OUR CRAZY BLESSED LIFE......

Flag Football Pics and Family Fun....

2011-11-07T12:32:00.002-06:00

Frank and our boys play Flag Football at U.T.H.S.C. in San Antonio every year but this year Craig is so busy with school and Christopher had knee surgery so they are not playing but Frank, Bubba, Astrud's boyfriend Anthony and his brother Brandon are and here are some pictures of their game last week! It is always so much fun!!

I swear I am going to catch up I miss all of you so much so I am going to be making my way to all of your blogs too, I really miss this!!!!!

Halloween 2011

2011-11-06T08:32:00.007-06:00

Here is our little Watermelon!!! She is such a little toot!!!!

Our Grandbutton Julie...
After we did all the fun things at church we were off ......
Oh how Meme loves her girl...
I love my Big Brother Christopher!!

My SIL Amy, I love her !!!
Jacob and Joshua
Our Princess Babies!

Grandpa and his girl...
Our Oldest Grandbutton Joshua..
Look how my daddy loves me..
me and my mommy
Our beautiful niece Rayn...
Rayn, Jacob and Franceska

Time to catch up!!!!!

2011-09-09T00:20:00.001-06:00

Just wanted y'all to know I'm working on a "catch up" post!!! I miss all of you in my life and I'm turning over a new leaf.... I gotta get back here I just miss all of you so much!

One Year Ago.....

2011-05-10T08:51:00.003-06:00

One year ago today, we saw her precious face for the very first time after having waited for a really really long time! And 365 days later all we have to say is that she was so oh so worth the wait and we know that if it had been any sooner it would not have been her! God knew all along and as always it is PERFECTION!! I wish I had time to do a years worth of pictures but below this collage is the absolute most recent pics of Franceska with her Daddy and two of her Big brothers last night at her sister in law Amys Birthday party..... Big Brother Christopher sharing his salad with her......it was the cutest thing!
Her Bubba kissing all over her , just before that she was kissing all over his neck,
And being Lady and the Tramp with Daddy......
Everyone keeps saying how blessed she is , but I can honestly say there she has a mommy , daddy, Popppy, Nonny, Grandma, 3 sisters, 3 brothers, 4 nephews , one neice, lots and lots of aunts, uncles and literally about 100 cousins and a ton of friends that truly consider themselves the blessed ones!!!

We love you babygirl!!! You will never know how much you have changed our lives

Easter 2011

2011-05-02T15:24:00.010-06:00

My very very special friend Vicki , her husband Kent , and sons Kyle and Aaron came to see us over the Easter weekend. It was such an incredible time. Vick and I go way way back to grade school and I love her so so much. We love her family and we just cant wait to be a part of them bringing their Jayden Nicole home from China. We are thinking we will see her precious face around September or October!!! Vicki, Kent, Kyle and Aaron thank you for coming and visiting us, we cherish our time together and can't wait to be with all of you again. We love you all Ginormously!!!

On all of these collages you just have to click on them to make them bigger to see all of these cutie patooties!!!

Here are some more Easter pictures , I hope you enjoy our memories as much as we enjoyed making them! You will be looking at 5 generations of one side of my family and I love and adore each and everyone of them!!!
Here are pics of Franceska's first Easter with some of her siblings and tons of her cousins!!!

The Babies.... Dayson, Kinley, and Franceska
This is my neice Jade . I took these pictures in the little Alzheimers Unit yard where my Momma is . We were all outside with Momma and the grass was so pretty and green . I told Jade to start posing and this is what we got. I am so proud of her and I think she is just absolutely stunning.

This is my Aunt Sara, She is 62 yrs old. You can say I have always been an Aunt Sara's girl. This is her wedding portrait from 40 yrs ago. When I was a little girl I used to carry it around just looking at it and thinking that she was so beautiful. I remember hoping that I one day would be a pretty bride like her one day. On monday after Easter we lost her to an aneurysm. Her last hours on this earth were very painful ones and that alone breaks me into a million pieces. But I find comfort in knowing that she is in heaven with Jesus and she is whole and she has no pain and most of all she is happy. I love you Aunt Sara, I love you so much. And I already miss you more than words can say. But I know one day I will see you again, and I know you will be there waiting to say to me, Hi Baby, I love you just like you always did.I found these from Christmas, I am so thankful that even though I get made fun of all the time for my camera never being too far away, I have this picture of her and Franceska.

Im back and Im here to stay.....

2011-04-27T07:07:00.003-06:00

Hello to all of my bloggy family. It has been way too long since I have been to all of your blogs and way too long since I have posted regularly.

There has been alot of things going on in my family and the things go from happiness, and joy to complete heartache. So I have been very preoccupied. And another thing is Facebook. Although I love the connection to people on FB , it can also have its drawbacks so for me less FB and more Blogging.

I will get caught up on all of your blogs in the coming days. Please know that I have really missed all of you and really look forward to reading all about all of you. I have so much to share with all of you. I really hope you all still want to follow my blog:))

LOVE AND BLESSINGS, AND MAY GOD BLESS EACH OF YOU.....

Love, Kristy

A very long overdue post......

2011-04-26T08:42:00.000-06:00

This picture sums up the entire visit!!! I know there are tons and tons of pictures her, but trust me there is alot more where these came from..... When Kim and the kids drove up we just instantly connected in the real world! Our kids, my neices, bigger kids , grandbutton and all just immediately became family! I can't wait to add Isabella to this mess!

These pictures are in no specific order , it was just pure love and fun.............
Kim and some of the kids...
Rayn and Aunt KimColton being a turd!
Colton and Rayn horsing around..
Kylee and Astrud
Uncle Ricky, Frank and Colton playing with the BB gun
Joshie loving on LoLo
Aunt Kim and Jade.......nothing but TROUBLE

4 of my kiddos......Bubba, Astrud, Franceska and Christopher
The girls got ahold of Franks hair!!!
A very rare face pic of Colton......
My daughter in law and Sam...
Frank and Kim
Sissy, Daddy and Franceska after her dedication at church
Daddy and Franceska
Franceska walking with her nephew Joshua on the left, and her big brothers Christopher and Bubba...
Rayn and my godson Jacob
Colton and Kim getting ready to fly up...
Astrud and Kylee
Kerry and her girls with Daffy...
Mommy and Daddy holding Franceskas hands....I love this picture

Some of my loves, 4 of my kids, and my 3 neices...
Bubba , Megan and Franceska
Kim and I were our Christmas toe socks and rolled up our pants, we knew it would drive out kids nuts....and it did!!!!
Her first carousel ride....
My sister Kerry and her youngest Rayn
Daddy and Franceska looking at Santa Claus on the roof...
Lily and Rayn

4 of mine and Kims kiddos....love this!
Me and My Mister...
Astrud and Kylee...
Sisters.....
Ky and Franceska
Our kids again....
Kim and I.....LOL!!
Kylee and Franceska
Our little Drummer girl...
The Singer Kim....
Astrud and Jade......so much concentrating.....LOL
Kylee too....
Mine and Kim's matching tats......Friends Forever
Pain.....
yep more pain.....
We have heard of Texting and driving.....but texting while tattooing???? lol

Kim and Kristy....
Me and my girl.......
A family that hangs out at the tattoo parlor together.......stays together........lol
Kylee and Franceska
Blessings......
Love this picture.....
Colton and Franceska....

Thanksgiving at my Aunt Margies
the girls trying on dresses....

Introducing our First Girl Grandbutton!!!!!

2011-02-14T15:42:00.010-06:00

Here is our daughter in law that we love so so much Amy holding her new babygirl Julie Anne!!! 6lb. 11 oz. 20 1/2 inches long .

This is our son Christopher's hand , he is such a proud daddy!!!!

Franceska sitting in bed with her sister in law! These pics are smaller because I got them off of photobucket and I dont know how to make them bigger :((
Great Grandfather Poppy holding Julie for the first time.
And her Meme (that's me) holding my first granddaughter for the very first time. Oh my gosh it was incredible and the love, oh the love!!!!
Proud Grandmother and Great Grandfather
Our sweet Julie!

The first pics of her in the NICU holding her daddy's hand.
The first time her Meme got to see her! It's kind of great being a grandparent, you get special privilages!!!
Our Sweet Babygirl......

Our first Grandbutton Josh, his mommy and his Aunt Franceska!
Poor Amy, she wanted up in bed with her "Me"!
Eating Me's food!

We are so blessed and so in love.........

BLACK AND WHITE WEDNESDAY

2011-02-09T12:11:00.006-06:00

UNCIE AND ADDISON
I decided to follow Gail's lead and do B&W Wednesday......

This is my Mister with our brand new neice Addison!!! It is Frank's little brother Mark and his wife Michelle's first babygirl....we have waited 15 yrs plus for her!! She is absolutely precious!!!! Oh how we love her!

13 MORE DAYS TILL OUR 1ST GIRL GRANDBUTTON JULIE ANNE GETS HERE!!!!!!

2011-01-23T18:10:00.022-06:00

THE TRUTH IS....PART 2

THE DAY WE WERE BLESSED WITH OUR FRANCESKA DANIELLE

On the evening of July 3rd, as we were preparing to leave Beijing bright and early the
next morning to Nanchang , Frank went out to bring something to eat back to the room,
so weepy. I couldn't get my sisters to answer their phones or any of the kids, but
who I really wanted to speak to was my parents....my daddy. All of you know my
momma cannot speak on the phone anymore, although we tried but it just doesn't
happen anymore. When I called my mom and dads house I got the lady who sits
with our mom when my daddy has things to do. My daddy was helping his brother,
my Uncle Freddy and my sister Kerry, the girls, and Astrud were at the lake for the
4th of July and my other sister Kim was working. When the lady answered the phone
it was so hard to talk because I had a lump the size of China in my throat ....I just
needed to let the floodgates open but I told her it was me and she was so sorry
but I had missed my daddy by about ten minutes!! Here I am in my hotel room, feeling
very homesick, very "neglected", you know like my family should have all stayed home
just waiting for my phone call!!! LOL! And if I would have gotten to talk to my daddy anyway
it would have been horrible, I would have started crying like a big old baby, it would
have made him feel horrible because he knows I need to talk to my momma, he would
have started crying then I would have cried harder......you get the picture right. So
God knew exactly what needed to happen.

So Frank walks in the door with something for dinner and I know he was thinking, oh gosh
she is freaking out or something, but I ended up putting my big girl panties on , we ate
went to sleep. Neither one of us slept that much. I think we needed to have our bags
in the hallway and be ready to leave for the airport at like 4:00 am or something like
that.

July 4, 2010

So we all got out the door and to the airport, all of us just kept looking at each
other with these faces of anticipation , all we could do was smile at each other.
And as all of you know I am a crier so it was best to keep my mouth shut!!
We flew into Nanchang, and after we arrived we had a pretty good ride to the
hotel. It was pretty eye opening. There are so many people that have been
to China and back that I know that say they loved Nanchang. I didn't but you
have to remember it was the dead heat of summer and from what we could tell
every male person from the age of about 11 to 100 smokes, they smoke in hotels,
in the elevators, at your breakfast, lunch or dinner table, everywhere you look!
So my throat was raw the whole time we were there, I guess because of the smoke
and the ventilation systems and a/c are not really good. But none of that mattered
to me or Frank , we were there for one reason and one reason only. Our guide
Michelle which I must say was absolutely PERFECT had told us that around 3:00
that afternoon our babies would be in the hotel lobby. We did some group touring
and then we got back to our room, I think at about 1:00 to cool down, clean up
and get ready. First I have to tell you when we actually arrived in Nanchang
and went up to our room for the first time it was amazing when we opened the
door and saw the crib in our room!

It just made it so real, one would think that after almost five years that real feeling would just naturally happen....well I think for most people you are just waiting for that other shoe to drop, for some other government official to tell you to jump thru another hoop, so yes
that crib made it real!!! So I put her things in it , got all ready for her and
to our surprise at 2:30 Michelle called our room and told us that our baby was
HERE! I looked at Frank and told him that I would not start crying now, and all
we could do was look at each other, I started shaking, we kissed each other,
and headed for the elevator. As I am typing this I have the same exact feeling
I had that day. When we came out of the elevator, you turn a corner and as
we took the two steps down .....THERE SHE WAS, we knew her immediately!!
She was sitting on a nannies lap so calm and peaceful, she looked sleepy and oh
so tiny!! All I could think was , Thank you God, oh thank you God for loving me
the way you do, for giving me this gift. And just like that a calm feeling came
over me , I was very anxious , but I was not sobbing. I grabbed Frank and said
look babe, there she is. He said I know babe! Oh gosh just look at her! We
thought she was a million more times beautiful than her picture. I always had
this fear of not knowing her when I saw her and my sister Kerry told me , yes
you will! And I did!

We were second in line, when our turn came , they ask you your name and your
baby's name and just like that the nannie walked over to me and handed me our
baby. She immediately laid her head on my shoulder , we were a perfect fit!
I looked over at Frank and I will never forget the look on his face, it was a look
of complete content. And my immediate thought was , WOW he has everything
Kellie is back in our life, not only her but a wonderful soninlaw and two grandsons
with another on the way and now he has Franceska, I just kept thinking how our
wedding rings , the circle had closed, our hearts were red, full and pumping
gloriously! And all of that glory goes straight to HIM up there!!! Straight to
our Lord!

We stayed downstairs in the lobby for a while , but honestly I just could not
wait to get her up to our room, to be alone with her, just us three!
Her daddy took her, held her , loved on her , showed her off , gave her back to mommy
and we headed up to our room. When we got there the first thing I did was
make her a bottle, I sat down in the chair and from the first bottle her and
I made eye contact. She knew she just knew I was her mommy. Frank had
the camera to capture the first time I ever fed her and he told me, look how
she knows us babe. I said I know ,is this just too perfect , should I be scared?
And he told me no, because for the longest time I have been praying that the
Holy spirit would introduce us to each other and my prayer was answered. And
from that moment on she was a changed baby. Her personality just exploded out
of her,our whole travel group tagged her as the 'HAPPY BABY".................

