All In For Andrew!

2010-02-14T19:15:00.000-08:00

*click to enlarge*
from Andrew and Anna Grace
We have now changed to Trucks and Tiaras!
So head on over there as we start this new journey with Andrew together!
Trucks and Tiaras

Are You Sure??

2010-02-09T13:55:00.000-08:00

He hasn't always been ours??

Really??
I mean I still can't believe he is here when I wake up...

Hasn't he always been here?
"No..." (you might answer back)

Are you sure?

This is how he takes a bath...pouring water over his head and laughing like a hyena
Because by the way I am wrapped around his little finger it sure does feel like it....

I mean can you really love a little boy so much or as much as I love him?
I didn't think it was even close to possible....

To Fall in Love with such a cute face...
His mischievous looks...

But Oh My it is possible!
Oh and for those of you who do not believe in Love at first sight...
Experience Adoption...

Or take a look at this sweet face!!!
I am convinced it can't get any cuter!

Welcome Home You.....

2010-02-06T05:12:00.000-08:00

*Click to Enlarge*

Wow. What a journey home.
(Because I am so incredibly exhausted I will just posts collages for now)
It started out at 5 am at the White Swan. We ate breakfast and left the hotel by 7 am. We got to the Guangzhou airport 45 minutes later and got checked in and checked by security 55,555 times, said a tear-ful goodbye to Elvin and then went to our waiting area. Ah, I was sad. We arrived in Beijing and rushed through customs, more security checks, grabbed some chips, and went to another waiting area. Sat there for about 2 hours and then got security checked twice more and finally boarded our big plane ride. We got on at 5:45 pm (China Time) and soon fell asleep. We slept until about 5 am and that was good. Adam, Hayne, and I got benedryl* and it KNOCKED US OUT! We finished up the flight and (praise God) were able to land in Chicago. All was well. Then we got to our gate, went through customs and more security. We were literally Running through the Chicago airport afraid of missing our flight. Hah, we need not to worry because our flight had been delayed, just an hour though. So we were good. No big. We went and ate at Ch*li's and then went back to the gate....About 30 minutes later it was leaving at 11:30. Then a little later, 12:00, then within a few minutes 12:35 am. We quickly called UNITED* a*rlines and asked what was going on. Our plane was in PA stuck. We would have to wait. Thankfully it arrived, at 12:28 am and we were able to board at 12:35 am. Once on that plane we were SO thankful. We just sat back and prayed the 2hour flight home would go smooth. Thank God because it went wonderfully!!!!! We got home at 3:39 am and had Nana, Papa, Jimmy, Billie, Jodi, Max, Debbie, Kayla, Bobbi, Kellie, Woody, Lillie, Caleb, and Gracie there. Not all the 70 that had planned to come but God definitely had a plan because I do not think Andrew would have done well with all of those people around him just because he is not yet prepared. We really hated the delays and so wished everyone would be there but all for the best. We can't wait for you all to meet him!!! We went to iHop and got some food because it had been so long since we had eaten. It tasted really good. lol. Nana and Papa came home with us and helped us unload. God is Good. His Will Is Perfect. I am Thankful. So I guess there is only one last thing to say......
Welcome Home Andrew Hudson, Welcome Home!

"Tonight I want to cry..."

2010-02-04T15:22:00.001-08:00

CWell, It is our last night in China. Was our last day. We just got back to the hotel and got some last minute stuff. This trip has been amazing. A trip I am SO thankful I was able to come on. I guess it is time to just go home. I feel like a huge part of me has been ripped out which is silly to say, but I do.
This trip was for the purpose of adding to our family, bringing Andrew home and we have done that. We have completed this journey. It was amazing to say the least and I will be forever thankful for being able to come on it. If I could I would stay two more weeks but it would still not be enough. It would never be enough. You only get one chance at life though. The trip was a roller coaster, sometimes you felt like you were riding the Vegg*e Tells ride at DollyWo*d and other times you felt like you were on Mission Space at D*sney World. Never dull, but never completely unexpected. China is an AMAZING country despite what everyone might tell you. It is beautiful, friendly, and just a-m-a-z-i-n-g that is all I can say about it. I know this is probably a repeat of stuff but all of it is true.
Today was a good day. We got down to the Wh*te Swan breakfast at 8:30 and then went back to the room for about 30 minutes. My Mom and I ran out with some other travel group members and bought some more souvenirs. We got some things for Andrew's Gotcha Day celebrations and found an awesome Art Store by House of Love. We got BEAUTIFUL artwork that will be forever treasured as will all the memories of this trip. Jane came in and talked to Andrew some and to my Mom. We got Andrew's Visa and the final bits of paperwork!! We had a pizza party out in the hall with our entire group and reminised about the amazing trip we had had and how ready (most) were to go home. (I had to deny my readiness though) My parents ran out for a little more shopping and Elvin came in and talked to Andrew about what all was going on and some other things. I love when he talks to him!!! Elvin is so great!!! Love him! We as a family went shopping some more and got a few last-last minute things. This trip was amazing. As I have said MANY times. It was just the absolute best that I could have dreamed. I am in love with this country. LOVELOVELOVE.
Once home (36 hours, and sadly counting.) I will write about my favorite things that have happened on this trip and share it with you all. I want to remember every little detail.
Signing off SADLY for the last time in China (at least for this trip:)
and PS. Tonight I wanna Cry,
Ashton
Guangzhou, China-Feb 4, 2010-10:50 PM

Red Couch!

2010-02-03T17:29:00.000-08:00

What. A. Day. Today was great. It started out at 8:30 with Breakfast at the White Swan Hotel Restaurant. It was delicious, as always, complete with Omlets, French Toast, Chicken Nuggets, and every thing you could possibly imagine. I love it here. We then went back to the room and got ready for the ever-so-famous Red Couch! We got the littles all dressed up in their ADORABLE outfits and we older kids got dressed to! We headed upstairs at 10:25 to get ready. It was b-e-a-u-t-i-f-u-l. The sights, smells, and just over-all package was amazing. We got a few pictures of just our family before everyone got there and they turned out wonderfully. We got a really cute Red Couch picture of the newly adopted little ones and a GREAT travel group picture!! I was sooo glad!!! Sigh of Relief. We got some cute pictures and the parents left with only 2 or maybe 3 more gray hairs. I call that success! ;) My Dad, Mom, MommyP, & MommyY were taken by Elvin to shop at the Chinese New Year market! My Mom got some really neat stuff and said it was all amazing. I really wish I would have been able to go :) We left for the Consulate at 2:20 and were there by 2:50 and starting up the 5 Flights of Escalators. While keeping our eye on Adam in his crocs we talked about last time in 2007 when we got stuck in traffic and were running late and as we went up the stairs Elvin was yelling "No worries. No Worries! We VIP. They wait for US! We VIP no worry no worry" Ah. It is so nice to be on time. ;) After making 3 stops we finally arrived on the Fifth Floor of the consulate. We got into the room and were welcomed by a sign that said "The US Consulate of Guangzhou, China joins you in celebrating with you and your family on your Adoption.....CONGRATULATIONS!" After about 30 minutes of waiting they started calling families up to the front desk with their newest child checking passports and signing the last bit of Paperwork!! Then Brooke came out and explained to us what was going on and congratulated us on our Adoption. Then came the swearing in..... "I swear to Love this child forever, to never leave them, and to never hurt them. The information I have given you is completely true to my Knowledge and Understanding." and then Brooke said "CONGRATULATIONS!! You are completely done with your adoption!" We can now say in both countries Andrew Hudson JianHui RICE!! He is OURS for FOREVER and we are NEVER letting him GO!!

We love you sweet Boy!!!

(Last day in China tomorrow :( Please be praying the weather holds off and we are able to fly home on Friday. We are ready to see our family! (I could actually stay another week but I doubt my Mom could)

:)Ashton
Oh and sorry for the lack of consulate pictures. Cameras, Video-Cameras, and pretty much anything that isn't your body and clothes is not allowed. (The picture of the with chopsticks and some food thing in them is a pigeon. As is the one of Adam, just in case you couldn't tell. His name is Ralph. just in case you were wondering.)

Pearl River Cruise!

