Journey to Olivia

Another little speed up

2011-03-16T10:34:00.002-06:00

Greetings all

I hope 2011 is treating you right so far. Well after no update at all in January the CCAA had 2 batches in February totalling 11 days of dossiers. I don't check every month anymore its just too depressing but I am moderately encouraged that we are now well into June since the last update I saw in December. Still too slow but better.

Keep smiling

Liam and Sherry-Lou

4 year LID-versary

2010-12-14T08:53:00.002-06:00

Greetings All

Well 4 years ago today we got our magic LID date. 4 years later I sure did'nt think we would would still be waiting. Have a merry Christmas everyone.

Keep smiling

Liam and Sherry

New update

2010-11-24T21:43:00.002-06:00

Well we are fast approaching 4 years since our dossier was loged in at the CCAA. Hard to believe its been this long. In my worst case senario I never envisioned this and its even harder to believe that another 2 years of waiting is ahead. I will continue to update the wait from time to time. It does seem to be moving slightly faster (turtle rather than snail) since the one month speed up back in July. Another winter is upon us in southern Saskatchewan, both temperatures and snow ammounts make it more like January than November. On the bright side the riders are in the Grey Cup for the second year in a row! Take care all, congrats to all the new forever families, and Go Riders!!

Keep Smilin

Liam and Sherry

Dramatic speed up or flash in the pan

2010-07-27T18:43:00.002-06:00

Greetings all

Well after not much to say about our WAIT for a long time. Today I checked Roumor Queen and found to my utter shock and amazement that the CCAA had actually cleared 14 days worth of dossiers in 38 days! This is over 3 times the average batch size of the past 18 months or more. Only time will tell if this is a new trend in the process or just a fluke. Keep your fingers and toes crossed for us

Keep Smilin

Liam and Sherry

Hope everyone is having a great summer!!

New Referrals

2008-12-17T13:34:00.003-06:00

Greetings All

Well the best thing to be said about a 6 day batch is that it is 3 times better than a 2 day batch. Congrats to all who made the cut this month.

Keep Smiling

Liam and Sherry-Lou

2 year LID- anniversary

2008-12-15T07:59:00.002-06:00

Greetings all.

Well it is hard to believe that 2 years have past since we have been logged in. This wait has taken on mythic proportions. We sure did'nt think 2 years would pass and still be staring at a wait of still at least a year or more. We are still hopful for a speed up but with batches of 2 days like the last batch of referals the stork seems a very long way off indeed. Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas.

Keep Smiling

Liam and Sherry-Lou

Thanksgiving 2008

2008-10-14T18:02:00.002-06:00

Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving. Congratulations to everyone who recieved their referals in the last batch. By the way who ordered the snow!!!

Keep Smiling

Liam and Sherry-Lou

CCAA update

2008-09-10T17:25:00.002-06:00

Greetings All:

Well the CCAA refered 9 whole days last month!! Congratulations to everyone who recieved their referals. February is a short month here's hoping they get through it faster than January.

Keep Smiling

Liam and Sherry-Lou

Well was'nt that a Party!!

2008-08-25T14:55:00.002-06:00

Greetings all

Well the olympics are now history. A spectacular show only the Chinese could pull off!! Here's hoping now that referals may pick up again as things get back to normal in the PRC.

Keep Smiling

Liam and Sherry-Lou

2008-06-24T21:52:00.002-06:00

Greetings all:

Congratulations to all the forever families recieving their referals in the batch. Well about the only good thing that can be said for an 8 day batch is that it is 3 times better than a three day batch.!! Summer is here finally so enjoy the bright sunny days while they last!!

Keep Smiling

Liam and Sherry

Time for a new look

2008-05-13T11:06:00.002-06:00

Greetings All

You know you've been blogging a long time when you need to change the look more than once!!
Variety is the spice of life as they say. Nothing new to report on THE WAIT except that we hope next mother's day is maybe gotcha Day too. Hope everyone enjoyed their Mother's Day and had a great weekend.

Keep smiling

Liam and Sherry

We're through the Review Room!!!

2008-05-01T05:47:00.004-06:00

Well it is now official. Our agency has updated the CCAA information and all of 2006 is now through the review room. Congratulations one and all. Hopefully referals will speed up and there will be many more forever family days coming up for all of us.

Keep Smiling

Liam and Sherry-Lou

Are we or Arn't we!!

2008-04-29T18:11:00.004-06:00

Well were confused!! Roumors are flying that CCAA has reviewed application through to Dec 31, 2006. Yeah for us!! However we have heard no confirmation of this from our agency yet, so we wait and wait somemore. Hopfully we hear soon, it would be nice to hit another milestone on this journey. Its been a long time since our LID and any progress to report would be great... anyway it will be what it will be.

Keep smiling

Liam and Sherry-Lou

Twilight Ladybug

2008-04-22T19:43:00.000-06:00

Greetings All

A little retail therapy goes a long way on the wait. This is a twilight ladybug we bought today for Olivia's room. It shows the night sky in the room in blue, green or red light as well as constellations and of course a night light. It was way too cute to pass up.

Keep Smiling

Liam and Sherry-Lou

Olivia's Dresser and Shelf

2008-04-01T20:19:00.000-06:00

Greetings All

So How about this wait eh? In the meantime we took a stab at home decorating this weekend. This is the result. Next we tackle the rest of Olivia's room.. Pray for us.

Keep Smiling

Liam and Sherry-Lou

New Referrals

2008-01-07T20:07:00.001-06:00

Congratulations to everyone in the new referal batch. Especially to Lorraine and Rowan in Saskatoon who were in this latest batch. Looking forward to all the new photo's that I'm sure will be coming soon.

