Adoption Update

I wish I had better news for this update....but it looks like we are going to be waiting a little longer to get our referral.

We had expected to receive our referral in late September or early October and we were getting very, very excited about getting our first glimpse of our little one. However, it seems as though I am being taugt the virtue of patience, as it looks like we are now waiting until late November or early December for our referral. Sigh.....

Although our homestudy was sent to the Ministry as soon as was possible, the processing time for our homestudy is now a total of 16 weeks, which pushes it until the middle of November. Once our approval letter has been received, our entire dossier must be sent to China and logged into their system. That should take about two more weeks. At that point, we can be presented with our referral.

In the meantime, we are working on projects at home…trying to get as organized as possible. We are also beginning to process the paperwork for our child’s Canadian Citizenship.

On a comforting note…..this one is for you, AM....as many of you know, the ladybug has been the symbol for hope and adoption for many years. Last week I read a blog where the woman had asked for a sign that her referral was coming. About two weeks later she started finding ladybugs here and there and at the end of that week, she got the call! As soon as I read her blog, I asked for my own ladybug sightings…and I found one! This past Monday I was getting out of my car at school when I noticed that there was a ladybug on the window of my car. I smiled from ear to ear and even laughed to myself….it worked! We found out on Friday that Children’s Bridge received their September batch of referrals. It is a very strong possibility that our child’s photo and information is already waiting for us….how perfectly wonderful!

Getting all of our paperwork together...hey, L....do you notice

the Costco envelopes?? The missing photos....hehe

Ready to be sent....and off to China!

The House

The building of our new home has begun!! Without getting into a long-winded story, let's just say that our amazing experience with Mattamy in the first phase has not continued with the second phase. There have been many errors made on their part, leaving Paul and I to monitor the building of our home very closely.

Luckily, I now teach less than five minutes away from the house. I check on it every day as I head home and if there has been progress made that day, Paul and I go to see the house and make sure that things are going along as they should....and we take a lot of pictures! Enjoy!

The building has begun!!

My Dad's future home - the lookout basement.

Munich....at last!

I am finally getting to our last post about our trip to Germany. :)

Our final destination was Munich. We took the train from Erlangen and it took about two hours. Once we arrived, we quickly headed downtown to start our sightseeing. To be honest, we were not overwhelmed. After visiting some amazing places, Munich let the wind out of our sails. I think the reason we were disappointed was that it was a lot like Toronto. It was full of shops and everything was quite new and up-to-date. We didn't end up sticking around downtown very long at all.


We heard about a famous beer garden in Munich that we wanted to visit (the Chinese Tower section of the English Beer Garden). It was amazing!! I have never seen anything like it in my life. There were hundreds upon hundreds of picnic tables and they were almost full to the brim with people....and it was a Wednesday evening! People were with friends and family enjoying the summer. There was a brass band playing and playgrounds for the children. It was truly a family event. There were 1 L beers for sale, as well as half chickens, ribs, pretzels, etc. People brought picnics, played cards, drank beer.....what a great way to relax! We all agreed that we wished they had gardens just like it in Canada.


The following day we joined a tour of Dachau, Germany's first concentration camp. Most of the camps were outside of Germany, but this one was very close to Munich and referred to as the 'Parent Camp.' Much of what was done at other camps was first thought of and tested at Dachau. The tour we took lead us on the same journey the prisoners would take as they were first brought to the camp. We learned a lot about the particular history of Dachau and the people who died there. We also learned about the survivors and the wonderful job they have done of ensuring that Dachau is now a place that teaches tolerance. I could go on and on about the strong and sorrowful feelings we all had as we were walking through the camp, but it is very hard to describe. We also didn't take many pictures as it just didn't feel appropriate. I am very glad that we were able to visit Dachau and that I was able to learn about such an important part of our history.


The next day we began our travel home. It was quite uneventful (although Paul has a wonderful story to tell about my inability to answer security questions properly and how I almost bought myself a stay in Amsterdam...ooops!). We were very happy to be home as we missed our family, friends, and our kitties.

A view of the tables at the English Beer Garden...

Yummy food and drink at the English Beer Garden in Munich. What a blast!

Musicians playing classical music on the streets of Munich.

The entrance to Dachau.

