Adoption Update

So I just received word that we didn't pass, but we are still an open case. We still don't know why we didn't (somebody does, but word hasn't gotten back to us yet), but it could be a missing paper, a change on a piece of paper that needs to be made, someone didn't show up, or a power outage. Having it remain "open" is good b/c once the paper or whatever needs to be done is done, we don't have to wait for a specific day...it will usually be approved once they bring in what they need to bring in. Of course Alex and I just held each other crying--she is such a sweetheart! I am hormonal and worn-out and just want to hold him, but God is faithful and His timing is perfect. The couple we are going to go to Ethiopia didn't pass either--no one did yesterday.

"But these things I plan won't happen right away.
Slowly, steadily, surely, the time approaches when the vision will be fulfilled.
If it seems slow, be patient! For it will surely take place.
It will not be late by a single day."
Habakkuk 2:3 (NLT)

Tonight, I picked up a DVD of video and pics of our little man. I didn't know what to expect in regard's to emotional connection with our adopted child vs. bio, but when I see his face, my heart is filled with joy and an ache so deep. I want my son home, I ache to kiss his cheeks and see Vince hold his son for the first time. I am just as intimately connected to Titus as I am my other children, and I haven't even touched him yet! Adoption is an amazing mystery and I praise God that He has given us this journey to walk through. Continue to pray that it passes soon! I am sooooooo ready! :)

"Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will bring it to pass." 1 Thes 5:24

Balloon Man and other pics

We went to Set 'em Up Jacks last night with my parents and Balloon Man was there. It was so much fun and since we were the only table with kids, we got extra-special treatment! Also, I am throwing in some better pics of the girls in their dresses and one of Vince and I on our date to PF Changs---my favorite!

Easter

Sorry I haven't updated in a while. We've been busy wrapping up school, getting ready for our little guy coming home and just enjoying SPRING! Our court date is coming up next Wednesday the 22nd! Please be praying that it passes on the first go around! We are really hoping to get him home before his birthday!

Lila's favorite tree

Last week, while driving in our car, Lila said "Daddy, are you EVER gonna get me a popcorn tree?" We thought about it for a while and then realized she was talking about Bradford Pears. She loves them and keeps herself busy trying to count them all.

Lila's School Birthday and Misc.

Here are some pics from her Birthday at Giving Tree. On their special day, they get to dress a bear in the outfit they choose, be a princess, and other special things. Right now, 66.6% of the girls have a barking cough and the other 33% is sounding bad. Haley has been on Albuterol, which makes her totally goofy. Everyone is mad at mommy because after Bible Study this morning, we were going to go to the park with some of our homeschool friends. The girls came into my room this morning and Lila was barking up a storm, and I asked if she was sick. She said yes, and Alex (who had already made all of our sandwiches for lunch) said "Now Lila, why'd you have to go and tell her that?!!!" So I am surrounded by broken-hearted sicko's this morning. Praising God for my coffee!

My Baby is 5!!!

My baby Lila Jewel, turned 5 on the 25th! I can't believe it. A few days earlier we took two girlfriends out to a movie and dinner at Spangles. We then had a family party on Sunday and on Wednesday, we went to Muncher's for some yummy donuts and then took her to school. I just love her so much. A cute story: Our friend brought Lila home from school that day and it was a warm day and she had on her big, puffy coat and she looked at Mr. Lorenzo and said "I think I am having a MELTDOWN!" He had to tell me that, because at his house they always say that, except they mean it when someone is having a bad day. Lila hears mommy say that too! Also, notice my new grandbaby!! Titus Jo-Jo Avila. He is a beautiful boy with all the parts. Lila asked for him, but I don't think she knew what she was getting, because when she saw his parts she said "That's inappropriate and I don't think I want this to be like that." She loves him now and takes really good care of him. She also got a doll that goes pee and poo. She calls her "Baby Potty Doll".

Cool story

I got a story in my email this morning about a family waiting for their son in Ethiopia and how God's timing was perfect. Their verse was:

"But these things I plan won't happen right away.
Slowly, steadily, surely, the time approaches when the vision will be fulfilled.
If it seems slow, be patient! For it will surely take place.
It will not be late by a single day."
Habakkuk 2:3 (NLT)
This greatly encouraged me and their son's name was Beniam...which is so cool b/c the boy that I feel in love with was named Beniam. He has a baby brother too and I felt he was supposed to be our son, but I know that what God wants from me is to specifically pray for little Beniam and his brother. So for 2 years I have been praying for them. I then clicked on their video and watched it. The first date they give is Lila's birthday, the second is Titus' birthday. So when they found out about their son, our son was just coming into this world! HOW COOL! I just had to share how God encouraged me today! Keep praying that we pass on April 22!