Keep Smiling

Liam and Sherry-Lou

Happy New Year

2007-12-31T14:36:00.000-06:00

Greetings All

Well another year is about done. 2007 was a milestone year for us on many fronts. Both our parents celebrated their 40th wedding anniversaries this year. Sherry-Lou and I both turned the the big 4-0 this summer. Of course we also marked our one year LID-versary on Dec 14. We are of course thrilled with all the referals and forever family days that came in the past year and are grateful to be sharing this journey with all of you. Now with 2008 at the door the wait is a little more bearable with the hope that this time next year we will have referals photo's to share with all of you. Have a Happy New Year one and all.

Keep Smilin'

Liam and Sherry

Twas the night before Grey Cup

2007-11-25T14:26:00.001-06:00

Twas the night before Grey Cup, and all through the Dome,
Not a creature was stirring, but the gophers back home.
The players were nestled and snug in their beds,
While visions of Grey Cup Rings danced in their heads.
When out on the field, there arose such a clatter,
Kent sprang from his bed to see what was the matter,
Away to his window, he flew like a flash,
Threw aside the Green Curtains, and Silky White Sash.
And what did he see with his wondering eye?
But a sea of Green Revelers and a furry brown guy.
“That looks like Dominguez, and Flick and Fantuz!”
“Its way after curfew! Do they want us to lose??”
So, out of his room and down to the field,
Coach Austin stormed out with a fury to wield.
As he went through the tunnel, the ground shook with a beat,
From the dancing and prancing of ten thousand feet.
“Hey Coach,” cried a voice, “Whatcha doing down here?”
It was Szarka and Schultz, and they were handing out beer!
Chunky and Chick were grilling up Dogs,
With Burgers being served by O’Day and the Hogs.
Crandall cooked Hot Wings, Joseph grilled steak,
While Cates, Holmes, and Hughes helped Makowsky serve cake.
“This is nuts!” Austin shouted, “It’s one-thirty AM!”
“I expected some revelry, but this is mayhem!”
Eric Tillman tapped Austin, “ You’re not Eagle Keys -”
“But I’m not Berry, or Gotta, or Gregory – so PLEASE!”
“You’re all waddling around here like Wascana geese!”
“And in need of a dance coach like Donald Narcisse.”
“Now, you’ve all had your fun, so back to your rooms.”
But then Austin’s nose picked up the barbecue fumes.
Then Green Is The Color rang out through the air,
As Congi and Boreham played Banjos with flair.
On Davis, on Johnson, on Coach Ritchie Hall,
Even old Alex Smith flashed a smile after all,
On Lloyd, on McCullough, on Hunt and on Perry,
On Kornegay, Frazier, and yes, even Kerry.
The skydome then filled with a soft greenish glow,
And the whole Rider Nation set poised for a show.
An S and a wheat sheaf then formed in the air,
And a smile took the place of Coach Kent Austin’s glare.
Then everyone there, the players, the fans,
They formed a big circle by all holding hands,
Then right in the centre appeared the Grey Cup,
Which Fairholm and Ridgway and Elgaard picked up.
They handed it over to Ritchie and Kent,
Who called Kerry and Eddie, and off the Cup went.
It was passed round the field, past heroes to present,
While Gainer dug holes for the Blue Bomber Pheasants.
That music was heard coast to coast people say
And they say Rider Pride grew three sizes that day.
Everyone left there dreaming of Blue Bomber doom.
And they sent all the Banjos to Troy Westwood’s Room.
GO RIDERS!

Hope everyone had a great summer!!

2007-09-05T12:23:00.000-06:00

Greetings all

Now that September is apon us and everyone is getting back to what passes for normal. Here is a brief recap of our summer adventures. Once we returned from BC we hosted both our parents for a nice visit in July. We took Liam's parents to the new RCMP heritage centre. Very impressive, too much to see all at once. We were there for six hours and still did'nt see it all. We both had milestone birthday's this year the BIG 4-0 for both of us. Sherry-Lou on July 27 and Liam on Aug 20. Our 16th anniversary on Aug 24. It all goes by so fast. A big congratulations to Kim and welcome home to Channing. We could'nt be more thrilled for you both.

Keep Smiling

Liam and Sherry

BC and Back

2007-06-15T12:24:00.000-06:00

Hi there

After many months of being too busy to blog, were back and rested from BC. This pic was taken at Whistler which was beautiful despite the rain. Congrats to all who have recieved referals and more posts to come.

Keep smiling

Liam and Sherry-Lou

Great Video

2007-03-09T08:22:00.000-06:00

Greetings All

Thanks to Lorraine for sending this video link to us. Beautiful poem and video get the kleenex ready, enjoy!

Keep Smiling

Liam and Sherry-Lou

Nora the Piano playing Cat

2007-02-28T22:50:00.000-06:00

Greetings all

I found this on You Tube and thought it was priceless. Enjoy.

Great Video link

2007-02-28T22:21:00.000-06:00

Greetings all

Thanks to Norma for posting this clip on her blog. Just had to share. View the clip on You Tube

Keep Smiling

Liam and Sherry-Lou

HAPPY NEW YEAR

2007-02-22T14:45:00.000-06:00

Happy New Year everyone.

I know I'm late but in China New Year's Celebrations go for 10 days.

Double Happiness to you all!

Keep Smiling

Liam and Sherry

Hope everyone had a happy Family Day

2007-02-22T14:31:00.000-06:00

Greeting All

Well this Monday we Saskatchewanians had our first Family Day stat holiday. I guess its the governments last ditch effort to keep people from leaving for Alberta. It was a nice little break in the middle of winter though. Makes it a little easier to get through that long stretch till Easter.

Keep Smiling

Liam

New Business so we are home with Olivia

2007-02-06T12:22:00.000-06:00

Greetings All

We are thrilled to announce that we have started a business from home. Liam is now a distributor for Herbalife International the leading health and nutrition company on the planet. While we both have good jobs the closer we get to brining Olivia home the more we wanted to be home with her and not miss a thing. Liam has been on these products himself since just before Christmas and has already lost 30 lbs. This has been amazing because as most of you know Liam is a restaurant manager for KFC. Yes the F still stands for FRIED. So I could'nt be more thrilled especially with China's new BMI rules. So gentle readers If you or anyone you know has any weight-loss or generally want to look and feel great I would love to help. Please visitHerbalifefor our complete product line and information and then call me toll free 1-888-223-7093. This is a voice message line so please leave your contact details and I will contact you directly.

