Boy are we spoiled rotten!

When I got back home from out of town I had three packages waiting on the table to be opened. I couldn't believe that Mike didn't open them. You know me, I had to get them open ASAP. First off from my book swap I got 2 wonderful books Shoey and Dot and a My first Counting Book. I just love books and can't wait for Emma to be sitting in my lap reading along with me.


Then I got 3 bath books from the book swap. 2 of them can even be used in the tub! I love them!
Once again my March Secret Pal has gone way overboard! Look at all of this great stuff. Mike and I were so overwhelmed with all of the goodies (I almost couldn't get them all in one shot)! Kozmo was very interested in seeing what Emma got and believe me Jack wasn't far behind! Here is what was included: 2 stuffed babies one of which plays music, a plush growth chart that you can put pictures in, window shade, 3 ever so cute books and CD kids sing along set, skid proof bowl, 2 cute picture frames one of which is for friendship (maybe one day I will be able to put a picture of my secret pal and me in it! hint, hint, if I only knew who you are!!!), ladybug shirt, pooh sleeper, Dora sweatsuit, and a beautiful quilt. Hey secret pal, did you make this beautiful quilt? I love it! I can't believe all the thought and time you put into this wonderful gift. WOW!! I really can't wait until the day we know just who to thank. You are incredible!

Where does the time go?

Where has the time gone? It seems like for months I sat in front of this computer just watching days go by waiting for Emma. Now don't get me wrong, I'm still anxiously waiting for our Emma, but things around here have really been busy. I haven't had much time to even check out my favorite blogs and I haven't read RQ in a month! It really has been good for me. While I miss each of you I feel refreshed and exhausted at the same time.

The week before last Mike and I took a few days off and headed to Gatlinburg. We had such a great time relaxing in our cabin, checking out the moutains and doing a lot of hiking. It was a much needed rest. The picture below is a view from our chalet. It was so peaceful up there and I sure enjoyed the time with Mike.

I took this picture while Mike and I were on a hike. The weather was beautiful so we decided to stop and play in the Little Pigeon River.
We got home on Monday night and then on Wednesday morning I flew up to Conn. for work. Terri and I had to do a special training course at US Surgical. We got in early Wed. so we took the train up to New York to do some shopping. This was my first time in New York so I really enjoyed the sites. The picture below is from Time Square. We had a great time in the city and then it was off to training for Thursday and Friday. It was a interesting trip and I really enjoyed meeting such wonderful people from all over. We were suppose to fly in Friday night but our flight out of Conn was delayed which caused us to miss our connecting flight in Pittsburg so we had to spend the night there and fly out early Sat morning to Atlanta and then finally home to Louisville. By the time we got home I was exhausted and of course the airline lost our luggage. They found it in North Carolina?! The delivery man decided to bring it to us at 1:30AM!

So here it is Monday night and it is back to work tomorrow (yuck!). I am yet to have gotten to check up on everyone. When I got home on Saturday I had 3 packages waiting from my book pals and my secret pal. Tomorrow night I will show you all the wonderful things that I got. For tonight I am off to snuggle up with my wonderful husband! Talk to you tomorrow!!

I'M BACK!

Yikes! It has really been a tough month here and when I finally sat down to post tonight I realized that I hadn't posted since April 14th. So many things have been going on in my life right now that not only could I not find the time to post but I also couldn't find the words. So many of the people I love have lost such special and wonderful people in their lives over the last few weeks. I can't quite find the words to write about it yet but if you could keep some very special people in your prayers I would greatly appreciate it.

As I sit here I can think of so many things I would like to talk about and share with you, my bloggy family and friends. The past month has been filled with sorrow and stress but there has been a little joy along the way. We did celebrate 3 special birthdays: Charlee (April 14th), Corbyn (April 27th) and the birth of our newest nephew, Logan Michael, on May 2nd (congrats to Shelley and Mike). We survived another LID Anniversary, the big 13! Things were so crazy that the day came and went (I did remember it but it didn't make me sad this time).

I wanted to share this picture of Mike and I with 7 of our nieces and nephews (taken on Easter). It made me smile thinking about how each one has touched our lives in so many ways.