2010-02-02T14:59:00.001-08:00

So today started out as a lazy day. Or a do-nothing day as I like to call it. We went to breakfast at 9:00 am and went to SUSAN'S and got a dress for me (: (: We then went back to the room and had to stay there from 10:30-12:00 in case there was a problem with our paper work and Elvin needed to get in touch with us. Thankfully we never got "that call" We left the room and went shopping at 12:30ish. We got a few things from "A Gift from China" that store has my heart! (: We shopped until around 2:00 and then went back to the room to put the littles down for a nap. My Mom, Kathleen, Mema, & I went to some more stores and got some things. We also got our Red Couch silk outfits!!! Yeaaah! We are going to coordinate. (: We got back to the room at 4:30 and got ready for the Pearl River Cruise. It was great. We had an OK meal. I ate rice. I guess some liked it. Andrew learned how to eat corn on the cob. It was hilarious. I attached some pictures of it. The BEST part was that we got to go up to the top of the ship look around. It was beautiful. I loved it. The sights were unbelieveable!!! The water was beautiful, the smell of the wind was so refreshing. It is like nothing you have ever experienced. I think the best part of the day was "Tour Bus Karaoke" It started off with Elvin singing "Mom's are the best in the World" and then Anna Grace singing "Jesus Loves Me" and "You are my Sunshine" next up was MollyClaire with "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" I got told to sing and they kept saying "Ashton, Ashton, Ashton" and a new color of red came to my face. Yeah, I did not sing. Haha. So today was a great day. Beijing feels like an eternity ago, Saturday seems like 5 years ago. This seems so crazy. Time has flown by. I am ready for home but I am really not.
Ashton

Oh and PS...
If you can ever request a guide in Guangzhou ask for Elvin!!! HE IS AMAZING!!! I wish we would have had him the ENTIRE time!

Sunday & Monday!

2010-02-01T07:50:00.000-08:00

Just heard from Ashton... they are doing great and loving every minute of being in China!!! As expected, she is NOT ready to come home! They will be home on Friday, though. Be in prayer because there is a little bit of sickness going around. As of now, everyone is fine, but Hayne isn't feeling the best!

Well I am doing awful at keeping you all updated!! Gosh. So here is an update of Sunday and Monday while in Guangzhou (:
Sunday::
On Sunday we had the White Swan breakfast which put everyone in a happy place. haha. It was great to eat food that was good and you knew what it was. We went to a beautiful park on Sunday as well. It had so many pretty sights and things to see!!! I will miss that once coming home as many other things. I would love to stay here for a month or so. It is just great. I think No school makes it better. I loved everything about the park and Andrew and Anna Grace thought it was great too. (: It had birds and flowers everywhere, I LOVED seeing the palm trees which were so pretty I will take palm trees and Heat over Snow and Cold any day. The weather was also great. I think it was 70 degrees or so. So much better than the 20 degrees in Beijing. I am getting spoiled to this only to go back to the cold in SC. ha. After the park we went to a shop that had some really cool little things but they were way too expensive. A Silk Fan that I got for 10 yuan they wanted 480 yuan. Kind of crazy. After the shop we went back to the hotel and were able to go get lunch at Lucy's!!!! Yum (: I had a cheeseburger and french fries which tasted pretty good comparing to rice and mystery meats (: But when we had it today it wasn't so hot. I am missing the food in America (:
Monday::
Today was a relaxed day for the most part. Andrew had his medical exam which he had to get 4 shots in and all kinds of scary things. Elvin was great though and talked all of the kids through it. He is great and I am so glad we have him as our guide. Once the parents and kids got back we went to Lucy's along with about everyone else in our travel group. It was tons of fun. Once finished my Dad, Mema, and Papa took Adam, Hayne, Annna Grace, and Andrew back to the room for some play and naps. My Mom, Kathleen, Mrs. Karen, and I went shopping. A Gift From China was our first stop and I loved it!! So much pretty stuff!! We got Anna Grace a doll and some art work. It was a great store. We left the hotel a 3:00pm for the Pedestrian Street. We got pearls and some other neat things. It was CROWDED. We saw tons of food that well, us picky Americans would not pay to eat ;) It was tons of fun and I am glad I got to experience it!! We had a pizza party in the hall way which was a lot of fun and got some energy out. We gave Elvin a Clemson Shirt and he put it on and took a picture with Andrew. It was so sweet! China is just getting better. (:
See you all {too} soon it seems but yet not soon enough.
Ashton
I attached pictures from yesterday and today. Enjoy!!!!

They are in Guangzhou!

2010-01-30T18:24:00.000-08:00

I just heard from Ashton and they are safely in Guangzhou!! She said that Andrew did great on the flight and they were so glad because their guide (Elvin) was able to have a complete conversation with Andrew! He sounds like a stinker, as she said that he is all smiles, all the time... except for when he doesn't get what he wants! Enjoy the pictures, and here's the blog post she sent for me to post:

Wow today was hectic. It was great but hectic. We left our hotel at 8:00 am and got to the airport and checked in at about 10:00 am we had an hour before take-off so we took the little ones to the playground in the airport to play!! Great Idea from our group! It got all-or most of their energy out!! woo hoo!
We got on the plane at 11:00 and Andrew and Anna Grace fell asleep. As did I. It was a great plane ride and I was able to finish some math! woo hoo.
We got to Guangzhou and met our guide Elvin. (yay!) We went to a great dinner and then crashed in the hotel. Here are the pictures.
Today is a park and shopping!!
-Ashton

Best parts about Beijing

2010-01-29T18:11:00.000-08:00

Some of my favorite and most memorable things about Beijing:

• The people. So sweet
• GOTCHA DAY :: Sweet Andrew Hudson (:
• The fact that my sweet little brother lived here.
• Anna Grace's sweet and willing heart. She has accepted him. Even though this little boy rocked this Chicks boat...hard.
• Hearing Christian music in McDonalds. It is China and McDonalds. Pretty Awesome.
• Shopping. So much fun!!
• Bartering!! Has to be #1 on my favorite things to do! (:
• Kathleen bringing me Hay-gen Dazs (Häagen-Dazs) I know how to say it but I like it the other way better ;)
• NO SCHOOL....Already dreading coming back to that. and that make-up work.
• The music. All of the music you hear around here is so beautiful.
• The Safety. I could safely walk around Wangfujing street alone and not feel threatened. Can't say the same at home.
• Perfect Picture places. This isn't big for some but for me...Oh I love it!
• The view. It is so pretty-better yet GORGEOUS here!!
• The sights to see. Great Wall, Summer Palace, Forbidden City, and Olympic Village were all amazing!!!
• Pandas. I think they are so cool and would love to go like hug one even though it would probably kill me.
• Rice. It is my best friend. I would have starved without it.
• Cold drinks. Without Ice anything with some form of coldness is wonderful.
• Sunsets. No words to describe.
• The Support we have from our group. Our travel group is the best!!

This time in Beijing has been truly amazing and I am really going to miss it. I am excited for home and for Guangzhou. But I hate to leave here. I do not want to let this trip end. It has been great so far....

Signing off for the last time from Beijing. ): ): (tears)

Wangfujing Hotel - Beijing, China - January 29, 2010 - 10:31 PM
Ashton

Last Day in Beijing... the silk market!!!

2010-01-29T15:02:00.000-08:00

some of the pictures are from yesterday, some from today!

Wow. I cannot believe we have been in China for 10 days, much less in Beijing. It has been amazing and I am not looking forward to being closer to home but I can't wait to be in Guangzhou. In truth we have met the goal we came here for, to get Andrew, but I still love this place.

