MerrinDonahue.com

Merry Christmas y’all! Even if it’s 70 degrees outside, we’re still full of cheer today. Mom is here, I’m pretty sure Kevin liked his gift, and we’re about to put the roast in the oven. It doesn’t get much better than this. I hope everybody has a wonderful day, and I hope that Santa found your house and left you all the goodies you wished for!

I never talk about it over here, but I’m too excited today to hold this in. Our dossier has officially made it through the Review Room in China. I know that most people have no idea what that means, so let me explain. We sent our dossier to China 15 months ago. Our dossier is a collection of several documents that have to be notarized and authenticated by various levels of both US and Chinese government. Most families either have their agencies collect this paperwork, or they hire someone to do it. It is an extremely tedious process, and it all has to be done 100% perfectly. I managed our entire dossier by myself. It took about six months to gather all the necessary paperwork, and I wanted to scream most of the time, but I did it.

China logged our dossier into their system on 10/18/06. The next step was for China to review our documents and approve our application. Many families get questions about their dossier when they are reviewed. Believe me, everything from finances to weight problems are scrutinized. I’ve been getting antsy lately because I knew of several families who have been asked to submit supporting documentation for their dossier, or who have been questioned over seemingly innocuous things in their homestudies. I kept waiting for the questions to come our way; after all, I flew solo on prepping our paperwork. My agency was always available to help, but I felt that it was important that I do it myself. It helped make everything a little more real.

I started out this day like I start every other: check my email, check the boards, see what’s going on in the crazy world of China adoption. And lo and behold, we’re official. Not only does this mean that I did all of our paperwork correctly, it means that China thinks that we are suitable prospective parents. It means that we’re a little more pregnant than we were yesterday. Sure, this wait is killing us, but days like this make it all worth it.

If you need a little break from the hustle and bustle of the Holiday season, look no further than Elf Yourself. I elfed myself today. Hee hee.

I don’t have kids. Yet. But that doesn’t mean that I don’t have kids in my life for whom I buy Christmas presents. The one single thing I have noticed this year is the incredible amount of toy price-gouging. I don’t know if it’s due to all the recalls or what, but seriously? Every toy I’ve purchased for every child on my Christmas list has been a struggle. Amazon and Wal-Mart seem to be the worst offenders, followed closely by Target. I’m not the only one who’s noticed this, either. Games for the Fisher Price SmartCycle? Typically $20. Amazon’s price? Anywhere from $40-$60. Don’t even TRY to find them in stores. Fisher Price Kid Tough Digital Camera (in pink)? Depending on what day you look, Amazon may have it listed for as much as $100. Thankfully, I found one buried behind a display at my local Wal-Mart for WAY less than that. I feel bad for families with kids. How do they afford this kind of gouging?

If this keeps up in coming years, I may just have to break out some of the recalled AquaDots. At least those come with pharmaceutical goodness.

If you have a few minutes to spare, check this out. I could spend hours on this. The only theme song I haven’t found on there yet is the Monchichi song.

While watching “Wheel of Fortune” last night (yes, I know I’m pathetic), it occurred to me that there are things you never hear people say. When Pat Sajak comes around to get to know the contestants, he often says something along the lines of “Tell me a little bit about yourself”. Now here’s where things get tricky.

Most people usually say things like “My name is Mary and I’m married to my wonderful husband Bob and we have two beautiful children”. Just one time, I think it would be hilarious to hear somebody say “My name is Mary, and I’m married to the most incredible jackass. He’s sleeping with his secretary, and our two children are in juvie being held on arson charges”.

Now THAT would make for some interesting TV. Yeah, I know I have too much time on my hands.

I have a rather unique doormat outside my front door. Instead of the traditional and sappy “Welcome” mat, mine simply says “Go Away”. Most people chuckle when they see it, like, “Ha ha. Isn’t that cute?” but the problem with that is, I mean it. I’m not trying to be ugly, but let’s face it: The majority of the people who knock on my door either want to sell me something or are delivering a package. I’m not interested in the solicitors, and if it’s a delivery, just leave it on the porch. I have two very eager dogs who are hard to wrangle out of the way just to answer the door. They are a flight risk. On top of that, I’m a woman home alone in a strange town. A town where the news is eager to report on home invasions every day. And although we don’t live in a dangerous neighborhood by any stretch of the imagination, I like to feel safe in my own home. So while I’m not trying to be rude, I am sending a message.
If you ever happen by this way, and you see my doormat, I’d suggest you give me a head’s up that you’re right outside my door. Because while my door is ALWAYS open to family and friends, the traveling salesmen can just move on along to the next house. Unless it’s a Girl Scout. I’ll always answer the door if there are Thin Mints involved.

I had a bagel this morning for breakfast, and then I ran out of time, so I haven’t eaten anything else. The only problem with that is that I have dinner in the Crock Pot, and it’s smelling seriously good. Since we’ve had a “cold front” move through, it’s been gorgeous today: Highs in the 60’s, sunny, breezy. Tonight, though, it’s supposed to get down into the 40’s, and since that’s as close as we’re gonna get to something resembling Winter, I decided that it’s a great night for Beef and Barley soup. I’m gonna toast up some crusty bread to go with it. I have to admit, I miss the cold. Hearty soups and chili just don’t ever sound appealing down here, so when we get temperatures that dip down to anything under 60 degrees, you can bet that I’ll have something wintry on the stove.
Now I think I need to go fix myself a snaaaaaack /GMan Cooper’s voice.

For the first time in…..well, ever….I have actually finished shopping for Kevin’s Christmas presents. Usually, I’m out on Christmas Eve trying desperately to find something last minute for him. Seriously? He’s the hardest person in the world to shop for. The man has EVERYTHING. He wants NOTHING. But this year, I’m pretty sure I hit a home run. It’s something completely frivolous, not at all useful, and absolutely perfect. I am the best wife EVAR.