Keep Smiling

Liam and Sherry-Lou

New Referals, Happy Ground Hog day

2007-02-02T11:41:00.001-06:00

Greetings all

We had a great weekend in Saskatoon last weekend, great conference, great people, tons of information. Well the ground hog says an early spring, hard to believe at a balmy -20 C (before windchill). So everone be nice to your groundhogs today. Great to see the new referals out and all the way to March 22 in the matching room. Congrats to all the new forever families. Keep warm and dry.

Keep smiling

Liam and Sherry-Lou

Saskatoon bound

2007-01-25T21:20:00.000-06:00

Greetings all:

What a crazy month January has been. Both of us working too much. Sherry-Lou just got back from Estevan where she spent 8 days helping them open a new store. Very exhausting work but she was happy to go and help out. We head to Saskatoon tomorrow for our Adopt-talk seminar with CB. Although we are of course with FOI for our adoption CB is always excellent and it should be a great time. It will be nice to relax and get to visit our fellow Saskatchewanians on the WAIT with us. Full details to follow on Monday.

It's Winter today!!

2007-01-11T22:08:00.000-06:00

Greetings All

A balmy -28 in the Queen city today and me without my muff!! No matter I'll take the cold, our cousins in S'toon are digging out from the worst blizzard in 50 years by all accounts and its also -30 today. Oh well winter in Saskatchewan you gotta love or move to BC. We saw on the boards that PBS was showing a series called inside China. We would love to hear from our readers who saw it as to what they thought. We did'nt get a chance to see it but are hoping its on again in the future. Were really looking forward to our CB sponsored seminar in S'toon at the end of the month. It will be great to finally meet our on-line friends from other parts of the province. Well not much else going on but keeping warm on a cold winters night.

Keep smiling

Liam and Sherry-Lou

New Referals

2007-01-04T10:41:00.000-06:00

Greetings All

Well the CCAA has updated their website and referals are up until Sept 27 which is a healthy 19 days of happy new forever families. Congratulations to all!!

Keep Smiling

Liam and Sherry-Lou

2007-01-01T09:08:00.000-06:00

Happy 2007 everyone!!

We hope everyone enjoyed the Holidays and we wish all of you peace, joy, health and Happiness (and quick referals!!) in 2007.

Keep Smiling

Liam and Sherry-Lou

We are LID!!!

2006-12-27T20:19:00.000-06:00

Great news everyone!

Word came today of our LID, December 14, 2006 !! We are now officially 'paper pregnant'. Congrats to everyone in our group who are recieving their LID's and to our fellow Saskatchewanians Blanie and Rachelle, and Conrad and Janice who are also LID December 14.

Smiling ear to ear

Liam and Sherry-Lou

Christmas in 3 days ready or not!!

2006-12-22T22:46:00.000-06:00

Merry Christmas Everyone!!

Been a little while since I was able to post, but along with most of the planet December is a killer busy month. Last Friday my Chicken store (KFC) catered Sherry-Lou's Staff Christmas dinner. 270 people, nearly 900 pieces of chicken and all the fixin's. It was a very busy day needless to say but went off without a hitch. Hope all of you are ready for Christmas, but I guess at this point if its not done yet there is always next year. Merry Christmas everyone and lets hope the CCAA is Santa not Scrooge with Decembers referals..

Keep Smiling

Liam and Sherry-Lou

Christmas season is here!!

2006-12-10T17:05:00.000-06:00

Well our Christmas season began this weekend. Friday we visited with Twyla and Harvey for our annual pre-Christmas visit, this year it was their turn to host. Sherry-Lou recieved 2 great lighted gingerbread houses to add to our steadily growing Christmas display. Saturday my parents, my brother Andrew and his children Justin (17) and Brittany (Sweet 16 on Dec 27) came in for the weekend from Winnipeg. This is an annual event as we can hardly ever get away at Christmas to go back home. We had a great visit and Mom brought a large boxfull of Grandma Tunny's old pictures to see what we wanted to keep for our albums. It was a great time to remember all the Christmas'past and also provided new research opportunities to fill some gaps in the family tree. There were several pictures, mostly the old studio kind that go back nearly 100 years that will require some digging to identify the subjects. I'm hoping cousin Larry will be able to help shed some light on this new mystery as he is the designated family historian. We'll see how that goes. This week we also have 2 more Christmas parties, Moday is Pizza and Bowling with my store staff and Thursday its dinner theatre for our annual managers Christmas party. It should be a great time.

Keep Smiling

Liam and Sherry

They did it 50 state capitals in 50 days

2006-12-05T00:13:00.000-06:00

Greetings all:

Scott and Fiddy have completed their 50 state 50 day marathon arriving in Honolulu, Hawaaii on day 50. What a tremendous adventure and great fun to watch. Oh to be young and have nothing but time on your hands. Congratulations guys!!

New referals

2006-12-01T13:12:00.000-06:00

Greetings all

Happy December everyone. Well the new batch of referals are out. Only 14 days this time which is disappointing as there was much speculation that we could see a whole months worth of referals this month. Congratulations to all the families recieving referals. We are still waiting to hear our LID. When we know so will you.

Keep Smiling

Liam and Sherry

Coffee with Blaine & Rachelle/FCA Culture camp

2006-11-20T07:52:00.000-06:00

Greetings all:

We had a great weekend. We met Rachelle and Blaine and their daughter Trinity (cutie-pie beyond words) who they adopted from China in 2005 on Saturday. They are in our DTC group and we will be traveling together. It will be great to have them with us as they have one trip under their belts already. It was great to touch base with them and I'm sure we will become great friends as we journey forward to brining our daughters home. Sherry-Lou was able to take in the FCA culture camp on Sunday with our good friend Tammi-Jo (who is almost as excited as we are for Olivia to come home), unfortuneately events at the chicken store kept me from joining her. They had a great time and finally got to meet Kim (Chasing Channing) from Moosejaw and Terry, Kim and their son Mitchell who are a couple of months ahead of us on THE WAIT for their daughter. A great time was had by all, thanks to all the organizers at FCA for putting on a great event.

