:00

Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz............

2009-04-12T12:41:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter

2009-01-01T08:56:00.000-08:00

Hello 2009!

For me, the year is beginning with a big cup of coffee and a belgian waffle hidden beneath maple syrup and toasted walnuts.

YUM!

I hope everyone's 2009 is just as sweet.

Thanks to Mom and Dad for the new waffle maker. :-)

2008-12-04T06:59:00.000-08:00

I love my new coasters!

Fellow waiting mom Sooze, made them for me. She painted tiny delicate flowers on stone and gave each coaster has a different chinese word. They add practical whimsy to my home. Thank you Sooze, I love them.

2008-11-04T10:22:00.000-08:00

Happy 100K Day TT

UPDATE: I do not have a new car. My little car turned over 100,000 miles yesterday. I never thought I would STILL be in this car. I thought for sure I would be driving a small SUV or a minivan with a car seat. :-)

2008-09-25T18:36:00.000-07:00

Laminate Countertops

Does anyone have laminate countertops in their kitchen other than me? They are 20 years old, but they look like new.

2008-09-02T12:13:00.000-07:00

September Referrals!

An update from my agency.

"...received 22 referrals today, September 2, 2008. There were 21 beautiful girls and one handsome little boy in this group of referrals. The families that received referrals had LID's of February 9, 2006 and there was one Chinese expedited family with a LID of January 22, 2007. The children are from Beijing and the Jiangxi , Shaanxi , and the Guangdong Provinces . These beautiful children ranged in ages of 5 months to 9 month sold. In addition there was a 29 month old, a 3 year one month old, 3 year 2month old, 3 year 11 month old, and a 4 year 1 month. The parents that received the children over 24 months fell within the range of what the families requestedor the parents were with in the age guidelines for a toddler. Congratulations to all of these families! Families waited 31 months for their referrals and the Chinese expedited families waited 19 months. The CCAA sent referrals out for families with LID's of 2/1/06 through 2/9/06."

2008-07-24T19:29:00.000-07:00

I went to my cousin's wedding in Breckenridge. What a beautiful wedding & reception. I had a great time visiting with family. And, the 70 degree weather and snowcapped mountains were a treat from the 100's in Arizona.

2008-07-04T06:19:00.000-07:00

Emerald, Marquise and Round have a New Home!

time to furniture shop

2008-06-28T19:07:00.000-07:00

27 Months

A new home is in the future...

details & photo to come soon!

2008-05-27T17:35:00.000-07:00

Niko Kitty

August 8, 1988 - May 27, 2008

Her season ended, and I am so sad.

2008-04-27T18:28:00.000-07:00

So, you might ask me. What goes through my head when I think of another Log In Date anniversary passing? "99 bottles of root beer on the wall 99 bottles of root beer…take one down pass it around 99 bottles of root beer on the wall. 98 bottles … I remember singing that song on the bus after high school softball games & wondering…Will this song ever end? Will I ever get home?

2008-03-27T09:08:00.000-07:00

2 years and still waiting...can you believe it?

So, you might ask me. What goes through my head when I think of another Log In Date anniversary passing? "99 bottles of root beer on the wall 99 bottles of root beer…take one down pass it around 99 bottles of root beer on the wall. 98 bottles … I remember singing that song on the bus after high school softball games & wondering…Will this song ever end? Will I ever get home?

Insert ...

Happy Easter

My favorite holiday.

2008-02-27T08:33:00.000-08:00

2008-02-14T07:59:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day!

To all my coworkers that read my blog, -

Yes, the candy that is in your mailbox is leftover from Halloween.

2008-02-12T06:36:00.000-08:00

LOVE

Start tapping your foot!
This is a cute video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c-vzp3PW_5w&feature=related

2008-02-05T06:50:00.000-08:00

Here is an update from my agency...

