I seriously LOVE older people. I'm sure this is near and dear to my heart because I was so close to my grandparents. My hubby frequently insists, "You'll REALLY love me when I'm old!" The problem is, then I'll be old too!

I've spent the last two years driving for Meals on Wheels once a week. When I started Spencer was in his velcro mode; he could walk, but just wouldn't. And now, he's truly the highlight of the week. Boy, oh boy, is Spencer sure loved...forget me! A lot of the folks on my route have been my originals and today I had to say my goodbyes. As we prepare for Mia's arrival, I know that it just isn't realistic to take two kids on the route.

It is tough to wrap up this chapter of my life, but I know an even greater chapter follows. More than likely, this is one I'll revisit in the near future :).

Happy Birthday to you!

Dear Mia,

Today is your very first birthday! I can hardly believe it!

I had a little bit of time to myself today. After my class, I went next door to the ice cream shop and bought a scoop in honor of you. Sure it was my favorite flavor, but I think you'd approve. I lit a candle (pink, of course) and just at the right time, blew it out. Just steps away from my little celebration was the same park I played at when I was a little girl. Mia, I sure could see you there too!

We are eagerly awaiting your arrival. You've been in our hearts, but we want you in our home!

Love,
Mommy, Daddy and Spencer

P.S. Spencer just had to buy you a little something. Jada the giraffe, is tucked away in your room waiting for a snuggle.

First day of soccer

Here are a few pictures from this morning. Spence only had one minor meltdown...we're proud!

Craving Substance

Being a woman is tough sometimes, don't you think? The world tells us how we should dress, behave, live. Sometimes, it is just plain tiring!

Alfonso came up with a perfect anology. We have this beautiful tree in our front yard. Come spring it produces gorgeous blooms that last through summer. Its a tall beauty too. The branches stretch to the roof of our two story home and that's quite an accomplishment since it was itty-bitty five years ago.

We began having problems with our "beauty" last summer. The wind picks up real nice here and "beauty" couldn't take it. Our tree had spent too much energy growing tall, growing out and growing those blooms. Unfortunately, little effort had been spent on growing deeper roots.

All too often I find myself chasing what the world tells me is important and it ain't godly. I most definitely don't want to end up like our tree, currently supported by three wire cable (yes, our "beauty" has become Frankenstein-a). I am convinced more than ever before that true fulfillment can only come by chasing the true fulfiller.

Oh, and I'm holding tight to this too:
"Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised." Proverbs 31:30

This is how my husband gets himself out of household chores.....CIRCUS TRICKS!

A minor snag, no biggie

We received an email from the U.S. Embassy in Guatemala. Our case was issued an objection (an I-72) for updated fingerprints. We did update our fingerprints a few months back, so no need to worry! Our fingerprints will be cabled to Guatemala City in the next few days. After that, we should most definitely be making progress.

Really, compared to our wait in the "Black Hole", this is nothing!

Today, I opened a letter from the Texas Department of Justice. The man who murdered my mom is up for parole. As relatives of my mom, we're notifed and allowed to plead our case. We are required to respond to this letter within ten days. It was dated July 3rd. Well, isn't that just lovely timing.

Two years ago was his first parole review. I went on a small letter writing campaign (which we're encouraged to do) and even requested an interview with a member of the parole board. This time though, I just don't have it in me. Oh, I will most definitely write a letter, but I can't carry the burden. I'm not responsible for this "justice" system. A sentence should be a sentence (BIG FAT) period.

My uncle reminded me today that the best way to honor my mom is with my life.

I will.

The end is near...

Our social worker stopped by our house today to explain the last little bit of paperwork. Really, it will be just a breeze. Nothing can compare to the anxiety-filled days of dossier preparation. Even Alfonso admitted the paperwork made HIM sweat.

We hope to hear more this next week. At this point, we expect to have an appointment with the U.S. Embassy in Guatemala sometime in the next 3-4 weeks. We'd like to sneak in some sightseeing before then, so we expect to travel a week or so before our appointment.

