Adoption???

We thought we should probably let everyone know where we are in this process...since many of you have asked...some of you are too scared to ask...and some of you probably don't really care anymore!

As of the end of July we are no longer certified to continue with the adoption process. Our home study and hours have expired and we would need to be updated, as well as we would need to do several other things because laws have changed in the last year and a half.

So, where does that leave us? Good question. Rob and I aren't sure. We really feel like we have put out all the money that we can at this point. We still truly believe that God lead us down this path for some reason. Our hearts are heavy to help those children that need parents. But, at the same time we have two beautiful daughters and can't keep their lives in upheaval all the time either. This last 18 months has been very hard on them emotionally.

We have one more committee left. We were suppose to go to committee in June and then again in July for an 8 yr old boy. That committee has been rescheduled for August 17. We are still allowed to proceed, since all this was started back in May. So, at this point we are waiting to see what God has planned for this child.

If we do not win at committee then we are considering possibly doing some foster care for awhile. And of course we have Luiza with us too! She will be here until January 2009.

We don't know what God has planned...so we wait. And quietly listen for answers. We can only be honest and say that we truly believed that by this point we would have another child in our family. We try to remind ourselves constantly that only God knows what the future holds.

A New Appreciation!

A couple of weeks ago Nicole had an allergy test. (One of many things we are trying to do to eliminate the ear infections...since we are on our 9th this year! Yes...not all kids out grow them!)
Anyways, one of the things they wanted Nicole to try is eliminating soy and corn from her diet, each for about 7 - 10 days and then test the food. Well, we are almost to the end of the soy elimination diet and I am exhausted. You have to read EVERY label and ALL the fine print on EVERYTHING! I have come to the conclusion that soy is in everything! And I am sure that next week I will come to the conclusion that corn is in everything!

So, if you are one of those moms out there that has children with food allergies...I can sympathize. I only hope that this doesn't make any difference...but time will tell. Oh yeah...and did I mention the expense???

So...we will continue along this road...and meanwhile Nicole feels as though we are starving her...although Grandma came thru last night and made a casserole and dessert that were soy free! Nicole had thirds I believe!

The Computer Room!

I realized the other day that I never posted photos of the almost finished computer room. So...here it is. We only have a few small things to finish. It is much more user friendly than before.

Yard Work!

We finally finished the front pavers so we have more space to pull the trailer in and out. My dad also got us a trailer full of bark dusk, so we have some pretty looking flower beds. Luiza is learning first hand all about the American culture. She was helping out by watering all the flowers for us.

A Shaped Puzzle

My English teacher from HS and her husband recently sent this puzzle to us. We completed it today! Thanks Faenell! We enjoyed it...although it was a little tricky!

Madras, OR - over the 4th

We took Lu on her first camping trip ever! She thinks Americans do some funny things! Although she loved the smores! We had a great time and great weather!

Happy Birthday, Dad! (a little late)

Happy 71st Birthday, Dad!

July 2nd, was my dad's 71st birthday and we celebrated at Stanfords with a yummy dinner!
And creme brulee for dessert!
We love you dad! You are a great dad and grandpa!

Luiza!!!

We have another exchange student. This time she is not from Basque...she is from Brazil. We met Luiza on Friday and things went well. She wanted to come stay that night but the program had to make sure we are safe people. On Monday Luiza and the regional director, Connie, went to the school to see if they would accept Luiza. The program CIEE is an exchange program bringing students from all over to the USA. They stay for one year and it is usually their last year of high school. Luiza came in January but was not fitting in in the home she was in. Luiza moved in yesterday. So far she is enjoying her time here. Or so we think:) We are having fun getting to know her.