Knockin' Down 9

Just got some awesome news from our agency- 

we have moved NINE spots to:

on the Honduras Adoption List!  

We're so excited about this large jump. We definitely still have a long way to go, but movement like this is what we would consistently like to see.

Please pray for continued quick and smooth movement for these waiting children and families.  

Thank you & 

with love while we wait, 

~ 6 in Love ~

The Never-Ending HomeStudy

I was hoping that this next blog post would be filled with excitement and relief as our HomeStudy would finally be over.  Unfortunately, that's not the case.  

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We had our HomeStudy visit from our social worker a couple of days ago.  

Prior to her visit, we ran around like mad --

Spending around $500 for medical exams for all of us, including bloodwork, TB skin, & drug tests for Cuban Daddy and me.  (Nope, insurance doesn't cover this for adoptions.)

Making all necessary additions/changes to the house, to meet the requirements we had been told about.  This included new locks & alarms for all outdoor-leading doors.  Cute lil helpers...who gave them a drill?!

And we completed an inch + stack of paperwork.  (Just for information) Some of which included: new pet vaccinations for our dog, letters from Cuban Daddy's work, last minute references from 5 of our dearest, updated psych reports, previous 911 call logs from both counties we've lived in here, tax documents, financial forms, copies of licenses/insurance cards/etc., and on and on... 

We scheduled the HomeStudy.

We had to reschedule.

(For the love, I don't even remember why at this point)

Then a pump in our front yard blew, causing us to be WITHOUT WATER in the house for nearly a week.  Heaven help us.  It was bad.

We finally found someone trustworthy to diagnose, order the rare part, and fix the problem/get a whole new pump.  

While they were 'fixing it,' our entire kitchen flooded.  I mean, the counters, soaking everything in the drawers, covering the whole floor...

The social worker was set to come the next day. 

 (Insane dishes, piles of laundry, soaking wet kitchen, no flushing,  no showers...)

We rescheduled again.

Finally.  We had a date and time that worked for our crazy schedule and her very busy travel schedule.

She came out.  I should mention that we REALLY have liked her.  She did our original HomeStudy (for Honduras) over 2 years ago.  And it was great to see her and catch up, and show her our new house, etc.  

On the visit, ALL went well, except:

She said we need a fence around our pool.  Now, if we completely fence in the deck (regulation size), the pool will technically be 'fenced in.'  We went around and around about this with her.  She was open to the idea.  She checked w/ her supervisor.  NOPE.

We took a ton of photos, proposed an alternative to the idea.  She should let us know by tomorrow if we can get by with a sort of deck fencing.  

Cuban Daddy and I don't have a good feeling about it.  We're pretty sure they're going to say no, and we're going to have to add ANOTHER fence around our pool.  Regardless of whether we go with temporary mesh or permanent iron, we're talking THOUSANDS.  Thousands that we weren't counting on.  Plus we don't really want (or feel the need for) the fence.  Plus it has to be done BEFORE the HomeStudy can be completed, approved, and we can move on with any more of the adoption.  

She's leaving town for 2 weeks now.  So all that rushing around to get it done before she left is void now.  We have to deal w/ this fence situation, and will then have to have it approved when she returns at the end of the month.

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I feel the need to mention that 'a fence' doesn't seem like a big deal.  But it's just 'a fence' +  the medical costs x 4  + the vet bill + the psych update + the HomeStudy fee + fingerprints x 2 x 2...  +  both cars have been in the shop + the pool pump just blew & we had to replace it + the water pump situation ($5,000 just for that pump, to give you an idea) ... We have encountered SO many expenses the past couple of months.

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Also, because of the age of the home, there weren't the required number of smoke detectors present in the home.  So, Cuban Daddy needs to add 'install 6 detectors' to his list to complete as well.  He swears this is no big deal.  I'm glad he's so handy!  

Finally, there were a couple of paperwork issues.  We were missing one form, which we didn't realize was required.  CD is working on that one.  Also, she said there was a bit of a discrepancy on a two forms, so we're looking at solving that this week.  

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I am just so tired of this phase.  

We're so worn out from it all. 

And the hard part?

Knowing that this isn't the hard part.

I'm normally the optimist, seeing hope in it all.

Today, I know there's hope, I know it will work out, but I'm just not there yet.

Today, I'm exhausted.  

A little pouty.  And a lot discouraged.

But tomorrow's another day.

Thanks so much for all of the prayers and questions.  We really appreciate your thoughtfulness and concern!!!