She wanted both of us all the time, of course Mommy was the one she
did not want out of her sight , but her daddy had complete equal billing. She
loves us is all I could say! Any of you who know me personally know that it did
not take long for me to get her cleaned up , fingers and toes counted, dressed
up with a bow to top it off on that perfect little tiny head!
And from that moment on our lives have never been the same!!(After about 2 hours this is what we got from then till now)

We thank God every day for incredible blessing. She is loved by so many , so loved! We still cannot go tothe store in our hometown and not have her treated like a Rock Star! Peoplejust randomly come up to us, football games if I walk around I never get back to our seats, anywhere we go people want to meet Franceska. She is a feisty
stubborn, spoiled rotten , beautiful, rambunctious , can drive her mommy crazy,
hurt her big sissy's feelings, did I say stubborn, knows what she wants and don't
want , has her Daddy, brothers, Uncle's, Aunt's , cousins, Poppy, Grandma, and friends just everybody wrapped around her finger kind of girl!

And we can't even remember our lives before she was there! She is a sponge
for learning, she walked on November 28th the day we had her dedicated at
church really good for the first time, she will now repeat anything you tell
her to say in the cutest little voice ever! She is so smart and we look so forward
to see what the future holds for us, we can't wait to see what God has planned
for her!

As for the trip to China, no I was not crazy about China, Frank liked it and hopes
to go back one day, but to be fair , there was so much going on with me health
wise (hormones) and it was so hot that I do think that if we had been there during the
winter my outlook would have been better....alot better! But I do know that it was
all in God's perfect timing and to those of you still waiting.....hold on your perfect
plan will be revealed and I promise you it will be ever so sweet......we pray daily
for each of you and for each of your babies.

There are a few people that were in our travel group well more than a few that
we hope to be lifelong friends with, we shared a day together that tops no other
and that is a bond that is so strong. So if any of you are reading this and I
know you will know who you are, thank you for sharing your family with us, you
are our family and we love you!

As for all of you who have followed our journey thank you for being so loyal, thank
you for your support and love. Now the real journey has started and I hope you
are here for as long as we are ! Thank you to all of you. God has blessed
me beyond belief on this journey and I will be forever grateful!

While we were in Guangzhou we got a phone call from our son Christopher and
DIL Amy telling us that they were pregnant, so now our family stands as is....

Daughters Chastity, Astrud, Franceska, Kellie, husband Jon, 2nd grandbutton Liam,
3rd grandbutton Rory and 4th grandbutton just born on 12/27 Avry.

Sons, Craig and fiancee Traci, Steven (Bubba) and wife Megan,
Christopher, wife Amy, 1st grandbutton Joshua, with our first
girl grandbutton JulieAnne coming 2/22!!!!

Yes at our dinner table that would make 18!!!! OUR CUP RUNNETH OVER!!!!
(19 with Astruds boyfriend Anthony)

p.s. Thank you God so much for giving me and Franceska the moments
with my momma, her Nonny that you give us everyday. Your love and
your Godwinks amaze me always!

p.s.s. I hope all of you enjoy the pictures, I tried my best to pick the ones that depicted what part of the story I was telling, it was so hard to pick because I took over 3000 pictures over there!!! And I really don't know why my sentences are all cockeyed, I tried to fix them but everytime I did , it still came out this way.....sorry

An Alzheimer Poem...

2010-12-28T22:35:00.005-06:00

My Daddy handed this to kerry and I yesterday at the house and he spoke no words other than I found this the other day and wanted to show yall.

AN ALZHEIMER POEM

DO NOT ASK ME TO REMEMBER
DON'T TRY TO MAKE ME UNDERSTAND.

LET ME REST AND KNOW YOUR WITH ME.

KISS MY CHEEK AND HOLD MY HAND.
IM CONFUSED BEYOND YOUR CONCEPT.

I AM SAD AND SICK AND LOST .
ALL I KNOW IS THAT I NEED YOU
TO BE WITH ME AT ALL COST.

DO NOT LOSE YOUR PATIENCE WITH ME,
DO NOT SCOLD OR CURSE OR CRY
I CAN'T HELP THE WAY IM ACTING.

CAN'T BE DIFFERENT THOUGH I TRY.

JUST REMEMBER THAT I NEED YOU.

THAT THE BEST OF ME IS GONE.

PLEASE DONT FAIL TO STAND BESIDE ME,

LOVE UNTIL MY LIFE IS DONE.

Every single day I look at my 67 year old momma and think , just what is she thinking ??? She jibbers with her words all the time , she is anxious beyond comfort when the "babies" are around because she constantly thinks someone is hurting them. Noise she cannot handle even though at one time she was the loudest of all!!! Dancing which is something my mom lived for is something that we now do far and in between, Elvis someone she loved more than life....she rarely says his name when she hears him anymore......she calls my daddy...daddy now , Harold is rare.....when we walk in the door she looks at me like I am her saving grace and she hugs me and cries sometimes, well alot of the time, but the word Kristy in the last month or so has also faded a little bit more....I could go on and on BUT what I do know is that our God the creator of Heaven and Earth every single day blesses us with the momma, the Hun, the Aunt Sudie, the Nonny, or just plain Sudie that she once was.....

There are those times that there is music playing that she will start dancing around the living room or kitchen, and my eyes immediately go to her feet and it amazes me that those are the same feet that taught my sisters and I how to dance and that danced with us so often. We knew on saturdays as we were cleaning house and her 50's records were on the record player that if we started dancing , she would totally forget about the house and 3 hours later we would all be exhausted , and she would say let's take a nap!!!! It still amazes me how as I am looking at those tiny size 5 feet that they are not missing a beat, her brain still knows exactly what to do, it doesn't matter if it is a waltz, a two step, a jitterbug whatever it is , her feet and her little 80 lb frame can still bust a move.....HE blesses us with that moment we have Sirius Elvis radio on and she does hear his voice, that she will say something like , oh I love that man, or the usual there will never be another Elvis (which I might add that we all think the same, lol). HE blesses us with the moments like yesterday my daddy which has always called her "Hun" was irritating her and we know that he will still do it not just because it is just the way they were, but we know that he just wishes and wants so badly to have some "normalcy" or "some the way it was" before Alzheimers moments with her. Some people would call it denial , I call it "LOVE".

No matter how sick she gets he still see her the same way they were on their wedding day.(Im sorry I know that I get off track). Anyway yesterday he was irritating her and she went after him calling him "HAROLD" not daddy and was slapping him on his arms , all the while daddy is laughing , and Kerry and I are cracking up just to fight back the tears because oh man how we wish it was still that way all the time, but when she was doing that her words were so clear and she was saying the same exact things that she would say to him for so many years. And trust me not all the words were nice, my mom was not known for her sweet tender language!!! lol There are just some things the mind never forgets!! :)) At the very moment she was basically cussing my daddy out , I looked at my neice Rayn, you see she is 6 and she has never known her Nonny without Alzheimers, and the look of delight on her face was just priceless, she thought Nonny was soooooo funny!!! So you see to me that is a "God wink", then there are the days that I walk in and she walks really fast over to me and lays her chest on mine and I hear her say "Kristy", without me having to ask her what my name is. I was always made fun of because apparently as a child I was always having to be told I love you all the time. My mom would make fun of me as a teenager, Oh Kristy we love you, Kristy did you hear me???? You get the picture....so yes I have to admit I am guilty, I will still ask her momma what's my name? Momma do you love me? I don't think we ever truly grow up when it comes to our parents, and yes I do ask her because I know one of these days she won't be able to answer me at all, so for now I will just get made fun of by my sisters and everyone else...that's okay! HE gives us bits and pieces everyday and for this I am truly grateful, thankful, and humbled.

I am from a big and close family, we don't always like each other but we always love each other. And I am talking about my extended family there are alot of us. I have my Aunt Mary and Uncle Bob, Aunt Margie and Uncle Richard, Uncle Freddy and Aunt Joyce, Aunt Sara and Uncle Bill that all still have each other....healthy. These were the brothers and sisters that my parents were with all the time, they raised all of us kids together and when things come up like this weekend New Years Eve and I know that they are all going to a New Year's Eve dance just like they have done for years, and like on Christmas Day when my daddy leaves at 4:00 to relieve the nurse we have staying with mom , you can see all the looks on everyones faces, you see my daddys sisters fighting back tears , you see cousins fighting back tears and you even see uncles clear their throats, look away....things are just different without her there. Then I know they are watching out the window as daddy and his three girls, Kim , Kristy and Kerry walk out to the truck with him and we also know that they know there are hardly any words spoken because if your mouth opens you will start to cry so you just all look at each other , hug each other , love you daddy, I will talk to you when we get home...and then you watch him drive away.....those are all the things that make one think, this just isn't fair!!!! My daddy still like to go out dancing , but he can't get a nurse, what is he supposed to be...the third leg???

I do know that it would hurt him to much to be there without her, it would hurt all of us , so me personally I just choose not to go. Im the crier in the family, you remember the one that has to be told she is loved all the time. I don't blame my aunts and uncles for living their life, they have to and my mom would be so mad if they didn't go on with their lives.

know alot of you are wondering why is she telling us all of this????? Well one, it is part of me, it is what I feel everyday, amidst all of the happiness that God bestows on this family , there is always this, it is always here, she is my Momma, the first human being who ever loved me. Maybe I do it because I want to keep her alive in everyone's mind, you see not to many people come around anymore, but the main reason is to bring awareness to this disease that is a thief in the night. I don't want any of you to ever have to go thru this disease and if we all just maybe once a year go to alz.org and donate a little bit, a dollar, ten dollars, one hundred dollars , to research maybe just maybe this disease will go away. I don't want to die like this , I don't want my husband, children and granchildren, neices and nephews to have to go thru this , and how I pray that this disease does not get me or one of my sisters. So if you can just once please donate to the research for the cure of Alzheimers.

Just one more thing.....there are some people that tell me thru emails, or private FB messages or other ways that I inspire them, that I am always so positive , it seems to be that alot of you out there think I have it all together. In all honesty I need to let you know that 1. I am a christian and I feel that it is my job to walk the walk and not just talk the talk, and if I am ugly or sour all the time nobody is going to want what I have...and what I have is salvation and we are told to bring as many people into the Kingdom of Heaven as we can. The Lord gives me everything I have from the polish on my toenails, the the home I live in ....everything and the least I can do is just be pure and thankful.

2. I AM NOT PERFECT , I am a sinner too! I have days alot of days that I am just getting by, I fail and fall everyday of my life !!! BUT I love people and I love to love so if you are one of those people out there that has told me that I lifted them up, or if you are having a bad day and something I say makes you feel better , then I am doing my job. My prayer is that everyone could just be healthy and just plain ole' HAPPY! When our time here on earth is over I really just want to be there with all of you. God bless you all in 2011, let's be kind, let's be helpful, let's love each other , and let's pay it forward. I love you all. Thank you for listening to me, I know Im a talker.....

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM OUR FAMILY TO YOURS!

2010-12-24T00:10:00.010-06:00

I have a feeling that it is going to be a very very happy and blessed Christmas around here. Thank you for always following along here, I love and care for each of you and appreciate you.

We are feeling so blessed , we have our babygirl home with us finally after waiting 5 Christmases, we have two grandbuttons on the way, our grandbutton , Avry will be here in the next couple of days whenever he decides to show up, and our grandbutton Julie will be here February 22nd!!!! We also have a neice Addison, and a great nephew Eli that make their debut in January!!! It is raining babies over here!!! God is so good and He is so faithful.

To all of you who are reading this and you are still waiting for your child, please don't give up, he or she will be home soon. I know you have heard this a thousand times, but their little self is just so incredibly worth the wait...there is no greater love! Be strong, be faithful, be trusting, and ask for patience and endurance, HE will take care of you. Merry Christmas and a Happy Happy New Year!!!! May God bless each and everyone of you.

P.S. PART 2 OF "THE TRUTH IS" will be here next week.....

The Truth is..........Part 1

2010-12-20T12:21:00.004-06:00

I have been wanting to do this post for a really long time but I also knew that it had to be the right time to do it for me. I do not want to offend anyone but at the same time I think well this is my blog, and I have always been a what you see is what you get kind of gal. I dont have any secrets and nothing to hide and I have always been honest on my blog so here it goes.......A while ago my friend Chrisite, Quint and Kiera's mommy did a really brutally honest post about her trip to China and I can remember reading it and my chest hurting because my heart was just breaking for her. But it was a honest and raw post and I admired her for that. Although our experiences in China were totally different I really wanted to be honest about our trip. God has really put this on my heart so the truth is......

First I have to start out by telling you that I am a hormonal mess, I won't even go into what my body is not doing and what it is doing because who cares right????? But what I will tell you is that I have experienced alot of things since my Total hysterectomy and just like so many years ago during all of my infertility treatments everytime I would get what seemed like the miracle drug or treatment that was going to work ....it always seemed that where I opened one door there were 2 or 3 doors locked behind it!!!! BUT I get all that now 20 something years later, I wasn't supposed to ever get pregnant because God already knew exactly what children were going to be mine and for that I just can't put into words how completely blessed I am and how thankful I am for all of my kids, they are my every dream come true, every dream!!!

Now I can't even take anything for my hotflashes and sweats because of other reasons so needless to say when we went to China in the summer, I was twice as hot or 10 times as hot as a normal person! I was soaking wet 110% of the time, I was not able to get cool at all, it was the first time in my life that I really took very cold showers and guess what???? I loved them!

