I-600A...SENT!

We mailed off our I-600A application today at 2:00pm.  Praise God!!  What a relief!  It feels so good to be one step closer to our girls.  

We had a flurry of activity in the previous few days to get to this point.  Our SW worked tirelessly over the entire Easter weekend to complete our homestudy...thank you, Ashley!!!  Then, she got the HS notarized...twice...due to technical difficulties the first time, but she persevered and got it done late last evening and we were able to pick it up so we could mail it off with our I-600A application today.  Whheewww!

While we wait for our I-600A to be processed, we will continue to gather dossier documents, notarize them, have them checked by our RR stateside helper and then have everything apostilled in Austin.  After all that, we mail everything to the country our girls are in and wait for our travel date! 

One step closer to home, baby girls, one step closer to home!!!

Please be in prayer that the we can move quickly.  There are great changes coming very soon in the country our girls are in concerning international adoption and we need divine intervention to get over there before the changes happen.   We will move forward in faith.

Resurrection Day

 Easter!

HOLY RESURRECTION DAY!

The day the Holiest of Holies

ROSE 

from the dead.

HE IS ALIVE!

Alive!  

Our living God!  

THAT is what sets Him apart from all other gods.  Our Heavenly Father chose to come to this Earth in living flesh.  He chose to die a horrendous death on a wooden cross so we could live. All we have to do is choose Him.

Thank you, Father, for giving your life so that we can have eternal life. Thank you for adopting me into your family, grafting me into the Kingdom of God.

Our living God!

Alive!

Easter!

HOLLY RESURRECTION DAY!

THE DAY THE Holiest of Holies

ROSE 

from the dead.

HE IS ALIVE!

John 11:25-26
Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die.

Matthew 27:50-53
And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit. At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook and the rocks split. The tombs broke open and the bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. They came out of the tombs, and after Jesus' resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many people.

Matthew 28:1-10
After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb. There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men.
The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: 'He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.' Now I have told you."
So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. Suddenly Jesus met them. "Greetings," he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, "Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me."

Mark 16:1-8
When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so that they might go to anoint Jesus' body. Very early on the first day of the week, just after sunrise, they were on their way to the tomb and they asked each other, "Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb?"

But when they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had been rolled away. As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed.
"Don't be alarmed," he said. "You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter, 'He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.' "
Trembling and bewildered, the women went out and fled from the tomb. They said nothing to anyone, because they were afraid.

13 years ago today....

...one of the neatest people ever created was born!

Happy Birthday, Jason!!

Jason, you have grown into such a neat young man.  I am so proud of the person you are and the strong Christian you are becoming.  I cannot believe 13 years has already passed since God blessed us with you!  You are a treasure and we love you so much!!!

I'm so glad everybody was able to come celebrate your special day with you.  We had a great time!!!

Happy 13th Birthday, Jason!!!!!

Our big delay...Technical difficulities

This will be a pretty technical post, mostly just for me to remember what is going on.  Sorry to bore everyone with technical difficulities...


We have run into a little set-back with our I-600A.  Our HS update is finished and I was fixing to send it to our stateside helper for review before filing it with USCIS, but I decided to call USCIS to check on what documents I needed to send in with our update.  During our conversation, the officer asked me if we had already filed the I-600 and I said we did, after we adopted Matthew and Michael in Dec.  The officer told me we could NOT do a simple update since our I-600 had been filed.  She said two more children could only be added to a current I-171H if we had not already filed the I-600. 

Our SW had called USCIS three different times last week to verify various things for the update and they said we could add two more children, but I guess USCIS thought we had not filed the I-600 yet and we did not know to mention it.  We all assumed we could work off our current I-171H since it is less than 18 months old.  Just miscommunication.

The USCIS officer said HS's must be less than 6 months old when filing a brand new I-600A.  This means we will have to do a new homestudy, not an updated one because our original HS is now 9 months old.  We will also have to get new biometrics done which means waiting for a new fingerprint appointment.  I'm bummed to say the least!

Our SW is so sweet and said that if she hustles, she can get the new HS compiled and finished by early next week.  I'm so thankful she will work on this throughout Easter weekend!!!  Thank you so much, Ashley!!!

So, that is where we stand.  Still compiling our HS.... 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


Definitions:


SW... Social Worker
HS...Homestudy
USCIS... Government agency that approves the number of children one can adopt internationally
I-600A...  Application for Advance Processing of Orphan Petitions.
I-600... The Petition to Classify Orphan as an Immediate Relative
I-171H...The Golden Ticket... Notice of Favorable Determination Concerning Application for Advance Processing of Orphan Petitions....basically USA's permission for you to adopt   internationally and the number of children approved.

