Christmas Fun!

I can't take all this cuteness!

Hmmm...should I smile for her or not?

All dressed up and ready to go!

CHEEEEEESE!!

We love our babies!

Hey! Check this out!

Wow! This place is cool!

Po Po (Grandma) and her beautiful grandbabies!

Recovering...

Well, as I wade through the mountains of toys, clothes and boxes...I am relieved to say that it is over and our first Christmas wth the boys was a huge hit!

Ayi & Shu-Shu, grandparents, more aunts and uncles and siblings have added to making sure these boys lack NOTHING...literally nothing. Maybe a little help from Mama and Daddy, too. :) From phones to portable DVD players so that they (Heaven forbid!) not be bored in the car, to cars, trains, helicopters and automobiles, it was all there. Scott and I were discussing renting storage space for their toys! I really tried to discourage all the gifts and even we tried to stick to the 3 gift rule. But, I don't know what happened.

Truly, it was an amazing Christmas. We started off with the traditional Cuban "Noche Buena" (Christmas Eve) at Po Po's (Grandma) house where we ate of course, what else...roasted pig! Yummy!! We even had a visit from Santa (Thank you, Shu-Shu!!) and the boys were in awe of it all. It was a great evening which was closed with of course, our traditional singing Happy Birthday to Jesus and cutting the birthday cake. We've been talking to Kai now for a few weeks about the REAL reason for the season, Jesus' birth. So, he was pretty aware that all the celebration revolved around our Savior coming into the world. My sister even caught him a couple of times kneeling before the Baby Jesus at my Mom's nativity scene. God has big plans for this little guy....I can't wait to see!

AJ was just soooooo cute!! He wasn't much into the unwrapping, but loved the rustling of all the shiney paper and the boxes. Although with three teeth on top trying their best to break through, EVERYTHING ended up as a meal. I even had to drop everything as I noticed him chewing on something. When I ran over, he was devouring a styrofoam peanut! UGH! Fortunately, none of it went down. He loved Santa and had no fears.

The next morning we went to Christmas mass and hurried off to Miami to see the rest of the family. Where we all exchanged more gifts!

We spent the entire two days with family. Seeing the smiles and hearing the squeals of joy coming from the kids were worth every second of the wait we endured for them. I will be adding pictures later when I can find the camera. I believe it's buried somewhere where the floor used to be but is now covered in toys and wrapping paper so we can't see it!

Hugs to all...

Ohilda

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JESUS!

Merry Christmas!

That's what friends are for....

I just want to say a very BIG thank you to all of my friends, many of which have been my lifeline during this process. Every single one of you have meant so much. Before, during AND AFTER our babies came home. You are there to share the laughs, the tears, and the frustrations. You join me in prayer and you rejoice with me. You don't tire of hearing me brag about my babies as I continuously love sharing about yours! You are true friends. I am now blessed again that you are on the journey with me to Anna Grace. From the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU!!

This includes, not only friends, but family....especially my wonderful sister, Ily, who God-willing, will have her own little Asian treasure this time next year.

Wishing you all a very blessed and merry Christmas!

She knows we love her!

Thank you to our wonderful agency director and The LeComptes, another traveling family, Anna Grace now "officially" knows she has a Mommy & Daddy and lots of siblings! She has received our packages of goodies! We are so excited that now her foster family will be preparing her for our arrival. Here are some pictures of what Anna Grace received from us:

A little Elmo backpack (thanks Tia Rosa) filled with PJs, hair ribbons, a blankie, and lollipops!

The 2nd package contained cookies, candy, a family photo album, a stuffed animal, a disposable camera, more hair ribbons and questions for the orphanage director.

Her little album with pictures of her new family.

We translated who-was-who into Chinese so that the

foster family can point out her new family members.

The album also included Ayi & Shu-Shu (auntie & uncle) and

Wai Po-po and Gong-Gong (Grandma & Grandpa).

Lastly, we included a little pillow for her to sleep

with that has a picture of her Mama & Baba (Daddy)

and of course, their beautiful baby girl, Anna Grace Fengqin.

Front of 2nd package all ready to go.

Back of package

More! More! More!

What a wonderful gift we received today! More pictures of our beautiful Anna Grace! We are so very grateful. She again looks very healthy and well taken care of. Not to mention...BEAUTIFUL! Enjoy!!

I love this picture biting her bottom lip!

Too sweet!

I just cannot wait to love her up!!

More China News

The following article appeared in the Chinadaily today.

http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2006-12/19/content_762799.htm

China tightens child adoptions to bar singles, obese

By Dune Lawrence and Steven Bodzin (Bloomberg)Updated: 2006-12-19 15:11

China, the largest source of overseas children adopted in the US, plans to bar would-be parents who are obese, single or over 50, according to notices posted on the Web sites of three leading US adoption agencies.

Under rules effective from May 1, applicants must be married for more than two years with at least a high school education. The measures also ban multiple divorcees, the blind and those taking depression medication from becoming parents, according to the postings.

The changes come as the government wants to ensure Chinese children get the best possible homes while demand for the children outstrips the number available for overseas adoption.

The government "is doing what they see as the best thing for their children and their country," said Kristine Altwies Nicholson, who runs Hawaii International Child, a Honolulu-based adoption agency.

The rules were described on the Web sites of Spring, Texas-based Harrah's Adoption International Mission, which has placed 1,200 orphans from Asia since 1995; New Beginnings Family & Children's Services Inc. in Mineola, New York; and Evansville, Indiana-based Families Thru International Adoption. Nicholson said she had heard the same information from people who had met Chinese authorities.

