Interesting Reads while We Wait for PA

Just thought I would give you guys something to read to pass the time as we wait for our Pre-Approval!

Questions: How much did your kid cost?

ENOUGH:  How many kids are enough?

We Would BUT:  If only we had the money...

Found Her

Minus ONE!!!!

Complete details will follow once we have pre-approval.  However, I can tell you that she is absolutely adorable :)

Love It

Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways -body thoroughly used up for God, totally worn out and screaming "WOOHOO, What a Ride!"

Digit Date

All of us digit friends were able to get together for a digitless dinner!  I had a great time hanging out with a terrific group of ladies.  We were all brought together during our first adoptions back in 2007.  All of our girls were on the same Waiting Child List with Hope for Children.  Since then we have been there for each other as we have now brought home a total of EIGHT kiddos from China.  Modern day miracles if you ask me :)  I am grateful to have them on my side as we bring home number 9.  Thank you ladies for your friendship.  I am truly blessed.

Hard Truth about Adoption Article

Good article from NY Times about the not so fun stuff in adoptions.  Click here to read.

Busy Around Here

We have been on vacation this past week and had a great time at Panama City Beach.  Pics to come soon.  We did have our homestudy, and think we passed with flying colors.  The construction started on the house while we were away and it looks great so far.  Plan to update everyone through the pics this week!

Pure JOY

I've got the joy joy joy joy down in my heart!!!

Not a Slacker

Just in case you were wondering what I have been up to or why I have not been blogging.  Here is the list of things I have managed to come up with in the last week or so.  This paperwork stinks, but I know the rewards are great!

Home Study Packet Checklist - International
1.Home Study Checklist / Instructions
2.Application

3.Home Study Agreement / Fee Schedule / Refund Policy [* mail with application]

4.Child Abuse and Neglect Consent (16 and older) [* mail with application]

5.Sexual Offender Registry Consent

6.Self-Studies

7.Employment Verification

8.Financial Form

9.Most Recent Federal Tax Return (Form 1040 pages 1 & 2)

10.Medical Reports - check with your placing agency to see if blood work is needed in addition to a TB test

11.Pediatrician Report and Immunization verification of children already in the home (if applicable)

12.Health Insurance Card (copy the front and the back of your insurance cards)

13.Criminal Checks

14.HIPPA Form and Criminal Check Acknowledgement

15.Arrest Disposition and Letter of Explanation (if applicable)

16.Federal Express Account Number

17.Birth Certificates for all family members in the home / Marriage Certificate / Divorce Decree / Death Certificate / Adoption Decree for all adopted children in the household (photocopies only)

18.Pet Vaccinations

19.Septic Tank Letter (if applicable)

20.Well Water Test (if applicable)

21.Address Form - please list ALL addresses resided at since the age of 18 for both adoptive parents if you are adopting from a Hague Convention Country

22.Hague adoptions require ten hours of Hague approved adoption training. We can assist you with this

23.Three Reference Letters - Georgia requires that one be from a family member

24.Gun and Pool Safety Statement

 

Homestudy is next Friday, oh and I also have managed to throw in a week long vacation next week as well :)   We return just in time to meet our new social worker.  Bring on the beach!

As You May Have Heard...

Miracles Just Happen

It doesn’t matter what you’ve heard
Impossible is not a word
It’s just a reason for someone not to try
Everybody’s scared to death
When they decide to take that step
Out on the water
It’ll be alright
Life is so much more
Than what your eyes are seeing
You will find your way
If you keep believing...

Meet Tupelo Wren

Boy has it been a busy week watching some of my "clients" meet their little ones for the first time.  My friend Meryl whom I met while I was waiting to bring Faith home, is now in China adopting her second daughter.  We have emailed back and forth ever since.  I nudged her along last year to get her dossier to China before her deadline date, and it obviously worked :) 

She is another "virtual" friend that I have never met in person (at least not yet).  However, we have shared hundreds of emails and numerous phone calls together.  We rode this crazy adoption roller coaster ride together again on her new adventure, and I have enjoyed sharing the good, the bad, and even the ugly moments with her :)  Meet Miss Tupelo Wren!