Keep Smiling

Liam and Sherry-Lou

Let the Retail Therapy Begin

2006-11-17T14:06:00.000-06:00

Greetings All

We visited the big craft show and sale last weekend. Of course we could'nt resist when we saw these for you know who. Too cute. We also recieved our immigration package this week so we will begin to wade through that paperwork this weekend. Have a great weekend.

Keep Smiling

Liam and Sherry-Lou

Fun new link

2006-11-07T13:42:00.000-06:00

Scott MacDonald, brother of One red paper clip guru Kyle, and his buddy Fiddy are on a 50 day 50 state capital oddesey. They are currently in wilds of Idaho on their way to Montana and North Dakota. Check out the Hitch 50 link on the side the site is great fun.

Keep Smiling

Liam and Sherry-Lou

Package from FOI

2006-11-07T13:26:00.000-06:00

Greetings all

We got our info package by courier today from FOI. It contained our original documents for our dossier as well as info on our next steps. The first being immigration sponsorship. We should be recieving this in the mail in the next few weeks. They also sent us a travel packing list, medical info and contact info for our DTC group. It is a large group of 19 couples (2 singles) all on THE WAIT with us. We are looking forward to sharing this experience with them and we were also pleased to see 2 other Saskatchewanians in the group. One other couple from Regina and another in Saskatoon so that will be great to travel together.

Keep smiling

Liam and Sherry-Lou

New Referals

2006-11-06T13:54:00.000-06:00

16 days of referals this month. This is a good sign and now we are into this year for the matching room. Congratulations to everyone recieving their great news. We had a phone call from Nicole at DCRE today that our Dossier left Saskatchewan on Nov 2. Now the wait for our LID which should be soon!!

Keep Smiling

Liam and Sherry-Lou

We are DTC!!!

2006-11-01T14:54:00.000-06:00

Greetings all

Hope you all had a great Halloween! We definitely got our 'treat' word came yesterday that our dossier has been released to be DTC. O Happy Day!! DCRE still has to forward it to China which should'nt take long. Hopefully our LID is not far off.

Keep Smiling

Liam and Sherry

Just for Laughs

2006-10-26T09:26:00.000-06:00

Greetings all

New Just for Laughs feature on the side bar to check out. Powered by Jib Jab with a link to their site. Some very funny stuff, I will post some of my favorites from time to time. Enjoy.

Have a great day and keep smilin'

Liam

Map added

2006-10-20T09:29:00.000-06:00

In recognition of passing our 100 wish square I have added a map showing where all our quilt square family is from. We have 102 contributions and we thank you all for your genorosity and kindness. Check out the interactive map and find your hometown. We have recieved squares and wishes from Atlanta, Georgia to Tasmania and points in between. Thank you all again

Keep smiling

Liam and Sherry-Lou

New look for the Blog

2006-10-18T13:15:00.000-06:00

Well hooray for blogger beta!!

Made some changes to the Journey to Olivia. Yes you are on the right blog!! I love the new layout and it is so easy to manage even for me, who until very recently had learned about computers on Commodore Vic 20. (Remember those). Boy I feel old all of a sudden!!

Anyway, enjoy its been a busy week our Dossier has been at FOI for 12 days, we should have an update from them soon.

Keep Smiling

Liam and Sherry-Lou

Where the CCAA is now

2006-10-10T09:51:00.000-06:00

Now that we are so close to being DTC I thought I would post the latest update from the CCAA as to referals. As you can see they are at about 9 months for review of documents and about 13 months to referals. Septembers update had 18 days of referals this is up from only 9 days in August so this is an improvment. The buzz on the adoption lists is that a speed up is coming. Here's hoping that is the case.

Keep Smiling

Liam and Sherry-Lou

Worth every penny

2006-10-10T09:33:00.000-06:00

Greetings all

Somethings get better with age, wine, cheese, and the Rolling Stones. After months of hype over the concert of the century Mick and the boys delivered in spades. Friday's show was nothing short of spectacular and I hear Sunday's show was even better. Truly a once in a lifetime experience and one we'll never forget.

Satisfied and smiling

Liam and Sherry

Its only Rock and Roll But I Like IT

2006-10-06T08:38:00.000-06:00

Greetings All!!

Well it took some searching but I think I found the Rolling Stones lip logo from their first album!!! Tonight is concert night and we are pumped to see Mick and the boys its gonna be an awesome show. Ministry approval and the Worlds greatest Rock n' Roll band in the same week. Does it get any better!! Stay tuned for concert review once we've recovered, thank goodness its a long weekend!!

Keep smiling

Liam and Sherry-Lou

Ministry Approval!!!

2006-10-04T00:38:00.000-06:00

Greetings All!!

Nicole from DCRE called to today to and said our provincial approval had been granted and our Dossier would be off to FOI today or tomorrow.

Keep smiling

Liam and Sherry-Lou

Family Tree explodes(film at 11)

2006-09-28T22:45:00.000-06:00

Greetings all.

I have been working on our family tree for several months now and to my great surprize and delight have made contact with a long lost 3rd cousin. Here's the readers digest version. " Cousin Larry" had also been working on the family tree and came accross my dabblings on a major family ancestry website. He initially called my Father in Winnipeg and Dad put him in touch with me. As it turns out our Great-Grandfather's were brothers which makes us 3rd cousins. Larry and I had a great long talk and I provided him with what I had to fill in the gaps for him. He and his wife and 2 grown children live in the Ottawa area. Thanks to Larry's generousity I now have learned the Tunn(e)y family tree has nearly 800 decendents from our Great-Great-Great Grandfather Daniel Tunney who lived in Ireland between 1780 and approx 1840. His son Peter immigrated to Canada and the rest as they say is history. Olivia and her cousins will be part of the 7th generation of the Tunn(e)y clan. My heartfelt thanks to Larry for all his work and deligence in tracing our family tree.

