1/28

Well, we got a bunch of snow and ice yest. and today. It made the roads a mess but was very pretty. we just hunkered down today and had a snow day! It's been awhile since we have had one, it was nice. Hope all of you are snuggled at home safe and sound.

1/24

Hi everyone. We received our 171H form in the mail yesterday. Which means we are almost ready to send in our dossier. Hopefully, we will have everything in a week or so. I also wanted to post some of my favorite pics from the year.
Tim and I in Hilton Head, SC

Tim w/his baby cousin-won't he make a great dad!

Who is this?!

Pictures taken is Savanah, GA



Hilton Head, SC

My mom and dad.

Kettle after his stomach surgery

1/19

Well, there still isn't much going on on the adoption front. Our homestudy has been approved and has been recevied at the USCIS office, so hopefully in the next couple of weeks we will receive our 171H form. This is a form that says we are able to adopt internationally from the immigration office. In the mean time, we hope to gather the rest of the documents that we need for the home study. Sat. Tim and I found a crib set that was 1/2 off that we love. It is a jungle theme and as soon as I locate our camera, I will take a picture of it and post it. Love you all!

1/9

Well, it's a new year!! There has not been a whole lot going on on the adoption front. We are waiting for our case worker to approve our homestudy and then we can start to apply for grants, etc. This week 10 family's have received referrals for children. This is very exciting as for the past couple of months there have not been that many. We are hoping to have our dossier sent to the agency by the end of Jan or Feb.

12/27

Well, I hope everyone had a great Christmas and was able to spend time with family. Tim's friend Jimmy was able to be home with his family, he just finished with training for the army reserves and was almost sent to Iraq. However, he has to have knee surgery, so was not sent. We are thankful that at least for now he does not have to go oversees. I'm sure his family is very happy about that as well, as they have not gotten to see him much for the past several months. I just received word that my best friend, Joey, is going to be getting married this summer. I think our summer is going to be very busy, I guess that may be good because it will help us not think about waiting for our baby as much, Maybe. So it appears that I am going to be a bridesmaid for my friend Julie on 6/6 and a bridesmaid for Joey on 6/13. I guess I am starting my own 27 Dresses!! I also think we may have another wedding before the year is out. My goodness!! Is there something in the air!! I am getting excited because my parents and brother are coming home for an after Christmas celebration, so I will be able to see everyone. My brother Chris, is going to be here for about 2 weeks and Tim and I are planning on going to my parents new home in WV for a couple days next week. Tim is getting nervous, he has to do his first sermon at our church on Sunday. Please pray for him:)

Merry Christmas

To All, Merry Christmas. We hope that you all have a wonderful day full of family and joy. We love you all and please be safe.

CHRISTmas

"The spirit of Christmas needs to be superseded by the Spirit of Christ.

The spirit of Christmas is annual; the Spirit of Christ is eternal.

The spirit of Christmas is sentimental; the Spirit of Christ is supernatural.

The spirit of Christmas is a human product; the Spirit of Christ is a Divine Person.

That makes all the difference in the world."

- Stuart Briscoe in Meet Him at the Manger

I just thought with all the hustle and bustle, we (I) needed to remember what Christmas is really about. It's not about shopping, getting gifts, or hanging lights. It is about the miracle of Christ's birth.

Lord, thank you for everything that you do for us. Please help us to remember what Christmas really means and please help us to never take You for granted. Please keep us safe as we travel to spend time with family and help us to truly treasure You.