Birthday Boy!

HAPPY 2ND BIRTHDAY, JUSTIN!!!

You are such a JOY!!!

Rachel and mommy made you a birthday cake... 

 ...and oh, how you loved licking the spoon from the frosting.

Matthew and Michael waited patiently for you to open your presents.

You enjoyed eating your cake!

Everyone enjoyed celebrating your birthday with you!!!

You, Michael and Matthew had a little play time before bed and then off to sleep you went.

Happy 2nd birthday, Justin!  We love you more than words can ever say!!!

Our Girls....

Jeff and I are pleased to announce that we are adopting little miss "Jaclyn" and "Harper"!!!  

They are two beautiful girls in Eastern Europe who both just turned 3 years old.  They are both blessed with an extra 21st chromosome, also known as Down syndrome.  

Oh my!  

Just look at them!!  

They are so beautiful!!!  

We cannot wait to get them home and watch them grow and flourish.  Their little shaved heads hurt my heart so much!  I cannot wait to see them with long flowing locks, running around here being loved unconditionally by all of us.  I know the pictures we have are not the best quality but we are just thrilled to have any pictures!
 

"Jaclyn"

"Harper"

We plan to travel to get the girls later this summer. Any and all prayers for our process are greatly appreciated. Here is a link to our Family Page through Reece's Rainbow. Stop by and take a peek when you get a chance.

http://reecesrainbow.org/sponsorhannon-2

When time runs out...

Time...sometimes it runs out. 

Today is one such day for a precious young lady we call Beautiful.  She ages out today.  Today she becomes too old to adopt.  She KNOWS what this day means.  Her mind is sharp but her body has CP and because of her CP she  is sentenced...for life...to live out her days in an institution in Eastern Europe. 

Nobody came for her in time... 

...and she KNOWS.

I have never met Beautiful, yet she has had such an impact on my life.  I came to know of her through another adoptive mom who DID meet Beautiful and got to know her shining light. 

Beautiful should not be where she is!  Nobody should be where she is!  She should be in a loving home learning about Christ's love, being a teenager, full of hope, full of love and laughter with the promise of a future. 

Please pray for Beautiful that she will find some way to hold on to that spark of life that she has.  Pray a miracle happens in her country and a better life will be in store for her.

We have seen Gods mighty power and how He moves hearts and makes situations turn around when there seems to be no hope.  There is always hope through Christ! 


The answer to solve the world's orphan crisis is CHRIST!  These countries need CHRIST and the social change that will come as a result.

America is not immune.  We need CHRIST.  We have orphans.  We have a 90% abortion rate for babies diagnosed with Down syndrome....90%.  

We need CHRIST!

Today my heart is heavy for Beautiful and the millions of orphans just like her and for the babies who will never be.

My hope lies with CHRIST!

It's final!!!

Our adoption is final!  


Since Michael and Matthew came home on an IR-4 Visa, it is required that we finalize the adoption here in America, basically re-adopt them, in order for them to become US citizens.  Today was the day, exactly 3 months to the day since we brought the boys home.

We went down to the courthouse, briefly met with our dear friend and attorney, along with the Judge,  then answered a few questions and viola....DONE!  It was a very quick and painless proceeding.


We are now legally the proud parents to Matthew and Michael...though we have been their mommy and daddy in our hearts for almost a year since we first laid eyes on them via Reece's Rainbow.

WDSD ~ Our Three reasons to CELEBRATE!!!

Today is World Down Syndrome Day. 

Our family celebrates the uniqueness of our children every day.  All 8 of our children are unique in their own right.  Some have 46 chromosomes and some have 47.  Some have blue eyes, some have green, one has brown, one has hazel...all are loved exactly the same!  They were each made for a specific purpose and are wonderfully, miraculously made.

 Psalm 139:13 says, 
"For You created my inmost being: You knit me together in my mother's womb."

Justin at 29 weeks

Justin ~ just minutes old and the picture of Baby Perfection!

Justin ~ Today

 ...and then there were THREE!

Michael ~ Today!

Matthew ~ Today!

So on this day, what do I want you to know about Down syndrome?

People with Down syndrome have one extra copy of the 21st chromosome.  There are actually three types of Down syndrome: Standard Trisomy 21, Translocation and Mosaic.  All three types have the extra 21st chromosome in varying degrees.  All of the chromosomes are perfectly normal, even the extra copy.  Having the extra 21st chromosome can cause characteristics and symptoms which vary between individuals.  Some people have very mild characteristics and symptoms while some people have more health and cognitive issues.  With modern medicine, health related symptoms can be successfully treated to minimize lasting effects. 