The postings said the China Center of Adoption Affairs briefed overseas agencies on the new rules at a Dec. 8 meeting, without specifying where it was held. The center, part of the Beijing-based Ministry of Civil Affairs, hasn't made the changes public. A man who answered the telephone at the center declined to comment or to give his name.

'Model Program'

"The Chinese government's adoption program is considered a model program in terms of efficiency," Susan Soon-keum Cox, vice president of public policy and external affairs at Holt International Children's Services, testified in June to a subcommittee of the US Senate Committee on Foreign Relations in Washington. Eugene, Oregon-based Holt has placed almost 40,000 children in the US since the 1950s.

China placed 13,000 children with overseas families last year, ministry statistics show. In 2001, the ministry received just 8,000 applications for international adoptions.

A total of 62,000 children entered Chinese welfare institutions such as orphanages last year, down from 66,000 in 2004, according to the ministry. Only certain orphanages can arrange international adoptions.

Guatemala Second

China, the world's most populous nation, has been the leading source of overseas adoptions in the US since 2000. It provided 6,493 children in the 12 months ended Sept. 30, 57 percent more than second-placed Guatemala, visa statistics from the US Department of State show.

US families adopted about half of all Chinese babies available in fiscal 2005, according to US figures and Chinese totals. China does not make public the destinations of adoptees.

Overseas applications last year doubled from 2004, and adoption affairs center officials said they don't have enough children to meet the increase, according to Harrah's Web site.

"It's a supply-demand issue," said Jane Liedtke, chief executive officer in Beijing of Our Chinese Daughters Foundation, which works with 10 US adoption agencies.

China's main rule changes disqualify single parents, anyone divorced more than twice, people aged over 50 and families with net assets of less than US$80,000.
Couples must have been married for at least two years.
For couples adopting a child with special needs, the age limit remains 55.
Depression, Anxiety

Also excluded are people with a body mass index more than 40 -- translating to about 5 feet 7 inches (170 centimeters) tall and weighing about 262 pounds (119 kilograms) -- the blind or severely nearsighted and those who have taken depression or anxiety medication in the past two years, the Web sites said.

Previously, rules stated that parents had to be aged over 30. Priority went to those 30 to 45 for children about 1 year old, and applicants 50 to 55 for children above 3 years old.

Health qualifications weren't specifically defined, and there were no education or marriage requirements. The government limited applications by single parents to 8 percent of the total, said Nicholson in Hawaii and Liedtke in Beijing.

About 30 percent of Chinese children went to single parents in 2001, before the quota system went into effect, according to Families with Children from China, a New-York-based support organization.

Mary...and our Lord's birth.

As we entered the third week of Advent, the beginning of the liturgical year, someone shared this song with me and it has moved my heart so much. I often think of the moment that our Blessed Mother, a teenager who had agreed to bear God's son, said "yes". She had no idea where her saying "yes" would lead, but she continued to do God's work and God's will, no matter how difficult or fearful it was. We believe that she was sinless. Her courage and obedience has always been a shining example to me of what our Lord wants from us. How fortunate we are to have her help us have the courage we need as well, to say "yes" to God in our own lives.

... And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary. And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be. And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shall call his name JESUS. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end. Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man? And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren. For with God nothing shall be impossible. And Mary said, "Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word." And the angel departed from her. Luke 1:26-38

Here are the lyrics to this beautiful song:

Mary Did You KnowLyrics by Green, Buddy & Lowry, Mark
Mary did you know
That your baby boy will one day walk on water?
Mary did you know
That your baby boy will save our sons and daughters?
Did you know
That your baby boy has come to make you new?
This child that you've delivered
Will soon deliver you

Mary did you know
That your baby boy will give sight to a blind man?
Mary did you know
That your baby boy will calm the storm with his hand?
Did you know

That your baby boy has walked where angels trod?
And when you kiss your little baby
You've kissed the face of God
Mary did you know?

The blind will see
The deaf will hear
The dead will live again
The lame will leap
The dumb will speak
The praises of the Lamb

Mary did you know
That your baby boy is Lord of all creation?
Mary did you know
That your baby boy will one day rule the nations?
Did you know
That your baby boy is heaven's perfect Lamb?
This sleeping child you're holding
Is the Great I Am.

ONE YEAR AGO

I'd like to take you back to one year ago today. On December 16, 2005 at 1:45 p.m., one of the happiest moments of our life, we received "The Call" confirming that Kai was our son. We now take you back to that very special moment....


(In order to stop the background music either scroll down and hit the pause key on the recorder or click on the red "X" next to your address bar on your menu on the top of the screen).

You can follow the rest of our journey to Kai at:

http://www.formedbylove.com

EIGHT MONTHS

What a difference eight months make!

These are pictures of Kai and AJ taken on the first

day we held them, and pictures of them taken this week.

They speak for themselves!

CUTENESS AT CHRISTMAS TIME!

Are these little guys precious or what?

The boys visited Santa today! Kai was sooo excited! He couldn't get enough of him and kept trying to creep through the line to peek at him. I thought AJ would cry, but nope...he loved him! Kept smiling and tugging on the beard, which by the way, was real! Yikes!!

It was really a heartwarming moment, and I said to my sister, who was with us, that I was trying hard to fight back tears. I stood there remembering how much I wanted these babies and how it was no longer a dream. I can't believe I am so very lucky to have these two beautiful babies in my life.

One year ago yesterday, we saw Kai's adorable little face for the first time on a waiting child list, and were praying fervently that he would be ours. We didn't even know about AJ yet.

