Too Funny!

Last night, as I was doing dishes, Anna came running into the kitchen yelling, "Daniel got his head stuck under the couch!" What?!?!  Apparently, he was looking for our kitten.  So, Anna lifted up the corner of the couch and I pulled him out.  He wasn't hurt, but was very upset.  After a few minutes he said in the saddest, softest voice...

"Mama."

"Yes, Daniel," I replied, in my best caring mommy voice.

"Please don't ever let me do that again!" he declared.

"Um... ok..."  That was about all I could think to say! : )

Good-bye Summer

As this summer comes to an end, today I am reflecting on all that this summer has held for us.  It started off by getting Pre-Approval for our sweet Isabel at the beginning of June with a late-June Log-In-Date.

Our June was also full of summer camps and Vacation Bible School and Isabel's birthday!

With July came the CHEA Convention and our Both Hands Project.

August brought our much awaited LOA for Isabel (Yippee!!) and a big change in our homeschooling.  We have decided to join our local Classical Conversations group.  I have heard so many wonderful things about Classical Conversations over the last 2 years.  Jim and I went to a parent orientation last week and were very impressed.  So, we are taking the leap! : )  When we first decided to homeschool, we researched all the different ways to homeschool.  We both felt that the Classical style of the Trivium makes so much sense for the way we all learn and how it encourages one to think for him/herself (isn't that refreshing!).  I have found it challenging to teach the classical style properly at home with all the different grades and the 2 little boys.  We're hopeful that having the Classical Conversations community will enable our children to obtain a true classical education with more structured support.  I have to admit that I am nervous given the big change that's about to happen in our life in a couple months!! : )

Even though we year-round school, Classical Conversations runs September - April here, so I will continue with My Father's World during the other months.  September also brings more progress in bringing Isabel home and a birthday!

Here are some of my favorite backyard, popsicle, pool time pictures and random others taken this summer!

How many little boys can you fit in a wading pool?!

Our new addition.  Norman, the cat!

One of us just couldn't take all that fun!

We Got LOA!!!

I cannot believe that we finally got our LOA!  64 looonnnnggggg days!!!  Our agency will overnight it to us for delivery tomorrow.  Jim and I will need to sign it and send it back with our I-800 immigration paperwork.  We are celebrating over here and so grateful to be moving forward in the process.  Travel looks like mid to late November.  Oh my!!!

Isabel... we love you with all our hearts!

Put Me Out of My Misery... Please!

Day 63!  Today is day 63 and still no LOA!  : ( I know that we are not outside the typical timeframe of LOA notice.  However, I wouldn't be so bothered if it weren't for the fact that many families with the same LID as us or close to it received their LOA weeks ago.  Since we are using a dossier copy, we were told it would come a bit later than the others.  Ok... it's been a bit already, so let's get that LOA... now!  Before I officially lose my mind!

Ok... back to homeschooling...

I'm going...

HERE!  For the Created for Care Retreat in March 2013!  Doesn't it look like a beautiful place?!  I am SO looking forward to the time with other adoptive moms to learn, rest, renew and make some new friends.

BTW, if you happen to be going to the March retreat too, I am in need of a roommate.  Let me know if you're interested. : )

Sunday Snapshot: Daniel

This is the first time I'm linking up to Sunday Snapshot.  I am not photographer.  I have a simple Nikon Coolpix 120 and have nothing but iPhoto to edit for post-processing.  However, this picture of Daniel was so interesting to me.  He is eating his favorite breakfast of chocolate chip pancakes with whipped cream (with the proof all over his face), yet he seems to have a somewhat sad look on his face.  The blue eyes, red lips and whipped cream dripping off his chin... what a look!

Click the button below to check out the other entries.

Chocolate Chip Pancakes with Whipped Cream

The breakfast of champions!

Lots of chocolate chips...

and whipped cream!

It's an oft-requested breakfast at our house!

Day 47.. no, it's 48!

I stand corrected... it's actually day 48!  I've been off by a day all along!  Didn't realize it until I visited another adoption blog that said she got LOA yesterday at day 47.  I thought, recounted and I was wrong!  However, I still don't have that all-important LOA yet!! 

So, today is Day 47 of our LOA wait.  Should there be anyone reading this who is unfamiliar with that acronym, it stands for Letter of Acceptance (aka LSC- Letter Seeking Confirmation).  This is Ch*na's confirmation that they have reviewed our dossier and are giving us official approval to adopt Isabel.  We sign it and send it back to our agency and then begins a bunch of other bureaucratic steps that last about 11 - 13 wks until we can travel to Ch*na.  LOA waits that I have been seeing lately range from 48 - 68 days.  So, we are on the cusp of a typical wait.  If I were a betting woman (which I really am not), I'd say it'll be coming next week.  That could have us traveling late October/ early November.  Oh, man!  Why does this take SO long?!?

Who is Responsible?

Lynsay at Morning Star posted a very important message recently that is worth sharing.  You can check it out here.  Please keep their ministry in your prayers.  They work so hard for those who have so very  little and they need the church the rise up at this crucial time.  Thank you!