NOW IS WHERE THE HONESTY STARTS COMING INTO PLAY.....

I did not fall in love with China. Now before I go any further I want to remind you that I AM A CHRISTIAN AND DARN PROUD OF IT, and that this is my blog and I figure I can say just about anything I want to here.........

It was a huge dose of culture shock for me. I did not go to China to be a tourist . I went to China to bring my daughter home. I had never been in such a Godless country. And it was so obvious to us, and in Beijing I found myself looking out the window one day and I just started weeping because my heart went out to all of the people of China because of this. It really weighed heavy on me and it made me sad.

Before I go on I have to tell you that I am a 43 year old woman that still gets very homesick when I am away from my momma and daddy, my children, my sisters, my neices, nephews and so on and so on.......but on this trip I was really homesick for my parents. I was so afraid something was going to happen and I would not be able to get home in time. I am pretty sure most of you know this but for those of you who dont, my mom is 69 yrs old and has had Alzheimer's for the past about 8 years. She didn't even know I was gone. The night before we left Beijing for Nanchang where our angel was I felt as if I couldn't breathe....here I was in a foreign country getting ready to get my babygirl , I was HOT, and miserable and not to mention hungry because nothing really tasted good to me, and oh how I missed ketchup and Iced tea!!! And even though I have what I think is the best husband in the whole world, the one person I really needed was my Momma. i was very emotional about finally getting Franceska. I almost couldn't even pick up the phone to call my daddy because I knew he would immediately hear my quivery voice and then his voice would immediately get the same way and I just didn't have the heart to say , Daddy I love you and I do want to talk to you but I really need to talk to Momma right now and friends I haven't had a real conversation with my Mom in about two years and we used to talk on the phone about 6 times a day or we would be at each others house. So here I am chest heavy and hurting from trying not to cry and I pick up the phone to call my daddy and when I hear his voice the only thing I can remember is hearing this animal like noise come out of my throat and I told him I am sorry Daddy but oh how I wish I could talk to Momma right now ....I then heard my daddy say , Kris I know , I wish you could talk to her too, and as he said it I could hear the crack ....the very crack that just gets to me when it happens to come out of my daddys mouth, it just breaks my heart. As I type this I have that same feeling in my chest as I did then, it is just a "hurt" that is so deep, it is like a wound in there.

I decided to tell him that I needed to put my Big girl panties on and that I would be okay and he told me he loved me and I told him that the next time I talked to him we would have his youngest granddaughter in our arms. Ok so I lied about the "okay" thing but I wanted to be okay for him, I hate it when he worries, but you know Im a parent to and have been for sometime now and I know that the "worry" thing is all part of it. That is a huge place of failure on my part, I know that God does not want me to worry, but I talk to Him all the time about how I fall short there, I am pretty sure He understands my heart.

When we got to Nanchang, every male person from the age of about 11 to 99 smoked , and they smoked inside , outside, in the elevators , right next to your dinner table....you get the picture right?????? The a/c system was not really good and because of the damp air and all the smoke my throat all the way down to my belly button felt raw!!! But I really didn't care, all I cared about was getting our babygirl. And it was in Nanchang that we started forming relationships with some of the other families, and I might add there is a couple of them that we pray our friendships and bonds last a lifetime. I have to be honest though I wasn't like most people, they were all dreamy eyed because they were in the city or area in which their children were born. I didn't see it that way, it was dirty, polluted , horrible air quality, and the odors , oh the odors, some of them I wondered if I would ever get out of my nose. The way I saw it was that I couldn't wait to get her out of there and get her home. Still it was weighing heavy on my heart that I was not falling in love with China, until a couple of incredible friends and sisters in Christ back here at home and mothers of children from China told me that I did not have to fall in love with China and to stop putting so much pressure on myself that I started to ease up on myself and after they told me that and after I know they were praying for me, I could start the pressure start to slough off of me.

Next Post: The day our Franceska was placed in our arms........

At Last.........

2010-12-06T10:59:00.003-06:00

I think this picture says it all........
Helping Mommy with the Christmas tree....
Meeting Frosty the Snowman for the first time ever!!!! ( my houseshoes are huge!!!!)
Here is our collection of either "Parents-to-be", "Baby's First Christmas", or "Waiting for Franceska" ornaments since 2006......
And finally..........It really is her First Christmas....Thank you God sooooooo much!!!

I get the message Kimberley!!!! lol

2010-11-22T23:13:00.004-06:00

OK I am back!!! Kimberley my sweet you motivated me to get my butt in gear!!! I just wanted all of you to know that I am working on a very personal post and after Thanksgiving and after my sweets Kim (Isabella's to be Mommy) has been here for the holiday and is back home safe I will be posting it. I am going to be doing less FB and more blogging. We are on a really good schedule here and things are just falling into place in regards to alot of different things and I am gonna get back on track.

I miss all of you so much, I just hope I have a few followers left......:((( I really do miss all of you.

So everyone have an awesome and very blessed Thanksgiving!

A PSALM FOR THANKSGIVING

Make a joyful shout to the Lord, all you lands!!
Serve the Lord with gladness;
Come before his presence with singing.
Know that the Lord, He is God;
It is He who has made us, not we ourselves;
We are His people , and the sheep of his pasture.

Enter into His gates with THANKSGIVING,
And into his courts with praise.
Be thankful to Him, and bless his name.
For the Lord is good;
His mercy is everlasting,
And His truth endures to all generations.

Psalm 100

(I love this , I want to get better at giving thanks and praise to the Holy one everyday, I want to be more thankful for everything and everyone in my life, for our Lord is always good)

I LOVE ALL OF YOU SO MUCH!!!! I AM SO THANKFUL FOR ALL OF YOU.

Bath and Night Night time!!!!

2010-10-07T21:01:00.003-06:00

Here are some pix from tonight at bath time that I just had to post!!! She is so funny!!!Our precious angel!!!
Our little Devil!
Look at my two front chiclets!!!!
Ahhhhhhh I think I'm so pretty.......

Me and my Sissy Astrud!!! Just look how Franceska is looking at her.....it makes my heart smile!

Some Family Pics to share.......

2010-09-29T18:34:00.006-06:00

Here are some family pictures that I thought I would share with all of you! Even though Franceska is the "Current Family Favorite", LOL, there are alot of us and I am so proud of them all! This is my neice Jade (lt) with one of her best friends Katy....aren't they Beauuuuteeeeefullll!!!

The next 5 are of our little Grandbutton Liam, I know I am a little prejudice but I think these pictures are magazine worthy!!! This one happens to be my favorite!

This is a friend of his........I think this Meme is a little defensive , Im not ready to share him yet!!!!! lol

Like I said "Magazine worthy " I told you!! :))

Again.................................

Yes we think he is just the cat's meow, the creme of the crop, the whatever is good.......He is such a handsome little man!

This is our neice Lily, she is playing flag football, the only girl on the team and she ROCKS!!!! Made an interception last week and ran 45 yards for the touchdown!!!!!

This is my cousin Tracy and her son my little cousin Caiden. This is Caiden's first year of flag football and he cries almost every game and gets mad which all of us think is just hilarious!!! My cousin Tracy on the other hand........does not!!! By the way she is standing I know she is talking to him through her clenched teeth!!!! Cracks me up!!!

Look at that face!!!! lol

Oh that german/polish temper!!!

This is my godson (in the blue), Jacob!! He is all about football! Him and Caiden are on the same team and I think they are just too cute for words!!!

This is Jacob at home, isn;t this picture just priceless!!!! I love it!

So there you have it, and there are lots more where that came from!!!

MY FIRST BIRTHDAY PICTURES!

2010-09-26T19:51:00.006-06:00

I know alot of you follow me on FB, and you have already seen these pictures, but I have decided that I just can't stop blogging!! This blog and all of you have been such a huge part of my life for so long that I just can't!!! So I am going to start my "catch up", and I am gonna start with Franceska's birthday. There was about 8o people there and even though it was sooooo hot and I was melting we had so much fun!! She is an angel and such a blessing and just so much fun!!!! We hope you enjoy our pictures and we wish all of you could have been there!!!
THIS IS MOMMY'S FAVORITE PICTURE!!!SCORE!!!!! MORE TOYS!!
OUR PRINCESS!!!
ME AND MY COUSINS HAVING FUN IN THE BOUNCE!
FEEDING MY BIG BROTHER CHRISTOPHER!
MY PRINCESS CAKE
ME AND AUNT KIM
ME AND MY SWEATING MOTHER!!!
THIS STUFF IS GOOD!!!
ALL OF MY BALLOONS WAITING TO GO OUTSIDE!
ME, DADDY AND MOMMY
MY DADDY, MY SISSY, AND TWO OF MY BROTHERS!
MY AUNT KERRY, UNCLE RICKY AND MY COUSINS GAVE ME THIS TUTU OUTFIT!!!

I am still here......REALLY!!!!

2010-09-24T18:08:00.002-06:00

I know I have been a horrible blogger!!! To say that life has changed would be a huge understatement!!! There are so many things to catch up on here and I don't know when I am going to get it all done! I have also toyed with the idea of putting my blog to bed????? Are there any of you out there that don't Facebook that follow my blog, do any of you still have any interet in my blog, if you don't really my feelings would not be hurt??????

Until I make up my mind I promise to post more!!!! I really do.......

Our Funny, snorting Franceska

2010-09-02T04:07:00.000-06:00

Good Morning!!!

2010-08-27T07:32:00.001-06:00

Good morning from our 'CURRENT FAMILY FAVORITE"!!!! We hope all of you have a blessed day and a fantastic weekend!!!

Our First Portaits!!!

2010-08-26T09:19:00.007-06:00

SISTER LOVE........FRANCESKA AND ASTRUD

Our Bittersweet Day....

2010-08-23T20:14:00.005-06:00

Today was the last "First" day of school picture that I get to take of our "Big Girl"! Astrud started her Senior year today!!!! I can remember like it was yesterday walking her into Kindergarten thinking Oh my gosh I can't believe I am doing this????? And today my first thought was, where did the time go?????? She is an incredible young lady and we are so proud of her!!! We just wish we could have stunted her growth a few years back!!! :)))))

And here they are going to pick up Emily...............................

Have a very safe and truly BLESSED year girls! We love you!

One Month ago today.....

2010-08-15T18:09:00.010-06:00

We flew home to start our new life with our Little Princess Franceska Danielle! It has been an awesome month of so many blessings. Our cup runneth over.................all the glory and thanks go to our Father in Heaven.....Thank you so much for loving us the way you do.......

Here is a little 3 minute video of Franceska playing with my sister her Aunt Kim. She has started somewhat crawling....she hikes one leg up but somehow gets where she wants go get!!! It is hilarious to watch. You just gotta see her spinning, she is just the cutest little thing!!!

Here are some things that have been going on, I am sorry that I have not posted alot lately but I am getting into the swing of things and I will start catching up okay!!! Love and miss all of you!
This is Franceskas Big Sissy Astrud and big brother Bubba . Astrud and her boyfriend Anthony wanted to cook all of us supper and here is Bubba trying his best to keep his sister from cutting her fingers off!!! lol
Anthony and Astrud....she is so proud of her Duncan Hines box cake!!!!

I FINALLY got to meet my Biggest Sissy Chastity!!!! Here are four of our beautiful kiddos!! Remember that cup runneth over thing..........

This is a picture of our oldest and our youngest!!!!
Here is Joshie playing with his "Aunt Franceska"!
Franceska loves Lemon Jello!
The next 4 pictures are of me and my cousin Rayn playing, we have so much fun all the time!

"LITTLE SISTER"
Daddy and Franceska on her first lawn mower ride!!
Franceskas 1st Birthday fell on a wednesday and that is one of our church nights so the whole fellowship hall sang Happy Birthday!!!
Franceska's birthday party is this saturday the 21st.....
Poppy and Franceska playing.....

I love my sister in law Megan.....
Franceska and big sissy Astrud destroying her room.....Mommy and Franceska getting her ears pierced!!! She was so good!!!!
This is Franceskas, Aunt Olga which she loved very very much!
This is the first time I met my daddy's mommy....My Grandma!!!
Franceska rides in the car seat with her legs up in the air half the time!!! It just cracks us up!!!
Here is Franceska getting ready to get into some kind of trouble!!!! LOL

I hope you all enjoyed the pictures, there will be more soon!!

Our Gotcha Day Video!!

2010-08-10T21:46:00.003-06:00

Another very nervous and anxious mommy was filming this for us so it is a little shaky , but you will get the blessing of it, I just know you will! This is the very minute that our angel was placed in our arms and immediately we knew it was completely all from GOD!!

TODAY I KISSED AN ANGEL

Today I kissed an Angel

I knew if from the start

The first time my angel smiled at me

I gave away my heart

Today I kissed an Angel

This angel child of mine

Though not of my creation

My child by God's design

Today I kissed an Angel

My heart is dancing wild,

A family by a miracle

Blessed by this angel child.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BABYGIRL!!!!

2010-08-04T10:50:00.002-06:00

One year ago today Angels danced the day you were born and one month ago today you were placed in our arms and our life will never be the same. We love you so much Franceska Danielle, you are such a blessing in our lives...................................................................HAPPY BIRTHDAY BABY!!!!

P.S. I promise I will get caught up and start posting regularly again.......:)

GOD IS AMAZING....

2010-07-30T21:49:00.005-06:00

There are no words needed for the next two pictures.........just GOD IS AMAZING!

Franceska and Daddy playing outside!!! I love these pictures!!!! SO SO WORTH THE WAIT!

