Free Webcam, Free Money

I just scored the deal of the century... ok, maybe a slight exaggeration, but check this out:
We wanted to purchase a webcam for our computer (the laptop has one built in, so we just need one for our desktop). This is so we can (hopefully!) use Skype/webcam to "talk" with the boys while in Ukraine. Anyway, my sister forwarded me Buy.com's Deal of the Day. It was a webcam for $4.99! Perfect! I went to the site, and saw that the webcam is $19.99 with a $14.99 mail-in rebate. Great! I proceeded to purchase the webcam (and free shipping, too). Then I saw that first-time buyers using Google get $10 off their purchase! So, after that, the webcam was $9.99. Once it arrives and I send off for the rebate of $14.99, not only will it be a FREE webcam, but they will be paying me $4.99! Is there anything more thrilling for a shopper than free stuff and free money? I think not!

Want one? Here's the link. My link button isn't working, so you might have to cut and paste. http://www.buy.com/retail/product.asp?sku=206229855&adid=17654&dcaid=17654

These boots are made for walking

I got my boots from LandsEnd today, and they are a perfect fit! Hooray! I also did a little shopping with my friend Traci yesterday, and picked up a couple of tops that won't wrinkle and pack/travel well. Thanks for lunch, Traci! The visit was great, but the Austin pollen count has wreaked havoc on my allergies!
(yes, I flew to Austin yesterday to have lunch with Traci. I have mentioned how much I love my hubby's airline job, right? :)
I think all we have left to purchase are our travel items (Tide, Downy, etc) and our webcams. We are hoping to be able to use Skype with the webcams to talk with the boys "face-to-face". We leave 5 weeks from Saturday!!!

Planning for Fun

In the midst of the hustle and bustle of getting ready for our trip to Ukraine, our adoption, and our daughter, I don't want to miss out on living in the "now". I have been thinking alot lately of all the fun things I want us to do together as a family before we leave. It's going to be hard on us to be away from the boys so long - I'm sure harder on us than it will be on them! We want to really focus on them during the next few weeks, letting them know how special they are to us and how important family is.
Here are some ideas I've been thinking of...I don't know how much of this we will actually get to do, but it will be fun trying!
- an indoor campout. I read this on someone else's blog, and I loved this idea. We can all sleep in our sleeping bags in the family room, roast marshmallows in the fireplace, watch movies, tell stories, etc.
- a day-trip (maybe Chicago?). We love our flight benefits and use them quite a bit. After Ukraine, I'm sure we'll have our fill of travel for awhile, so now would be a good time to squeeze in one more quick trip!
- a family day at the zoo
- a family valentine party! :)
- a visit to Build-a-Bear to create a special bear for "little sister"
- make a kite together and then fly it at the park
- spend time doing something special with each boy, one-on-one
- help them draw pictures, write notes, and make small gifts we can take to the orphanage

I'd love to hear other suggestions about fun things you bloggers like to do with your family!

Online Shopping

I love Magellan's! It's a great travel website that has EVERYTHING! It will save me lots of running around. What did we do before the Internet? Here's what's heading our way...Plugs for our electronics.Sink/tub stopper (I hear these come in handy and that many apartments in Ukraine don't have them).Super fun! These are for those Ukraine "squatters". Anything to keep me from having to touch them.We are bringing 3 of these - to stash the ridiculous amount of cash we have to bring with us!Maybe we won't ALWAYS look like we're living out of a suitcase. NO, these are not my underwear! :) Since dryers are extremely rare in Ukraine, this "clipless" clothesline will do the trick. My friend Rene would feel right at home! :)

More LIST Progress

Lots of needles today! I got my Hep A shot. I tried all I could think of to get out of it, but my doctor really recommended it. AND Garrett was with me, so I had to be brave. Our facilitator wanted us to get our medical reports redone in case the judge wants to see something more current than our reports from May '07. So, LOTS needles! Hopefully we are still clear of Syphilis and HIV! (hehe)

I'm also making some good progress on our "Family Book" to bring with us. I'm creating it on photoshop, then uploading it to Snapfish, where they will bind it all in a little 5x7 book for about $20! How great is that? I still have a few pics to collect, but it's close to finished!

