CJ and Ali

Here are some updated pictures of John and Nila's girls. Aren't they sweet! We can't wait to see you guys soon!!!!


What a good big sister!!!!

CJ is such a cutie...love the hat Miss Thang!

How sweet! I know you're being a good helper to Mommy!

Be sure to check out the added Halloween pictures in the post below!

Happy Halloween!!!!

Wow, I'm exhausted this morning. Last night was Trick or Treating in Mt. Sterling. We started the evening by getting Karsynn all dressed up in her Mickey Mouse costume. She looked so cute! She even let me color her nose and add some whiskers. We visited the houses of many friends, including Miss Becky, Karsynn's past babysitter, and then we hit Grandma and G-Pa's and Mamaw and Papaw's. She had a blast, that is until she wore herself out and fell asleep. See the cute Halloween crafts Karsynn has made at daycare. We've started a Wall of Fame on the pantry door in the kitchen. She brings something new she has made home everyday, and we add it to the wall. She loves looking at her masterpieces!!! She loves playing with all her new friends at daycare. She's learning so much. It's great!


Karsynn with Bryson and Braylon

The cutest Mickey Mouse ever!

Mickey Mouse squeaking her ears...

Karsynn's hand made into a ghost...melts a Mommy's heart!

My baby girl's feet made into a bat...so sweet!

Fall Pictures

Look at my pretty Fall decorations!

One of my favorite pictures of my funny girl!

Ray and Isabella with Daddy and Me

Me with my friend, Isabella Grace...

Karsynn has a big 2 year old birthday coming up on November 12th. We have lots of fun things planned this year. We've invited lots of friends and family to celebrate Karsynn's life with us. I can't wait to see her face. This year, she will actually be excited about everything and everyone around her. When you ask her how old she is, she say, "TWO!" and smiles that big, beautiful smile that melts my heart. Our newest big event is that she used her potty chair for the first time this past week. YEAH!!! We danced, clapped and made a huge deal over it. She was so proud of herself. My girl is growing up so fast. I can't believe she's going to be 2! Where does the time go. Time just seems to fly by...so I don't want to miss out on a thing! I celebrate every single milestone in her life.


Daddy bought me a new red guitar at Court Days!

Do you like my artwork on the tub wall? Mommy bought me some really cool crayons that you can use to write on the tub with. They wipe right off!

I love to ride in the car!

A Funfilled Weekend...

Well, the food vendors have pulled out, the shopping has ceased, the dust has cleared and we survived another Court Day Weekend!!! Karsynn had an absolute blast this year, since she was truly old enough to take it all in. She enjoyed candy apples, corn dogs and lots of shopping. We are all exhausted, but it was worth every single moment spending time together. Our girl is getting so big and is talking more and more each day. Her newest word...Tort Day (Court Day), of course. So cute! We are so blessed!

Princess Karsynn!!!

Daddy and Me at Court Day

Enjoying life together!

What a cute kid!!!

A girl and her doggie...

Mama and Me!

Look what I got...ELMO

Mom's Pictures from China

Just today, I was able to copy my Mom's pictures from her camera that she took while we were in China. I thought it might be nice to share some, even though it's been over a year That trip was one of a lifetime!!! We traveled with the most amazing people in the world. It is a time in my life that I will never forget. We made friends during that time that will last a lifetime!!! We miss you all!!!!


Waiting for our Baby...what a moment!

John's face says it all!!! Click on the picture to see it up close!

Orphanage Director with Karsynn and I

The "Gang" at Tiannamen Square

Waiting Families for just a little longer...on our way to get the girls!

This man walked in carrying Karsynn and Lizzie

My good friend, Nila with Cj, and Karsynn and I back at the hotel.

Karsynn's Medical Exam in GZ

The girls in the infamous Red Couch Photo at the White Swan

How about those CATS!!!!!!!

Look what a difference a year makes. One photo is of Karsynn 1st UK game ever. The other is one year later, at her 1st UK game of the season. Mama's girl is growing up!


We ventured out into the cold to watch the CATS last night. The stadium was full. The company was great! But, it was COLD!! The CATS didn't appear to have much ummph about them during the 1st three quarters, so I encouraged Troy and Ray to leave with 10 min. left to go. BIG MISTAKE! The Cats were down 20 to 7 at that point, so I didn't think we'd miss much. As we were driving home, the CATS rallied back to win 21-20. OMG!!! I thought I was a dead woman. The men were not happy with me and all my whining about being cold. Anyways, I am a die hard CATS fan, but my judgement was impaired by the cold last night. Sorry CATS! Never under estimate the heart of a champion, right?

