Catch Up Time!!!!

WOW!!!! Time has passed in a hurry. In September, we were still in Alabama and praying we could move home to Georgia or at least REALLY close to there. Anything would be better than being on call 24/7 365 days a year. It happened!! On October 15th, we moved to Georgia within an hour and half of our home. October 20th, Matt started as a contractor working at Robins Air Force Base. At this job we had some really awesome insurance including disability insurance. It was a provision of God as over the following months it has been an awesome benefit.

End of October we moved into a house which was located in an awesome neighborhood, big backyard and a great landlord. Halloween, we found out our neighborhood was the main area for trick or treaters. Instead of taking Clay trick or treating we went to the bowling alley and Clay loved it!!!!!

November was Thanksgiving and we were able to spend it with family in AL. Right after Thanksgiving, Clay began 2 year preschool twice a week and Clay was just great from day one. He loved his teachers and going to school.

December was spent in AL once again and it was a great day. Clay got Thomas Train laptop, Camera and some extra tracks for his train set. He thought it was the best and so did Matt and I watching him open his gifts and having fun with his cousins. Right before Christmas, Beverly, had a baby girl. She was six weeks early due to pre eclampsia causing seizures. Beverly was able to go home Christmas Day and Maggie was home a couple weeks later.

January was spent getting into a routine and making this area home. Matt's back pain was escalating with the new job and his legs were going numb. We scheduled Epidurals and other treatments as prescribed and nothing was helping.

February 5th, Matt was in so much pain he had to call out for the day and once home his back spasmed and sent him to the ground. Thank God it wasn't at work as he would have had a 70ft fall or gotten stuck in a fuel tank. Dr Easom took him out of work for time being and we were referred to a surgeon, Dr Daxes M. Banit.

During this time, Clay became very clingy to his Daddy and this became the forerunner of what is occuring now. March 11th, Clay was taken to my sisters where he stayed until surgery on Matt's back was over and he was off the walker and steady on his feet. Surgery was done March 15th. My parents came and stayed with me while he was in surgery and until he was brought to his room. I cannot go into details here as the emotions, stress and everything else associated with the surgery was more than anything ever gone through before. To back up, though. Disability insurance came thru end of February and March 8th, Matt was laid off due to the contract being lost. We had no choice, but to move home to survive as COBRA had to be gotten before surgery and Disability was not enough to pay rent and mortgage and live. So March 8th, we moved home permanently.

March 21st, Alice and Russell along with Beverly, Maggie and Emma brought Clay home as Matt was not quite ready to drive long distances. Beverly still has seizures and Maggie is so tiny. Emma has grown so much and more social, also. Since coming home to the restrictions Matt is under Clay is adjusting to them but whenever he gets angry or told no it is taken out on me. Nighttime as long Matt will sit down, hold him, and rock him he will go to bed. He still is not sleeping thru the night but at least he sleeps.

It is now over two weeks post op and Matt is doing well. During Pre - Op, the EKG found something and as of two weeks post - op, he has been scheduled an echocardiogram for Monday and Tuesday is first post-op visit with Dr Banit. Stitches will be removed and we will start scheduled physical therapy for a month or two, twice a week. In total recovery will take 6 months.

I don't know why God has done in such a short time what he has, but I dont need to know. We went to Macon and found doctors that listened to Matt and found out what was wrong. We had a surgeon that God used to fix Matt's back and then he sent us home permanently. We had a church we were going to every time we were in town and as of last Sunday we are going all the time. They stepped up after Matt's surgery and gave us support in so many ways, even though, they did not know us well and we are not members. I have never seen this type support in church before and so now we are in an awesome place. Right were God wants us!!!!!!!! We are home!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Please, continue to pray as God works in our lives and leads us to what is coming next!!!!! Thank you for your prayers!!!

I will post pictures, soon!!!!!

