We received the call late this afternoon that we received our LOA (Letter of Approval) from China.
We are hoping to bring Spencer home in late May or early June.
We are all so excited.
Here is how it played out...
We had just pulled into BD Mon*golian Grill (how ironic) to have Ethan's birthday dinner. I was getting the little ones out of the van when I noticed Chris looking at his phone. When I saw the phone number I got so excited. I said, "answer it - it is the agency!!" Chris remained calm, and then I heard him say "thank you". I started celebrating in the parking lot. I still can't believe he got the call, and I didn't. Plus he didn't ask any questions - so I guess I will be making some phone calls tomorrow. We knew we should be getting the approval soon, but we did not expect it today. I love surprises!!!
Next step - I-800
Monday, February 27, 2012
15 years ago
I became a MOM!
I really wasn't in a hurry to be a mom. I had never really been around kids. Infact, I had never changed a diaper. However, once I held my son in my arms - my whole life changed.
Ethan is an amazing young man. We are proud of all his accomplishments. He is driven and dedicated. He strives to do his best at all times.
Ethan is also a wonderful big brother. He spends a lot of time with his siblings and serves as a good role model.
Ethan is a great son. He is kind and polite. He is also respectful and understanding. Ethan is very helpful and can always make us laugh.
Example: He does not own a cell phone, and he is probably one of the only kids in school without one. We are not against them it is just that we don't feel he needs one. He has never argued or complained about it. That still amazes me.
All these things make us so proud, but we are most proud of his integrity and character. He always strives to the "right" thing. He always thinks of others before himself! He is growing in his Christian faith and reads the Bible daily.
We know God has great things planned for Ethan. Words really can't describe the kind of young man Ethan is. All we can say is that we are so honored and blessed to be his parents.
Happy 15th Birthday! We love you!!!!!
I really wasn't in a hurry to be a mom. I had never really been around kids. Infact, I had never changed a diaper. However, once I held my son in my arms - my whole life changed.
Ethan is an amazing young man. We are proud of all his accomplishments. He is driven and dedicated. He strives to do his best at all times.
Ethan is also a wonderful big brother. He spends a lot of time with his siblings and serves as a good role model.
Ethan is a great son. He is kind and polite. He is also respectful and understanding. Ethan is very helpful and can always make us laugh.
Example: He does not own a cell phone, and he is probably one of the only kids in school without one. We are not against them it is just that we don't feel he needs one. He has never argued or complained about it. That still amazes me.
All these things make us so proud, but we are most proud of his integrity and character. He always strives to the "right" thing. He always thinks of others before himself! He is growing in his Christian faith and reads the Bible daily.
We know God has great things planned for Ethan. Words really can't describe the kind of young man Ethan is. All we can say is that we are so honored and blessed to be his parents.
Happy 15th Birthday! We love you!!!!!
Monday, February 20, 2012
Girls Night Out and The Line
Yesterday, my good friend invited me to attend the Girl's Night Out tour with Christian artists' Mandisa and Laura Story.
It was great to hang out with some friends, and the music was good. I liked Mandisa, but I really enjoyed Laura Story and her testimony.
Between the two acts, there was a presentation about poverty and disease and the need for Christians to make a difference. Then the speaker made an analogy. He said that everyone sitting in the auditorium is privileged. That if 100 people represented the world then we are the first in line - that none of us are starving and all of us had access to medicine and care. So why then did God put us in the front of the line? He put us in the front to give us the opportunity and ability to help the ones in the line behind us. Then volunteers came through the aisles with information about children who need sponsored.
"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.' Matthew 25:40
Our family understands what this speaker was talking about. We have seen the poverty and living situations; however, every single time I hear someone speak about the situation I feel moved to find ways to do more. At this time in our life, adoption is the way we feel God is asking us to do this. However, we know at some point this will change. I, for one, am excited to see what is in store for us.
But...
Even through this powerful presentation, you could just see that many of the attendees are only focused on being and staying in the front of the line! In fact, they do not want to turn their heads and see who is behind them. Many people were talking, others took the opportunity to take a walk, and many others were texting on cell phones. Throughout the concert, I saw lines and lines of people purchasing t-shirts that cost approx. $25. However, I noticed only a few people in line to sponsor a child.
How and why do we choose to ignore this? I just do not understand.
For the record, I am not saying that everyone needs to adopt. I am not saying everyone needs to sponsor a child. I just wonder what would happen if everyone just did something to help someone in need. The need is so great. What can you do for the single mom, the widow, the homeless, the physically or mentally disabled, the foster children, the orphan, the hungry, the hurting...the list goes on and on.
What if God had placed you our your loved one in the back of the line?
I think it is about time that we turn our heads and realize why God put us in the front of the line!!!!
It was great to hang out with some friends, and the music was good. I liked Mandisa, but I really enjoyed Laura Story and her testimony.