Today was hectic, but good. We went to get Andrew's passport (sweetest picture ever) and the Silkmarket and to McDonalds later. It was an overall good day. Silkmarket was great but if I have to choose between it and the Pearlmarket I would choose the Pearlmarket but I still enjoyed the Silkmarket. We didn't take many pictures today because we were shopping but the ones we did take I attached. It is still crazy beautiful here and really not that cold. It's nice. We went to McDonalds and it looks NOTHING like our McDonalds here. You walked in to a door and went down 30,000 steps before you finally reached the over-crowded underground area. It has some humor to it though. 500 Chinese people and about 30 Americans. Not hard to find each other. Chinese people are so sweet. This one lady saw me sitting with someone else and run over to give something to Andrew and she gave me a toy for him! I thought it was just too sweet!!! (: I can't believe we leave Beijing tomorrow!! Wow! Time has flown!!!!I attached today and yesterdays pictures (: Ashton

Panda Zoo and Pearl Market

2010-01-28T15:18:00.000-08:00

Another great day of shopping!!! The pearl market was AWESOME. Panda Zoo was cool too. I loved seeing all of the pandas there. To think these beautiful animals are on the verge of extinction makes me really sad. Of course, Anna Grace L-O-V-E-D going to see the "Baby Pandas" and looking at them. The exhibit was beautiful but nothing like the Panda Zoo in Chongqing that we went to back in 07. It was GORGEOUS but mainly because Chongqing is KNOWN for their Pandas. It was beautiful. Open Exhibits and close ups with the pandas. Anna Grace would have LOVED it. Now as for Andrew well, He loved it all too! The zoo seems to be a fun place for about any kid. He loved to look at the "Shou Shi" (Pandas) as he called them. I enjoyed every minute of it. After the zoo we went to lunch at one of our favorite Chinese restaurants. I am getting tired of Chinese food. lol. It seems all the food here is about the same...In America I don't get tired of the food but I guess that is a double-edged sword saying i'm not exactly Chinese. But still in America there seems to be options. Anyways, after lunch we went to a 3-story high Pearl Market (Is this what you were talking about, Kayla??) It was in a word....A W E S O M E!!! OH my gosh!! There was everything you could imagine!! From Traditional Chinese Items to Uggs and North Faces!!! Amazing stuff!!! Loveddd all of it!!! I am hoping tomorrow at the Silk Market will be just as good if not better !!! (: We got back to the room at about 3 and My Mom, Mema, and I ran back to our little Alley and got a few more things! I am loving that place.... We had dinner at McDonalds and it is ranked as #2 on the Good-List for food here in Beijing!! Yum...I usually don't like McDonalds but after 9 days of Chinese it tasted pretty good.Today was another great day as is every day here. Man, I just love this place. Call me crazy, but I do! It is beautiful and so much fun. I am in love. I could seriously move here. Really. But will contain myself from doing that and just making a few visits (: I am really going to miss it here! I cannot believe we only have 2 more sleeps in Beijing. Sigh. This is the sad part. Oh well, Andrew has a family and will soon be HOME and that is why we came here in the first place!!! Yay! Off to do math....Say a prayer I can finish it...SOON!

Ash

PS: because it is 10pm at night and I need to do some stuff and head to bed I will send pictures in a few hours sorry to keep you all waiting.....

Summer Palace and Olympic Park!!!

2010-01-27T17:07:00.000-08:00

Today was another amazing day. I mean it has probably been one of the best so far. So this is going to be long because I want to remember every detail....At 9:00 we got on the bus and headed to the Summer Palace. It was beautiful!!!! Once we got there we walked around, took some pictures, and shopped a little. My favorite part was when we "ice skated" or "ice walked" on the lake. It was soo much fun! I didn't fall which was huge for me! Andrew thought it was the coolest and decided to run away once we let him down. It took a few minutes but we finally caught him (: He laughed and laughed (: After we left the Summer Palace we went to lunch at the Wajing Restaurant. It was a buffet and served some really weird food. Your drink options were Strawberry, Banana, Grapefruit, or Raspberry. I chose to pay 10 Yuan for a coke. Anyways, after we went their we went to the Pearl Market which was a joke as it was government owned and wayyyy out of our price range. Then off to the Olympic Village!!! Talk about amazing...China apparently spent the most money preparing for the olympics and for me to be able to see the Water Cube and Bird's Nest made my week, year, month, and forever (: Once we got back to the room we decided to go to Outback and Shopping with the P family and Y family! We went to the children's store and got Andrew a new pair of shoes. It would melt your heart to see his face when he got them. He LOVES them! He hasn't taken them off. We got Mickey Mouse because that is the only pair in his size. Works for us until we get home. (: We then headed to Outback....It was delicious!! (Or maybe I am just overly hungry haha) Afterwards we went to my heaven, the shopping alley!!! At first sight it is a food market with Starfish, Sea Horses, Scorpions and Lord only knows what else but if you go a little deeper.....It is a full fledge mini Guangzhou. My Mom and I's mouth was probably watering.... It is just so much fun and I remembered why I loved this place so much!!! Oh my gosh....people!! I got a mirror, a scroll painting, a fan, and some wooden China dolls! I am planning on going back tomorrow and the next day!! Eeek. Shopping makes me happy. (haha) I cannot wait for Guangzhou! Panda Zoo and More Shopping tomorrow (:

Oh and a fun fact....We were looking at Andrew's clothes from the orphanage that he came to us in and his pants have a R on it!! (I attached a picture) How cool is that? God just does certain things to just give you a nudge and let you know you are in his will (Or at least that is how I look at it :)

Ashton

He gets cuter and cuter every day...

2010-01-26T20:05:00.000-08:00

Today was a do nothing day. All the parents and newly adopted kids ran out to do paperwork while the rest of us stayed at the hotel and did well nothing. Except maybe some makeup work. I have tons to get done. Only math and a little SS though. Which is good I guess. I am ready to have it d-o-n-e. At 1:00 pm the parents and kids returned and we went to grab some lunch. We ate at a restaurant near where they had been doing paperwork but I have no idea what the name is. It was ok though. We are now back in the hotel room and the boys are swimming in the b-e-a-u-t-i-f-u-l swimming pool at the hotel. I am sitting in the room typing this letter and dying to go shopping!! Tomorrow pictures should be more interesting saying we are going to the Olympic Village and the Summer Palace! I have never seen either one of these so I am really excited!!I can't believe we have already had Andrew for 5 days. Time has flown!! I can't believe how far he has come and the changes he has made...I can't wait to see what this little boys future holds!!

Ashton

Hutong Tour and pictures from yesterday

2010-01-25T17:13:00.000-08:00

Today was a very good day. All around. We ALL slept until 7 AM!! woot woot!
Today originally started out as a paperwork day. All day we were planning to just hang out at the hotel while my Mom, Dad, and Andrew went to the Civil Affairs office and the Public Bureau but due some issues we ended up going on the Hutong tour in Old Beijing City which was scheduled for tomorrow so we just flip flopped. (: The tour was absolutely amazing. We rode through all of it on a rickshaw. I rode with Madison and it was tons of fun. It was so cold you missed the 125 degree hotel. (It really does feel like it though!) There was a lot of cool information from the tour I found this really cool ::
The tour starts at Shishahai near the vegetable and fruit market. In the deepest of the hutong, they were taken to visit Prince Gong's Mansion, famous in the Qing Dynasty. In the past, princes', generals' and ministers' housed with courtyards were scattered around the outside of the Forbidden City. Linking up those courtyard houses were lanes and alleys called hutongs.
I thought it was SO cool!! It was tons of fun to just ride around. We rode through alleys and little towns. I never knew any of this existed in Beijing. I have always seen the beautiful almost candy-coated part of Beijing. What we saw today was the "real" part of Beijing where the heart of the people live. It was still beautiful. So much rich culture and things to explore there. More than you see on WangFuJing street where you are surrounded by shops (woo hoo) and fun things. We then went to a locals house. It was great too. She shared her life with us and her experiences. Oh and to those who are curious...The one child policy did not go into effect until the late 1970's. I thought that was cool too. The entire tour today was great. I love this place. LOVE IT! I love being able to walk up and down the busy streets and never feel any form of threat. The Hutong tour was so great!!! I enjoyed EVERY minute of it!! Oh and I love the fact that our backpack was still on the bus where I left it untouched! God is Good!!!
We went to lunch at an awesome restaurant that had the BEST food of anywhere we had been. We went back to the room and my Mom, Dad, Anna Grace, and Andrew went to do some more paperwork and Mema, Papa, Adam, Hayne, and I stayed back at the room and did make-up work (yay.)
Andrew continues to make amazing progress!
Here are some accomplishments::
• Slept ALL through the night
• Is beginning to speak some English
• Is answering to Andrew instead of only JianHui (Jen-Way)
• He is bonding to my Mom and Dad so well! He will let about anyone hold him but will in the end go to Mama or Baba!
• If you say "your-name kiss" he will kiss you make a MUAAAAHHH sound!! It is precious.
• He and Anna Grace are now able to share a bowl of Oatmeal!! That was huge for AG saying she didn't want to look at him at first!
• He thinks sunglasses are the best thing that hit the planet.
• He loves to put his hands together in a gun like "Charlie's Angels" It is hilarious. He also adds a "Pow..Pow!" to it! PRICELESS!
• Stickers R-O-C-K!
These are just a few things but as you can tell he is doing great and making some progress! We are so happy!!
Oh and his cleft lip/palate looks GREAT!! The surgeons did an amazing job and we are thanking God for that!!

