I am thrilled to announce that...drumroll........Kevin and I purchased furniture for Jack's nursery last night. I can't wait to get it home and set the room up. We are going to paint the room before we take it out of the boxes. A big thanks goes to Grandma Riley and Granny Mitchell for contributing. So, now Jack has a cradle in Mommy and Daddy's room and a bumper pool table in his room...of course it will be dismantled tomorrow. I'm going to use a rocker that already belongs to my mother and recover it to match the room. We just need to purchase a mattress for the crib and a few accessories like a lamp and changing pad. Yippee! Kevin and I still need to register for nursery stuff, too. Geez! There are so many things out there for babies...I never realized what all it takes.

You know I love sports, but...

HOW MANY MORE FOOTBALL GAMES ARE IN THE COLLEGE SEASON? You know, I love football; I really do. I mean, I met my husband at a Super Bowl party. In fact, I came up with a really neat idea tonight...

The Riley family hosts a golf tournament for to raise money for the Sanctuary Hospice House in Tupelo each year. It's a huge deal. We will continue to support the tournament, but Kevin's mother is retiring from "running the show." HOWEVER, I'm thinking we could raise more money if we hosted a "bowl-a-thon." You know took in pledges for the number of bowl games watched or touchdowns scored while being watched, or number of cumulative points scored during...the bowl games all the Rileys watch...myself included. So far, in the big scheme of things I'm 6-4 for my picks...not too shabby for a girl. Of course my way cool nephew Drewby is leading the pack with a perfect record...Way to go Drew! I don't know how he does it!

Elizabeth

Elizabeth is our birthmother. She is a young hispanic girl who is giving us the most wonderful gift...a child to love and nurture. She is already mother to 15-month-old Jayden. She loves Jayden so much that she knows she will not be able to provide for him, or any other child for that matter, without an education and profession. Her dream has always been to be a nurse and being the 2nd oldest of four children she never wanted more than one child. Her father raised all four of his children alone, so she knows how demanding that can be. She has been accepted into an intensive 2-year RN program which will begin in June and knows that Kevin and I have the love and resources to take care of her unborn son and raise him as our own. We will be with him from the moment of birth. What a wonderful miracle!

We visited Elizabeth's hometown in TX last weekend and met her face-to-face for the first time. She is a wonderful, gentle, caring mother to the son she already has and seems to be satisfied with that role. She is about my height, round-faced, with long straight dark brown hair. She has really nice full lips and the biggest, most beautiful brown eyes I have ever seen. She seems to be quiet and soft-spoken, but not overly shy. Kevin and I really enjoyed meeting her. We are as comfortable with her as can be under the circumstances. We ate lunch with her twice and dinner once. She was our tourguide on a tour around Corpus Christi. She and I seem to have the same taste in food; we both love Italian food and cheese. She is a smart girl who also loves to read. She played basketball in high school and still loves the sport. Although she has one older sister, she has a younger brother and sister with the same age differences from her as mine. So, we also have that in common.

We enjoyed seeing her interact with Jayden. They share such a deep bond. It is obvious that everything she does is for him. Jayden is full of personality! He is such a sweety. I love the way he holds things between his index finger and thumb, very particular. We played chase. He likes to peek out from around the corner. Elizabeth's family is very involved with helping her take care of Jayden. His complexion is somewhat lighter that Elizabeth's, but of course he is younger. He is a handsome little boy, sparkling eyes, big smile, full of expression. He is very patient. He didn't cry any of the time we were around him. I noticed him watching Kevin a lot.

It's really neat to have a face to put with the idea of our son. I think that couples who give birth to their child picture a son like the father or a daughter like the mother. Kevin and I picture Jayden. I like that.

I think our meeting with Elizabeth went well in her eyes too. She has called us twice since we left Sunday. I think of her often. She and Jayden will always have a special place in our hearts. In a way, they are part of a greater family. Jack will complete it.

Details, details, details...

We are finally traveling to Texas to meet our birthmother face-to-face today. We'll be out there until Sunday, when we fly home. We're mainly traveling today, getting in late tonight. We'll visit with her Friday and Saturday. Then fly home Sunday, which BTW is our very first anniversary. I am so proud and excited. I love my life...oh sure...I can be tired, or busy, or exhausted...or whiney...rarely, of course :) but, I'd take a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day (to quote one of my favorite children's books) in my new life over the best day I ever had in my past life. What's more is that I am the same exact person...I just found my "other half," and yes...he's my better half.

Ok...enough of the mushy stuff, I'm sure you're gagging by now. Back to the baby stuff...
Our birthmother sent us her ultrasound pictures, and yes...it's a boy! She also sent us a few pictures of her other child, he's a year old and absolutely precious. He looks like he could be Christian's little brother, and what a ham! I can't wait to meet him and play with him a little bit. Hopefully, our birthmother will see what wonderful parents we really will be and how much we truly love children. I'm a little nervous, but I know it will all work out. I have a great peace about it.

Amanda and I are loving our baby shopping excursions. She is doing well and is very healthy. I'll have to post more recent photos of her.

Things continue to go well with the adoption. Kevin and I are very happy with our birthmother, Elizabeth. After walking a mile to the bus station to go to the doctor last week she decided it was time to get her driver's license. I'm proud to say that she passed with flying colors. Elizabeth has been very good about calling and checking in with us. You have no idea what a comfort that is after having our first match fall through. I enjoy talking to her. I like having this bond so that when my child asks about his birthmom, I can be honest with him. You have no idea how much Kevin and I adore and admire her. For such a young girl, she has made a completely selfless and brave decision. She could have taken an easier path, but chose not to. Not only has she given a child life, but Kevin and me a family. For that, we will be eternally grateful. She is truly committed to giving this child a better life.

We have picked out a name. I can honestly say there wasn't a lot of disagreement. When I bought my wedding dress I ended up coming back to the first one I tried on...thanks, Robin! When we ordered wedding invitations, we immediately agreed on one of the first sets we saw. With our son's name, we easily agreed again. His name is Jack Mitchell Riley. Jack after Kevin's father, Mitchell was my maiden name. We're gonna call him "Jack." Done deal...I didn't want to give him a first name that he wasn't going to be called by...I hate explaining that I'm Cynthia, but you can call me Cindy.

We have the room theme, Noah's Ark...light green and blue...I have been sick, so we haven't been crib shopping yet. It's such a big deal to go into town this time of year. Plus, Kevin's been out of town. We do know we want dark furniture in the nursery.

