Every Day life with Grace.......

Horses........What a day.

2012-01-05T20:12:00.002-05:00

I'm posting this one out of order, well because I don't want to forget any of the morning.

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

My days start at 5am, I take care of the dogs, then the three horses, then the kitty. Then I get coffee for me and the hubby. First let me say, he (hubby) is still recuperating from previous injury!

This morning didn't start unusual. I don't generally go into the pasture to feed the horses, I unplug the fence and reach their food in. I then chat and love on Cloud some at the gate where he eats. So this morning was no different, never opened the gate. That is a very important part of this story.

Paul had to leave early that day, he was on his way out of town, (nothing unusual there either) and PaulPaul was not home, (again, nothing unusual), so it was just me and Grace who was still upstairs sleeping. I have been sick for over a week, so I was laying in the bed..

Let me stop here and say - I don't have time for the Nervous Breakdown that I truly deserve to have after the last few months - I long for calm and peace.

Anyway, I hear what I thought was a car door, impossible, I live in the boonies, Its about 540 am, Neli starts carrying on, I go to the side door and low and behold see my horses on the wrong side of the fence. You did get the part I was alone.

I turn around to grab my coat and boots, by this time Cloud was in the front yard, didn't see the other two at that point. To say my heart sank would be an understatement. I have become very attached to Cloud. I ran to get a lead rope and in the dark could only find one. Now I don't see them at all. Let me say, I'm learning as I go along. I had a pony as a child and my daddy had a few horses, but I'm clueless. AND still learning to not show any fear and be assertive.

I grab my keys and phone, did I mention it was very cold outside. Window frosted, all the good stuff.

I call Paul Ray who is to Columbia by now, you could hear the displeasure in his voice, I told him to call my daddy. I went to the head of the road, afraid I'd see them on the highway. He couldn't get them to answer so I stopped and woke them up. I then rode back towards the house. I was beyond panicked! I then call our horse ladies (as I call them) (talk about good people - !!!!!! they are awesome) I called them both at 6ish and explained what happened and to see what I should do. Do you know they dropped what they were doing and came! Again, I cant say enough nice things about them!!!!!!!

About now my parents have made it to the house, Paul told me to look for prints, (did I say it was DARK) while I'm looking my cousin mary jo came to tell me they were in her yard. I got there but they were having no part of me catching them and OFF they went through the woods to a Neighborhood with paved roads. They were heading to a main road, instint took over, I drove on the side of the road, praying to God to not let them get hurt, got in front of them, slammed my car in gear (I'm surprised I didn't tear the car up that day, I went through the woods in it) Anyway, I jumped out ahead of them and got them turned around. At that point I was able to put my hands on Sam man by some small miracle! The other two kinda came back and first chance I had I grabbed Cloud with my left hand. So Picture me, Sam in right hand, he is not happy I have him and is showing his displeasure, Cloud in my LEFT hand. Cloud is a 9 month old Quarter Horse. This is a STRONG horse, he's put my dad on the ground, Pauls brother on the ground. At this point he's biting me and kicking me and pushing me into Sam. God gave me strength I didn't know I had! My parents got there about that time, I was yelling for my dad to come get cloud and my yelling only scared him more. Sahara, the 3rd horse (One that Santa left Grace for Christmas) didn't have a halter on. Thank God she stayed with the horses. So my daddy has Cloud, I have Sam and Sahara is following. Told my mom to park my car we'd come back for it. We Walked them back (one thing - having horses is helping me loose weight) down the paved road, through the woods, up through Mary Jos, down the dirt road and into my yard. I have never been so happy to see people in all my life. Both the horse ladies, Debbie, Jen and Bubba were there, they had come to help. My this point it had hit me what had happened and what could have happened. I need that break down!!!!! Bout that time, Paul Ray shows up, he turned around as soon as I called him. A few minutes later, PaulPaul got there. Needless to say, I went into work late and Grace went to work with me.

Horses

2012-01-01T21:53:00.001-05:00

Well we were lucky that the owners of the colt were willing to keep him until we were ready. They are great people, we refer to them as the horse ladies!

Paul wanted them to come home, when he came home from the hospital. Mind you, the man had a walker to walk with, was in extreme pain with tubes, etc STILL attached! He came home on Wednesday (even though I thought he should stay longer, I was afraid I'd do something and make things worse), the HorseS came home on Sunday. It was a great day.

I've learn to feed horses and do all sorts of things. Truth be told, I love it. Grace gave us dance and for a while piano for horses. Where did my girly girl go. This colt, born in April, was as beautiful as could be, and as wild as he was beautiful.

The Big Day! Everyone was there, very exciting.

Theres, Candy - that's momma

And there he is...Ridin on Cloud Nine

walking the property

waiting , just waiting.....the girl has had no fear!

How beautiful.

one of the kids had my camera. good pic - Erin and Donna

Hunter Boy

Paul Paul with his first experience with a horse.

my Cloudy Boy doing what he does best

Mom, I'm just going to lay here in our hay!

This baby is something! My dad comes down and works with him alot. He has knocked my daddy down. He has bitten many of people, he is about broke of that. Pauls brother Chris got his knew hurt working with him. You wouldn't think something that cute and small could be so powerful. Let me tell you, that is one Strong Horse!!!!! I could not watch it. I did look outside my window one day just in time to see Cloud rearing up at my daddy (whose vision is VERY Poor). I'm happy to report, that our boy has come a long way. He will usually walk with you, and do very well. I love just looking at him. And he loves kisses on his nose. Such a sweetie

Fair & Pumpkin Patch

2011-12-31T22:37:00.000-05:00

random pics

2011-12-31T22:26:00.002-05:00

The day God came to visit.

2011-12-31T22:20:00.003-05:00

I've been a believer all my life, gave my life to Christ on 10/06/2005. This was 2.5 months after the death of my niece, Devan Marie. I will never forget that night, his presence at church that night was something. Then there was the weekend at the ladies retreat, when he answered me about Grace, it was the most wonderful feeling. Again, something I would never forget.

