Adoption on my heart

First and Weekly Thankful Thursdays

2008-04-03T11:23:00.001-07:00

I spotted this on another blog that I love to read regularly. If I were a pro at blogging I would link you to it. For now this will have to do: Well here it goes:
1. I am thankful for the internet and the blogging friends that are encouraging and yet REAL!
2. I am thankful for my family
3. That Trey has found his passion at a young age of eight, which is Hockey, he plays goalie
4. I am thankful to have both boys on the ice tonight together (development) no game. James just turn five he just started.
5. I am thankful for my mom and dad who help me get Trey and James dressed for hockey. They live 45 minutes away and never miss a game or practice.
6. I am thankful for my husbands movtivation to go out and provide for his family, so that I can stay home and manage the home.

HAPPY 5TH BIRTHDAY JAMES!

2008-03-31T21:15:00.000-07:00

SWEET BABY JAMES you are turnning 5 tomorrow. Oh how I remember the day they handed you to me, I don't know how I could have loved you more than that day, but I do. I love your personality, you are very charming, you make me smile everyday. I am so proud to be your mama and you melt my heart everytime you call me "sugar mama". You love to play cars and draw, you are quite the artist at 5 years old. This winter you have enjoy learning how to skate and now you are a hockey player. You are getting better and better every week. I have especially enjoyed taking you to Thursday 's Preschool Playdate on Ice, and then going to Chic Filet for lunch after. I look forward to making more memories this year with you. Oh and one more thing that I want to remember about you a this age is you still love to be a cowboy and wear your black cowboy boot everywhere, even when your brother says you look like a geek. You have such confidence and you are a leader I love that about you also. Thank you Lord for blessing us with SWEET BABY JAMES! We love you so much! Dad, Sugar Mama, Trey, and Katerina.

HAPPY 8th BIRTHDAY TREY

2007-10-12T21:09:00.000-07:00

Well I can't believe as of 10:00am today I have a 8 year old! Where has the time gone? At 8 years old you are out going, sensitive, compassionate, hansome. You enjoy sports, especially hockey and soccer. Most recently you have decided that you also want to play goalie in both. Mom has not been able to talk you out of this, so I give up. We are so very proud of you Trey. I am so glad that you have found your passion at such a young age. God has blessed us with a great son, and big brother. We love you so much! Mom Dad James and Katerina

HAPPY HAPPY 42TH BIRTHDAY, DADDY AND HUBBY

2007-09-06T18:10:00.000-07:00

In honor of my hubby's 42nd birthday I decided to show you just what kind of dad and husband he is. As some of you know we went to Disney in April this year. Ray and I had not been to Disney as parents and I really had to convience Ray that we should go. Ray as always thought of us his family first, and worked extra hard so that we could enjoy seven marathon days at the Sweetest Place on Earth! And we did,( we ) meaning Trey,James and myself. He did everything the boys and I wanted and did not complain, but when asked if he would go again his reply went something like this: Not anytime soon, and not without a beach vacation to come home to. So hun, thanks for being the Godly family man that you are, and the best daddy ever to our boys and our future daughter. We love you so much! We are very thankful that you were born 42 years ago. You are the best!
THANKS FOR MAKING ALL OUR DREAMS COME TRUE!
Love your wife and kids

DAY BEFORE SCHOOL STARTS

2007-08-28T19:17:00.000-07:00

Today the boys and I had so much fun! We went to a public pool. Trey, let's just call him "Mr Mayor" because he knew everyone and even if he did not know you he would introduce himself. God has blessed Trey with this outgoingness. Tomorrow will be his first day of second grade. When asked if he is ready he usually responds "no" but today he finally said "yes". So Mr Mayor ready or not here comes second grade. You will do just fine. Mom will be ready to welcome you home with hugs and kisses and your favorite snacks. James will also be waiting for you to come home. He is really going to miss ya! I'm sure you will be fighting 15 minutes after you come home, but you both will work it out. It is part of being brothers. As for James and I, we will be going to the gym right after dropping you at school. And then home right home to clean this house. I have been trying to make the most of these last two days before school started and have so neglected my house work. It is TRASHED. Well I better get some sleep. All is quiet. It a beautiful full moon. Kisses to my little China Princess, where ever you are. Mommy loves all three of you!

HAPPY 89TH BIRTHDAY PAPPY HOWDY!

2007-08-13T19:21:00.000-07:00

Just wanted you to know that we love you very much! We are proud to be your family. You are a awsome Dad, Grandpa, and Great Grandpa.

For those of you that are reading and wondering: The first pictures is my younger sister, Tammie and the second is my mom and dad with Pappy Howdy, which is my mom's dad.