Tennessee Aquarium

The past few weeks have been pretty difficult here as every day the apartment here seems to grow smaller and the contract for our job here is never guaranteed making it more and more important to keep a place where we are month to month as the contract could end at any time. We have been under alot of stress here. In order to survive longer in this time we go home or take mini vacations on weekends. Matt works 4 ten hour shifts so we have three day weekends. The last weekend in February we went to the TN Aquarium and stayed a night with a really great friend from my church where I grew up. We got to meet her family and we loved it. Clay had a lot of fun playing with her nephews especially the youngest. For the first time I watched Clay really play with a child playing chase and just having fun instead of playing at something while the other child did too but not the same thing. There is nothing here like there is in Columbus. We miss My Gym where Clay was able to play with other kids. Please everyone that reads my blog be praying that we hear something about this job soon and whatever it is we have other options in place if we lose the contract. We also need prayers on how to get Matt back in school as we need something better for our family for different reason. Here are photos from our trip to Tennessee. We had fun watching the fish and sharks and all other fish and animals at the aquarium. Clay loved the turtles most and loved watching them. I let him try to pet a sting ray since the stinger was removed at the aquarium and I am the only one that got close enough. Clay had more fun watching them and playing in the water.

Oh yeah, Clay learned to unlock the deadbolt the other day and now can open the front door. Well, for now, I have it fixed so he can't by putting a door knob cover on it. Our child learns everything quickly and makes it known in the most unexpected and sometime heart stopping moments.

How Time Flies.....

Time has flown and I had not realized it has been quite some time since I posted anything at all. I am going to do an update now and as things get a bit more certain will post pictures. November flew by. Thanksgiving Day everyone was together for the first time since our family trip to Disney World. It was nice to see everyone. My oldest and youngest niece and oldest nephew. Emma is REALLY shy and it didn't help her not seeing any of us in 6 months. I am hoping when she and my sister come back in January for Alice's (another sister) wedding that maybe then she will get to know us better. Clay tried to get her to play with him but still no go. Maybe next time. Clay was extremely exhausted by evening so we went home earlier than planned but it was a great day. On the way home a deer decided that our car was a good place to head so he ran right into the side of us. The car nor the deer were hurt. Clay didn't even wake up when it happened.

On the way back to Albuquerque, my sister and her family were in a really bad accident in Wichita Falls, TX. It was a miracle no one was major, seriously hurt. They hit a semi and then a guard rail at 50-55 miles an hour. My sister was hurt worse with her femur really badly bruised and requiring 6 weeks of physical therapy. Everyone else except for Emma and her daddy had minor whiplash and one person a mild concussion. Thank God all were fine.

We learned last week we have a job in Huntsville, AL. Praise God!!!! Starting the next day after learning of the the job Matt came down with a stomach virus which by Friday he was getting better and I caught it. We are all better now. Clay has a cold but never came down with the virus as of yet so once again very thankful that Clay didn't get it.

We learned today that the package from HR to where the job is didn't come in on Friday as expected and that was the reason for hearing nothing about getting the drug test, background check, etc scheduled so we can start work soon. They were hoping to get it today and set the test up VERY soon. It would be extremely nice if we could have one pay check before Christmas!

I believe I have covered it all!!!! If not I will when I sign on again. With pictures too.

Clay has started doing a lot more. He is climbing on everything now. He tells us what he wants to drink instead of just drink and will even climb in his high chair and say eat when hungry. He is talking in 2-3 word sentences for certain things and is remembering things that he may have heard only once before and even a few days before. I dont know when alot of this happened. Like I can't just pinpoint a day it just started and then one day I noticed in the middle of a conversation. He tries hard to put his own clothes on and if got all the time in the world let him try. I know he needs to learn and he is a determined and somewhat independent little boy who wants to do it himself so when I can I let him. He is a Daddy's boy for sure and I love watching them together and then it is the sweetest thing when he wants his Daddy and his Daddy isnt in the room he will look at me and say "my Daddy?" Or run down the hall calling for him in the same way. Ok I will definitely sign off now and will update again soon.