Smiling with the luck of the Irish

Liam

Signing off on the Homestudy

2006-09-19T23:38:00.000-06:00

Greetings all

Great news !! Our homestudy is now ready to be approved by the province. Sherri gave us her official okey-dokey and we signed off on our report tonight. Hopefully our turnaround time is quick for ministry approval. I am going to call Nicole at DCRE tomorrow to let her know the report is ready for approval and to arrange to drop off all the supporting documents for our dossier. Fingers and toes crossed for ministry approval by months end!!!

Keep smilin'

Liam and Sherry-Lou

The wait (Part 1) is over

2006-09-13T15:05:00.000-06:00

Finally the phone call we have waited 6 weeks for came today. Sherri our SW called to have us sign off on our homestudy. Tuesday the 19th we will meet with her and finalize our homestudy. We may yet get our September DTC if the stars continue to alingn in our favor. Oh happy day!!!

Keep smiling

Liam and Sherry-Lou

Waiting too Wait

2006-09-05T09:21:00.000-06:00

Greetings All

Well September is now apon us and with Labor Day now a memory the summer of 2006 is now all but over. Ours was a tremendous and busy summer with camping and visiting and still much work to complete our homestudy. We are still waiting on our provincial approval which is now in its 6th week since our homestudy was completed. What we had hoped would be an August DTC is now looking like September if were lucky. The most frustating part is no indication from Nicole at DCRE as to when she might be done. We are going to call her this week to try and motivate her to expedite things, if possible. Very frustrating to have to wait to wait.

Keep smiling

Liam and Sherry-Lou

Happy Anniversary to US!!!

2006-08-24T10:54:00.000-06:00

Greetings all

Olivia's Mom & Dad have reached a milestone anniversary today. 15 years ago today two crazy kids from Winnipeg took the plunge and hav'nt looked back. It has been a great journey filled with more joy than sorrow and we look forward to the day when Liam and Sherry, become Liam, Sherry and Olivia.

Still smiling after 15 years!!!

Liam and Sherry-Lou

Time line added

2006-08-24T10:49:00.000-06:00

Greetings all

I have added a time line link to give you an idea as to where we are in the great scheme of things. As we have learned time takes on a whole new meaning when in the process of international adoption and adoption in general . So much of the process is completely out of your hands. As more events unfold I will update the timeline as well as of course posting here on the main blog.

Keep smiling

Liam and Sherry-Lou

Cool new site to check out

2006-08-24T09:03:00.000-06:00

Greetings all

I came accross this very neat site. It is about a man who is on an incredible journey around China on a tri-cycle. He is currently 4800 km into a 25000 km odessey. He is raising money and awareness for 2 children's charities in China. Lots of great pictures and stories. Check it out by clicking the link "China Wheelie"

Keep smiling

Liam and Sherry-Lou

Coffee with Jeff and Cory

2006-08-14T17:28:00.000-06:00

Greetings all

We had a lovely visit with Jeff, Cory and their dd Quinn (what a cutie pie) on Friday. Cory and Jeff live in Moosejaw and we had been e-mailing through the lists for several months now. Great to finally meet. They are a little further along in the wait then we are and are already LID for a couple of months. Check out their journey by clicking the link on the side. Now if only the Riders would have won it would have been a perfect day!!

Keep smiling

Liam and Sherry

Lady bug moment

2006-08-09T18:54:00.000-06:00

Hi all

I was out on the patio tending to the barbeque the other day. We have a large green space between the condo's. My mind wandered as it often does to our Olivia one day playing on the green grass behind the house. I looked down and a little red ladybug was walking accross the patio. She disapeared under the barbeque and flew away. My first of what I'm sure will be many Ladybug moments between now and then.

Keep smiling

Liam

Closer to DTC!!!

2006-08-02T21:33:00.000-06:00

Encouraging news on the homestudy front. Sherri is finished her draft and has sent it to DCRE for approval. Nicole (our DCRE worker) has done her preliminary review of the report and we are now tweeking a few things to keep the bureaucrats happy!! Fingers and toes crossed for DTC by the end of August.
Stay tuned!

Keep Smiling

Liam and Sherry-Lou

From beautiful Downtown Moosejaw, SK

2006-08-02T21:14:00.000-06:00

Many thanks to Kim our blogger bud from just down the road in ' The Jaw'.
Superfun print and beautiful wish card.
Follow Kim's journey to ' My Little Chinese Dream' . Thank Kim , we love it
and so will Olivia.

Keep Smiling
Liam and Sherry-Lou

More wonderful fabrics

2006-08-02T21:10:00.000-06:00

Our thanks to our dear ladybug, frog, and surprize swap friends for your thoughtfulness. We love your squares and Olivia will too!!!

Keep Smiling

Liam and Sherry-Lou

Surprize Squares!!!

2006-08-02T21:01:00.000-06:00

Happy August everyone!!

Super busy these days and have'nt had time to post much lately. Many new squares have arrived and here is a sample of the thoughtful contributions to Olivia's quilt. Many thanks to all the ladies in the Surprize swap for their generosity. We have recieved 18 squares from Alabama to Tazmania and points inbetween. Very much appreciated and we thank you.

Keep Smiling

Liam and Sherry-Lou

One Red Paperclip House

2006-07-20T11:28:00.000-06:00

On our way home from our camping adventure we stopped in beautiful downtown Kipling, Saskatchewan. Kipling is about 30 minutes west of Moose Mountain Park. Kipling has aquired its most unique and arguably famous new resident. This is the home of Kyle MacDonald, the one red paperclip guy. I have nothing but admiration for the marketing genius to parlee a red paperclip into a home. I hope our Olivia shares some of the tenacity and entrepeneurship to make her own dreams come true. This goes to show anything is possible. Vist one red paperclip.com by clicking the link on the side the site is great fun.

