I had an AMAZING day!

Today was an amazing day!  I have not been able to say that for a little while due to problems with the home study agency and a back injury.  I was feeling a little down.  I went to physical therapy this morning and had a little time to kill before my hair appointment (yes this was to be my cheer me up day).  I felt a strong need to go to a quilting store that I had not visited in almost a year.  It was a strange prompting for me- I have a regular quilt shop that I frequent that is closer to my hair salon.  I decided that I would follow where I was now feeling compelled to go.  I did not understand the feeling and I really did try to question it in my mind, but I went anyway.  I had convinced myself that there was probably an awesome lady bug or panda fabric there that I might have missed out on.  WOW was I wrong!

While browsing through the endless bolts of fabric at Quiltworks, I had my attention stolen.  Through the front door walked a mother of two gorgeous Asian girls.  The mother definitely looked more like me than she did her daughters, but there was no father with them in the store so I didn’t want to make any assumptions.  Several of the employees of the quilt shop seemed to know this mother and all of the interactions were jovial and friendly.  When the family came loser to where I was (now only partially glancing at the fabric) I commented on how beautiful the girls were and that my husband and I were in the process of adopting a beautiful child from China.  The mother gave me a huge smile and told me that her daughters were from Hunan and Guangdong.

I did not leave the quilt shop with any fabric today and yet it was the most productive shopping trip I have had!  Not only did she stop what she was doing to answer my hundred and one questions, but she also went on inform me about a large support group that meets every Tuesday at a local restaurant to talk about adopting from China and all that comes with it.  She invited me to come and become part of the group!  WOW! 

When I got home after my hair appointment (now almost a red head- will have to see how it fades- let it grow on me) I called my adoption agency, CCAI, on her (the lady from the quilt shop) recommendation to let them know about my struggles with the adoption agency.  Kim, from the dossier department at CCAI, was more than helpful with my questions and offered to send the social worker an email to see if she could help speed things along.  She was kind enough to blind carbon copy (bcc) us on the email, and she went above and beyond my expectations.  I felt like I needed to hurry things up after reading it, and I have everything done!  I was even informed that approximately an hour later the social worker had already responded with a much shorter timeline than the one she gave Ray last week.

I believe in GOD!  I know that he is real and that he knows my struggles personally!  Today was just one more reminder to me of that fact.  If it were up to me with all of my stubbornness- I would have never been in the right place for this wonderful experience to take place.  I was supposed to be there to meet this family!  I am so thankful that my heart was touched and that I was able to listen to the promptings in my life today!

“The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise” (Proverbs 12:15)

“Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath” (James 1:19)

Thank you to all of the people in my life that have been, and continue to be, an inspiration in my life. You are strength in my times of trial.  Today was an amazing day!

Squishy #25

The shabby chic swap continues.  This fabric is going to be a wonderful challenge to use in the quilt because of the large print- but I love a good challenge!  It is beautiful and I can tell you all that I love this group!  Thank you Dawn!

Squishy #24

The second international piece of fabric I received is from Puerto Rico through the shabby chic exchange.  It is very dainty looking and I LOVE the wish- the picture is precious!  Thank you Lidanette!  I am loving the OHGWQ yahoo chat board!  I am almost a quarter of the way to my goal of 100 wishes!

Squishy #23

I have a great idea for this piece of fabric- I am seeing the possibility of appliqué ladybugs!  Thank you Virginia! 

Squishy #22

Jennifer (from Those Darn Cats) sent this fun piece of fabric.  I must say that I am kinda partial to Tink!  I am really feeling all of the overwhelming support of my friends and family today.  Thank you to everyone that has contributed!  Jennifer I am so thankful that your positive energy will be included in this project. 

Our child will know that he/she comes into a world were skin color, nationality, and looking like everyone else are traits not related to the true character of a person.  He/She will come into a home of unconditional love regardless of gender or special need.  I know this is not something that I could say if our future child stayed in China.  It may have been part of the reason that our child will come to live with us- because they were abandoned for one of those simple reasons, but in our home- none of that will matter.

I definitely am feeling the pixie dust today Jennifer!  Thanks!    

The Red Thread: An Adoption Fairy Tale

This amazing book was also included in the package of squishies.  If you have never read it- it is a must read!  I could barely finish reading it aloud to Ray because I was bawling by the end.  It is very fitting for anyone adopting (feeling the ache in your heart for something that isn’t filled by anything else in the world) but focuses specifically on adoption from China- the red thread theme.

Michelle had the opportunity of having the author sign the book for us when the author visited the school where Michelle teaches.  The purchasing of the book was an adventure all it’s own, but it was tracked down in time for the author’s autograph to be added to the already special gift. 

My sister also included a spool of red thread to be used in the quilt.  I am sure that I will put it all to good use during the construction phase of this project. 

I am sure that our child will be just like the child in the story- wanting the tale retold many times.  I also have a feeling that we will be like the parents of the story- feeling all too happy to reread the story because it is our favorite as well. 

Knowing how the red thread connects us makes my conviction even stronger.  We ARE parents already- we just don’t have a “due date” yet.

Thanks again Michelle!

The Red Thread: An Adoption Fairy Tale

Squishies 16-21

Today I received a package from my oldest sister and her family.  All of the family, the four kids plus Mike and Michelle, were allowed to pick whatever fabric they felt would represent them in the 100 wishes quilt.  Yes, there are some eclectic fabric choices in the mix and I LOVE IT!  (I was surprised that Mike’s wasn’t based on french fries though…wink) 

My sister Michelle is in early education as a third grade teacher.  Her wish for our little one to be is very fitting.  I am not at all surprised that her wish involves “leaping” into learning and is depicted by the frogs.

Mike, my bother-in-law, decided that he was best depicted by fish.  Again- really not a surprise (other than the french fry thing).  He loves to go fishing and hunting and wants the little one to enjoy and appreciate the nature around us.

Mitchell (the oldest of all the nieces and nephews) wanted to find fabric that included sports but was unable to find just the right fabric so he went with his favorite color- which by the way is also my favorite color.  He shares the wish with us that our child will be active, healthy, and strong.

Meagan is my budding musician in her family.  She plays the clarinet, and I knew as soon as I glanced at the musical notes on the fabric that it MUST be from MY Meagan.  (You know that you got your musical talent from me and Poppie right?) Her wish is about musical appreciation.

McKenna is my budding socialite.  She enjoys being with friends and being in the spotlight.  Recently she was a part of her school’s internal news broadcast as an anchor woman.  There is no way that you would have convinced me to be in front of a camera let alone the “star” of the show- especially at her age.  She wishes for her future cousin to find a “sassy and spunky side”.  That wish from McKenna is very appropriate! 

Mason is the rambunctious youngest child.  He is full of love and life (and energy).  He chose the dog fabric with the accompanying wish of a love for animals.  I think that his love for animals greatly increased with their family’s addition of Beastie (a Chihuahua that looks VERY similar to our Belle).  I know that Beastie would approve! 

I am so excited that everyone will have the opportunity to be represented in the quilt!  And yes all of the amazing prints will find a place to be showcased in the finished piece.  I know that when our little one snuggles up in this love filled quilt there will be no doubt that he/she is loved and supported by tons of people. 

Thanks guys! Love ya tons!!!!!!