On Saturday, November 5, 2011, I was watching TV, Grace was playing, and Paul Paul had actually came home that morning like I had asked him too. My husband, Paul Ray was out doing something like he is always doing.

I was sitting on the couch in my pj's with the TV going, it felt so good to be doing nothing. Paul Paul and his friend Sublet were in the front room with me, Grace was in my bedroom I think.

Now let me stop here and say, there is a song that Reba sings at Christmas time, The Christmas Guest, about a man, Conrad, who dreamed that Jesus was coming to visit him. During the day, he had three visitors, and each time it wasn't the Lord, but each time he welcomed them in. At the end of the day, he said Lord, why did you delay?

"Lift up your head for I kept my word.
Three times my shadow crossed your floor
And three times I came to your lonely door.
I was the beggar with bruised, cold feet
And I was the woman you gave something to eat.
I was the child on the homeless street.
Three times I knocked, and three times I came in.
And each time I found the warmth of a friend.
Of all the gifts, love is the best.
And I was honored to be your Christmas Guest.

Back to the story, but this song so much reminds me of that day. First let me say, my son is NOT one to just be up early on a Saturday morning, he didn't stay at home the night before. So the fact that he was home was something itself.

So we're talking and watching TV, when he says to me, what is that, and tells me to turn the TV down, I hit the mute button and was getting up to see. At that point I could hear my husband screaming for help, those screams are still in my head, they haunted me for the first week anytime I would close my eyes, (which wasn't a lot) I could hear him. Calling my name, and yelling Help! My husband is an extremely strong, brilliant man, he is always level headed, always. I don't know how long he had been yelling, he says not long. If my son hadn't been home, I would have responsible for the death of my husband. He is a perfectionist, there was something about a rod he didn't like. He had gotten a grinding tool that he had used a hundred times over.. However, this time, when he hit the on buttom, it went haywire, the 6 inch wide disc came off the tool and entered my husband in his lower stomach. I was going to put him in the car, we live in the woods. Again, he would not have made it. Paul Ray, had the strength and calmness he told me to call 911. I never saw any blood, even though he lost half of his. He was holding the wound so tight, that it wasn't going everywhere.

Now people believe different things. I don't know why God allows things to happen, but I know he was in charge that day. From getting Paul Paul up and there on time. To giving Paul the strength not to pass out and to stay strong. He was with the paramedic who made the call to have him airlifted to having one of the top surgeon's in the country oncall when he got there. I have no doubt God was in charge. I think I was on the phone with EMS for an easy 10 minutes. God Bless those people.

You know the song, You find out who your friends are!!!! Well I don't really count her as a friend, I consider her my sister. I stayed as calm as I could , my first thought was Grace, I had PaulPaul call my very Best Friend from the last 20+ years to come get Grace. She was here before the ambulance took him to meet the helicopter, and she kept our daughter for the next week. Taking her to school, doing homework, everything she needed. the one thing I dint have to worry about was my Gracie Girl. I also had him call Paul Rays family. My parents, Pauls family, and my boys were all at the hospital with me. My oldest was on a camping trip upstate, but he was there before Paul was out of surgery. My first born baby, was such a rock for me that weekend. He held my hand, he was just so sweet to me.

Once the paramedic had Paul and was working on him, PaulPaul took me to the hospital. We actually arrived 10 minutes before he got there. One blessing to come from this is that my husband has his family back in his life. His sister and youngest brother got there about the same time as us, I think. It seems like forever waiting on him. Once i saw the ambulance pull up, I went out to see him, he was still awake. We had to go back in a different door from him, the Priest came and got us and took us to him. I want to go and thank him, he was a wonderful man who would come say a prayer, doing Paul Rays second surgery. We were only able to see him a few brief minutes while they were prepping him for surgery. There were people working all around him. Those next few hours seemed like days. Those two days (Saturday and Sunday) seemed like forever. Not knowing if your spouse is going to live is not an easy thing to swallow.

We were taken to the ICU waiting room, and it was like being hit in the face. We were there 6 years earlier with Paul's sisters daughter, Devan. It was hard for me, and I could only image how hard it would be for her. Paul has NO clue what he looked like in the Trauma ICU, but it was a scary sight, walking in to see him. MUSC hospital = I can not say enough good things, again, God was in charge. The team of people working on him was just unbelievable. He spent 5 days in the hospital and he is still recovering. He went back to work, he just has to take things slow........which is new concept for him, one that he does not like.

But one thing is for sure, I know God was with us the entire time.

For all those that helped in any way, for all the many prayers, and notes, for those that sent food, or called. Everything meant so much to us, we can never repay you all for all the kindness shown. The kids in Graces class wrote him cards and they prayed for him every day. We are truly blessed.

Much Love,

Peggy

Riding on Cloud Nine........

2011-12-31T20:58:00.001-05:00

Last Halloween (2010) we took Grace to the mountains, she wore a Cowgirl Outfit.

That somehow started a love affair of horses???????????? I'm trying to remember when she actually fell in love with them. Anyway, she started asking for a horse for Christmas, now come on, what child does not want a horse for Christmas. I had a pony as a child, and I can remember playing with her for hours at a time. I have great memories. Anyway, I remember asking for another one in the 7th grade maybe - I got a go-cart!!!!!!! Anyhoo. Paul Ray had a couple of horses before I met him. So when Grace started asking for a horse, I could see that little thing in his head start spinning. Here we are on 20 acres of land, and he has a chance to get a horse. So he starts looking around, we came across a website that had this horse that caught his eye. To me, it looked like he was straight from the move Avatar! Well he had to go out of town, he calls me to send him the link, I'm thinking, what is he doing, this is a colt that cant be rode for at least 2 years, not to mention, Paul Ray is not as young as he was when he had horses before. Then he asks if I would call and see if we could LOOK at the horse. Now let me stop here, Paul Ray, NEVER NEVER makes a rush decision, this man drives me insane, he has to think about it long and hard, did I say long. So I make the appointment, we're riding out, he turns to me and says, we are just going to look, got it. yeah I got it, at this point, I still wasn't on that band wagon. His man stands looking at this colt, (he was 7 months at the time) for an hour, 6o minutes people. I didn't think we were going to leave. The next morning, not even 24 hours, THIS IS A RECORD, he says, I think we should get this horse. I mean he was hooked.