I am becoming truly sad now. We are almost done with our time in Beijing. I am so sad. Beijing has been much more amazing than I ever expected it to be. It has so many amazing things to do that I never knew about. It shows how much you never realize. I could spend 6 months here and not get all of the touring and shopping in. I am going to try and enjoy every single minute left here and then in Guangzhou. I am going to miss this so much. Hoping and Praying these days go by slowly.

**Attached are pictures from Today and Yesterday. So Forbidden City and Hutong Tour.
Ashton

Forbidden City... no pictures :(

2010-01-24T11:14:00.000-08:00

Today was great....Until 7:00 pm.....Sigh.
To start with the good part....
We got up and left the hotel at 9:30 for the Forbidden City. We walked through a beautiful new park that the name is escaping me at the moment.....It was amazing. Once we got to the Forbidden City an hour later the sight was beautiful. Well worth the walk. The place where the Emperors of China lived. Amazing. The arcitecture was awesome too. I just can't believe we are here, Exploring here again. It is just as amazing as it was last time. The history behind all of this is so cool! Some of the concrete was unevened and cracked which of course for me made great pictures. Andrew loved walking and talking to everything and everyone. He and Anna Grace were less photographed today. I secretly believed they missed it. (: We walked to lunch at the Redwall Hotel and ate. It was pretty good. But ya know Chinese food does get kind of old after 5 days of breakfast, lunch, and dinner. lol. We got back to the hotel at 2:00 and My Mom, Mema, Kathleen, and I went shopping in Beijing to find Andrew a pair of shoes and to just look around. It was quite funny while walking around WangFuJing street. We were the only Americans. Not only were we the only Americans but we also stopped by Haagen Dazs icecream in 30 degree Fahrenheit weather...It had some humor. We got so many looks. At one point a guy took our picture!! Oh the joys of Beijing....I love it. (really really, no sarcasm) Once we got back to the hotel everyone got ready and we headed to the HighFlying Acrobatic Show!! It was AMAZING!! They flipped and ran. The tricks they did were amazing. I hurt watching them! Oh my..... Andrew and Anna Grace seemed intrigued by it all and it was too funny....They clearly LOVED it all!!!
Now to the not so happy part.....
On the way to dinner we ended up stopping at the hotel letting some families stay there while some walked to KFC....Well I had the backpack. This backpack had the following : 2 Nikons , Crackers, Drinks, Money, Video Camera, and the list continues.... Well me being my smart self I LEFT THE BAG ON THE BUS!! Everything....Ugh. To say I am mad at my self is an understatement. We told Helen and she immediately called the Bus Driver. He found the bag and said he would keep it until tomorrow....I am so thankful for this but I am asking you all to pray that we get this backpack and all of its belongings back...I seriously feel sick about it....Ugh.
Hopefully will send pictures tomorrow.
Ashton

Great Wall!!

2010-01-23T15:13:00.000-08:00

Today was great, it even started great, Andrew slept for almost 7 straight hours!! This was our big day, My very favorite day. We finally got to go to the Great Wall again! Getting all of our supplies took quite awhile saying it was 3 degrees Celsius. It takes awhile to bundle everyone up in hats, scarfs, and snow suits. First stop was the Jade Factory where we were very disappointed. All of the prices were way above our price range so we did not buy anything. We are looking forward to the silk market where the prices should be much chaeper.
We arrived at the Great Wall and were told we had an hour and twenty minutes, we thought this would not be enough. We soon realized with 2 toddlers dressed like snow men that it would be enough! We took our group picture and then we all started to climb-The hard side! Mema, Papa, and Daddy took Adam and Hayne to start climbing up the wall. Adam and Madison climbed the highest of everyone in the group! Mom and I stayed a little lower with the little ones. I loved taking all of the pictures. We climbed two sections of the wall and had to call it quits. It was way too hard carrying toddlers. I held Andrew. He weighs 30lbs which is not too bad except when you are carrying him up stairs that are completely uneven. Tons of people stopped us to have their pictures made with Andrew and Anna Grace. I think 30 different strangers now have pictures of Anna Grace and Andrew on the wall! It was priceless! According to My Dad, Hayne was quite the rockstar during his climb, 20 or so girls asked for his picture! We were all told to meet on the bus at 12:40 but my Dad and Papa were late. (hah) We had lunch at the Friendship Store and it was really good!! Tomorrow we are going to the Forbidden City and then to an Acrobat Show! I cannot wait!!!
A little bit to know about Andrew--he loves, loves, loves stickers. He puts them all over his arms. His car is still his favorite toy and we go nowhere without it. The back up is in my backpack at all times. He now talks on his cellphone----My favorite part of the day-as we started to leave for the Great Wall, he grabs his cellphone and sticks it in his pocket while saying bye bye---He is my child:) He laughs the sweetest little laugh with his whole face-Mouth wide open and eyes twinkling. He gives kisses freely to mama and baba--so precious. He holds his hands out to us when he wants us and it just melts our hearts. He has the sweetest little pouty lip when things do not go his way but his attitude is so sweet that it is hard to say no. We did start him on an antibiotic as he is congested. We want to make sure he does not have an ear infection before we fly to Guangzhou. He loves his brothers and sisters very much. Ashton is beside herself with joy-she can't get enough of him :) She is a great Jie Jie and has done a great job loading pictures to share.
Thanks again for all your prayers. We feel them each moment of the day. Can't wait for you all to meet our precious new addition. (Andrew info from Mom)
Love from China,
Hal, Angel, Ashton, Adam, Hayne, Anna Grace, and Andrew!

First Full Day with Andrew!

2010-01-22T13:48:00.001-08:00

Today was great. Andrew, My Mom, and My Dad went to the CCAA* to file for the adoption :) ...I stayed at the hotel and went to hang out with Madison and Taylor. It was a lot of fun and made the time fly. My parents and Andrew came back at like 11 am and we headed to lunch at a restaurant near the hotel...It was well...different. Not bad. but different (: Duck and Eggplant were on the menu. lol. Andrew continues to amaze me and is doing great. I am continuously thanking God for this amazing blessing!! Anna Grace is doing a lot better and is slowly learning to accept the newest addition. I am so proud of her!! Now jet lag, hmm, that is another story. Hayne is doing the very best of anyone! Going to bed at about 9:30-10:00 pm and waking up at 6 or so! I am wishing I could sleep that much but I continue to wake up at 3 or 4 am along with Andrew & Anna Grace. I can't wait to finally sleep!! Andrew has stolen all of our hearts with his laugh and smile. Beijing is so COLD! Frigid does not even begin to describe it. Andrew and Anna Grace are currently snuggled in bed watching a movie on their DVD player while coordinating in Paul Frank* Monkey Pjs! So cute!! I think I might go join them (: Enjoy the pictures!

He just found his cars cellphone from his backpack and thought it was the coolest thing ever.

He has become my buddy.

Did I tell you he was a big boy? I am guessing 35lbs!! SOLID

More Andrew!

2010-01-21T15:40:00.000-08:00

Here's more pictures of the ADORABLE Andrew Hudson!!

Sounds like he is absolutely perfect :)

That boy can EAT! Oh my! He ate 2 bowls of rice, egg plant something, shrimp, chicken, steak, broccoli, and everything else he could! hah!

He is truly nothing like what I would have expected. He will let about anyone hold him but will want to go back to My Mom, Dad, or I in the end ( :( : He is truly a dream come true!!
Thanks again!