I know I have not been here in a while but everything is getting back to normal now, I will be here with lots and lots of pictures!!! There are alot of pics on Facebook, if your not my friend , just look for me ....Kristy Friederick Rodriguez.....Be back soon

Almost Home

2010-07-14T09:48:00.001-06:00

Thank you from the bottom of my heart as soon as we get home I will personally reply. And to all of the people who commented on how much she loves her mommy and daddy and how bonded she is with us it is the power of prayer!!! We prayed for the holy spirit to connect her to us and HE did! It was as if she looked at us and said, "What took you so long?" It is only the power of prayer that has made all of this so perfect!!! Thanks to everyone for their continued prayers. We are soooooooo ready to come home!!! Most everything is packed and we or I am just counting down the hours !!! We have so much to tell about this trip, the way God has put everything in line from meeting chinese people who are christians and them wanting to talk about Jesus with us to HIM taking absoloutely every possible obstacle completely out of our way! It has all been incredible!!!!!

WE SERVE AN AWESOME GOD AND I AM HONORED TO BE LOVED BY HIM........OH SO HONORED!!!!!

New Pics

2010-07-13T11:15:00.003-06:00

My mommy and me

At the Chen Family Temple

My D

This is my "Vogue" picture

2010-07-10T22:42:00.010-06:00

Daddy found a girlfriend!!!!!

Thank you God, thank you so much.

This picture was supposed to be last to show everyone how we ended our day, this was in the elevator after supper , it was only 7 30 and when we got back to the room we had to wake her up for a bath and her bottle and of course she was all smiles and giggles, I will show you pics of what we got

Here are our smiles and giggles before our bath when we had to wake her up, these pictures make her look so big but she is tiny, I just had to show you these so all of you could see the "dimple" and her toothy coming in on top!!!! Oh my gosh couldnt you just eat her up with a spoon!!!!

Tomorrow is my bday and after looking at this picture what could i ever possibly want or need ever again

2010-07-06T13:25:00.001-06:00

I finally got an email from Kristy! here is what she says:

Hello everybody!!!!!! First thing is first......EVERY SINGLE THING I SAY IN THIS EMAIL GO STRAIGHT TO THE GLORY OF GOD!!!! We have prayed and so many others have prayed over the transition of Franceska into our arms, and I have to tell all of you that we have had nothing but one blessing after another!!! I am not kidding every step of this journey has been blessed, from the minute we left we have been astounded at the way Jesus Christ has completely cleared the path of any obstacles or detours!!!! PRAISE HIM AND THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR PRAYERS , THOUGHTS, AND WELL WISHES!!

The internet in Beijing was sooo slow that no pictures were being sent from anywhere, we are now in Nanchang, wher the us and i have to el you when we were told to cm downstairs, the minute we walked into the lobby we saw her, we knew it was her and when she was handed to me, it was incredible, she just stared at us and after about 3 minutes I raised her up and brought her down to my face and she opened her mouth and kissed me right on the lips!!! It was as if she wasy saying Hi Mommy what took you so long????? Her daddy took her and she never waivered she knew exactly that he was her daddy!!!! This cld as rom the very sat kept us completely entertained , she has been called the most smiley baby in the group!!!! And they are right!! I have to tell you tha she has this most precious peculiar little dimple on her lower left cheek when she smiles ...it is absolutely precious!!!! I know all moms think this, but sheis beautiful!!! She does have a temper when something just isnt going her way, but oh well we have ruined so many before her we will just ruin her too!!! LOL

She is a fantastic sleeper . aAnd just so darn happy!! It is all God I tell you!!! She has only cried onetime and it wasnt until last night just because she was over tired!! It is soooooo hot here and the babies and the parents are just miserable outside and Im thinking the desitin is gonna be for momy and daddy! lol

Just sitting here typing this I am crying because I just cant tell you what this has been like with our Franceska, she loves us as much as we love her if that is even possible!!!! I am overwhelmed spontaneously all day long because of the blessing of it!!!! She is gorgeous!!!! We have made lifelong friends here , it is just amazing!!!

She sings, dadadada and mamamama and I started singing You are my sunshine to her like I used to do Astrud , Jade, Lily and Rayn and let me tell you she is OURs she just starts dancing with her shoulders!!!! She only gives me her kisses open mouth and all but adores her daddy. They are out walking the hallway right now, Frank is incredible, and yes I combust without warning!!

We cannot wait to show her off to everyone at home, we have been taking so many movies to share with all of you. When we get home please dont get your feelings hurt if we dont just hand her over, please be patient with us, although she has bonded so great to us, it is still so important for her to know that she can trust us. We have waited 5 years to have her in our arms and to be honest I am probably going to be selfish sally!!!! Im just praying that all of you have patience and understanding with me especially, she will be bombarded by people that already love her but that she does not know, all in good time she will be climbing all over all of you!!!!

I sincerely and truly love all of you , both of us do thank you so much for your love. There will be hundreds of pictures when we get home that we will share!!!!

Smiles and Laughs

2010-07-04T15:45:00.000-06:00

She hasn't cried yet. Just smiles and laughs

Meet Franceska

2010-07-04T11:25:00.000-06:00

Almost Time!

2010-07-03T13:01:00.002-06:00

I got another update early this morning. Here is the latest on their trip:

They got to meet up with their group and everyone is having problems sending pictures back home. Kristy wanted me to tell you guys that she is very sorry she can't send pictures. They have a wake up call at 4 am tomorrow to get to the airport for their flight to Nanchang. All the babies are being brought to the hotel around 3:30 pm Sunday afternoon (July 4th). By the time we are all celebrating 4th of July they will have Franceska in their arms!!! Kristy wanted to send out a big thank you to everyone who has been cheering them on. She also asked me to tell you guys that she would greatly appreciate it if you kept her Momma in your prayers so that, even for a few seconds, she will remember who Franceska is...her precious granddaughter.

Touring

2010-07-02T21:18:00.002-06:00

I got another update from Kristy and this is what she said:

Hi Colby we got your text but we cant send pictures because that is what cost us $600 when we were in Europe. We are getting ready to leave for our tour of the Great Wall, The Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square!! We can't wait!!! Please let everyone know that I said THANK YOU BIG for the prayers and well wishes, today is a MUCH better day!!!! Let them know I think it is Mommy hormones ! I will spontaneously combust into tears at any moment !! I call them my "Labor pains", but I know that is just the anticipation for our angel!!! After four and a half years it just seems surreal that we are less than 24 hours from having her in our arms!! Tell everyone how completely blessed we are feeling and that we can truly feel all of the prayers and love coming to us from across the big ocean!! We really can!!! Thank you to everyone , and when I get home I will thank each of them from the bottom of my heart!

Please let everyone know how sorry I am that the picture thing is not working but I will keep trying!

Colby you can just imagine how *&^)&(&( off I am that the pictures are not working, that was the whole point to bring our computers!!!! uggggggg

Anyway thank you for all that you are doing, everytime I check my email I have like 40 comments!!!! So I know you are doing a great job!!!

Give our love to everyone at home, tell Astrud we love and miss her bunches!

Love you, Kristy

From Colby: I just copied the email because I wanted you guys to get a faster update and for you to know that your ongoing encouragement is working!! We are still trying to figure out how to get pictures as you can see and that is why we have not posted any.

First Day in China

2010-07-02T09:50:00.002-06:00

I got another update from Kristy early this morning at 4 a.m. Here is what she says:

We had our free day in Beijing today and to be really honest I have not fallen in love with China like so many of those before me have :(( There is 7 million people here and they have no concept of personal space and there is 1 friendly person to every 100 that you run into ! Sorry, just being honest! The city itself has quite a skyscraper skyline, with some really awesome looking buildings!!

Frank and I tried our best with the subway system but it is really hard with the language barrier, breakfast in our Hotel the Poly Plaza was a very pleasant experience, loved it!!!

We ventured out and found the Mall, which was so different than what we are accustomed to, but it had air conditioner! It is hot here and I am thankful from Texas, the weather is very much like ours!

We went to , or shall I say we happened upon a The Temple of Earth and it was a beautiful place with hundreds and hundreds of cedar trees and the grounds were beautiful, in the 1500's the Ming Dynasty use to hold sacrifices to the Earth there and as we walked up to the place where the sacrifices were held , Frank said would you come here at night???? Hmmm I don't know , I am sure there are some angry ghosts hanging around!! lol

When we got back midday to the Hotel I decided to have a massage.....let's just say that I paid good money for some very hot water with some kind of green leaves in it that I was supposed to drink, and I also must say that we Americans are very very very more modest than the chinese, I was so embarassed and WOW did I feel violated!!!!! And as for the massage, I am sure I could have went and found a back alley and got beat up for free!!!! And at the end he was pushing really hard in the middle of my stomach saying oh this is good for the stomach and the scrub nurse in me just kept feeling the pain thinking that I was going to have an aortic aneurysm.....not a pleasant experience!!!! And I hate to waste money but I guess I could chalk it up to experience!!! LOLOL!!!

We also ate in our first "real" chinese restaurant and I must say it was pretty good, although nothing like the chinese food back home! I used my chopsticks and didn't do sooooo bad! I still prefer a good ole American fork!

Tomorrow we tour the Great Wall, The Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square!!! We are pretty excited about that and also we will be meeting up with the rest of our travel group so that means ENGLISH SPEAKING PEOPLE!!!! WOOOOHOOOOO!!!! I miss everyone at home and really just can't wait for the "real and only" reason we came here for......Our Franceska!!!! I dreamed about her all night!!! I feel her close, I feel like everything is going to be okay!!!

If any of you feel as though I am a little negative, I am sorry for that. In January when we went all over Europe we never really felt totally out of our comfort zone, but today at lunch I started crying and Frank said, Babe what's wrong???? And the only answer I could come up with was I just really felt out of my element and a little homesick. But that is not really different for me , I am 42 years old and really don't like being far from home, I like the comfort of knowing my momma and daddy are just right down the road , and my sisters, our kids, go ahead call me a tity baby, YES I AM!!!! And I know I am weepy because after almost 5 years of waiting , it just seems so surreal to finally be here to get her. That is all we can think about is our babygirl.....the rest is just fluff!! My momma hormones are just pretty raw right now !!! So please bare with me!! I will have Colby post again in a few days so until then God bless all of you!!!! Love to all

Finally Here!!

2010-07-01T09:37:00.002-06:00

Hey this is Colby and I am posting for Kristy
She says: WE ARE FINALLY HERE and are sooooo excited! Only 3 more sleeps and then we will have Franceska in our arms!! I also want to say sorry for the internet not working and not being able to post pictures but I hope to be able to soon. One last big thank you goes out for all the comments, well wishes, prayers, and love given to me and my family.

HUGE ANNOUNCEMENT!!!!!!

2010-06-28T23:04:00.003-06:00

Oh how God keeps blessing our family!!!! We have a 4th Grandbutton on the way!!!!! Our daughter Kellie and her sweet Jon are expecting!!!!! Maybe this Meme is gonna have a "Girl Grandbutton"?????? Thank you God for how you just continue to bless our Family!!! Our Grandbutton is due on it's beautiful Mommy's birthday.....December 20th!!!

Our Itinerary!!!!

2010-06-28T14:08:00.002-06:00

6/30- Which happens to be Frank's Birthday, we leave San Antonio at 7:18 a.m.
arrive in San Francisco and then on to Beijing, China

7/1- Arrive in Beijing

7/2- On our own to rest , play , explore, whatever we want to do!

7/3- Sightseeing: touring the Great Wall of China, The Forbidden City, and Tiananmen Square

7/4- Fly to Nanchang ( where our Angel is)

GO TO CIVIL AFFAIRS OFFICE AND GET OUR FRANCESKA AT 3:30!!!!!

HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY TO EVERYONE OF YOU!!!!!

7/5- Paperwork and then on our own

7/6- Shopping!!!!!

7/7- Sightseeing in XiangHu Park, etc.

7/8- Sightseeing in Teng Wang Ge

7/9- Get Franceska's passport and fly to Guangzhou

7/10- Get Franceska's Visa and Medical exam

7/11- My Birthday!! Sightseeing in Chen Family Temple, etc.

7/12- Go to American Consulate for CA appointment!!

7/13- Go to American Consulate for Oath taking ceremony!!!!

(She will become an American Citizen!!!!!)

7/14- Play time and Family Time just to be with our babygirl!!!!

7/15- Fly to Shanghai and then to San Francisco and on to HOME!!!!

We get to San Antonio at 6:23PM HOME SWEET HOME!!!!!!

Right now it is 3:18 on monday afternoon Bags are packed, meds are bought, house cleaned, animals taken care of, Astrud situated, car seat in car, paperwork done, ant poison out ....what else?????? I think we are ready!!! WoooooooHooooooo!!!!!!!

Thank you!!!!!

2010-06-25T22:44:00.003-06:00

I want to thank each and everyone of you for your comments, emails, and comments on FB !! All of you have never been anything but loving, caring and so encouraging to me while on this journey. I can honestly say that I love each of you and that my life has been blessed immeasureably by all of you. God has humbled me so.... by every step of this journey !!! We only have 4 days before we leave, and as all of you can imagine I am going to be pretty darn busy so this will be my last post until right before we leave....WE ARE SO EXCITED!!!!

I have to tell you that I realized that almost all of Franceska's big brothers and sisters including her Mommy and Daddy have her picture somewhere in their cars....today my son Christopher text me ....'I LOVE YOU AND MISS YOU .......GO GET MY SISTER ALREADY!!!!!!!! That is just priceless to me. I will tell you one thing that this little girl is coming home to a giant family , so many special friends and a huge church family that love her already so much and that just warms my heart! And I know all of my family of "YOU" out there love her too....I just feel so blessed . Thank you Jesus!!!! I will talk to all of you soon........

OUR TRAVELS....