RED NECK PETE AND HIS CAR

2007-07-26T20:32:00.000-07:00

Well now that I have caught up with your alls blogs. I need to bring all of you up to date on mine. So here it goes: Ray and I went to the Outer Banks for our 13th anniversary, without the boys! We had a blast! We laughed alot. So much I almost peed my pants a couple of times. This one in particular time involved a guy which Ray named Red Neck Pete. We had just arrive at the beach in our rented Chrysler 300( such a nice ride) Ray was driving on the five lane highway that runs down through the Outer Banks. Well Ray noticed that cars were stopped as we approached this intersection, just then this clunker appears, and the driver (Red Neck Pete) is trying to make eye contact with Ray. So Ray motions for him to come on out. Well his clunker diplayed some evidence that he had unsucessfully try to make a left turn across traffic at least two times before. However this time he made it saying to his buddy in the car "see I told you it would work, third times a charm". We had so much fun just being together, eating out and laying pool side, talking about the kids. I can't wait to do this again. I have a feeling it will not be until we go to China to pick up Katerina. Thanks to the wonderful man I married for thinking of our relationship enough to take me away. I love you so much!

My foot is not really any better. At first the sexy braces were making it feel somewhat better some of the time, I have another drs appointment in Aug I think I might try the injection.

I have talked with some of you about my blog and realized that some of you, (you know who you are) have been reading and not posting. I am so excited that you are reading, please post so that I know you all care. Even if you just say you were there. Thanks and good night. Tracie

MONDAY MONDAY SO GOOD TO ME

2007-07-02T13:45:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone, thought I would give you a little update on this GREAT Monday. You ask why this Monday is so Great? Well here are several reasons: I got a little break today from my boys, they are at grandma and pappy . I took full advantage of this and got my hair cut, went to the DR by myself, and have been cleaning with no little helpers. We are interviewing a dog sitter tonight for when Ray and I go on our little 4 day gateaway. Details details, almost complete. Ray finally did tell me that we, just him and I are going to the beach. As you know from the previous post he was surprising me. I can't imagine not having the boys at the beach. Not watching James play in the sand and Trey determined to master his skim board. We will miss you boys, but mommy and daddy need a break to reconnect. Thanks you wonderful hubby for making this trip possiable.

I went to the Dr today about my foot, I was right in that I do have planter fasciitis, I did not choose the injection just yet, however I have this sexy air heel that I have to wear always, and as if this was not enough sexy for you I also have to wear the ole so sexy boot to bed. Oh well , aleast it is helping. We are off to Kennywood tomorrow, our local amusment park, and a 4th of July celebration at a friends house with a pool. Happy 4th to everyone.

ME AND MY THOUGHTS

2007-06-30T23:09:00.000-07:00

I have been doing alot of thinking about this blog. I orginally started this to tell our adoption journey, however I have not really documented that here yet. I have however talked alot about my family, mostly the boys, which includes my dear hubby. I love love , I repeat love to visit several blogs. Which is great, but sometimes overwelming. And so I have decided that I need to put into place some goals: so here they are:
#1 To post a entry a least once a week
#2 To visit my adoption links at least once a week, and post comments on their blogs.
#3 To learn more about blogging and how to do some specific things I can't explain here.
#4 When I visit others blogs I need to set a timer so that I don't lose track of time, limit this to a hour a day.
I have become very addicted to visiting others blogs and want to continue, but I think I have to set some limits or I am going to drive myself crazy.
#5 To post more about myself and my feelings and what is going with me, which I find extremly hard to do.
In honor of the last goal I will tell you what is up with me. Well, I think I am finally over my sinus cold that turned into infection etc., as many of you know the fam went to Disney in April, well everyone seems to have recovered from that except for me, I believe I have plantar fasciitis, which is inflammation of the muscle that connects your heel to your toes. At times it is very painful and other times I think it is getting better. Well I am going to see a ortho dr on Mon. for a possiable injection because I can't take it anymore, however the injection is painful itself, but how long can that hurt? shorter than three months of misery? Please pray that I make the right decision, dear hubby thinks I should just get the injection, he also says that Disney is still costing him $$$$$ LOL I will let you know what happens. I need to get back to my workouts and eating better. More about me later

MY SWEET HUBBY, UP TO SOMETHING?

2007-06-20T22:01:00.000-07:00

This is my man and wonderful husband. We will be married for 13 years, on July 16, 2007. As July approaches I often start to think about what we could do to celebrate our anniversary. As most of you know the Butka family enjoyed Disney in April and did not get to goto the beach. I have missed the relaxing part of our vacation. So my mom has agreed to take the boys for a long weekend in July, which Ray has arranged. That is all I know and all that anyone includeing my mother will tell me. This is Ray's way of surprising me. Driving me nuts, more like it. I am very blessed and whatever you plan for us will be perfect! I love you! Tracie

MOM YOU ROCK!

