tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59535524691473838802024-02-19T00:16:09.014-08:00The Turner StoryAn Adoption Tale!Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13098713320807913150noreply@blogger.comBlogger66125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5953552469147383880.post-42983502072347971822013-04-07T17:33:00.000-07:002013-04-07T19:02:52.485-07:00March 7, 2013 @11:02am<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">This marks the time that we received the LONG awaited phone call. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">"Mrs. Turner, this is your referral call..." </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">WOW!!!! I don't even have words for how we felt when our agency told us we had a 4 yr old little boy named "A" (can't disclose his name until he is legally ours) waiting for us. We weren't home when we received the call, but we couldn't wait to get home to check our email and see his little face. We cried in amazement, happiness, joyfulness, and shock; you name it emotions were flying. :) We were finally parents!</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">When we saw his face, we'd never seen a more beautiful sight. His eyes were almond shaped and very big. He had a cheesy grin and the brightest glow about him. He was, OUR SON! :)</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: small;">Now it's time to prepare:</span></span></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span style="font-size: small;">Get <span style="font-size: small;">H</span>is <span style="font-size: small;">R</span>oom <span style="font-size: small;">R</span>eady</span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span style="font-size: small;">Register <span style="font-size: small;">F</span>or <span style="font-size: small;">T</span>he "Kid Shower"</span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span style="font-size: small;">Finish <span style="font-size: small;">R</span>enewing <span style="font-size: small;">D</span>ocuments</span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span style="font-size: small;">Renew Passports</span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span style="font-size: small;">Fill <span style="font-size: small;">O</span>u<span style="font-size: small;">t</span> <span style="font-size: small;">M</span>ore Travel Paperwork</span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span style="font-size: small;">Prepare <span style="font-size: small;">T</span>o <span style="font-size: small;">B</span>e <span style="font-size: small;">G</span>one <span style="font-size: small;">F</span>or <span style="font-size: small;">W</span>ho <span style="font-size: small;">K</span>nows <span style="font-size: small;">H</span>ow <span style="font-size: small;">L</span>ong</span></span></span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">We were able to sign a Photo Release for another traveling adoptive family to take pictures of "A" while they were meeting their son and deliver a care package to him. We sent a new outfit, a Lion King coloring book and 2 matchbox cars. I also wrote him a simple note just telling him we were praying for him and loved him. I signed it "Love, Mom & Dad" This is real! :)</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnO4XMKtW_jK-_NFlLLaY7_kFXB04Ux_XyIMEwHfK2D5Q7H-x13fk482X1l7EkbEK5z1w0zSWlMHAdtucEZFmU1pLADSTV1-v_HgbK6jHW8vrISSRBGGDoHh8x4sOuW4bQuctA9i3FR6_A/s1600/photo-4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnO4XMKtW_jK-_NFlLLaY7_kFXB04Ux_XyIMEwHfK2D5Q7H-x13fk482X1l7EkbEK5z1w0zSWlMHAdtucEZFmU1pLADSTV1-v_HgbK6jHW8vrISSRBGGDoHh8x4sOuW4bQuctA9i3FR6_A/s320/photo-4.JPG" width="258" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">Didn't send the dinosaur this package!</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">We were blessed to not have to wait very long for a MOWCYA court date. This is the date that the Ethiopian court is presented with our file and meets "A's" birth mother. She will relinquish all rights to "A" and the court will either write a positive letter, and we will get our court date and meet our son, or they will request further investigation in our case. The date for this is May 24. If they write a positive letter, we might receive a court date and make plans to travel to Ethiopia within 2 to 4 weeks. I am praying for the positive letter and the 2 weeks. :) If this is the case we will most likely be traveling at the end of June! :)</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">Needless to say, we have been over joyed and frantic since Mar 7th. We have almost completed his room and finished renewing some paper work.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">Please be praying for us and our son, until we are together as a family!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">Love,</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">Emily</span></span>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13098713320807913150noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5953552469147383880.post-33124291835926125682013-02-25T13:21:00.001-08:002013-02-25T13:23:25.844-08:00Since May...<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span style="font-size: small;">Wow!!! A lot has changed since my last post on May 19th 2012.</span></span></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span style="font-size: small;">We had a Home Study update to change our request for an older child </span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span style="font-size: small;">We are officially waiting for a 0-5 yr old boy</span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span style="font-size: small;">We are no longer using the name Julani (I'll explain later)</span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span style="font-size: small;">We had a HUGE garage sale Fundraiser, raising over $1,400 :)</span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span style="font-size: small;">And we are officially in the<span style="font-size: small;"> </span>time frame they gave us, waiting 18-24 months for a referral</span></span></span></li>
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> _____<br /><br />To start, in late November and Early December of 2012 Joseph & I and another couple went to NYC. Joseph had a small conference to attend and the rest of us just played. We LOVE NYC!!!</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I was resting in the Hotel Room checking my facebook, while Joseph was out (probably getting me snacks, I'm a muncher,)<span style="font-size: small;"> </span>I received a message from someone who recently "friended" me from the AWAA Ethiopia Facebook group. Reading:</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span style="font-size: small;">"... Looks