Gettin' close folks! One of these days it just might sink in!
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UPDATE:
Now I now what sort of update we're to expect! We've been submitted to the Embassy for our pink slip (date?). At this point our agency expects that we'll have our pink slip THIS Wednesday. The Embassy is running a bit slower than usual, so we'll be patient. Okay, that was a straight fib!

The 4th of July is a good time for reflection. Too often our view of freedom is jaded. May we always remember that our freedom truly is a privledge, not simply a right.

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Tonight, we headed back to our former stomping grounds and watched the fireworks show on the football field of our high school. Matter of fact, it is the same place we spent our first 4th of July together, as a family of three...er, five. Allow me to explain:

Spencer was just about seven months old and as most giddy new parents, we were absolutely pumped about sharing this first with our little guy. Alfonso had an even better idea...he suggested we bring our two (big) dogs to share in the fun. I remember being hesitant, but he assured me, they'd be "just fine". (He may have a different story to re-tell, but this is MY blog). We had the stroller, the baby bag, the jar food and the all the "just in case" paraphernalia you carry as first time parents. We were prepared for anything. Almost anything, that is.

Spence and I were bundled up under the blanket waiting for that first big boom. We had the dogs tied nice and secure to the stroller to free up our arms. That's when it happened. The first boom was one too many for our dog, Scout. He took off! That would have been simple enough to handle, but along with him went the stroller, baby gear, and our other dog, Cooper (he simply had no other choice). Needless to say, we missed the entire show as we used each and every flash of light to re-gather the loot. It was absolutely everywhere! Sometimes a "ruined" experience makes for a wonderful (and funny) memory.

We had a great dogless time tonight. Spencer enjoyed the story of his first 4th of July and hootin' and hollerin' at the fireworks. And we...we lived vicariously.

Will Spencer's future include a trip to "Marge"?

For the last few weeks, Spencer's been talking an awful lot about his future as an astronaut. I love to hear his mind at work, for almost anything is possible when you're three. Specifically, he's dreaming of his trip to the planet "Marge" (a.k.a. Mars). Honestly, it is too darn cute to correct!

Today was his flight simulation test and he passed with flying colors. I just love my little guy!

P.S. If all else fails I think he'd be a shoo-in for the next Matrix movie, don't you?

I always imagined my reaction to "the call". I figured I'd cry tons, just as I did when we learned of Mia. I didn't. I thought I'd run like a woman gone mad finishing all those projects I'd put off. I haven't.

Relief. My heart was just too full to feel anything but.

A few months ago, I was sure struggling. I was participating in a church-wide study on World Changing Faith, but truthfully, it just wasn't sinking in. That's when my dear hubby pointed out a portion of scripture I'd completely missed:

"That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, "Let us go over to the other side." Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him, and said to him, "Teacher, don't you care if we drown?" He got up rebuked the wind and said, "Quiet! Be still!" Then the wind died down completely calm. He said to his disciples, "Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?" Mark 4:35-40

This was me: "Alrighty Lord, I SO get it now! You want my complete trust and faith. You said we're goin' to the other side and darn it, I believe you!"

But, just like that infamous reed, my faith and trust swayed: with each rumor of a possibly shutdown, with every passing day without news. I was left wondering, "Why, oh why, Lord must I continue to doubt you so?"

Today, a sermon was preached on Luke 1:5-25. The focus of the sermon was on Zechariah, as in John the Baptist's papa. Elizabeth, his wife, was barren and the two were childless. As Zechariah stood in the temple at the alter of incense, he prayed. An angel appeared before Zechariah. The angel delievered fabulous news; Elizabeth would indeed bear him a son! To Zechariah's credit, he was described as "upright in the sight of God", yet his first reaction was one of doubt: "How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years." Oops! Zechariah was silenced for Elizabeth's entire pregnancy.

I sure wish God put a sock in it, it being my big mouth o' doubt. Instead, He let me spout off my frustrations, in the end proving His mercies are indeed new every day. While I wish my initial reaction to "the news" wasn't relief, but thankfulness, it just wasn't. And you know, He loves me anyway!

Look what showed up in my inbox today...

Who knew that four pony tails could look so cute?!