Roll call would be taken here every morning. It is now a symbol of all those whose lives were taken in that yard.

The actual barracks were torn down, but the foundations remain. There were rows and rows of them.

School....say it ain't so!! :)

Well....it is that time of year again! Back to reality....back to work!

I must admit, I really don't mind. I like the routine of the school year and look forward to some 'normal' being inflicted into my schedule. I like being able to socialize with the kids and the other teachers. I like the challenge it provides. I like the early mornings...ok, that isn't true....but overall, I am happy to be going back.

I am starting at a new school tomorrow and the butterflies are definitely doing their work on my stomach tonight. Hopefully all will go well...especially the now five minute commute to work! :)

Good luck to all my favourite kids out there who are back to school tomorrow....you will be in my thoughts!

Missing Our Wonderful Neighbours

The absolute best part of living in our first home was getting to know our wonderful neighbours. We were so fortunate to be able to live on the same court as people we now consider our very good friends. I loved being able to pop over at any time, chatting with our friends outside, Friday night dinners, and so much more!

Fortunately, our new home is only two blocks away and we will be able to walk over to our friends homes....thank goodness, as I miss them all so much already!

Our neighbours got into the habit of 'decorating' each others homes and playing pranks on those that were away (ok....so I started it by decorating their lawns with many, many bobble heads...hehe). Our return from Germany was definitely an occasion for which our house was 'decorated.'

We arrived home at around 10pm that Friday night and we were absolutely exhausted. As we drove up to the house, I was commenting on how nice it was of our neighbours to decorate our house as a way of welcoming us home. That is, until I realized what they used to decorate...take a look at the pics....they speak for themselves!! As I was cursing them and staring at the house with my jaw hitting the ground, they all piled out of our neighbours van! They were all sitting in there watching and laughing at our reaction! It was one of the funniest moments of my life!!

(We didn't remove the 'decorations' until the next morning as we were too exhausted...we had a lot of people from the neighbourhood stop by and ask us about our design style...hehe)

They were hoping that we wouldn't see this one and then drive away!

Paul and my Dad removing one from the roof!

Moving Fun

It feels like such a long time since I have last posted. The past few weeks have been very, very busy for Paul and I and we are finally starting to catch up!

As many of you know, we sold our house and have moved into an apartment while we wait for the new house to be finished. Our moving date was one week after our return from Germany and it was not an easy week. We had paperwork to put together for our adoption agency and meetings in Mississauga with Mattamy about our new home. Fortunately, we had my Dad's help with packing....otherwise, I am not sure that we would have been done in time.

We are very happy with the apartment and are enjoying the area in which we live at the moment. We are in the heart of 'old' Newmarket and love the trail systems that are so accessible. In Germany we redeveloped a love of bike riding and we have spent many evenings cycling around the neighbourhood. Paul has also been cycling to the train station and back every day. We are going to miss this area a lot when we move into the new house.

While we are here, we have set ourselves a few goals for organizing and purging. We are going to organize our photos and go through our 'memory boxes,' purging as much as we can! Rather than repack these items, we brought them here and are going to begin attacking the projects next weekend. :)

Three Wonderful Years

Paul and I have been married for three years today. Although we are furiously packing to move this weekend, we did take some time to reflect on the importance of this day in our relationship.

I have to say that I am very, very fortunate. I am married to one of the kindest, most thoughtful, and hard-working people in the world. Paul is a wonderful husband and I couldn't be happier than I am when I am with him.

When we think back to our wedding day, we think of our wonderful friends and family that were there to help us celebrate. What a great day it was and so much fun! I still say that the best part of the wedding was having our rehearsal dinner at Chuck E Cheese's!!

Talking me off the ledge...

A few days before we left for Germany, Paul and I received a call from our adoption agency. They informed us that we would need to get our China Dossier put together and sent to them by August 10th. They wanted the forms quickly in order to begin translating the paperwork and preparing them to be sent to China.

We panicked at first, but thought that if we needed to, we would be able to get everything together when we got back. The reality of everything that we needed to do, however, hit us hard the day after we returned from Germany. There was so much to put together and we were uncertain about what exactly was needed.

I honestly don't know what we would have done throughout this past year without our friends who have gone through the entire adoption process. They are always there to answer our questions and address our concerns. We appreciate all of your help!

