What is my lesson?

Okay... here is the latest...

Long story short, there was an American working as a facilitator of adoptions in Guatemala. Somehow she figured out a way to avoid the system and has brought hundreds ( maybe more) children to the US illegally ( meaning they have not offically gone through the Guate process but have been living happy and healthy in the US for years). She was arrested recently and they are cracking down hard on her ( I do not know if she will ever see the light of day again) Anyway, because of this they are really examining cases now... OF COURSE NOW... the place where they check them the most to be sure of nothing illegal... THE US EMBASSY in Guatemala... guess where my file is right now... THE US EMBASSY in Guatemala. I was hoping to get my Pre-Approval this week since we had already been waiting so long for it and they already examined my file, I was thinking I would be a quick re-check for the corrections and on my way. I just do not think it is going to be that easy right now, what was taking 30 days is taking nearly 8 weeks. I am having a hard time swallowing this... I am just so tired of all the political poop I could puke. I know they are doing what is best for adoptions and ensuring that they are legal and proper, but why is it always like a snake slithering right behind me every step of the way. I just want to get her home before she is one at this point.UGHHH... please forgive me because right now I am just angry at the system, angry that one woman can mess with the lives of so many who are trying to do the right thing and who are doing things legally. Please pray for us and pray that my case be granted some favor and grace and that we can go ahead and get PreApproval so we can move on to the next scary step.

Here is what the Department of State has to say about it...
DOS Statement

OH and did I mention that tomorrow, March 1st, the First Lady of Guatemala is supposed to announce her Protocol of Good Practices on Adoption. It could change adoption and possibly the ability to bring my daughter home. I am not going to even think about it until I have to. Unfortunately, this is not the first time that we thought this would happen. All the other times it has been cancelled or their minds changed. I will keep you posted... when I hear something concrete.

Birthday Party

We had a busy weekend with throwing a double birthday party for my 4 year old and 2 year old... they had a blastplaying at the Fun and Party Zone and so did their friends. I cannot believe how fast my babies are growing!

New Pictures

So excited to get new pics last night... so glad that our FM used a cute dress I sent... it just connects you in a way that is hard to explain.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CALLAN!!!

Today my middle baby is 4 years old. Do you know how big that makes him? Too big! So I told him the day was his and we could do what he wanted. At first, all he wanted to do was this- ( he has on shorts but for some reason the Elmo wash rag he brought downstairs with him this morning is covering him up)


And then after taking Big Brother to school ( in our PJ's) decided he wanted to put together one of his presents and do this-



But then I told him we really could go where he wanted to and he decided to get dressed and head out (balloons and all) like this-


Our first stop was here-


Where we picked this out upon walking in the door-


But changed our mind and used his birthday money from Great grandparents on a Batman Utility Belt before leaving



Of course no day of your choice would be complete with out a trip to-



Where we dined on chicken and french fries and climbed all over the germ-filled construction they call a play land. I took a picture of him in the top bubble peering through the little holes but it just did not turn out.

I love you Callan!!! Happy Birthday

OH and for his birthday... the paralegals working on my case resubmitted my paperwork to the US Embassy in Guatemala. They said there is no time frame for when we would get PA... but it is ON THE WAY!

I got a CALL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My case manager Vinny called about 5 PM and said I have some wonderful news. I tried to respond, but it came out " umph a rugamuchgc un cosduhrt". She giggled but went on to tell me that the paperwork I have been waiting MONTHS on was safely in the hands of my agency staff, and that the paralegals would work diligently to ensure that it was submitted to the appropriate places ASAP. I have been praying for this day for months and now that it is here... I have a song in my heart. I am so thankful, greatful and... speechless.

NEXT- The US Embassy will issue us Pre-Approval (PA) hopefully soon (like by the end of the week)and we should be submitted to PGN (the final court)as soon as we get PA.

I am so happy... a weight has been lifted. My prayers have been answered.

"If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask in prayer" Matthew 21:22

"If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you." John 15:7

Wishing I had something to post...

Nothing here... just "killing time" on the adoption front in our lives. All other things just as busy as usual. Just a shout out to my peep and new blogger... I am so happy for you and proud of you AS. I pray that it is a smooth transition in your life and that it is all you hoped for and more.