After hearing from more than one source how muddy and wet it can be in March in Ukraine, I have been rethinking borrowing my friend Amy's boots. I don't want to ruin them, and I don't think they are waterproof. So, I went on Landsend.com today, and ordered me some cute little brown snow boots - ON SALE! :) Tomorrow, I'm going to get serious about our list and start getting more of it knocked out. We will be leaving for Ukraine 6 weeks from tomorrow! Tonight,though, we're having some dear friends over for Chili and S'mores. Doesn't that sound good? :)

"Are you getting excited" II

My friend April wrote a post yesterday with the above title. If you haven't read it, go check it out. She described exactly the way we feel when we are asked the questions, "are you getting excited?!" I just had to add to it...(hope you don't mind, April!) :)
It's a strange feeling, international adoption. We can see the ending - us with another child/ren. But that's about all we know. We know nothing about what kind of road will lead to that ending - long or short, curvy or straight, bumpy or smooth? Probably a little of everything. We know nothing of the child or children we will bring home. We are requesting one girl up to age 5, but that is not guaranteed. We believe in our hearts that we will bring home a daughter...it's the age/health of our daughter that is unknown. What brings us the most comfort is that with all the unknowns (and there are lots), there is one thing we do know - and that is our God. We can't see the way the story will play out, but we know the author and we trust him completely. So, are we excited - yes. But that doesn't begin to cover it. As April mentions, curiosity, hope, and a few butterflies (similar to the feeling you have getting on a huge rollercoaster for the first time). In the end, we know God's plan will bless our family. Will our journey be smooth and predictable, maybe not. But we will keep our eyes on the ending and trust in the One who writes our story. I went through a time of anxiety recently regarding this adoption, and the Lord so sweetly sent me to Psalm 20. He never fails to confirm this plan of adoption for our family.
May the LORD answer you when you are in distress;
may the name of the God of Jacob protect you.
May he send you help from the sanctuary
and grant you support from Zion.
May he remember all your sacrifices
and accept your burnt offerings.
May he give you the desire of your heart
and make all your plans succeed.
We will shout for joy when you are victorious
and will lift up our banners in the name of our God.
May the LORD grant all your requests.
Now I know that the LORD saves his anointed;
he answers him from his holy heaven
with the saving power of his right hand.
Some trust in chariots and some in horses,
but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.

A Day with Grant

Yesterday was a rare occasion. Garrett had preschool, but Grant's school was off for teacher in-service. Grant and I got to hang out together! 7-year-old boys are so funny! Throughout the day, I heard comments like..."I bet Romo is still sad about that game"..."I can't believe the Packers lost to the Giants!"..."Remember that one play, when Romo got sacked. I would NOT want that to happen to me"..."when I play football in high school or college, people might start calling me 'Hinshaw'". Yes, he has a one-track-mind. All football, all the time. It's SO the way I picture his daddy at that age. Oh - here's one more that just came to mind - "It's going to be a tough choice, an astronaut or a singer - I do know how to make up good songs you know". Yes, I know! :) He ran errands with me, then we went to eat at Whataburger (his request), then home to play Battleship where it's warm (yesterday was the coldest day we've had in ages!). He is so much fun to be with and I am so proud of him. He's funny and full-of-life, but he also is sensitive to others and thoughtful. He is going to be an amazing big brother to our daughter! Love you, Buddy, and hope you always think it's fun to hang out with your mom! :)

AMAZING Race!