AM received my panicked phone call early Sunday morning. She helped talk me 'off the ledge' and then was even kind enough to drop by and make sure that we were on track. Thank you so much, AM!

Finally, we finished putting all of the necessary information together and got the packages sent to our adoption agency. Our China Dossier has begun its journey!

Timeline...

I cannot believe it, but we are nearing the end of our trip to Europe. Paul is finished his course at noon tomorrow and then we are leaving for Munich. We will have a chance to tour the city for the evening and then we are staying there for the night.

The next morning (Thursday), we are going on a tour of Dachau. Dachau was the first concentration camp in Germany. It is also known as the 'Parent Camp' as it was the place where everything was first tested and created. We are joining a tour group for a 5 hour tour of the camp and it's history.

We will tour Munich a little more that evening and then return back to Erlangen by train late that night. We are getting up early Friday morning and then we will head to the airport. We should touch down in Buffalo at 6:30pm (your time) and hopefully be home a few hours later.

All of that being said, I am not sure that I will have a chance to post again from Germany. If not, then I will post about Munich once we get back home.

I have to admit, I am very, very happy to be heading home soon. I miss everything about home and I am very prone to being homesick (as I have apparantly learned on this trip). Paul, however, would move to Germany if he had the chance!! :)

I can't wait to talk to all you very soon! Love ya!

Prague Pics

This is the narrow road that you walk down to get to the big marketsquare behind it - the pictures that follow are of the marketplace and of our walk towards St. Charles Bridge. Every corner we turned was another amazing sight...





















April and I just before we crossed the St. Charles Bridge



Musicians on the St. Charles Bridge - it helped to create an amazing atmosphere...

Prague Pics - continued...

The beginning of the steps leading to the castle/palaces - and there were many of them!!!



The entrance to the palace.



The church - amazing, isn't it??



The changing of the guards at the palace.



Pictures of the St. Charles Bridge - an amazing experience walking across it and making your way through the crowd....and the art and music taking place on the bridge...wow!





Paul, April and I touring around Prague in an old car - soooo much fun!



Paul and I standing by the window of the train - trying our best to cool off - with a cold beer!

Our visit to Prague...amazing!

Well, we are back from our visit to Prague and we are still in awe of our entire experience. As Paul put it tonight, it is a place that you MUST visit at least once during your lifetime.

On Friday April and I got food ready for the train and packed everything we would need in our backpacks. We headed for the train at around 4:30 and then settled in for a six hour train ride.

Our first impression of Prague was not a good one...not good at all! Germany is such a clean, organized country and the Czech is completely different! There was graffiti all over the buildings...I have never seen so much graffiti in my life! It wasn't very clean and the buildings were very run-down. The Czech has been through a lot of change...it was once a communisit-run country, there was a separation from the Soviet...all leading to a country that hasn't had consistent leadership.

We booked our hotel just outside the main city. It was in an area that was a little rough and it wasn't the best first impression of Prague. The next day, however, was a different story.

We took the tram into the heart of Prague early Saturday morning and we couldn't believe what we were seeing. It is very difficult to put it in words, in fact! The buildings were breakthtaking...every corner we rounded made us gasp...everything was very beautiful and very grand.

The square has a clock tower that both April and Paul climbed...once again, I took photos from the bottom and tried not to burn in the hot sun. :) (Side note...the weather in Prague was very, very, very hot). We then made our way through the streets and went into most of the little shops and bought things at the market. We made our way to the Charles bridge. The bridge is an amazing sight in and of itself and was absolutely packed with people. Paul and I bought a painting of Prague on the bridge and we touched many of the statues that have been famous for brining good luck for centuries.

We then made our way to the upper part of Prague. The climb to the castle was not easy - especially in the heat - but worth the effort! The castle and the many churches inside the walls are unbelievably beautiful.

There were many tours offered throughout the city - walking, carriage rides, and even rides in antique cars. We actually took a tour around the city in an antique car on Sunday morning. We had to leave for the train by noon, so we wanted a relaxing way to see more of the city. What an amazing way to end the trip!

We boarded the train and the next few hours were not pleasant at all! There is no air-conditioning on the trains...and only partial windows that open. The train was absolutely packed...many people were standing and sitting in the aisles. It was HOT in the train...a type of smothering heat I cannot even explain. Many of us were standing at the windows and putting our heads out a little trying to catch our breath. It was a loooooooon ride. Did I mention that it was really HOT??!! By the time we got back to Germany, the weather was quite cool again...what a difference in weather!

