We're Just Waiting Now . . .

We've done it. We have completed all parts of the process! Thank you, Lord, for being with us through it!

Funny story. When I called to get Max's pet vaccine records, the animal hospital I called (I figured out who to call only from his tags) said he actually needed shots again. Bummer. So off we went to the vet. While we were there, waiting in the waiting room, a lady was telling us about her dog that was having surgery right then. She is a breeder of Shih Tzus. A large dog found its way to one of her puppies she was raising to sell and long story short, bit her puppy and broke its jaw. It had to have its jaw bone wired. Poor baby. That's not the funny part.

Anyhoo, as we talked and she pet Max a bunch and they oohed and aahed over how obedient he was, she let me know that since this little puppy of hers was unsellable, she'd be willing to give him to me for free. In my head, I was thinking, "I don't need a puppy. I DON'T need a puppy." This was one of those moments, however, where my mouth (ahem heart) was not listening to my mind. Before I knew it, I had asked the lady for her information. Long story, short, we now have a four-month-old Shih Tzu and shot records for both dogs to go into the adoption folder. Ha!

Since then, we've had the home study where they delve into your personal life a bit (not too painful) and the saftey inspection done on our home (again not too painful). The people who came by for both of the studies were sweet, very knowledgeable, and have a heart for this. It was during the home study that I fell in love with my husband all over again. He teared up a couple times too. She asked us what about the other made us decide to get married. I couldn't wait for my turn to go. He's my sure place, my safety net. He always catches me. My cup runneth over. During our interview, we offically changed our requests for adoption for three children. We still want two boys, but since we've got bunkbeds in each of the rooms, we really could have another girl!

The bunkbeds came together great! We are so excited how all their rooms have turned out. I feel like they finally look complete. (The boys' room we'll decorate after they come. We'd like to see what their little personalities and interests are before we move to far in any direction.)

It's so fun to think about having boys here. I've been learning a lot lately about the difference between men and women, boys and girls. We're taking Love and Respect right now in church. If you haven't read the book, I highly recommend it. I'm learning so much! At a conference I went to recently, I took two different classes. One emphasized what distinguishes a woman and another emphasized what distinguished a man. So powerful.

So now, we really do just wait. Lois told us that their portion of the paperwork should be at the state around Thanksgiving. She said she could see us being licensed by Christmas. By Christmas? Wow!

Of course, as a mommy, I've been playing out the scenarios of when we could possibly get our kids. T'was the night before Christmas, and all through the house, not a creature was stirring, (enter screeching record sound) . . . Ahem, I mean everyone was stirring--there were new children in the house! Oh, what would we do?

Our friend Nita said everyone would surround us and help take care of it and we'd figure it out. I love our friends! God, have I told you lately how much I'm thankful for every one of them? I am! Thank you!

This has been such a blessed journey (and I know it's not over yet). I keep wondering who our new children will be. What will comprise each of their little make-ups? What will they add to our family's dynamic? How will our current children grow through this? Will I be a good mommy to all of them? I keep being reminded of just how much I need my God. He says that where we are weak, He is strong! I'm holding on to that for dear life!

Thank you for continuing to pray for us in each step of this. We love you very much.