On February 4, 2008, Children's Hope received 11 China referrals.These referrals were for our 12/20/05 log in date families. We didnot receive any Chinese expedited referrals in this group. This groupof referrals included 9 beautiful little girls and 2 handsome littleboys! Both of the families that received boys requested boy or girl in their petition letter. They are from the Gansu, Guangdong, andJilin provinces and Tianjin City. Their ages are 7 to 15 months, one24 months and one 28 months. These families waited 25 long monthsfrom log in date to referral. We expect these families to travel inabout 8 weeks.One family that received the 24 month old boy requested a boy or girl6-12 months old. The family that received the 28 month old girlrequested a 0-12 months old girl but the referral fell within the CCAAage guidelines.This group of referrals began with the 12/20/05 through 12/27/05 login dates. Congratulations to these families and all our Chinafamilies who have moved up in line! Children's Hope International'snext log in date is 1/6/06.We also received seeking confirmation letters (official referrals) for5 waiting children families and pre approvals for 5 waiting childrenfamilies. What a nice way to begin Chinese New Year!Happy Chinese New Year!! Ann

2008-01-27T14:13:00.000-08:00

2007-12-27T09:17:00.001-08:00

2007-12-19T12:20:00.000-08:00

Thank You Stephanie!

Stephanie artfully waved her talent wand over my blog and made this wonderful ornament for my daughter. If you double click on the photo, you can zoom in and see the beautiful detail of her work. I love it!

Jinkin Kids

(I hid baby's name. I am just not ready to let the cat out of the bag :-))

2007-12-07T07:38:00.000-08:00

December Update from My Agency

"On December 6, 2007, Children's Hope received 5 China referrals.These referrals were for our five 12/13/05 log in date families.They are 5 beautiful little girls! They are from the Jiangxiprovince. They range in age from 9 to 10 months. These familieswaited 24 long months from log in date to referral. We expect thesefamilies to travel in about 8 weeks.This group of referrals began with the 12/9/05 through 12/14/05 login dates. Congratulations to these families and all our China families who have moved up in line! "

Terri's Analysis:

1. Based upon the average number of families logged in and waiting for referrals over the last 5 months, I would have hoped to see a referral within 7 months.
2. However, the current pace/trend indicates a BIG slow down. Realistically, I do not expect to see my daughter’s referral for another 17 months.
3. January 2006 & February 2006 have fewer families logged in waiting for referrals. So, there is hope that my 3/27/06 LID & referral batch will arrive sooner rather than later.

I trust God's plan completely.

2007-11-27T17:48:00.000-08:00

2007-11-15T16:07:00.000-08:00

Journey to The Man Cave

After years of coaxing, I was persuaded to accompany Mollydog and her master the handyman, on a roadtrip to his brother's cabin in southern Utah.

The companionship was warm.

(Mollydog was a little apprehensive.)

The scenary was beautiful.

The food was amazing . Really amazing.

The three little things resting in the orange colored sauce towards the front of the plate were lightly breaded artichoke...they were heavenly and melted in my mouth. I snapped this photo after I ate one.

The accomodations included pine trees, fire, 24 hr football, taxidermy and more fire.

Big highlight...I didn't have to cook.

I was waited on hand and foot & I loved it.

2007-11-07T11:22:00.000-08:00

Some day...

2007-10-09T12:43:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to the Pokorny Family!

Check out this blog. This is one happy family in China. She is such a cutie. I couldn't be happier for them.

http://pokornyball.blogspot.com/

2007-09-27T18:12:00.000-07:00

18 months and counting. I wish I knew when I could stop counting but I don't. And, I have run out of root beer bottles.

2007-09-24T12:22:00.000-07:00

Harassment in the Workplace

So, my coworker was bugging me by saying..."Why haven't you updated your blog lately?"

Here is my update...a picture of the massage chair in his office. It looks lovely with his African Walnut furniture. I can't imagine why his wife didn't want it in their home.

2007-09-07T07:12:00.000-07:00

Baby's room has been relocated. (She gets a bigger room) I have a sewing room now!

2007-08-28T14:56:00.000-07:00

17 months, 1 day and waiting...can you believe it?

(Stephanie, this post is for you)

2007-08-24T09:11:00.001-07:00

I love it!!!!

2007-08-21T08:49:00.001-07:00

My new sewing machine is coming!

It's on the truck!

2007-08-10T17:11:00.000-07:00

Iowa Trip

*Louie & his weed

Dad's Flower Garden

Mom's Potato Salad

Hints of Fall

Cucumber Boats!