Now, I owe a huge apology to my incredible secret pal. In the mist of everything going on at our house Mike and I came home late one night to a HUGE box on the porch. It couldn't have come at a better time as we both needed a lift and boy did we get one. Check out ALL of these gifts that were packed in the box! We got a wonderful collection of books (which I can't wait to read when we finally get to sit down), a photo book, plush panda book, the cutest teddy, Asian note pad (so cute!), such cute clothes (a bath wrap, sweater, and sleeper), the sweetest sand dollar with Emma's name on (made me cry!), and the cutest travel playset. All I can say is WOW! Secret Pal, you went way overboard! I have to say Mike and I sat in the middle of the floor and just cried thinking about what wonderful and special people would think so much about us to send Emma these amazing gifts that we will all treasure for many years to come. I am just so sorry that it took me so long to post about these wonderful gifts. They all meant the world to us!
I tried to take a closer picture of the gifts, can you believe all of this is for Emma?!!
Here is the sand dollar our pal sent for Emma. I already bought a little stand and put it in Emma's room. I just cried when I saw Emma's name on it! Thank you so much for all of your thoughtfulness! I can't wait until the day I find out who you are so I can really thank you!
Hopefully things will start to get back to normal. I have missed blogging and have really missed out on what is going on in all of your lives. I could use a whole week to catch up! I also wanted to send out a congrats to everyone who got their referrals this month. Oh, for those of you who aren't from the adoption world, referrals went from Oct 25-Nov 1! (A baby step closer to Emma!)

Sorry I have been MIA but last weeks news really had me down. When I started hearing the rumors that they were only referring 2 days I thought NO WAY, something must be wrong. Well, as we know, it happened. I felt really numb. For the first time I thought that this adoption really wasn't going to happen. I decided that I needed to take a few days to regroup. I stayed away from the posts, RQ, and I even shut the door to Emma's room so I didn't have to look at it. You know what, it really did help. I needed the break to get my life back in order. I had become way to consumed with the wait. I have to say that I have a new attitude! There are so many things that I should be doing and places I should be going. We have put our life's on hold for way to long. Yes, we are still anxiously awaiting the time when we get to see Emma's face for the first time, the first time we hold her and our life with her but we have to remember it will happen just not as fast as we would like. You would think that by now I would have more patience after all these years of waiting. So, I have had time to take a break and now I am ready to enjoy the rest of our time while we wait on Emma. I know she will be worth every minute!

Yummy!!

When I got home from work today Mike had a box sitting on the table for me, well, for Emma. As I got closer I realized that it came from my wonderful and amazing friend Lisa. Now, over the past year Lisa has been spoiling the entire Kramer family rotten. She has become very special to us. Today she (and Mesa) sent us a chocolate egg. Not just any ordinary egg! This egg is from a local candy shop in Salt Lake and it has Emma's name on it. Lisa told us that this year Mike and I can enjoy Emma's egg. I can't wait! Thank you so much Lisa for always thinking of us. We are so lucky to have made such a wonderful friend. I can't wait until next year when Emma and Tate can pig out on their own special chocolate eggs!

A little celebration

Last night we went out with the family for a little celebration. We were celebrating 2 special things, Mike's birthday and our 1 year LID. Yes, they both feel on the same day. If I can go back for a minute, last year our dossier left for China on 2/24/06 (DTC) and I was really hoping that we would be logged in by mid March. Well, it didn't happen. It was in April when Katrina called to inform me that we were our LID was March 29th. At first I was a little disappointed, but then I realized that we were logged in on Mike's birthday. What day could be more special to me than that?! So anyway, we went to P.F. Chang's to celebrate the occassion. We had such a good time and even got the kids to try some of the food.

Here is a picture of the family (only missing 3)! Thanks to the whole family for coming out to celebrate with us. Hopefully we can do it again when little Miss Emma gets home. The waitress even brought us a pair of kids chopsticks to take home for Emma. If that wasn't enough, look what I found sitting on the table...

Yes, you got it! A ladybug sighting!! I loved it (thanks sis!) and yes it came just in time for the stork alert! Hopefully tomorrow we will be finding out how far the referrals got. Congrats to all you waiting parents who will be seeing their babies.

1 YEAR LID!

Happy 12 Month (1 Year) LID Anniversary!

In honor of Mike's favorite team we had to use the Browns Jersey.

Happy Birthday Sweetie!

Happy Birthday Michael!

Thank you for being the most wonderful husband in the world!

Today and everyday I celebrate having you in my life.

I Love You, Always, Forever!!!

Happy Birthday!!

Happy Birthday Donette!