Don't you see Avatar?

So, we had to see if she'd hold him for a month while we got our property ready. Now we only have 2 acres cleared, so 1 acres was going to be the pasture. Now that was work. The three of us, even my Gracie girl who for the first 3 years hated to go outside, worked to get it ready. We got a little help from Paul Paul, but he likes to leave when he knows there is work to be done. Cant say I blame him, we're talking a lot of posts that had to be put in the ground. We were using post hold diggers. It was hard work, but it felt good to get it done. Cloud and his mom, Candy (she was going to stay so that he wouldn't be alone and get used to the new place) were due to arrive on Sunday, November 6th. My parents had helped us run the ropes for the fence that week, so everything was ready except for putting the hot box on the post and hooking it up.. things were looking good. Saturday, the 5th would be the first day off in a while that we didn't have to work. It was going to be a good weekend.

To be continued - takes a whole new story of its own.

Catching Up

2011-12-31T20:35:00.003-05:00

I haven't posted since October of this year (which has about 3.5 hours left in it). Since this blog is kinda my family scrapbook, I wanted to get it all down before I forget. I actually bought all the stuff BEFORE Grace came home to do a scrapbook for her, but its all still in a box. I still haven't got her quilt finished either. At this moment there is so much stuff I am behind on that it is truly not funny.
So lets see how much of this blog we can get caught up tonight. We're the party animals aren't we, New Years Eve, I'm on the laptop and Grace and her dad are playing connect four!

Happy New Year everyone!

2011-10-19T17:55:00.004-04:00

If anyone is looking for a really cool pool cue, let me know! Its a Meucci Cameo!

Are we really in October already?

2011-10-08T22:10:00.001-04:00

Its so hard to find the time to keep up with everything. Grace is loving 1st grade and doing very well. She continues to amaze me, she is still such a sweet girl. She keeps me very busy, so between work and her, that's my life.

We had to find a new a new piano teacher when her teacher starting working full time at the church. We now drive to Mt Pleasant each week, but Grace likes her teacher and is actually doing very well.

She still takes dance (for now) she is taking a tap class and a jazz/hip hop class. She however has decided she wants a horse, we're not sure where that came from...

She has also had a few sleepovers, her having someone here and her staying somewhere else, she did much better than I did with that. But she goes to a small school and the kids in her class get along so well together , I sure hope it stays that way.

Grace and Sierra

Grace is a Jr Generals cheerleader, they get to cheer with the big girls at a Varsity Football game.

Grace and her Aunt Bonny

one of her closet friends, they've been in the same class since K4

She is still such a daddy's girl

her first sleep over

Its homecoming week. This was tacky day, her favorite.

She's got SPIRIT yes she does, how about you?

she had her nails painted blue and gold, she had a CA on both cheeks, she was decked and ready

On Friday of homecoming week, they have a small parade, the uppershcool kids ride around for the lower kids, and it is a GREAT day.

and the CROWD went WILD

the cheerleaders arrived via a Hummer pulling a LARGE boat. It was too large to do the regular loop so the kids had to go to it.

Friday afternoon Pep rally, the Junior Generals got to do a cheer, they were AWESOME

Got Love ?

2011-09-24T20:32:00.005-04:00

http://www.minus1project.blogspot.com/

I just ordered myself this cool tervis tumbler. They are raising money for thier adoption

I have two other friends are in the process of raising funds for their adoption, so I'll be posting a link for them soon to

Back to School We Go

2011-08-28T19:52:00.001-04:00

Monday - How Cute
We Love Gymboree

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday
I love Smock Dresses

Friday - Spirit Day
GO GENERALS!!!!!!!!!

We're lucky that Grace truly enjoys school. She loves her school and her friends. Our school k4 - 12th has less than 400 kids and it is truly an awesome place. I'm so lucky that God put her there. We're looking forward to another great year.

Shes taking two dance classes this year, piano, and we're possibley looking into horse riding lessons. Yes I work to support my girl. She's also doing the Jr Generals Cheerleaders again this year. This is her third year. The girls in K4 through 6th grade can participate. They get to attend a Varisty Football Game, Basketball game, Homecoming Pep Ralley and the Summerville Christmas Parade. The football game is next Friday and its now on our homefield. We finally got lights and a scoreboard.

I just realized that I never posted about her summer camp. The church had a Princess Camp, she cried the first day I dropped her off, which means I balled like a baby the whole way to work. But by Friday, she had a ball!!!!!

This was the last day of camp, they got to wear what ever they wanted. She of course was the Princess that she thinks she is.

7th Birthday

2011-08-09T20:31:00.000-04:00

Grace celebrated her 4th birthday with us this year, that is one more than she had in China without us. I still think of her foster family and birth mother often. My little girl has come so far in life. She fills my heart with so much love. God truly is awesome. I am overwhelmed that he chose us to be her parents. I pray that she never has to struggle with who she is and her place in our lives. She is truly the center of mine and her dads life.

For her birthday this year, I wanted to have a party at a farm with horses, my hubby on the other hand did not and talked her into a bowling party.

Grace and Ashlee Gail

Dont you love that smile

Later that day we had a dinner for our baby boy's birthday party. He turned 22 this year, hard to believe that my little boy is that old.