Keep smiling

Liam and Sherry

Olivia's Mom & Dad go camping

2006-07-18T14:50:00.000-06:00

Hi all

Well before we subject our daughter to a family camping adventure, we needed to have a dry run ourselves. It was going to be an adventure seeing that neither one of us had been camping in most 20 years. With camping gear packed to the roof of the old Focus off we went to Moose Mountain Provincial Park about 2 hours south east of Regina. It is a beautiful park in the most unlikely of spots. This very densely forested park with over 1000 lakes is surrounded on all sides by rolling farmland as far as the eye can see. The weather was perfect , not a cloud in the sky and HOT!! We really enjoyed our time in the deep woods. It was so nice just to get out of the city for a couple of days. We spent time cooking and swimming in the lake, and visiting a couple of historic sites just east of the park. We also took in a Victorian Tea and quilting display that was held at the park administration building. Wonderful quilts and we saw some panda fabric in one of the quilts that we would love for our up coming swap (Panda's). Anyway, the park was beautiful and we returned safe and sound, tired and burnt but no worse for wear. Olivia will have a great time!!!

Keep smiling

Liam and Sherry

New addition to our blogroll

2006-07-11T09:35:00.000-06:00

Greetings all

I just created a new blogroll for those families recently returned from China.

Ron and Val Thom have just gotten home with their Olivia. Lots of wonderful pics of Olivia and their trip. To follow their journey now that the fun really begins!! visit All about Olivia by clicking the link.

Keep smiling

Liam and Sherry

Seven more squares

2006-07-09T20:35:00.000-06:00

The kindness and generosity of the people journeying with us never ceases to amaze us. With heartfelt thanks we would like to recognize the latest of our on-line friends who so generously contributed to Olivia's quilt: Scott and Susan Karpiuk and their sons, James, Charles, Thomas, and Lewis of Surrey , BC; Bonnie, Dave, Joshua, Jacob, John, and Jack Brentnall of Clarenville, NL; Russ and Lisa Peeples of Carrollton, Mississippi; Miss Cara Scott (4yrs old) from Etta, Mississippi;Tony and Stacy Battaglini of Martinsburg, West Virginia; Debbie and Tasha Juro; and the Hendricks Family.

Love and thanks to you all.

Keep smiling
Liam and Sherry-Lou

Frogs, Ladybugs and Dragons!!!

2006-07-09T20:26:00.000-06:00

We thank the Gorgas Family of Hendersonville, North Carolina and Bonnie " Queen of the swaps" of Geneco, New York. We love your wonderful contributions to Olivia's quilt. Thanks so much!!!

Keep smiling
Liam and Sherry-Lou

More wonderful squares

2006-07-09T20:21:00.000-06:00

We had a banner couple of days this week at the old mailbox. We almost lost track of how many squares arrived. Very exciting!!! We extend our deepest thanks to these wonderful people. Trish and Mike O'Brien. Debbie and Shane Gallant and the Winsor Family for their wonderful squares and wishes. You are all incredible people. Thank You!!

Keep Smiling
Liam and Sherry-Lou

From Victoria, BC

2006-07-02T20:32:00.000-06:00

Love and thanks to Kim and Shawn Dos Santos of Victoria, BC for this super pretty square and wish for Olivia. Kim and Shawn are waiting for their daughter Isabel. To follow their journey please use the link to Butterflies and Wishes on the blog links. Thank you both so much.

Keep smiling

Liam and Sherry-Lou

Thanks Auntie Laurie

2006-07-02T20:27:00.000-06:00

Laurie, one of Olivia's eagerly awaiting "Walmart Aunties" gave us several wonderful squares probably an month ago with pieces to assemble a wish card for Olivia. Well I finally got around to putting it together. Thanks again Laurie for all your kindness. Olivia will be lucky to have you in her life.

Liam and Sherry-Lou

The newest members of our quilting family

2006-07-02T20:15:00.000-06:00

Many thanks to the latest of our on-line friends to send their love and fabric to Olivia. This blue ladybug fabric is from the Liptock Family of Monroe, Washington: The Boschee Family of Round Rock, Texas sent us 2 fabrics, a lovely red floral print and fun "bug" print. Last but by no means least this beutiful rainbow square comes from Buckeye, Arizona and the kind hearts of Selina and Dan King. Thank you all for your amazing kindness and generosity.

Keep Smiling
Liam and Sherry-Lou

Wishes make the world go round

2006-06-26T22:10:00.000-06:00

Here are some of the recent wish cards sent to us by our friends from our OHGWQ group. We really are amazed by the obvious care and love that went in to sending these wishes to our Olivia. They mean more to us than you can imagine. Sherry is putting all of them into an album that will be a tremendous keepsake for Olivia as she grows up. Thank you all
so much

Keep smiling
Liam and
Sherry-Lou

Frogs and Ladybugs, Oh My!!

2006-06-26T21:50:00.000-06:00

The frogs and ladybugs seem to enjoy spending time together here on the blog. Again we extend our deepest thanks to the amazing people who have shared themselves with us and our soon- to- be daughter. Going to the mailbox is pure joy these days!! In order of appearance we thank: Jennifer & Bill Franklin of Londonderry, New Hampshire (beautiful poem on the wish card); Doug and Rebbecca Bryant, Milwaukie, Oregon (thank you for the beutiful wish card);
The Fraser Family of Atlanta Georgia, (God's Blessing on your family aswell ); The Cromwell Family of O'Fallon, Illinois very cute fabric and great wish card, simple but wise.
Thanks to you all more than you know.

Liam and Sherry-Lou

Is it safe to mix frogs with ladybugs?!!