Just wanted to let you know I am thinking about you today!

WOW!

WOW! WHAT ELSE CAN I SAY?!!

I have tried to post this all day but Blogger kept going down. I worked on it for 2 hours this morning (typed it 4 times!) Yesterday my day started off blah but ended up getting better and better. I had a terrible week at work and was so glad for it to be over. So yesterday morning I woke up in a funk. It got a little better as the day went on and then just after lunch the big news came out about Tubby leaving UK. How could that not change your mood! Then when I got home from the office it was so nice out that Mike and I took Jack to Bernheim for a walk. This is where the WOW factor came in! We pulled back in the drive and I noticed a box on the porch. I hadn't ordered anything so it must be from our March Secret Pal. Of course I grabbed the box (boy was it heavy) and Mike got the box cutter so that we could see what was inside. We couldn't believe what all we found inside. I guess you would like to see...!

Check out all of these goodies for Emma!

(No one should be this spoiled. Well, maybe Emma!!)

We loved all of the ladybug stuff. I can just see Emma in this cute little shirt, holing her ladybug while I read her this cute ladybug story! Check out the frame (just need Emma's picture to put in it!) The fuzzy thing on top of the frame is the cutest fuzzy ladybug pen (love it!)
To spoil little Miss Emma even more, our pal sent this bunny that plays music when you pull the small bunny down, these adorable barrettes, bedtime book (did I tell you how much I love board books?!) and a fun phonelike play toy! I just hope we can keep Jack away from these soft animals as he always thinks they are for him!

Our pal thought of us too! I love the bag and I know it will come in so handy. I love the bath gel and will be using it tonight! Boy are we spoiled?!!!
When you thought there couldn't be anymore in that box, Emma gets spoiled even more! The sweatshirt says it all "Baby Princess" and I am afraid the onesie is going to be true "Don't be fooled by the diapers, I'm in charge"! I can't wait for Emma to get to wear these!

We want to send a very big thank you to our amazingly thoughtful pal. You went way overboard! We love each and every item that you picked out and sent to us. It truely turned my day around. I sat in Emma's room last night playing with all of her goodies. We feel so blessed to have such wonderful people around us during our wait. Your gift came at just the perfect time. I can't wait until I know exactly who to thank! You are amazing secret pal!!

It's Looking Up!

MY DAY JUST GOT BETTER!

THE PRESS JUST RELEASED THAT TUBBY IS GONE!! DREAMS CAN COME TRUE. HE WILL BE HEADING TO MINNESOTA. I GUESS THAT HAPPY DUST REALLY DOES WORK! COME ON BILLY, WE NEED YOU!

How I feel today!

THIS SUMS IT UP!

Go Cats!

GO CATS!
I KNOW THE CHANCES OF BEATING KANSAS TODAY AREN'T GOOD BUT I STILL MUST ROOT ON MY WILDCATS!

Happy Birthday to my Secret Pal!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LISA!!
(YOU'RE HOW OLD?!!! I WON'T TELL!!)

Today my friend celebrates a very special birthday! Mike and I wanted her to know that she is in our thoughts today and we wish we were there to celebrate with our not so secret wonderful pal. Our birthday wish for you is that little Miss Tate will be here very soon! We hope you have a wonderful birthday.
Sending lots of hugs your way!
Mike and Kim (Jack and Kozmo too!)

March Madness

Anyone who knows me knows that as far as sports goes this is my favorite time of the year! Of course I spent all day watching games. March Madness always brings such excitement to the air! So I guess you know what I'll be doing all weekend!
I'm not too sure that my team will be around for long! This year has been bittersweet. Ever since I was little I have loved UK basketball. I remember sitting in the living room with my Mom and Dad rooting them on. As I got a little older I was one of those fans you didn't like (not a good loser). Lucky for me we usually have some incredible teams. I have been to see them in the tournament several time. Which brings me to the present. When UK won the tournament in 1996 and Rick Pitino announced he was leaving I hoped that they would bring in the young Billy Donavan. All I kept hearing was, he is too young and will never be strong enough to coach at UK. Now look at what he has built at Florida over the past 11 years (told ya so!). Instead we got TUBBY. Now don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that he is the worst coach. He did win a national championship (with Pitino's team) his first year but what has he done since? This year I decided that if it took losing every game this year to get rid of Tubby that I would wish for that. Well, it has definately been a very disappointing year. So tonight I will sit in front of the TV and root on my team (since I can't force myself to spend the money to go watch this team in Chicago, my fav city). Sorry Tubby we just need some new blood!