It's a BOY!

Kevin and I were thrilled to find out that our baby will be a boy. Of, course we would also have been thrilled if it were a girl...I'm just so proud to not call him an "it" any longer. We're pretty sure we've already got our name picked out...of course you never know.

I can't wait to watch his daddy teach him to play golf. Kevin said I could tag along until he's big enough to walk on his own...funny, very funny...Really, I love it when Kevin's mother tells stories about how she learned to play golf so she could see her children.

Now I can officially get started decorating the nursery...

We got a call from our birthmom tonight. I was wrong about her doctor's appointment this week. She's going Tuesday, not Monday. At any rate, she offered to get us a video of the ultrasound and send it to us. How sweet is that? She is so unselfish. We're going to fly out to meet her in December. I can't wait.

I'm sure you can imagine how strange it is to become "phone-pals" with the woman who is carrying your child. It is...but I love talking to her. I want to know so much. I want to be able to answer questions about her as they arise, no lies. She's so open and honest. She's young, but strong and determined. We talked about cribs and names tonight. I think she liked the girls names better than the boy names. She's very easy to talk to and doesn't seem to have any reservations about the adoption.

A Little Riley-to-be

I haven't updated my blog because things have been such a whirlwind around the Riley household lately. I am actually updating this blog from Kevin's mother's house in Tupelo. We'll drive up to Memphis to feast with the other Riley friends and family tomorrow. Another reason I haven't blogged so much is that I STAY on the computer all the time with my new job. So, when I have free time I'm less likely to wonder into the office as before.

Kevin and I have been officially matched with a new birthmom in Texas who is due on April 15th. We have talked to her on the phone quite a bit and are thrilled that she is going to give us a family. She is a very sweet and intelligent Hispanic girl. She'll be starting nursing school this summer. We enjoy talking to her and getting to know her. Her family is very supportive of her adoption plan. When we first got the news, I was very nervous and skeptical. So, I waited to share it this time. We do know that the baby is very healthy and is measuring "long." She will have a c-section on April 10th and has already asked me to be there for her. What a magical moment it will be! She will find out what the baby is Monday 11/28. Don't worry, I'll keep you posted. You'll be seeing lots more baby updates.

Adoption News

I know you must think I'm crazy everytime I update this blog with "more baby news," but you can just imagine how crazy it feels to be us. We still haven't heard anything more about the little girl to be born on Dec. 21st. We did, however, receive news about a caucasion baby due to be born at the end of April. The birthmom picked us as her second choice for adoptive parents of her baby (gender unknown at this time). Before she could schedule a conference call with her first choice of parents, they received another baby (just last week). At any rate, that makes us her only choice of parents now. We are expecting to schedule a conference with her this week. That's all the adoption news for now.

There is more baby news in our neighborhood, though. In addition to Baby Kate across the street, two little boys were born while we were in Las Vegas last week. Both live on the street behind us. There is one more pregnant mother down the street. She is due in May. Wow! They're going to need a new wing at the Kindergarten school in about five years. My lil sis is still doing well. She is one of four pregnant women on her street.

Celine Dion @ Ceasar's Palace in Las Vegas

http://sonymusic.ca/cgi-bin/Canada/stream.cgi?meta=f2ae25b8c2cd8f175fe90e24800a9f05
Kevin and I saw Celine in concert at Ceasar's Palace. I had heard that it was produced/directed by Franco Dragone, but I wasn't prepared for how much of a production it really was. I think there were about 50 dancers as part of her show. Franco Dragone was also the creator of such Cirque du Soleil productions as Alegría, Mystère, Quidam, and Saltimbanco. I loved it! Blue Man Group was still Kevin's favorite.

Blue Man Group

Do you remember the Blue Man Group from the Intel commercials? Kevin and I got to see them in Las Vegas. It was so cool! The web site really doesn't give them justice. If you happen to be out west, you should drop by the Venetian to see them.
http://www.blueman.com/videoimages/video/rocktourlive_h.shtml

Adoption Update

We are anxiously waiting for news on a Hispanic baby girl that is due to enter this world on December 21. I am getting better and better at taking it all in stride. Kevin and I have complete faith that God is preparing us for the child he intends for us to raise...what a blessing it will be. It's amazing to think that we could be parents before Christmas. I'm thinking of telling our little angel that Santa Claus dropped her off instead of the Stork.

There are actually two other Caucasian mothers who have our profile right now as well. Meanwhile, we are both staying very busy with work and travel. It's nice to have the freedom and flexibility to travel with Kevin and still do my own job.

Greetings from Sin City!

Places I've traveled to during the past year:

• Tupelo, MS
• Memphis, TN
• New Orleans, LA
• St. Kitts, Brittish West Indies
• Williamsburg, VA
• Washington, DC
• Baltimore, MD
• New York City, NY
• Atlanta, GA
• Salt Lake City, UT
• Philidelphia, PA
• Las Vegas, NV

It is all very exciting...until you figure in the money it costs to pay a "nanny" to stay with my dogs while we're gone.

Mallory update

I went to the doctor with Amanda, Tony, and Mom today to see an ultrasound of the baby. It was nice of all of them to include me. I had a very hard time going. I really didn't want to at first. In the end I'm glad I went. It was truly amazing to see the heartbeat, the little hands and feet, even her mouth open and close. I was also amazed at how much she moves around. Amanda can't feel the movement yet. She is beginning to feel pressure down low though. I'm honored to have been a part of it all.

Adoption

I am very sad to say that our birthmother "match" has fallen through. She is a very sweet girl who still wants Kevin and me to be the parents of her baby should she change her mind before the birth. However, she just found out she is having a little girl. All of the other children and grandchildren in her family have been boys, even her two older children are boys. So, she's keeping the baby. We are heartbroken for that little girl. The mother's circumstances have not changed. She's going to have a very hard life. We know, however, that we will ultimately receive the child God intends for us to raise. It can just be so emotional at times. If you want to know more about our adoption, stay tuned to our blog. We'll share all the good news verbally. Sometimes it's just difficult to share the bad news over and over and over to all the people who care so much for us. We just need your prayers. Pray that we'll be patient while God works out all the details. Pray also for our baby and birthmother-to-be, as it is difficult to be on both sides of adoption.