like we are the next two in line for a boy 4+ yrs. ..."</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Needless to say this caught me way off guard. "Next in line?" I had stopped looking at the list just because we hadn't moved in so long. We were only 16 months DTE at the time and the wait was 18-24 months. Not having to wait that long NEVER happens. I was sooooooo excited I started crying, of course. I told Joseph when he got back to the Hotel and we were both in shock and full of excitement. Coming back to reality we knew that with the trends in the program there could still be a long wait, and the list on our yahoo group is not official by any means. But it still gave us hope and<span style="font-size: small;"> </span>made the fact that we will most likely be parents in the next year a reality. :)</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpH0gE-SHtwVD0tYsWN68eFY19JL5GYLVNhGqaxXcpMtvlE6NbI3Zw8agzMSL3J3iiItdiFegWybev7kwbvLa3OgYNdG6rP-fubQYTtCxMVbdq3_97XV12dJQEE_lMSUQiiOmTOjUYOQ6s/s1600/23897_10152337231030105_555887092_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpH0gE-SHtwVD0tYsWN68eFY19JL5GYLVNhGqaxXcpMtvlE6NbI3Zw8agzMSL3J3iiItdiFegWybev7kwbvLa3OgYNdG6rP-fubQYTtCxMVbdq3_97XV12dJQEE_lMSUQiiOmTOjUYOQ6s/s320/23897_10152337231030105_555887092_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">With the excitement, I went to Gap kids in Boston (after NYC) and bought a pair of pants and 2 pair of socks size 5T, just in case. <span style="font-size: small;">;</span>)</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">As soon as we got home we started to make sure everything was in line to accept a referral when it came. </span></span></span></div>
<ul>
<li><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Painted the room</span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Started looking for a Big Boy bed (twin)</span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I actually created an amazon "Baby Registry" with big boy items </span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Removed the highchair i thrifted and refinished from the dining room and placed in storage</span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Started researching Reading tools to teach him to read English (luckily my best friend is a Kindergarten Teacher)</span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Had a Huge garage sale to help with the final costs</span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Made plans for people to watch our dogs when we travel etc... </span></span></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> It is now 3 months later (DTE 19months) and still no referral. This is totally expected but we know that it could be any day. I am clinging to my phone tightly waiting for that phone call. :) In God's timing!</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">_____ </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">We have decided to not use the name Julani any more. The reason for this is, after much research and reading what other adoptive moms have said<span style="font-size: small;">,</span> <span style="font-size: small;">w</span>hen asking an older child that you are adopting if they want to keep their name or want a new name, they usually say they want an "American name."</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">With us wanting to include the child in their naming process we realized that "Julani" is not an American name, just another African name that we liked. So we are leaning towards "Eli" which will be short for Elijah, which would have been Julani's middle name anyway. If our son likes the name Eli, then that will be his "American name." We are sad to leave "Julani" behind but we believe that its meaning "God is my strength" has gotten us through this long adoption process. I think it has served its purpose.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Please continue to be in prayer for us as we wait for the referral of most likely a boy 4-5 yrs old. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I will try to be a better blogger since things are starting to happen again. It was hard when there was nothing to write about.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Praise God there is now! :)</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">-Emily </span></span></span>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13098713320807913150noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5953552469147383880.post-52549776752002420762012-05-19T17:02:00.001-07:002012-05-19T17:03:49.610-07:00New Things / Changes...<div style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">
First I want to say that we have a new fund raiser. To the left of my blog you will see a Just Love Coffee button. If you buy coffee from this link, a portion of the proceeds will go towards our adoption fund! Who doesn't LOVE coffee?</div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">This week I started reading <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Orphanology-Awakening-Gospel-Centered-Adoption-Orphan/dp/1596693029/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1337211942&sr=8-1" target="_blank">"Orphanology"</a> by Tony Merida &
Rick Morton. If you follow me on Twitter or read my status on Facebook,
you’ve been bombarded with quotes from the book. Sorry about that… Well, kinda. Reading this book has rekindled my passion
for adoption and has opened my eyes to the priority God places on us taking
care of orphans. I encourage everyone to read it if you get a chance.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">Along with this rekindled passion
I’ve been on a mission that exceeds adopting Julani, along with any future
children we will welcome into our family.
The book stresses the Biblical command for Christians to take care of
orphans.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">“Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father,
is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself
unstained from the world.” - James1:27</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">The Greek word for visit,
“episkeptesthai,” means<i> </i>more than dropping by. It means that we
should be personally involved with others and care for them, exercising
oversight on their behalf by helping them in their need. It means we should
take the role of shepherd in the cause of caring for the helpless (Paraphrased
from Orphanology). Needless to say, I’ve
been looking into how our church, <a href="http://sojournhouston.com/" target="_blank">Sojourn</a>, can "visit" the
orphans. I’ll talk more about that later.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">I’ve also looked into our own
adoption to see if there is more we could be doing or if there is anything the
Lord is showing us through all of this. After reading adoption stories in the
book, my eyes have been opened to options we knew were out there, but seemed too
overwhelming or complicated for us at the time we began our adoption process.
Examples being: sibling groups, older children, waiting children, special needs
children, etc. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">Recently, Joseph and I
revisited all of these options and the only one that seems suitable for our
family, or that we qualified for at least, is to open our age range to 0-5
years. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">Adopting older children stereotypically comes with greater complications.