We are so very blessed! Thank you, Jesus!

Our Chinese Elf

Oh my goodness! Talk about CUTE!!!!! You must check out our little guy dressed as an Elf dancing to JINGLE BELLS! CLICK HERE!

Enjoy!!!

LETTER FROM GOD....

(on how to handle the Holiday Season with those who do not believe as you do.)

Dear children,

It has come to my attention that many of you are upset that folks are taking My name out of the season. Maybe you've forgotten that I wasn't actually born during this time of the year and that it was some of your predecessors who decided to celebrate My birthday and replace what was actually a time of pagan festival. Although I do appreciate being remembered - anytime!How I personally feel about this celebration can probably be most easily understood by those of you who have been blessed with children of your own. I don't care what you call the day. If you want to celebrate My birth just TRY TO GET ALONG AND LOVE ONE ANOTHER. Now, having said that, let Me continue.If it bothers you that the town in which you live doesn't allow a scene depicting My birth, then just get rid of a couple of Santa's and snowmen and put in a small Nativity scene on your own front lawn. If all My followers did that there wouldn't be any need for such a scene on the town square because there would be many of them all around town.Stop worrying about the fact that people are calling the tree a holiday tree, instead of a Christmas tree. It was I who made all trees. You can and may remember Me anytime you see any tree. Decorate a grape vine if you wish: I actually spoke of that one in a teaching explaining who I am in relation to you and what each of our tasks were. If you have forgotten that one, look up John 15:1-8. If you want to give Me a present in remembrance of My birth here is my wish list. Choose something from it.

1. Instead of writing protest letters objecting to the way My birthday is being celebrated, write letters of love and hope to soldiers away from home. They are terribly afraid and lonely this time of year. I know, they tell Me all the time.

2. Visit someone in a nursing home. You don't have to know them personally. They just need to know that someone cares about them.

3. Instead of writing George complaining about the wording on the cards his staff sent out this year, why don't you write and tell him that you'll be praying for him and his family this year. Then follow up. It will be nice hearing from you again.

4. Instead of giving your children a lot of gifts you can't afford and they don't need, spend time with them. Tell them the story of My birth, and why I came to live with you down here. Hold them in your arms and remind them that I love them.

5. Pick someone that has hurt you in the past and forgive him or her.

6. Did you know that someone in your town will attempt to take their own life this season because they feel so alone and hopeless? Since you don't know who that person is, try giving everyone you meet a warm smile it could make the difference. Also, you might consider supporting the local Hot-Line: they talk with people like that every day.

7. Instead of nit picking about what the retailer in your town calls the holiday, be patient with the people who work there. Give them a warm smile and a kind word. Even if they aren't allowed to wish you a "Merry Christmas" that doesn't keep you from wishing them one. Then stop shopping there on Sunday. If the store didn't make so much money on that day they'd close and let their employees spend the day at home with their families.

8. If you really want to make a difference, support a missionary, especially one who takes My love and Good News to those who have never heard My name. You may already know someone like that.

9. Here's a good one. There are individuals and whole families in your town who not only will have no "Christmas" tree, but neither will they have any presents to give or receive. If you don't know them (and I suspect you don't) buy some food and a few gifts, and give them to the Marines, the Salvation Army or some other charity that believes in Me and they will make the delivery for you.

10. Finally if you want to make a statement about your belief in and loyalty to Me, then behave like a Christian. Don't do things in secret that you wouldn't do in My presence. Let people know by your actions that you are one of mine.

P.S. Don't forget; I am God and can take care of Myself. Just love Me and do what I have told you to do. I'll take care of all the rest. Check out the list above and get to work; time is short. I'll help you, but the ball is now in your court. And do have a most blessed Christmas with all those whom you love and remember I LOVE YOU.

Have a blessed Merry Christmas with My love,

Your friend and protector,

God

Sadly, CCAA changes their policies

I am so very sad with the upcoming changes CCAA is implementing. First, we need to get on the ball and be logged in by May 1, 2007, otherwise Anna Grace will not be coming home to us. We have been assured that we will be DTC on February 16, but now I'm worried about how long our I171H will take to arrive.

I remember at the beginning of our journey for Anna Grace how I said that since this was our last, I was going to savor every moment of it. UGH!! Well, I hate the taste! LOL! I know it's all in God's timing and His will....so, Ohilda, keep repeating that to yourself. All in God's time.....all in God's time....all....

I've totally digressed. Here are the new rules for CCAA. It also saddens me that singles will no longer be able to adopt. There are so many children in those orphanages, and limiting who can or cannot adopt just seems unjust, if the children are going home to a good family.

Lastly, please pray for us that our baby girl make it home to us and that we have no further delays in this process. Due to the divorce ruling, this is definitely our last adoption from China. I feel blessed that we will at least be able to raise 2 beautiful Asian babies. There is something so very special about this magical country where are children were born. I feel like a part of me is there.

On December 8, CCAA held a meeting for all agency representatives to outline changes that CCAA has agreed upon to ease the current dossier congestion situation that has significantly lengthened the China adoption process.