~ 6 (broke &) in Love ~

Home Study Progress

Super quick update:  We are right smack in the middle of our new updated Home Study for our Haiti adoption.  Yay & ahhh!  Sooooo much running around, so many appointments, calls, emails, printing, faxing, copying... We've completed almost all of the paperwork, and are working on collecting the rest.  We have super sweet friends that are writing some last minute references for us (yet again!), have to wait for blood labs & drug test results, and a few other things.  But, it's coming together.  Slowly, but surely.  We have had to reschedule our Home Study visit w/ our social worker numerous times for various reasons; this last one involved a plumber.  So that's neat.  But, finally, she should be coming a week from tomorrow!!!  To look at my house right now, you'd say that would take a miracle.  ;)  I'm counting on it.  

This folder is getting so full, it'll hardly stay closed now...

GBI (Georgia) Fingerprints for both- Check! 

FBI Fingerprints for me- Check!

(Cuban Daddy's appt is in a couple of hours)

Let's do this!

Hoping to catch up on our life soon...  

Let's be honest...

it'll be after the Home Study visit! 

Thanks for all of the continued support, questions, and encouragement!

~ 6 in Love ~

Up 2 More!

Just received notification that we moved up 2 more spots on the Honduras Waiting List:

We're now:

 

It's not a big move, but it's movement nonetheless.

So, we're thankful.

~ 6 in Love ~

Another Move Up!

We were thrilled to get an email tonight stating that we moved another FOUR spots up the Honduran adoption waiting list to: 

This is very promising, as numbers have moved consistently lately, despite some changes in the Honduran government.

Please pray this continues...and even increases!

Let's bring these babies home!

...and we're HAPPY!

~ 6 in Love ~

A Big Move This Month!

We received some amazing news yesterday:

We moved up a surprising 6 spots on the Honduras Waiting List in a month!!!

This is incredibly encouraging.  Please pray this type of movement continues!

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Is it purely coincidence that our baby girl will turn 6 tomorrow?!

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Sorry that I'm SOOOO behind on this blog.  

Hoping to catch up A LOT this summer!

~ 6 in Love ~

First Move Up!

We received our first 'move' up the 

Waiting List for Honduras!  

We moved one spot to #184!

Although it's a small move, it's a move in the right direction!

One step closer!

~ 6 in Love ~

*** Sorry I have been MIA on the blog lately.  It's not because we haven't had anything new going on.  It's the opposite:  We have SO much going on!!!  Can't wait to share!  

Our 1st Number for HONDURAS!

Yesterday was one of the best days in a long time 

for our family.  

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We received an email from our agency stating 

that we finally have our 

1st Wait List Number for Honduras:

We are #185!  

We are so excited.  This has been a long time coming.  We *should* have been on the list MONTHS AGO, but things in Honduras are moving SO very slow.  Our dossier has just been sitting there. for. months.  But we are thankful to finally & officially be on the waiting list.  They are still 'estimating' that our wait in to be matched with siblings from Honduras is about 3-4 years.  I anticipate much longer, but I also serve an incredible, almighty Lord that can do the impossible.  So who knows?!  :)

We are 2 papers away from finishing our intro packet for our Haiti adoption.  (One paper for me, one for Cuban Daddy to do.)  He should have his complete by the weekend.  Then we can submit those to our agency, Dillon.  We'll then begin our Home Study.  Yay & yay!!!

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There was other really, REALLY exciting news that occurred yesterday.

But, you'll have to wait on that one. ;)

Thank you for all of your prayers.  I know that they have had a hand in getting us this far.  We couldn't do it alone.  

Excited is an understatement, 

~ 6 in Love ~

All Things Fall {2012}

Fall is absolutely my favorite time of the year.  It's so beautiful here, & we spend so much time outside.

Here are some of our 'Fall' moments:

At our favorite, HUGE, pumpkin farm:

My mom, "Nonni," came with us! 

G got hurt or something (doh.  I don't remember exactly what happened), but Cuban Daddy walked away with her to calm her down.   They came back with smiles....and an icee.  =)  

He's good.

Relaxing hay ride through the pumpkin farm & sunflower fields. 

 

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More Pumpkins!

We've come to this other Pumpkin Patch every year for the past several years.  They have several activities to do besides pick pumpkins: a hayride, cornmaze, hay maze for the kids, 'duck' races, a petting zoo area, slide, and more.  

Racing ducks w/ Auntie Deana

The Petting Zoo

Hayride!

My little brother & his wife came with us.  So fun. 

The hayride stopped & let us feed the cows.  Such a cool experience!

Check out that tongue! 