The Amazing Race finale was tonight! It's our favorite show - it's really the only one we have set to record on our DVR right now...(well, I guess not anymore since it ended tonight!). My favorite team won, which has never happened! TK and Rachel were the winners of the $1 million dollar prize, and they earned it. They were the classic case of "nice guys really can finish first". I was so excited when they crossed the finish line I could hardly stand it! :) It's such a fun show, and it's the one show we'd really like to be on. It got me thinking about Ukraine, and how that trip will have many similarities to the Amazing Race. Lots of running around, following various instructions, only to get there and have to wait...navigating various modes of transportation...not being able to speak the native language while trying to find your way...emotional and stressful ups and downs...unusual foods...having to pack light...and there is a great prize at the end! :) Can you believe we've hit the 50 day mark on our countdown?
We had a nice weekend hanging out with friends and family. We took the boys to their first hockey game on Friday (the Fort Worth Brahmas), and Grant is hooked! He discovered that one of the players is also named Grant, so he had fun cheering for him. He actually cried when it was time to leave! Garrett had his second basketball game this weekend, which was a big improvement from last week when none of them really knew what they were doing. They still lost, but I don't think they noticed. They were much more concerned about the snack time at the end of the game than the score! As usual, lots of sports on the weekends for this family of boys. I love it and wouldn't change it, but it will be nice to throw some ballet or gymnastics into the mix! :)

LIST Progress

This week I did some major cleaning out. I cleaned out my closet as well as the boys' playroom. I was reminded of an old favorite poem...

Messy Room by Shel Silverstein
Whosever room this is should be ashamed!
His underwear is hanging on the lamp.
His raincoat is there in the overstuffed chair,
And the chair is becoming quite mucky and damp.
His workbook is wedged in the window,
His sweater's been thrown on the floor.
His scarf and one ski are beneath the TV,
And his pants have been carelessly hung on the door.
His books are all jammed in the closet,
His vest has been left in the hall.
A lizard named Ed is asleep in his bed,
And his smelly old sock has been stuck to the wall.
Whosever room this is should be ashamed!
Donald or Robert or Willie or--
Huh? You say it's mine? Oh, dear,
I knew it looked familiar!

I wish I could say this poem only described the boys' playroom, and not my closet, but I will admit that there could have been a couple of lizards in my closet, and I'd have never known! Now, though, it is organized, clean and shiny! :) I love to be organized, but my organizational skills tend to be...well...short-lived. For now, I will enjoy the organizational bliss and say (yet again), "This time, it's going to stay this way!". I should have taken before and after photos...would I have been brave enough to post them? Hhhmmmm.

Another biggie checked off...Scott and I both have doctor's appointments scheduled to update our bloodwork, etc. for the adoption. They will be expiring in April, and our facilitator wants updates in case the judge wants to see more recent information. More needles :( I think we might need a vaccination or two for our trip. I guess I'll add that research to the LIST. Any suggestions from veterans on this?

Today was a big day for the Hinshaws! I got my car back from the collision shop, and we are now,after waiting over a month, a 2-car family again. I've never been a "car person", but I must admit that I love my car. It's a Honda Pilot, and it's the greatest car ever (at least that we can afford!). And now it is finally good as new. Thank you Lord, and thank you Craig's Collision!

Boots - After much searching, with no luck, I am happy to report that I found some GREAT boots (super comfy and warm, too) in my friend Amy's closet. She generously offered to let me borrow them for Ukraine, and I happily accepted. I promise to wear baggies over them in all public restrooms, Amy!

Packing Light (yeah, right!)

Usually, we are masters at packing light. We usually just bring a carry-on each everywhere we travel. (Can you believe that?!) As an airline employee family, you learn quickly that flights aren't guaranteed and it's best to just have carry-ons to worry about. This trip to Ukraine is a little different. Not only will we be gone longer than any other trip, but we will be adopting a child while we're there! Some of my Ukraine-adopting friends have sent out their packing lists, and I am overwhelmed! I never would have thought of all that stuff to bring! Our goal is to bring a carry-on each and ONE checked bag to share. Is it possible? I know there are others out there who have traveled LIGHT to places like Ukraine. We'd love advice on what is REALLY necessary, and what we can do without. I want to hear everyone's packing light secrets! (i.e. - leave a comment!:)

Surprise!