WGU

I am absolutely loving my job! I still have so much to learn...3 pages of acronyms is just a beginning. I have already made so many friends. Everyone is extremely helpful. I got my roster of students today. Next month they'll add 20 more to it. The cool thing is that when I go to Atlanta with Kevin next Sunday and Las Vegas in November, I can still work from the hotel and go out with him the rest of the time. Woo-hoo!

Just when I made up my mind to route for the Houston Astros (even though my hubby once lived in Chicago) they started losing the World Series. The shows not over until the fat lady sings, though. Remember how things went for the Red Sox last year. Oh well...Go Stros!

Woo-hoo!

The Astros are in the series! I'm so excited. As soon as the Braves were eliminated, I had hoped that it would come down to the White Sox and the Astros. Not sure who I'm for now though. I'll get back to ya on that...poor Albert P...he's the only Cardinal I like.

Update

Wow, what a week! I have been gone from home since last Thursday morning.

KJ and I went to his mother's house for the big golf tournament she hosts as a fundraiser for the Sanctuary Hospice House. We raised about $20,000 this year. This was the Fifth Annual Jack Riley Memorial Golf Tournament. Then on Saturday, Kevin enjoyed participating in the annual Riley Open "friendly" golf competition. I'm so proud...my KJ won this year. They even have a plaque with little brass name plates for the winners of the tournament each year. My Kev has won 6 of the last 12 competitions. Those Riley men are so competitive. I think the Riley women might have a team of their own next year...if I could just talk Erin into playing with Joyce, NancyAnne and me.

Then the day after returning home, I flew out to SLC, Utah for mentor training with the university. I have been sitting in the "Cityscape" conference room for several days now on the very top floor of the building on the left in the photo below. What a magnificent view! I saw a flock of birds fly by during our meetings today. How cool! I met my training mentor, Melanie, today. I think we'll get along very well.

There is a lot of information to digest, but I can't wait to get started. It's nice to be treated like a professional. Everyone has been really nice.

Western Governors University

It's official!

I am the newest elementary education advisor/mentor of Western Governors University. I am so excited. I will not teach, grade papers, or make lesson plans. I will work strictly with advisees to be sure they are staying within their program and be available as a resource to them from my home via phone conferencing and email. My last day to teach in the elementary classroom setting is Monday. I travel to Utah for training next week. Salt Lake City is surrounded by these beautiful mountains. If you've never seen mountains like this before, it's absolutely breathtaking. I am so excited. I'm sad about leaving the classroom, but only the children...not all of the other crap that teachers must contend with. I'm excited to be getting my weekends and evenings back. Though my position is full-time, I'll be able to make my own hours. I can decide how and when I want to meet my communication protocol. Imagine that...a teacher actually being treated like a professional...a real rarity this day and time. I'm not losing any money at all and will have excellent benefits. Woohoo! Can't wait to learn more!

It's a girl!

...not mine and Kevin's baby, but Amanda and Tony's. They just found out this week and are so excited. They're going to name her Mallory Elizabeth. They're all doing fine. Amanda is enjoying feeling well right now. We can't wait to be mothers together. Amanda says she wants us to dress our children alike...we'll see. I'm excited for her, though. I can't wait to find out what my baby is going to be.

Amanda's at 17 weeks here. I'm not sure exactly how many weeks Tony is at, though.

I talked with my principal today about "retiring." It sounds so weird to think about that. I've been teaching for 10 years though, and I'm vested. So, I won't lose money. He was willing to work with me and was very excited about my new position. Monday will be my last day teaching in the classroom. I'll continue to make lesson plans for the sub until my retirement date though. I'm trying to get that done in advance...we'll see, I'm about 1/3 of the way finished and KJ is out of town until Friday evening. So, I think it's possible. I have enough sick days saved to get me through the end of November. So, my official retirement date is December 1. Of course I'll be working for the University by the end of October. So, for a little while, I'll be earning two salaries...just in time for the holidays...yippee! Also, I get to fly back out to Utah for a few days of training. I'm excited to see the mountains again. They're so breathtaking!

Two Mothers, One Prayer

Two women from different places
Share a common prayer,
Though different circumstances
Common is their care.

For these very different women
Will pray in one accord,
On bended-knee they ask these things
Their prayer begins "Dear Lord."

"Lord, be with this little child
Keep them close to you,
Guide them and direct them
In everything they do."

And even as I pray this
Another mother prays it, too,
May you always know her love-
To be genuine and true.

You'll forever have two mothers
Who share a single prayer,
One brought you to the world
Then placed you in the other's care.

~Susan Reardon

Our Baby

Kev and I are so excited about becoming parents. Our baby is due on Valentines Day. I wasn't prepared to be so emotional about the whole process on a day-to-day basis. I love our birthmother. We are still trying to get to know her. She seems like a sweet girl whose life has been turned upside down by a series of unfortunate events. She's very brave and intelligent. She's also having a difficult time with placing her baby for adoption. We have great phone conversations, and I can't wait to meet her face-to-face. However, knowing how difficult a decision this selfless act of love is for her makes me emotional and uneasy....and terrified. I am so afraid that she will change her mind about it all...and she very well could. I don't think she'd change her mind about Kevin and me, just about the adoption in general. There is nothing I can do about it, though. I just have to trust that God is ultimately in control. I know that he will send Kevin and me the baby he intends for us to raise. I think this is our baby, but I won't know for sure until the very end of this pregnancy. At any rate, our lives and this birthmother's life are intersecting for a reason.

I am thrilled to say that I am the newest mentor/advisor of elementary education students at a rapidly growing university. The benefits are awesome! I'll be working from home. I've decided that I will volunteer at the local elementary schools for an hour or so a day a few days each week to help out with struggling students. That is and always has been my passion. I haven't told my children at school, yet. I'm really dreading that. I fly back out to Utah for several days of training in October. I love it out there. The scenery is beautiful. I love that the university treats educators like professionals. That's something that doesn't really happen in the traditional elementary classroom. Most of all, I'm excited that I'll be able to stay in the field of education while taking care of my baby at home.

Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City is the cleanest, friendliest city I've ever visited! Everything (buildings, streets, etc...) is immaculate. It looks as if they pressure wash it all. The mountains are gorgeous. The city is nestled between two mountain ranges, the Wasatch and the Oquirs. So, you can see the beautiful scenery from any point in the city. Having grown up in the coastal plain of Alabama with millions of acres of pine trees, the view was quite different. There are no tree-lined roads or rich green vegetation. The smell is a more sanitized one, like a hospital, because the flowers are different. The climate is so dry and arid that even though it's not as hot as the desert the plants resemble those I've seen in desert photos. Half the people in Utah live in the Salt Lake City area. Everything is so spread out! The particular building I interview in had large window all the way around it. So, each office I went into had a panoramic view of the mountains. It was breathtaking.