2007-06-16T19:49:00.000-07:00

OK I broke down and let the boys get Mohawks. Trey has wanted one for a long time and I told him that he could get one when school was out. I thought he would forget about it. Well he held me to it. And so today it happened, they have 12 weeks to grow it back before school starts. It is only hair, right? and you are only young once.

THANKS SECRET PAL

2007-04-22T05:43:00.000-07:00

SPIDERMAN JAMES

2007-04-05T21:21:00.000-07:00

This was one of James favorite birthday gifts. This gift was pretty special because it was from his preschool friend who is a girl. Whatever he is dress as he is, from Cowboy James to Superman, to Spiderman. I just love this age, they are so much fun.

SUPER JAMES

2007-04-05T20:53:00.000-07:00

James received these PJ for his birthday and he put them on and puff he was SUPER JAMES. He loved me taking his picture. It was like a photo shoot. Your alot of fun James!

HAPPY 4th BIRTHDAY TO OUR COWBOY JIMMY JAMES

2007-04-01T20:48:00.000-07:00

Well he is four years old today! I can't believe he is four already. James my little buddy Mommy and Daddy love you with all our hearts. We hope you had a wonderful birthday filled with your favorite people, all of your preschool friend, family etc. Mommy and Daddy had a blast planning your cowboy birthday party. We can't forget to thank your brother Trey for being a Great Helper. We are so proud of you both. I know when we get your sister you both will help us plan the best Princess birthday party ever. I know you both love her already. James, you think she is coming in the mail. You ask the mailman everyday whether he has your sister in there. You are so cute, I get the biggest kick out of you. You are a wild one, but a blessing none the less. Today my wish for you is that you never lose that sweet and fisty personiality. One more thing, thank you Lord for my wonderful little Jimmy James. Good Night Sweetie

WHAT'S UP?

2007-03-28T20:57:00.000-07:00

Ok, it has been a whole month since I posted. Where did March go. Well, this is what I have been up to: Our James is turning four this Sunday April 1, 2007. So I am busy planning his COWBOY Celebration. I have invited about 12 preschoolers and all but one is coming. My niece has agreed to help me by telling them a cowboy story by the campfire, which will include all of their names so that they have to listen closely. Then it is off to the indoor play area, which will be turned into a gold rush complete with choclate treasure coins hidden throughout, which they have to find. The menu for the day will be hot dogs, homemade crockpot mac and chesse, and a very tasty receipe of sloopy joes, and of course cake. James and my grandma Betty share the same birthday, difference is that he is four and she is 90 something. She looks awsome! I promise to post pictures of the complete day.

Ok the other things that are taking up alot of my time lately is ME. I love to workout. And require it for my mentel health, however I have in the past only done cardio no strength trainning. So at the begin of March I had a personal trainer develop my very own program. I have to say I am enjoying my workouts even though they are very hard and feel rediculious at times
(lifting such heavy weights) I love seeing the FAT go away (inches) my clothes fitting better etc.

We also only have four more weeks until Disney. So I am getting everyone ready for this vacation. I went through the boys clothes. James has grown like a weed. Trey has gotten taller, but can still get one more season out of his shorts etc. Now that we have completed our family as far as boys go. I am cosignning all James clothes. All of this $$ that I make will go towards redoing Katerina'sroom. Can't wait for that.

Gymnastics and Sparring

2007-02-28T20:07:00.000-08:00

Trey is now a purple belt in Karate. We are so proud of him for sticking with his commitment. This has not been easy for him, but we told him you have to stick with it until April when our membership is up. We did think he may change his mind, but he has not, so it is on to Hockey. James takes gymnastics every Wed afternoon, he loves it. We have signed him up for Snow Plow Sam Skating Class. He will also play soccer in the Fall, he is not old enough to play Spring soccer, however he has his shoe and shin guards already and I am sure will go fully dressed to Trey's games.

Put Your Helmet On

2007-02-28T19:59:00.000-08:00

Don't these guys look so cute in their helmets. Trey is now taking figure skating lessons and will be going to hockey school at the end of March. Trey just got his helmet today, we have been collecting his necessary equipment, but the helmet is special. Look into his big brown eyes and see the passion and excitement. I love his determination, he knows what he wants to do and has conviced us to permit him to transition from Karate to Hockey. He has been doing karate for the last two years and it was great for him. Time to move on and I have to let go and support him in his new sport. James on the other hand is just getting started, he wants to do everything big brother does, but he is not old enough for much right now. So we wait for the magic age of 4, this April. James helmet is a Chinese fighter polit, which dh had to have. It did come in handy today, when Trey got his new helmet.

HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEAR TO ALL

2007-02-18T21:24:00.000-08:00

Ray and I went to dinner last night to celebrate alot of things: First, we were celebrating officially being pregnant again, being logged into China is the equalant to being pregnant, only I am glad I don't have to carry this one for 18 months, which will be our wait time to referral, which is a picture and medical report of our daughter. The second , was Chinese New Year, so in honor of the New Year we remembed last year: It was last March that we started our paperchase to adopt, had our paperwork stolen in July, bought a van in Oct ( getting prepared to have a third child) and we were done with our paperchase in Dec, and are planning a April trip to Disney, and LID ( logged in date) to China, which was Feb 4, 2007. We are so blessed!

OUR MOON

2007-02-13T16:53:00.000-08:00

Katerina, our princess, our daughter, We know you are looking at the same moon, so even though we are on the other side of the world I feel very close to you when I look at the moon. This picture was taken outside our bedroom window. I hope to have you here on this side of the world looking at the moon together, but until then thank you God for the blessing of our moon.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY GRANDMA SMITH

2007-01-31T22:21:00.000-08:00

I wanted to take this oppertunity to say Happy Birthday. Also I want you to know how much you are appreciated and loved. You are a terriffic grandma and mom. We love you and want you to enjoy your day.

Family of 3 then 4 and soon 5

2007-01-29T21:58:00.000-08:00

In my previous post I spoke of ds James who is 3. He has been asking some question about where his sister is coming from. I found a picture of when I was about 5 months pregnant with him. They grow up so fast. Ds Trey looks so little in this picture. Oh I cannot wait to be pregnant (LID). When we get this date we can officially consider ourselves pregnant again. I cannot wait! Look for the BIG anouncment coming soon.

Beach 2006 Memories

2007-01-29T21:16:00.000-08:00

I want to be at the beach this week! It is cold and it snow about every other day. The van has sooo much salt on it, but it is supposed to snow tomorrow again so I don't want to waste my time and $$$$$ to have it washed.

No news to report on the adoption front. We are still waiting for our LID (Log in Date). Each day we are getting closer to you, Katerina. James is asking some questions about his baby sister being in my tummy. I told him that she is in mommy's heart and we prayed for her. I am amazed at how much the boys understand and already love the idea of having a sister.

Mammas Boys

2007-01-12T16:32:00.000-08:00

So these our our boys, Trey is 7 years old and James is 3 1/2.
These pictures were taken New Years Eve at the ice skating rink. Trey fell soooo many times I can't even count, but he was so determined to skate. James went once around and that was it, skates off. I stayed with Trey for awhile and dh Ray took James to the indoor soccer field and then we switched. It was alot of fun but Ray and I really felt it the next day. Not as young as we use to be. The boys can't wait to be big brothers. Trey and James are so different in so many ways. Trey now wants to take skating lesson so he can learn how to play hockey. James woke up one day and said he want to be a cowboy and live in Texes. He has never been to Texes don't even know anyone in Texes, but he says it with the accent and everything. I love my boys very much, but I am not used to boys, I did not have any brothers, I really did not know anything about how different they are until I got married. Ray and I have been married for 13 years and I am still learning.

Hooray, more great News

2007-01-04T17:24:00.000-08:00

Well, I just checked my email and discover a message saying that our dossier is on it's way to China. It should be there in about 3-5 days and we then would be waiting a possiable 8 weeks to get our LID date which is the date that you count down to the refferal, which is the picture of our daughter. This is where the real wait begins. They are currently predicting our wait time to be at the longest seventeen months which takes us into spring of 2008. I am ok with this because I know God is in control and will try to focus on my husband and the boys, and being the best wife and mom I can be.

Inspired by so many of you!

2007-01-04T09:26:00.001-08:00

I am so excited to have my own blog site, which so many of you have encouraged me to do. So here it is: This is where I will create memories with my family as we wait to meet our daughter and sister, Katerina. She is already born in our hearts and we love her. I will try to tell our adoption journey thus far in the next couple of weeks. We are currently waiting to hear from our agency as to when our paperwork will be out of translation and sent to China. Over the Christmas break, our agency told us that our dossier passed critical review. We had been working towards that goal since March 2006. So this was really good news.

2007-01-04T00:29:00.000-08:00

Test post

2006-12-01T00:13:00.001-08:00