2010-06-24T14:51:00.003-06:00

On Wednesday , June 30th our flight leaves at 7:18 am and we fly into San Francisco and on to Beijing, China. We get there at 3:00 in the afternoon on July 1st. July 2nd we can rest, play and explore, then on the 3rd, we get to tour the Great Wall, The Forbidden City, and Tiananmen Square, and then on the 4th of JULY we fly to Nanchang and at 3:30 in the afternoon we get our hearts desire.....Franceska!!!!

Oh we just can't wait to see her and have her in our arms!!!! I keep wondering when they bring the babies in will this Mommy be able to pick her little one out of the crowd????? And then after several days in Nanchang, we fly to Guangzhou to make her ours forever and then on the 15th we fly to Shanghai, to San Francisco and then San Antonio ......and then HOME!!!!!

I want to give all thanks to God, HE is so good and is ever so faithful. Thank you so much Father........

Pictures!!!! and Presents!!!!!!

2010-06-22T14:11:00.007-06:00

The first three pictures are from my friend Kim!!!! Her mother made this for Franceska and these pictures do not do it any justice!!! It is absolutely BEAUTIFUL!!! And I love it!! It has gone with me everywhere I have went in the last two days so I can show it off to whoever wants to see it!!!! lol I can't wait to see Franceska on top of it!!!!

This picture is not a good one but I wanted you too see the beautiful detail!!!

And I just love love love this!!! I am a year round flip flop kind of gal!!! And look what is on this precious dress that IS going to China!!! And the precious hat , precious ladybug frame, with a Bonus....a picture of her son Nick!!! Thank you Kim, you know how I feel about you....I love love love you BIGGEST!!!!

After my shower it took me two full days to organize Franceska's closet . She also has 9 drawers that are full!!!! My daughter in law Megan made this precious bow holder and there is no more room!!!!

OH MY GOSH!!!! When this came in the mail I almost passed out!!! This is from my Sweet friend Lea in Canada. It has Franceskas initials on it.....FDR, and we think it is absolutely gorgeous! Thank you so much Lea, words will never be able to express how much this means to us! I love you! xoxoxoxoxo

This came by courier the other day it is from my Girlhead Amy and her husband Rick, and children Garett, Kyndall, and Mr.Zane. It's the high chair I wanted....I love it!!!! Thank you so much and you know I love you to the moon and back!!! All of you!!!!! Come Home!!!!

Father and son eating the entire box of popsicles and playing with Franks Ipad! That's our granddog Brinkley laying there! This is truly a picture of the circle of Life, here is Rayn my 5 yr old neice taking care of her Nonny and feeding her ice cream.....it is just priceless isn't it!!

Happy Anniversary and Father's Day babe!!!!

2010-06-19T08:31:00.002-06:00

Here we are on top of the world !!! The top level of the Eiffel Tower , you make me feel like I am a million feet up on cloud nine every single day of my life!!! You make me want to be a better person. Your faith is unending, and unfailing, you are an incredible man! The best son, brother, brother and son in law, uncle, father, husband and friend anyone could ever ask for!!! You have made me a Mom of Seven and Grandmother (meme) of 3 and I love all of our kids more than life itself, you have made every dream I ever had come true and I thank God everyday for you. I love you more everyday Frank. You have taken me around the world and back and now we are on our way to China to complete our family. I promise you I will love you to eternity and back.......you are my HEART!!!!! Happy Anniversary and Happy Father's Day you are truly a once in a lifetime and an incredible blessing to all of us.........................thank you for all you do, words could never be adequate enough to show how much are are appreciated and loved.

I love you to the moon and back, Pook

p.s. HAPPY FATHER'S DAY TO MY DADDY.....I LOVE YOU!

Introducing Miss Anna Grace Daniels!!!

2010-06-18T22:40:00.002-06:00

This is a little late because the Travel phase is a little crazy but I so wanted to share Anna Grace with all of you. My friend Christie , her husband Eddie and son Johnny received their picture of this beauty on June 7th!!! Congratulations!!! We think she is absolutely BEAUTIFUL!!! Just look at that smile..........

feeling a little overwhelmed......

2010-06-17T15:55:00.002-06:00

This is what I am feeling like our suitcases are looking like!!!! LOL!!! I am so particular about my kids clothes and being matched and such that yes I am stressing a little about the packing situation!!! I know what you are all gonna say, LESS IS MORE and I know that, and I have sacrificed alot of things !! Fliss calls me a "girly girl" and says that I am no way a carry on bagger!!! NOPE Im not but I will get it all packed and done but for right now this picture depicts kind of the way Im feeling!!!!

My Baby Shower pictures!

2010-06-15T13:23:00.007-06:00

Sunday was my Baby Shower and it was incredible!!!! It took me and hour and a half to open gifts and there was about 25 people or so that could not make it....can you imagine how long we would have sat there opening presents!!!! I was really praying that the day would be awesome, because I kept worrying and making myself sick over the fact that my Momma was not going to be there , but as always God wrapped me in his arms and got me thru it. I have an incredible family and amazing friends that love us so much and already love Franceska. Here are some pictures from the day. In the top left hand corner is me with my sister's, my besties Kim and Kerry that I love so much, and yes I am the tall one of the family but I had heels on so I looked like and AMAZON WOMAN! My cake which was made by Carole from our church, she makes such good cakes, they are yummy..... Myself and then me and my girls. ,my DIL Megan, daughters Chas and Astrud, and DIL's Amy and Traci, they are all the Sunshines of my heart!!! Just wished Kellie could have been there.....:(

The Guest book table with the Diaper cake I made, my neices Dominique and Mariah and their mom, my so ,so special friend Yvonne, my bestie Jessica and I , and then all of my hostesses: Gina, Wendy, Aunt Mary, Aunt Margie, Aunt Ida, me , Kim, Lisa, Jenny, Jessica and Kerry

The top is our living room floor full of presents, the next two are my dining room table that seats 10 and it was solid presents ,even my Hutch was full!!! And the last pic is of my extra long couch with layers and layers of clothes for Miss. Franceska!!!!

The first picture is the gift from my SIL , Franks sister Olga, It is a turning music box with pictures for all of the "Firsts" in a baby's life and the star on top is engraved Franceska Danielle Rodriguez on one side and August 4. 2009 on the other, and on another area it says , Love , Aunt Olga. It is absolutely beautiful and I will treasure it forever! The second is a handstitched/crosstitched quilt that my Daddy bought me at a benefit and had Kerry wrap it from him and my Momma.....need I say more?????? The next is the diaper cake I made :), and then just a shot of my friends and family some of them before the shower started.

The first is my MIL , Marcela and I, (Love her!), I had my two girls Chas and Astrud sitting up there with me, sorry again the guest book table and another shot of my grandbutton Josh, Reese and Rayn watching so patienly.... I am opening my sister Kerry's present, it took me about 15 minutes to open ! She has been collecting things for 4 1/2 years so it was quite a bit!!!!

The first pic is of just the stuff my sister Kerry gave me, it took all of our BIG chair and large ottoman, just unbelievable, she is something else!!! Im sorry some of these are duplicated, like the diaper cake and then here is another view of my dining room table, and then another view of the fellowship hall at church full of guests!!!

Franceska is set!! and then some ......it has taken me two days to get all of it organized into her room!!! I will post pictures of her closet again sometime this week. Our last homestudy update is tomorrow so see all of you soon!!!

Thank you to all of my hostessess , friends and family for loving me the way you do, for already loving Franceska the way you do and for just simply being blessings in our life. I love every one of you!!!

Todays my Baby Shower!!!!!

2010-06-13T00:00:00.000-06:00

I am so excited!!!! Today is my Baby Shower !!!! I will have pictures later today or sometime tomorrow!!!!

2010-06-10T23:26:00.000-06:00

One month ago today we finally saw that beautiful, precious little face and fell so completely in LOVE!!!! We love you Franceska Danielle and in only 35 days you will be in our arms FOREVER...........

The Call

Every call has a beginning
A quiet moment when
God whispers a promise
to a mother’s heart
A holy place where
a father bows and faithfully
accepts the journey set before him.
A miraculous morning that
unexpectedly dawns…
Casting its first light on a chosen threshold.
A gentle knock..
a closed door opens.
A sacred invitation sent by the Father..
Leads to the other side of the world.
Where lonely hearts stare out orphanage windows
Praying for someone to care..
And then one morning,
On an ordinary day
An orphan’s life changes...
God sends them a second chance...
Through you..

--author unknown

(My friend Fliss found this and shared it with me, I love it! Thank you so much Fliss.)

I

THIS MAN.....

2010-06-08T09:28:00.003-06:00

THIS MAN IS MY HERO, THE FIRST MAN I EVER LOVED, THE BEST CARETAKER IN THE WORLD, HE IS MY DADDY!!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY DADDY I LOVE YOU MORE THAN YOU CAN EVER IMAGINE!!!!!

p.s. We got our Consulate appointment today....the day after my birthday !!! July 12th!!

It's starting to look like we are.....

2010-06-05T05:14:00.002-06:00

on JUNE 24TH!!!!!! Did you see that!!!!! God's plan is revealing itself more and more everyday!! To HIM all the Glory goes!!! Our wedding anniversary is 6/19, we leave on 6/24, Frank's birthday is 6/30, we should head back home around the 7/7, and my birthday is 7/11!!!! How perfect is that!!!!! And then Franceska's 1st birthday will be 8/4!!!!!! What a great Summer we are going to have!!!!!!

Just playing around..........

2010-06-04T19:36:00.002-06:00

Frank found some pictures of him when he was little and I cropped them and played with them a little and I'm thinking there is a bit of a family resemblance going on here!!!!!! lol You should see our son Christopher's pictures compared to his little sister's!!!! I just love this!! Franceska

Daddy

Chunky Monkey Daddy....

You might not see a resemblance, but we are having fun anyway.........

TA and our baby is 10 months old!!!

2010-06-04T04:37:00.002-06:00

Oh Little one we are on our way soon!!!!!!! We can't wait to hold you in our arms, and we can't wait to give you all of our kisses and all of this bottled up love, oh baby we are on our way.......

Updated pictures of our Franceska......

2010-06-01T15:07:00.002-06:00

She weighs 19 lbs and is 27 inches long and has two teeth and we are just crazy in love with her !! I just can't wait to get my arms around her!!!! Come on TA!!!!!

As for me and my family....WE WILL NEVER FORGET!!!!

2010-05-31T00:30:00.001-06:00

OH NO .....WE WILL NEVER FORGET!!!!! GOD BLESS AMERICA!!!!

Today was a GREAT DAY!!!

2010-05-26T21:14:00.005-06:00

Today was such a great day, I was with my Momma all afternoon and what you all should know is that it is very rare that she just sits still. Well she sat down and I handed her a picture of Franceska , and LOOK what she did............Oh God is so good!!! She was so funny today so much like her old self! My sister and several very special friends are giving me a huge Baby Shower on June 13th and although I am so excited it has been really bothering me that my Momma will not be there, well she will be now, I am framing this picture and setting it by the cake. So she won't only be there ...she will be there holding her grandbaby............ This is not such a good picture because she was sitting on me and I was trying to hold the camera and right before I snapped the picture she grabbed my face, isn't it just so sweet!!!

This morning our Grandbutton Joshua graduated from Pre-K!! We are so proud of him, he is such a "Big Boy"! He was so proud of his certificate and Medal!!!!! Meme , Grandpa and Aunt Astrud are soooooo proud of you!!!! We love you!

Here is Joshua with Me (meme), Amy's Mom Vivian (mama) and Amy his Mommy!!!!

Here is Joshua with his beautiful Aunt Ashley!!!

This was taken on Sunday, it is Kourtney, Jade and Amy!!! There was no way we could have had Jade do Speak No Evil because as you can see her mouth never shuts!!! LOL

I hope each and everyone of you had a blessed day like I had and if you didn't I pray tomorrow is better!!!

Alot of AMERICAN PRIDE AND THANKFULNESS....

2010-05-24T21:06:00.011-06:00

We are only abut 35 minutes from BAMC (Brooke Army Medical Center) in San Antonio ,and I have to add that we are very proud of BAMC!! BAMC is where alot of the critically Wounded Warriors are brought to for some of the best medical care in the world. On Saturday BAMC was taking 300 Wounded Warriors and their families on a fishing trip to Corpus Christi, Texas and they just happen to have to come down Highway 87 right thru La Vernia!! Well there is about 25 miles of Hwy 87 between us and San Antonio and all along the route there was hundreds of people just waiting for these brave men and women to pass by just so we could yell, clap, wave an American Flag and just show our straight from the heart Texas gratitude and appreciation for all that they have done for us and for all that they have sacrificed!! Here are some pictures from the day , they passed at right about 7:15 a.m. and people started lining the streets at about 6:00 am and it was all over by 7:20 , and it was just about the best 45 minutes I have ever had!!! We parked out in front of our church, I think 98% of our church was out there , it was just an amazing time!! THANK YOU TO ALL OF OUR SOLDIERS OUT THERE WOUNDED OR NOT....ACTIVE DUTY OR NOT....THANK YOU TO ALL OF OUR SOLDIERS WHO FOUGHT PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE....YOU ARE TRULY OUR HEROES!!!!!
HERE THEY COME.....

THERE WERE 4 BUSES AND OUR COUNTY SHERIFF AND ABOUT 6 COP CARS CAME THRU IN FRONT AND BACK WITH SIRENS ON !!! IT WAS INCREDIBLE!!!

THIS IS WHAT THE SCENE WAS FOR ABOUT 25 MILES AHEAD OF US AND PROBABLY FOR ABOUT ANOTHER 60 MILES AHEAD......

THIS IS GRACE...SEE HER TSHIRT??? MY DADDY WEARS COMBAT BOOTS!!!

MY MISTER AND GRACE'S DADDY OUR GOOD FRIEND LANCE!