I want you to know that people with Ds are people first!  They are very capable, have great talents and abilities, and are destined to become great men and women of God.  They are smart, they are funny and yes, they have an extra 21st chromosome.  Down syndrome does not define them.  It is just one part of who they are.

We fully expect our boys to grow up to be independent young men, go to college, get married, work hard and have children....that's right, we expect all these things!  It is possible!  Many people who have Ds are already leading the way, crushing the stereotypes by doing these very things and living long, full lives.  We expect no less!  

And, yes, we also realize that not every person with Ds will achieve all of these things....for that matter, not every person without Ds will achieve all of these things.  Just sayin'...


Glad you stopped by to celebrate with us!  

Don't forget to spread the word to end the word!  There is NEVER a reason to use the r-word...ever!  RESPECT is the true R-word!  Use it!  Believe it!  Spread it!

Happy World Down Syndrome Day ~ 3-21-11

Today is World Down Syndrome Day!!!  

IDSC produced this beautiful video to honor all individuals blessed with an extra 21st chromosome!

Watch it!!

Celebrate with us!!!

See the beauty and perfection in that extra bit of DNA!!!!

 (scroll down and mute my play list first)

3-3-11...3 months since we first met

Today is 3-3-11....March 3.  Today marks 3 months since Jeff, Rachel and Kayla met Michael and Matthew for the very first time.  That's 90 days!  How can it only have been 3 months when it seems like they have always been in our family??  Funny how that works.  Here are a couple of pictures of that first day.  Oh my goodness, how they have changed and grown in the past 3 months!!!

No longer are their eyes glazed over from lack of stimulation.  No longer does their skin hang off their bones from starvation and dehydration.  No longer are they cold and hungry.  No longer are they alone.  

Michael and Matthew are happy, energetic, joyful little boys today.  They have a mommy, daddy, brothers and sisters who adore them. Their eyes are bright and filled with wonder.  Their tummy's are full and they are gaining weight and growing.  It's been a GREAT 3 months and we cannot wait for the next 3 months...and the next...and the next...! 

Matthew hugging his Care Bear

Justin and Matthew sharing a toy

Oldest brother Wesley feeding Matthew

Michael playing with his tamborine

Michael being cute!

Matthew playing in a box

Michael and Justin in their port-a-crib so mommy can fix lunch

Spread the Word to END the Word

 
Today is Spread the Word to End the Word day. In honor of our three sons who have Down syndrome, please pledge to NEVER use the r-word again.


It HURTS!


Instead, replace it with the new R-word.....RESPECT!


Go to:

http://www.r-word.org/ 


and make the pledge today.....right now.  Do it for Justin, Matthew, Michael and for all the individuals who have unique cognitive and physical abilities.  Do it for yourself.   Just do it!

Look Whose Eating from a Spoon!

Michael and Matthew were never offered food from a spoon at the orphanage and took all their feedings from a bottle.  Michael is 4 1/2 and Matthew is 2.  To make matters more challenging, Michael has a significant tongue thrust that makes food go out instead of coming in to swallow.

They have been home for seven weeks and we have been slowly getting them used to the spoon and the taste of different foods.  Tonight we have success.  They BOTH allowed Rachel and I to spoon feed them without tears or fears!!!  

Matthew has this eating thing down pat.  He opens, takes in the food, swallows and gets ready for more.  Michael would open and allow us to put the food into his mouth but had no clue how to get the food from the front of his mouth to the back in order to swallow it.  We will continue to work on this, but overall he did great just getting to this point!  This is a HUGE step for them and I am so proud of them both.  Enjoy the pics...

Getting ready to eat!

Michael letting me spoon feed him for the first time!

YUMMMM!

Matthew letting me spoon feed him

YUMMO!!

Teacher born with Down syndrome breaks through stereotypes.....Inspirational!

Another blessing in the form of a Triple Jogger

We have been looking at a particular triple jogging stroller ever since we first knew God was leading us to bring home Matthew and Michael.  Problem was....price!  These strollers are E-X-P-E-N-S-I-V-E, unless you happen upon one on Craiglist.....happen upon we did!!!!  I did a search on the Dallas Craigslist praying to find one and low and behold...I found one!  The family who was selling it lives just a mile or two from my Aunt Kathy and she ran over and picked it up for us.  Thank you Kathy!!!  I cannot wait to get it home and take our three little boys on a walk in it!!  The BIG wheels will definitely go much better on our caliche road than the small-wheeled triple stroller I currently have.  Blessings come in all forms and I am grateful to have this one!  Thank you God!