Court Day Weekend...YEAH!

It's that time of year again...Court Days in Mt. Sterling. We have a funfilled weekend planned, which started last night with a party at the new BBQ restaurant with friends. Karsynn had such a good time playing with Laura, Kara, Gabe, Bryson and Braylon, her future prom date...:) As for the rest of the weekend, we have lots of things planned:

1. Shopping...shopping...shopping downtown. We're hoping to find some really cool bows for Karsynn's hair, not that she needs anymore. Mommy just spent $20 on bows at the Apple Festival a couple weeks ago. (To Karsynn's China Sister, CJ, Aunt Sammi is going to look for some bows for you and Ali, too!)

2. C-A-T-S...CATS! CATS! CATS! UK Football tomorrow!!!!

3. We have friends coming in on Saturday to shop with us some more. We haven't seen them in a long time, so we're really looking forward to that visit.

4. Sleeping In and Snuggling...Mommy is off Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday, so NO DAYCARE!!! Yeah!!!!

Stay tuned for pictures...COMING SOON!!!

Allergy Update on Karsynn

We had our visit with Dr. Overbeck yesterday, and Karsynn did wonderful with the allergy testing. However, we found out that she is severly allergic to her best friend, Gigi Dog, AKA Bentley. The allergist suggested we find a new home for him, but we're not sure what we'll do just yet. Her reaction to him is not severe at this time, so I guess we'll have to see. She is also allergic to dust, molds, and some seasonal weeds and trees, which comes with living in Kentucky. The thing I struggle with, is that she can't live in a bubble for her whole life. There are some things you simply can't do anything about. I guess we'll just have to weigh our options and decide then. As for now, she's taking Flovent and a nasal spray, so we'll see how those work for her. For all of those who have said prayers and have asked daily about her, this post if for you. Thank you for caring so much about our daughter! It means the world to us to be in your thoughts and prayers. It's great to have such wonderful, caring friends. Thank you!

As promised, for all those who have been begging for updated pics of our girl! She's getting so big! Thank you for continuing to follow our life journey with Karsynn. At one time, I had considered stopping the blog, but so many of you that are still waiting have expressed that this is one of the many blogs that helps you to see the "light at the end of the tunnel." So, I ask, how could I possibly stop. I remember following blogs of traveling families and families who had returned, while we waited, and it was so inspiring. That's all I hope this blog is...an inspiration to those who wait. I also want it to be a record of Karsynn's life for her to enjoy when she's older. She's only little once!


A Happy Family!

Watching UK with Mommy! Go CATS!

WEEEEE! Daddy!

Mommy carved me a Jack-O-Lantern! Yeah Mommy!

Tailgaiting with my friend, Sydney! We had fun!

Hold on Big Girl!!!

Watching the Apple Festival parade with Mommy!

Look at those dimples!

Pretty Girl!

Mama's Lil Flower!

Daddy and Me in our UK and Steeler jersey!

I stumbled across this poem today, and I feel it is appropriate for me to share right now. We are so blessed to have the children that God has given us. He gives us the child that is just perfect for us. This was written long before we were even born. It is destiny. We can't change that. We all need to stop and take a moment to read the words and really internalize them. Don't sweat the small stuff in life. It's simply too short! Enjoy every single waking moment you are blessed to spend with your children. I get so busy sometimes, as we all do, and I sometimes forget to "stop and smell the roses." I've really been working on this over the last little while. I want to savor every single moment that I have with Karsynn, because she's growing so very fast. One of these days, I will surely miss the little messes she makes and will realize that it's not that big of a deal. She's a kid. That's what kids do. That's what they're supposed to do. That's how they learn. A house with a toddler is meant to be messy and disorganized and turned upside down. It's how you know they are enjoying being a kid. Treasure those moments, don't grumble about them. A friend of mine lost her 3 month old grandaughter this week. She died peacefully in her mother's arms. I know that mother wishes for just one more minute with her child. Just one more dirty diaper to change, just one more load of dirty laundry of hers to do, just one more throw-up to clean up. I bet she wouldn't complain at all. Life can change in an instant. I don't ever want to look back and say, what if... or I wish that I had...!!! NO WAY!