October - Ups and Downs and all Arounds

The weather here in GA has gone from warm to cold at night and really nice during the day. This month has been really busy. Matt is looking for a new job and we have a really good interview set up for Monday that I am hoping and so is Matt that we would get. It would pay well (what we made in St Louis when first moved) and the biggest benefit for us is it means we are allowed to stay home in GA.

Clay has begun to copy what we say more and pick up words clearly we didn't even know he could say. He has used quite a few two word sentences and I have heard a couple three word sentences. The first three word sentence came when we went to sign him up for classes at My Gym. He remembered it from the free trial class and when we left he wanted to stay and play and boy did our little one pitch a tantrum at leaving. The next time we went we got there to early (even for the workers) for free play so rode around a little before heading back to give them time to arrive and open. From the time we left till we got back it was "I wanna play" from the back seat loud and clear. We got back and went in for free play and he loved it. All the climbing and sliding and balls made his day. The hardest part is leaving!! He is getting better, though. His first class was the two days later and he had tons of fun there too. I even have some pics. The best is taken on his favorite thing at class time.

Clay loves going to MeMe and PawPaws. We have done that at least once a month since getting home and this month twice. Since he knows we can and will go regularly he is constantly every day asking for his MeMe and PawPaw and Aunt Deborah and Jacob!! The first time this month we went for Katy's birthday. Clay loved helping her get her gifts. The last time was, today. All this week he asked constantly and by that I mean numerous times throughout the day. Then well this morning that changed. We were getting ready to leave and we heard " I want PawPaw", " I want Deborah", "I want Jacob" and " I want MeMe". Can you tell who he wants to see?? His first Halloween and it was hectic. We got there and once Alice and the kids (Jacob included, of course) came in it was hectic. Jacob and Jacob's Friend, Philip, was dressed as Spiderman and Iron man respectively and came in with their masks on and when they came in Clay just sat there staring with eyes wide. Then Alice and Shauna (Phillips Mom) came in and they were dressed as witches and that did it Clay didn't like that at all. That and Jacob getting in his face to play in full dress and talk about scared. Since he couldnt get to me or Matt (they were in between us) he ran straight to his Aunt Deborah and held on for dear life. Now, once his Aunt Alice came over and talked to him and reassured him it was just her and she took him he calmed down and was fine. She didnt have any face paint or nothing just clothes an hair. We then got Clay ready in his outfit and off they went. Matt took Clay. They didnt stay long as Clay just didnt like being out in the dark and others in costumes and when he got fussy Matt brought him back and he just got more pics taken and had fun playing and eating candy. Yep, that is it. His new word. I let Deborah give him one but his PawPaw said you want some candy and gave it to him and well he now knows what it is. Except for a little chocolate bunny at Easter ( I let him have a little bit at a time) and Cotton Candy at Disney World, Clay hadnt been given candy and so now since he has found it he likes it an awful lot.

We did a photo shoot before bed one night earlier this month and I am going to include some pictures. I got a couple REALLY good ones but most are interesting ones.

Please be praying for Kim and Steve and Zack as they have found out that Zack has SOD. It is rare and it is not good. It will mean alot of possibilities, alot of meds and alot of learning for them all. It could be genetic, it could be something damaging happened during pregnancy or it could be a result of no medical care, neglect and malnutrition while he was in Guatemala (which in this case did occur). Please be praying for this family as they love their son so much and it hurts them to see him have to go through all this.

Please Pray for us that Matt finds a job soon. We want to stay here, but will go where God sends us. Thank you for your prayers.

I hope you enjoy the few pictures I have added and will try to update and add more again in the not to distant future. Stay Tuned and check back often cause things change and alot of things are coming up in November.

Catch Up!!!!!

It has happened!!! Anna had her embassy appt on Jan. 22. Matt and I had ours on Feb 22. Mary had her embassy appt on Sept 22. They are now home forever!!!!! Kim and Zack are home forever as of Friday, Sept 19th. Praise God!!!


It isnt over y'all there are still families waiting to bring their children home to their forever families. Please continue to pray them home it is a hard journey!!

