5 Kids!

What am I thinking?
Yesterday was so peaceful! For a few hours I only had two kids playing in the house.
Brady was at soccer (working as a referee!), and Jailyn was napping. Even DH Bryan was gone - watching Brady and other teams. Kenzie and Conner were playing computer games together. I could hear them in the other room, but no one came to ask me anything! They were quiet happy that I leave them alone and I was happy to ablidge!
The TV was off and I actually had some quiet time! WOW!!! That doesn't happen around here very often!
I enjoyed it so much I thought - I am doing the right thing - wanting a big family? Adopting another child? Four is overwhelming at times, what are Bryan and I going to do with five!
When Bryan got home I had to go run some errands, and I went alone!!! When I was done picking up a few things, I ran by the soccer fields to see if Brady was done. He had just begun a game, which a friend of ours coaches and his son plays on. I went home and got the rest of the crew and we went back to the fields to watch the game. It was so fun to have all my kids there - hanging out! Running around the fields! Playing together, laughing. Does it get better then this? Not really!
As we were playing I couldn't help but get very sad that Jorja was not with us! I can't wait to see her running around, giggling, playing with her brothers,and sisters!
I guess I am made out for this big family thing!
I believe if God gives you a calling I need to heed His call!
Though money is tight at times, and we love hand-me-downs! And we have two cars that could really be put to pasture, we need new carpet, and a new couch. I hope and pray this is not what my kids remember about me. I hope they remember that their Dad and I followed God's call and went forward in faith to add to our family! I pray they learn to do the same!
A friend of mine in college would always tell me that I was going to be a missionary in Asia. I always knew I was called to adopt children, but never knew that two of my children would be from China. Rodney, I wish I could find you after all these years and tell you how right you were!

This has been one of my favorite songs since college - God will let us know where He wants us to go! We need to trust and follow Him! Lord of the Harvest I'll Go! (I have still not been able to figure out the whole you tube and blogspot so here is the link)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_WN7ezuRYpA

You know you are an adoptive parent when...

1. The fact that there are 143 million children without a parent to kiss them goodnight has made you lose sleep.
2. You realize DNA has nothing to do with love and family.
3. You can't watch Adoption Stories on TLC without sobbing.
4. The fact that, if 7% of Christians adopted 1 child there would be no orphans in the world, is convicting to you.
5. You spend free time surfing blogs about families who have experienced the blessing of adoption.
6. It drives you crazy when people ask you about adopted child's 'real' parents.
7. You have ever been 'pregnant' with your adoptive child longer than it takes an elephant to give birth.(2 years!)
8. You had no idea how you would afford to adopt but stepped out in faith anyway, knowing where God calls you He will provide.
9. You have ever taken an airplane ride half-way around the world with a child you just met.
10. You believe God's heart is for adoption.
11. You realize that welcoming a child into your heart and family is one of the most important legacies you could ever leave on this earth.
12. You know what the word 'Dossier' means, and you can actually pronounce it!
13. You have welcomed a social worker into the most private parts of your life.
14. You shudder when people say your child is so lucky that you adopted them, knowing full well you are the blessed one to have him or her in your life.

One step Closer

Our Dossier is on the way to the Chinese Consulate! We hope to be DTC(Dossier to China) by July 1st! From what we have heard - SN is a 3 month wait from our LID! (Log in Date) Hopefully we will travel September or October!
Jorja Noelle we can't wait to meet you!

Praise God!

I just received word that the 171-H form that we have been waiting on for almost 3 months, is finally on the way! We should be receiving it in the mail very soon! YEA!!! Mail comes in about an hour today! This may be the day! After we have receive this form we can get the rest of our paperwork done! I am doing the happy dance again!
Oh, adoption is such a roller coaster of emotions! So glad that we know God is in control and His timing is perfect!

Jorja's Province should be safe!

I have received a lot of emails asking if Jorja is okay after this earth quake in China. I have not heard official word, but her Province is quiet a distance from Sichuan Province. From one of my frequently watched blogs Rumor Queen, many adoptive parents are safe and so are their babies. Continue praying for these people!

I am putting together another care package for Jorja! I was advised to not send a stuffed animal - to hard to keep clean. The latest photos I received from a new friend, Jorja's friend's soon to be momma, Jorja is holding on to her friends stuffed animal! Every photo Jorja is holding this sweet stuffed Panda! I am so glad that she likes Panda's! If any one knew me in high school or college you will remember my room(s) filled with Pandas! Now Jailyn and Jorja's room have pandas. One is even painted on the wall. :) I did get a stuffed animal a few months ago which I can record my voice and she can play it, and hear my voice. This looked like the perfect gift for Jorja as we all wait to be united! Hopefully, it won't scare her! :)

We are still waiting on our 171-H! Can't believe how long it is taking!

Have a great day!

Our Cry!

Those in charge of our paperwork, please hear us!

New Photos of Jorja!

We received some new photos of Jorja and her friends! These were sent from another waiting mom and dad. They are waiting on the same paperwork that we are. Wouldn't it be great if we could travel at the same time to get our girls and have the same gotcha' day! That would make a very traumatic time for the girls a little easier! Of course, the airport good-byes would be horrible! But, hopefully we will be bonded a bit before the plane trip though.
We are excited that we have been in contact with the families of Jorja's good friends. We hope and pray that we can keep these friendships going! These families live in the mid-west, near Jailyn's friend Evan (from her orphanage). Hopefully, we can see everyone on our trips to the mid-west!

Still no news on our 171-H. I am trying to be patient, but every day is so important to getting our little girl home!

I hate writing a post with out posting photos too. Photos are much more fun! So, here is a photo of our two precious girls waiting for their sister!

SLUMBER PARTY FUN!