Oh and he LOVES to laugh.

And I had to laugh at this...

AG does not get that he does not speak English and she said "Mom, Andrew is being rude. He cannot even respond. *SIGH* Rude people aggravate me!"

Keep praying! Your prayers are working :)

pictures :)

2010-01-21T04:45:00.000-08:00

Today was amazing. Simply Amazing . My dream came true and I got to hold and kiss Andrew!! (Yes! and he didn't cry!)He is truly an amazing little boy. After receiving him we went to the room and played for a little while. At about 11:30 we went with our travel group to lunch. The food in Beijing is a lot better than I remember and it is not completely disgusting. He LOVES to eat! LOVES to! He ate more than me (: He also loves baths and talking. He is absolutely precious. I love to just watch him play and go. He fits in perfectly . We are about to go eat dinner and I am going to crash. Jet Lag is hard. hard. hard. I can't wait to introduce Andrew to you all. I am attaching more pictures because I know you all love to see him. He is so precious. He now has a Forever Family and will never, ever, ever have to be alone. (:

They have Mr. Andrew Hudson!

2010-01-20T19:04:00.000-08:00

They have Andrew!!!! He is too, too cute!!!! Will post the pictures Ashton sent me as soon as they finalize his adoption :) Here's what she said...

We have Andrew!

He is beautiful and is so sweet!!!!

He LOVES food. I think he has eaten 10 oreos now (: Anna Grace is warming up and I am completely, totally, and helplessly falling in love with him.

I was so lucky and was able to be downstairs when the babies got off and help them to their Forever Families!! SO SWEET!!

I will let pictures speak for themselves...I am sure they will!

Happy as can be,

Ashton

Oh and she said this a little bit later...

He has done SO well! NO crying or anything. He is all smiles. He kissed me and hugged me and then sat in my lap! Ahh!
I am kind of waiting for a turn. lol not really. He loves coloring and everything. He can say Mama Baba and Jie Jie!!! Ahh! Love Love Love Love him!

TWO HOURS AWAY FROM ANDREW!!!

2010-01-20T15:40:00.000-08:00

So it is 4:45 AM here and I am up along with Mom, Dad, Adam, and Anna Grace. Hayne is still asleep and i'm not going to lie - I am J E A L O U S! I am exhausted as is everyone else but will push through. Andrew and the other 6 children will be here at around 9:00 to 10:00 AM so in a few hours we will have him!! We have everything packed and Anna Grace is really excited. Did I mention that she has been up since 3 AM? Yeah, Jet Lag is for the birds, in my opinion. I am so excited and cannot wait to meet this little boy I prayed 3 years for! God is SO Good!Keep Praying.

Ash

(Ignore any grammatical errors...Jetlag does some crazy things to the head and I am too tired to go back and correct :)

And then she just emailed me to say that they are TWO HOURS AWAY from Andrew!

Keep praying for his adjustment as he meets his forever family!!!

I'll post about gotcha day as soon as Ashton emails me with that :)

In Beijing!!!

2010-01-20T15:38:00.001-08:00

Emily here... Ashton's friend! I will be posting for her while they are in China, as Blogger is blocked in China!

Anyway, they are in Beijing safely and they get Andrew TODAY (remember China is 13 hours ahead of EST)

Here's what she said in her first email:

We have officially arrived in Beijing, China. The flight went pretty well, if it just wasn't soo very long. Those who have went to China would know how hard an international 14 hour flight can be especially with all the kids and short attention spans then add in the excitement of being a few hours away from Andrew!! (Yayy!)It is currently Jan. 20 here and it is 8:02 PM. We just got in from dinner and are about to go to bed. (Yes! I am so tired from Jetlag. oh such fun.) Tomorrow is the BIG Day! Andrew Day!!! We will get him Tomorrow at 9:00-10:00 AM (Beijing Time) and 8:00-9:00 PM (USA time!) We are so so so so excited. As you can imagine, Beijing is beautiful. The Wang Fu Jing Hotel is also breath-taking. I cannot wait to send pictures to you all so you can see. I will be sure to send pictures of Andrew and Gotcha Day tomorrow!!!PLEASE keep us in your prayers!

We love and Miss you all!

Ashton & Family.

[Oh and PS. Nana, I love it here. I could move in a heart beat (: ]

We are {almost} Ready!

2010-01-18T09:04:00.000-08:00

Here is our luggage....only a few more carry-ons to zip up and we are ready!!
Only a few more hours!!!
We are almost to Andrew!!!
17 hours...and counting!

72 Hours and Counting......

2010-01-17T05:03:00.001-08:00

In 72 hours there will be 6 less orphans in the world! How great is that??
Then we will all be able to say........

147 million orphans......

minus 10!

Keep us in your prayers as we journey to our sweet little ones
For health, safety, and that all of their sweet hearts are ready for us!

4 Days...and Counting!

2010-01-15T11:02:00.000-08:00

We have 4 days until we get on that big airplane for Andrew!!!!!!!!
5 Days from now (China Time) There will be 4 less orphans in the world!!!!
Yay for Andrew, Jacob, Katie, and MollyClaire!!!! You will all have a family soon!!! Hip-Hip-Hoorayyy!!!!
I am so so so so so so excited about this trip!!!! I cannot wait to finally see Andrew in person!
Oh and just so you can feel my excitement, today is my last day of school until we come home from China! Eeek!

Our Sweet Big Boy!

2010-01-12T13:20:00.000-08:00

As you all know....Last week we got an update of our sweet boy!!
No pictures but measurements!!
He is....

30lbs and 2.5ft tall

Oh My!!
He is a BIG boy!!
Anna Grace thinks he is going to be her little brother!
(Yes, We know he is older but she refuses to believe us ;)
She is the Big Girl now in her opinion!!
Let me give you background....
She is weighing in at about 23lbs.
Little Little Girl
But I love it (:

In other words.....
In a WEEK!
We will be on a BIG Airplane going to get our sweet boy!!! ahhh! Can you hear my excitement?!?! I can't stop like jumping for joy! 8 days from today we will be spending our last night without our boy! Ah!!!

In other words, Some have asked some questions:: Let me clarify::
How old are Andrew and Anna Grace?
-Andrew is 3 years and 5 months:: Anna Grace is 3 years 3 months
Will All of you go to China?
-Of Course! We are all going, including Anna Grace! We feel so very blessed to be able to go get Andrew together as a family.
How in the World are you going to miss all of that School?
-We will be taken out of school as if we were moving and will get all of our make-up work before leaving.
Why China?
-Because that is where GOD called us to adopt from!
How long will you be gone?
-19 days all together. We must stay 11 in Andrew's hometown.
What are you doing about blogs once Andrew is home?
-I am combining the blogs. It will be Trucks and Tiaras. I have it set up and will reveal it all once home (:
How are you going to update while in China?
-I have a good friend of mine, Emily who will update on here for me...It will be from my point of view (most likely) and she will post all the pictures too.
When can you finally post Andrew's picture??
-Gotcha Day.

I hope this got most of the questions answered....If not please ask!!

Our Itinerary

2010-01-08T14:23:00.000-08:00

Here is our Itinerary for our trip to China!!! eek! So close! In 11 short (actually horribly long for me) we will be on a big airplane!! woo hoo!

January 20^th: Arriving in Beijing by UA851 at 16:25.

Staying in Wang Fu Jing Grand Hotel in Beijing

January 21st: Andrew Day!!!! (Yayyy!!!)

Sign the document of The Agreement of Taking Care of the Baby for 24 hours.

January 22nd: Registration in the Civil Affaire Bureau in the morning.

January 23rd: Local sightseeing: Great Wall

January 24^th: Local sightseeing: Forbidden City

January 25^th: Get the Registration Certificate.

Notarization.

Apply for the child’s passport

January 26^th: Local sightseeing: Capital Museum

January 27^th: Local sightseeing: Summer Palace and the Olympic Park

January 28^th: Local sightseeing: Beijing Zoo

January 29^th: Get the child’s passport

January 30^th: Fly from Beijing to Guangzhou by CA1351 (11:00/14:00).

Stay in White Swan Hotel (CAN'T WAIT!)