They finally got me! I'm tough to surprise, but my sister pulled it off! She got ahold of my email account, and sent out an evite to all my friends for a surprise adoption shower! This was surprising on many levels - 1) we don't leave for 57 days (yes, of course I'm counting!), 2) we have no idea how old she is (she put on the invitation 2 to 6), 3) and for all we know, we could home with more than one (not the plan, but it does happen!). My friends were so creative - they really came through. This little girl is stocked with dress-up clothes (and a trunk to keep it all - thanks, Lauren!), tea sets, books, a pink bible, movies, pink plates and cups, her own cooking utensils, hair bows, etc... Stuff girls of all ages would love. I am so blessed to have such amazing friends, and an amazing sister and mother who masterminded the whole thing. So sneaky! My sister told me later that she knew I'd have way too much fun shopping later for girl clothes, and would want to do it myself (she's right). This way, our little one will be stocked up with goodies that are really for HER. Let's face it, little girls clothes are much more fun for the moms than the little girls! :)
Thank you, girls, from the bottom of my heart. There are no words to show how grateful I am for your friendship and your support. You have walked with me through my lowest lows, and my highest highs - and I forever grateful that the Lord brought each of you into my life. You are a blessing.
Love and hugs!
Julie

Can you tell I had no idea!? If you know me, you know I would NEVER wear black and jeans to a shower!!!! Just pretend that I'm wearing pink...

Our story - broadcasted!

My dad founded a non-profit company over the last year. One of his main focuses is producing spots for radio broadcast of people sharing their stories of faith. I was one of the first interviewed for these short stories. He's wrapping up production, and his radio spots will be on the air soon. He's put a preview on his website - and it's my interview about our adoption! Go check it out!
http://www.faithteam.org/faithfeatures.htm Scroll down and click on "Julie's Faith Story" :)

My Valentine

Yes, there is a trend here. I am always in the mood for a holiday just a touch too early. I'm not gifted in delayed gratification. I love Valentine's day! It's a day I set aside to let all my boys know how much I love them. I usually decorate the dining room table and cook a special family dinner. Last year we did fondue, and the boys loved it! We might have to make that a tradition. (Of course, my #1 valentine takes me out on the weekend :) Actually, this post is about my littlest Valentine, Garrett. He is my cuddle-bug. Grant would never sit still long enough to be held much, but Garrett would let me hold him all day! He still likes to be held, and I admit, although he is five, I do carry him from time to time. He's my baby! Wednesday, we were going to a friend's house for lunch and he fell sleep in the car. I got him out of the car and was carrying him inside when he said, "Mommy, it just feels so good when you hold me. So good!" Would that not melt any chocolate heart? See what I mean? He's my little Valentine. As sweet as this mother/child exchange was, I got a lump in my throat as I thought of our other little valentine across the world with no mother to hold her. I said a prayer that God's angels would hold her until I can get there to take over...as I pray every day.
Angels descending bring from above
echoes of mercy, whispers of love.

Always be Prepared!

We had some friends over for dinner that have been to Ukraine several times for mission trips. They are precious people and we were so blessed by their visit! They shared all kinds of advice and travel tips, as well as stories of their time in Ukraine. Thanks to all of our incredible blog friends and FRUA, we already knew so much of what they told us! :) We did learn something important I wanted to pass along. I asked them about the infamous train rides, particularly the bathrooms.
As many others who have shared this experience, they described the "less than American" conditions of the bathroom. I have read of many ladies who rationed their fluid intake while on the train to avoid having to go! My friend and dinner guest, Jeannie Martin, had some great advice. The trick is to know what to expect and be prepared. Before entering, roll up your pant legs (this is very important because of what is sloshing around on the ground...eeoouuuuuu). Bring with you your own toilet paper and antibacterial wipes (so you can avoid the germ-ridden, difficult to operate faucet). Avoid touching the seat at all costs. For that matter, avoid touching anything. Also, keep bottled water with you at your bunk for the purpose of brushing your teeth and washing your face there, rather than the bathroom. I would add to this advice I heard from someone else - take baggies to put over your shoes when using the bathroom (this protects them from the sloshing mentioned earlier!).
I feel prepared and up for the challenge! Scott wants to fly instead. No big surprise there.