I've been in Utah since Thursday night. What a busy two days! I came out to interview for an elementary education advisor/mentor position with a university. I had five interviews from 10:30 am until 4:00 pm yesterday. I'm so excited about our baby that everytime someone asks me if I have children, I tell them no but we will have one in February. They immediately look at my belly having not noticed that I'm pregnant. I quickly explain that we are adopting. Well, on the four-hour flight from Atlanta to Salt Lake City I sat beside an older lady who had been the host family to nine different birthmothers through the Latter Day Saints. Then, yesterday I met another lady who was a birthmother two years ago. She was so excited to hear that we're adopting. It felt good for me to be able to explain to her how much it means that a complete stranger is willing to carry your child for nine months, endure the pain and suffering that accompanies pregnancy and labor, and then give you a child. I'm sure most of you understand that adoption is very expensive. However, the birthmother gets a very small portion of the expense for her living expenses/medical care. The lady I met has two older children, just like our birthmother. She's also Hispanic, just like our birthmother.

We have a baby!

It's due on Valentine's Day...which was my first date with Kevin. We're so excited. We had a phone conference with the birthmother today. She was very nice, and we were all nervous. As usual, Kevin (and Tammy the Stork) did a wonderful job of buffering the tension. What a wonderful day! We're going to be parents in 4 1/2 months. Please pray that this mother will know what a fantastic, wonderful, magnificent, amazing gift she's giving us.

Kevin and I have been waiting

Kevin and I have been waiting for a birthmother call since Friday.  Those who know me well, understand that I am not the most patient of people.  I run to the phone when it rings to find out if it’s the agency calling.  It’s not.  So far, I’ve resisted the urge to call them.  I’ll wait a couple more days.  I know it will happen at the right time…but geez, I just wish it would hurry up.  At least when you can’t wait for Christmas you know that it’s December 25th.  You know, the funny thing is that even when we’re matched, I’ll change to being anxious for the birthmother to call with updates or for our baby to be born.  No wonder God doesn’t work on our timetable…we’re never satisfied.  

I dream of the day when I can hold our little baby and stare at it for hours.  I love watching all the little children at church.  Several of them run up to me afterward to visit.  Our neighbors across the street, Chris and Lisa, just had a little girl, Kate.  She’s beautiful.  I’ve been over to visit a couple of times.  Two other ladies in the neighborhood are expecting.  I can’t wait to join the motherhood club.  

Since beginning the quest for adoption, there have been good days and bad. It's very much a rollercoaster ride. You want to be excited, but then you're afraid to be. Now I understand how an expectant mother feels when she's excited to be carrying her baby, but afraid that something bad might happen, regardless of how likely the circumstance. I've often said to Kevin that I'd feel better if I had just one little, teeny-weeny, bit of good news. Well, it came yesterday.

First of all, we have a 3rd opportunity for a baby that is due to be born Feb.10. She received our profile yesterday. We are waiting for a conference call to be set up with the birthmother. Based on the background knowledge we have of the mother and her family we feel a really strong connection to her. We know that God will send us the child he plans for us to parent in his time, whether this one is it or not.

Secondly, I have been searching for a job in the field of education that I can do from a home office. I sent in a vitae for one this week. The university I applied to has already called for a phone interview. If all goes well I'll be flying out to meet face-to-face with the Dean of Education in a week or two. It has really good benefits and pay. I'm really excited about it and will share more when I know more. Our phone interview lasted for almost an hour and a half.

I'm gearing up for a big day of football. All is great and wonderful today.

MSO's Broadway Under The Stars Pops Concert

WSFA TV Montgomery, AL - MSO's Broadway Under The Stars Pops Concert

Kevin and I can't wait to enjoy the concert! If you haven't been to this local event before and you're a fan of the symphony, you're missing out.

Liberty Bell

Kevin and I were a little disappointed at how small it was.

We expected it to be much bigger.

Liberty Bell Line

Waiting in line to see the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia

You can't really tell from this picture, but there were people from a plethora of ethnicities. I thought that was such a cool thing. The other cool thing was that the line, though outside, was quiet and respectful. I was proud to see such an expression of respect.

Inside the rainforest section of the Baltimore Aquarium in August.

The adoption process seems to creep along for us this week. We met with our social worker, Jennifer, on Tuesday. I really like her. She seems down to earth. She left us a bunch of papers to complete, financial and otherwise. She comes back in two weeks. She'll meet with Kevin and me together on that visit. We'll have two separate interviews on other occasions and a final meeting together again.

We have to be fingerprinted by the ABI for background check and criminal clearance. One frustrating aspect of that is that my suitability has already been determined by the Alabama Dept. of Ed., but DHR doesn't accept their clearance and vice-verse. What a crock! I still have to pay another $75 to have my prints scanned, even though the same ABI just did it last January. Another aggravating aspect is that Kevin called the ABI yesterday and was passed around for twenty-minutes while he got four different versions of the proper procedure to be fingerprinted. In the end he left a message with a department head who never returned his call and a switchboard operator told him he could come in between 8 and 5. So, I rush in from school Thursday afternoon ready to drive to Montgomery. I called to get directions and after the same yo-yo experience Kevin got the day before (& his call still hasn't been returned...SHOCK) I was told that I couldn't come in without an appointment, plus more run-around. By now, I'm picturing some woman sitting behind her desk filing her nails like the one on Will & Grace. Long story short...we have an appointment for today. Government beaurocracy just kills me. That's another reason why I'm getting out of teaching.

To Teach or Not to Teach...that is the question!

Not! Kevin and I have decided to sacrifice our income so that I can stay at home with our babies. I love my children at school; I truly do. However, our priority is with our children. I have begun to scout out the internet to find "work at home" jobs. I just want to supplement his income. I don't have to make what I'm making now. I will continue to teach until Christmas...unless we have a baby before then...there is a November possibility. Then I will be a stay-at-home mother. I feel guilty for leaving my children in the middle of the year, but my priority is with my family. So, if you or anyone you know is looking for someone to do some telecommuting for them...let me know. Right now, I'm leaning toward medical transcriptionist. I have no experience in that area, but hey, at one time I wasn't a teacher, either. I'd love to write children's books, too. That's my dream...time will tell.

