Getting closer. . .

Well, we didn't pass court; however, we got close! The MOWA recommendation was there, but Isaiah's birth father was not able to make it. Fortunately, he is on his way, and the judge agreed to hear his statement tomorrow (tonight our time). Hopefully, we will hear, "You Passed!" tomorrow.

Until then, we will be praying for a father who has to surrender his son, just because he lives in a place of poverty. This is the hard part of adoption. I don't like to think about it, but I will today so that this reality can continue to soften my heart for people.

Thank you for praying for this process. I could feel the Peace that passes understanding last night.

More to come. . .

1st Court Tonight!

Please pray with us today. Tonight when we are sleeping, a judge in Ethiopia will review our case for the first time. In the "olden days", before the two trips were mandated, this would make Isaiah officially ours, and we would travel to go get him shortly after. Now that Chris and I have to also appear before a judge, this is like Step 1. Then, our court date on Aug. 3 will be Step 2.

Fifty percent of families do not pass the first time at court. This is either because the birth family is unable to appear or because some of the paperwork is missing, usually due to power outages or other uncontrollable issues. If we do not pass, we are not sure how this could affect our trip in a few weeks.

So, it would just be fabulous if we could pass the first time. Please pray that God would orchestrate everything. It seems like we are so close, and after holding an Ethiopian baby, my heart is ready for Isaiah!

1st Ethiopian Get-together!

I thought this deserved its own post even though it was a part of our weekend. Brenda organized our first get-together with Ethiopian adoption families! We got to meet the Voth family who brought Jude home three months ago! Here, we are eating a YUMMY dessert!

It was sooooo sweet to be able to hold him.
As you can see, he is just a bundle of sweetness, and he made my heart so happy! Thank you Gail and Darrel for sharing him for an afternoon! Thanks, Brenda, for the yummy food and for coordinating this. I look forward to many more play dates when we all have our boys home!

4th of July Weekend!

We had a busy 4th of July Weekend!

First, I got to celebrate my mom's birthday with my two sisters-in-law by going to the Anita Renfro concert. I haven't laughed that hard in a long time. It was so fun to get a girls night out with Mom, Katy and Becky--oh, and baby Sheperd! Here is Mom with her new necklace from Junk Posse jewelry. I LOVE it and am so excited that Tracy donates some of the profits to Children's Hopechest. If you are ever in the market for some amazing hand-made jewelry, I highly recommend looking at Tracy's site!

On Saturday, we hosted a brunch to celebrate Mom graduating with her Masters of Nursing! Way to go, Mom! You are amazing! I am so proud of you!!!

On Sunday, we went to the Gerber Family Reunion. I'm not sure why I didn't get any pictures. I guess it was because it was pouring rain, so we were all squeezed into the basement and were too busy catching up!

We did get some fireworks launched and then got to go to our deck and watch the amazing display of wonder in our neighborhood. Apparently, all of our neighbors go wild for the 4th, so we had a great view as we celebrated our freedom.

The Countdown is On!

It is July, so the countdown is officially on until we can hold these little dimpled hands! This is what we need to accomplish in less than a month!

1. Pass our first court date on Thursday, July 8! This is next week. We pray the birth family can be present as well as all of our paperwork.

2. Book plane tickets to Ethiopia. We need to leave around July 28 or so. Yikes! That is soon! Oh, I am so glad! :)

3. Celebrate Sydney's and Raegan's birthdays!

4. Finish teaching three online classes. I should be done July 22--just in time!

5. Pack and get everything ready to be out of the country!

As you can see, July is going to be FULL. Please pray that we thrive in the busyness!

Remembering Grandma B

Grandma B lived in Denver, so it was always a huge treat to go see her. She went to live with Jesus five years ago. It is easy for me to remember how much time has gone by because I was pregnant with Raegan. Unfortunately, since I was due any time, I was unable to go to Grandma's funeral.

I always remember the treats in Grandma's lazy susan corner cabinet. I remember her collection of Denver Bronco gear. I remember the smell as we would walk into her house. I remember her very pink bathroom. I remember the fun dress-up clothes in her closet. I remember how she would always give us something of hers. I remember eating yummy breakfast treats in her breakfast nook. I remember getting to watch cartoons at her house--and this was a treat for us! I remember getting to spend my birthday at her house many times. Really, there are a lot of details I remember about going to Grandma B's house; however, the best part about remembering Grandma B is remembering how delighted she was to see us. I still remember her hugs, and I can't wait to see her again some day in heaven.

In the meantime, I am so glad that mom wanted to plant a bush in her honor. This will be a fun way to pass on some of these stories to my kiddos about their Great Grandma B.

Father's Day Fun

We were able to go out to the farm over Father's Day. We had a great time. There were kittens. . .
A working Go-Cart. . .

Oh wait. . . maybe not! No, it kept working, but we wondered when a little oil spilled over, making a lot of smoke!
Races down the driveway. . .
And fun at the lake! The kids loved jumping off the tube into the water.

We were tuckered out at the end of the day!