CCAA has come up with new policies regarding family requirements. These new policies will put into effect for all dossiers submitted (and logged in) on or after May 1, 2007. The following are CCAA's new policies:

1. MARRIAGE: Only married couples will be allowed to adopt; no singlesdossiers will be accepted. Agencies may continue to submit single's dossiers for log-in prior to May 1, 2007, but agencies must stay within the 8% of their total dossiers. No single's dossier may be submitted after May 1, 2007. This includes the Waiting Child program. If this is the first marriage for both the husband and wife, they must have been married for two years prior to submittal. If the husband or wife has had a previous divorce or annulment, the couple must have been married for five years prior to submittal. The total number of divorces/annulments for the couple can total no more than two. Therefore, if the husband or wife has had two divorces and otherpartner none, the family is acceptable. If the husband and wife each have one divorce, the family is acceptable. Any more divorces are unacceptable.

2. AGE: Each and every parent must be between 30 and 50 years of age. No parent can be under 30 or over 50. The CCAA will not accept any parent outside of this range. If the family applies to adopt a Waiting Child, the upper age limit can be 55 years of age depending on the age of the child requested.

3. MEDICAL: CCAA will only approve parents who are healthy. They will not accept any parent with any infectious disease, mental disease, serious disease, or disability. If either parent is taking medication for anxiety or depression, they are disqualified. If a parent has experienced a serious health related problem in the past, he or she must have been free of this problem for 10 years prior to submittal.

4. WEIGHT: Both parents must have body mass indexes (BMI) under 40.

5. FINANCIAL: At least one parent must have a stable job that provides the majority of the family's income. Families whose income is derived from retirement, disability, or insurance settlement, will no longer be allowed to adopt. The family's income must exceed $10,000 perfamily member (including the to-be-adopted child) and their net worth must exceed $80,000.

6. EDUCATION: Each parent must have at least a high school education.

7. FAMILY SIZE: No family can have more than 5 children in the home, including the child to be adopted. The youngest child currently in thehome must be over 1 year old. Exceptions to the 5 children in the homerule might be made for the Waiting Child program.

8. CRIMINAL: Neither parent can have any criminal record.

CCAA is also increasing its dossier submittal fees. As of January 1,2007, all dossiers for regular children must be accompanied by paymentto CCAA (for registration) of $620 and payment to BLAS (fortranslation) of $200, for a total dossier submittal fee of $820. For families applying to adopt Waiting Children, the dossier submittal feewill also be raised. The CCAA registration fee will now be $540 andthe BLAS translation fee will continue to be waived.

WAITING CHILD PROGRAM:

CCAA will begin assigning low birth weight and developmentally delayed children to agencies as part of their waiting child program. However, CCAA will not give a Waiting Child discount for these children but will hope to keep the processing time similar to that for Waiting Children. CCAA hopes to launch an internet Waiting Children project in Februaryof 2007. The CCAAis still working on this project. CCAA is also in the process of launching a new email communication system between US agencies and CCAA and will offer this service to agencies for an additional fee.

WOW! What a day!!!!

Gosh, I don't even know where to begin. God has sent us such an outpouring of blessings today that I am pretty much at a loss for words. Let's start with the first 15 minutes I was awake. I came to check my email right away because 2 more wonderful families were visiting Hefei SWI today and were going to try and take some more pictures of our beautiful Anna Grace. And sure enough, there was this precious little face staring back at me. Again, wearing her cute little green coat. Oh my goodness! This little girl sends my heart spinning. I just cannot wait to have her in my arms! I also found out that she is definitely in foster care. I was told she was very sweet and likes cartoons! A girl after her Daddy's own heart. Scott loves cartoons! So, my day started off great seeing my beautiful little girl doing so well and knowing that she's being loved!

Here are some pictures! I will continue the day after you oooohhh and ahhhh over our angel! :)




Ok! Now that you've had a chance to catch your breath, let me continue on with my day. A couple of weeks ago I went to the doctor for those typical...you know, woman check ups. Well, the doctor was quite concerned after he did my exam. He suggested we do a procedure and send it to the lab for a biopsy. Of course, that sent my mind flying thinking I may have cancer. I prayed hard and began a novena to St. Ann (Jesus' grandmother). Without realizing it, the novena ended today, the Feast Day of the Immaculate Conception. This morning, I spoke to the doctor. He had my pathology report back. EVERYTHING WAS NEGATIVE!! I am perfectly healthy! Praise God!! I know I've said this before, but it is just baffling to me that there could be people out there that function in this life without Christ in their lives. How do they do it? Who do they turn to when the darkness surrounds them? God keeps me grounded. I couldn't imagine my life without Him in it...every aspect of it! So, thank you, Lord! Thank you for keeping your promises! Thank you for your love. Thank you for the gift of such powerful intercessors, such as your Blessed Mother and your loving grandmother, St. Ann. And again, most of all, thank you for being in my life...front and center!

And for the icing on the cake! We received our completed and notarized homestudy today! Wooooohoooooo!!!!! Tomorrow morning, I am off to FedEx to mail our homestudy to USCIS, and we are now just officially waiting for our I171H. Life is good and it's all because God is good.....ALL THE TIME!!!!

May His blessings fill your hearts and homes as he fills ours.