For instance, they are more likely to remember past abuse or
abandonment, they struggle with language differences, they are more emotionally
distraught, and have slower learning development. But that always depends on the individual child, infants may have the same issues as well. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">I thought to myself, “why do I
have to have an infant when there are all sorts of children who need
parents?” I realized that wanting a baby
was selfish on my part. When I mentioned
this option to Joseph, he said having an infant was never a "must
have" for him. Baby things tend to freak him out anyway. </span><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">We asked another adoptive
mommy who has adopted older children and she encouraged us to go for it! </span><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">
She said that she wants me to watch and discuss the <a href="http://www.child.tcu.edu/facultystaff.asp" target="_blank">Karyn
Purvis</a> seminars on child development and connecting with adopted children.
She also said to be prepared but not scared, basically! </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">We have told our Family
Coordinator that we would like to expand our age range and we’ve started taking
the necessary steps to do so. We will need to be approved by our social
worker, but I'm praying that we won’t have any problems with that. So, the
outcome is not official yet but that’s the current plan.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">Please be praying for this change
with us. Now we need to be prepared to bring home an infant or a child that is
almost in elementary school, which is a major difference.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">God's plan not ours! </span></span></div>
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-Emily</div>
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<br /></div>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13098713320807913150noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5953552469147383880.post-58839596628695619812012-04-24T11:20:00.003-07:002012-05-01T09:28:53.330-07:00Worst Blogger EVER!So I have been really bad at blogging lately. I think because there isn't much more to report.<br />
We are now 9 months DTE which is exciting. The time really is going by quickly.<br />
The current wait time for a referral is still 18-24 months.<br />
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We have decided to continue as planned and wait for Julani to be our first child. Unless God reveals otherwise.<br />
<br />
Month 8, I was sewing the next link in the "Wait Chain" and my sewing machine wouldn't stop bunching the thread, so I need to have that fixed so I can sew the last 2 links. I am also wanting to start making the projects I have in mind for the nursery. (Need my sewing machine to work.)<br />
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We recently purchased a dresser at a thrift store for $35 for Julani's room! Love good finds. It was painted brown with blue over spray on the top. I'm wanting to strip it and stain it! :)<br />
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Here is the dresser still in the thrift store. (had to get permission from the hubby)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp2kOP-dtvh7ydW1Em-QNFe90nFwjiO4W-um7Iz3EIzmd_dsgdvZERSfcRhELFcd4YhpEYBDn1CKxHoXhv3BgjIuKqztDR-cIAVhV81Sap3Q4Y41vVbL8LzL6gjp2V3F0m2S-xRuq67700/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp2kOP-dtvh7ydW1Em-QNFe90nFwjiO4W-um7Iz3EIzmd_dsgdvZERSfcRhELFcd4YhpEYBDn1CKxHoXhv3BgjIuKqztDR-cIAVhV81Sap3Q4Y41vVbL8LzL6gjp2V3F0m2S-xRuq67700/s400/photo.JPG" width="400" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Please continue to pray that we will have patients and trust in the Lord's perfect timing for our family! :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Love,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Emily </div><br />
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Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13098713320807913150noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5953552469147383880.post-18684502071044925172012-03-20T14:14:00.000-07:002012-03-20T14:14:00.415-07:00Skipped a month... & UPDATE!So, I completely missed the 7 months post and in 2 more days it will be 8 months of waiting for our Ethiopian infant boy, Julani! :)<br />
<br />
My last post was about a longer wait, well the day before my birthday (March16th) we received another email stating the wait will be even longer and possibly grow. The wait started at 10-14 months moved to 14-18 and is now at 18-24...24 are you kidding me? Ahhh needless to say this caused some emotions and questions in the Turner household. This time is just to receive a referral, not including court date, travel, court and embassy clearance. <br />
<br />
The biggest question that we are praying about this week is "Since we want more than one child, do we go ahead and pursue a quicker adoption option while we wait for Julani? Or does God just want us to wait to be parents for longer?" The timing was good in a sense that Joseph was already taking this week to get away and rest, physically and spiritually, and write. So we have decided to pray earnestly this week, separately, to keep emotions and influence away, about what to do and at the end of the week we will hopefully make a wise, Godly decision on what to pursue.<br />
So PLEASE be praying this week with us and I will definitely let you know what we have decided to do.<br />
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Love,<br />
EmilyEmilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13098713320807913150noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5953552469147383880.post-54872355316436577702012-02-07T13:52:00.001-08:002012-02-07T14:51:05.095-08:00Longer waitJust got word from our agency that the referral wait for an infant boy has moved from 10-16 months to 14-18 months. We knew this was a possibility and probably going to happen, but of coarse hoping it wouldn't.<br />
We are both ok and are really trusting in the Lords timing! He knows when we will be ready and the exact baby for us! We can't wait to see how God will use this time! <br />
