Happy Memorial Day

We spent Memorial Day weekend on a boat trip to Hilton Head. It was just what we needed. We spent three days on the boat and in our bathing suits. Which is why there are no pictures of me! While I was unpacking tonight, Sophie asked why we didn't wear any real clothes this weekend? That's the beauty of vacation! While we have not received our LOA yet,(but are still trying to patiently wait), we have added two fish, two frogs, and two kittens to our family. We did buy Cate a pink Salty Dog T-shirt which I pray she will be wearing soon!

It has been so long since I have posted, I wanted to add this picture. Pressley is an official kindergarten graduate! Here he is patiently waiting to be called for his diploma. Yes, I cried.

Happy Mother's Day

To the children that made me a Mom. I love you. Doesn't Rion look happy?

Happy Mother's Day to my mom. I would be lost without her. She is my best friend and she does so much with and for our family! We lost my brother two years ago and she has been a great source of my strength. I love you Mom.

From the moment we began our China adoption, I had in my heart and mind that we would travel in June. So that is what I have prayed for every day. Prayed hard. I have so many reasons why I want it to be June. The main one being that I just want Cate in our arms. I have begged God and I have prayed for a miracle. I have not prayed that His will be done. I tell Him that I trust Him and believe and have faith. And I do....... except I have been praying for what I want. It hit me today, after a very down week last week, that I am NOT trusting God. So, I am going to completely change the way I have been thinking and praying to Thy will be done, and in Your perfect timing. I was admitting this to Greg today, and he said that he hated to see me worry and be sad about what hasn't happened (our LOA) when this should be such a happy and exciting time for us, and he's right. We WILL meet Cate and I truely want it to be EXACTLY when God wants to put her in my waiting arms.

Wait

"Wait on the Lord; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the Lord!" Psalm 27:14

Thankful Thursday

I am going back to last Thursday too, because I haven't posted since then, when a group of friends and I went to the Casting Crowns concert. It was a great concert and a wonderful night with friends- some of them I just don't get to see enough. I am SO thankful that today is 3 weeks that we have been DTC-that we have come so far and will be meeting Cate soon. We are still praying so hard for a quick LOA. Life is very busy right now with school, projects, homework, baseball, and clogging! I'm really glad because it keeps my mind and heart from missing Cate so much. I am thankful that it's almost summer! Our family loves summer and we are looking forward to boat trips. Our first will be to Hilton Head next month and we can hardly wait! Speaking of my family-I am just so thankful for them. We have a large, close family and I can honestly say my favorite memories are spending time with them. Last but certainly not least- my husband, whose Birthday is tomorrow! Although he has not felt very good lately and has been somewhat of a POO, and doesn't want us to do anything for his Birthday (Sorry honey, but you know that's a must) I love him SO much and he really is the best husband and Daddy in the world.

Baseball and more baseball!!

We have been spending ALOT of time at the baseball fields lately with three children playing. Rion plays on the Minors, Sophie plays girls softball (first year) and Pressley plays T-Ball. Greg helps coach so he is there almost every night, and I will be happy when we can spend evenings again as a family and have more meals together! No new adoption news but still praying for a fast LOA. I have bought Cate a few outfits and I am LOVING shopping for a little girl again- sorry Greg! Here are a few pictures from our weekend.

Sophie's birthday and We're DTC!!!!!!

Today is Sophie's 8th Birthday. I baked cupcakes last night to take to school today, and for her family birthday party tonight. I also tried this cool giant cupcake, and the kids can't wait to tackle it! We are so proud of Sophie, and I can't believe how fast she has grown up!
Today is also a special day because we are DTC!!!! Our dossier is currently on it's way to China and the CCAA will have it on Monday. I have been waiting for this day. Now, we will pray that we receive our LOA quickly. When that comes, we will probably be able to travel in about a month. I am so ready to bring Cate home to join her family.

We have PA!!!

After spending all Sunday afternoon crying that we didn't have PA, and couldn't do anything without it, it came today!! And, we didn't miss a day because our dossier still had to be sent to Washington, DC. So, now we're ready. On, Tuesday, our agency emailed us and said that the CCAA said it would be 2-3 weeks before we heard anything. I have been praying diligently for a miracle the past few days. I even told God that I didn't know how it would come faster but I believed that He would work it out. And boy, did he! I am overwhelmed with thanksgiving today!