Christmas thru the eyes of a child

I cannot even put into words what trimming the tree and putting together our Christmas decorations was like this year, especially with Kai. As each large box (close to 20 of them!) was being taken down from the attic and hauled by "Santa's helpers", Adam & Amanda, into the living room, his eyes would get wider and wider. He had that same curious look that I first saw in our little boy 8 months ago in a government office in Hangzhou, China. This time, without the fear. Then, as the boxes were being opened, and ribbons, ornaments, and decorations were being distributed throughout the room, with Christmas carols playing in the background, the excitement grew! He definitely recognizes Santa now and just kept running from decoration to decoration. The tree at first wasn't a big deal, until Daddy tested the lights on it, then the look of awe, in both AJ & Kai's eyes, was inspiring. To see Christmas thru the eyes of a child, can we ask for anything more? As I was enjoying the moment that I have waited so very long for, it was hard not to think about Anna Grace and how she would be mesmerized by the same things the boys were experiencing. But I know, it's all in God's time, and next year, she will be here and our family will be complete. I have posted a few pictures of our home Christmas decorations. Amanda says it's like walking into Macys. :)

I still do have to take a picture of the outside lit up at night. Scott did a fantastic job and Kai and AJ go out there every night and marvel at the giant Santa and the sleigh with the reindeers. Every year I want to set up a big nativity set outside with a large stable and all of the figures of Mary, Joseph, Baby Jesus and the entire entourage, incuding sheep, cows and the 3 wise men. But, alas...money is never sufficient to buy them all at once, so the dream continues.

Before I finish, I wanted to comment on what to me is just such a blessing. We all know at the Bombardier household that if Kai is awake and there is silence that he is DEFINITELY up to something. Well, going back to Sunday when we were putting up the decorations, I have several nativity scenes inside, but one specifically stands out. It was a gift from my sister a couple of years ago and it's a beautiful, handcrafted ceramic scene of the Holy Family surrounded by the three wise men. I took Kai over to see it and I pointed out "Baby Jesus". Kai knows without a doubt who Jesus is because of the many times that we pray together. He recognizes him as the resurrected Christ, Christ on the crucifix, and even as the Sacred Heart. But, he's never seen Jesus as a "baby". I didn't expect him to associate the two. So, when I told him, "Look, Kai. This is Jesus when he was a little baby". He gave me a bit of a baffled look and slid out of my arms and back to where the Santa dolls were. We left it at that.

Last night, Scott and I were in the office and all of a sudden, I notice the silence. It's hard with 3 kids in the house for there to be silence, but AJ was asleep and Amanda was in her room. Kai was ummmm..... up to something! So, I figured I'd "catch him in the act". I quietly get up and tip-toe thru the house to see where he could be. It's usually my room and pulling stuff out of drawers, but this time we had the sneaky suspicion that he'd be pulling ornaments off the tree, since it was now a novelty. The house was dark except for the office and the living room that was lit by the glow of the tree lights and all of the decorations. As we quietly make our way into the living room, I peek from around the corner towards the tree. Hmmm...no Kai.

Then, I look over to my left where the big nativity scene is, and there KNEELING before the baby Jesus, was our little boy. My eyes watered as I saw that he was on his knees, eyes closed, and little hands clasped together in prayer. Does he pray? Who knows...but I know the Lord sees it. I am once again humbled to think that Scott and I were chosen and allowed the honor to teach him about Christ. He then heard us and opened his eyes and did his version of the sign of the cross (takes his little right hand and puts it to his forehead and then his lips). I said thru tears, "Kai, were you praying?" He nodded. I swept him up and thanked God for allowing me to see Christmas, the true meaning of it, the birth of our Savior, thru the eyes of a child, His child.

Our Little Dancer

My life in words

Jesus opens my eyes...AGAIN!!!!!

Yes, that's what He's done. Sometimes I think He must sit on His throne and just shake His head in disbelief as He mutters, "When is she going to learn?" After I posted and ranted and raved yesterday about my homestudy, I got a post from my sister on Anna Grace's guestbook that really reminded me that I'm not in control, and that when I plunge into the depths of darkness (as I seem to do when things don't go my way), I am allowing the enemy to block any blossoming of our Lord's light that may shine through me.

I then remembered that we were invited to a special Night of Adoration at our church last night. To me, going before the Blessed Sacrament is the one of the most awesome moments of my life. As they exposed the Body of Christ, I could feel the Holy Spirit stirring my soul. I was kneeling before our Lord and bowed my head as tears just started pouring. Tears for my daughter, who sits in an orphanage without a family; tears for my children's birthmothers who's heart must wonder how they are, tears for the struggles that Kai is going through in his speech, but most of all, tears for not trusting 100% in our Lord and for wanting to take control of what is happening. I know His love for me is unconditional and He reminds us in His word in Jeremiah 29:11-13, (For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you," declares the LORD, "and will bring you back from captivity.) that He will not leave me alone. His plans were laid out way before I was conceived, and they are always perfect. It is such a huge sigh of relief to have left those burdens last night at the foot of the cross. I no longer carry that weight. He took it from me and I am so filled with peace.

Lord Jesus, Heavenly Father, I thank you!! I thank you for your love, for your constant vigilence over my life and those that have searched for you and found you. For loving me without ceasing, although it seems like I am constantly disappointing you. Thank you for watching over all of my children, our marriage, and especially our beautiful angel, Anna Grace, who is so very far away from us. But, most of all, thank you for the opportunity and honor to be able to raise these children in your name. To be trusted enough to be given that mission by you is something that makes my heart so filled with joy. That You, the King of Kings, the Lord of Lords, trust me, a mere servant of yours, to raise Your children! I am honored and I love you with every fiber of my being. I am yours.

WHAT IS IN A WORD?

According to Webster's Dictionary the definition of CONTROL is:

1. to exercise restraint or direction over; dominate; command.

Well, you'd think that being on my third adoption in three plus years, I'd realize that I have NONE of this! Yes, ultimately I know that God is in total control...but there are some things in which I feel I can grasp and run with. I've come to realize that my freaking homestudy is not one of those!!! I am sooooo darn flustered with my SW! Luckily, he never reads this, but on the same token, he never even turns on his computer! So, how fortunate am I?