Summer Fun

2011-08-06T19:57:00.003-04:00

The first summer that Grace was home, we took her to the beach, she would not touch the sand, period. Needless to say she wanted nothing to do with the beach. This was her 4th summer home, and since we're taking a cruise next summer, I thought it was time for her to like the beach. I mean we do live in the south. You have to love the beach, its just a given. She is a house person, and does not like going barefooted. I bought a summer pass, and hoped for the best. Our first trip out was for Ashlee Gails birthday, she loved it. The second trip, Ashlee actually got her to take her shoes off and walk in the sand. From that point on, thats all she wanted to do. So we've spent alot of time at the beach, and some how, this summer has flown by. I cant believe school starts in just over a week. I havent even gotten her birthday posted yet. We stay pretty busy. Grace also went to Vacation Bible School at church this year and had a great time. Dance is already started back, she is taking two classes this year. One is a Jazz/hip hop class, which I think she is really going to enjoy, she came out of class with a big smile last week. We also had to find a new piano teacher since Ms. Tracy took on a full time job at the church. She took her first lesson last week at Creative Spark. Its a 30 minute drive, but then again, every thing is a 30 minute drive from our house, EASILY!!!!! I tell my husband all the time, if I were to win the lotto, I'd move back to the city so fast, he wouldnt have time to blink.

Meeting with a dear freind

2011-06-18T23:54:00.000-04:00

about five years ago, I had the pleasure of meeting Sara, another mom in our LID group. Her family vacations in MB each year, so we met near by. It has become a yearly tradition that I look forward to.

they have grown so much since our first meeting with the kids.

We didnt get very many pictures this time, and I just realized we didnt get any of me and Sara..... But as aways it was worth the drive to Georgetown and a wonderful afternoon. The world of adoption has bought so many great people into our lives.

Mikeys Graduation

2011-06-18T19:34:00.000-04:00

My dearest friend, Bonnys oldest graduated high school the day after Graces dance recital. My how time is just flying by. Fort Dorchester High School Class of 2011

Now he didnt want a big party, he wanted family to go downtown to dinner at Magnolias. It was very nice and we honored to be included.

Grace, Cecila and Dawson. The all attend school together.

Grace and Carleigh

Mikey and the littles

The Compton Family

I always knew she was the ring leader

the girls

The Craven Grands - only Stacy Nicole is missing

well mom, waasnt I supposed to get my dress wet?????

best buds for 24 years now......geeze we Are Old

Dance Recital

2011-06-18T19:07:00.000-04:00

The last week of school (well really WEEKS) were hetic and crazy busy. Friday was the last day of school. I took a vacation day and went to school with Grace for field day. Always fun!!!! After school we had to go find Grace some shoes to wear to Mikeys Graduation the next day. Then home to get the little beauty ready for her dance recital. Did I mention it was three hours long, but I loved it. Grace lasted till about 30 minutes before it was over and she crashed.

Dont you love that smile

Ashlee Gail applying even more makeup.....

Kiss Anyone?

Ashlee Gail took this picture and I LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!! I did take her to have her pics taken, i'll post them at some point.

Aunt bonny gets the biggest smile, Why? you ask, because her flowers always come with a great big ole lolipop. I finally threw it out. She would lick on it every day and kept it in the refrig.

eyes that disappear when she smiles so big.

coming back after her performance to meet the moms.

some of the girls

thats alot of sass there

grace and her mama

If her daddy looks tired its because he is. Poor guy has been working alot lately, getting four stores remodeled in Wilmington and a new one open (just yesterday) in Florence. He came straight from work, he had been out of town.

her favorite part, getting flowers.

We had fun at dance this year, I'm hoping she will take it serioulsy and want to do the competition team in a few years. Next year we're going to do tap and jazz.

How can she be ready for 1st grade

2011-06-17T23:20:00.000-04:00

it feels like she should just be starting K4. This is her 4th year home and she is finishing up K5. We had another great year at CA. I love watching her form friendships that will continue for the next 12 years and beyound.

She had her K5 Graduation on the Monday of the last week of school, and field day was Friday. life has been a little hetic, which is why I'm so far behind in posting all of this.

the usual fireplace stand

Ms Whitney, so pretty

getting her certificate from Mr. Brown

how sweet

someone SLAP me if I ever want to cut my hair again, WHAT was I thinking. YUCK

my cousins daughter was in Graces class this year, and his little boy will be in K4 next year

dont you love how Grace is standing next to Ms W.....

Empress, we will miss her.....

this is grace's dearest friend, HUNTER, she loves this little guy, and sadly he wont be back next year. Really going to miss him

But it was another Great Year. Looking forward to a brand new year.

sweet 16 and never been kissed..........

2011-06-17T22:46:00.000-04:00

well I don't know if that is true, but my Sweet Ashlee Gail Compton did celebrate her Big 16 this year. We went for our usual breakfast at Crackle Barrel and then what did she want to do?????? She wanted to go to the beach. I sure hope she enjoy her big day, because we did. We were very honored that she would want to spend her day with us.

We love you Ashlee Gail!!!!!! I'm so glad that you are such a big part of Grace's life. I know we are going to have so much on our "DREAM" vacation next summer.

What a great aunt!!!!!!!

On another note, Grace has been home four years now, I decided it times she becomes a real southerner and learns to love the beach. We took her her first year home and she HATED it. paul had to hold her the whole time. she does like to go without shoes.

She cant go on a cruise with two beach days and dislike the beach. so we bought a beach pass this year and are going regularly now, and I must say she is learning to LOVE it.

Spring School Pics and Easter Party

2011-04-17T13:39:00.000-04:00

2011 Spring Pictures K5

After school on Friday she went to see the Easter Bunny

Cant get her to stand still anymore

Time is flying, school is almost over. I cant believe she will be in first grade next year. Paul is already talking about locking her in the house and sitting on the porch with a gun! She recentlly got a big girl bed and I must say SHE LOVES IT! She even slept in it during the weekend, but was when she was always in our bed. Interesting, who know.

Gotcha #3

2011-03-31T22:34:00.000-04:00

Three years ago today God blessed our family with our very own Princess. As a little girl growing up I always saw myself with a family, and that family always had a little girl. God would first give me two boys. I love them deeply but still always wanted that little girl. This desire was always there. I had finally put that nagging feeling to rest. The boys were nearly grown.

In 2005 we lost our neice in a car accident, and this changed my husbands heart on the matter. One day standing in the front room, he said, "lets adopt". Well if you know us and how our marriage works, that was it, there was no taking it back, and I had tons of info for him within days. I did all the research, which kinda floored him, but he knew to expect it.

