We could finalize NEXT MONTH

OMG - we could finalize NEXT month!

Lil J's c/w came today to over over the final paperwork that we need for the adoption packet. Lots of stuff we had to read, understand, sign, etc.

I asked about the next steps, she advised that it get reviewed by the chain of command, everyone signs their part, and then it is sent to our attorney. And, the attorney will contact us. She said all of this takes about 3-4 weeks.

I was thinking, cool - looks like we are on target to finalize before the end of the year. I even expressed my excitement to the c/w. And then she said.....

Oh, no - in (no more than) 4 weeks you will already have your court date - so when the attorney calls you, he will be calling you to give you the date. Which she said is usually a short time away.

She also said that she did the exact same paperwork with another family on 8/25 and that family is finalizing this friday. That is only 3 weeks TOTAL.

I can't believe it, he could be legally ours NEXT MONTH!!!!! I will of course be sharing his name and picture - and I can't wait to do it!

i took Pro pics of the girls the other day - outfits made by me (Giggle Worm). I did the skirts, shirts, hats, and bows. Enjoy the pics :)

Happy Birthday Cora

I can't believe it - Cora is 2 years old today. Where did the time go? Since we are doing a big party next week - a joint party with Elsie - we are just doing cake today.

I will have to take some pics as she chows down on her cake :)

from a Singer Sewing Machine Manual, 1948:

■Prepare yourself mentally for sewing. Think about what you are going to do... never approach sewing with a sigh or lackadaisically. Good results are difficult when indifference predominates.
■Never try to sew with a sink full of dirty dishes or beds unmade.
■When there are urgent housekeeping chores, do these first so your mind is free to enjoy your sewing...
■When you sew, make yourself as attractive as possible. Put on a clean dress.
■Have your hair in order, powder and lipstick put on...
■(If) you are constantly fearful that a visitor will drop in or your husband will come home and you will not look neatly put together, you will not enjoy your sewing as you should...

YES - this is how I do ALL of my sewing. OMG - so funny!

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A Family

I have found pinterest, and I really love it. You can find all sorts of stuff there. I really love the different quotes, etc that I have found.

I recently found this one:

"Being a family means you are a part of something very wonderful. It means you will love and be loved for the rest of your life. No matter what."

It might not have anything to do with adoption, and I have no idea who even wrote it. But, I love it and I think it describes us, and my family. Sounds so silly - but I cry every time I read it.

We are getting close, I know we will be done by the end of the year. We don't have an actual date yet. But, every step is a step forward.

Oh, and if you are wondering what pinterest is - here is a response I wrote on a crafty message board.

What is Pinterest, and how does it work?
It is kinda like all of your favorite links in one picture space.

I know for me, when I like something I find online, I save it to my favorites, or bookmarks.

But, when you do that (for me) when I am looking for something again, I sometimes have to click on many links because I can't remember which link corresponds to what items.

So, pinterest allows you to do that same thing, but in PICTURE form. So, just like your bookmarks, you can have folders. Each "pin" is a picture of something you like - but, the picture is actually a LINK to the original item.

So, instead of clicking on links in your favorites, you have an entire folder of pictures. Then you can see everything in one spot, and click on the pic for more info if needed.

But, what is also great about it is the search. Think about it this way - sometimes when I am searching for something on google, I will do an image search instead (I am a visual person). But - - sometimes I don't find what I am looking for pages!

Since people are only "pinning" things that they love, it is much easier to find great things. Not page after page of google images that have nothing to do with what I searched for.

Once you sign up, you install their "pin tool" which allows you to add items that YOU love to your boards. Things that you find on blogs, your favorite websites, etc.

It IS a sharing site, so once you pin it, it will be shared with your followers and everyone else on pinterest. You can connect with your facebook friends. This way you see their pins, they will see yours, etc.

You can have several boards...clothes, recipes, crafty items, quotes, party ideas, etc, etc.

Just a warning - once you get on it, it is so addicting LOL.

RIght now, it is an invite thing - you can post your e-mail and I can send you an invite.

I love it, I have gotten so many ideas for my girls' birthday party.

Birthday Pics :)

I had a coupon that expired today, so I went and got B-day pics of the girls. Just 2 weeks early for Cora, and about 3 weeks early for Elsie. No biggie :).

Cora really did not want her pic taken at all - and so I only got very few of her, and only ONE of the two of them together. Oh, well - got some super cute ones of Elsie.

11 Months old - and an EARTHQUAKE!

Elsie is 11 months old today. I can't believe that she will be ONE next mont. And, don't forget - Cora will be TWO next month!!

I will have to upload some recent pics of the kids. Everyone is getting so big.

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On other news, there was an earthquake today in VA. However, my house TOTALLY shook in NJ. I was confused at first, then the whole house was swaying. It was pretty scary.

Lil J started screaming that his bed was shaking - he was napping.

I am sure I will always remember that the earthquake was on the day that Elsie turned 11 months :)