Christmas 2007

A 4 day weekend, 850 miles and 2 families later....we survived Christmas 2007! We were blessed with a safe and happy holiday, surrounded by family. My only complaint is that it just goes by way too fast. The only thing that could have made the holiday better? Having Mason home, of course!

I would have loved nothing more than to spend Mason's first Christmas with him. It was difficult thinking of him so far away, with no family to spend the holiday with. However, I know he is surrounded by his "family" at the EN. I am sure the EN was a busy place w/ all the children on Christmas day. I am already looking forward to Christmas 2008....when we can celebrate the holidays as a forever family! I have spent the last several weeks daydreaming of old and new family traditions we can share with Mason.

Today I am actually home sick...so I am keeping this short and praying it makes sense (can you say "medicine head"!?) I am posting a few pictures from Christmas. Maosn made out like a bandit!

Merry Christmas to Mason.....

Wow! Where are we going to put all this stuff?

My family....Us, Nana & Papa, My brother & his wife and Big D.

Nana, Papa and Big D...

Matt's family....Granny, all 5 siblings and Papa.

We wish you a safe, happy and blessed New Year. Please continue to pray with us....We pray that we will receive a legal update soon, that Mason will remain healthy & safe, for a short stay in PGN and for the health, safety, protection and peace over Mason's biological mother.

Merry Christmas!

From our family to yours....We wish you a very blessed Christmas.

Another Dose of "Cuteness"...

A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in His holy dwelling. ~Psalm68:5

Mason's First Christmas Photos...

We received several photos, so keep checking back, we will post them randomly throughout the month. According to our health report Mason is up to 12# 12oz. He is "happy and content"....which is a blessing! I pray each night for his health and safety and that he is a happy and content baby.

The Vote Is In....

The Guatemalan Congress did vote on Dec 11th and passed the Ortega Law. I am thankful they did include a provision for in-process cases to continue under the current set of laws. While this is certainly positive news, there still remains some uncertainty.....for example the definition of "in-process", how in-process cases will be registered, etc. At this point, I feel pretty confident that our case is far enough along to be considered in-process.

Overall my reaction is one of relief, I am thrilled to know our case will be allowed to continue after Dec 31, 2007. We continue to pray that our case will be out of PGN by the end of the year, just so we can get this little guy home as soon as possible. We have not received an update for December yet, I am hopeful we will receive updated pictures, a health report and legal update soon. I am getting a little antsy for some news.

I am pleased to tell you that there are 4 EN children that will soon be joining their forever families (at least 4 that I am aware of that is). To read more about their adoption journey, scroll down and in the side bar you will see "Other Families With EN Kiddos". The families I am referring to are: The Turner Family, The Lott Family (#1 & #2 blogs), Waiting For Number 4 and McGuire Family. I just want to say CONGRATULATIONS to these families again...what a blessing they have received, their little ones will soon be home with their forever family.

Each one shall give as he has made up his mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9:7

Rockin' Mama

After months of looking I have finally purchased a diaper bag. I have looked at different bags each time I am in a store and have searched endlessly online. I have even approached complete strangers when their "bag" catches my eye. I have just been so indecisive....that and the fact that everything I have liked so far, is completely out of my budget.

I had in mind exactly what I wanted....something durable, afforable, unique and not too cutesie! I have also hesitated buying any "big" items until we hear for certain if cases are going to be grandfathered in after Dec 31. Well, as soon as I found this bag I knew it was the one. I present to you the "Rockin' Mama" (that is actually the style of the bag)!

The color is "Platnium"...sounds sooo chic! ; )

It's made of a washable & durable polyvinyl. On the back side is a folding changing pad....
The changing pad is super soft and easily cleaned too!

Tomorrow is SUPPOSED to be the vote in Guatemala. Please pray with us tonight and throughout the day tomorrow that a decision will be made and that in-process cases will be allowed to continue and finalize.

It's not our job to "handle" what we've been given, but to turn it and our trust over to God. "For nothing is impossible with God." Luke 1:37

5 Months Old...

Mason is 5 months old today. I thank God every day for bringing him into our lives. It is absolutely amazing to me, the love I have for this child...who I only know through pictures. Today is also my parent's 37th wedding anniversary. Happy Anniversary Mom & Dad....LOVE YA!

I have added another "must read" blog to my list http://www.thewheelerjourney.blogspot.com/ . Through their blog they share the story about how God has led them to adopt from Guatemala as well. Their story is amazing and their passion is inspiring. They have just announced the opening of their online store http://elliedub.com/. They are selling Guatemala inspired t-shirts they personally designed to help raise $$ to fund their adoption.

No news to report on our case tonight. We should be receiving a case update and pictures soon. I will post them as soon as I have them. In the meantime, I will share some random photos.

Outfit from Nana Jeanette & Mommy

Outfits from Mommy (can you tell "brown" is in this season?).
"Wow" is all I can come up with for this one. Needless to say, the door to the nursery now remains closed!
More clothes from Mommy! Yes, I have issues.
More evidence of my shopping. What can I say, I have been blessed with a gift! ;)
I have this NEED to match shoes and bibs with his outfits. Is this normal???? I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in His word I put my hope. Psalm 130:5