Papers Filed!

Our papers are officially filed!!! Thank you Lord! The committe has 10 days to review all our paperwork... not really sure what that means... but I do know that now that our paperwork is filed we could get "the call" anyday. Well, anyday, month, hopefully not longer than a year=) We are in the system and when they match us up with a  little boy between the ages of 8months-18months old they will let us know. When they do call we have to be prepared to travel within 10 days...I know it's a little early but I have started doing a little research on hotels, flights, etc..it's a little overwhelming to say the least. I am not a seasoned traveler by any means of the imagination. The first time I ever set foot on an airplane was my junior year of college..I went to Lubbuck..wow..I have only been out of the country once which wasn't until like 2 years ago..so..researching Russia has been a bit different. I have learned one thing... you can't go with the lowest bidder on hotels! Last night as I was reasearching, I thought I found a really good deal..you know.. it's not our honeymoon, it's not vacation, we are there for the specific purpose of getting our baby...  Here is what $83 dollars a night will get you...per American review(which I am soooo glad I read) The top 2 floors of the hotel are a "womens dormatory"(brothel) , they have been instructed not to bother the hotel guest...need I go on? I think I will change my budget up just a little=) Anyways, we are excited about hopefully traveling soon..

Kennedy's Art Show

Thursday night was Nebbie Wiliams Art Show. Each student had 3 pieces of art to display. Here is Kennedy's

We are so proud of you!

Update on Adoption

On April 8th I finally got the final approval from our agency on our adoption paperwork.. everything was just as it should be and ready to send to Russia!!! This to me was a huge milestone..We had a small celebration at my house!! After months of paperwork it was finished..I finally felt like I could sit back and relax..until the next day.. The story broke of the Tenn. woman who sent her adopted Russian son back to Russia alone..I won't go into detail as I am sure you have probably heard the story. The news was talking about a possible adoption freeze. Our agency assured us that everything was still moving forward...In fact in the middle of that week I found out that our paperwork had made it to Russia, had been translated, and is set to be filed on the 26th!! The next morning.. turned on the news to find out that adoptions had been froze until the US and Russia could meet..So, I emailed our agency only to find out that the news had the story wrong, imagine that! Adoptions are not frozen but have slowed down...What an emotional day that was. There was supposed to be a big meeting today between the US/Russian officials but the big Ash cloud over Europe prevented any flights in/out of Russia...you just can't make this stuff up people! In all this craziness I know that God is in control! I can't wait to see how He works all this out=) Please continue to pray!

Easter Weekend

We had a busy Easter weekend filled with lots of family,food, fun and hundreds of eggs! On Saturday we spent the day with Michael's family..

This is a picture of all the kiddos after they collected all the Easter eggs...forget about the cute Easter baskets... we had to bring in the big bags! I tried to get a picture of my girls in action... but they were too fast.

I had to beg for this picture... They were so excited the whole day they didn't want to stop for a picture!

Easter Morning... The past few Easter's have been really cold...so this year..I made sure they had little jackets...and it was hot!

Mika at my parents house

We spent Sunday afternoon at my parents house...

Got them in action this time! I think they were tired!

The things we do for fun at Nanny and Pa's!

Why do boys think it's fun to get trucks stuck? Oh well... it was very entertaining!

How do you get a truck un-stuck? The kids think they can do it!

No..

Yes...leave it to the John Deere Tractor! Fun times!

Joe Willy's Fundraiser Night

On Tuesday, March 30th we had an adoption fundraiser at Joe Willy's in Rockwall Texas (our hometown). Thanks to Stashia, my awesome sister-in-law for planning and pulling through the fundraiser! From 5pm-9pm we were responsible for delivering food to tables, refilling drinks, and busing tables. We got all the tips, donations and a small percentage of the food sales.

I want to send a special thanks to our Life Group and Family! They showed up in full force and we are so greatful! The encouragement from their presence trumped any monetary benefit gained from the event. Many of you know adoption can be laborious at times and especially difficult lately. Michael and I were tearfully encouraged and re-energized to forge ahead and finalize the adoption.... On the monetary front our God blessed with $1527 to go towards our adoption!

We also appreciate Rick and Diane (restaurant owners) for choosing to use their business as an avenue to serve God. Not just with our cause but consistently allowing various causes to be served in similar ways. Also a huge on-line hug and thank you to our hard working volunteers who gave sweat equity to help in the cause of the orphan. Carl and Phyllis Miller, Vernon and Ellen Bonnette, Carla Tomlinson, Stashia Cagle, Rick Taylor, Jerry Welch, Sue and Bob Almond, Pat and Louie Corwin, Lucy (Pat's sweet hard working mom), Johnnie and Twilla Fontenot, and Phillis Yount. 

They say it takes a village to raise a child, our village is bringing one home. Many thank yous, I'm greatful to be part of a family, Life Group and community that love us and whom we love beyond words. 

When we said yes to God's call to adopt, we never could of imagined how amazing it would be to see Him work along the way.  From giving us the desire to adopt, faith to say yes, see Him provide financially where the mountain seemed to tall to climb and amazingly witness His handywork through so many who have given their prayers, time resource, words of encouragement, finances and friendship.