Between the two acts, there was a presentation about poverty and disease and the need for Christians to make a difference. Then the speaker made an analogy. He said that everyone sitting in the auditorium is privileged. That if 100 people represented the world then we are the first in line - that none of us are starving and all of us had access to medicine and care. So why then did God put us in the front of the line? He put us in the front to give us the opportunity and ability to help the ones in the line behind us. Then volunteers came through the aisles with information about children who need sponsored.
"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.' Matthew 25:40
Our family understands what this speaker was talking about. We have seen the poverty and living situations; however, every single time I hear someone speak about the situation I feel moved to find ways to do more. At this time in our life, adoption is the way we feel God is asking us to do this. However, we know at some point this will change. I, for one, am excited to see what is in store for us.
But...
Even through this powerful presentation, you could just see that many of the attendees are only focused on being and staying in the front of the line! In fact, they do not want to turn their heads and see who is behind them. Many people were talking, others took the opportunity to take a walk, and many others were texting on cell phones. Throughout the concert, I saw lines and lines of people purchasing t-shirts that cost approx. $25. However, I noticed only a few people in line to sponsor a child.
How and why do we choose to ignore this? I just do not understand.
For the record, I am not saying that everyone needs to adopt. I am not saying everyone needs to sponsor a child. I just wonder what would happen if everyone just did something to help someone in need. The need is so great. What can you do for the single mom, the widow, the homeless, the physically or mentally disabled, the foster children, the orphan, the hungry, the hurting...the list goes on and on.
What if God had placed you our your loved one in the back of the line?
I think it is about time that we turn our heads and realize why God put us in the front of the line!!!!
Monday, February 13, 2012
Catching up!
We have had a busy month!!!!
We started homeschooling three of the kids in January (5th grade, 3rd grade and K). Ethan is finishing up his Freshmen year at the high school. The two youngest are still in preschool. We are really enjoying homeschooling! Heidi and Isabelle even accepted Christ. What a blessing! We will homeschool Spencer and Riley next year. Ethan has not decided what he is doing yet. Here are a few photos.
Ethan is keeping busy with Scholar Bowl and Band. Ethan and Devin are still active in Boy Scouts. Devin, Heidi and Isabelle are participating in Upwards. They are learning a lot! I am playing volleyball (no pictures of that). It has been so much fun!!!!!
We took a mini-vacation to St. Louis a few weeks ago. We went to the zoo, Science Center and Planetarium. We are studying Astronomy - so the kids really enjoyed it! We loved the hotel we stayed in. We really liked the continental breakfast.
We also enjoyed the Year of the Dragon (Chinese New Year) by visiting one of our favorite Chinese restaurant.
Today was a "snow day" for Ethan! The other kids worked on a few subjects. Then we baked cupcakes for Valentine's Day. After that, everyone bundled up to play in the snow. It was so much fun! However, I didn't get any pictures because my camera decided not to work!!!
We are still waiting on our LOA from China. We are on day 50!!!
We started homeschooling three of the kids in January (5th grade, 3rd grade and K). Ethan is finishing up his Freshmen year at the high school. The two youngest are still in preschool. We are really enjoying homeschooling! Heidi and Isabelle even accepted Christ. What a blessing! We will homeschool Spencer and Riley next year. Ethan has not decided what he is doing yet. Here are a few photos.
Ethan is keeping busy with Scholar Bowl and Band. Ethan and Devin are still active in Boy Scouts. Devin, Heidi and Isabelle are participating in Upwards. They are learning a lot! I am playing volleyball (no pictures of that). It has been so much fun!!!!!
We took a mini-vacation to St. Louis a few weeks ago. We went to the zoo, Science Center and Planetarium. We are studying Astronomy - so the kids really enjoyed it! We loved the hotel we stayed in. We really liked the continental breakfast.
We also enjoyed the Year of the Dragon (Chinese New Year) by visiting one of our favorite Chinese restaurant.
Today was a "snow day" for Ethan! The other kids worked on a few subjects. Then we baked cupcakes for Valentine's Day. After that, everyone bundled up to play in the snow. It was so much fun! However, I didn't get any pictures because my camera decided not to work!!!
We are still waiting on our LOA from China. We are on day 50!!!
Thursday, January 12, 2012
New Photo
Today we received a new photo of our little guy and an update.
He likes to play with toy cars and enjoys music and art.
He goes to preschool and is social!
It also looks like he lost a tooth. Too cute!
He likes to play with toy cars and enjoys music and art.
He goes to preschool and is social!
It also looks like he lost a tooth. Too cute!
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
LID!
Quick update -
Just found out our dossier was logged in on 12/26/11!!! Yippee!!
We are now waiting for our LOA. This usually takes around 2-3 months and travel is approx. 2 months after that.