Just For Todayby Sally Meyer

Just for this morning,
I am going to smile when I see your sweet face
and laugh when I feel like crying.

Just for this morning,
I will let you wake up softly in your Dora pajamas
and hold you until you are ready to stir.

Just for this morning,
I will let you choose what you want to wear
and I will say how beautiful you are, even it the clothes don't match.

Just for this morning,
I will step over the laundry to pick you up
and take you to the park to play.

Just for this morning,
I will leave the dishes in the sink
and let you teach me how to put your puzzle together.

Just for this afternoon,
I will unplug the telephone and keep the computer off
and sit with you in the garden blowing bubbles.

Just for this afternoon,
I will not yell once, not even a tiny grumble when you
scream and whine for the ice cream truck...
and I will buy you one, if he comes by, and
you can let it drip down your chin and shirt.

Just for this afternoon,
I won't worry about what you are going to be
when you grow up...
I will simply love you for the joy you bring me every day.

Just for this afternoon,
I will let you help me make cookies...
and I wont stand over you trying to clean up the mess you've made.

Just for this afternoon,
I will take you to McDonald's and buy us both a Happy Meal...
so you can have two toys.

Just for this evening,
I will hold you in my arms and tell you the story of how you
were adopted...
and how much Mommy and Daddy love you.

Just for this evening,
I will let you splash in the bathtub...
and I won't get angry when you pour
water into the floor or get me wet.

Just for this evening,
I will let you stay up late...
while we sit on the porch step
and count all the stars,
picking out a special one for me and you.

Just for this evening,
I will bring you glasses of water...
and snuggle beside you for hours...
and miss my favorite t.v. show.

And tonight when you are sleeping safe and warm in your bed,
I will think of the mothers and fathers
who mourn for the children they have lost
or have never been blessed to have.

I will remember the parents who sit by hospital beds,
watching over the little ones they love.

I will weep for those parents whose children are cold,
hungry and suffering,

and .... this evening,
when I kneel down to pray,
I will simply be grateful for all thatI have

and not ask for anything...

except just one more day with you.

Update on Karsynn...

Well, it's been 6 days since we took Karsynn off all the drinks that contain red dye. Since then, she has shown so much improvement. She is sleeping so much better, her funny, loving personality has returned, and she is responding to discipline so much better. Thank you so much for all your prayers!!!! As I said before, she goes to the Allergist on Tuesday, so we'll know more then. I know that God will take care of things. He always does. No matter how difficult times may seem, no matter how much disappointment you are faced with in your life, no matter how uncertain your life may seem, God takes care of it all. I, especially, am faced with some very emotional, difficult things in my life right now, but I know that this too shall pass.

Upcoming Events for Karsynn:
1. A visit to Two Sisters Pumpkin Patch with Bryson, Braylon, and Shelby. (We had to postpone today because of rain and Braylon's cold!)
2. She's going to a UK game on Saturday with her friend Sydney and her family. This should be a funfilled day of tailgating and playing. Go CATS!
3. Karsynn's 2nd birthday is just around the corner. We're planning a much smaller, more simple party this year with just her closest friends. I can't wait to see her face!
4. We've scheduled to have her 2 year old pictures taken in her beautiful silk China dress again this year. I can't wait to compare the then and now pics. I'm attaching a few pictures from this time last year. Look at what a difference a year makes. WOW!

Allergist Appointment and Changing Some Things

Well, I finally made an appointment with the allergist for Karsynn. She goes Oct. 14th. She's seeing a Pediatric Allergist in Lexington who is supposed to be just wonderful. In the meantime, we've been changing some things up to see if we can see any improvements in Karsynn. We mentioned the "fits" that Karsynn has been throwing to Troy's aunt, who happens to be an RN. She said that Troy's cousin did the same thing when he was little and come to find out, he was allergic to red dye in drinks and foods. When thinking about it, Karsynn drinks and eats a lot of foods, especially juices, with red dye in them. So. we've totally cut those out. For the last two days, all she has been drinking is milk and flavored water. We've seen a bit of a change. She seems more calm and she really hasn't had a huge meltdown since we stopped the juices. So, just a fluke? Not sure, but we're not giving her any more until we see the allergist. Please pray that God intervenes for Karsynn. She is tired. We are tired. We're all running on pure adrenaline. I'm posting some updated pics of the girl. She is getting so big and so smart. I mean, sometimes she even shocks me at how smart she is.