Wild Turkeys (squint)

Beer Can Chickens ...num

*Louie

Cucumber Boat Race
(& land to creek rock assault)

2007-08-01T08:36:00.000-07:00

Happy 19th Birthday Niko Kitty!

Precious kitty is saying hello to her 3 best friends Emerald, Marquise, and Round.

2007-07-31T07:01:00.000-07:00

MONSOON

Along with the monsoon rains in Arizona come some beautiful sunrises.

I took this photo from my bedroom balcony this morning. Bummer with the powerlines...but still very pretty

2007-07-27T06:47:00.000-07:00

16 months and waiting...can you believe it?

So, you might ask me. What goes through my head when I think of another Log In Date anniversary passing? "99 bottles of root beer on the wall 99 bottles of root beer…take one down pass it around 99 bottles of root beer on the wall. 98 bottles … I remember singing that song on the bus after high school softball games & wondering…Will this song ever end? Will I ever get home?

2007-07-25T11:37:00.000-07:00

In a meeting, at 10:45 AM today, I realized that I was wearing my shirt inside out. I have an iced mocha now, so I should be ok.

2007-07-24T11:37:00.000-07:00

2007-06-27T13:13:00.000-07:00

15 months and waiting...can you believe it?

So, you might ask me. What goes through my head when I think of another Log In Date anniversary passing?

"99 bottles of root beer on the wall 99 bottles of root beer…take one down pass it around 99 bottles of root beer on the wall. 98 bottles …

I remember singing that song on the bus after high school softball games & wondering…Will this song ever end? Will I ever get home?

2007-06-19T07:42:00.000-07:00

Donna Came to Visit!!!

One of my best friends from elementary school was in town on business. She was able to squeeze me into her schedule last night and we talked and yacked and laughed during pedicures, manicures and Pei Wei's. Over time, true friend's never change...they just pick up where they left off.

2007-06-12T17:43:00.000-07:00

Since I haven't decided on a name for my daughter, my handyman has given her the nickname "Woolly Bugger". He sent me this photo/illustration. I don't know much about fly fishing, but I now know what a Woolly Bugger is!

2007-06-09T08:42:00.000-07:00

What a fun game!

Purple is no longer the D-backs uniform color, the team now sports a reddish color. So, yes I did catch myself cheering for the Red Sox inadvertantly now and then.

Great Ballpark Food!

Awesome Mustard Stain on My shirt!

GO TEAM!!!

2007-06-07T08:04:00.000-07:00

China Referral News 6-6-07

"Children's Hope is delighted to announce the arrival of 17 China referrals for our 11/2/05 log in date families on June 6, 2007. There were 16 beautiful little girls and one very handsome little boy. They are from Chongqing City and the Guangdong province. They range in age from 7.5 to 12.5 months. These referrals were for the 11/2/05 through 11/7/05 log in dates. These families waited 19 months from log in date to referral. We expect these families to travel in about 8 weeks. Congratulations to these families and all our China families who have moved up in line! We also received 4 waiting children seeking confirmation letters today. Congratulations to these 4 families too!"

AnnAnn K. Tollefson
China Program Director
Children's Hope International

This means I have moved up the line. My agency has 18 Log in Dates with about 180 families ahead of me. November 2005 is a HUGE month...

2007-06-04T17:22:00.000-07:00

After he retextured and painted a wall in the nursery, the handyman painted my bedroom and put up a new ceiling fan. Looks great, huh?

2007-05-29T17:34:00.000-07:00

May 29, 1955

Happy Anniversary Mom & Dad!

2007-05-27T08:15:00.000-07:00

Vase with Fourteen Sunflowers. Vincent van Gogh -1889

2007-05-20T08:28:00.001-07:00

Did you have a playhouse?

I love this little house. (www.poshtots.com) It is so dreamy. Just precious! I had a playhouse when I was a little girl. I grew up on a farm so my playhouse was originally designed to house hogs. With a little light blue paint and some emotional strength...and some furniture made by Grandpa Waller I overcame that truth and I loved my playhouse. It even had a mystery path that led to a gate, that led to a hand pump in the woods.