Prague was one of the best experiences of our lives!

I will post more tomorrow, including the pics.

Thursday's Events

Yesterday April and I went to Rothenburg ob der Tauber. Although I went there with Paul, I knew that April had to see it for herself!

We left early yesterday morning and we both loved the train ride...so much to see and so beautiful! The weather as absolutely perfect - sunny, a little breeze, but not too hot. What a day!

April was in awe of the medieval town and I don't blame her - it is an amazing place to visit. We were able to visit more of the town than Paul and I did as well had more time.

By the end of the day we were absolutely exhausted and we could barely keep our eyes open on the two hour train ride home. We got back to the hotel, showered and then relaxed for the evening and watched a movie on the laptop.

Today we have been preparing for our weekend in Prague. We are packing a dinner for the train and attempting to pack everything we need in our backpacks. :) Once again we are taking the 'milk run' train, because it is cheaper. We have two changes to make and in total it will take us six hours to get there. We have booked a hotel for the weekend and we should be there around 11pm tonight. That leaves us the entire day Saturday to explore. We will probably leave Prague just after lunch on Sunday.

That being said....I am not brining my laptop and therefore won't be posting again until Monday. I will update this post with photos when I get back. Hope you all have an amazing weekend!

Posting Issues

I am having issues posting to Blogger. I am not able to edit the posts and things are not posting as they should. Hopefully it will fix itself soon!

Please start reading at the bottom of the page!

Tuesday's Events

April is here!!

My friend, April, arrived in Germany this morning. I was so happy to see her! I was also happy to hear that she was able to make all of her flight connections. The only snag was that her luggage didn't make all of the connections and therefore her luggage was delievered to the hotel much later that evening.

We chatted for awhile and then we walked to downtown Erlangen for lunch on a patio. After a big lunch and a beer, she was feeling the effects of the time change and so we headed back to the hotel. After an afternoon nap, we walked to meet Paul at his work. We went grocery shopping and picked up a cooked chicken at a small store outside of the grocery shop.

I cannot tell you how excited Paul and I were to get a chicken for dinner!! Most of the meat eaten here is pork...and I barely like pork on the best of days! The chicken and fresh salad (from veggies we picked up at the market downtown), was the best meal I have ever eaten in my life! :) We ate out on the patio and soaked up the sun....it was a very relaxing evening!

Monday's Events

Monday was another quiet day. I was sad to see Paul go back to worked and missed him terribly. I tried to keep busy and get things done, so I did the laundry, did some work for school, and tried to get online....but it wasn't working well. :)

Paul came back to the hotel for lunch, which was sweet of him, because he knew that I was lonely. When he was finsihed work, we went out for dinner and then walked along the streets of Erlangen. The weather here has been amazing and it was a nice evening.

Bamberg - continued...

Sunday Paul and I headed to Bamberg. "Bamberg is situated on seven hills and features a splendidly preserved old town. It is encircled by the branches of the river Regnitz. The town is famous not only for its exceptional artistic heritage, but also for its excellent beer, produced by one of the nine breweries that operate here. Its long history goes back to AD 902, when the Babenberg family established their residence here."

We loved this town! It is very, very beautiful and a wonderful place to visit. The town was not hit by the bombs in World War 2, therefore all of the buildings are original and date back as far as AD 1003! As we were walking through the town, the church bells were ringing and then later, people were playing instruments and singing along the street. I am going to take April there next week and cannot wait to revisit the town!





The inside of a courtyard that dates back to 1003!!!





Massive town hall...we couldn't believe how big the building was!







A church on top of the hill...very steep city!



The gardens in the town hall area of Bamberg.

Blogger not working well...

Hello everyone,

Blogger is not working well here right now...I am having trouble loading photos and editing my posts. I will try again this evening.

I hope you are all having a wonderful summer! It has been very hot here lately... :)

Sunday's Events - Bamberg

Paul tasting a smoked beer - it was disgusting!!



A timber house built off the town hall and the bridge -
so cool!



The town is so old that many of the houses are leaning -
look at how crooked some of them are!