Continue to pray that we put our faith and trust in Jesus!!!Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13098713320807913150noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5953552469147383880.post-37965462148573001472012-01-23T09:33:00.000-08:002012-01-23T09:33:34.481-08:006 months Celebration<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">On January 22, 2012 we celebrated 6 months of waiting for a referral. This was also my grandfathers 85th birthday! :)</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We had church that morning and then afterwards Joseph and I toasted with mimosas. (warm day out)</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguwBZNNCLgFJMHAhxN-Qg_0Ar3RpOzl5xQMOHHk_3s_F4EFO1X6_dePjPwEYauk2BT0WGvX0-8ZnDzpYyq1f1SKFs885I4sq8mrGY89zbEL28Kj7_mEViUMbNRkE3K42Cz86lXe7rxdLk5/s1600/mimosa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguwBZNNCLgFJMHAhxN-Qg_0Ar3RpOzl5xQMOHHk_3s_F4EFO1X6_dePjPwEYauk2BT0WGvX0-8ZnDzpYyq1f1SKFs885I4sq8mrGY89zbEL28Kj7_mEViUMbNRkE3K42Cz86lXe7rxdLk5/s400/mimosa.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Later that day I had time to sew the 6th link in our "Wait Chain."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrPJ6vZoMJBwDxhqyED4M7Y_zs5FFPrGFKX25rf6JsffIcIeoP3rDiE6cxNSehS7hnFa6s7CCU0cbA0seie_u72FB4feo_q5Lzrb9jv0wATwCNG0nr1ZXo0lfMOBeh9G46Md1yJF97la78/s400/6+months+link.jpg" width="400" /> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifQzmqS1a7GXX8jGItr33Mtn_MOlF2bqsHa6c7VWVU0GxN2h4gUPG2mXRWzvBHeS88Jsk4JBclW1qpQUKqrjBHQt2Jh6E-9MpptQ9ueOjooxoFy5G_RHAcPR4TWfUeucNMlMDxOAhkn6vn/s1600/6months.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifQzmqS1a7GXX8jGItr33Mtn_MOlF2bqsHa6c7VWVU0GxN2h4gUPG2mXRWzvBHeS88Jsk4JBclW1qpQUKqrjBHQt2Jh6E-9MpptQ9ueOjooxoFy5G_RHAcPR4TWfUeucNMlMDxOAhkn6vn/s400/6months.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> Time is going by pretty quickly, which I am grateful for. Hopefully this month I will be motivated to clean out that guestroom!<br />
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Love to all,<br />
EmilyEmilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13098713320807913150noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5953552469147383880.post-29960619726598975582012-01-17T11:05:00.001-08:002012-01-17T11:08:48.625-08:00Grant ApprovalWow, just as I was filling out my <a href="http://www.theturnerstory.blogspot.com/2012/01/little-more-paperwork.html">paperwork</a>, I remembered I saw the mail man walk up. So I went to check it and saw a letter from a grant organization we applied for a few months back! <br />
By the grace of God we were approved for an unimaginable amount! I cannot be more grateful right now! Thank you <a href="http://showhope.org/">show HOPE</a> for your help!!<br />
Praise Jesus!!!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVSqOa1eLrcqUGC71or-LK4lJB-hN28IFarzPBkpeRZb-XPyxaD52de0xt63U_fMNJE-ZEAt9u3eZ4W_YS_gcu6yJcp5GdV3Zt9m4QdeQLReWisYJmpwsS961ZFSSzeYF1uhMpxRHZaFWZ/s640/blogger-image--1534651657.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVSqOa1eLrcqUGC71or-LK4lJB-hN28IFarzPBkpeRZb-XPyxaD52de0xt63U_fMNJE-ZEAt9u3eZ4W_YS_gcu6yJcp5GdV3Zt9m4QdeQLReWisYJmpwsS961ZFSSzeYF1uhMpxRHZaFWZ/s640/blogger-image--1534651657.jpg" /></a></div>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13098713320807913150noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5953552469147383880.post-77918980066749131852012-01-17T10:38:00.000-08:002012-01-21T14:05:19.547-08:00A Little More Paperwork<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Thinking I was done with all that crazy paper work just to receive a reminder that my finger prints expire in March. Meaning, I have to fill out another tiny packet of request for renewal. When I first saw that there was a renewal guideline packet, I freaked, "Not more paper work!" But once I got into it I knocked it out in about 20 mins. Now all I need are the hubs signatures then we can mail it off. Just a little reminder of what its taking to get our little man home! SOOO worth it! I can not wait, and of coarse I will do anything to get him home! :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Rpz7qx9106ExQQAbvySF1OyMZh2m-x-JJrQtKMTi-psdZQ2YiBZOGy5SGgyHl1-OeK-9-e90EyuBh77wSKOXOUvGmggfmEOh2woQmIxxgkF4fMJic28cVPI5cDntZQR1YusoMmZe47tL/s1600/0955f940413911e1a87612313804ec91_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Rpz7qx9106ExQQAbvySF1OyMZh2m-x-JJrQtKMTi-psdZQ2YiBZOGy5SGgyHl1-OeK-9-e90EyuBh77wSKOXOUvGmggfmEOh2woQmIxxgkF4fMJic28cVPI5cDntZQR1YusoMmZe47tL/s400/0955f940413911e1a87612313804ec91_7.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13098713320807913150noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5953552469147383880.post-39194322611466449872012-01-12T10:05:00.000-08:002012-01-12T13:08:38.092-08:005 months celebration**This is way over due**<br />
<br />
As of December 22nd 2011 we have waited 5 months for a referral. <br />
We took a mini vacation to Boston a few days before Christmas. Love that city! Since we were there on the 22nd we decided to Celebrate by buying Julani some Celtics gear. We had already purchased ourselves plenty of Celtics gear and were lucky enough to attend a pre season game at the TD Garden! *Huge Celtics fans!!!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">CoCo is modeling Julani's new Celtics hat.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUsu2VQqAb8BSKHDsUhQFZmT1S35KwLkSSrNutsacNf7pJlcsh1x0aosVFg-nx1EN-NwjqjMasOpflzkWgMJ5XIKR253eZy_dK1V7QWudk85p7R_WUEZjdMNi3W45ciQbsNnjGeTgD_0PW/s1600/cococeltics.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUsu2VQqAb8BSKHDsUhQFZmT1S35KwLkSSrNutsacNf7pJlcsh1x0aosVFg-nx1EN-NwjqjMasOpflzkWgMJ5XIKR253eZy_dK1V7QWudk85p7R_WUEZjdMNi3W45ciQbsNnjGeTgD_0PW/s400/cococeltics.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>I didn't get around to sewing the wait chain link until after the Holidays but here it is. #5, the pattern starts to repeat. I re worded the "count up," still a little awkward but I think better. :)<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">**wish I had better handwriting :(**</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-MuyZWudk12W2L1bumKwaKp418TXtlemw7_MPDLim8dIj-bDLgm7Ba5xnz4wR4oKQqG-znstHixT_xBFVtdFfQOAnWSEVS8pujN1rDABAlZkJ9hx2rT3rQ0IxlIlyxB_-exYBBt2hgp6p/s1600/5mnthswait.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-MuyZWudk12W2L1bumKwaKp418TXtlemw7_MPDLim8dIj-bDLgm7Ba5xnz4wR4oKQqG-znstHixT_xBFVtdFfQOAnWSEVS8pujN1rDABAlZkJ9hx2rT3rQ0IxlIlyxB_-exYBBt2hgp6p/s400/5mnthswait.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I am loving that the chain is growing but I hope it doesn't get too big, I am ready to have my son! <br />
The current wait time for a referral is 10-16months, that mean we could be half way through. Not getting our hopes up and completely leaving it in God's hands. :)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3l6DdSioAN8wuRCzQVBJ5mVXNZ4IIMdUamGNuJCfYjKgqgOsXJSZLcdCeBsLVHhLX7RFI94i2RXxWk78eRrSMOWSdN6509uMlEeXJYT8XHgOuhMZVTluQZDhGWkKDMEdT2CxGg9XBLHpR/s1600/5mnthchainlink.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3l6DdSioAN8wuRCzQVBJ5mVXNZ4IIMdUamGNuJCfYjKgqgOsXJSZLcdCeBsLVHhLX7RFI94i2RXxWk78eRrSMOWSdN6509uMlEeXJYT8XHgOuhMZVTluQZDhGWkKDMEdT2CxGg9XBLHpR/s400/5mnthchainlink.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
One of my goals for 2012 is to see my boys face. I pray that happens.<br />
And to start putting his room together, I have a lot of stuff that I have purchased but it's just piled and randomly placed in the "Guestroom," that I am ready to turn into the "babies room."<br />
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Continually praying for patience and Faith!<br />
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I will post a little peak into our Boston trip and Holidays in the next few days!<br />
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Love & Blessings to All,<br />
-EmilyEmilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13098713320807913150noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5953552469147383880.post-34187866070117234002012-01-02T12:26:00.000-08:002012-01-02T12:26:46.150-08:00MIA from the Holidays!Wow, sorry it's a been a while and I totally didn't post our 5 month DTE! I am not doing that quit yet because I haven't taken any pictures, but that will be coming soon.<br />
Just wanted to post a little bit so you didn't think I abandoned this blog!<br />
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HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!<br />
Welcome 2012!<br />
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Much Love,<br />
<br />
EmilyEmilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13098713320807913150noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5953552469147383880.post-63290225653799063152011-11-22T09:50:00.000-08:002011-11-22T09:50:51.869-08:004 months Celebration!This month is perfect to celebrate, Thanksgiving is in 2 days and what more to be thankful for than being another month closer to being a family of 3.<br />
We are also thankful that all but 8 of the cookbooks have sold, and we have been blessed with far more than we expected to raise with them!<br />
<br />
Added a little blue to the "Wait Chain." <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiKL-cjoai1A7bHcD1LsYWifoEvSHWrPugTrivUMtxL_a6ysUu0UXyni6SwC8AESnM1IQi86HqgRotN_bmt7BmgCj24jcQ0X91o3Vwx8q4lSTbsuUBS4nOj4CRDxTqudWY-MW9N_bTu43y/s1600/waitchain4mnths.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiKL-cjoai1A7bHcD1LsYWifoEvSHWrPugTrivUMtxL_a6ysUu0UXyni6SwC8AESnM1IQi86HqgRotN_bmt7BmgCj24jcQ0X91o3Vwx8q4lSTbsuUBS4nOj4CRDxTqudWY-MW9N_bTu43y/s400/waitchain4mnths.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp3ttlusqslyop9OYeBP6Z1HdhvVjIEjU4VGF_nBkfO4_Vp1fTrnhIUcdAnTkvMNPfzUA_TZJFfIcaEDhyYHv2nXXXizRoWw7Tvf8GUTX0HbL4YuWKdOaQ6obxIIz-QgFgOGY_h6bujuSC/s1600/wait4mnthswing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="273" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp3ttlusqslyop9OYeBP6Z1HdhvVjIEjU4VGF_nBkfO4_Vp1fTrnhIUcdAnTkvMNPfzUA_TZJFfIcaEDhyYHv2nXXXizRoWw7Tvf8GUTX0HbL4YuWKdOaQ6obxIIz-QgFgOGY_h6bujuSC/s400/wait4mnthswing.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMVeR9jTVyh0LoRMNxdVaWBQtHx8TlgvTWOSis86LNb-UBV4NcS0ouSOyVzUhYVidc7cydK6VCCfzo738Kqto74YCwXnkBvUwrUKxEhgsPTxp8WBAbErjRbnq04FbjK8nMeHuXSE4P7Kp8/s1600/waitlink4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMVeR9jTVyh0LoRMNxdVaWBQtHx8TlgvTWOSis86LNb-UBV4NcS0ouSOyVzUhYVidc7cydK6VCCfzo738Kqto74YCwXnkBvUwrUKxEhgsPTxp8WBAbErjRbnq04FbjK8nMeHuXSE4P7Kp8/s400/waitlink4.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>I had a little fun with the 4 months "Wait Chain" link pictures this month. :)<br />
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This past weekend I had a few girls from my church come over and help make and decorate cinnamon ornaments (another fundraiser.) We had a great time giggling and letting our creative juices flow! :)Here are a few of the ornaments that we made, there are a lot more, but I just chose one of each shape for the picture!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ80F7arasOxa2BHkkjr8zaNE1xsq-CyCkQfm-eNJhiR00_KtF1l9TEC5j9TwFUeK7ir2RgQfyi3s4kOP1Qlntmsrnr9MiuUIVOi-0790sppcVZKS9jHkonHJG5a57bRYTxHyUUxSNQKw3/s1600/cinnamon+ornaments.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ80F7arasOxa2BHkkjr8zaNE1xsq-CyCkQfm-eNJhiR00_KtF1l9TEC5j9TwFUeK7ir2RgQfyi3s4kOP1Qlntmsrnr9MiuUIVOi-0790sppcVZKS9jHkonHJG5a57bRYTxHyUUxSNQKw3/s400/cinnamon+ornaments.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Lots and lots of glitter!<br />
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Have a very HAPPY THANKSGIVING! We have a lot to be thankful for!Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13098713320807913150noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5953552469147383880.post-70389676484949831552011-11-05T12:30:00.000-07:002012-01-02T12:27:47.539-08:00Cookbook Fundraiser! (SOLD OUT!!!)The long awaited cookbooks are here! I absolutely LOVE them! They couldn't have turned out any better!<br />
<br />
They are ready for purchase, if you are interested in buying one I am selling them for $20. You may order by using my paypal button, just be sure to put cookbook and your name and address in the message!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxofqGocThQN35SWIqhaJ5tRs29XiXB11XlvENhrwIqlX462ViUpOLKmxap3MnrlmMnt-OuXsuAJth449-oHFtk1xo5GbBCg7sr7jC57gs5WirDOWq4VX-4ySuS8ArRgokiv2qvsQzrcQA/s1600/cookbook1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxofqGocThQN35SWIqhaJ5tRs29XiXB11XlvENhrwIqlX462ViUpOLKmxap3MnrlmMnt-OuXsuAJth449-oHFtk1xo5GbBCg7sr7jC57gs5WirDOWq4VX-4ySuS8ArRgokiv2qvsQzrcQA/s400/cookbook1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqZUdVHi71JCkbIzwNRBjaXuYWn5Wff2SU5izvTLX-mR78fHgmA5s1uCDo6eotwuyB-GfkyWiOVdFlT9N9iBZR5l-BSSDU_m9DkCuIpe9QaQr98p1WpQ6-lAJQfXxxE7NZDsapS_LIodaf/s1600/cookbook2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqZUdVHi71JCkbIzwNRBjaXuYWn5Wff2SU5izvTLX-mR78fHgmA5s1uCDo6eotwuyB-GfkyWiOVdFlT9N9iBZR5l-BSSDU_m9DkCuIpe9QaQr98p1WpQ6-lAJQfXxxE7NZDsapS_LIodaf/s400/cookbook2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCub8pbRhOU16wkSDifY5010XHr9cotP3vXSuTfH_KR_iZUzpjYmDcFQh_3nghRH9GkbtioNZLkOxDl0IJ4EwlHuDMKqQMR4W4lZJBmtFZ59APnlyD87611OdBD7oN6lEwKuoJjKnKidJ5/s1600/cookbooktoc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCub8pbRhOU16wkSDifY5010XHr9cotP3vXSuTfH_KR_iZUzpjYmDcFQh_3nghRH9GkbtioNZLkOxDl0IJ4EwlHuDMKqQMR4W4lZJBmtFZ59APnlyD87611OdBD7oN6lEwKuoJjKnKidJ5/s400/cookbooktoc.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Since this Sunday, Nov 6th, is Orphan Sunday my husband said we could sell them at church! So all my Sojourn Family can see them tomorrow! :) There are approximately 95 recipes.<br />
Happy cooking! :)Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13098713320807913150noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5953552469147383880.post-86653722950925829002011-10-25T15:27:00.000-07:002011-10-25T15:31:50.217-07:003 months celebrationSorry this is...3 days late. We celebrated 3 months of waiting on the 22, like every month. This month on the 23rd was our 7 year anniversary! YAY for marriage! :)<br />
We weren't able to celebrate either one on the actual day because Saturday the 22nd we had a leaders get away day and then church on the 23rd. ( Joseph now preaches 2 services and it wears him out...so proud though!) So here was our agenda. Monday we celebrated our Anniversary by having a delicious (spaghetti) picnic in the park and walking around the zoo, (one of Joseph's favorite places.)<br />