Matt and Clay and I went before the judge in St Louis County on September 23rd. Clay is no longer a nickname it is his legal name. John Clayton is official!!! We moved home right after that. We are home!!!!!!!!! On September 24th, Anna and her family went to court for the readoption of Pablo. Please be praying for Pablo as he is pretty sick right now!! He has pneumonia and possibly the chicken pox. Please be praying for Anna and them as they take care of him too.

There are a ton of pictures taken, yet I have found a few I really like and placing here. Not many as this time I am going to add some videos soon!! The pictures are from a trip to MeMe and PawPaws and going with Aunt Deborah to walk around Oxford Lake. Clay went down the slide mostly alone but Aunt Deborah went once on a double slide and then as we walked around the lake, the lake and the ducks!! Finally pictures taken at court!! Enjoy!!!

Oxford Lake

Disney World, Sea World and Georgia

It is only the 25th and about 2 weeks since getting back from FL. Florida was major hot!!!!!!! The comfort tracker on the stroller taking in humidity, pavement etc marked the heat at 132 as highest at times. It felt it to!!! We had a good time!! On the 6th we went to AL for my oldest nephews 12th birthday and brought Katy (9yo neice) to spend the night then Katy, Clay and Matt and I drove from GA to Tifton where we met everyone else. We then had 3 vehicles all the way to Orlando. We stopped for lunch at a rest area and after getting to the rental house we swam and relaxed till bed time. The next two days were spent at Magical Kingdom. The heat was something else and made for a slow day (it slowed me and Matt down and we were showing our age). Clay loved the people mostly. He loves to watch them. He had cotton candy for the first time while there and loved the lady with the bubbles before the parade. Needless to say naps and schedules were not kept and at times Clay was cranky but not too much. He was too excited to be. Between family and the parks this little boy was wore out every night.


The third day was spent at Animal Kingdom where Clay got ride a few rides and see alot of animals. He also fed himself ice cream for the first time. He met a character from Lion King and was a little more comfortable with him than the Easter Bunny. He and Emma met Pocahontas together. There was one moment where Clay was pointing one way and Emma the other until Clay turned around to look and Pocahontas is pointing another. It was really cute.


This was also the point where it started a thundershower and had to head back to the main part of the park. To see the characters we were at Ritikis Planet and had to take a train to Africa then through Asia and Dino Land to the main gate. So we got back to the train station after I narrowly missed being hit by lightning and made the train and while on it was in and out of signal so bad my Dad when called to see where in park was had a hard time hearing so to keep it short and stuff simply said " We are on the train going back to Africa". I think my Dad thought he was hearing things and made me repeat it!!! Well, the two ladies in front of me started laughing and then when hung up one looked at me and said I never thought I would hear that in my entire life and she said "Only in Disney" So ended our stay at the Animal Kingdom. The fourth day we spent the morning at Downtown Disney where I bought Clay 2 CD's: Imagination Movers "Juice Box Heroes" and The Mickey Mouse Clubhouse CD. They didnt have the Choo Choo Soul CD music he loves so will have to get offline. I also bought an album and paper at the scrapbook store (it will hold more than one trip too). We plan to go back when Clay is older and can enjoy more of it. The rest of the day was spent at Epcot Center. We made an easy day of it and Clay loved the fire truck there. We didnt get there in time to get pics with Mickey and Minnie, etc but the others did and also the line was so long and Clay didnt like lines so for the best this time. When older and understand more who they are will be a different story. Clay's absolute best time was at Sea World where he saw and loved watching the baby dolphins in the dolphin nursery and his most favorite was Shamu!!!! Oh my word you should have seen him!!!! He was the first to clap when needed to and couldnt take his eyes off him. I overdid it at the parks and wore myself and my body out!!!!!! But so worth it. The way home was really hard on Clay. His Aunt Beverly bought Clay a small Shamu and it has had to be added to his bedtime collage of favorites!!!! Since then we have been in GA. Clay and I are staying to get some things done for when coming back permanently and over the last weekend got sick so Matt and I had to take him to the Dr. He has a tonsil infection and ear infection and as of today is feeling almost 100%. We are so glad for that!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! He is even getting back on schedule now. This is just briefly everything so far and gets everyone up to date. We have had a busy, exciting and good month so far except for Clay getting sick. I am also posting some pictures.