January 31st: Local sightseeing: Yuntai Garden (Cloud Terrace Garden)

February 1^st: Take picture and do medical examination

Local sightseeing: Walking Street

February 2^nd: Visa appointment at 10:00am

Local sightseeing: Cruise on the River

February3^rd:Swearing-in ceremony at the Consulate (family need to wait for the call if necessary)

February 4^th: Local sightseeing: the Temple of Six Banyan Trees

February5th: Fly from Guangzhou to Beijing by CA1330 (10:00/ 13:00), and then transfer the flight UA 850 at 17:25 to go home.

We arrive home on February 5, 2010

at 10:07 at night!

Andrew is coming home!!!

Hotel information:

1. 北京王府井大饭店 Wang Fu Jing Grand Hotel in Beijing

Tel: 86-10-65221188

Fax: 86-10-65223816

Address: 北京东城区王府井大街57号

57 Wangfujing Street, Beijing, China

Postcode: 100006

2. 广州白天鹅宾馆 White Swan Hotel in Guangzhou

Tel: 86-20-81886968

Fax: 86-20-81861188

Address:广州荔湾区沙面南街1号

Shamian Island, Guangzhou, China

Postcode: 510133

Please keep Praying!

I think this is going to be an amazing trip!!!

Ooh and PS::We got an update! I will post about that later.... (:

Packing (:

2010-01-02T14:25:00.000-08:00

We are now starting to pack! We are going pretty crazy and are realllyyyyyy excited!
We got Anna Grace and Andrew somethings that coordinate and I think they are just too cute!

We got Pau! Fra*k pajamas for both of them....these are my favorite!

We also got Big Bro and Little Sister shirts from Gymbor*e (:

I simply adore them (: and can't wait to see them TOGETHER in them!
We got some backpacks for while in China......

We have more but this was all I could find online to show you hee (:

Can you tell we are excited?
Have a GREAT weekend!

Just Read Below...... (Please)

2009-12-31T08:38:00.000-08:00

So today at exactly 11:01

We got an email

While eating in Bojangles
(We had to get some shots at the Dr. this morning hence the Brunch)

That would forever change our day

and life

It had just become 2010 in China

Pretty Special

Because

that email

said something even better

Woo Hoo!!!

Here is a video just so you can see some Anna Grace cuteness.... (:

We leave on January 19 and come home on February 5!!!!
We will get Andrew on January 21!!! woo hoo!

Continue to pray and please pray for our safety and health!

Not Long.

2009-12-30T16:36:00.000-08:00

In Three Weeks
a lot will happen
we will go back to school
(ugh ugh ugh ugh ugh)
we will pack(!!!!!)
we will celebrate a NEW year.
even though,
this year has been pretty a-m-a-z-i-n-g,
if you ask me

and

God Willing.

We will be....

On my favorite place on Earth.....

Where Two of my Sweet Siblings are from......

China.

Yeahhhhh Bay-beee
(for sound effects--hehe)

and not only will we be there

BUT

We will be in the presence
(Not going to say Holding because,
Well I am not sure about that)

of

dun dun dun dun

Andrew Hudson!!

(oh and you can get excited because you will see his face!)

Can you hear the Angels Singing?

No, most likely not.

But you can probably hear us.

We are truly excited to be able to bring this sweet boy home

and absolutely CANNOT WAIT!

Well, We can

But

We don't Want to

but

we have learned many things on this journey.....

it is not always about what you want

but

what GOD does

and

we also learned

that

what He wants

is always better
(:

Just to clarify....
No,
we have not gotten a TA
No,
we have not gotten a CA
Yes,
we are trusting God
Yes,
we have been told of possible dates
Yes,
we should be home by the
Chinese New Year
according to our agency

But Regardless,
Please, Please, PLEASE continue to Pray!
(I know you probably hated the way I posted this......if so let me know, Please)

Before......

2009-12-26T11:14:00.000-08:00

the
Chinese New Year

We will be home

From China

With a sweet little boy soon to be named Andrew

Oh what a happy day that will be!

 Can you imagine our excitement? 

Keep Praying

Because in about a month or less

WE WILL BE IN CHINA

Pictures of Andrew's Future Siblings

2009-12-23T06:50:00.000-08:00

Here is a collage of some pictures we took yesterday (:

Merry Christmas!!

2009-12-20T16:31:00.000-08:00

*click to enlarge*

Article 5, Baby!

2009-12-18T17:05:00.001-08:00

I think that sums it up!! Our sweet little Article 5 is finding it's way to the CCAA (: Can you say Praise the Lord?!?!
Here are my Mom's facebook status'
Yesterday @ 11:57pm
Praying now that God will intervene and press it upon someone's heart to sign our Article 5 and notify our agency that it can be picked up---I will be sure to give ALL of the Glory to Him for all that HE has done to bring Andrew home! Thank you Lord for hearing our prayers!
Today @ 4:09
How GREAT is OUR GOD!!!! Just got word that our Article 5 was signed and picked up-WOO HOO! He is faithful and answers prayers! I am so grateful for what HE has done!!!! Now all we need is our Travel Approval!

Now tell me! How Great is our God?!
Praying for a speedy speedy speedy Travel Approval!!

WE ARE GOING TO CHINA.....SOON!

I love you...

2009-12-13T10:27:00.000-08:00

Dear Andrew,

I have not met you and you don't know who I am but I love you. I dream about you. I pray and prayed for you. You, my sweet little brother are my dream come true. I can't wait to see you and your soon to be little sister together. She is so excited. I am hoping and praying you know we are coming. I pray your little heart is prepared for us and all these new things to come. I pray that God can give you a peace, a peace that when you see us you know that we are your family. The people who will always love you no matter what. We will always be there for your birthdays and to celebrate with you. We already love you so much more than you will ever know. You are the child that because of Anna Grace I begged for and spent two long years praying for. But will be so worth it. I truly can not wait to see you and hold you for the first time sweet boy! I hate we will not be there with you for Christmas but soon. so soon we will hold you and love you and let you know you have a family!
I love you so much and have not met you yet.....but soon my Andrew, soon I will not only have met you but will be able to hold you.
I love you, a bushel and a peck, and soon a hug around the neck!
Sissy

All I want for Christmas is.......

2009-12-06T08:14:00.000-08:00

You!

That sums it up all I want. To be able to see our sweet Andrew's face and be able to love him and let him know HE HAS A FAMILY!
Really if I could fly to China and just hold him for one day and love him and let him know we are coming to bring him home, It would make my heart burst with joy.
Then I would grieve when I had to leave so it's probably best we not do that and just wait.
My heart aches to have him home. We aren't complete without him. Something is missing and it will always be missing until he is home.
I know this is all in God's timing and PRAISE him that it is but I still want him here.
This entire adoption is in God's hands. He formed Andrew and created him to be the perfect little boy he is and he knew what Andrew's life was going to be.
He KNEW he would spend 4 Christmases without us but he also KNEW he would have a family. A family who is going to love him constantly and never ever leave him. God knew the plan for this precious little boys life and knows what is to come. Thank God for that. I am so blessed and I can not wait for Andrew to be here. Oh what a glorious day that is going to be! I can not wait!
Keep Praying because there is a chance that we could be
IN CHINA A MONTH FROM TODAY!
{Clarification: NO set date :: we just pray....very hard and a lot!}
ooh goodness that gives me chills!
PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE Pray!!!!!!

"He knows my name He knows my every thought He sees each tear that falls And He hears me when I call"

{such an amazing song.}
Here is a song we heard on the way home from my Nana's house the other night. I wanted to cry. This could be Andrew.....

All I Really Want For Christmas

Well, I don't know if you remember me or not
I'm one of the kids they brought in from the home
I was the red-haired boy in an old, green flannel shirt
You may not have seen me, I was standing off alone

I didn't come and talk to you 'cause that's never worked before
And you'll probably never see this letter, anyway
But just in case there's something you can do to help me out
I'll ask you one more time

All I really want for Christmas is someone to tuck me in
A shoulder to cry on if I lose, shoulders to ride on if I win
There's so much I could ask for, but there's just one thing I need
All I really want for Christmas is a family

Well, I guess I should go ahead and tell you now
If it's really true about that list you have
Somehow I always seem to end up in a fight
But I'm really trying hard not to be bad

But maybe if I had a brother or a dad to wrestle with
Maybe they could teach me how to get along
And from everything I've heard, it sounds like the greatest gift on earth
Would be a mom

All I want for Christmas is someone who'll be here
To sing me happy birthday for the next 100 years
And It's okay if they're not perfect or even if they're a little broken
That's alright, 'Cause so am I

Well, I guess I should go, it's almost time for bed
Maybe next time I write you I'll be at home

'Cause all I really want for Christmas is someone to tuck me in
Tell me I'll never be alone, someone whose love will never end
Of all that I could ask for, well, there's just one thing I need
All I really want for Christmas is a family

Tears Yet?
Yeah me too.