Just found out our dossier was logged in on 12/26/11!!! Yippee!!
We are now waiting for our LOA. This usually takes around 2-3 months and travel is approx. 2 months after that.
Saturday, December 31, 2011
A memorable Christmas and recap of 2011!
It is so hard to believe that this is the last day of 2011!!!
This year brought lots of laughter and tears. The kids had a great year. They are all learning so much and remain healthy and happy. Chris and I have been happy and healthy, too. We don't see our parents and family as much as we would like, but we are blessed when we are all together! This year my brother, Brad, earned his PhD. Rick was called to start a church in New Mexico (we will miss them). Jared and his wife gave birth to their little girl, Kadence. This year my grandpa passed away. This was so sad, but I am so glad that I had the opportunity to have so many years with him. My uncle also passed away unexpectedly. We also made some big decisions this year. We decided to add another little boy to our family and homeschool the kids starting in January (except Ethan - we think he should finish out this year). This year a few of our friends went through very tough times, and we hope the next year brings more joy. This year also brought my friends the arrival of much prayed for children. So many things happened this year, and we are so thankful for our faith, family and friends!!!
Christmas was so memorable this year. We celebrated the Thomas side the week before Christmas. The kids have so much fun when all the cousins and grandparents are around. We just had pizza and opened presents, but it was great.
On Christmas eve we headed to The Lake. We stayed in a one room cabin. The kids thought that was the best. It was great seeing the Morrow side of the family. We ate a lot of food and had lots of fun. On the way home we stopped in Columbia. We stopped at Chris' favorite pizza place, and went to the mall. Fun!!
Finally, the last week has been unseasonably warm - so we visited the zoo with some friends and then went to the Plaza for some cheesecake. It was a little crowded - so we got it to go!!!
We are looking forward to 2012! We can't wait to see was God has planned.
This year brought lots of laughter and tears. The kids had a great year. They are all learning so much and remain healthy and happy. Chris and I have been happy and healthy, too. We don't see our parents and family as much as we would like, but we are blessed when we are all together! This year my brother, Brad, earned his PhD. Rick was called to start a church in New Mexico (we will miss them). Jared and his wife gave birth to their little girl, Kadence. This year my grandpa passed away. This was so sad, but I am so glad that I had the opportunity to have so many years with him. My uncle also passed away unexpectedly. We also made some big decisions this year. We decided to add another little boy to our family and homeschool the kids starting in January (except Ethan - we think he should finish out this year). This year a few of our friends went through very tough times, and we hope the next year brings more joy. This year also brought my friends the arrival of much prayed for children. So many things happened this year, and we are so thankful for our faith, family and friends!!!
Christmas was so memorable this year. We celebrated the Thomas side the week before Christmas. The kids have so much fun when all the cousins and grandparents are around. We just had pizza and opened presents, but it was great.
On Christmas eve we headed to The Lake. We stayed in a one room cabin. The kids thought that was the best. It was great seeing the Morrow side of the family. We ate a lot of food and had lots of fun. On the way home we stopped in Columbia. We stopped at Chris' favorite pizza place, and went to the mall. Fun!!
Finally, the last week has been unseasonably warm - so we visited the zoo with some friends and then went to the Plaza for some cheesecake. It was a little crowded - so we got it to go!!!
We are looking forward to 2012! We can't wait to see was God has planned.
Friday, December 23, 2011
Our Big News and Merry Christmas!!
It has been tough not sharing this exciting news, but I wanted to wait for the right time.
Well, today is the day!
We are so excited to announce that we are adopting again.
We first saw his face last April. However, we needed to take some time to think about everything! Finally, we decided that this little boy was our son. In July, we were selected to be his family. On August 4th, China gave us preapproval to adopt him. Yesterday, our dossier went to China (DTC). Chris and Ethan should travel in 5-9 months to bring him home.
We would like to introduce Spencer. He is 6 years old, and he is from the Jilin province. He is described as smart and kind. He likes to sing! He does not walk, because he has something wrong with his knee (it doesn't flex). We are optimistic that with surgery he will be running around with the others, though.
Isn't he adorable!!!
Also, we want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas!
Well, today is the day!
We are so excited to announce that we are adopting again.
We first saw his face last April. However, we needed to take some time to think about everything! Finally, we decided that this little boy was our son. In July, we were selected to be his family. On August 4th, China gave us preapproval to adopt him. Yesterday, our dossier went to China (DTC). Chris and Ethan should travel in 5-9 months to bring him home.
We would like to introduce Spencer. He is 6 years old, and he is from the Jilin province. He is described as smart and kind. He likes to sing! He does not walk, because he has something wrong with his knee (it doesn't flex). We are optimistic that with surgery he will be running around with the others, though.
Isn't he adorable!!!
Also, we want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas!
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