MY MISTER, OUR PASTOR, BRO. DAVE , HIS WONDERFUL WIFE CATHY , OUR NEICE MICHELLE AND MYSELF

FRANK, ASTRUD AND MICHELLE

Also on Saturday we had a wedding, a very special wedding. These two people are Wayne and Yvonne Brooks. Mine and Wayne's families go back about 5 generations...THEY ARE FAMILY!

Yvonne and I were in the same class and graduated together. They had Brandon which is the same age as our Steven, they graduated together and we also had their graduation party together. Then the beautiful Dominique and then our gorgeous Mariah was born. Like I said we are FAMILY and we all love each other sooooo much. Saturday Brandon married Melissa outside in a beautiful yard wedding. It was a beautiful wedding and I just wanted to show you a few pictures from the day.

Here is Wayne and Yvonne..... you know how I feel about both of you. I love you!!!! My life would not be the same without you in it, and I thank God for you both. Oh the memories....I can't wait to see what God has planned for our future together.....

Here is a picture of the wedding party....all of them were so handsome and pretty....

Here is Brandon looking at his BRIDE, I think this picture is just priceless, I just love it!!! It made me tear up, I am so proud of him.

Here is my Dominique, she is such a lovely young woman, and she is so smart, she loves God, she is so caring and so unique she makes me so darn proud, her Aunt Kristy loves you so much!!!

Here is my Mariah! This young lady is just not a pretty face, she is so talented, she is an athletic machine!!! I love listening to Mariah talk, her voice just pours sweetness and caring , she is as beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside, your Aunt Kristy and Uncle Frank love you so much baby.

And of course it would not be a normal event if there wasn't the usual "Dork" picture! Here is Astrud, my neice Michelle and Astrud's "Lil Mister" Anthony!!! They called it their Family portrait!

And last but certainly not least, My Mister usually gets our coffee ready at night , so most mornings all I have to do is flip the switch. Well last week this is what I woke up too....my mug that says: "The Real Boss", his mug : The Man, The Myth, The Legend and can you see it????

Franceska's picture with a handwritten note that says: "WE LOVE YOU BIG"!!!!! and little stick people for all of us!!!! I know....you have no words.....he is toooooo much isn't he!!!!

Just a little IRRITATED!!!!!

2010-05-20T14:44:00.003-06:00

(THIS IS WHO I SEE WHN I LOOK IN THE MIRROR!!!)

Hi everyone I just came here to vent a little!!! I drove to our agency today to hand deliver our Visa applications and although all of that went without incident , when we were looking over some paperwork "J" noticed that our fingerprints (3rd set) will expire 8/14/2010 and she told me we better get those redone!!! I said are you serious?????

We were thinking that since our fingerprints ( I did say 3rd set....right?????) did not expire till August and our I171 not expiring till 10/10 that we were in the clear. She told me that for whatever reason now the C*C* is holding back on TA's!!! Really taking their time issuing them, and that possibly at the earliest we will travel is late July!!!!!! so it's official IM IRRITATED!!!!!!

I can honestly say that the last almost 5 years has been the easy part!! Just knowing our Franceska is there and getting bigger, and more attached and just without us every single day that goes by for no apparent reason is sooooo hard!!!! We were looking so forward to having her 1st birthday party here at home with friends and family and now we might be in China I know it is not my time or schedule it is HIS but come on C*C* give us a BREAK!!!!!!!!!! All of us!!!!!!!

So will all of you pray with us that either this times goes by fast or that something happens and it all happens faster???? Thank you all and God bless......

It's official.....SHES OURS!!!

2010-05-15T16:35:00.004-06:00

On Wednesday the FedEx man delivered our package and I think he thought I was NUTS when I said, WAIT you can't leave yet , I have to take a picture of you....I have been waitinfg 4 1/2 yrs for you!!!!! I then explained why and he was all smiles!!!!! Here is Mommy signing the paperwork.......

Here is Daddy signing the paperwork.......

And it's official ( at least for this part of the journey)....SHE IS OURS!!!!! We are just over the moon in love with her!!! My sister Kerry and I rushed over to my parent's house on monday to show them their granddaughter's picture, well we were thinking that we would surprise Daddy and when I showed him the picture he couldn't talk for a few seconds and his chin was quivering and he just kept looking at her!!! As for my mom, we have already passed that moment in time where she would know but that's okay because I know "The Heart Remembers"!!!

And during all of that Frank was going into San Antonio to show his Mom and she was just beside herself, she thought she was beautiful and immediately said she looks just like Frank and our son Christopher when they were little!!! For real she really does!!!!

Our paperwork says she is a good eater, she likes being around other children, she loves rattle toys and she LOVES BEING OUTSIDE!!! Just like her Mommy!!!!

It is so good turning over to turn the lamp off at night and seeing her there, and in the morning she is the first thing I see. Even though we are so ready to bring her home I have to admit that knowing where she is , and actually having a picture to kiss goodnight really does make a difference. Frank and I just can't wait to get our arms around her. Oh my gosh I just love her so much.................................

This is what I woke up to......

2010-05-11T08:26:00.003-06:00

When I woke up this morning look what the very first thing was that I saw when I opened my eyes.....OUR DAUGHTER!!! After so many minutes, hours, days, months and years of not knowing....finally a beautiful face to a name. We are so over the moon in love with her!!! Do you think people would think would think Im crazy if I hang a 5x7 picture around my neck and wear it everywhere I go?????????

For those of you who have been following this journey with us, maybe you remember Frank and Astrud calling themselves a Blog widower and a Blog orphan ....well wonder who was on his computer googling the map of Jiangxi and the orphanage and wanting to pay to get updated photos etc, etc, etc??????? Yes it was that same Blog Widower that really thinks being on the computer is overrated and even PRINTED pictures and got in his truck and drove 45 minutes to his moms house so he could give them to her!!!!! And the same Blog Orphan whose status on FB was "I finally got to see my little sisters face today"!!!!! Isn't that just the sweetest thing!!!!

I want to take a little bit of time to thank each and everyone of you that were so patient with me yesterday, we had alot of people here yesterday and the whole time I kept thinking, "I really need to get to the computer and post pictures, I was making myself so nervous about letting all of you down that I kinda became a little grouchy and short tempered.....yes Me I admit it!!!! So anywho I am sorry it took so long, thank you for being patient, for loving me and for loving our daughter!!! I love you all!!!! May God wrap his arms around each of you so tight that you can truly feel the love he has for you...........

Thank you Fliss for doctoring up our pictures, I absolutely love them and you!!!

INTRODUCING OUR BABYGIRL FRANCESKA DANIELLE

2010-05-10T15:39:00.004-06:00

HERE SHE IS....... Born August 4, 2009

NAME: Gan Xing Qin (Franceska Danielle Rodriguez)

SWI: Jianxin

Province: Jiangxi

AND WE ARE SOOOOOO IN LOVE!!!!!!

Ring Phone Ring........

2010-05-10T07:10:00.002-06:00

Just waiting for the phone to ring....will it be today or tomorrow.....oh pleeeeeezzz let it be today!!!

To all of you INCREDIBLE LADIES OUT THERE!!!!

2010-05-08T23:22:00.001-06:00

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY TO ALL OF YOU!!!! I HOPE EACH AND EVERYONE OF YOU HAVE A BLESSED DAY!!!!!

Thank you so much!!!!!

2010-05-08T00:26:00.004-06:00

THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH FOR YOUR HEARTFELT COMMENTS THAT I CAN TRULY FEEL THE LOVE IN. I KNOW I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE THAT FEELS THIS WAY BUT I NEED TO SAY THAT IT IS MOMENTS LIKE THIS WHEN IT IS JUST SO OBVIOUS WHY I LOVE ALL OF YOU SO MUCH. OVER THE YEARS YOU ALL HAVE BECOME FAMILY TO ME AND I AM SO GRATEFUL TO MY FATHER IN HEAVEN FOR PUTTING EVERY SINGLE ONE OF YOU IN MY LIFE'S PATH!!!

Rumors have it that we are IN!!! We just can't believe that we might be seeing our babygirls face in just a few days, oh gosh I just can't wait!!!! I will keep you all posted as fast as I can. We have a huge family and live in a small town and I know that our house will be full as soon as we hear something so please hang on and I will post everything I have . I love all of you!!!

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY TO ALL OF YOU WONDERFUL MOTHERS!!! GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILIES.........

Tick...Tock...Tick....Tock.......

2010-05-06T22:30:00.002-06:00

The clock just keeps on ticking and NO RUMORS!!!!! Can you say CRAZY???? I can cause I am!!!! I just want to know if we are IN or not!! If your thinking, "Oh Kristy don't get your hopes up, it might be next month"......TOO LATE!!!!! Please just a few rumors and then let's see that STORK!!!!

NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER 2010

2010-05-05T23:09:00.002-06:00

Today is NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER....Please remember and honor the fact that we can pray and worship freely and please remember all of our soldiers who are fighting for our right to do that right now this minute overseas....

"If we ever forget that we are One Nation under God, then we will be a Nation gone under"..Ronald Reagan

God bless you and your families and GOD BLESS AMERICA!!!!

What will this week bring?????????????

2010-05-02T21:58:00.002-06:00

WELL..............what will this week bring??????????????????? WILL IT BRING OUR DAUGHTERS PICTURE TO US????? Oh I sure do hope so.............................................

To Our Franceska Danielle

2010-04-28T11:30:00.003-06:00

BORN IN OUR HEARTS

We see you in our dreams and feel you in our hearts;

Sweet baby waiting patiently, half a world apart.

We try hard to imagine your many gifts and charms,

Passing the time until at last, we hold you in our arms.

Soon we'll be together and we will give you all our love;

Our precious little angel from heaven up above.....

Oh Franceska we are trying so hard to wait patiently for any word... any shred of anything about you.....Please know that we are counting down the days until we see your face.

We love you, Mommy and Daddy

WONDER WHAT WILL HAPPEN THIS WEEK.....

2010-04-25T18:02:00.005-06:00

I KNOW I FEEL LIKE THIS!!!!! I ALSO KNOW THAT ALL OF YOU BETTER GET YOUR LIFEJACKETS OUT BECAUSE AFTER 4 YEARS OF BEING LOGGED IN PLUS THE SIX MONTHS OF PAPERCHASING... WHEN THIS WATER BREAKS THERE'S GONNA BE A TSUNAMI........ AND I KNOW I LOOK THIS WAY...........................

AND IF IT WASN'T FOR ALL OF YOU PEOPLE OUT THERE THAT I HAVE LEARNED TO LOVE SO MUCH DURING THIS WAIT , I WOULD HAVE ALREADY DONE THIS....................................

BUT I'M HOPING THAT SOMETIME THIS WEEK , WE WILL HEAR THOSE LITTLE THINGS THAT WE CALL "RUMORS"................................

ABOUT THAT HANDSOME GUY WE ALL CALL THE STORK!!!! AND I'M PRAYING THOSE LITTLE RUMORS ARE ABOUT THAT LITTLE HANDSOME SUCKER FLYING SOME TIME REAL SOON!!!!!!!! SO JOIN ME AND LET'S PRAY THAT WE HEAR SOMETHING REALLY REALLY SOON!!!!!! FLY STORK FLY......FLY STORK FLY........FLY STORK FLY......FLY STORK FLY..................

4 YEARS AGO TODAY..........48 MONTHS THAT IS!!!!!

2010-04-21T00:00:00.001-06:00

4 YEARS AGO TODAY OUR PAPERWORK WAS LOGGED IN TO CHINA!!!!!!! Oh how I hope this is our last LIDVERSARY , we want to see our daughters face sooooooo bad!!! Bring on the rumors!!!!

Just a random post with pictures!!! (imagine that)

2010-04-20T11:27:00.014-06:00

This is me...YES I was slackin.... Astrud took this of me last night around 8:00. I was my Bible study and drinking some hot tea. It was about 58 degrees outside which is kind of different around here for April, so I lit the fire and was having me some quiet time!!! Loved it!!!

(I really do wash around here but by the look of the bottom of my socks you wouldn't know it!!)

This is our neice Michelle. On sunday Mercy Me, David Crowder and several other christian bands had a concert in San Antonio so Frank Randy, Lance and some others took about 20 kids and they waited outside 5 hours to get good tickets. While they were waiting some of the boys brought their guitars and such and played music, played football and frisbee to pass the time. Astrud took this picture of her sweet cousin Michelle and I just love it!!! To me it looks like it it out of a magazine...Love it!!!Rusty and JihaoFather and daughter.....love this!!!Uncle Frank and Michelle...love this too!!!
"Cousins"
This is Astrud's "friend" Anthony. He is a really great guy and one of 12!!!! Yes I said 12!!!!
Pretty girls!!
Just a couple of pics of the Texas wildflowers, I haven't gotten the bluebonnet pics yet but this year the wildflowers are absolutely gorgeous!!!!

Joshua had a program at school the other day and I have lots of pictures but for some reason alot of the pictures I wanted to post are giving me errors, I don't know what is up with that. So here is one of Joshua with his Aunt Astrud, his cousin Rayn and his Meme
In March our daughter in law Amy received an honors award at her college and here are a few pics. I love the pictures of our son Christopher with his son Joshua. Our grandbutton has the best Daddy. Christopher makes us so proud. He really is a good daddy.
Amy , Josh and Christopher.....we are so proud of you Amy!!! We love you BIG!!!!
Our Monkey!!! Yes that is an electrical tower he is climbing on!!!!!

This makes me so happy.....

2010-04-19T07:44:00.005-06:00

This is my friend Fliss's daughter Shauna, look what she has????? My Book!!!!

HAPPY SATURDAY!!!!!