Kevin and I are really beginning to be excited about becoming parents. We're not sure if our baby or babies will be a he or she or both, but we're truly excited. We have picked out bedding and theme for the nursery, which is currently our "game room." Note: the pool table will be dismantled until we purchase another home with room for it. We've also decided how to paint the nursery; I'm just waiting for some of the bedding stuff to come in to match the exact shade of paint. We've been out "window shopping" for nursery furniture. We've decided to go with white. We even have a small assortment of cute little jumpers for him/her to wear. I can't wait to get busy. Our social worker is coming out Tuesday afternoon for our first meeting. Kevin is going to be the most wonderful father in the world. When I see how he is with our nephews and nieces and Biscuit and Birdie, I can't wait to see him with our own child. Kids of all ages love him; they flock to him. Even the kids on our street knock on our door to see if Mr. Kevin can come out to play. Speaking of our street...Congratulations to Chris and Lisa across the street! They had a little girl this week. I can't wait for all of their company to clear out so I can take them a meal and a present, but mostly so I can get my hands on their little angel. Two other ladies on our block our expecting. One is expecting a boy; her other two are girls. The other is expecting a girl; her other three are boys. Kevin and I would love to have a couple of whatever God blesses us with.

Things I'm Thankful For:

1. my wonderful, ever-positive, loving and supportive soul-mate, KJ
2. my two hairy mongrels who are always happy to lick my feet when the rest of the world thinks they're gross
3. I have a safe, dry home, with all the modern conveniences, in a wonderful community
4. I know where all of my family are and that they are safe and healthy
5. my own health
6. my sweaty little 8-year-old nephew climbed shamelessly into my lap in front of his football buddy at the Lion's game last night, after spending 7 hours each day with me in our classroom at school this week; When I said, "You mean you still love me?" He said, "Of course I do, Aunt Cindy. Who wouldn't love you?"
7. kisses after school every afternoon from my neice who gets bused over from the Kindergarten school
8. hugs and hellos from former students at high school football games
9. my favorite season will be here soon
10. I don't have to buy maternity clothes
11. a long Labor Day weekend from school
12. I'm not as terrible at golf as I once was
13. Kev is fantastic at grilling

Quote of the Week~

I told Kevin about my year old petition for annulment (He keeps calling it our, but I refuse to give him credit for my mistakes) this week, "We've been waiting for this thing through two popes and three major hurricanes. It'll come through eventually."

The terrible thing about it is that right now it's sitting on a Catholic judge's desk in Mobile of all places.

The good thing about it is it was next heading to the New Orleans area. At least it's not there yet. I wonder where it will go to now.

Amanda @ 13 weeks

Wow! Look at that belly! I'm constantly amazed at the size of my lil sis's ever growing tummy. When we hug, I feel her belly first. It probably sounds silly to hear that I'm so amazed, but she is the closest person, emotionally, to me to be pregnant since my mom had her in 1979. She is feeling better everyday. We had a nice little visit one afternoon this week. We especially enjoyed it in the wake of everything that has been going on since Katrina hit the Gulf Coast on Monday. We shared one story that made us laugh until we cried. It was nice to see her feeling so much better. Things were very tough for her at the beginning of her pregnancy. I don't have to tell you how often we've looked around this week and counted our blessings. She and Tony are excited about moving into a bigger home for their growing family. So, we are both excited and planning our nurseries together. It's really neat to have her physically expecting at the same time Kev and I are emotionally expecting. I don't feel any less a mother. I don't feel like I'm missing out on anything. I am blessed to experience it with her all along the way. Plus, I can still enjoy a glass of merlot each night!

What a difference a week makes. This time last week, Kev and I were in Philly at an adoption seminar. This weekend, we are excited about the possibility of receiving a little boy in November or a set of twins in January. We cannot wait! We have written our "Dear Birthmother" letter and found a social worker to do our homestudy. We are waiting for her to send us the paperwork. Next, we have to have a background check. Complete the homestudy survey and interview. All we can do after that is wait. I feel like I am in such a race against time. I don't know why.

When a couple is expecting to give birth to their child, they have most of nine months to prepare for it. You also know that as long as you continue to receive good reports from the doctor, you will be parents. When someone else is carrying your child, you don't have that luxery. You can't take that for granted. Things could happen to change the mother's mind. So, this is something we are trying to keep in perspective. At the same time though, we are thrilled. We just know that God is going to send us the baby he intends for us to raise. It will all work out in the end. I can't wait to decorate the room we have decided will be our nursery.

There are so many amazing emotions I'm feeling right now. Kevin will be a wonderful father. I can't wait to see him with our son or daughter. He's amazing with children. Christian and Katelyn absolutely adore him. His nephews and nieces who don't live nearby call regularly and check in, too.

Mom and Dad were thrilled when I told them. I knew they'd be happy for me, but I didn't realize just how excited they'd be. Amanda is expecting her first born, and Darrell already has two. They were as excited for us as if I were pregnant. You can't know how proud that makes me.

Biscuit & Birdie.

Aren't they precious?

Every child has been created for greater things, to love and to be loved, in the image of God. That's why people must decide beforehand if they really want to have a child. Once a child is conceived, there is life, God's life. That child has a right to live and to be cared for. Abortion destroys two lives, the life of the child and the conscience of the mother. It is a child of God, no? Created for greater things, just like you and me... Mother Teresa

In the words of our president, "It's hard work!"

You know, the first week of school with the kids is always demanding. Teaching children how to follow procedure, head their papers, and in my 3rd grade class which way to turn your paper. (They're accustomed to writing on "tablet" paper in 2nd grade.) Kevin has also been in Texas this week. So, needless to say, I was more than a little weary this afternoon. My little neice is in kindergarten this year. She and her 8-year-old brother stayed with me after school. He is used to the routine; she is not. I decided that it would be more fun to think about her fun-filled day than to consider how tiring mine had been. So the following are excerpts from our conversation while walking down the DPES hall hand in hand:

me: K, how was kindergarten today?
K: It was HARD WORK, hard, hard, hard, hard work!
me: Oh yeah? What all did you learn about today?
K: Well, we didn't learn how to write anything. We cut, cut, cutted; and we colored, colored, colored...and it rained, rained, rained, and stormed and lightened, and I got scared!
me: Yep, your day sounds much harder than mine. We didn't color.

me: So, how's your teacher? What's she like?
K: Awww...she's just a real old lady with gray hair and arms that hurt all the time. (Boy, I wonder what my kids tell their parents about me.)

another random kindergartener thought from K: "Ya'll can't just hold hands all the whole day long!"
me: huh? What are you talking about?
K: That's what my teacher said to me and my friend when we held hands all day today.