Found it!

I usually take this off of RQ and post it each month but since RQ is gone I was trying to get it somewhere else. I can't ever get it to save off of the CCAA site. Anyway, how could I not post this on the blog showing that we are really out of review. It's always nice to see it and just not hear about it!

A New Room!

We FINALLY moved to a new room!! This week the CCAA posted that they have finished the review of dossiers logged in up to March 31, 2006. This means us!! It's about time. If you look really close to the picture above you may catch a glimpse of our file sitting somewhere in this room. SIT is exactly what it will be doing for quite some time. For those of you who aren't as familiar with the adoption process, our dossier getting out of the review room is a big deal. So for today I will just be happy that we moved into the Matching Room and not think about the very long wait we still have in front of us.

Dreaming of Emma

I hadn't had time to post but I wanted to make sure I posted this some place that I would remember. Saturday night I had a dream about Emma! Now I haven't had any very vivid dreams about our adoption, so I was very excited when I woke up. Now it was nothing big but this is what I remember. Mike and I had just got Emma and we went straight to see my Mom and Dad. Emma was sitting on my lap on the floor. She had the cutest round little face with a bob haircut. I could just picture her dark hair and eyes with that amazingly cute smile. Anyway, she was sitting on my lap and I was telling her that that was her Nana and Papa and she was able to repeat their names. I couldn't believe how smart she was. That was it! I woke up with such a peaceful feeling. I wonder if this means anything? I hope it doesn't mean that we will have to wait until next March to get our sweet Emma!

Speaking of that I saw that referrals came out today for Oct 13-Oct 24. I should have never looked! At this pace it may be a reality that Emma won't be here until next March or maybe later.

11 MONTH LID!

I was checking out Leslie's blog and saw her cute little chick and wanted to make one for myself. This is me and Jack waiting on our 11 Month LID for Emma right here in the USA.
To make one for yourself go to Bless This Chick.

I had asked a few weeks ago on which day I should celebrate our 11 Month LID Anniversary since there was no 29th in February. I decided I would wait until today. My ticker also turned to 11 today also. On the bright side, celebrating it today makes my 12th month a little shorter as I now only have to wait 28 days! I can't believe it is already March. I know this month will fly by as it is March Madness time (boy do I love my basketball), overtime at work and a business trip in a few weeks to Conn. Before I know it I will be posting that 1 year post. Who would have ever thought that one year would look so good. I am just hoping I am not sitting here next year blogging about our 2 year anniversary. Well, come on referrals. I am anxious to see where we get too.

My sister left today for Orlando for a dance team competition at Disney for Courtney. As they were leaving the RV they were traveling in broke down (a brand new one!) so it was a last minute thing that she had to drive. Anyone who knows my sister knows that she can get lost driving down the street so if you get a chance say a little prayer that they are safe and that they make it to Orlando with no problems (Thanks!). Hey, she's my sis, Tommi and I have to worry!!

It's a sign

On our way home from Indy we stopped at Ruby Tuesday to eat. Charlee and Stevie were doing puzzles on the kids menu when Charlee turned over the menu and saw this! Of couse, what else could it be but a sign!!!

What a week!

Wow, I didn't realize that I hadn't posted since last Monday. It was such a busy week I really didn't get much time on the computer. I guess I will have to check in on all the bloggers as I feel out of touch. Work was really busy this week (what's new?). I did end up working an extra day. I went in on Thursday to do a special case with Dr. M. I thought I would be there a few hours but it ended up being 10 hours. Oh well, money for China!! I'm sure I'll spend it before then.
Then on Friday we headed up to Indianapolis to watch one of my Dazzlers in the State Dance Team Competition. We had a wonderful time. When we got up to Indy the hotel had run short on rooms so we ended up with an amazing suite. Too bad we weren't there very long because the room was great. It was a suite with a board room attached so we enjoyed dinner in the boardroom. We got up early and got over to the gym as Charlee had to compete at 8:30am. They did an incredible job and came in 2nd out of 25 teams. We were all so proud of her. Way to go Charlee!

Charlee and Devin

Charlee and Stevie. Stevie made the trip with us to root on her big cousin.

All tuckered out. Dancing is hard work!

Way to go Dazzlers!

Look what came, WOW!