2010-04-17T08:17:00.002-06:00

Every morning I wake up to the coffee ready and waiting for me. My Mister always does this for me, and most mornings there is a chocolate or a "love note" waiting for me. This morning there was a carnation in my cup.....it just made my day and the smile on my face is gonna be there all day!!! Nothing compares to the feeling of love !
I thought I would share some pictures of Franceska's bed. The other day I washed all of her bedding that has been in a bag for 4 years! So here is a peek.........
and another........
Then the other day the mailman knocked on the door and had two packages for me. It was such a nice surprise!!!! Polar Bear's Mama sent Franceska this precious rug and the oh so precious little outfits!!!! Thank you Stacy , it made it all so real for me!!! When Frank and Astrud got home they just loved everything!!! Thank you so much my friend......this is really gonna happen isn't it!!!!!

Have a Blessed weekend..

2010-04-16T05:18:00.000-06:00

Myspace Comments @ 123glitter.com

PROM 2010

2010-04-12T19:55:00.015-06:00

Introducing Emily, Astrud and Jena.....aren't they just beautiful!!! I just dont know how the time goes so fast. It seems as if just yesterday that Princess in the middle was just a baby and now look at her, she is a beautiful young lady!!! They all 3 are...gone are the days of watching them on the monkey bars, BUT I know the best is yet to come.
Astrud and her great friend Dual.....he is such a gentleman!
Jena and Trevor
Pretty girl!
Big brother Christopher!!! He got there late so he got a picture all by himself with his little sister!
Our kiddos.....Megan, Steven Traci, Astrud, Craig, Chas,Amy, Joshua and one of my granddogs Brinkley!!! (minus Christopher, Kellie, Jon, Liam, Rory and of course Franceska)

There always has to be a "Silly Pic"!!
The Group
I just love this picture, she is just so pretty.....

Here is Astrud with my momma and daddy (Nonny & Poppy) It was a special moment for me. I remember when Astrud was little and my mom and I used to talk about these special days and oh how I wish that things were different but at least she is here.
Big sister Chas putting the finishing touches on her makeup, in baby sister Franceskas room!!!

That's me lacing her up, I am so proud of her.
They went bowling after the prom........
Em, Jena and Astrud
That's ladylike!!! lol

This is Kyle her cousin, he is my cousin Tracy's son, Tracy and I are the same age and Kyle and Astrud are the same age, aren't they just a nice looking pair!!
This is Michelle , another cousin, they are such special friends, I love this picture!!
Poor Dual doesnt she look Psycho!!!
The next two pictures are at the top of the Tower of the Americas. This is where they all went and ate dinner.

I know there are alot of pictures here, trust me there were alot more! After the prom alot of us parents, Frank and I along with our kids and my sister and girls had hamburgers in our backyard and sat by the firepit , it was a really nice evening and all of us were so proud of these kids. These kids are the whole package, they are not just pretty, they are all just as pretty on the inside and have great hearts and are not afraid to love God outloud!!!!

Oh this is such a HAPPY DAY!!!

2010-04-03T19:39:00.002-06:00

YES INDEED HE HAS RISEN!!!!!! For God so loved the world that he gave his only son, so that everyone who believes in HIM might not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16

Thank you Father for loving ALL of us the way you do............................................

Lots of things to say......

2010-03-28T22:11:00.012-06:00

This week should be when rumors start flying about the next batch of Special Deliveries!!! Rumors have it that they might go thru the 20th of April '06 and we are the 21st, so we will see. One thing I do know is that it will be soon, I just feel like the first week of May we will finally see the precious face of our Franceska....so say your prayers okie dokie!!!! And I will keep you posted!!

Most of you know that my Momma has Alzheimers. It is heartbreaking......It hurts!!!! Last week in particular was a rough week for me. I am now the nurturer when I really still just need and want my Momma!!!! The prom is coming up, Franceska is on her way, I want to share my grandbuttons with her and so many other things!!! I just want to be able to pick up the phone and call her and just talk about it, but I cant so instead I go over there and let her lay her head on my shoulder. Now dont get me wrong those are precious times that I will forever cherish, BUT it wasnt supposed to be that way. So I know that this is alot to ask but if any of you ever at any time have a few extra dollars, even if it is $5.oo dollars please go to http://www.alz.org/ and make a donation to stop this monster of a disease. I would never ever, ever want any of you to go thru this. ALZHEIMERS SUCKS!!!!! You can even find your local organization if you want to. Thank you so much for taking the time to read this. God bless all of you. (These are just some emblems I found that I would love to wear on a Tshirt)

And I totally forgot to commemorate our 47th LIDversary!!!! I dont think we have have many more!!!!! FINALLYYYYYYYY......

Happy Birthday Momma and Bubba

2010-03-21T12:08:00.005-06:00

Today is our Stevens (Bubba) 25th , and my Momma's 67th birthday!! And my prayer for the day is that Steven always knows how proud of him we are and just how much we love him!! And also Father if you could please for nothing but sellfish reasons give my momma just half a minute of clarity so she knows it is her birthday, and that she knows she is surrounded by her girls, her devoted husband and almost all of here grandchildren that love her oh so much!!! Having her family all around her was always her favorite thing in the whole world. I pray this prayer in your sons precious name....Amen

p.s.

I am not taking anything away from our son, but he knows how I feel and I can still say things to him, so Happy birthday Momma, there is none like you in all the world. Even when we could be screaming at one another one minute we were cracking up laughing together the next. There are so many things about me that are YOU. You have been robbed of so much and for that my heart breaks every single minute of every single day. It breaks my heart that new people in our life just dont know who you really were and I feel like they have been robbed . Because you were so unique and funny, you were feisty, and mouthy and thats putting it gently, lol.....and at the same time so darn loving and nurturing, you loved everyone and you never met a stranger. Momma my promise to you is to always make you look pretty, keep your hair pretty even if that means following you all around the house with scissors to cut it because you dont know how to sit down anymore, that means always keeping your nails pretty and clean and your toenails the same, I will continue to fight you so I can bathe you and even though you and daddy always tortured us with your false teeth, I proudly will continue to take them out and clean them for you even though sometimes you tell me you are gonna knock the crap out of me....I know you dont mean it, I will keep following you with the bowl of water all over the house trying my best to keep your legs shaved and I will keep your eyebrows tidy. I will do all of the things it takes to care for someone in your condition and as long as you continue to let me do these things for you I will do them as long as I have life in my body, you are my MOMMA and I owe you so much. Momma I know that God has a plan and all I can pray for now is that even if for one second you will know who I am talking about when I am finally able to say, "Look Nonny here is your granddaughter Franceska". Happy Birthday to you my sweet little Momma, I love you more than word could ever express.

Love you "favorite" daughter...LOL

Kristy Lynn

Seattle and Grandbutton bound...

2010-03-11T19:03:00.002-06:00

Frank, Astrud and myself have a flight leaving at 5:45a.m. in the morning!! We are so excited!! We are going to see our daughter Kellie, son in law Jon and our two little Grandbuttons Liam and Rory!! It will be our first time seeing Rory and we are just besides ourselves !! So I will see all of you on thursday!! Have a great weekend!! GOD BLESS ALL OF YOU.

p.s. It has been sunny and about 78 degrees here and absolutely beautiful....hmmmm wonder how it will be in Seattle??? It dont matter I just want to get my hands are those boys!!!

XOXOXOXOXO

Once upon a time......

2010-03-08T19:36:00.009-06:00

Once upon a time in my life I thought I would never be a Mother. I went thru alot of heartache, feeling very sorry for myself, feeling worthless and hating myself among other things. Living in the small town I grew up in , me and all of my friends and cousins were getting married around the same time, I was in about 15 weddings in let's say a 6 year timeframe, and then everyone starts having babies and me.......NOTHING, not for 1 or 2 years but for 5 years!!! I went thru horrendous infertility treatment. When we were growing up and everyone else was wanting to be Doctors, Nurses, Lawyers, Dental assistants, Teachers.......Not me...I just wanted to be a Mommy and be married. After all the time of friends and family kind of hiding from me or coming to my home to tell me they were pregnant as if to let me know gently, after hearing the remarks people say because you always have someone elses children with you and learning to just reply the same way when God is ready for me to have a baby I will, but really not putting all your faith in HIM, putting more faith in your Infertility Specialist because to you he was the person that would help you get pregnant!!!! BUT then one week 3 of my friends give birth to their beautiful children and it was as if I really was having a mental breakdown, I just threw my hands up in the air and said, "OK God if you want me to have children you are going to have to make it happen , because I can't do it anymore. I was spent mentally, physically and financially, and just could not get a hold of myself.................3 hours later we got a phone call that would change my life forever.........I named her Astrud. AND SHE WAS THE ABSOLUTE BLESSING OF MY LIFE. HE was just waiting for me to rely on HIM.

But sadly to say a year and a half later my marriage broke. I own that. IT WAS NOT HIS FAULT. After five years of being told when to do this and when to do that, the passion died for me. We had grown up together, our parents, grandparents and great grandparents had grown up together and when I left it hurt ALOT of people. Not my proudest moment. He was my best friend when he should have been my lover, but I lost that.

So there I was on my own with my baby girl, scared to death!!! Moved away from my small town into San Antonio knowing that everyone was either mad at me or severely disappointed in me. And when I say alot of people...remember its a small town, Have you ever been the talk or disappointment of a small town???? It's not pretty.

I was working in the OR at a San Antonio Hospital , and to alot of peoples dismay I met Frank. He worked in the same OR as I did. So now I was not only the hometown girl that totally went against the grain, I was a tramp , a bad mother and a horrible daughter , friend, and granddaughter according to THEM. And to top it all off he was MEXICAN.

(I KNOW ALL OF YOU ARE WONDERING WHAT IS THE POINT OF THIS STORY....JUST PLEASE WAIT FOR IT, IT DOES HAVE MEANING. I HAVE NEVER TOLD THIS WHOLE STORY ON THIS BLOG, I DONT KNOW WHY NOW, I JUST THINK IT IS TIME)

We were friends for a while and I did fall head over heels, no turning back, in LOVE!!! And all the while I was actually afraid to tell him that I could not have children. So him and I along with Astrud which was 2 and his son Steven was 8 were moving along kind of like a little family. He had Steven and alway did have him. Then one day he told me that he needed to talk to me and I was so scared that he was gonna leave me. He says I have to tell you something!?!? And I said what.....he says I have 5 other children!!!! And you have to know that to me that was music to my ears!!! Frank s 10 years older than me and even though these other kids were a bit older , I DID NOT CARE!!!!! Then I finally got up the nerve to tell him that I could not have children , he then tells me that he had been "fixed" lol (good thing right....). To me it was a perfect match, he could give me what I could not give myself!!!! Thank you God!!! And 4 years later we were married and although just like any other marriage with its ups and downs....I am a truly BLESSED woman. Steven is MINE , and Astrud is HIS, and the relationship with the others (they lived far away), has grown into a true love story. Our kids are NOT our step children , they are all of our children, and they are NOT step brothers and sisters, they are all fiercely protective of each other, love each other, and even though Steven (Bubba), and Astrud, grew up in the same house, and are just like any other brother and sister, ALL of them spoil and love Astrud in a way that just makes my heart smile. I can't explain to you how I love these kids. I love them so much and are so proud of them sometimes it hurts!!! Chastity our oldest daughter is only 10 yrs younger than me, she is one of my Best friends. You cant imagine the looks that we get when she introduces me as her "Other Mother", To her I am Kris, to Craig I am Kma, to Christopher I am either Kristy but I get referred to as Mom, to Kellie I am Kristy, these kids have a wonderful mother and I am forever grateful that they are so graciously shared with me! I am otherwise Mom to the other two, and when I hear that word "MOM", it just never gets old!!! I just can't wait to see the love envelop Franceska by her big brothers and sisters, it will just complete that circle of life for me.

There are heartaches that comes with all of this and they are all in regards to my MOM, but there will be no tears on this post, I just rely on 3 simple words.....The Heart Remembers.....

And if any of you are wondering about all of Those people that judged Frank and I....well lets just say alot of Crow has had to be eaten. Everyone loves him, and feels blessed to have him by their side. God is good that way.

So in review here is a list of all my blessings:

First I have Frank , my incredible loving, giving, selfless husband that I just can't deserve but am so glad I have.......I have 3 INCREDIBLY HANDSOME sons, Steven 24, Christopher 30 and Craig 26, 4 AMAZING GORGEOUS daughters, Chastity 32, Kellie 22, Astrud 17 and soon to be Franceska, 3 ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL daughter in laws, Amy, Traci, and Megan, 1 EXCEPTIONALLY LOVING son in law, Jon, and now 3 of the most SPIRITED, ALLL BOY, CUDDLY AND SO CUTE I COULD EAT THEM UP WITH A SPOON GRANDBUTTONS, Joshua, Liam and Rory!!! For those of you who follow my blog no doubt you have seen multiple pictures of all these beautiful people!!!! I really should scan alot of old pictures one day of our kids so all of you can see them thru the years. One day when I have time I will do that.

OK for the reason of this post. On Saturday night my dearest, sweetest, oh so beautiful friend Gretchen told me she had a verse in the Bible that had ME written all over it. When she read it to me it left me with goosebumps and almost speechless......this is it.

"Sing O childless woman! Break forth into loud and joyful song, O Jerusalem, even though you never gave birth to a child. For the woman who could bear no children now has more than all the other women, " says the Lord. Enlarge your house; build an addition, spread out your home! For you will soon be bursting at the seams. Your descendants will take over other nations and live in their cities.

Isaiah 54: 1-2

Now that leaves me speechless!!!! Thank you my Father in Heaven for blessing me beyond my wildest dreams. I promise even though I am an "Older" mother now, for I know this is all part of your plan, so bring Franceska home to us, and we will make you proud. And I will live the rest of my life for you, and with you, knowing that I am not worthy of the love you show me but I will live my life striving everyday to be more like you. Thank you Thank you Thank you.