Amanda is 9 weeks pregnant in this photo. I'm amazed at how her belly has already grown! She has always had the flattest stomach...the widest hips, too...but the flattest stomach. She is so excited about the baby. She's due in March. She and Tony will be leaving the "mobile mansion" in October and moving into their first home together. I'll be excited to have her closer to town.

You know, kids are so interested in books when they can't read the words on the page. Are the words boring, or are the pictures just that much more interesting. I love this photo of Katelyn, because there are so many other things she could be doing and playing with in this room...but my very active niece chooses to sit down and "read" a book. 3rd graders, take note!

Kev and I got back from Mississippi this around lunch today. I have been busy, busy, busy. He went to Old Waverly, in West Point for a golf trip. So I went to his mom's house in Tupelo, about 45 minutes away for some rest and relaxation. He stayed at the country club with the guys Thursday and at his mom's house on Friday. We both had a great time. Meanwhile, I've been getting ready for school to begin. So I've been too busy making warm and fuzzy stuff to blog. I have my new roster and excited to say that instead of having 26 4th graders I have 16 3rd graders. I am so excited! I spent the earlier part of the afternoon looking through teacher editions. It looks like it'll be a fun year. Christian's going to be in my class, so he's been practicing calling me "Mrs. Riley" instead of "Aunt Cindy." Katelyn, his little sis, is pumped about becoming a full-fledged kindergartener. She's a mess! Well, I'm off to get ready for a birthday party for my big little bro. Happy Birthday, Darrell! Last year of your twenties. Enjoy!

Brotherly Love

Mike, Kevin, and Tim Riley-when they were much younger in Westpoint. Notice how the two older brothers have their hands wrapped around KJ's neck. No wonder he's so easy going these days.

Kindergarten Idol

New family member...

Congrats to Amanda and Tony! They are expecting their first child March 9. They will be great parents. They're so excited. I can't wait to be Aunt Cindy again. Katelyn keeps singing little songs to her new cousin and Aunt Manda's belly. She loves to sing and make up her own songs...but she sings a mean "Hollaback Girl" too.

Not looking for a free meal

I love to cook, but you know...I really love to go out to eat. KJ and I had a wonderful dinner with some friends at Sinclairs last night. It was a lot of fun. As we were finishing our meal and enjoying our drinks, the waitress came over and told us that there was no need to pay because our bill had been paid by another gentleman who had already left. How cool is that? What a treat! Thanks Ted!

Roller-coaster Ride

What a week! It's been a crazy one for us, filled with lots of ups and downs. Kev and I had some friends and family over for a 4th of July BBQ on Saturday. It was a lot of fun, but it always takes so much preparation. We were so tired Sunday that we went to the 11am mass instead of the 8am mass. Then we pretty much slept and watched movies on TV the rest of the day. Monday we went to have dinner and shoot fireworks with some friends of ours. The firework display, thanks to Cowboy, was just as exciting as the ones the city does. We also enjoyed watching the teenagers, about 30-40 slip-and-slide with shaving cream. My little sis confirmed that she is pregnant with her first child Tuesday morning. It was a very long day for her while she awaited the blood test. Needless to say she and Tony are thrilled as are all the grandparents. Also, on Tuesday, Kevin and I received confirmation that after months of testing and treatment we still have more hurdles to jump to have a child of our own. We are going to continue to trust that God is in control of the situation and pray for his guidance as we try to be patient. Kev is much better at being patient than I am. I'm so blessed to have him in my life. In the meantime, we've decided to explore the path to adoption. Pray for us. My Aunt Ann's alzheimers has progressed tremendously since her 65th birthday in January. Tomorrow she will go to a place where she can receive better care than her home. My mom is taking it really hard. Their mother died when Mom was 5. Aunt Ann is 14 years her senior and has always been her mother-figure. I know it will be very difficult for my uncle as well. Still, I think it is for the best.

Tis the season for baseball...

I'm thrilled to say that Christian's all-star baseball team won the district tournament and are still undefeated with a 10-0 record. They're off for a week and a half before advancing to the super-district finals. It's an all day double-disqualification tournament in Beauragard.

Hip Hip Hooray!

Three cheers for the AA American League Prattville All-Stars team! Christian's team became sub-division champs last night. They were undefeated for the 6-game round-robin tournament. They received a certificate for participating and a trophy for winning. They advance to the district championship in Montgomery on Friday. BTW...The Prattville National League AA boys also advance. Go Prattville!

All-Stars

I'm so proud of my little nephew Christian. He made the AA Prattville All-stars team this year. He's playing 3rd base mostly and centerfield a little. What a lil hitter he is! Last night was his first game against Holtville (my old alma mater). We were so excited that they won. The game was actually called in the 4th inning due to a 15 run lead. The final score was 18-3. He plays two games today. He's already looking forward to football again, though.

Kev and I made it to the Braves game Saturday in record time and really enjoyed ourselves. I really think I'm a Lexus Level girl. I like the fact that when you go to concessions on that level they're air-conditioned. The Braves won and it was a really close game against Oakland. One of the guys playing for the Braves was Brian McCann. We saw him playing against the Biscuits earlier this summer for the Jackson Braves. Friday night was his first game in Atlanta. He had an RBI. Saturday, when we were there, he hit an out-of-the-park homer. Wow! How impressive! He plays catcher. I think it's cool that he was only 4 when Smoltz started his career. He has an autographed picture of him with John when he was 12. How cool is that?

Mickey Mouse wants to play!

All of this terrible weather reminds me of the "Rain, Rain, go away! Mickey Mouse wants to play!" song we sang when I was little. It rained last week before we went to Baltimore. Then it rained in Baltimore and Williamsburg while we were up there. When we returned to Sweet Home Alabama, the bottom fell out as we were leaving the airport in B'ham. I had two good swimming days by the pool this week. We're supposed to drive to Atlanta today to see the Braves play this afternoon before flying back to Williamsburg tomorrow, where once again...it will rain. Makes me so mad!