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Family trip to the Zoo on "Fiesta de la Familia"

The kids had recently viewed an episode of 'Sesame Street' featuring a Latin street festival.  They were fascinated & wanted to watch it all the time.   Soon after, I discovered that there was going to be a Latin Festival day at Zoo Atlanta.  We surprised the kids.  Couldn't have been more perfect!

Live Spanish dancing:

Our main exciting attraction: Meeting the 'Super Why' characters!!!

Animals, playground, & picnic: 

Proof I was actually there too! 

Poor baby.  3 year old devastated that his Daddy accidentally ate his last carrot. 

Much needed bonding time w/ Daddy. 

It was really beautiful to watch these 2 giraffes interact. 

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K did some modeling:

(1) Parent's Choice Diapers

He should appear on the diaper packaging on shelves in Walmart in (estimated) Summer or Fall 2014.

I believe it will be a close up of his face.

(2) Tervis

K also modeled for Tervis in the same week.  It was for Stock Photos, so they can use photos from the shoot in any of their advertising, products, websites, etc.  They shot some photos of him individually, as well as with a 'mom & dad' sitting on a sofa.  They also took photos for Mother's & Father's Day, so we may see those appear somewhere near Summer 2014.  

When modeling, we are told some estimates on where/when their photos may appear, but never given solid specifics.  I actually found K on Bed Bath & Beyond's website while doing some personal Christmas shopping...by accident!  Fun.  

Getting his hair done on set.

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Hikes 

He walked a couple of steps in front of me, 'leading the way' through the trails, looked up, hands full of leaves, and said, "Thanks for bringing me here, Mommy."  Oh, that boy.

I took them to my favorite trail & showed them where I used to hike, growing up. 

Loved this idea G came up with!

She and her little brother were having a hard time holding onto all of the leaves they collected on the trail.  They kept dropping them on the path as their hands got full.  She grabbed a stick & proceeded to 'thread' them all on as we went.

Genius move!  Why didn't I think of this?!

His favorite park.

And...trying to feed the ducks by hand.

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Special School Days

Wacky Feet Friday in Kindergarten

She designed the shoes herself, with the hopes of 'winning' the contest.

Determined little lady.  She won.

Brown Day in PreK with his best bud. 

These two put their arms around each other & marched all the way down the hall to their classes.  

Their idea. So sweet!  

Orange Day

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Some Regular Days

Late night grocery store shopping buddies

 

Our Favorite 'Veteran': My Grandpa, their Great-Grandpa, "Pops."

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Fun Times With Friends

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Gymnastics - 2 x a Week

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My Birthday!

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Star Spotting!

I was thrilled that my all time favorite actor, Jim Carrey, was filming his latest movie just a few miles from our house.  Of course, I went to watch them film one day.  I saw him several times!  So fun. 

Can you spot him in this pic?

(Grey jacket, walking towards us!  He got into the black SUV right in front.)

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Annual Apple Festival

So, as I'm writing this, I realize we are HUGE on Fall Traditions for our family!  

Every year, we make the trek to North Georgia for the annual apple festival. 

Of course, we grab a peck of the most amazing apples I've ever tasted: MUTSU apples. 

One of the farmers explained to me one year that they are a hybrid apple; a mix between the sweetest apple- Yellow Delicious, and the tartest apple- Granny Smiths.  You have to try!

Anyways, they also have tons of arts/crafts booths from local artists, lots of different yummy foods,  a petting zoo, inflatable jumpies & slides for the kids, pony & camel rides, a zip line, and more!

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Halloween Festivities

A local church had a huge, free festival for the community a couple of nights before Halloween.  We dressed up (as a dancer & a football player), played games, jumped in bouncy houses, climbed obstacle courses, did a hay ride, won ( & ate!) candy, and saw some friends.

Halloween Night:

We stopped by my parents' house so they could see the kids in costume.  Their cousins were also there, and it's always great to see them.   

On our trick or treat path, we stopped by my grandparents' house, & we saw more cousins! 

For Halloween, G & K were the "ANGELS".  Well, it was a stretch, but I managed to 'coordinate' their outfits again this year.  G wanted to be a (heavenly) angel, and K insisted on being a baseball player.  I thought of the Angels team, ordered a patch from Etsy.com & made him a jersey.  Yay for matchy! 

Then we met up with some of our best friends- the minions!  We had so much fun trick or treating with them again this year.  Great memories!

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And there was a lot of LOVE 

And that's our Fall.  Counting the months until we get to do it all again!

~ 6 in Love ~