Here are a few pictures of the picnic with our cheap champagne! hehe :)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7TNoS41pcQfw_LF6QZ6U_n9mhELLkc4IHmVJcQipcBj3mUxL7TSrc9d1LzUHhdOccHonV6hJOM-qPVpm-TMPUKtLoWugOa7wheY1B4U9rjP5Kt9xeKY6e9Jj7_gXoqWbC8AJXZhVrsRPX/s1600/picnic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7TNoS41pcQfw_LF6QZ6U_n9mhELLkc4IHmVJcQipcBj3mUxL7TSrc9d1LzUHhdOccHonV6hJOM-qPVpm-TMPUKtLoWugOa7wheY1B4U9rjP5Kt9xeKY6e9Jj7_gXoqWbC8AJXZhVrsRPX/s400/picnic.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw1dz8hTEL5ciUZeqQxfhr6Py3vN64-9StuvnrbYGIqFneb2MbT8LmWftxRiYXIRsWBqkeqXhQwxwmkE_LQ8tyq-OEjoVeByuqlwd7HLzzcAp9OH7jbTBiGRzjDbl1_qne-QARmUUvNFa0/s1600/pinicplatesetting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw1dz8hTEL5ciUZeqQxfhr6Py3vN64-9StuvnrbYGIqFneb2MbT8LmWftxRiYXIRsWBqkeqXhQwxwmkE_LQ8tyq-OEjoVeByuqlwd7HLzzcAp9OH7jbTBiGRzjDbl1_qne-QARmUUvNFa0/s400/pinicplatesetting.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkQuJzh_zEsgLHhnpENX7j6VmWh7TLZEcAiXh7aHz53jSu6N4Z349-t3fsszEJ9wD6rdnGzLgecKDB3QrIVWBWZwFsMd6IVCZeQul2onx4AOBoMMTX4TqABeHh8cjgb5zNL70MTweq2RbQ/s1600/champagne.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkQuJzh_zEsgLHhnpENX7j6VmWh7TLZEcAiXh7aHz53jSu6N4Z349-t3fsszEJ9wD6rdnGzLgecKDB3QrIVWBWZwFsMd6IVCZeQul2onx4AOBoMMTX4TqABeHh8cjgb5zNL70MTweq2RbQ/s400/champagne.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>That was a fun day! :) Then today (Tuesday) Joseph took off again! YAY!<br />
So we decided to do our DTE monthly celebration. I had already started re-painting his changing table, which my dad built for me when I was a baby, so I decided to complete it today and sew the next link in the "Wait Chain."<br />
No pictures of the changing table because it is still in the garage drying, but as soon as I get the nursery set up you will def see it. (that will still be a while, don't want to get ahead of myself.)<br />
But here are a few pics of the new link! :)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc22p6RYcR5QaZJzvhb4PgHXZ8Vx7kw8CcGz6eM-PjAqYZIqoelacuSSD5twYZ5SpFkLlrskd8HU79omac5US51HIreKy1pzG_5Fa-E1mW3wBb3diLhVPhNBmK0h_ML5KSuLeF13wzq-Pr/s1600/3monthslink.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="361" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc22p6RYcR5QaZJzvhb4PgHXZ8Vx7kw8CcGz6eM-PjAqYZIqoelacuSSD5twYZ5SpFkLlrskd8HU79omac5US51HIreKy1pzG_5Fa-E1mW3wBb3diLhVPhNBmK0h_ML5KSuLeF13wzq-Pr/s400/3monthslink.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg471lZ8eELvDrXlDp8L02Fdd_Bu6W9bxKCC_M07SsYj82LEYdeWVGy_13O0y1GZXTxtMCTOdgzJOqQMmP5__bnIRMDMCRRkmBTyKSccf5O3ZHe5_V8EFwh5Klf9LBZaRz83P2ysJqcOINB/s1600/chain3links.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg471lZ8eELvDrXlDp8L02Fdd_Bu6W9bxKCC_M07SsYj82LEYdeWVGy_13O0y1GZXTxtMCTOdgzJOqQMmP5__bnIRMDMCRRkmBTyKSccf5O3ZHe5_V8EFwh5Klf9LBZaRz83P2ysJqcOINB/s400/chain3links.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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Til next time! :)Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13098713320807913150noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5953552469147383880.post-43516606915615406262011-10-23T12:02:00.000-07:002011-10-23T12:02:23.574-07:007 yearsI have yet to post our 3 month waiting celebration post, because Today is our 7th Anniversary and we are focusing on that this weekend. :) I will be back mid week with how we celebrated the 3month waiting. Thanks for being patient! :)Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13098713320807913150noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5953552469147383880.post-56978050425352952592011-10-18T09:04:00.000-07:002011-10-18T09:04:52.115-07:00Another Adoption BlogI just read this blog post from another Adoption Blog that I follow, i thought it a great example of the emotions that come with Adoption! I find it to be pretty true in my case...for the most part. Hope you enjoy<br />
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<a href="http://www.pureandlasting.com/not-easy-but-so-worth-it/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+PureLasting+%28Pure+%26+Lasting%29">http://www.pureandlasting.com/not-easy-but-so-worth-it/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+PureLasting+%28Pure+%26+Lasting%29</a>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13098713320807913150noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5953552469147383880.post-6197441345134443682011-10-16T13:19:00.000-07:002011-10-16T13:25:15.633-07:00Ordered the CookbooksWell, I finally ordered my cookbooks! They are going to be super cute! I had a graphic designer friend, Amanda, design the cover and it is exactly what I wanted. I am so excited! :)<br />
Here is a peek at the cover.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEjTueEoNwtBsRF3f0ZkPoeGXCcqdnzHNGMBQPDQ9qGknzd_abkK7OcLC2A-u3A6CfFUhjULjyAV6UVbiQwXHKpHvBlyS81D_0xp4bt9o-7JpZr2qfR9xvW1Bat8o8WyUbj9Pg_3XQuBYT/s1600/Julani%2527s-Cookbook-Cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEjTueEoNwtBsRF3f0ZkPoeGXCcqdnzHNGMBQPDQ9qGknzd_abkK7OcLC2A-u3A6CfFUhjULjyAV6UVbiQwXHKpHvBlyS81D_0xp4bt9o-7JpZr2qfR9xvW1Bat8o8WyUbj9Pg_3XQuBYT/s400/Julani%2527s-Cookbook-Cover.jpg" width="250" /></a></div>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13098713320807913150noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5953552469147383880.post-19047310544193212022011-10-13T18:57:00.000-07:002011-10-16T13:24:50.810-07:00Amazon AffiliateAs I am reading "Adopt Without Debt", she gives many fund raising ideas. I clearly love fund raising!<br />
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One of the suggestions was to become an Amazon Affiliate. This means that I promote Amazon on my web site and any purchase made using the link on my page to Amazon.com, I get around 4-6% of the purchase starting off. So I thought, i know a lot of people who use Amazon, why not try it.<br />
So I am asking if you are an amazon user if you wouldn't mind getting to amazon by clicking the banner on the bottom on my blog. That is all you have to do. The only down fall is that I don't get credit if you use the 1- click order option. I don't know why but that's the rule!<br />
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Of coarse this will go towards our adoption fund! :)<br />
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Love,<br />
EmilyEmilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13098713320807913150noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5953552469147383880.post-85856198088797527662011-10-13T12:19:00.000-07:002011-10-16T13:24:14.899-07:00Raffles Coming Soon!Please be watching this blog for some upcoming Raffles! I will be raffling off amazing one of a kind homemade items, at $5 an entry! You will be able to purchase more entries or gain extra entries by sharing the raffle on either your blog, facebook, or twitter! Winner will be selected at Random!<br />
All proceeds go towards our adoption!<br />
