Great News!

DTC! (Dossier to China)

Today we are one step closer to our sweet Ruthie Joy.

Exhale

Wordless Wednesday

I-800A Approval!

I called today and found out we received our I-800A approval! I should be over the moon, however, I am a bit embarrassed. I just knew in my mind we received our approval last Wednesday, because that was the day that worked (best for me). That would have made our approval letter arrive last Saturday or today. Well, our mail does not come until 4:30 and that was too late. So, I found our mailman making his deliveries and I asked him for our mail around 12:00.

I am glad I did this because after living here for 2 years I have never formally introduced myself. He is such a kind man. In the 5 minutes I spent with him he told me about his 82 year old mother who just had knee surgery and how difficult her rehabilitation has been. I am thankful to have met him. He did not have my approval and I got back in my car with a very heavy heart.

I really wanted that piece of paper called the I-797 today. It worked for me to have it today so that I could get it all ready to send. It was all about ME. I did call the USCIS later and found out we were approved today. This is a big celebration, but I am embarrassed and disappointed. Embarassed because I was so head set on getting what I wanted regardless of who in slowed down and I am disappointed because I allowed this one piece of paper to become more important than pretty much everything. It is hard to trust that the God who created the heavens and the earth has dominion over all! WHY do I forget who He is?

Bring joy to your servant, Lord, for I put my trust in you. Psalm 86:3-5

They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the LORD.

Psalm 112:6-8

Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead,

Philippians 3:12-14"

Hopefully our letter will arrive sometime this week and soon we will have our dossier sent off to China!

Family Beach Trip

"Many, Lord my God, are the wonders you have done, the things you planned for us. None can compare with you; were I to speak and tell of your deeds, they would be too many to declare."

Psalm 40:5

We had a great time on our vacation.
The beach was beautiful and wonderful and full and needed!

We packed and loaded up for the drive to Carabelle, Florida.



Some of us were in absolute shock watching God's wonder.
Grant stood at the beach for a very long time and watched the huge ocean and waves.
All I could do is thank God for bring Grant home and for allowing us to be a part of so many first in his life. The world through Grant's eyes is really different and I forget to slow down to understand what he is thinking or feeling.



While the others delighted in it's great mighty power. And experienced some first too.




We collected a lot of sea shells and

hermit crabs,



larger crabs,



GIGANTIC crabs



and some kind of non-stinging jellyfish.

We relaxed,


and ate wonderful seafood and the best junk food and candy you can find!

Grant ended up loving the beach.



Towards the end of the trip, Grant would head out to the beach first thing in the morning. I love this picture of him dragging the body board in his PJs.

Another first, the oldest children had so much fun kayaking. They have always wanted to swim with the porpoises. God blessed their socks off! The porpoises became very interested in the kayaks and would play next to the boats.

Another first for us was having my step-father, mother and brother join us the last three days of our vacation. We were so grateful to have had this time together with them too.

During the trip, Skip and I celebrated our 14th wedding anniversary!
I asked Skip if he had a favorite year which led to us down memory lane. What stood out the most in our minds were the births and adoption of our children, our family vacations, and the difficult trials where God pulled us so close and then revealed to us His Glory.

I am so blessed.

"Many, Lord my God, are the wonders you have done, the things you planned for us. None can compare with you; were I to speak and tell of your deeds, they would be too many to declare."

Psalm 40:5

Thank you Lord!

Family Vacation

Definition of Vacation from Webster's Dictionary

1: a respite or time of respite from something

2: a. scheduled period during which activity is suspended
b. a period of exemption from work granted to an employee

3. a period spent away from home or business in travel or recreation

Selfishly, I wish it was #1 and I am dreaming of #2, but I will graciously take #3.


We were gifted a week long trip to the beach. This past week I have been resting up for our vacation. Vacation for me is no to do list, no errands, no clutter, no projects, no TV, ~ just a simplified life with lots of sand, sunscreen, laughter and energy!

I am glad the boys are joining us this time.

It's going to be grand!

Energy Kale Shake

1/2 bunch kale
1 banana, peeled
1/4 c red grapes or blueberries
1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 dash cayenne pepper
1/2 c ice
1/2 c water

place all ingredients in a blender and blend until combined


This does not sound wonderful, but it really is good. I buy a bunch of bananas, peal them and put them in the freezer. When the grapes are on sale I do the same. I have been adding Greek vanilla yogurt (1/4 c) and dry blended oats (3 Tbs).

This is all in an effort to eat more fruits and veggies.

Dreaming of Winter

Today the heat index is between 104 and 108!

The Girls First Annual Beach Trip!

Last Thursday the girls and I set out on our first annual beach trip. It was such a WONDERFUL vacation. Our dear friend from China, Kari, has lived in the states for almost 3 years and had never been to the beach. So we picked her up on the way and headed south.

BOYS WEEKEND! They were just as excited.

Beautiful

We spent hours enjoying the ocean.

We met Kari during our paperchase for Grant. She had come to the states to get her master's degree. Once she finished school she came to live with us while she looked for a job. She has had a very hard hard year trying to find a job that immigration will approve. She was hired twice by two different universities, but the job description did not match her education level. Had she had a HS diploma she would have been able to get a visa ~ basically she was too educated for both jobs. However, each position needed someone to speak Chinese fluently.

We had an idea she would have to leave soon to return to China, but we were very shocked when we heard Friday at the beach that she had to be out of the country by Sunday. Kari has really become like a daughter to us and we have tried everything to help her stay in the US. She had also tried everything. We are all at peace believing God has much bigger plans for her than we could orchestrate!

Despite the news, we had such an amazing time together and only God could allow for the time to be filled with the silliness and fun we packed in around closing bank accounts and arranging for international travel ~ all while enjoying the beach. Kari was so generous to give us this time. She had a lot of people here to say good-bye to but she chose to stay at the beach with us.

Sunday, we drove her home and packed everything she owns into two suitcases and two carry on bags and she left the country at 7:30 PM. We will really miss her, but look forward to meeting up when we travel to get Ruthie.

Precious