At this point in our lives we were in the process of TRYING to see our home and build the home that we would retire in (which meant we were building the perfect size home for TWO and it was too late to change that now) We wernt having much luck at selling our home, so I was told not to do anything, we werent discussing it until we were moved in to the new house. OK then, we moved in and on the second night here (thats IN right) I said to him as he was getting in the shower, I have everything done, I just need your signature. To say he wasnt pleased would be an understantement. See we were then paying TWO mortage payments.

Fast Forward, February 11, 2007 were were logged in with CCAI. The others familied logged in at the same time are STILL waiting for a referral. In July we submitted our Medical Checklist for the special needs program. On Friday, November 30, 2007 I logged on email to see chatter about a little girl. Her special need was she was born with congential cataracts, her file had her listed as basically blind, she should see some shadows, etc but would never be mainstream. I logged on to see her, and as they say, I fell in love. I called and left messages with CCAI before they were opened and by the time I got through to them, they had a list of people wanting to see her file. I was told I would be put on a waiting list.

This is the first picture that I saw of my little Lu Xin Ming or Mingming as she was called.

Talk about a long weekend, I only mentioned her file to a few people, and I wondered if I had the right to ask my family to take on a child with such problems. On Monday morning, I got a phone call from Pam at CCAI asking if I wanted to see her file, my heart nearly came out of my chest. They emailed it and sent the hard package overnight. When we saw what it said about her vision, it did scare me, and I know it scared my husband. He knew my dreams of the things I wanted to do with a little girl, and she was older than the toddler we had requested. He also knew that we could only do this once. I admire so many of my friends who have returned two, three and some even more to adopt a child. The more we discussed it, the more scared I got, what if we didnt bring her home, all I think was what if someone else gets her and doesnt love her like I do or take care of her, my heart literally hurt just thinking about it. Paul would tell me to call his sister, to talk about it with her.

We only had till Wednesday to make up our minds. My dear sweet husband, bless his heart, drives me insane, he has to S L O W L Y think things through. I was a mess on that Wednesay, I was due to call them with an answer and we hadnt come to a decision yet. He called me five minutes after I was suppose to call them, and the rest as they say, is history.

My husband with a heart of steel at times, has become I man I always knew he would. This little girl truly holds the key to his heart in her tiny little hand. I was a mess that morning we went to pick her up. I was in tears before I arrived, and they flowed for the longest time that day.

this was our family's first climps at Grace.

In her Daddys Arms

One Year Home

Two Years Home

Taken last month

I asked her the other day, if it felt like she has been home for three years, and my baby girl said it seems like forever :) When she speaks of her time in China, she refers to that as before she was born. She was born at 3. (She was almost four when we Got Her).

People say how lucky she is, but I, along with her daddy, and every other adoptive family out there, knows that is not the case, We are the Lucky Ones. God Chose Us To be Her Parents, we are truly blessed.

Happy 3rd Gotcha Day Grace.

We love you to the moon, back to Moncks Corner, all the way to Heaven and back to China.

Dance Photos

2011-03-20T12:35:00.002-04:00

I'm one happy camper

2011-03-18T22:42:00.000-04:00

Disney Dream

I'm a huge fan of cruising, I'd cruise several times a year if I could afford it. I've been wanting to take

Grace on her first cruise. Well it finally happened. I got the go ahead from the hubby and we are booked. This will be my first Disney cruise, (and my first balcony) and I am beyond excited. Now we have a little over a year to get ready and PAY for it. We set said aboard the new (starting sailing January 2011) Disney Dream on Grace's 8th birthday. We leave out of Port Canaveral, Florida for 5 days of a slice of Heaven. I sure hope Grace has a wonderful time.

Day 1 Port Canaveral, Florida — 3:45 p.m.

Day 2 Castaway Cay 8:30 a.m. 4:30 p.m.

Day 3 Nassau 9:30 a.m. 6:00 p.m.

Day 4 At Sea — —

Day 5 Castaway Cay 8:30 a.m. 4:30 p.m.

Day 6 Port Canaveral, Florida 7:30 a.m. —

Anyone want to join us?

Grace's First Date

2011-02-26T19:59:00.000-05:00

with her daddy

of course

the princess ready for the ball

I love the look on her face here.

He rang the door bell and had flowers and YES I had tears. He adores his little girl to no end.

he even opened the door, he didnt do that for me at our wedding. You dont know how much this little one has changed this man.

with her daddy of course.

Heaven is the face......

2011-02-26T19:52:00.000-05:00

happy birthday Devan Marie.
We miss you, love you and still think of you every day.

Two - Two - We want two, ah yes we do

2011-02-26T19:24:00.000-05:00

2011 Cheer Team - Cathedral of Praise

Grace and Berkely, one of her classmates at CA

Today was the last game of the season, Very Bittersweet. Grace enjoyed it but when she got the trophy, she was over the top

2011-02-20T14:14:00.000-05:00

Congratulations

Chelsea and Paul

Chelsea and Paul also live in Charleston, and they also have a daughter from Tianjin, China.
Well this week, they traveled back to Tianjin, China for thier son. I am so happy for you guys. They also got to meet his foster family, which I think is truly a gift. I cant wait to see the pictures of the little guy with his siters and brothers. Safe travels home. Click on their name to visit their blog.

Also, Good luck and safe travels another local family. Penny and her husband Shannon are adopting thier second child from China. Penny will be staying home with her two kids, (pray for her, I know she is on pins and needles). Her husband Shannon (what an awesome dad) and his father are going to make the trip and bring Samuel Home. I pray for a safe trip for them. Click HERE to follow thier journey.

Paul and I also have very intesting news ourselves (sorry its NOT what you are thinking). Stayed tune, I'll post about that next week.

Poor Barbie

2011-01-01T21:27:00.000-05:00

Grace came to me with her barbie and stuck it in my face. I ddidnt see what I was suppose to. It appears she had an injury, by the name of Belle. I've told Grace NOT to leave her stuff down. Belle is very fond of all of the barbie stuff, dolls, clothes, anything.