Life on Earth

You know we take so much for granted. Our lives, our families, our blessings. It is not until you meet someone who has it all in perspective do you even realize how off you really are. I officially met her almost 2 years ago... over the course of that time she has battled cancer. More recently, I have taken her family a meal and had the opportunity to be amazed by her. Even more recently, I have stood in the doorway of her hospital room just wanting to pray for her and her family and pray that I could be more like her. She is absolutely amazing. She was so faithful and true, she knew what her life was about and what it was meant for.
Today... she is placing her heavenly crown at the feet of Jesus. I know that her family has to just be devestated at the loss of this precious wife, mother of four (ages 7 and under) and friend. But knowing them... they are rejoicing because Jenny is now dancing on the streets of heaven, healthy and cancer free. The things that held her back here on Earth are freed from her and she is joining the angels in worship..."Holy, Holy, Holy"

Would you freak out?

So this morning... my oldest son got to sleep in because of a snow day. He has been a little under the weather and I was glad he had the extra time. BUT THEN... he wakes up comes downstairs and tells me he is a little itchy... this is what I see...

I tired to remain calm... it was mostly on his face, but it was on his hands, arms and legs too. We went to the Dr. They say HIVES... either a reaction to something he ingested ( like the cought meds- which was the only thing different) OR a reaction to a virus ( since he had been a little sick with cough and congestion) He is already looking better... and he is not contaigous. But talk about freaking a mom out...

Happy Valentine's Day

BE MINE!!!! That pretty much sums up all the hopes and dreams I have today for this daughter of mine!

WOW!!!

I had a WONDERFUL visit! Here is a montage I created of some of the pictures ( it may pop on and off but it continues if you keep watching) I wish I could put into words how I feel and what I experienced... I guess just that "YOUR AMAZING" sums it up!

Make video montages at onetruemedia.com

I bet I won't sleep

I am so excited... I do not know if I can sleep tonight. I still have several things to do to prepare... like iron the kids Sunday clothes so Brent will not have to worry about all of that... I am so excited ( uh... not about the ironing, but about my little girl)!

AND... although it really is not news my agency director e-mailed me tonight and told me not to expect any news this week about the Civil Registry. She was told that they "might" hear something next week. I know that "might" in Guat terms is questionable... meaning it could be weeks more... but it sort of gives me a light to reach toward... I think I can... I think I can... I think I can...

I found this verse on another agency friends blog... I LOVE IT!!!

Proverbs 25:25 "Like cold water to a weary soul is good news froma distant land."

Keep me in your prayers while I am gone... this is big for me. Also pray that my family survives...Daddy, boys and all the grandparents and friends stepping in to help.

If I do not get a chance to blog from Guat... I will fill you in when I get back!

Mixed Emotions

I have not posted that much lately becuase... well... I have nothing to say. I am at a loss for words and really do not know how to put into words how I feel. Today, Eliza is 5 months old. When I started this process, I secretly hoped that my angel would be one of the few that slipped through the process so fast that she would be home by 5 months. Even if things turn around super fast, super soon, we are still looking at not having our daughter home for 3 more months. That is almost more than I can take.

I leave on Thursday to go see my daughter. I am scared... not of the trip, but of how I am going to let go. This should be my pick up trip. I am clinging to God and trying my best to keep my chin up and stay strong, but in all honesty I am hurting beyond measure.

Not that I am counting...

Free Countup Timers at WishAFriend.com

Surprise Visit Time

We got a surprise visit today. Her Foster Mom says that she does not go to bed until 10PM, sleeps on her side and wakes up at 3, 5 and 8. Come on girl you can do better than that! But then again I cannot wait to be spending that time with her this time next week!!!

She looks like she is saying "What is this crazy seat anyway?" I am glad she is using it hopefully it will build her tummy muscles. But look how tiny she looks in it... those little legs barely sticking out! I also have a feeling she might be a thumb sucker or finger sucker... with those hands always around her face.

SNOW DAY

Much to my surprise and my kids delight... we got a snow day today. There is really only a dustinig, but the roads must be slick. We had enough on the deck to scrape together some for a snowman... though he may be tiny... he made their day!