When Spencer and I opened the pictures together, we both got in a good laugh. He said, "Mommy, that's funny. She has four pony tails!" He's been carrying his very own copy of the picture since.

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A medical update arrived along with the pictures. Little Mia is still little at 18.3 lbs., but healthy.

A day in the life of...

Just because we love our dentist so much, Spence and I plopped our booties in the chair. Is it just me, or does teeth cleaning time make you feel vunerable?

Since I was in the area, I brought along some top quality used books to sell at the second-hand bookstore. I didn't count, but I had over 10, maybe even 15. So, I had this plan to use the money to buy a nice book or two for the kiddos. Ah, how thoughtful, huh?

We waited around the store for a bit reading from some of our prospective purchases. Then I heard the blessed voice over the intercom, "Heather, we have your offer ready." That's gotta be good! The gal behind the desk smiled, and I was just happy to see all the books I brought to sell in the "keeper" pile.

But you know what the "fabulous" offer was.....$12.00!!

Although it didn't show, I was not a happy camper. When I said, "Great!", what I really meant to say was, "Ugh, do you realize how much I paid for those puppies?" C'est la vie.

Thankfully, I never shared my plan with Spencer, so no disappointment there. Instead we headed to the town square and enjoyed the farmer's market. We laughed, danced to the music, ate yummy ice cream, and completely forgot that I'd been "taken" by the bookstore. Good day.

Just because...

This passage of scripture was read at church this morning and I felt so encouraged by it, thought you might too!

Isaiah 40:28-31 "Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."

That can't be comfortable!

We had a long, but good day yesterday. Even without a nap, Spencer was wide-eyed until after 10p.m. This was how I found him when I went in to tuck him in for a second time.

Oh, you might be wondering why he's wearing clothes to bed. I think my child is a genius. A few weeks ago I told him no cartoons in the morning until he's completely dressed. We'd been battling every morning and enough was enough. A few days later he decided to nix the pajamas and wanted to wear his "regular" clothes to bed. At first I protested, but I realized it wasn't a battle worth fighting. Now, it's like magic! The little guy wakes up ready for the day. And I am certainly relieved I never wasted money on summer pajamies.

Making progress

Late yesterday afternoon, we received our first update. Yes, already!

"Case came out of PGN approved on June 18th. Power of Attorney has been registered. Adoption deed has been issued and is in signature. Case entering Civil Registry of Guatemala City June 22nd."

And from our social worker: "So, your case went to the Civil Registry today. And because the adoption deed is complete, you are now Mia's legal guardians. Congratulations!"

I looked at my blog entry from the 18th (date of approval unbeknownst to me) and had myself a little chuckle!

Now back to that story I promised to tell...

Alfonso and I were on our way back home after spending two days in the city. It was an eighth anniversary celebration as much as a much needed break. This whole process was beginning to wear on us, especially the missus.

Just as we exited the freeway, Alfonso's cell phone rang. As he answered, immediately I recognized the area code. At this point I knew this was THE news we had waited for. Of course, I tried my very best to read his body language and studied his face for any sort of sign. He gave me a little nod and a smile...I took a deep breath. I shoulda counted the number of times I heard him say, "Wow". Our little guy was at home waiting for us and that was the best news to deliver. He danced around and exclaimed, "Yeah, Mia's coming home". Oh boy, do we feel like dancing ourselves.

And so we wait a bit more, but this wait isn't as open-ended as the other. We expect to travel to pick-up Mia in approximately 6-8 weeks. Can you believe it?
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If you would, please say a prayer for our fellow PGN waiters. At last count, our board had 24 members who'd certainly love to cancel membership.

Mia is FINALLY coming home!

Forgive me for shouting, but we're OUT! We got the call from our social worker at 1 p.m. and my hands still won't stop shakin'.

I'll report more later.

On cloud nine!

Ten fingers=ten weeks

Today marks 10 weeks in PGN.

I had my root canal and crown today in honor of this anniversary to remind myself there may very well be worse torture! Not really....

Lord, we know you hear our cry and you're faithful despite our unfaithfulness and doubt.