So Grace leaves the room and comes back with Barbie wearing a bandaid! Poor Barbie, she will never use that hand again.

Welcome 2011

2011-01-01T12:09:00.000-05:00

Well another year is here, they seem to go so fast, faster each year. So many things are changing, my boys are both grown, my oldest is married. I'm looking forward to them starting their own little family ONE day. We were lucky enough to have them here with us for Christmas eve and Christmas morning again this year. Both my boys were gone for Thanksgiving. Grace is growing like a weed. She started piano lessons this past year (and is doing great), she cheered and continues to take dance lessons. Never a dull moment with her around.

As every year comes to an end and a new one approaches, I make my resolutions as most people do, and then I don't keep them.

I'm going to try and do better this year. But here they are:

1. Read the bible in a year, there is a program (or a layout, I should say) that gives you certain things to read each day This is my biggest goal, I hope to stick with it and finish this up next December. Here is the link if you'd like to join me, Click Here

2. Next, I really need to loose some weight and just be healthier. forget I have 2 meds that help ADD weight.

3. I want to let things go that bother me, people that don't want to be in our lives, just not worry about it. Not deal with the drama. I wont put myself in those positions anymore, or my daughter. Its not fair to us.

4. Get more involved - in anything, something

5. Go to church more regularly, get Grace involved. She has always set with us at church, even though she goes to school there. weird I know.

6. In general, just be a better me!

Well I have a ton of work to do now! I hope that you have a very Wonderful New Year and I pray that God blesses you in this year. I also pray that all my new found friends that are waiting to travel to bring their little ones hope have a safe journey. Wouldn't it be awesome, if every child had a loving parent. I remember reading in the paper a few weeks ago about the young mother who watched and allowed her son to be hurt hanging in a closet by other kids. I sat and cried, I don't understand how anyone could hurt an innocent child. I know I got sidetracked there.

God Bless and much love

Peggy

Christmas 2010 in picture

2011-01-01T11:27:00.000-05:00

santa bought clarise a friend

The man who didnt want another dog

Grace meeting Annabelle Rae Winge for the first time!!!!! she said OOOOOOOOOOHHHHHHHHHHHHH

one gift he couldn't guess, he's going skydiving in the spring

I was exhausted

We call her Belle

Mommas Baby Girl

More of December

2011-01-01T10:09:00.000-05:00

getting ready for cheer-leading at the varsity game

Go Generals

Ashlee Gail and the JV Fort Dorchester Patriots

Christmas Dance Recital

Mom had to work, so dad went to her Christmas Party

Ashlee Gail Dressed her! nuff said

how does she look as a blond

Compton Christmas Breakfast, Lynds fixing the adults a hot toddie

Grace singing at church


Kissing mommy goodbye as she goes for her first sleepover

Paul Ray and I were given tickets to a Panthers Football game, since we were leaving early, we let Grace have her very first sleep over. she did great!!!! until we we called late Sunday and she heard my voice. Bad Move on my part, but other than that, she had a great time. I know I dont have to worry about her when she is with Ash and Aunt Bonny

Uncle Chickenhead

Princess getting ready for the parade

Clarise waiting to see Grace come by on the CA Generals float

Grace's dance studio was also in it

saying goodbye till next year to her elf

From Our Home to yours

2011-01-01T08:29:00.001-05:00

We wish you a very Merry Christmas

December does keep us busy

2010-12-07T22:14:00.000-05:00

and tonight it was a Christmas Blessing at CA. And What a Blessing it Was! I truly enjoyed every minute.

The skirt was perfect, Thank you Tammy so much

Some of the kids from the High School performed, and they ROCK! They are awesome.

And This!!!!! It gets me every time. It brings me to tears and reminds me just how lucky I am. My baby girl born and lived for the first 3.5 years of her life in a county that most do not know or believe in God. My girl sings with her hand raised in praise. God just continues to work awesome wonders.

This is Mr. Brown, Head Master or Principle, which ever you perfer. You would think the Little's would be scared of such a tall man with a strong voice, but anytime I see him approach a child, he is getting a hug. Such a wonderful sight, it means so much to know that Grace is in such a great place.

Who doesn't love snow?

Next she is cheering at the Varsity Basketball Game. Saturday is her Christmas Dance Recital, Sunday is the Summerville Parade, she be on the CA float. The last week of school for the year brings a field trip downtown for a play and a party. Not to mention we have our work dinner party, our Compton Christmas Breakfast. Grace will have her first sleepover. She is back at church that Saturday. We have Paul Rays birthday, church in Moncks Corner on Thursday, Christmas Eve at Cathedral and somewhere in there, I've got to go to GA to pick up a gift. Whew, there went the month of December and went it goes the year 2010. The older I get the faster time goes.

Merry Christmas, and remember to enjoy the season.

Armando the Elf and Going to see Santa 2010

2010-12-07T21:26:00.000-05:00

Like clockwork, our Elf on a Shelf turned up Thanksgiving morning, and Grace was excited to see him. He was in her Stocking and even left a letter. We never know where to expect the little guy, today he was upsise down on a a kitchen cabinet.

Time to go see Santa. A much loved tradition. She told him about 4 or 5 items, with the big one being a puppy.

Grace and her much loved reindeer, Clarise.

Thanksgiving Parade and Party at CA (school)

2010-12-07T21:19:00.000-05:00

Last year she was an indian, this year....

Grace, the Pilgrim

The annual Thanksgiving Parade.

They made placemats, arnt they cute.

Happy Birthday Brandon

2010-12-07T21:09:00.000-05:00

Santa 2010

2010-11-27T21:01:00.000-05:00

My mom and I took Grace to see Santa today. She loves Christmas just like her momma. She told Santa the following:

I would like a real puppy, a walking puppy, a Tangled Hair Salon and a Training Pup (new to me, not sure what that one is. There was one more thing and I cant remember what it is. When we got in the car, she told me I forgot to tell him I wanted the new Tinker Bell movie. I told her to tell Armando and it would pass it on. She just now got around to telling her daddy, I told him she wanted one, he keeps saying NO, but I think he is realizing she really wants one, and its not me telling her to say that. For some reason she didn't want to tell him, she kept saying it will be a surprise, and I was thinking oh, it will be more than that if Santa brings a puppy without daddy's approval.

