This photo was taken at the Civil Affairs office on October 30, 2002. To the left is the woman who was Eliana's nanny in the orphanage. On the right is the man who was, at the time, the orphanage director.

The man and woman were two of the three who brought Eliana to us the previous night. The third person was a man who was taking over as orphanage director.

Eliana did not show any particular desire to return to her former nanny. She was quite content with Mommy.

This picture was taken the morning of October 30, 2002 after Eliana became a part of our family the night before. We were preparing to go to the Civil Affairs office to finalize her adoption.

After returning home from West Virginia yesterday evening and getting settled in back home, Eliana was in the mood to do a craft. She and Carmi keep Michaels in business.

Eliana decided that she wanted to make a card for Gran'mommy. She enjoys giving cards but usually finds an existing greeting card and recycles it by giving it to someone else. Or, as happens frequently, I may get a Valentine's Day card in October. It is, after all, the thought that counts, right?

But last night, Gran'mommy was special and she was going to get an original. So with construction paper, magic marker, foam and glue in hand, Eliana went to work and this piece of art was the result of her labor.

I was privileged to make the delivery at lunch today.

I was somewhat out of the loop this weekend because we made a trip to Charleston, WV with my church's Youth Pastor, Andy, and his wife.

Next July, Andy and I plan to take a large group from our church - probably around 70 people - to Charleston for a week-long missions trip. We conducted a pre-visit to toss around ideas with the local missionary couple about ministry opportunities and to take a look at possible ministry sites.

Did I say "out of the loop"? Pffffft...don't believe that for a second. The first question I ask any hotel before making reservations is, "Do you have internet access?". The Ramada Plaza on Second Avenue gave the first correct answer so Room 228 was our home for two nights.

Wireless internet is so sexy!

This is an amazing picture!

Eliana has been in our home for three years. And for three years, Frosty the cat ran for cover whenever the Empress came within ten feet.

No...I take that back.

If Frosty heard Eliana talking loudly in the next room, the cat would flee as though one of her nine lives depended on it.

But today...all of a sudden...today is different.

P.S. No, the cat is not asleep. The flash always catches her with her eyes closed.

I love Cool Whip.

I believe Cool Whip should be a food group unto itself.

Eliana loves Cool Whip too.

Now that's a girl after her Daddy's own heart!