TRENT TURNS 9!

Okay, well his birthday was actually yesterday but we're still celebrating! I can't believe how fast he's growing up. He's still the sweet, talkative boy he's always been. He was so excited to find out he's getting a dog for his birthday. We haven't found the right one yet and may wait until we return from China but we'll see. We love you Trent!!!

Nothing new to report on the adoption front. We're currently waiting for our I800 approval and hope to have that next week. After that we have to wait for a couple more steps before everything is sent to China. Then, we wait for China to issue our Travel Approval. Please pray that we are able to travel before the boys get out of school. Their last day is May 27.

Our agency called and they received our LOA!!!

That's right! After 109 days of waiting, we finally received that long awaited phone call.....our LOA arrived at our agency today!! They will be sending it out to us tomorrow and we should receive it on Wednesday. I don't know exactly what the next steps are but I do know this...we are one GIANT step closer to bringing our little Josie home!!!

I am still holding out hope that we could travel in April but it is looking more like May. I know God's timing will be perfect but I also know He tells us to ask and we shall receive so here goes.........please, please, please bring us a speedy TA (travel approval) so we can kiss our precious daughter for the very first time soon - SOON!!! We appreciate all your continued prayers as we prepare to meet Josie and bring her home.

Day 99......but it's OK!

Yep, today is day 99 of waiting for our LOA. Yes, this is far above the average, yes, it's hard and yes, there are days when I want to scream but today........it's OK! I know God has a plan and I know He knows far more about what is best. What is best for Josie, for us, for our boys, for everyone. So today, it's day 99 and it's OK.

Our agency did check on our LOA and everything is fine with our paperwork. It seems it got "caught up" somewhere between translation and review so it could be a few more weeks. So, if we do the math, we won't travel in March and probably won't travel in April. I'm hoping for sure by May! Please continue to pray for us and that we can bring Josie home as soon as possible. My parents will be the primary caregivers for our 3 boys when we are in China so for their sake, I want to travel before school gets out. As always, we appreciate all the prayer and support throughout this journey. Nobody said it would be easy but I know it will be worth it!!

Look at that precious face!!!

90 day wait and another snow day!

Well, this crazy winter we're having just keeps on giving.......to the boys that is! They have another "snow" day today due to icy roads. They are thrilled and actually I don't mind since I don't want them out on the roads if they are unsafe. One of our neighbors was killed in a car accident yesterday. They have 6 kids and ride our same school bus. It is so, so sad. Please say a prayer for the family.

We are on day 90 waiting for our LOA. I was reading the blog of another adopted family and reminded that there may be several reasons why God doesn't want us to go yet. He may need us here, she may need to be there, we may need to meet someone in China when we finally do go, etc, etc. I need to trust. I know God is in control of this. He lead us to Josie and He will bring her home at the perfect time!

Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you" declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future".

DAY 83!

That's right, we've been waiting 83 days for our LOA! I never expected to have to wait this long and today has been a hard day. I really, really thought it would come today but just emailed with our agency and they did receive some..........but not ours.

I want to bring Josie home. I was originally hoping for February, now I'm praying for March! Please pray it arrives soon.

A TEENAGER in the house!

13 years ago today.....our world changed forever when Noah Joseph entered the world and taught us what faith is all about. Happy Birthday Noah - We Love You~! To quote his Aunt Tammy "He has been through so much and is yet always so positive and ready for anything. He's awesome!" How did we get from this tiny baby to this adventurous teenager over night?

ANOTHER Snow Day!

That's right folks, the boys have another snow day today and we are completely snowed in. We got back from California just in time for another few inches of blowing and drifting snow. It's been nuts! Let's look back to a happier time. Here's a photo of Ben and the boys on the beach in San Diego on Ben's 40th birthday.