Her elf (Armando) is back this year, he was here when we got up Thanksgiving morning, she was so very excited to see him and even more excited that he left her a note and told her that he had gotten her letter and delivered it to Santa.

Yesterday was Black Friday, a big tradition here is for the girls to spend the day out. My alarm went off at 330 am, Grace and I were out the door at 430 and met Aunt Bonny and Ashlee at 5 in Moncks Corner. We hit the Walmart, then headed to Myrtle Beach, where we hit TWO outlet shops, the Bass Pro Shop, the Mall and Boardwalk at the Beach. Grace got her annual visit to the Build a Bear workshop. She got the Reindeer you see in the picture. She has carried it everywhere. We stopped at Crackle Barrel for dinner (9:00 it was a LATE dinner) Clarice even got her own highchair. She loves that things. Its so cute. I wish we had a build a bear here, that would make a nice birthday party.

Merry Christmas

Peggy

FCC Picnic and First Tooth

2010-11-27T20:44:00.000-05:00

I am WAY behind in my blog, there is SO much going on at work. A couple of weeks ago, our local FCC (Families with Chinese Children) had a get together at James Island County Park. It was a beautiful day. I even managed to get my older kiddo's to attend. Paul was out of town.

Lyndsey helped her in the tree!

Big kids played Football. Not sure Brandon knew what he was doing.

ahhhhhh

We decided to stay and see the lights which started that weekend, we had about an hour, so Brandon slept and the others watched TV

I got one picture, went to snap another one, and Grace had decided ENOUGH

She has been wanting to loose a tooth so bad for about a year now. And actually the last time to tried to attend a FCC picnic we were walking out the door when she fell and landed on a top tooth. This bottom took was only loose a few days. We were at the picnic she was trying to eat a hot dog when it came out.

Now she asks all the time when will another one come in, Silly Girl. She tried her best to stay up and wait on the tooth fairy, Momma was so tired, she finally passed out around midnight. Whew, it was hard to stay awake I got up the next morning and asked what she got and to take a picture. She has already put it in her wedding jar (as we call it).

Disney on Ice

2010-11-27T19:22:00.000-05:00

Grace's very wonderful Aunt Bonny wanted to take Grace to see Disney on Ice, so her, Ashlee Gail and Aunt Bonny went. You can tell by the smile on her face how excited she is!

Uhm, looks like Ash added a little touchup to my baby girl!

Grace is so very lucky to have you two in her life. She had a WONDERFUL time. We love you!

For a Chance to Win A Computer

2010-11-27T19:09:00.000-05:00

Visit Angie at her site: http://angiesgiveawaysandreviews.blogspot.com/2010/11/giveaway-time.html for your chance to win your very own computer, just in time for Christmas!

to the moutains we go

2010-10-25T20:09:00.000-04:00

And never again will we venture there in Peak Season. We literally (which by the way, Grace shocked us both on the way there by using that word in a sentence) spent 22 hours total in the car in traffic from 2:00 pm Friday until we got home on Sunday evening. It was a mix of poor planning but mostly we weren't sure if Paul was going to be able to go until that week, and the hotel we wanted was booked. And in my defense it looked much closer on the map. We drove up to Seiverville/Kodac TN on Friday night (we had to hit the Bass Pro shop don't you know). then to our hotel in Gatlinburg, TN. The train is in Bryson City, NC. Really, now I'm guessing you have to be a nature lover, but I just don't get it, yes the leaves were beautiful but REALLY!!!! Paul said Gatlinburg was like Myrtle Beach on steroids or worse. He is not much of a people person, so this was not a good place for him, and he hates traffic, so it was stressful. Enough complaining, on with the pics.

Oh, and by the way, the rocks do fall!

She is such a daddys girl. As soon as she was dressed, she said, you think Daddy will like it.

Isnt she a beautiful cowgirl

First glimpse of the Peanut gang.

I love these shots. Hand in Hand

Funny story here, all the kids got off the train and lined up to see the gang. Grace was 5th in line, one through four go up stand, smile, take a picture and walk off, not my girl, she goes to Lucy, takes a picture, then over to Charlie, takes a picture and then to Snoopy to take a picture.

bobbing for apples

yummmmm, marshmellows

I thought she was being very brave, thinking to myself, not gonna happen. sure enough......

she had to be rescued by her knight!!!! She does hold the key to his heart.

Now, this stand, she kept doing it, and I kept saying stop that, why are you standing like that. Turns out that is how the little girl on the picture of the package her outfit came in was standing.

Trick or Treating, she had a GREAT time

getting a tatoo, which we scrubbed off that night.

looking for the perfect pumpkin

Her daddy loved the small ones.

coloring

playing in the corn box

waving goodby

outside the hotel

The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad. This was the reason for the trip.

and they take pictures like the cruise ships, its the only thing we bought over than food and a pack of silly banz.

Pumpkin Patch

2010-10-25T19:36:00.000-04:00

This was Grace's first field trip this year, and I dont understand why blogger refuses to put my picture in the right order. URGH. Anyway, we went to a pumpkin patch, it was a family run event. They have a large and small corn maze, we did the small one, I could see someone getting lost really easily out there. They also have animals and it was a perfect day.

How cute is this dress? Perfect for a pumpkin patch.

Dont you know, she walked in, bent over, picked up the smallest one she could find!!!!

decorating her prize pumpkin

Happy Birthday

2010-10-10T16:58:00.000-04:00

Happy Birthday Aunt Bonathon!!!

We spent the last Saturday of the September with Bonny and Ashlee. Long standing tradition (love traditions). We have breakfast and then whatever. The birthday girl usually gets to choose where we eat. Ashlee Gail and myself always choose Crackle Barrel and Bonny usually chooses IHOP. However there is a new CB in Summerville and Grace likes to eat where they have toys, so wanna guess where we went.