Quote of the Week

I love this story about one of KJ's coworkers...

Dude was getting ready to fly home from a business trip. He changed out of his "business attire" into his "casual wear" for the trip home. He's wearing a shirt with shorts and sandals. This mentally handicapped teenager was sitting in the front seat when the coworker boarded. When the teen saw the coworker he pointed very excitedly and shouted, "Look Mommy! He's wearing girl shoes!"

Cracks me up...Now I know why Kev won't wear sandals.

Free at Last!

Summer is finally here! I was really ready for a break. I can't wait to travel with my hubby. He travels all during the school year, and I've just learned to look at it as "racking up frequent flier miles for Cindy." We're going to New Orleans this week. We won't be flying, though. Kev's got a business meeting and a golf tournament. I'm so proud of him. He was recently in the Arby's Invitational Tournament in B'ham; his team took second place. His trophy is a beautiful crystal bowl from Tiffany and Co. that was designed for the tournament.

My birthday was this month. I turned 31. Wow! It doesn't feel as old as thought it was when my mom turned 31. I had a wonderful birthday. KJ gave me 2 gifts when I got home from school, new golf shoes and ladies golf balls. For the 3rd gift he said he had a hard time narrowing it down, so I got to chose between new swing for the backyard and new golf clubs. I chose the golf clubs since we already have a hammock. We went to dinner at La Jolla (my favorite restaurant) and decided to skip out Taming of the Shrew at the Shakespeare Festival to get my new clubs. When we got home, Kev and I were both surprised to find Mom & Dad on the back porch putting together a swing they had gotten for mine and Kev's birthday. I was thrilled! Guess I made the right choice afterall.

The Countdown Begins

Wow! Only 3 more weeks of school left! I can't wait for summer. Not only because my spring allergies are horrible right now, but also because I'm hoping to do a little traveling with my wonderful husband. I'm already planning to go to New Orleans with him at the end of May. Next weekend is Mother's Day and we're going to Tupelo to see Kev's mother and go to the Gum Tree Festival. She's really excited about that, and I love going to Tupelo.

Birdie went to the "salon" today. She is such a pretty little girl. Her hair is all shiny and she's got a colorful little bandana around her neck. Biscuit seems to like her new look. He's been smelling her all afternoon. Katelyn and Christian came over with BJ tonight. Katelyn loves petting Birdie. Of course Birdie-Mae would just lay there and let anyone pet her all day. She's much calmer than Roscoe (Biscuit). Poor thing, we always have to put Biscuit outside because he's so rambunctious when company is over. If we could just get him to stop jumping on everyone.

Kev and I got a new SUV this week. I love it! It's a Chevy TrailBlazer LT, Dark met grey with silver trim. It's pretty much got everything, Bose speakers, XM sat radio, sunroof, cd changer, Onstar. We traded the Buick in for it.

Kev and I have been busy getting ready for summer. We've been working on the lawn and flowerbeds for the last several weekends. The flowers look beautiful. We've (ahem...Kevin) has been putting down sod in the backyard where the old flower bed was. We're trying to get grass to grow better in a few skimpy areas where the dogs run. It is so wonderful to have someone enjoys doing these things with you. In fact, he's cutting the grass right now.
We've got a really busy day ahead. I've got to finish straightening up the office; that's our next little home improvement project. We're gonna better organize it and hang some photos and certificates. I would like to put a different rug in there and add a ceiling fan...we'll see. Aunt Florence, a dear family friend is celebrating her 90th birthday today. We are going to a party for her at the Egan's house. She is so young at heart. Friends and relatives from all over the country have come in to help her celebrate. Then we're going to the Biscuits game tonight. Darrell and BJ are meeting us. Should be a great time.
I'm so excited, I think we're going to trade the Buick in for a new vehicle. We're looking at a trailblazer and an explorer. I thinking we're leaning more toward the trailblazer. I'm so excited! Can't wait to close the deal and drive it around. I've always wanted an SUV. Gotta go for now. House chores are waiting.

Spring is in the air!!!

Spring break is almost over. School starts again on Monday. Kevin and I have enjoyed a fun week at home. He flew in from VA last Friday, and we went to visit his mother in MS for the weekend. I always enjoy visiting her. This trip was no exception. We went to the symphony Saturday evening after a delicious dinner at Harvey's. This was my first symphony, and I loved it! I wish I had a musical talent. I really admire musicians and vocalist. We went to mass Sunday morning at St. James. Father Henry had lunch with us at the Tupelo Country Club afterward. It was one of the best meals I've had in Tupelo. I especially like Father Henry. He's so down to earth. He really makes me feel like he struggles just like the rest of us do. We got to meet Lacy, the newest pet in the Riley family. She's a cutie. Seeing Chelsea and Lacy interact really reminds me of Biscuit and Birdie, only they're much smaller. Lacy is a lot like Biscuit, always creating chaos and getting in trouble. Chelsea is real prim and proper like Birdie. Kevin's mother gave us our Easter "baskets." Mine was a really cute beach bag with Bath and Bodyworks stuff in it. Kevin's was a rotating tie rack. Then she gave both of us some crystal glasses that have been in her family for over 100 years. Kevin and I are the 4th generation to have them. We left them at her house though until we can get a place to store them. I'm just so afraid they'll break. She understood. Poor thing, she is so terribly ill this week. She has been at home, miserable, in the bed. We've been calling to check in on her and neighbors have been taking care of her.

Kevin and I have been working in the yards this week. He has been working on the grass...edging, cutting, fertilizing, etc...and pressure washing the driveway and patio. He's so proud of his pressure washer. I've been planting some flowers. So far, I have planted petunias in the front beds, red geraniums in planters on the front porch, and hibiscus in planters on the back porch. I've got to finish planting yellow and orange marigolds in the window boxes. Then I've got just a few more things I want to plant. We're gonna redo the flowerbed in the backyard. We're working on a plan for that. Kevin found my weeding tool. It's my favorite toy. I love to pick the weeds out of the yard with it. We really don't have any weeds, but I like to pick them around the borders of the yard.

You know the commercial that goes..."Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there!" I think I married State Farm. In the past 24 hours, literally, Kevin has loaned one neighbor our lawn mower and pressure washer and another neighbor our truck, pressure washer, and blower. We don't really mind it so much. We actually find it quite humorous. The first neighbor actually used the pressure washer while it was hooked up to our water spigot. The second neighbor brought the truck back in immaculate condition with a tank full of gas. We just keep looking at it as our social justice project.

