SCC Concert

We had the most wonderful time volunteering at the Shaohannah's Hope table at the Stephen Curtis Chapman concert here in Aiken last week. It is an incredible ministry (started by the Chapmans) that helps families that are called to adoption with financial support. They give grants that average about $3000 to many families all over the US that are adopting both internationally as well as domestically. We were also very fortunate to get to meet and talk with Mary Beth Chapman (Steven's wife) when she came out to the table during the concert. It was wonderful to have an opportunity to express my appreciation to her for their work in the adoption community but also for her personally sharing her testimony about their adoption story. Her comments had a major effect on me when we were in the decision/waiting period. They used the same adoption agency we did (America World) so many of the marketing materials they use contain videos or statements from the Chapmans. Anyway, Shaohannah (aka Shaoey-their 8 yo dtr from China) was with Mary Beth and even though Xan didn't have a clue who she was.....we had her autograph our Shaoey and Dot books (story books the Chapmans wrote about an adopted girl and her ladybug friend). We took a picture with her but some toddler, who shall remain nameless, deleted that picture from the camera. We were just sick but what are you gonna do. Anyway, it was an incredible night, we collected over $3500 in change/cash and witnessed them surprising a local family who had applied for a Shaohannah's Hope grant with a check for that amount. God was moving all over the place and we got to be a small part of His divine plan to call and equip families for adoption.

PS-If you are interested....www.shaohannahshope.com.

Dancing Video

I'm trying the video option for the blog....if it works I'll be sure to do more.

Enjoy our little dancing queen.

Mostly Pictures

Isn't that just the cutest little girl you ever did see!!


Cutest little girl......being not so nice :).


OK......cutest little girl again.


Xan's 1st experience w/ sand and water (our church picnic). She loved it.


Xan to Eva, " I'll trade you a sippy cup of juice for that pretty red balloon."

Just wanted to share some pictures so you'd know we're still alive. Xan's fighting a cold or allergies here but nothing major.....just lots of runny nose "stuff" and a little cough. It seems to be going around here with the cooler mornings and warm afternoons. Will post more later....thanks for keeping up with us.

Just some pics.......

Kicking back with a tall glass of milk.

Our very own little monkey...hehe.

"No, I do not want a banana...I want out of this thing!"

Smooching our girl!

Our "show me your teeth" smiles!

Sept 18---GOTCHA DAY!

September 18, 2007

September 18, 2006

One year ago today we became our Forever Family. It is hard to believe that we've already been parents for a whole year.....a whole absolutely wonderful year. Praises to God for all the great things He has done for us. It is common in the adoption community to celebrate "Gotcha Day" and the Everitt family did just that. Stan had the day off so he was able to be with Xan and I which is always nice. We went out for dinner, Chinese of course, and ordered the Happy Family.(hehehe) We took a family "portrait" and then watched all the videos from our trip to China. Well....the emotions were flowing as you can imagine. Such sweet memories! We got several emails from the other families that traveled with us and they were all doing well and celebrating in their homes too. September 18 will always be a very special day for us.

Visitors

We had my Grandma and Aunt Freddi come for a visit this past week and we had such a good time. They actually flew into Columbia on the same day that we returned from Texas so it worked out well.....we all just came to Aiken together. We didn't really do a whole lot while they were here--mostly just visiting here at the house. They were here a couple of years ago and we did all the "Aiken" things so this time we just relaxed. My aunt had never met Xan so that was very special to see them together. Grandma and Freddi cooked several times (oh so good!!) and Freddi made me a peach cobbler, well 2 actually but who's counting, while she was here and it brought back such wonderful memories of my time in her home. It was really good to have them here....thanks for coming!

Here are a few pics...enjoy.

We've had a very busy couple of weeks but things are getting back to normal now. First of all....the very important stuff.

STAN IS OFFICIALLY A CLASS A MEMBER OF THE PGA! woohoo!!!

He was in Florida for 4 days and completed the last step of the process and is all finished. I am extremely proud of him and respect all that he did to reach this goal. He is already a wonderful golf pro but now he is "credentialed" with the PGA. It's exciting to watch and see what God has in store for him/our family next. It doesn't really change his job now and his day to day responsibilities are the same......but it will open doors and things for him later should he decide to see what else is out there. He would love to be involved in all that is going on with golf in China so maybe God has something really great for him/us.

Next, the sad news. My grandmother, aka Nanny, passed away on August 28 and we all went home for the funeral which was on Friday, Aug 31. She was such a wonderful, loving person and to know that we will never see her again, this side of heaven, is a bit sad. It was a very sweet service and she would have been so proud of all her family and friends sitting there.....more than would even fit in the church. We also had a family reunion, which had been planned many months ago, for her extended family (the Fluitt's) and got to see and visit with lots of family we hadn't seen in years. Of course it was really fun to introduce them to Xan. We stayed with Ann & Ray in Idalou and kept the road hot between there and Post. It is always tiring to go home b/c we go and go and go but it is so worth it to get to see everyone, even if only for a little while.

Here are some pics from our visit at home. My camera's battery died so I'm sad that I didn't get hardly any shots......sorry.