Wow! We arrived home on Saturday to a package sitting on the front porch. I couldn't wait to get inside and open it. Mike always laughs at me as I act like a little kid when the secret pal packages arrive. I have to say that this box was overflowing with goodies. Check out what we got!

This is a shot of everything! Look at all of these cute things for Emma (and US!) We loved it!

I was so excited about this book. I had bought one for my secret pal Lisa a few months back and kept thinking that I should go back and get one for Emma. I loved it and thought Emma should have it too. Now Mike won't get mad at me for buying more stuff! How did you know I wanted this?!!!
Next, we got some mealtime accessories: a skid proof plate, sippy cup, and cool little stick on bibs!
For ME, a make-up bag and an alarm clock/caculator for our trip. I'll share the clock with Mike. I will definately put these in our stack to take to China!

Check out these cute critters! They are actually wash animals. I know Emma will love these. She may have to share them with her daddy. Jack thinks they should be for him and he just keeps sitting in Emma's room crying for them. My last picture didn't attach but it was the cutest ladybug, bunny and a learning bug (see the 1st picture). I love educational toys. I can't believe all of these wonderful gifts our pal sent. Thank you so much Secret Pal. You sure made our weekend. You are incredible!!!!

Happy New Year!

Happy Chinese New Year!

I hope this year is full of precious little ones arriving for all of us!

No 29!

You know it's been a slow week for me when the only thing I can think to blog about it the #29. Today as I was catching up on reading some of my bloggy friends blogs I was seeing most of them having their 11 month LID-versary. This made me start thinking about our 11 Month LID (hey, thinking about our 11th month on the 11th!!) Okay, don't think I'm crazy I just have a thing for the #11. Anyway, I was thinking that we won't officially have a 11 month LID-versary. There is no 29th this month. Which leads me to my question... When can we celebrate, the 28th or the 1st?

Well, tomorrow starts another week. I don't think I mentioned but Mike's transmission went out on his truck a week ago so we have been carpooling all week. I thought he was getting it back today but now it won't be until mid-week. I have to say I have enjoyed having a personal driver but I do feel bad for Mike since he has to go into work with me at 5:30AM.

A Great Cause!

This week our local radio station WAMZ is running their annual Partners in Hope radiothon. I have been listening to the stories from families that have all had children at St. Jude. Talk about something that will make you cry. Every year we make a donation to St. Jude and so today I called and made our pledge. This morning I was listening as I drove into town when I heard the story about a little boy Aiden who has a brain tumor. As I listened to the story I realized I knew this family. No, they aren't long time family friends, it was a family that I met only once but has been in my prayers. It was wonderful to hear that sweet little Aiden is still alive and doing really good. This past Nov., the day after Thanksgiving I went out to stand in line at the Best Buy at 3am. Anyway, the lady behind me was Aiden's mother. She was in line trying to get a computer to put in Aiden's room at St Jude so that she could stay in contact with family and friends. I was so touched by her story and so sad for everything she had to go through. She was so brave. I think about the family often and have been so sad that I didn't know how her precious little boy was doing. Today I made my pledge in his name. If anyone out there would like to make a difference in these children's life, please donate! Who knows, a day might come when any of us need their help.

Skin (Sarabeth)
By Rascal Flatts
BestAudioCodes.com

Our New Secret Pal Strikes!

Our original secret pal swap for our March group ended in December but I decided to stay in the swap. So this month I have a brand new secret pal and WOW did she/he out do herself!! Look at all of these amazing gifts! My pictures don't do justice but I wanted to get this BIG THANK YOU posted to my amazing pal! We received the cutest photo frame, school years book, and 2 special gifts just for me!! I love the nightgown and my first Asian material jacket! We love everything!! I apologize for this post being so late but the package was delivered wrong and we just got it after 2 weeks. Thank you so much secret pal for spoiling us rotten!

The Official Word

The CCAA has officially changed their site. We weren't sure if they were going to do it anymore but last night the site changed. This means that we are still in the review room. Our LID is 3/29/06 and they finished review up until 3/22/06. I'll be glad to know when we get through that part. I do want to say congrats to my fellow Feb and March group that are out of the review room. We now know for sure that the referrals went from Sept. 28 - Oct 13. Today if you get the chance go to Rumor Queen and check out all of these beautiful babies. (Tomorrow I will be back to looking at the big picture of just how long it will be before the stork visits us.)