We played nine holes of golf today. I still play horribly. Today I was not a good sport. I'm surprised that Kevin did not leave me on the course alone. I straightened up by about the 6th hole though. He's gonna be the most patient father. I just need to play more. I love it when I'm doing ok. I just put so much pressure on myself. Maybe I'll go play at the country club more often even when Kevin is out of town. That's the problem, I don't practice enough. I know I wasn't any fun for him today. I feel so bad about that. I promised him I'll do better next time.

Check out my Flickr photos!

Welcome to Flickr!
This is just something new I'm trying out. We'll see how I like it.

Sleep at last,

Boy, did I sleep late last weekend! I got up to see KJ off to his "man party" on the golf course, then I napped on the couch until about 11:30. The only reason I got up then was because I'd promised Kevin I would pick up some copies for him at the UPS store before 1:00. I took a shower, but I didn't even fix my hair or make-up. That is SO NOT LIKE ME! I just put the hair up in an extremely short ponytail with a ball cap. I didn't look bad, just not as colorful and lively as possible. Well, I should have known something was wrong when I napped for such a long time to begin with. I watched the Oscars Sunday night (loved Jamie Fox's acceptance speech for Ray) but by Monday morning I had a terrible cold, stuffy nose, terrible pounding headache, cold in my eyes. I was so tired and achy I couldn't sleep. I didn't have any fever, though. I had a field trip on Tuesday; part of it was outside in the cold. When I got home at 3:30 Tuesday, I went straight to bed. I slept the entire afternoon and night. Only waking to answer the phone. Kevin was just as sick in VA all week. I'm just glad he had Kristy up there to take care of him. I'm feeling better now, but he's still pitiful. Poor baby! I'm so glad he's home. Fixed him a good dinner and tucked him in. Biscuit and Birdie are keeping him company.

Tidbits...

Well, it's not June yet, but I plan to sleep late in the morning. Kevin is home this weekend; then he goes back to VA. I have morning duty at the school an hour earlier than usual. So, I'm gonna get my rest tomorrow while Kevin plays golf with the guys. School is out in eleven weeks, not counting spring break. I can't wait. The weather has been warm this week; it feels like spring already. Other changes this week involve my diet. I've decided to start counting calories. I'm eating healthy, balanced meals; but I'm counting my calories. I feel better that's for sure. Amanda, my lil sis got married last weekend. It was romantic to see someone else get married and remember mine and Kevin's special ceremony. Everyone seemed to have a great time. I really liked the tuxedo pants. They weren't traditional black. They were a dark gray color with small pinstripes. You just have to see them to understand. I'll post some pictures as soon as I get some. Of course, I was so late ordering my own pictures; I still don't have any of them.

Maybe in June I'll sleep late...

I just can't believe how busy my life has become. I thought it would slow down after the wedding, but it hasn't.
After the wedding Kev and I went to New Orleans. We had a wonderful time and were able to rest. My favorite part was the naps we took everyday. We went to St. Louis Cathedral twice, mass and a Christmas concert. If you have never been to N'awlins in the winter, especially during the holidays, you're missing out on a real treat. We shopped, wandered around the quarter, and enjoyed some wonderful cuisine. We ate at Mr. B's, Bourbon House, Emeril's (my favorite), Cafe du Monde and some really good pubs. I gained about five pounds from all the good food!
Then we came home for Christmas. We spent our first Christmas at home together...Christmas Eve at my parents' house and Christmas morn with my brother and his children. It was especially nice for my parents to have all of their children home and happy with their significant others.
New Year's Eve we went to the Egans' for a quaint little get together. The Countrymans, Flournoys, and Morrises were also there. That was the last time I drank too much. My family came over to our home for New Year's Day. Instead of cooking a big feast, we all agreed to eat finger foods and snacks while watching football. It was a new tradition that I enjoyed. I hope it continues. How many large meals can one eat this time of year.
January 7-12 Kevin and I went to St. Kitts in the West Indies again. We had a great time. The weather there is always perfect. It did rain the first two days, but it really gave us a good excuse to recover from our long flight going down there. We had an eight hour layover! The charter company, Planet Air, kept postponing our flight by ten or twenty minutes at a time. We went into the casino a couple of times, read by the pool, shopped in the capital city of Basseterre, and drank. It was so much fun. We were glad to get home though.
After returning to Dixieland, I hosted a bridal shower for my sister Amanda; she's getting married February 19. It was very successful I think. That same weekend my dad had a stroke. So, the next two weeks were spent with him going back and forth to the hospital. We're very blessed to still have him with us. Before the two weeks would end, he would have two strokes and two surgeries. When he came home from the hospital Kevin and I helped take care of him. It's all been very exhausting. We're so thankful he's doing better. He is doing physical therapy at home.
We had the Superbowl party last weekend. Kevin and I hosted the preparty dinner for the staff members and golf tournament participants at our house. I was really proud. I handled the snack foods and desserts. Everyone was so complementary. Donna Egan did potatoes, Teri Morris did salad. Joey manned the grill. It was BYOB (Bring your own BEEF). Then the big party with about 250 people was Sunday. You know, that's when Kevin and I met...at last year's Superbowl party. Everyone was excited to see us there together and married this year. It was pretty cool to be the Riley's.
So, this week I'm back to work full time, and Kevin started his travels again. We started a Renew Catholic class at the church Tuesday, and I'm loving it. Yesterday was Ash Wednesday. So the Lent season has arrived. I am giving up all carbonated drinks and spending an extra 15 minutes daily in meditation with God. I had RCIA class tonight. I have my Rite of Election service Saturday night, and Valentine's Day is Monday (complete with 4th grade Valentine's Day parties). Amanda's wedding is next Saturday. We've got a family reunion coming up and I'm hoping to get to Tupelo to see Kevin's mother sometime soon.
Maybe in June I'll sleep late.

Has it already happened?

MSNBC - Ancient sunken islands found off California

All these years I've heard people talking about "part of California falling into the ocean." Has it already happened? I'm so disappointed. I was hoping it would make the front page one day, well not "hoping it would happen," but hoping I wouldn't miss it when it did...turns out it happened not only B.C. (Before Christ), but also B.C.(Before Cindy).