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Coming soon! :)Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13098713320807913150noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5953552469147383880.post-64815163105108236272011-10-12T18:24:00.000-07:002011-10-12T19:39:21.535-07:00Recommended Books for Parents & Adoptive ParentsI wanted to share a few books that either, I am reading or was highly suggested that I read...<br />I will start with the ones I am currently reading and recommend:<br /><br />-"There is no me without you" One woman's Odyssey to Rescue Her Country's Children by Melissa Fay Greene- so far this book has had amazing history of Ethiopia. A personal story of a woman's life in Ethiopia and shares the things that people struggle with and see on a regular basis, that we in America can't even fathom.<br /><br />-"Shepherding a Child's Heart" by Tedd Tripp- this book helps you to remember to care for your child's heart in the way you raise them. Don't forget that they have souls and everything you do or neglect to do effects who they become. Reminds you to always point to truth and explain your choices.<br /><br />-"Adopting without Debt" Creative ways to cover the cost of adoption by Julie Gumm- Very encouraging, she uses a lot of Dave Ramsey method's and influence, also personal fund raising success stories and ideas.<br /><br />-"The Connected Child" For parents who have welcomed children: From other countries and cultures, From troubled backgrounds, With Special behavioral or emotional needs by Karyn B. Purvis, David R. Cross and Wendy Lyons Sunshine- This book helps you through the tougher parts of parenting your children. It walks through the unique challenges adopted children face using compassion, care and consideration. AMAZING!<br /><br />And some that were highly recommended:<br /><br />-" Give Them Grace" Dazzling your kids with the love of Jesus by Elyse M. Fitzpatrick & Jessica Thompson- This book was recommended to my husband by an amazing friend and Mentor/Pastor Daniel Montgomery of <a href="http://sojournchurch.com/">Sojourn Church in Loiusville, Kentucky</a> . He is an amazing Dad and said that this book helps you to teach your children Grace. I can not wait to read it.<br /><br />-"I'm chocolate you're Vanilla" Raising healthy black and biracial children in a race-conscious world by Marguerite A. Wright- I have seen other adoptive parents say on their blogs that this is a great book, the back reads: Teaches parents and educators of black and biracial children how to reduce racism's impact on a child's development- from preschool through adolescence- and in doing so to raise emotionally healthy children.<br /><br />-"Instructing a Child's Heart" by Tedd & Margy Tripp- This book helps you to raise your child in biblical truths to point them to the greatest joy and happiness that they can experience- delighting in God and the goodness of his ways.<br /><br />I realized I have yet to complete any books because as you can see I have started a few at one time and this is only the adoption/ parent category! :) I'm reading more often now so hopefully I will finish and move on to the others! :)<br />I have more books I have purchased and look forward to reading. Here is a list:<br /><br />-" Parenting with Love & Logic" by Foster Cline & Jim Fay<br />-" Bringing up Boys" by James Dobson<br />-" The Whole Life Adoption Book" by Jayne E. Schooler & Thomas C. Atwood<br />-" Adopted For Life" by Russell D. Moore<br />-" Big Truths for Young Hearts" by Bruce A. Ware<br />-" Orphanology" By Tony Merida & Rick Morton<br />-" Raising Adopted Children" by Lois Ruskai Melina<br />-" Boundaries with Kids" by Henry Cloud & John Townsend<br /><br />Better start reading :)Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13098713320807913150noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5953552469147383880.post-90544819345694636762011-09-24T19:14:00.000-07:002011-10-13T22:07:45.978-07:002 Months CelebrationAs I stated earlier, we planned to do our monthly celebration tonight! Joseph wanted to have a date lunch then head to Lowe's to get paint and flowers! :) (this makes me extremely happy.) He told me he wanted to paint one of Julani's waiting projects in the garage. We had both a highchair and changing table that needed to be painted. We chose the highchair because we could use spray paint for this one. So here are a few pictures of the "Celebration."<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMJKc0kQRM5wd9VWpB5yja74kUoCcTh3thSYAMqaz5NZEbSjS-1fi6yThb-Q6sjPMtNkkmVBFkPZ7wtV9dhwCutXi4lBuDBrhhCpyVhZdqOhkxwtjhNPke65b7ve5oTXDLirOv71wcG9_2/s1600/highchairbefore.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5656116389069066338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMJKc0kQRM5wd9VWpB5yja74kUoCcTh3thSYAMqaz5NZEbSjS-1fi6yThb-Q6sjPMtNkkmVBFkPZ7wtV9dhwCutXi4lBuDBrhhCpyVhZdqOhkxwtjhNPke65b7ve5oTXDLirOv71wcG9_2/s1600/highchairbefore.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /></a>FYI, My Dad built the tray and foot rest, b/c I bought this highchair for $5 and it didn't have them.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMJKc0kQRM5wd9VWpB5yja74kUoCcTh3thSYAMqaz5NZEbSjS-1fi6yThb-Q6sjPMtNkkmVBFkPZ7wtV9dhwCutXi4lBuDBrhhCpyVhZdqOhkxwtjhNPke65b7ve5oTXDLirOv71wcG9_2/s1600/highchairbefore.jpg"> </a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrmZfXQ7SSEseb_cnzYG7dz43a7A0yTSji97x4l-yegJPoEbmWQ9MOd3450EsbD-9Q9Ehkvp3FXZBFhBmKg-1eF3Y6Nou1OrcGTeOMeIYExwhsy8nhCHeFbtrGqfaSNdhcZBdNb_uurawH/s1600/highchair+me.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5656116384876600578" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrmZfXQ7SSEseb_cnzYG7dz43a7A0yTSji97x4l-yegJPoEbmWQ9MOd3450EsbD-9Q9Ehkvp3FXZBFhBmKg-1eF3Y6Nou1OrcGTeOMeIYExwhsy8nhCHeFbtrGqfaSNdhcZBdNb_uurawH/s1600/highchair+me.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLY8xLFCTpvoIicfo8RPZ25tbW9QHbN5CuEDROE-Umyvgy39S66h1DIDHRESUcuThK3Jo-6tj1gfObYqtx25biPRgGqFzQ_Y6eF4WKVtOmB7OzsUeDuE8PEnhmynuFZK0Ofiqv6JP21GB-/s1600/highchairme2.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5656116379276563842" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLY8xLFCTpvoIicfo8RPZ25tbW9QHbN5CuEDROE-Umyvgy39S66h1DIDHRESUcuThK3Jo-6tj1gfObYqtx25biPRgGqFzQ_Y6eF4WKVtOmB7OzsUeDuE8PEnhmynuFZK0Ofiqv6JP21GB-/s1600/highchairme2.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO3GC195EiA-3Ccict5AGHuGMvV74SU2QnGYvrO5Qgcp9JObbSiIY8O07Iv9UT6diMefQVYiqJynkZw-U7fU4iv2S8tlkkCxYno8X96HKL700qfulaJdXfefgMovc-KCEumnvm4grfhqBh/s1600/highchair+Joe.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5656116380021609650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO3GC195EiA-3Ccict5AGHuGMvV74SU2QnGYvrO5Qgcp9JObbSiIY8O07Iv9UT6diMefQVYiqJynkZw-U7fU4iv2S8tlkkCxYno8X96HKL700qfulaJdXfefgMovc-KCEumnvm4grfhqBh/s1600/highchair+Joe.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcMqB_Y-2s2MLn27XNS_Cy6AN6QZTqqsZDBFMnSjd3J9pmk-zzrLilWC_1YrfFpGjpUaoLcg5FUv2gMRhnqZmyKIfodjTXiZgvtaA3pJ_I5zSRAJuVRIL9rZB8gPLMTK_tPBJ4HHqy5kSc/s1600/highchair+after.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5656116375810301586" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcMqB_Y-2s2MLn27XNS_Cy6AN6QZTqqsZDBFMnSjd3J9pmk-zzrLilWC_1YrfFpGjpUaoLcg5FUv2gMRhnqZmyKIfodjTXiZgvtaA3pJ_I5zSRAJuVRIL9rZB8gPLMTK_tPBJ4HHqy5kSc/s1600/highchair+after.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5FiSGWgyUHeBMFGcX6V1UYZ53oOtcl4fxeuWD2IEnd4kvlK33FanWi5QZhpcWjH20p74XcTovyO3ix3fuHVod8OziigNNpRHCo-1OOm1nq6e0MKAAIPTpcyfaX83b0iqS5txUhDtm68HF/s1600/highchair%253Acoco.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5656731693345673250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5FiSGWgyUHeBMFGcX6V1UYZ53oOtcl4fxeuWD2IEnd4kvlK33FanWi5QZhpcWjH20p74XcTovyO3ix3fuHVod8OziigNNpRHCo-1OOm1nq6e0MKAAIPTpcyfaX83b0iqS5txUhDtm68HF/s640/highchair%253Acoco.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="480" /></a><br />
<h6 class="uiStreamMessage" ft="{"type":1}" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody" ft="{"type":3}">That is CoCo testing it out, he was Joseph's "Buddy" growing up. CoCo has been stitched in several places, I LOVE him! :) </span></span><br />