New Design

2009-12-01T19:15:00.001-08:00

I redesigned the blog as you can all tell to get into the Christmas spirit and the fact that we are getting closer to Andrew!!!!
Let me know what you all think about it (:
It is looking like in 54 days we will have Andrew!!
Praise the Lord!
Continue to Pray!!
{{There is NO SET DATE but we are trusting in God and believing this goal will be reached}}

Awaiting You

2009-11-29T06:05:00.000-08:00

As of today we have been waiting 5 months and 2 weeks for Andrew to come home. That is 181 days or 22 weeks. I so wish we could just jump through a few weeks and be right there to get Andrew.
SO wishing we could be in China for Christmas. How awesome would that be? But sadly I don't think it will happen.
We really are praying to receive an update of Andrew. Praying, Praying, Praying. It has been 8 months since we saw a picture (well an updated picture) and we would love, love, love one. As anyone in this process knows getting a picture makes the wait a little easier. just a little bit. I want him home. now.
I know this is all in God's perfect timing but the wait is just so hard.
Hope you all had a great thanksgiving!
We are especially thankful this year because this was our LAST Thanksgiving without Andrew!! yayy!

2009-11-22T16:46:00.000-08:00

Here is a video I made of our journey to Anna Grace and Andrew......

The Journey.... from Ashton B. on Vimeo.

enjoy....

i800 Provisional.....

2009-11-20T20:03:00.000-08:00

It should be in our hands tomorrow!
Praising the One who controls everything in the world. (:
Have a Great Weekend!
Continue Praying!!
(i know i have posted the picture before but I love it)

Thank you!!

2009-11-17T13:48:00.000-08:00

Huge Thank you to Tanya!!

I love the quilt square and the paper! BEAUTIFUL!! Thank you so much!!

Adoption is an amazing thing where you meet SO many amazing people! (:

{If you would like to send Andrew a quilt square please email me!}

Again thank you so much! It means so much to us and one day will to Andrew!!

Andrew's 100 Good Wishes Quilt

2009-11-08T09:13:00.000-08:00

I have a huge favor to ask of you all. As many of you already know we are in the process of adopting our sweet boy from China. A tradition in china is a Bai Jia Bei or 100 Good Wishes Quilt, we plan on creating a Bai Jai Bei for Andrew. We made a 100 Good Wishes quilt for Anna Grace and want to do the same for Andrew!

Here is some history about the Bai Jia Bei or 100 Good Wishes Quilt:

“To welcome and celebrate a new life, there is a tradition in the northern part of China to make a Bai Jia Bei, or 100 Good Wishes Quilt. It is a custom to invite friends and family to contribute a patch of cloth with a wish for the baby. Part of the patch of cloth goes into the quilt for the baby, and the other part of the cloth can go into a creative memory notebook with the wish for the child. The quilt contains the luck, energy, and good wishes from all the families and friends who contributed a piece of fabric. The quilt is then passed down from generation to generation.”

What we need is a 7”x7” square of washable cotton fabric. The fabric can be anything you would like, maybe something that represents adoption to you or something special for Andrew. (Honestly ANYTHING is fine!) Along with this piece of fabric we need a 2”x2” piece of the same fabric attached to a piece of paper that you have either written or typed a wish for Andrew (either is fine!), this can be something personal or a favorite poem, song lyric, quote, bible verse, etc, but it should have a special significance for you. Remember to sign and date the paper and also include your address. This paper will go into his scrapbook and be cherished forever.

If you would like to send a quilt square for Andrew email me at dancerabr@yahoo.com! I would love for anyone to send one! Thank you!

Here is some information that might help you......

His name is going to be Andrew Hudson
His room is knights and castles (not that it matters)
We love the cars theme but ANY fabric will be so cherished!

Again thank you all so much!

Introducing......

2009-11-06T20:33:00.000-08:00

..........................................................................................

the room....... Not just any room but Andrew's room!
(If I so had you thinking it was Andrew I apologize
heads up you can't see that until China (: it's worth it)

So here are the pictures of Andrew's room! Did it take me long enough?? On second thought..... don't answer that

the room!

His special Jaguar....first toy (:

the closet

closet again and TV

Closet/TV/Toy "Box"

The bed!

So here is Andrew's room! Enjoy!

The Stork Landed!!

2009-11-04T13:21:00.000-08:00

We received our LOA today!! Yippee!
and
We mailed our paperwork off today!! Yippee!!! Praying for a speedy TA!!
We are getting closer!!! ahhhhhhh (: this is too exciting!

{Oh and by the way this is my 40th post (: not bad eh?}

It is almost here!!

2009-11-03T17:02:00.000-08:00

We just received this email!!

Dear Families,

Your LOA packet is being overnighted to you and you should get it tomorrow before noon.

Yayyy! Thank you Jesus!

Dear Sweet Andrew,
Today we actually got note that they were sending our LOA to us! We are so excited! We are coming soon sweet boy soon! You are almost to us! Hold on just a little bit longer!! Your forever family is coming!!
We love you!
Sissy

Now onto my favorite song as we wait......

While i'm Waiting

I'm waiting
I'm waiting on You, Lord
And I am hopeful
I'm waiting on You, Lord
Though it is painful
But patiently, I will wait

I will move ahead, bold and confident
Takeing every step in obedience
While I'm waiting
I will serve You
While I'm waiting
I will worship
While I'm waiting
I will not faint
I'll be running the race
Even while I wait

I'm waiting
I'm waiting on You, Lord
And I am peaceful
I'm waiting on You, Lord
Though it's not easy
But faithfully, I will wait
Yes, I will wait
I will serve You while I'm waiting
I will worship while I'm waiting
I will serve You while I'm waiting
I will worship while I'm waiting
I will serve you while I'm waiting
I will worship while I'm waiting on You, Lord

I love this song. So encouraging.
Have a Terrific Tuesday!

2009-11-02T12:58:00.001-08:00

Some very exciting news to share.....

It came!!! Amen! All in God's perfect timing!!! We are soo excited!! Now the wait for TA begins!
We are on Cloud 9!

"Praise the Lord, all you nations! Let all people of the world praise HIM!!"

2009-10-27T17:23:00.000-07:00

57 Days Awaiting Andrew...

He has been waiting for his Forever Family for..... 1,185 Days

Once he is in our arms I know this wait will vanish but waiting to hold him is the really hard part!!
Praying for good news SOON!!

"The vision will still happen at the appointed time. It hurries toward its goal. It won't be a lie. If it's delayed, wait for it. It will certainly happen. It won't be late." -Hababkkuk 2:3

Almost Wordless Wednesday

2009-10-20T17:49:00.001-07:00

We are coming Andrew!

2009-10-19T13:31:00.000-07:00

Dear LOA,

Please come soon! We want our Andrew HOME!! (: Tomorrow or Wednesday would work!! We need it ASAP.... We are going CrAZy!

2009-10-15T13:31:00.000-07:00

Andrew's Story 
On May 1st, 2009 (2 years to the day we saw Anna Grace's face for the first time) My Mom looked at our Agency's SN list. She clicked on the last number on the list and she immediately fell in love with a beautiful little boy. She hurried to my Dad's office and showed him his picture. Again he fell in love as well. They sent the agency an email requesting his file....Within 30 minutes they had emailed us back saying there was a list and he would most likely have a family. We were crushed. So we just kept praying that he would have a family and God's will would be done. On June 10, 2009 we received an email from our agency saying that we were the next family on the list. We immediately started praying. We asked God to Shut the door if it was not his will. He never did. EVER. Every time we would say "Well if this happens we will say Yes" . It always happened. ALWAYS. So completely God. On Monday June 15, 2009 we sent an email to our agency and said "Yes" we would LOVE to adopt __________ (insert Chinese Name) Oh my I was so excited!!! I was going to go back to China and be able to be blessed with another sibling AGAIN!! To celebrate we went out to eat Chinese at our very favorite restaurant! They were also excited for us and translated information for us! Ooh how happy I was! For 2 weeks I was singing "I am getting a brother ; I am getting a brother!"
The excitement of this has not worn off and I doubt it will!