I cannot believe its October already, Christmas is right around the corner. I am not ready for that, or should I say, my wallet is not ready for that. My calendar on the other hand is ready and prepared, and almost full! Grace will be in a Christmas show for dance as well as in the Christmas parade. So excited.

October also brings our wedding anniversary on it. We have so much going on at work right now, so we decided to wait til the weekend to go out. And as Paul Rays puts it, Grace is attached (at the hip) so we had a family date night. Dinner and a movie. It was her first real move, she was asleep after an hour.

What did we see.....I've been waiting since May when they announced it at the Derby. I bought our tickets a few days early and arrived 30 minutes before showtime. I figured it would be packed, I was wrong, I guess not everyone is a big horse race fan, go figure. We however loved it. I heard Grace and her dad talking early, he's trying to talk her into riding lessons instead of dance lessons. I don't think so bud!!!!! But I would love to have a horse.

Back to the movie, it was awesome. I truly enjoyed it. You can count on the DVD being in my collection.

Spirit Week at CA

2010-10-10T16:45:00.000-04:00

It was spirit week at school. For the lower school, they had disney day, she was a princess. Tuesday was Tacky day, which I didnt think she would enjoy but boy was I wrong, Wedneday was book day, Thur was class day and Friday, of course is CA GENERALS!!!!

Have you ever seen a prettier princess.

Even Tacky, she is pretty as can be.

Gigi, Gods Little Priness

Little General!

pep ralley

Our CA GENERALS Varsity Girls.

2nd game with the Little Generals

Grace hugging Ms. Brooks. She is always hugging somebody.

Little Generals Cheerleading

2010-10-10T16:29:00.000-04:00

Brandon, Lyndsey and Grace


Grace and Cecila

Our school, Cathedral Academy, always has the Little Generals Cheerleading. They get to attend few practices with the Varisty girls, and then attend one football and one basketball game. They also got to participate in the pep rally this year. I'll post those in a sec. This year they got to attend 2 football games as well. Grace loves her school

I really need a new camera with a nice lenses on it. I'm asking, but its just not ever in our budget.

A Hiking We Will Go

2010-08-28T13:37:00.000-04:00

Ok, no we wont, but I did offer. We're taking Grace to the mountains, this time in October when the leaves are changing. I was trying to find something thing he would enjoy as well. Well besides the stop at the Bass Pro Shop. I was even going to do the white water rafter, which scares me like you wouldnt believe. but (hehe) thankfully Grace is not old enough or weight enough yet (thats my girl). So I thought maybe we could go hiking in the moutains, at first he thought that was funny, and ended it with You Hate Walking, NO!!, I think he was worried about having to carry Grace. Anyway.

So we are taking a quick 3 night trip to the mountains, haven't decided yet where we are staying. The only thing we have confirmed is the Smokey Mountain Railroad in Bryson NC. That should be a fun filled day. They have the Peanuts that time of year.

And I thought we could get a cabin and take our own food and for those that know me know that is not a vacation!!!!!! :) I didnt realize my hubby thinks the same way. Its seems a hotel has won out in favor of eating out. My kinda trip any day of the week. Now just gotta figure out where to stay.

We tried to talk our manchild into going with us, he is just rude and wont go. Poor Grace, I wish she had a younger sibling, but I don't feel bad enough to have another one, we have met our quota.

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Grace is doing great with Piano! Its amazing how well she takes everything in, I wish I did. Her dance class has had only 2 little girls in it, so they have moved them both to a different day, cant wait to see who all is in that class on Tuesday.
She is also doing the Little General Cheerleader this year at school. Her first practice is this week. Maybe one day she will be a varsity CA cheerleader!!!!

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My dear sweet Ashlee Gail is sailing out of Chas on Wednesday, LUCKY DOG!!! I'm trying to arrange for Grace to go see the ship leave. We are so lucky to have her in our lives. I hope she has a great time. I'm sure she will. Wish I were going with you. We will def have to plan one of those together. Hey, Paul Ray is now wanting to go to Bermuda. So we'll see. Ash, remember, if you use Tanning Oil, you will be sorry!!!!!! Have a great trip, you get back on Monday, we'll see you on Tuesday. Love ya

Night Before and first day of K5

2010-08-16T20:00:00.000-04:00

Getting ready for bed.

Thanks Aunt Bon and Ash for key chain

Grace and Empress

She was ready for me to leave her alone, she all but said LEAVE!

My girl did great for her first day of K5, and proud to report that Mom didn't cry either. Maybe I have this down finally.

We read the book, The Kissing Hand before she went to bed, its a great book for the start of a school year, of course I cry. But its a great tradition, and she loves is.

Happy Birthday Lyndsey!!!!!!

2010-08-16T19:51:00.000-04:00

Happy Birthday, Love ya

Grace gets mail and meet the teacher night

2010-08-16T19:39:00.000-04:00


Finding out who her teacher is

Grace got a card on Wednesday telling us she got Ms. Whitney for her teacher and we went to meet her on Thursday night.

Dance class starts back

2010-08-16T19:34:00.000-04:00

getting ready for dance class

OK MOM ENOUGH PICTURES

My sweet girl with her new dance bag

My Dear Friend

2010-08-05T09:36:00.000-04:00

As you all know I've met some great people through our adoption of Miss Grace (who almost caused me to choke her this morning but that's another story). Most of these people I have not met in person, but there are a few I have. One particular person I've met and am so happy to call a friend is Penny. Her and her family live here. She has one bio son and has been to China (not too long after us) for their beautiful daughter Norah, who I've only had the pleasure of meeting once. She is a beauty.

Well, this wonderful family is going back again, this time for a son. He is about the cutest thing, click HERE to visit their website. As we all know adoption AIN'T cheap! We all do what we have to do to bring our kids home. At the right of my blog is a picture of Samuel, if you click on it, it will take you to a site, Sweets for Samuel. This is a fundraiser to help bring this little man home. We all love sweets, so what would be a better way to help out.

Penny, I am so thrilled for you and your family and can not wait to follow along on your next journey.

God Bless You
I love You

Peggy