Check...

***UPDATE on the BOOTS***
I'm taking them back. I thought I would wear them today and start breaking them in. Can you tell there is no zipper? I had trouble getting them on at the store, but I didn't have socks on and I assumed that was the problem. That was NOT the problem. I spend about 10 minutes trying to get them on - tried different kinds of socks, tried hopping, stomping, yanking, and pulling. I finally got one on, but never got the other one on! I don't need this added stress in Ukraine. Back they go, and back to shopping for me! Any suggestions???I found some boots today. I think that was at the top of my list. I wanted something warm, comfy, yet could be dressed up with slacks when needed. I hear the weather is unpredictable in March, and that last year, March was Ukraine's snowiest month. I'll be ready! :)

Check, check, check...this and that

Okay, just one check, really. Today I accomplished purchasing a purse/tote for Ukraine. I wanted something inexensive and functional, as I am sure it will take a beating on our trip. I found a great bag at Target (sorry, coudn't find a picture online). It INCLUDES a small address book/notepad and a small umbrella, has lots of pockets, and zippers to keep everything safe! I also got (though not officially on the list) some great leather gloves on sale, and a cute bedside table at Marshall's for little sister's room. I told you I would be checking off the "to purchase" list first... :)

We are having some friends over for dinner tomorrow night that have spent lots of time in Ukraine doing mission work. We are so excited to learn all we can from them! Go visit their blog...

I went to the smocking store today to get some fabric and a new smocking plate for my sweeet friend Stacie's baby girl. Any baby girl coming into the world as kid #4 deserves her own smocked dress, don't you think? :) Can't wait to get started on it!

The shop owner said she would order a smocking plate with Russian nesting dolls for me! How cute will that be

Little Sister's Room

Many have asked to see pictures of the little girl's room. So here you go! The bed is a daybed, enclosed on 3 sides, so if we come home with a little one, we can add a bedrail. If we come home with a bigger girl, we are all set! We are praying for a girl 5 or under. :)
(scroll down - I was on a roll today! 3 posts!)

Ukraine 201 - Christmas

Today is Ukrainian Christmas! Merry Christmas to our little one. May your day be filled with hope and peace - it's going to be a great year! :)
I thought you'd like to read about Ukrainian Christmas customs...(this is just a brief summary, I know!)
They use the Julian calendar, in which Christmas is celebrated on January 6th/7th. On Christmas Eve (6th), they have a big family dinner that is rich in tradition and symbolism. 12 meatless dishes are served, representing the 12 apostles of Jesus. The table is set with an embroidered table cloth, with clumps of hay stuffed underneath. This makes the table lumpy, and is a reminder of the manger where Christ was born. Special bread that has been blessed by a priest is served, along with Borscht, fish dishes, and many other uniquely Ukrainian dishes. That night, Father Frost, accompanied by an angel girl, comes with his sled and 3 reindeer to leave sweet treats in the children's shoes. Christmas is a time to focus on the birth of Christ and being with family. It is very different from the commercial holiday we are bombarded with here!

The LIST is here!