2006-06-26T21:40:00.000-06:00

Wonderful new squares from our amazing online friends at the OHGWQ board. In order of appearance we would like to thank. Bill & Aleta Boetticher of Astor, Florida; The Mills Family, Floridians aswell from Bartow, Florida; The Cody Family of Kingston, Washington; Kim and Mike Gaudiosi of Franklin Square, NY this is their second square for Olivia's quilt. It is such a joy to share this experience with you all and to have this to share with our Olivia. Thank you again.

Keep smiling
Liam and Sherry-Lou

Family Picture/ Homestudy visit

2006-06-26T21:00:00.000-06:00

Greetings all:

Our SW (Sherri) was kind enough to take a picture of us and the kiddens. She was over this evening for our home visit. Everything went as it should. She asked us a few questions to clarify items on our homestudy and said that she will be writing up the report soon!!!. Not much longer till our paperwork is off to China.

Keep smiling
Liam & Sherry-Lou

Bleeding Green

2006-06-18T13:27:00.000-06:00

Greetings from Riderville

Well all I can say about the embarassment displayed at BC Place on Friday night is that if they were going to have a game like that ( and I use the term game in the loosest possible terms) it is good that they got it out of their system early. No defense, no offense until way too late. Who says the Renegades folded!! They just moved west.

Bleeding Green and disapointed

Liam

New Squares

2006-06-15T19:39:00.000-06:00

We recieved 3 new squares. Two on
Tuesday and one today. This pretty ladybug square is from Lorraine and Rowan who live in beautiful Saskatoon.

This beautiful butterfly print came all the way from Charlotte, North Carolina from the kind hearts of April and Sean Andrews who are waiting for their daughter Sesci-Mei. To follow their journey please use the Road to Sesci-Mei link on the blog.

Today brought this great pink polka-dot piece from
Alyson and Ford all the way from Florida.

Thank you all so much for your kindness. We live in amazing times when all of us on this journey are able to share a little bit of ourselves even though we are living far apart.

Keep smiling

Liam and Sherry-Lou

A great mail day!!!

2006-06-12T20:20:00.000-06:00

Greetings all

We had a banner day at the mailbox today. Our interpol clearances, Liam's Birth certificate, and 2 quilt squares arrived today, not a bill in the lot. The interpol reports returned to us exactly 1 month after we had mailed them out. It's always a good thing to be able to check things off the list . We also got our medical paperwork back from the doctors and everything is all clear with that. All we need to finish up is our financial report and get our pictures together for our dossier. We should have our home visit with our SW before the end of the month.

Keep smiling

Liam and Sherry-Lou

Progress on the quilt

2006-06-12T20:11:00.000-06:00

These two pannels were made using fabric given to us by the Sherry-Lou's friends and aunties in waiting Laurie and Twyla. This is Sherry-Lou's first quilting project and it is taking shape very well if I do say.

Keep smiling

Liam and Sherry-Lou

Two New Squares

2006-06-12T20:04:00.000-06:00

These squares came in the mail today. The buterfly square is from our OHGWQ group friend Sindy and Kelly Ost from Nebraska. The other lovely fabric is from Julie Benard and her family in Kirkland, Quebec. Thank you both for your kind contributions to Olivia's quilt. Very much appreciated.

Keep Smilin

Liam and Sherry-Lou

Check out the Weather Pixies

2006-06-09T21:31:00.000-06:00

I saw them on Kim's " My little Chinese Dream" blog and said to myself "Self you must have them on "Journey to Olivia". So here they are. I thought they were really neat thanks Kim for the inspiration.

Keep smiling

Liam

New square from Oklahoma!!

2006-06-09T21:05:00.000-06:00

This super fun square is from Mike & Jen Jacobs and their daughter and Lilah Mei from Tulsa, Oklahoma. Thanks Jen and Mike for your wonderful addition to Olivia's quilt.

Keep smiling

Liam and Sherry-Lou

Our first American Square

2006-06-05T12:00:00.000-06:00

This great butterfly and Ladybug piece
comes from Kim & Mike Guadiosi from
Franklin, NY USA. Many thanks for your contribution to Olivia's quilt.

Keep Smiling

Liam and Sherry-Lou

Go Rider's

2006-06-05T10:23:00.000-06:00

Quilt square updates

2006-06-04T14:15:00.000-06:00

Greetings All

This weekend between shifts we got caught up on sending out our quilt squares, many of them to our friends south of the border from our OHGWQ group. We have 10 out in last 2 weeks and should begin to get new quilt squares in the mail this week. We are also joining our first official swap with the group that begins on June 10. We should be up to our armpits in ladybug fabric in no time!! Thanks as always to everyone for their generosity. More posts coming soon!!
Keep smiling- Liam and Sherry-Lou

We've added a guestbook

2006-05-28T20:54:00.000-06:00

Greetings all

We have added a guestbook to the blog for those who are droping by for a quick visit. Please feel free to sign the book with any thoughts /wishes you might have for Olivia.

Keep smiling-Liam andSherry-Lou

Everythings coming up Panada's

2006-05-28T16:49:00.000-06:00

These were too cute not to post. Thanks to Felecia for sending these to us.

Keep smiling

Liam and Sherry-Lou

Green is the color/Football is the Game

2006-05-28T08:28:00.000-06:00

Greetings from the home of the riders.

Very exciting times in riderville this year
and only 6 more sleeps till the pre-season starts. Check back as I will be posting all the highs and lows of the season. Go Riders!!!

Liam

A windfall of quilt squares

2006-05-27T21:38:00.000-06:00

Greetings all

Thanks to Laurie and Twyla for their generous contributions to our quilt. Such a great variation of patterns. Sherry-Lou is also adding fabric of her own to make this truly a work from the heart.

Keep smiling - Liam and Sherry-Lou

Get your hot dogs here!!!

2006-05-27T21:36:00.000-06:00

Today we volunteered at a charity fund raiser at Sherry's work. Despite less than perfect weather a good time was had by all. All the proceeds were going to the Children's Miricle Network here in Saskatchewan. Well done to all the people who made this event a success.

