This-n-That

First Order of Business: The Raffle. This morning I printed out 21-named tickets to be placed in the Tupperware bowl. Then I recruited my kids to do all the work. They loved it!

The kids were so excited to see who the winner was. Sammy picked the winning ticket.

The winner of the Raffle is spelled: M a r y A n n!!!

Case Update: So far, we have a RENAP birth certificate, (this is the most time-consuming hoop to jump through in the birth certificate retrieval process, which normally takes anywhere from three weeks to three months.) I am praying that our case will make it's way to the US Embassy by the end of this week. We have been told that once it is submitted to the embassy that pickup time is usually in about three weeks. So far, there is still a possibility that Josi could be home for Christmas.

The Boys: Sammy has been having a lot of fun with his guitar. Shay is allowed to strum on it only under supervision as he tends to unscrew the screws at the end of the arm that make the strings tighter or looser. (Can you tell I'm not well versed in musical instrument terminology.) Shay was thrilled when he got to strum along with Sammy for a song. Of course, I had to get this on video. I love the way Shay just "cut it loose." Also love the fact that he closes his eyes when he sings. He's a very passionate child.

Thanksgiving: We had a wonderful Thanksgiving. It was on the smaller side this year, only 14 of us. The food was great, but the company and fellowship was even better. Since I was hosting, I didn't get a too many photos, but did manage to get some of us girls in a few posed shots.

Amanda (my niece,) and my mom


Tina (my sis,) Amanda, me, and Mom

Amanda. She's beautiful inside and out!

Aubrey, Mandy, and Haley

(My girls got haircuts a couple of weeks ago. Aubrey went really short and Haley got bangs. I think they both turned out great.)

This is Sammy leading the prayer at the kid's table. Sammy has made a complete turn-around lately with praying. A few months ago he was too shy to pray, now he will pray anywhere, anytime.

Helping Dad: Sammy is building plan cabinets for Edison in our garage/workshop. He loves when he gets this type of side job. A job he can do at home while still spending time with the family. He even gets a cook at his disposal--Chef Mom.

Here are some photos of both Sammys hard at work. Little Sammy just loves helping daddy.

Raffle Reminder and Wordfull Wednesday

I want to remind everyone about the raffle we are having. We are raffling off a beautiful, collectible Lee Middleton baby doll to raise money to help with our adoption expenses. Here is the original post, "Raffle" if you want to read the details of this limited-edition baby doll.

Here is a photo of the doll it it's original Walrus suit.

Here is the same doll dressed up as a baby girl. As you can see it can either be a gorgeous baby boy or a beautiful baby girl.

If you would like to enter to win this beautiful doll, you can purchase a raffle ticket at $5 each, or buy five tickets for $20. Just click on the "Donate" button on my sidebar.
If you would like to send me a check, just email me at sweetpea31897@msn.com.
The raffle will close on December 1.
The winner will be chosen at random.
(Sorry, shipping limited to the US only.)

Also, please check out my friend's blog, Shrum Family Adventures. They are also having a raffle to help offset their adoption expenses. Don't miss checking it out. You'll be glad you did.

We are having so much fun preparing for Josi's homecoming. It still hasn't really sunk in that we are out of PGN, but I'm sure as the pick-up time draws closer, and I start really stressing about having the house ready, it will sink in pretty darn fast.

I have been neglecting my camera a bit these days, but I did manage to get a few snapshots of the kids at the harvest festival at our church on Halloween, and a few others here and there.

The boys in the Superman jammies.

A few pics of my handsome son, Robby.

Please leave a comment if you would like him to shave off his beard. Maybe if he gets enough comments, he will actually do it. Lord knows, he's not listening to my begging and pleading.

Sammy and Shay at the harvest festival.

Daddy in his Halloween hat.

The girls just before we left.