Da da da daaaaaaaa. OK - here it goes. I'm super organized in my head and on paper, but making it a reality is another story. I am hoping you Ukraine veterans out there can help fill in what is missing! :)

Purchases to make:- brown boots, comfy, yet can be a little dressy
- figure out SDA/court outfit! :)
- treats for the orphanage (Oriental Trading?)
- gift for facilitator, orphanage workers, etc. (suggestions?)
- travel toys for our little one
- small purse with lots of pockets (not taking my Coach!)
- other various small items - baggies, travel Tide, Purel, etc.
- money belts (we have one, but we'd like to get 3 more)
- borrow/gather books, DVDs, iTunes TV series, etc.
- adaptor (if needed)
- spring clothes for the boys - it will turn spring while we're
gone!
To do:
- get Skype set up on computers
- let credit card company know of our travel
- make bank appt. to get crisp new bills(that's all they accept)
- check with health insurance about coverage in Ukraine, also
about adding our new little one to coverage asap
- airline travel - Scott will get that set up through AA.
Flights are wide open to London, so we'll fly there, then
purchase, or use a sister airline, to get to Kiev
- find out how to get our little one registered to be on our
family list to fly AA home
- check with facilitator about documents to update and bring
- arrange boys' babysitting schedules (we have a rough draft)
- arrange carpool schedules
- create a family photo book to show our little one
- go ahead and schedule a pediatrician appointment for early May
- clean out/organize - I've divided the house into 8 sections
to work on (closets included!), one section per week
- stock pantry and freezer (aka - big Costco trip)
- schedule housekeeper to clean before our homecoming
- schedule a prayer send-off before our departure
- find or make a stool for the vanity in her room - other than
that, our little girls room is done!

Whew! Are you overwhelmed yet? I am!

Just for Fun

I saw this in my friend April's blog, and I couldn't resist!

Clark Gable and James Bond - can't beat that! :)

Not really seeing the Faith Hill thing...would be nice, though! I'm on to their scheme, though. If they didn't say you looked like beautiful people, no one would go to their website, right? :) Fun, though - go check it out. The picture is the link.
By the way, I tried the boys' pictures on this site, too. I will not be posting thier results to save my oldest son from the embarrassment of looking most like Shirley Temple!!!

The LIST

The Christmas break is officially over. DH is back to work, and school starts back tomorrow. This means, for me, that it's time to get started on the LIST (if I knew how to insert a musical da da da daaaaa everytime you see the word LIST, I would - just play it in your head). The LIST will consist of all the things that need to be purchased, packed, cleaned, scheduled, updated or completed before we leave for Ukraine. We will most likely leave around the 8th of March, so that leaves me about 65 days. In true Julie fashion, the items on the list I am excited about doing will get done immediately (ie - purchasing). The remainder of the list will get procrastinated until about 2 weeks prior to leaving. Those 2 weeks will be spent running around like a chicken with its head cut off. I will be stressed and sleep-deprived, but I will love every minute of it. It's how I operate. I say this now while I still have time to blog, so when there is a large gap between posts come early March, you will know why! :)
I will be working on the LIST this week and I'll post it for all you adoption bloggers. I'd love feedback on all the things I'm forgetting!

Garrett's Tooth

Garrett, our five-year-old, is already preparing for his future role as a middle child. He has been practicing finding creative ways to get our attention, and is pretty good at it. But most of the time, he enjoys life slightly below the radar. He's low-key (until he gets mad - look out!) and doesn't really care for the spotlight (which is a good thing for Grant, who lives for it). This brings me to the reason for this post... Garrett lost his first tooth! With Grant, it was an event celebrated with much fanfare (and, I admit, even some mommy tears). We announced it to anyone that would listen, and he was just so proud! Here's how it went with Garrett...
This morning he says something about how he has a grown-up tooth. We look in his little mouth, and sure enough, not only has he lost a bottom baby tooth, but there is a grown-up tooth already in its place. We ask him when he lost his tooth, and he says, "I don't know. Maybe at Tyler's house yesterday. That's when I saw it was gone" (his cousin's house). WHAT??!! How does a child loose his first tooth, and (A)not really know when and (B)not tell anyone?!? Being more like Grant in nature, this is beyond my realm of comprehension.
So, we will be leaving a note for the tooth fairy, since we have no tooth. For all we know this happened sometime last week. It could be anywhere! So if you happen to see a little baby tooth on the ground at Target, it's probably Garrett's.
I'd take his picture and post it, but since his grown-up tooth is already in, he looks exactly the same! :)