The final revisions to our homestudy were sent to him on Monday of this week.....do you think he's checked email? Ummm...No!!! Gee, how hard could it be? And this is past history that we are revising here, not any new things. You ask how can you "revise past history"? Does history change? Isn't that why it's called HISTORY?

Hmmm....let's see what Mr. Webster says about HISTORY:

1. the record of past events and times, esp. in connection with the human race.

Well, we've already sat with this man easily 10x in the past 3 years...of which he's left with a check in hand almost every single time. So, why can't our history remain the same as it was in the past 4 homestudies? Could it be because he feels he needs to "earn" his money? Well, guess what! Make me happy, appease me! Earn your money by leaving it the same and giving me my completed homestudy!!!! Whew! Do I feel better now!! Venting to the world somehow gives me relief at times when I have lost ALL CONTROL! Maybe today will be the day that it's over. I'm off to pray!

More of Anna Grace Fengqin

Oh my goodness!! That face melts our hearts!

Today we were blessed with the wonderful gift of updated pictures of Anna Grace. A HUGE thank you to the Berichon family for taking pictures of our Princess for us!! These pictures truly keep us going and we are so very grateful!

Thoughts diverted....

It's been a pretty hectic week here and I've been gathering a few thoughts that I wanted to blog about, but just haven't found the time. Well, tonight, I came across this scripture and felt I had to make the time:

"Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God." John 1:12-13

After I read it, I just sat back and "wow'd" in awe of our Savior. That scripture right there says it all. We are not born of each other, but BORN OF GOD. How powerful is that? I think this scripture pretty much will be my answer to those who ask about my "adopted" kids and my "real" kids. Now, I can't wait till I get asked about "my children". I will clearly recite John's words...they were all born of God, therefore ALL of them are my children, adopted or not, it makes no difference. I think the only thing I can really compare it to is the love I have for Scott. When we were married, we became ONE. We are obviously not blood related, yet I feel like he is such a part of me that I could not exist without him, as the same he feels for me. That is the love I have for ALL of my children....but, especially for the ones that came into our lives through God's grace of adoption. Once He formed them in my heart, they became mine...forever! My children, my blessings, my gifts from God! I am eternally grateful to our Lord for those gifts....both biological and adopted. And I am forever thankful that He made us His children. My signature on my email address states: "Yes, I am a Princess! I am the daughter of the King of Kings." How true that is!! Thank You, Jesus! Tomorrow I will blog about the more trivial things in life.

Happy Anniversary, Sweetie!

We were married over 5 years ago through the civil courts, but 3 years ago yesterday, November 23, our marriage was transformed through the eyes of God.

In 2003, we were both granted annulments and we were married before the eyes of God in the Catholic church.

Honey, you are my biggest blessing and I thank God for you every day of my life. You are an amazing husband and an inspiring Daddy. Happy Anniversary, with all my love.

THANKSGIVING BLESSINGS

MY BABIES!

I have so very much to be thankful for!

• A God who loves me unconditionally
• An amazing husband who makes me complete
• Five wonderful children who make my heart swell
• One beautiful daughter waiting to come home
• A family who stands by us with love and support
• True, God-loving friends who are always there

Thank you Lord for the multitude of blessings that you shower upon us daily. Thank you for the trials and tribulations we go through, that only bring us closer to you, and are for your glory. Thank you for all of the things I have mentioned above. Please continue to keep our baby girl safe in your loving arms and continue to watch over our process. May it be your will that we can bring her home as soon as possible.

To our family and friends,

The Bombardiers wish you a very blessed Thanksgiving. May you be surrounded by those you love, sharing good food and good times.

PRESENTING....Our Daughter!

HERE SHE IS!! THE LATEST LIGHT OUR LIVES!

ANNA GRACE FENGQIN BOMBARDIER

• Chinese Name: Lu Feng Qin

Meaning:

LU - (surname) nickname of Hefei City

FENG - Wish she will be treasured as Phoenix

QIN - Wish that she will have a colorful life

(umm..that's a given with all these siblings! :)

• Born April 7, 2005
• Residing at Hefei City Children's Welfare Institute in Anhui Province

• LOI (letter of intent to adopt) - 10/6/06
• PA (Pre-approval from China) - 11/20/06

A little bit about our precious angel:

Fenqgqin has a quiet personality. She is fond of smiling and is good at imitating. She likes playing in the playground. She likes to play with toys with music. Deep sleeper (yeeaahh!) and is obstinate sometimes (she'll fit in perfectly!)

We are over the moon with excitement over having received PA yesterday. Thank you Lord for leading us to our beautiful, new daughter!

KISSES IN THE WIND

I hold you in my heart and touch you in my dreams.You are here each day with me atleast that's how it seems. I know you wonder where we are... What's taking us so long.But remember child, I love you so and God will keep you strong.Now go outside and feel the breeze and let it touch your skin.Because tonight just as always, I blow you kisses in the wind. May God hold you in his hand until I can be with you. I promise you my darling, I'm doing all that I can do.Very soon you'll have a family for real, not just pretend.But tonight, just as always, I blow you kisses in the wind. May God wrap you in his arms and hold you very tight and let the angel bring the kisses that I send to you each night.
Author unknown-

Day 39 of waiting!!!!

Yes, we are on day 39 of an average of 41 days of waiting for PA.  I am praying hard that Monday is the day.  