2007-05-17T17:24:00.001-07:00

Where were Mardi, Mary & Terri yesterday?

We weren't working....we were hanging out at this spa. Not briefly, I spent 9 hours there! What a great time of friendship, girl chatter, eating, and relaxation. Mary and Mardi gave me wonderful gifts. I am truly blessed to these China Moms (to be) in my life. I am looking forward to spa days with our daughters.

2007-05-16T06:47:00.000-07:00

I recently had a homestudy to update my expiring paperwork. I came home from work, I was tired & I had about 30 mins before the social worker was supposed to arrive. I had some boxes and just stuff around the house that I wanted to go away so I just hid them in the garage. As I walked through my house, I kept finding more stuff that I just didn't need...small pieces of furniture, clothes. So, I pretty much haphazardly launched it into my garage... My garage now trashed.

Then came the homestudy. My social worker arrived, we had a nice visit and then he left. All done. I didn't have dinner and I was hungry so I decided to hop in my car and go to the grocery store and guess what?

I had left my garage door wide open.

2007-05-13T16:49:00.000-07:00

At church today, the pastor asked for all of the mother's and expecting mother's to please stand. My BFF elbowed me and said, "hey that's you, stand up." I think I jumped up. For the first time, I felt entitled to stand up for mother's day recognition in church.

2007-05-04T18:43:00.000-07:00

My Adoption Agency Posted This...

" Children's Hope received the referral packets from the China Center of Adoption Affairs. Fifteen Children's Hope families from across the nation were matched with their children in China and were able to view photos and medical reports for the first time. Their beautiful children are all girls from the Jiangxi province and range in age from 7 to 11 months. These referrals were for the 10/27/05 through 11/1/05 log in dates. The families waited 18 months from log in date to referral. We expect each family to travel in about 8 weeks to complete their Chinese adoption. It was a happy day for so many. Congratulations!"

Because so many families have "Log In Dates (LID's)" for November and March, I am hoping for a referral in the spring of 2008.

My agency has 19 groups with LID's ahead of me.

2007-04-24T14:05:00.000-07:00

2007-04-18T09:29:00.000-07:00

While I was getting ready this morning, my closet turned into a brick wall. I don't like any of my clothes. I tossed a scunchie in my hair and went to work. I am thinking that it is time to participate in a hairbow swap at minimum.

2007-04-10T13:07:00.000-07:00

Bye Bye Bug

Because of the slow referrals, I have displaced my frustration onto the ticker ladybug. As you see, the ladybug is gone and a snail has accepted the ticker responsibility.

2007-04-08T13:19:00.000-07:00

I am looking forward to tickling the little toes that will be peeping through those holes.

2007-04-05T18:25:00.000-07:00

When I was a little girl, the breakfast following Easter sunrise service was better than any Easter basket. The congregation would gather in the basement for a scrambled eggs and ham breakfast. The tables were decorated, everyone was happy dressed in new spring colors and we all sat on matching folding chairs. I loved the decorations. I remember looking at a tiny chicken table decoration. It was a sweet little bird, bright yellow, very fuzzy and about 1 inch tall. .10 cents written in black ink on its orange stick foot. I picked up the bird and started playing with it. Knowing me, I probably sang or talked to it. Then, it was time to go home…I didn’t want to leave my new bird friend behind, so, I put it in the palm of my hand and took it home with me. Yup, I stole the bird. The moment I exited the church door I felt guilty about taking that .10 chick. In Sunday school. I would drop a dime in the offering plate. I hoped that my dime would pay for the chick and I would be guilt free! Nope, I still felt guilty. I even tried two nickels. No luck. When I was a little older, I tried quarters, that didn’t work either. I visited a different church and put more money in the plate…that didn’t work either. I wasn’t really obsessed with this guilt…but there were a few reminders; Sundays, and Holidays or, when I saw little yellow birds, (yellow birds are everywhere by the way). Anyway I was in church, I wish I remember the preacher’s exact words, but this hit me for the first time. Christ died on the cross to take away my sins…nothing I can do will take away the guilt. Giving all those dimes and quarters were meaningless.
1 John 1:9 (NIV)
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.