</h6>I also made the next link in our "Wait Chain!"<br />
I moved the count down in our living room so we could see it more! :)<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaXoTa6w07XT6VvENpuW0QiRZsUJsDSusdSXrVSJBfNRyRGt9Xd3f91GzH8LLOycTRn-MozllTyVLx2A7vFvNzN84EqLQ0lrsg6AxAsBACK3lRN2Ue91F0NR0GZ_vyCN4K7kyMylMyxLt_/s1600/link2months.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="298" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5656116710241102658" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaXoTa6w07XT6VvENpuW0QiRZsUJsDSusdSXrVSJBfNRyRGt9Xd3f91GzH8LLOycTRn-MozllTyVLx2A7vFvNzN84EqLQ0lrsg6AxAsBACK3lRN2Ue91F0NR0GZ_vyCN4K7kyMylMyxLt_/s400/link2months.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="400" /></a>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13098713320807913150noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5953552469147383880.post-39389626781140358582011-09-24T07:04:00.000-07:002011-09-24T07:09:44.621-07:002 monthsWe have now been waiting for 2 months! I'm very thankful this time is going by quickly for us!<br /><br />The official 2 month mark was Thursday the 22, but this weekend has been super busy, we have yet to celebrate together. I plan on making the next link in the "Wait Chain" this evening/afternoon. I will post a picture as soon as I finish and we have our "Celebration."<br />I bought an old fashioned wooden high chair a few years ago and have yet to paint it. Maybe I will paint it as my 2 month Celebration! :) Will let you know soon! Have a GREAT rest of the weekend!<br />Fundraisers still in the making! :)Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13098713320807913150noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5953552469147383880.post-37129387385358877512011-09-09T13:24:00.001-07:002011-10-16T13:25:30.517-07:00Upcoming Fundraisers!We have a few fundraisers in the making for Fall and Winter!!<br />
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Cookbook<br />
Christmas Ornaments<br />
Hand knitted scarves<br />
T shirts<br />
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The only one that is ready is: one scarf for sell on my friends and my etsy shop!<br />
I will be making more in different colors as well! Feel free to look!<br />
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/81322115/hand-knit-chunky-warm-winter-scarf-in">http://www.etsy.com/listing/81322115/hand-knit-chunky-warm-winter-scarf-in</a><br />
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Stay tuned for the others!Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13098713320807913150noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5953552469147383880.post-51949762009119169562011-08-22T10:25:00.000-07:002011-10-13T21:01:41.037-07:001 monthWe have made it through the first month of waiting! :)<br />
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To honor and remember I am making a "wait chain". I will sew a fabric ring and attach them together every month. The fabric will match his room so he will be able to have it forever! :)<br />
Here is the first one in the top left corner of the chalk board. Brown hounds tooth fabric!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZBTeVWAPXIsCqd1FGxk8PZ91xN9LBYbpBVTRg1e1ZoFxeSXBBd-mlor7Hpd_DHI7PdEDyyVtaw7_LqtyFOx8j9dVY0fKXLdR_fIHKCZyq8gQ_svMFN0hyphenhyphenuIHmUxRs2hub7_c3MEwqmuxd/s1600/ring+1.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643733480164517538" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZBTeVWAPXIsCqd1FGxk8PZ91xN9LBYbpBVTRg1e1ZoFxeSXBBd-mlor7Hpd_DHI7PdEDyyVtaw7_LqtyFOx8j9dVY0fKXLdR_fIHKCZyq8gQ_svMFN0hyphenhyphenuIHmUxRs2hub7_c3MEwqmuxd/s400/ring+1.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="400" /></a><br />
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Tonight we are going to eat at a local Ethiopian restaurant "The Blue Nile!" We have been a few times and really enjoy the food, Ethiopian people and the decor! :)Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13098713320807913150noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5953552469147383880.post-36837676135772221962011-08-17T11:58:00.000-07:002011-10-13T21:00:52.608-07:00DTE (Dossier to Ethiopia)<div style="text-align: center;">Dossier ready to be mailed (Paper Belly)</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEt4tUy2pm86Ds3Tysy7J_0XKU_EyhkiMhKUvxb1yiGx7_9oyYNJoJzW-HkSV6H_7PQIRQC-ZZh-PLakTkzXaxvHcXMdISK5ngQx3yi8CymEP2zeSiZKLo4_E99yI-kSffZzzpKbS5yY40/s1600/Dossier+finished.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641905907908034114" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEt4tUy2pm86Ds3Tysy7J_0XKU_EyhkiMhKUvxb1yiGx7_9oyYNJoJzW-HkSV6H_7PQIRQC-ZZh-PLakTkzXaxvHcXMdISK5ngQx3yi8CymEP2zeSiZKLo4_E99yI-kSffZzzpKbS5yY40/s400/Dossier+finished.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="400" /></a><br />
Our DTE date was July 22, 2011. This was the day the agency mailed it to Ethiopia. They told us that it might take a few weeks before it arrived at the Ethiopian AWAA do to stopping in other countries on the way. They sent me a tracking number to follow.. I waited a few days to see if it had even left America yet, on July 27th it had already been picked up by the AWAA staff in Ethiopia! WHAT? That was only 5 days! I'm feeling God's timing is quickly moving! :) So HAPPY!<br />
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Now our Official "wait" begins. The current wait time for a referral for an infant boy from Ethiopia is 10-16 months... This stretch was expected, but hoped against of coarse.<br />
We are so ready to be parents. We will be celebrating every month of waiting that passes. We plan to do something related to Ethiopia, adoption, or something specifically for Julani (ie, go eat at an Ethiopian restaurant, do something in Julani's room, starting a new adoption book, etc...) I will be sharing how we celebrate each month on this blog! :)<br />
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While we were on our Sabbatical I was able to finish knitting Julani's baby blanket. It was my first attempt at knitting a blanket, its a little scrappy but, his mommy made it just for him! :) (Pictured)<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM86ZfH3XSejcmOIH2UZSxqX5YkHdkLsolTIpECCeiY6S766deRCLpAs4kvqV4js2vOnKG9sxS74v-JIlhwkSWnnhqerhhQLGOisfu8LxVRUY-vlxoUAXAipSvywnL7U5PTIrMuGoYZLGr/s1600/julani+blanket.jpg"> </a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBAHV5x71Z1407lLQlqwSnYlKxSN47X0SRsPrypramtJRTsK2BfSfxFAcj_9c9zd1nTyNKNiydvzYXqtoGs4mROVrGMZoGcEiJ19AiZO4_ASiBZXKHeqxKj4fm0vH7oKyU-MhxsOJA5AsY/s1600/julani+blanket.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641907741034481074" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBAHV5x71Z1407lLQlqwSnYlKxSN47X0SRsPrypramtJRTsK2BfSfxFAcj_9c9zd1nTyNKNiydvzYXqtoGs4mROVrGMZoGcEiJ19AiZO4_ASiBZXKHeqxKj4fm0vH7oKyU-MhxsOJA5AsY/s400/julani+blanket.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="300" /></a>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13098713320807913150noreply@blogger.com2