As I am typing this, I am anxiously awaiting to possibly receive new pictures of our precious daughter.  There is yet another family visiting her orphanage who offered to take pictures.  I'm dying to see her again and am so grateful to them for their offer. We have so much to be thankful for this Thanksgiving (my favorite holiday) because our boys are finally home, and our daughter is being prepared by God to join us in not the too distant future.  

Life is good!   But, it would be just a tad bit better with the acronyms PA next to our signature line.  :)  Have a blessed day everyone!

Missing Anna Grace

For those of you that haven't noticed, I changed the song I had on this blog to a BEAUTIFUL song I came across that just says everything that I feel for our precious Anna Grace. It is a song written by Michael W. Smith, the Christian artist, for his daughter, Anna.

I literally sit here and listen to it, over and over and over. With tears streaming, I think about how much I already love this little girl. My heart aches, I love her so very much. Only God can make you love someone with all your heart that you've never met. As I hear the lyrics of this song, I dream about sweeping her up in my arms and swinging her around, making her laugh! I think about all the bows and ribbons and the pretty dresses and hats. I think about her rolling around wrestling with her brothers and about her looking up at her big sister, Amanda. I want so badly for her to know how much she is already loved. There is a huge family waiting to give her everything that her short life has been deprived of.

Anna Grace, we are doing everything in our power to bring you home, baby girl. I continue to pray, with many others, that our Lord and Savior hold you close to him. That His blessed Mother wrap her mantle of love around you so that you can feel our love, and as you drift off to sleep at night, that His angels hover over you and protect you. I know that the Lord could move mountains and I pray daily that His will be that our dossier not have to wait until February to leave. I am blowing kisses in the wind and hoping that you feel every single one of them, along with the immense love that your Daddy and I already have for you.

Mommy

For those of you that have not heard the words to the song, Anna.
Here are the lyrics: Anna Lyrics: Michael w. smith/ Wayne Kirkpatrick

Jack is in the corner
The dish is with the spoon
The sheep is in the meadow
The cow is on the moon

But I am here with you and I believe
There’s no other place I’d rather be
And a promise not to leave you
Is a promise I can keep

CHORUS:
You’re my muse
You’re my rhyme
You’re the fire warming this heart of mine
When you hear me say "i love you"
Anna, do you know how much I do?

So I watch you from a distance
Getting lost within your world
You pretend to be a princess
As you flutter and you twirl
Fragile as the flower in your hair
Dancing in your castle, unaware
That a single day without you
Would be more than I could bear

Little Anna, little star
That is what you really are
Cross my heart and hope to die
You’re the apple of my eye    

KAI IS AN OFFICIAL SUCKER!!!!!!!!!

Wooohooo!! Praise the Lord! Yes, Kai can now officially suck from a straw. For 7 long months we have tried this. We knew before his palate surgery that he couldn't do it because of the air escaping through his nose. But his palate has been sealed for over a month now. I tried a couple of times in the past week, and to no avail. I had to pinch his nostrils and even then the concept wasn't there. He would get very frustrated and would want me to remove the lid from the cup so that he could sip. Well, tonight, I was sipping away on a coke from McDonald's, which he never drinks, and he came over. I tried a couple of times again with the straw, and he did it with me pinching his nostrils. Scott and I clapped and danced around with glee!! Kai looked at us in amazement as his parents behaved like he had just won the Nobel Peace Prize! He clapped when he realized why we were so happy. So, then it became a game, and this time....HE DID IT!! He finally realized that you had to suck in and not out through your nose. Needless to say, I let him drink almost an entire Coke!! So, 20 minutes before bed time he is pumped with caffeine, but that's ok, it's a reason for celebration!!! The boy is an 'Official Sucker'!!!!!!!!!

For Our Baby Girl

As I sat here today wallowing in my sadness at thinking how many months we still have to go before holding our beautiful daughter, I wrote this small poem. And since, this blog is for her someday, I decided to post it on here.

My sweet little Anna Grace,
How I long to see your face,
To feel your breath and smell your hair
Sweet baby, I wish you knew how much I care.

I know our Lord has a perfect plan.
But my heart wants you home as soon as we can
The wait seems eternal sometimes,
I am consoled by knowing that He made you mine.

I pray each day that His arms hold you tight
While we wait for the day to board that flight.
May His angels surround you and protect you from all,
Until we finally receive that call.

I anxiously wait for the day that we can bring you home,
And praise the Lord for only He alone,
Knows the depths of our love for you,
It is endless, forever and ever, that’s true.

Mommy

Nothing in the Making.

We are pretty much at a standstill. I called our SW yesterday and asked for the rough draft of our homestudy since it's now been 3 weeks...he said, "OH! I'll get it to you today.". Ahhemm...nothing!! So, this morning, I gave him another friendly phone call. "Ooops...I forgot. I'll get it to you today!" Ok. We'll see what happens. Why is it that no one seems to have any urgency when it comes to processing adoption paperwork except the adoptive parents?

On another note, Kai & AJ had a visit from a beautiful little Chinese friend from the east coast yesterday. She is 20 months old and just adorable. She looks a bit like Anna Grace and from the moment that Kai saw her, he spent the day calling her Anna. It warmed my heart. He was so sweet with her. Constantly wanting to hold hands and give her hugs. I tried convincing her Mommy to let me keep her...at least until Anna Grace came home, but no dice. LOL!

Anyways, that's it from the Bombardier homestead. Nothing...nada...zilch going on with the adoption for our China doll.

UPDATE: I called a second time today and our SW finally faxed over the homestudy. I have sent it off for review (I already noted some mistakes) and will wait till I have everyone's approval before sending it back to him. At least....it's almost done! Woohooo!!!! Then it's off to USCIS and we go back to wait mode for our I171H!