************************************************
Room Pictures are coming!
(I PROMISE soon! I know you all
are ready to take my head off!)
We have not
completely finished
the room yet and I want
you to all see it completed!
To pass time ::
Take guesses on what
the theme of the room is!
*************************************************

2009-10-14T18:32:00.000-07:00

"As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country." -Proverbs 25:25

Come On LOA!! We are ready to bring Andrew Hudson HOME!!!!

2009-10-10T19:02:00.000-07:00

The Big 4-0

Today is day 40 of waiting for LOA! So maybe just maybe 10 more? Maybe less?

Here is my letter to the wonderful LOA People:

Dear People-who-control-LOA's,
Please send us our LOA soon! We have {im}patiently been waiting for this very special document for 40 days now. Just so you don't think we are crazy here are some things that happened in 40 days:

Noah was in a flood for 40 days (and nights)
A month and 10 days have passed
Progress reports come out.
We got a little more stir-crazy
300 or more hours were spent hitting the "refresh" button on the email

So as you see 40 days is a long time.
Do you have any idea how many times it is possible in a one day time to check your emails and Rumor Queen? it. is. a. lot. Do you know what it is like to have your mother dash to the phone any and every time she hears it ring just in case it is you telling us we have this form? I doubt it .To end this let me make one last request, when you get this I would like to have this paper the next day. It will help everyone in this big beautiful world. I can also promise your job will be made much easier once this document is in our hands.
Your {im}patient friend,
Ashton

I know this special little boy will be sooo worth the wait, but this is going to kill me! Please hurry LOA!

As always please pray for Andrew and our family!

****************************************************
Ok next post, I promise will be of Andrew's room!
SO stay tuned!!!
***************************************************

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."

-Romans 8:28

2009-10-06T16:24:00.000-07:00

Just so Ya Know......

We have been waiting 36 days of waiting for LOA! (But who's counting anyways?)
(ME ME ME ME ME!)

Praying we have 15 days or less left!!

Hey, I can pray can't I? (:
Please continue to pray for Andrew and our family as we prepare to bring home this wonderful blessing....

"If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer."
-Matthew 21:22

*************************************************************************
Stay Tuned! Pictures of Andrew's room coming up next!
You will love to hear the long story to go with it
(Well long for me is a few paragraphs maybe less)
*************************************************************************

2009-09-29T14:42:00.000-07:00

Just a little Cuteness

Oh who am I kidding? Is she not precious? Here are just a few pictures of Andrew's Mei Mei!

Hope you are all having a great week!

2009-09-26T04:54:00.000-07:00

For Andrew (and Anna Grace too!)

I made this for Anna Grace and Andrew the other day. I am getting a shirt with China on it and it also has hearts where Anna Grace and Andrew are and were! I am so excited! Have a GREAT weekend!

2009-09-22T13:20:00.001-07:00

Do you know what today is?

No not it's not a birthday
No we did not get LOA... yet
No it is not a picture of Andrew.

(I know, I just ruined it! I wish I could show you all his sweet little face. Soon I hope! Gives you a good reason to pray we travel sooner! just kidding.)

So what is it.......... hmmmm

It's the First day of Fall and Day 22 of waiting for LOA! Let's hope we have 22 more left and we can have it in our hands! Have a great week!

Sorry for the boring post. I figured I needed to post something.......

Wait for the Lord; Be strong, and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the Lord.
-Psalms 27:14

Waiting.....{still}

2009-09-15T15:38:00.000-07:00

Well we are still awaiting Mr.Andrew and it is hard! I don't remember Anna Grace's wait that much, I was 10-11 at the time. Even though it was a 2 year wait and well we have only been waiting for Andrew for 3 months. Although it feels a lot longer than that because I prayed for so long for him! Maybe..... (: I am kind of at a loss as of what to post about since we are just waiting so warning A LOT of nonsense and rambling will most likely go on around here until we get some news. (Gives you a good reason to Pray LOA comes quick huh? lol.) All kidding aside PLEASE pray! (: Hope everyone is having a wonderful week.

"Once our eyes have been opened, we can't pretend we don't know what to do. God who weighs our hearts and keeps our souls, knows that we know, and hold us responsible to act."
-Proverbs 24: 12

Hugs,

12 Days

2009-09-12T08:55:00.000-07:00

Well today is day 12 of waiting for LOA! Praying we only have 2 more sets of 12! (Pray that with us!)

(taken Thursday)
also check out
ashtonsmeimei.blogspot.com
for updates.

2009-09-06T11:27:00.000-07:00

Princess Blog Designs
As most of you know I design my own blog and have a blog designing website. When we started the adoption for Andrew I wanted to find a way to raise money to help bring him home. I thought this would be the perfect way to do it too! I am offering many things other than blog designs. Here are my prices and pictures of things I have already designed.

1st timers- $30- You will get a personalized header, background, and you can have sidebar pictures (3 is what is included. to add more it is $2 for each additional picture).

Returners- $25- I will redo your blog like you had it before with a new header and background

Signatures- $5- This will be a signature at the bottom of your posts that will match your design

Photoshopping- $5- I can do almost anything to a picture and make it look great! (adding special things to your photos (enhancing them- b/w- Sepia- etc.) and doing about anything you ask for.)

Collages- $10- Pretty much scrapbook pages online that can easily be printed out!! These are great for almost anything! (sizes can be 12x12/ 8.5x11/4x6/5x7/if you need a different size just let me know :] ) I do most of my pictures of Anna Grace in collages like this.

Birth, Adoption, Christmas, and Birthday Announcements- $15- I will design an announcement with your pictures and wording on it. I will email you the design and it can be printed out easily. Just like the collages. (:

If you want a design you will email me first @ princessblogs@yahoo.com. Then you will tell me what you want and I will make your blog look magical! Same goes with photoshopping and collages. :) Once you are pleased with your design, you can make payment through PayPal (As for paypal make it payable to mommieofaa@yahoo.com- this is my mom's account so that she can help keep up with my designs)

2009-09-04T15:35:00.001-07:00

Guess What we Got??

Yes!!! Yippee!! We are so thrilled!! Thank you Jesus!!

Have a blessed weekend! I know we will!!

Please Pray we can get a speedy LOA!!

Waiting.....

2009-09-03T18:05:00.000-07:00

Well as of today we are still waiting on our LID. We are trusting God through this and believing this is all in his hands. Isn't that just awesome? I mean we don't have to worry because it is all in his hands. I am just so in love with that thought! How much better could it get?
Please as always continue to pray for Andrew and our family.
Have a great week!
Leaving you with this amazing verse.

"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus" -1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

2009-08-25T16:57:00.000-07:00

3 VERY Special Letters.....

Today we got our DTC!! Woo Hoo! Huge prayer answered!! Now we are praying for a speedy LID and then LOA!!

We are coming sweet Andrew!! We love you sweet boy!

2009-08-21T17:50:00.000-07:00

YAHOO!!

It came! It came!! Yay!!!! We are soo excited!!! we went to Columbia today, got the papers authenticated and they are off to Carol and then to our agency!! Yes! Our Paperwork is done! We are done!!! Yes!

WE ARE GOING TO CHINA!!!! YES! (sooner the better!)

2009-08-20T10:14:00.000-07:00

NOT TODAY, ZURG

well our papers didn't come today ): Still holding out hope for tomorrow! PLEASE pray!!!

YES!!!

2009-08-18T11:21:00.000-07:00

Woo Hoo!!! They found our papers and are mailing them to us!!!! Yes!!! Can you hear us screaming??? We are sooooo happy!! We hope to have this paper in our hands for Hayne's 7th birthday on Thursday!!