Getting ready for the first day of pre-school.

Oh, my little boy, is having his first day of pre-school tomorrow. Here are some pictures of him getting a hair cut for his big day. He loves to get his hair cut. He loved it so much, that last time, he fell asleep right in the chair. It was hilarious. Tomorrow morning, I am sure... I will be teary-eyed as he struts into that classroom with his big boy bookbag. I just can't believe he is big enough to go to school. He is my baby, and, well, I guess he always will be. Carlton tells me often, I baby him too much and "Let him grow up...be a man!" Well, I just can't. He looks at me with those blue eyes, and I nearly turn to mush. I can remember the day he was born like it was yesterday. I have been smitten ever since. Say a prayer that "I" will survive tomorrow. Don't worry about Noah, he can't wait to cut paper, use glue and glitter, sing and dance, and play on the big playground!!!!!!!!!

I will try to post some first day of school pics tomorrow~

We have a little one on the way!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Carlton, Hannah Grace, Noah and I are happy to announce we have a baby on the way! God is so good to bless us again with a precious child. Our little one will be 12 weeks tomorrow. I am so ready to find out what it is! My gut says "Boy!" and Carlton thinks its a girl, sooooooo... who knows, but God! I will have to wait 8 more LONG weeks to find out! During this pregnancy, I have thought so much about Lily. Its almost like I am pregnant with two! I know it won't be long before our sweet Lily is in our arms. She is going to have so many brother(s) and sister(s) that are going to love her to pieces! Even though she is not "in my belly", I pray for her many times throughout the day. Please keep our new baby in your prayers and continue to pray for our journey to Lily. One specific prayer request: my fingerprints were rejected (very common for women with dry hands! ), please pray that this new set will be accepted. Fingerprints can take a long time and can delay our adoption process. Thank you!
Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord,the fruit of the womb a reward.4 Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one's youth.5 Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them!He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.
—Psalm 127:3-5

Tiny Dancer

My sweet little Hannah Grace has turned into a little dancer. She has really taken to the dance classes she started a couple weeks ago. Her teacher has been really impressed with how quick she has learned. I never knew I had a little toe tapper! Well, except for the fact that the practicing on the kitchen floor is driving me bananas. Noah thinks he can tap too. Its quite funny to see him trying to keep up with her. Boy, he really needs some football lessons, soon. :) Bless his heart, his mommy and sister are too girly. Here are some pictures from her class this week.

China Family Reunion Picture

Here is a picture from the China Family Reunion. Ya'll always hear me talking about Karla, well, here she is. From Left to Right:Karla, Me and Kimberly. Karla is a god-send. Lifeline has the BEST social workers. Karla is very open and honest and keeps me level-headed. I honestly didn't expect an "employee" to care or love each Lifeline family. Its obvious that her job is not a "job" but a calling from the Lord. She has become such a good friend of mine and Carlton. And next to me is Kimberly, my new friend. We have lots in common, we are both getting a sweet little girl from China. She chose a little girl with a special need, Anna Brooke is ADORABLE!!!!! They will be going to get her really soon. I will post her blog so you can follow along on her journey! Kimberly and I just happen to "run-into" each other at the reunion. I think we were the only Paperchasing family there. So, we immediately had a connection. She and her husband, Jonathan, love the Lord and so our bond is much bigger than our China adoption!

Thought you might enjoy this! I mean, how true is this, jeans/pants are the hardest thing to buy!! Guys have it so easy....... Oh, by the way, I changed the settings on the comments. So.....you should be able to comment without being a member...I hope it works for you! Hear from you soon!

China Family Reunion

http://web.mac.com/bradtuckman/iWeb/maya%20tuckman/Gotcha%20Day%202.html

We had such a great time at the China Family Reunion. I was a little overwhelmed at all the children. There were about 43 families with children adopted from China. Hannah Grace was in heaven. She kept running up to me saying, " Mommy, her name is Lily too, or look at her, look at her" I caught Noah flirting with most of the little girls. He can be such a charmer. Carlton and I met another sweet couple who is also going through the paperwork process. We hope to keep in touch with thier journey. Well, I have a link posted for a video.

One of the sweetest "Gotcha Day" videos I have seen. Sit back and grab a tissue. It worth the 10 minutes......... But, I am warning you again, its a tear-jerker.

Summer update

Nocalulla Falls
We rode this train at least 6 times!

Granny had a great time too!

WHOA! It has been so long since we have posted! This summer has just flown by. Granny came to stay with us for a couple weeks and that is always fun! I have been taking some classes at JSU in order to keep up my certification and projects and busy work has consumed the little spare time I have! We spent one week with Carlton in Louisville at Southern Seminary. He his half-way through with his doctorate. The kids and I visited every book store in that town to pass the time! Back in Jacksonville, Carlton has been very busy with the new church building plans! Our quest for our little girl, Lily, is still going strong. We are finishing up our homestudy and our plan is to get our dossier in the mail 3 days before my 30th birthday. (12-9-07) Looks like China has really slowed down with thier referrals and that can be a little discouraging. But, we know the Lord is completely sovereign and he will give us Lily in His time. We will be attending Lifeline's China Family Reunion this next weekend. There, we will meet others who are going through paperwork, and families with children from China! I am really looking forward to this. One sweet note>While we were in Louisville, we saw a BUNCH on children who were adopted from China. One little girl was in the book store and Hannah Grace was completly infatuated with her. She basically stalked the girl. (OK, I admit, I did too) I am sure the mom was a little freaked out by our staring. Hannah Grace continued to follow her around and while I was reading she said, "Oh, Mama, I nearly got the chance to touch her!" That night, in the hotel, I heard her crying. I went to her room and she said,"Mama, I can't take it anymore, I need Lily now. I can't wait any longer." Honestly, I thought my heart would just break into. But, I sat down with her and we prayed for God to speed up the process and to protect Lily wherever she may be. I left her room and I thought I would have a complete "cry fest" by myself (carlton was gone studying). Well, I did have a little one. But, I realized, not only is my heart aching for Lily to be home, but her sister's heart is also. Pray with us that God will give us patience and strength during this lengthy process.