Saturday, June 27, 2009

Blessing in Ethiopia

We have been blessed to meet and become friends with the Stanley family. We met through mutual dear friends because we were both adopting from China. Their log in date with China is a week or so before ours, so we have been on this journey together from the beginning. They have been a source of support and comfort because they know all too well what the adoption journey is like and what it is like to WAIT.
The Stanleys began a concurrent adoption with Ethiopia several months ago and TODAY they met their little blessing, Lola Joy. If you would like to follow their journey and see pictures of their precious little girl, click this link http://journeytochinadoll.blogspot.com/. I know they appreciate all prayers and well wishes.
We love you Stanley family - all FIVE of you!

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Oh Where Oh Where is our TA ... Oh Where Oh Where Can it be?

Well this is the question of every minute of every day that is running through my mind. Everytime the phone rings I wonder, "Is this the call?" I know it sounds crazy, but that is just how I am feeling right now. We are just waiting on our TA and then we can travel to meet our little sweetheart. We are soooo ready! Her room is ready, we have all of the paperwork ready, we have bought most of the gifts to take, and we have a good start on the little things that we need to buy to take with us. Don't get me wrong, I am sure that we will be scrambling when that call comes, but bring it on, I am ready!
We have thought all along that we would be taking Aidan with us. Well, we are not so sure now. China is placing people in quarantine if they are in close proximity to someone who test positive for the flu. We are not nervous about the potential to be quarantined. We are nervous though that if one of us comes down with the flu, that Aidan will be separated from us. Officials are taking this VERY seriously there and even though we see this as just the flu, they do not. At this point, we don't want to take the risk of him being separated from us. This breaks my heart and his because he has been so excited to go. But ... things could change before we travel and we may change our minds again.
Please pray that we get our TA soon. Please pray that everything related to the flu calms down. Please pray for peace for us while we wait. And please pray that God continues to wrap his loving arms around Isabella and her wonderful foster family.
We KNOW God's time is perfect and we trust in that. This is the verse that spoke to me while we were trying to decide whether or not to say yes to Isabella's referral and the one that has given me hope and peace throughout this journey. Proverbs 3: 5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight.

Sunday, June 21, 2009

Happy Father's Day!





Happy Father's Day! May God bless each and every one of you today.

I wanted to place a post today to honor Michael ... he is just the best daddy in the world to the boys and I know Bella will feel the same way. Aidan and Keenan loved having so much time with daddy while we were in Hilton Head. While we were there, they built sand castles, rode bikes, "surfed" the waves, went on a sailboat ride, and kayaked. It was a great week! We are happy to be home and spend a relaxing day before we get back into the routine of things tomorrow.

We love you Michael! Happy Father's Day!

Sunday, June 14, 2009

Krispy Kreme and Hilton Head







That's right! We stopped by the most awesome Krispy Kreme on the way to Hilton Head. The boys loved to watch the doughnuts bake and come off the belt. They were yummy! We also spent the day at the beach today and hung out at the house we are renting. Fun Fun! We are having a great time and can't wait for Isabella to join us at the beach next year! Enjoy the photos!

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

Pictures Pictures Pictures - All 3 of our Blessings






Here are some cute pictures of all 3 of our little blessings. The one of Isabella is an updated photo we have received. Isn't she just adorable! The picture of Aidan's Kindergarten graduation just shows that he loves to make his buddies laugh. I am sure that he will provide all of us entertainment while in China. Also love this picture of Keenan riding his bike early one morning in his pajamas and boots. Check out the hair. This is how he looks every time after he wakes up.