Thank you to you to Gretchen, you know how much I love you.....

Some of you might be wondering what was the point to this post?????? Maybe there wasn't any point. Maybe I just wanted to share a part of me I had never shared before. But I do know that I just wanted to give credit where credit was due.......

What RQ is saying......

2010-03-04T23:20:00.003-06:00

RQ 's projection for April referrals is April 20th!!!!! ((((((((SCREAM))))))))!!!!!

CAN YOU BELIEVE IT!!!! I would be lying if I said I wasn't secretly praying for that number to be the 21st or more when that time comes, But heck after 4 years ....what's another 30 days or so!!! Regardless of what happens our time is coming and it feels oh sooooo good!!!! Frank and I were talking tonight and just talking about some things that we need to prepare for and it was just so awesome talking about the "NOW" and not the "WHEN". So stay tuned.....

THE C2C2 IS THRU THE 11TH!!!!

2010-03-01T23:08:00.005-06:00

So many of my Flying Tiger Yahoo group friends got "the call" today about their babies!! It is so much fun seeing all of these ladies and their families get their babies pictures that they have been waiting so long for!!!!

One of the most exciting things for me is that the C2C2 has done 6 days!!!! Can you believe that!!! Not their usual 2 or 3!!! We are only 10 days out!!! I dont think we are NEXT ....But I think we will see Franceskas precious face in May and we will be in China by July!! Franks birthday is June 30th and mine is July 11th..... I can't think of a better birthday present!!!

I better get busy!!! I have been nesting like a mad woman around here. Frank and Astrud better not stand still, because they might get organized, reorganized, or thrown away!!!!

So please pray that this trend keeps up. It won't be long now. We have been waiting so long that I have to admit that it feels a little surreal. Frank and I were talking a while ago and I said to him , "Can you believe that we are there"? And he just looked at me and smiled real big. It's really happening, for real!!

My arms just ache to hold her , my eyes strain to see her, and my heart aches to love and adore her..........soon babygirl...soon... Love, Mommy

OK some of you asked for it ......

2010-02-26T21:09:00.010-06:00

Ok I got several emails from friends wanting to see more of Franceskas room , and Lesa asked for the closet picture and Daleea wanted to know who the little feet in the previous post belonged to. So as annoying as "those" kind of Moms are ...I confess I am one of "them", I am gonna show off a little bit okay!! Here you go Daleea, they belong to the fairies that my neice Jade had and wanted them to be in Franceskas room. I think they have been waiting on that shelf for about two years! lol

There are 8 of them and they each have their own little personality...here is one of my favorites!

I made this verse with my Cricut yesterday.....

I KNOW.....isn't this unbelievable!!! Now before you all start thinking I am a shopaholic, you have to remember my sister Kerry has been giving me all of our favorite little things of Rayns. That poor little thing, she has been told all her life (she's 5) to not get that outfit dirty because we have to save it for Franceska!! lol... One day about a year ago she came thru my door..put her hands up in the air and in her tiny little bossy, sassy voice said....I KNOW MEME......(rolling her eyes) ... DON'T GET IT DIRTY SO FRANCESKA CAN HAVE IT!!!! It was just priceless..

Actually I do shop a little!!!

My very special friend Taylor made me this sign at Christmas and it is going over the door....love it!

My precious daughter in law Amy bought this for me. I had mentioned that I wanted one and one day she called and said she found it and brought it to the house...how sweet is that!!!! It is for the bathtub , it hangs on the wall and toys go in it....Love it too!!!

This little putter and golf glove was bought about 2 1/2 years ago by Frank. One day he just walked in the door with it....just simply precious don't you think!!!

This hangs on the inside of the closet. It is from my sister Kerry. Her and her husband Ricky were in a Chinese restaurant in Goliad ,Texas and she said she just had to buy it...Love it !!

About 3 years ago Kerry bought this diaper bag for me, isn't it pretty!!! It's full of toys that Im hoping will win our daughter over when we first meet her!!! lol

Franks ex wife Stacye, the mother of my older children bought this little ladybug bible for Franceska 2 years ago. Isn't is sweet, I just love it!!!

These crack me up!!! They are Baby's 1st Christmas ornaments , I kind of have a collection of them, this is two of them and the one in the box is from 2006!!! Cracks me up!!!

Now this is so special to me, that little star toy was Astrud's absolute favorite toy when she was a baby, and the praying angel sings "Silent Night", when Astrud was a baby the only way she would fall asleep is if I sang the song to her, well when she was about 4 yrs old I found this and everynight for years I would push the button and out like a light she would go!!! And I just cant part with either of them even though they are like 17 yrs old!!!

This is Franceskas little Preemie Asian Cabbage Patch , her name is "Annette Mara"!

And this is an Asian Cabbage Patch and her name is "Riley Magdalena"! Isn't that just too funny!!!!

Just another view....Ok thats enough for now, BUT as soon as I get the bedding put back on I will show all of you her crib!!! I just cant tell you how special it is for me to share all of this with you....my FAMILY. I think our time has come and it is going to happen soon, I guess we can finally say I am in my last trimester!!! I love all of you soooooo much!!! Blessings you all are.

OK just one more.... And she has 9 drawers and you dont even want to see them they are FULL!!!!

A peek at Franceskas room...

2010-02-25T23:36:00.007-06:00

The other day Frank came home with a big bag with tissue flowing out of it and handed it to me and it was just the cutest thing ever, it was a bag full of Ladybug goodies for Franceskas room!!! He is starting to show his excitement and I think is letting himself realize that it is going to happen soon. It was several little Ladybugs magnets, a picture holder, a coffee cup for me, that matches a teapot that I already had, 2 picture frames, a 2 packages of of ladybug chocolates. You can see that one is missing....Well they will go bad so somebody has to eat them!!! I know that those of you who have been following for a while now has seen the next picture before. I made these what seems like forever ago and they hang over her crib. I think I am going to take the little ladybugs and hotglue them on the flowers.

And I know you have seen this picture also of the shelf that I stained, but I just wanted to show where some of the ladybug things are going to live.....

I also wanted to show you a picture of a present that our son Steven and our daughter in law Megan gave Franceska for Christmas. She is so sweet , she always remembers her at Christmas.....we've had 5 while waiting for her!!! This year they gave her this precious frame
and height measuring ribbon. (I think that is what you call it) The frame says Sweet Baby Girl on top of the frame and the height chart ribbon is just so cute.

There has been so much happening around here and so much that I havent blogged about, but I am on my way to catching up!!! Have a very blessed weekend!!! We will be here praying that the rumors are good and accurate ones!!!!

So much going on...

2010-02-23T19:08:00.003-06:00

There has been so much going on here....one being that I have shingles !!!! Yes shingles and it HURTS!!! I just realized today that our 46th LIDversary has came and gone, so there I marked it! How many more???????

A step into the past that became our future....

2010-02-17T19:25:00.011-06:00

My amazing husband gave me a Mac for Valentines Day and I have to admit that I am very intimidated by it!!!! lol So I decided to try to scan some old pictures and share a little piece of history with you about my family, and I sure hope you like it.....

The little girl in this picture is my Mom and her big brother my Uncle Bob!!
And one day they grew up..... met another brother and sister team , which is my Daddy and my Aunt Mary dated , fell in love and then back in 1962 they were both married 21 days apart!!! My poor Granny and Sugarbabe and Grandpa and Grandma!!!

This is my Mom and Daddys wedding portrait on July 21, 1962
This is my Granny, with her only daughter...........Oh how I loved her.....
My Momma and Daddys hands....
This is my Sugarbabe with "empty pockets"!!!!!
Oh how perfect she is to me.....My Momma, I just wish she knew I was honoring her like this.....
This picture was taken on June 30, 1962, My Aunt Mary and Uncle Bobs wedding portrait...
Aunt Mary and Uncle Bob...1962

There is a whole lot more family where this comes from, trust me ALOT, but for this part there have been 5 children, my sisters, Kim, Kerry, my cousins Tracy, and Bubba, and myself, our spouses, our kids, our kids spouses, grandkids etc etc etc .....now there is 33 of us just between these two couples that started all this in 1962!!!

As for my sisters and two cousins, we shared 4 grandparents, and countless memories of our childhood and we are still making memories. We were so blessed to have the grandparents we had, they were AWESOME and we all loved them so so much!! They are all missed more than they could ever have known!!! Every generation has always had kids in litters and we have never "wanted "for anyone to play with, there was always your "age" group of cousins...lol We all live right around here by each other and that is the way I like it!!!!

I just wanted to share this with all of you, now that I know how to do it, I plan on posting some baby pictures of my sisters and I soon.

Lots of Birthdays, and lots of Nesting.......

2010-02-10T08:00:00.004-06:00

I am sorry I have not been around alot lately, we have been super busy and I am totally guilty of Facebooking more than blogging.....but I will get back on track!!

In addition to being gone on our Europe trip and then New Mexico we have had so many birthdays here lately....Our daughters Chas and Kellie in December, our daughter Astrud and our son Christopher, and our daughter in law Megan all in January , along with Garett, Jacob, our daughter in law Traci just on the 6th, our grandbutton Liam on the 8th, my sister Kerry and her daughter ,my neice Jade on the 21st, also in February Zane, Emily and Alex and Carol I think??? Then in March my mom and our son Steven on the 21st, Ricky and also Jena. Our neice Lily, and Amy in April and daughter in law Amy in May!!!! And June starts a whole slew of summer bdays!! Whew!!!! If I forgot anyone I am sorry, it was not done on purpose, Im just absentminded!!! So I think we have alot in the near future to celebrate as we wait the last months for our Franceska.

I have also been finishing some projects around the house that I want finished before our lives change completely. I am painting our bedroom right now and then for the finishing touches on Franceskas room!!! I also have been going thru every cabinet and closet. I have been getting rid of things I dont necessarily need or that we dont use anymore. Frank has been known to say , to not stand still too long or you may go to goodwill!!! So I will get caught upon all of you, I actually got started this morning!!! Have a happy Wednesday!!!

Introducing Miss Shauna......

2010-02-02T12:14:00.002-06:00

My Aussie friend Fliss and her husband Mike just received their referral yesterday , so after waiting 4 years her she is.......Miss Shauna!!! Isn't she beautiful!!!!

The CC@@ is thru the 5th of April 2006, we are the 21st .....we are almost there!!!!!

Have you ever felt like this.....

2010-01-26T06:35:00.004-06:00

I know that is a stupid question for all of us that have been waiting for this machine or anyone or anything to tell us something positive for the last 4 years!!!! And now RQ is going out of town!!!! What's up with that?? lol

Anyway for all of my friends that are "there"...."right now"I am dying right here with ya!!! Let's try to make the best of it, we are at the end of the rainbow and SOON we will find our treasure!!!

HAPPY TUESDAY!!!! I will be back monday, we are leaving tomorrow to Riudoso, New Mexico, some friends of ours have a cabin , and they have invited us, there is tons of snow up there so we are taking Astrud to see snow for the first time ever!!! When my Mister and I were in Europe our "baby" turned 17!!! Can you believe that.....when we told her that she was going to have a baby sister she was 13!!

Be back Monday, LOVE YOU ALL!!!

45 months today.....

2010-01-21T20:20:00.002-06:00

How many more????? Also I got alot of our favorite London pictures posted on Facebook today, and hopefully I will get Paris done tomorrow and as soon as I can I will post the rest. If I am not your friend on FB, I am under Kristy Friederick Rodriguez......see you there!!!!

Wonderful Time in Europe

2010-01-16T10:38:00.007-06:00

Kristy and Frank are having a WONDERFUL time touring around Europe. Here are a few of the pictures.

Finally In The Air

2010-01-07T21:13:00.002-06:00

This is Jessica, Kristy's best friend. I will be posting updates for Kristy while she is away on her FABULOUS trip to Europe. Today started off a little slow. They got to the airport at 8 AM (apparently International flights require you to be there 3 hours early) only to find out that they weren't going to be able to fly out at 11 AM. They had to wait till 2 PM to get a flight out. So to pass the time Frank had a beer and Kris sat in a corner like a homeless person napping. :) Thankfully once they arived in Chicago they still had time to get to the connecting flight for London. With little time to spare before boarding for a LONG flight to London they were able to enjoy the BEAUTIFUL snow.

I will keep all of you posted as I get updates.

Leaving on a jet plane......

2010-01-02T09:57:00.005-06:00

I just wanted all of you to know that we leave for Europe on thursday!!!!! This is my see you in a couple of weeks post, because I have a ton of stuff to do before we leave so I will be really busy. And another thing I am NOT taking my computer because we need to take a little break from ALL of it and I really want to focus on the incredible man that I am married to. Oh how I love him and I just want to be with my Frank. If possible in the hotels I will probably be updating FB on where we are and what not!!

Thursday the 7th, we fly into London, then off to Paris, France, then to Lucerne , Switzerland, and then to Venice, Florence, and Milan, Italy and our trip ends with 4 days in Rome and then home on the 20th.

I will be thinking of all of you and when I get home I will get caught up on all of you. I have to admit that I am a little apprehensive about leaving my mom for two weeks, what if she forgets me????? I told my sisters to please talk about me and stuff like that ....and of course they rolled their eyes at me....lol!! They say that will never happen because I am the one she always remembers, but you know, you just never know...it just worries me so much.

I also have to admit that there is a little part of me that wishes we would get home and find out that the CC** has referred a ton of days.....hey can't blame a girl for wishing.....

So anyway, all of you be safe and God bless all of you, love you all and will be back soon!!!!

Just a quick pic to share of my sisters and I!!! (Kristy, Kim, and Kerry)