Have you ever asked, "Is there a God?"

This is a question that I know deep within the core of my being the answer to. But, when asked...."How do I know? Really know?" Hmmm. I can't answer that. I guess that's what faith is all about. But, let me share a couple of thoughts I've been meaning to blog about since there really isn't much happening with our wait to Anna Grace.

Do you remember about a week or two ago, I shared about Scott's job and how things were going downhill quick? He was adamant about not being able to do the job on his own. He needed more manpower, he needed more time, and so on. He was ready to give it up, and then I came across the story of Gideon in scripture? Where this appearingly meaningless man was told by God to defeat armies of 100's of thousands with a mere 300 men? Well, God taught Scott a very good lesson this week. NOTHING is impossible with God. This past Friday was month's end for Scott. A crucial time during his work month where he sends to "corporate" the month's figures. Prior to Scott taking over this job 6 mos. ago, the company averaged about $50k monthly from this branch.
Friday night, over a glass of margarita and toasting to the Almighty God, we celebrated the fact that He Is God. Why, you ask? Because my husband, the man that told me just two weeks earlier that "this job could not be done", the man that said that "it was not humanly possible to complete the workload", the same man that said "I'm talking to corporate to say that I can't do this" was awestruck by the power of our Lord this week. Yes, he was right. Scott couldn't do it....BUT God could.

In a matter of a week, through God's grace and Scott letting go, God moved the mountains necessary for Scott to not only accomplish his workload, but to have a record breaking month of ::drum roll please:: $128,000!!!! Yes, he more than doubled what the average monthly intake was. Thank you, Lord...again, we give you the glory because we know that it was ALL you!

That leads me to something else I wanted to share. Adam, my middle son, has moved over from Miami to our neck of the woods. It's great having him close by. As you all know, we are Catholic. My heart is very open to other denominations and I truly believe that the Lord will not shut the doors to heaven if you are not Catholic. My son, although raised Catholic, had been attending a Christian church in Miami. When he arrived here, he asked about Christian churches in the area. I said I would go with him to check 'em out so he wouldn't go alone.

This morning, the two of us grabbed our bibles and headed out the door to a church that a friend of Amanda's attends. It was a nice welcome we received as many people, not knowing who we were, came up to us and said, "Aaah...a new face in the crowd. Welcome!" I must say that although it didn't have the "essence" of what my heart and soul needs, the Eucharist, I really enjoyed it and will probably join him often for the praise and worship, bible study, and fellowship of other Christians.

Now, this leads me to the title question, "IS THERE A GOD?" That was the question they asked today. They talked a bit about the Big Bang theory, about evolution and the same typical arguments that Christians have with non-believers. But one small story that was shared really made me think. (And again, I never, ever have doubted that there is a God. He has shown himself to me over and over and over again by his love and actions!) I digress.

The story was about a liberal college professor teaching a course. He stood in a lecture hall full of students. The teachings that day led to believing in God. "Has anyone ever seen him?", the professor asked. "How can you believe in something that doesn't exist, something that's never been proven?". Then this all-knowing (or so he thinks) professor, took off his wristwatch and said to the attentive students, "If there is a God, I will give him 1 minute to strike me dead!" Silence filled the lecture hall. You could have heard a pin drop as each second ticked by. Everyone awaited a lighting bolt to strike the cocky professor. Then, a minute passed. Nothing. No lighting bolt, no shocks. Just a man's loud laugh echoing through the hall filled with silence, then followed by the gloating words of "I guess there's no God, huh?"

Well, in the midst of these students, sat a journalist. This journalist worked for the NY Times. This man thought deeply about the actions of the professor for quite a while. A couple of weeks later, he put an article in his paper....same story, this one with a twist. There were two ants walking through the desert. As they walked, something was shining in the horizon. Finally, they arrived at the shining objects. Out of nowhere, appeared two huge silver rivets. One ant asked, "What is this?" The second ant said, "Don't be silly, this is the famous Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway." The first ant laughed and said, "This is not a railway. I only see something shiny." The second ant insisted. "It is! I've heard about it. There is no doubt that this is the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway."

So, the first ant mustered up strength and slowly climbed what seemed to be a giant peak to the top of the shiny rivet. The 2nd ant struggled behind him. When he got to the top, he said, "OK. We'll see if this is truly the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway. If it is, then I will give one minute for a train to come by and squash us!" The 2nd ant stood by nervously, knowing in his heart that this indeed was the famous railway. With eyes shut, he waited to be trampled by the oncoming train. After a long while, he looked down at his wristwatch (yes...these ants had watches! LOL!) and noticed that the minute had long passed. Nothing happened!!

The journalist continued with his article and the reason that brought me to write about this. Can you imagine the President of Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway sitting in his office on the 60th floor of a San Francisco skyscraper, being told that two ants were discussing whether he and his railway truly existed? Should he have spent a second of his time sending out a train to squash the ant who needed proof? Of course not! Well, the same goes for our great God. He is the omnipotent, God of the universe. The King of Kings. Do you think that he needs to prove to us that He is God?

I thought about the students in the lecture hall waiting for "lightning to strike". I know that I, for one, would definitely have loved to see it just so that I could have had the opportunity to say, "I told you so!" But, our God is way too big for that. He is not here to conform to our disbeliefs. We are here to conform to His truths. And that my friends is called.....FAITH!

Have a blessed evening!

Did you hear the one about the chicken & the pumpkin?