Keep smiling- Liam and Sherry-Lou

Our red thread to Olivia

2006-05-24T19:13:00.000-06:00

Thanks to Laurie for sending this wonderful cross-stich of an ancient chinese proverb. All of us who are touched by this journey believe we are connected to each other. Olivia is connected to our family and soon we will be together.

Tell me your lifestory and don't leave anything out!!

2006-05-24T10:17:00.000-06:00

Greetings All

Yesterday we met with Sherri our SW for our individual interviews. Sherri walked us through our written profiles that cover our life stories to this point. In the next week she will be mailing out our reference letters and plans to have them back the week of June 12 if there are no stragglers (you know who you are-ha-ha) Anyway, we then have our home visit then she writes up the homestudy.
Now we have medical stuff to do later this week and were caught up for now.

Keep smiling- Liam and Sherry-Lou

It's taking shape

2006-05-21T13:33:00.000-06:00

Our 100 good wishes quilt is underway. This is the first of 25 pannels that will make up the quilt. Sherry-Lou is on the move quilting up a storm. We are still on the lookout for more squares. 12 x 12 squares turn in to 8 pieces in the pattern. This is an 8 to 1 return on your investment. Better than any bank. Thanks again to all our contributors.

Keep smiling- Liam and Sherry

New Name-same great blog

2006-05-21T11:27:00.000-06:00

Greetings all

It was time to give our blog increased focus and include the most important person all of this is about. Olivia has been the daughter of our hearts for years and will soon be in our arms. Thanks to all who are sharing the journey with us it continues to amaze us everyday. Take care, keep smiling- Liam and Sherry.

New Quilt square

2006-05-20T09:24:00.000-06:00

Thanks to Drea and Luigi Scornaienchi from Edmonton, Alberta for their contribution to our Bai Jai Bei. We really appreciate everyones
kindness.
Keep smiling- Liam and Sherry

New Links

2006-05-16T11:51:00.000-06:00

Greetings all

Friends of ours from Saskatoon have opened and online store to raise money for the orphanage that is taking care of their daughter while they wait. Please check out the site we have a new link to it off the blog. Just click cafepress and if you would like to meet Lorraine and Rowan their is a link to their personal site aswell.

Keep smiling- Liam

Finger prints and feeling so CSI

2006-05-13T08:36:00.000-06:00

Greetings all

Yesterday was fingerprint day at the police station. Sherry worked until 3:30 and we only had until 4 to get to the station. Mercifully Regina is still 15 minutes to anywhere. We made just under the wire and ushered into a little room with an officious looking man who seemed to have had a long day and was already in weekend mode when we walked in. He was still professional and pleasant enough for a cop. After taking our ID and keying us in to the system we went down the hall to the big fingerprint on the wall room for the actual printing. Up to this point the closest we had come to fingerprinting was fingerpainting in kindergarten. This was not fingerpainting. The woman in the print room was very pleasant and took us though the process. She warned that we were not to apply any pressure on the print ourselves and to let our hand be completely relaxed. This is easier said than done but we both passed without have to redo the prints. She wished us best of luck. Now that were printed better be careful or Grisolm will be hot on our heels. Next is send them off to the RCMP in Ottawa for an INTERPOL check. - Keep smiling - Liam and Sherry

Meet Daisy and Babs

2006-05-13T08:28:00.000-06:00

The 'kiddens' were getting jealous that they had not been included on our blog so meet Daisy and Babs. They came to our family in 2001 and are littermates. As anyone with cats will tell you Dogs have masters, cats have servants. These two are just like kids each with their own distinct needs and personalities. Have a great day- Liam and Sherry

New Quilt Square

2006-05-13T07:48:00.000-06:00

A big THANK-YOU to Carolyn and Rob Lauzon from Ottawa for thier contribution to our quilt. We love the pattern and appreciate the thought very much. Take care - Liam and Sherry

Journey to Olivia

Another little speed up

4 year LID-versary

New update

Dramatic speed up or flash in the pan

New Referrals

2 year LID- anniversary

Thanksgiving 2008

CCAA update

Well was'nt that a Party!!

Time for a new look

We're through the Review Room!!!

Are we or Arn't we!!

Twilight Ladybug

Olivia's Dresser and Shelf

New Referrals

Happy New Year

Twas the night before Grey Cup

Hope everyone had a great summer!!

BC and Back

Great Video

Nora the Piano playing Cat

Great Video link

HAPPY NEW YEAR

Hope everyone had a happy Family Day

New Business so we are home with Olivia

New Referals, Happy Ground Hog day

Saskatoon bound

It's Winter today!!

New Referals

We are LID!!!

Christmas in 3 days ready or not!!

Christmas season is here!!

They did it 50 state capitals in 50 days

New referals

Coffee with Blaine & Rachelle/FCA Culture camp

Let the Retail Therapy Begin

Fun new link

Package from FOI

New Referals

We are DTC!!!

Just for Laughs

Map added

New look for the Blog

Where the CCAA is now

Worth every penny

Its only Rock and Roll But I Like IT

Ministry Approval!!!

Family Tree explodes(film at 11)

Signing off on the Homestudy

The wait (Part 1) is over

Waiting too Wait

Happy Anniversary to US!!!

Time line added

Cool new site to check out

Coffee with Jeff and Cory

Lady bug moment

Closer to DTC!!!

From beautiful Downtown Moosejaw, SK

More wonderful fabrics

Surprize Squares!!!

One Red Paperclip House

Olivia's Mom & Dad go camping

New addition to our blogroll

Seven more squares

Frogs, Ladybugs and Dragons!!!

More wonderful squares

From Victoria, BC

Thanks Auntie Laurie

The newest members of our quilting family

Wishes make the world go round

Frogs and Ladybugs, Oh My!!

Is it safe to mix frogs with ladybugs?!!

More squares- Too many for one post!!

Family Picture/ Homestudy visit

Bleeding Green

New Squares

A great mail day!!!

Progress on the quilt

Two New Squares