Moving Right Along....

YAY!!  I finished the test for the book Adoptive Parenting ( got a 98%) that needed to be completed before I can continue the process, which is actually a L-O-N-G one.  This week we need to get the passports.  I am hoping that Alex can go with me to China because Ron doesn't want to leave our kids for 2 weeks.  So we need to get 3 passports even though Ron won't go.  China requires him to have a recent one regardless of whether he is traveling or not.  I have to get documents notarized AND authenticated by the Secretary of State, which is $20 per document, and something I've NEVER heard of before this.  It is SO much work to complete this paperwork.  Thank God it comes in stages!  Anyone wanting to adopt MUST have a heart for it because the process is quite grueling and takes much perseverance!  I just keep praying throughout each task!


Still gathering things for a yard sale on October 3rd. I am really excited about it.  I don't have much yet, but I have had a few people tell me that they are willing to donate so that makes me very grateful!  Gina is coming over today to help me price the things I do have.  Thank you everyone for donating!!!

October 3rd Yard Sale!!!!!!!

Ok, guys....I just signed us up for the October 3rd Lion's Club Flea Market.  We reserved a pretty big spot.  SO...if you want to get rid of unwanted items, I will take them!!!  I'll take anything that isn't broken or missing pieces.  Ron and I can come and get them, or if you prefer, you can drop them to us.  Whatever way is fine!!  And appreciated!!!


I've sold a few books on Half.com, so every little bit adds up!  I've sold some of our homeschool items and even some furniture.  We still need at least $18,000 and something....sigh...


The paperwork is completely overwhelming, but my supporters tell me to take every day slowly.  Accomplish a little bit each day...I have appointments for passports next week, and this week I will get our pictures taken for them.


Keep praying!!! Please!!!!


Guess what? my doorbell just rang....it was the UPS guy....more paperwork!!!!  LOL


Couldn't do this without you all!!

The Waiting Begins...

Things are started...We sent in the first fees for the adoption and tomorrow morning I will send in the paperwork for the home study.  We couldn't have done it without help from all of you!  And thanks to Liz and Dwayne for giving us so much stuff to sell at the yard sale!  That was a nice surprise today, Liz!  There are many ways to help.  Each is as important as the next.  I know the time that goes into cleaning out a house and delivering it to someone else.  It is a blessing, as is saying a prayer when someone comes to your mind.  Thank you all!


So now as I wait for the next step, more of the same....I continue reading everything I can about parenting an adoptive child, a deaf child, and even Chinese culture.  I am committed to educating myself in every possible way.  And you know what?  It's making me a better mom in the process, because I am applying some of it to Alex, Ava Grace and Nicholas.  


Nicholas asked me yesterday, "Mommy, when are you going to get Chen Chen?"  I replied, 'Well, mommy has to save a little more money first'.  For a moment, he had the inquisitive look on his face that toddlers give when they process data into their little brains. Then his wrinkled brow suddenly lifted into a look disbelief and he said "Nah!!!!!  You're teasing me!!!!", as if he thought I was trying to tell him I had to buy Chen chen from Wal-mart or something.  I love this age!!  Kids are so funny!


Please continue to pray for us if you feel led to.  We really could use it!!!