Graduation Day!

OK, a very proud momma here! Yesterday at 10:00 am, Cody graduated High School! What a bitter-sweet moment that was. I can't believe this day actually came. You talk about this "big event" for years and don't put much thought into the emotions that come with your sweet little one growing up and moving on. I have to admit, I was a basket case for a few days with the unknown of what my true reaction would be when he walked across that stage and drove away from that school for the last time. A friend of mine told me about this book, "Let me hold you longer", by Karen Kingsbury. If you haven't read it and you have boys especially,buy it and a box of tissue. Here is a little sneak peek;

"Long ago you came to me, a miracle of firsts: First smiles and teeth and baby steps, a sunbeam on the burst. But one day you will move away and leave to me your past, And I will be left thinking of a lifetime of your lasts...."

*By the way, Cody got a copy of this book on graduation day. When he was smaller, he had a handful of special books we read. Those will never leave his room. Yes, we are building again, but he will always have his room at home as long as I am his Mother and I think that is FOREVER! No downsizing for us. ;)

Cody, We are so proud of you and your accomplishments, I have already spoken to you college room-mate and he doesn't mind if I come too!! ;)

New pictures of Audrey's orphanage

Chengdu: As aftershocks continue, the orphanage decided to take the precaution of moving the children outside.

This is so difficult from me to look at. These pictures are very humbling and after being there such a short time ago, my heart goes out to everyone that has suffered. I wish, like I am sure others do as well, that I could go back and help in some way. I can't help but think that Audrey could have been among those we see.

Re-adoption Day!

Last Friday we went to court and re-adopted Audrey, although we had adopted her in China, since I was the only parent that traveled it was necessary to do this once we were back in the states and also required to receive her Tennessee birth certificate. We have already received her social security card in the mail. I am so glad all the paperwork is finished! She is Officially ours!
(notice she has a Tom Cruise dress on for this special day;)

Earthquake in Sichuan

It's is very hard to imagine the grief and tragedy that has came to our daughter's Province and City she was born. We are defiantly holding her a little closer tonight. I am sure by now most people are aware of the devastation and lose of life that has occurred with this earthquake. It's been less than 2 months since we were in Chengdu to bring home our daughter and although she is home with us safe and sound, there are thousands of orphans and residents suffering tonight. Please keep these precious children and caregivers in your thoughts and prayers and hope for a brighter day.

This and that pictures!

Audrey loves to carry her purse around filled with goodies. This could keep her busy for hours I believe. She is very neat and organized most the time and actually her purse is cleaner than mine!

Friends from Alabama!

Last week we had some friends, Wes and Christy visit from Alabama who went to grad. school with Anthony. We had a great time at dinner and enjoyed meeting their 9 1/2 month old son Karl for the first time. He is such a doll! We only wished they lived closer to us!

Meeting Tom Cruise and Katie!

Last week my me and my mom flew up to Chicago for a few days to shop and see the Oprah show. One evening while we were in Neiman Marcus, we ran into T*m Cruise, Katie, Su*i, Tom's mom and two sisters. It was amazing to actually meet him face to face and have a conversation with his entire family. They were shopping in the children's department and I was "just looking", that place is pretty expensive for me! Anyway, we talked for about 15 or so minutes about everything. They are some of the nicest people you could ever meet- very down to earth. Tom's mom was so sweet and so was his sisters. We got on the subject of adoption. My mom was admiring Su*i and continued to tell them I had just adopted a little girl about her age from China. They we very interested in that and asked questions. Tom ask me if I knew he had two adopted children and of course I did. They must have congratulated us a hundred times and told us how wonderful that was. To make a very long story short, Tom said that he and Katie wanted to buy Audrey a dress and of course I declined, but they continued to pick her out not one dress, but three dresses. One of the dresses Katie said Su*i had and she loved it. I had to take a picture of the dresses when I got back to the hotel room. I have also planned to have her first professional photo taken in them next week. I can't wait!

* Of course I had to have the worse possible thing on when I met them. I think I wore that orange jacket everyday in China! That morning before I left for the airport, I grabbed the first thing hanging in the garage, thinking that I would leave it in the car when we got to the airport... didn't happen!;) It's going in the garbage now! I had also planned to freshen up, like shower, comb my hair, etc. before we started to shop.... didn't happen either, but Neiman Marcus was just across the street, who could we possibly see in CHICAGO??? Lesson learned, but a nice one at that!