Praise God, Sonia and Cory are out of PGN and Mary should be getting out at any time. Kim had their Birth Mother interview today after a really hard time doing so and will see what happens now. Please continue to pray!!!!!

The three of us in front of Cinderella's Castle

Clay having cotton candy for the first time

Katy watching Clay feed himself ice cream

Daddy and Clay and Ratiki(?)

Emma and Clay with Pocahontas

Daddy and Clay in front of the Fire Truck

Clay impatiently getting pic with Mommy he wants to continue playing with buttons

Baby Dolphin at Dolphin Nursery

Clay at home in GA (He loves playing with stuff from a box of camping stuff)

Let's play catch up!!

I can't believe it has been almost a whole month since I last posted anything. We have been extremely busy and I have a few pictures but not tons. Clay is walking everywhere now.
He is even running at times, though he isn't so steady doing that. He has more teeth and I don't know when they came in with everything going in. He is going through a stage where every time he gets frustrated or mad or just bored he will start to head butt anyone or anything in sight. I asked the doctor about that one and she said that was normal. Clay got really sick on Memorial Day and wouldn't eat for about a week, but is now back to normal. In fact the only time that he really rested the first few nights was when he finally wore Matt and I both out crying and then he would fall asleep in what turned out to be his favorite place of all:





He is now 24.5 lbs and 33.5 inches tall. There is a ton of other stuff going on to.
We are going on vacation to Disney World leaving tomorrow and will be gone a week. I will post pictures and more once we get back home.
Please be praying for Kim and Steve as their birthmother interview is today and dont even know if she will be there. Things are looking up in some areas and down in others. Well, Please be praying for all waiting and I will even update there later. Have a blessed week.

Quick Updates!!

I am so sorry it has been this long since I updated my blog. I had every intention of posting some pictures and giving updates, but life took over and I am just trying to get something in here so no one thinks I forgot about them.

April 6-9th we went to see family. Beginning Sunday April 13th I got really sick and have been since then. In fact, REALLY sick with bronchitis and this is the first time felt like doing anything on here.

March 31st, Joanna found out here baby is perfectly fine and nothing is wrong. Praise God!!!!
In the last couple of weeks Annette has her Visa appt in the morning, Jennie has her Visa appt Monday morning and Alex got word Tuesday that her Visa appt is Wed morning. All three will be home next week with their babies.

Please be praying Mary receives word soon that she is out of Family Court and is resubmitted to PGN. I dont know where Sonia and Cory are in process other than in PGN last I heard and please be praying out soon. Kim is back in PGN since the 7th or so of April and please be praying that Zack comes home soon!!!!! Thank you all for your continued prayer support for my friends.

NOTE: Please be praying for Clay, Matt and I. Clay is scheduled for surgery to correct his eyes on Monday and just please pray for him to stay well and for everything to go great!!!! For Matt and I for strength for during and after this. Thank you all for your prayers!!

First Birthday Celebration Pics!!!!

This is a picture of David and Clay. David made Clay some REALLY good drawings for his birthday just from him and I have them put up for Clay. For now why he is to young to understand I am going to scan them and print on cardstock, mat and hang as pictures on his wall. The originals will go in his album so he will always have them. David, thank you for giving of yourself. I put this picture here cause I love it and the way you have waited with us so patiently for Clay to come home. You are a VERY Special young man.

This Katy with Clay. She and David actually just met Clay here on the day we celebrated his First birthday cause of homework the night before and were really excited. They have waited patiently so long. Katy helped out so much and so wanted to hold him. So here is her time. Katy you are such a sweet young lady and I am so glad you love Clay so much. Katy has asked alot over the last year to hold our little man and finally she got her chance.

