Let it SNOW!!??

Wow, I can't believe how much snow just dumped on us! Must have been 8 - 10 inches!! Apparently, I took down my snowmen too early. Wednesday I was in short sleeves and capris, yesterday I had my winter boots, coat, scarf and gloves on. Minnesota is truly unique!! One thing about Minnesota, though, is that the people are really tough. Had this happened anywhere else, everything would have been closed for days. Here, people were out and about before the plows even went through!

I do love Minnesota. We might complain, but we sure are resilient!

More Hoops!

After two sets of fingerprints and two sets of doctors approval letters (each), two sets of letters of recommendations from three friends, countless questions regarding our temperment, passed transgressions, marriage relationship, family relationship, discipline styles, anger issues, emotional issues, etc., etc., etc. - we thought we were finally done with all of our paperwork. Yesterday, however, we received a letter that we have to return yet another set of fingerprints. Apparently our first set are now null and void because, I believe, there is a new agency in charge of adoption background checks. Augh!!! On the one hand, I don't have any problem doing this because I love that they are very careful to prevent anyone for adopting for the wrong reason. The other part of me thinks of all of the people getting pregnant and having babies when they can't even take care of themselves - yet, our legal system will not do anything to help these poor children being raised in terrible situations because of the parents right to determine what is best for their child (a heated topic so, enough said). At this point, I am going to focus on my initial reaction and focus on our ultimate goal. I can't wait to bring our baby girl home!! Hopefully this new background check will not slow down the process (patience has never been a big part of my personality).

Life is full of ups and downs

As we await the referral for our new baby girl, I have to say that this is a very difficult time for me and my family. I can't believe it has been almost a year since my dad passed away. For those of you who do not know, my dad fought prostate cancer for about 6 years and went Home to the Lord on May 5, 2007. It was about this time last year that he made a very rapid decline and we spent the last days of his life relishing every minute with him and trying to keep him as comfortable as possible. In previous years, my dad would be patiently watching the lake melt and waiting for the fabulous fishing opener which he always celebrated with his best friend, Ron. This was one of his favorite times of the year and I have been thinking of him often. I wish there was an up-side to this post but I'm afraid it is merely a vent. Many say that time eases the pain but I'm afraid that at this point, time is only making me miss him more! I am posting some photos of him so that all can see what a kind man he was and know how much he meant to his family - especially his adoring grandsons! I pray that he knows how much we love and miss him and that he will be watching when we welcome his first granddaughter.

Time flies, and yet...

I cannot believe that it is already the middle of March. As of today, there are only 12 people on "the list" ahead of us awaiting a referral for a baby girl! We have been told to expect our referral in late April or early May. Sometimes it seems like the time is flying and I get excited, scared, REALLY excited, and a little panicked due to all the work we have yet to do. Other times I am so ready for our baby to come home to us and it feels like it will never happen! Until it does, we are keeping very busy - Matt continuing to get his business going and working very hard - I am working on my bags for World Vision sponsors, working on Daffodil Days for the American Cancer Society, and teaching the boys - our boys are ALWAYS busy! What an exciting life we lead. We are definately learning that it is important to try not to plan too far in advance because who can predict what the future holds?

Our New Adventure!

As our first post, we will introduce our family to those who do not know and announce that we are in the process of adopting a baby girl from Ethiopia! We have been working on our paperwork since January and have been officially waiting for a referral since August 24, 2007. We currently have four boys ( two are 11 and two are 7) and all are very excited about their new baby sister. I will try to keep this page up to date and let all know our progress as time goes on.