Jacob is standing on my right. He was spending the night with his Paw Paw the night we got off the plane and met Clay when he woke up the next morning. In fact he didnt have to go to pre-school that day as his Aunt Beverly let him stay with her. He was really hyper about being with him when David and Katy couldnt and had to be in school. In fact, Jacob wanted so badly to have something for Clay that he picked something of his out for Clay and gave it to him. It was a really big teddy bear and Clay really likes it. He was so EXCITED over giving him something just from him!!!!!!

Here is Emma and Clay as you can tell they both dislike staying still. Emma is walking and is always on the go. Clay tries to be but being a little younger hasnt exactly started walking yet. I like this picture of them together and is one of only a couple I have. Deborah took alot of pictures and has promised me a CD of them. She hasnt done so yet and that is where a lot of my pictures will come from. Emma is 16 months and Clay just turned one on Valentines Day.

Daniel had a fit over Clay and Clay just took up with him from the start. Most of my pictures of the two of them will come from everyone else. In fact Clay took up with everyone and had a ball around everyone. I am just talking his cousins here as they are the ones that just kept him going all the time. I will post pics with some of the adults on another post. Here Clay is trying to pull the bib I put on him off. It was a 1st birthday bib I got to match the decorations.

All the following Pictures are of Clay's Birthday before getting into the cakes and then afterwards:

Here I am all finished with my little cake!!! See I am wearing more of it than I ate, but boy did I have fun putting it on!!!!

The journey to the rest of our lives..

is upon us. Yes, you read that correctly. Am I 100% ready? Oh yeah!!!!!! I have been waiting for this day for a long time and I am so glad it is finally happening. Our apartment still needs a few things done but nothing major just the crib lowered (gotta find the instruction manual) and re-vacuum (I am paranoid I missed something)

I have been up since 4am finishing up packing and making sure I didn't forget anything. Right now, we are going to finish getting ready, then Matt has to log in his vacation time and stuff so can get paid and then to get b'fast and the airport. Becky is picking us up in Atlanta when we land at 3pm or there abouts. We gotta get some last minute things at Wal-Mart as will have a little more luggage guidelines once there.

Here we go and stay tuned. My goal is to post every day while in Guatemala but that also depends on how much time I have but that is the goal. Please be praying all goes smoothly and I havent forgotten anything.

We are ORANGE!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Orange means that we got 2nd DNA authorization today and the DNA test will be done tomorrow. This also gives our attorney authorization for Clay to go to the Embassy Doctor for the physical required to get his visa. The time line currently is seven days from DNA Test to DNA back at US Embassy. Which puts us at February 1st. From DNA at Embassy to Pink (Visa Appt date) is seven days which puts us at February 8th. Then appt at 2 weeks or a little more which puts us at the 22nd or later for pick up. It could be earlier if our Government starts moving quicker but since the new law took effect they have been moving slower.

Either way it doesnt matter. He is coming home and sooner the better, but I will hang on with both hands really tight to remain patient for the last few weeks of this process. I will update more once I get it!!!!!! Please continue to pray for all adoptive parents!!!!!!!! We all need it no matter what part of the process we are in!!! Thank you!!!!!!!!!

Passport!!!!!

We received Clay's passport, yesterday!!!!! We are almost there y'all. It wont be long now. Based on info I have seen the last few days I am figuring we will have Orange tomorrow and DNA taken Friday. Then one week for processing and getting back to US Embassy in Guatemala and one more week to Pink. I am guessing Pink on February 8th and Embassy appt on the 22nd meaning a weekend in Guatemala picking up visa on Monday and the 25th and coming home and in Atlanta on the 26th.

I was hoping for pink around Clay's birthday but any time as fine. He is coming home and it will be soon!!!!!!! I will let you know when or if these estimates are reached on, before or after what I have listed here.

I have also posted pictures as promised. Check below for those:




Dress shoes and work boots to match Daddy's.


Clay's Stroller.


New bodysuits to match other clothing for winter.


My new sweaters.


Mommy bought me some jeans, too.