We have been very busy and there has been no forward movement on the adoption. Some backwards movement but not forward. It has been extremely discouraging. We recieved our I800 A approval and when it got to the embassy they rejected it and made us do yet again another homestudy update and re apply to USCIC and pay the fees all over again and wait again for the approval that we had all ready been given. We are currently in the empty space between being in Texas and getting sent to Missouri with the paperwork, it can take 2 weeks to go from one place to the other. We did however recieve new pictures of Anna and she looks good, so that was nice. Our son graduates highschool next week and Matt graduated college last month, and we had pre-school graduation last week so whew so many things coming to an end. Anticipating new things begining.

pictures

Phoebe and Ava with Phoebes' art work that was on display with our counties art council. My new grandson Jackson Howard. Born March 29,2013 weighing in at 5pounds 10 ounces. He is a tiny little thing.

Beauty and the Beast

Alex did a great job as Gaston in the school production. The whole cast did a marvelous job. We enjoyed the play and so many people have told us "we didn't know Alex could sing" SURPRISE ; just because his parents have no musical ability, doesn't mean he doesn't:) Actually all our kids can sing and play instruments, must be it skips a generation.

Sun!!!

So I am happy to say the sun has come back out. YEAH!!! all the snow has melted and this snowman was short lived.

Airplane Mode

That's how I feel about where we are at. When we put our cell phones on airplane mode, we want it on but not wasting battery life and always searching for a signal. We have contacted the home study agency our placing agency and the finger print clearance still has not come through. 2 weeks and they are done digitally so it's not like they are mailed anywhere, they are sent directly. So I am trying not to waste energy (time) stressing about when or how it will happen. I have to quit stalking my email looking for something and just enjoy all the other good things that are going on. Alex had his school play and it was wonderful, he made a great Gaston. We went to all 3 performances. On the Sunday afternoon one we had 15 people in for lunch and then went as a group to the school. I will try to post some pictures soon. He was so handsome:). This week on Good Friday our church is having a play, and Alex and Elaina are in that. Yesterday Sara,Jessi and myself went and set up the stage. And I think it looks like an authentic Roman court room. We have a little tweeking to do tomorrow but otherwise we have it set. If you live in the area its' 7pm Friday at our church. It is called The Trial of the Ages. Phoebe also had a piece of her art work go on display at the county Arts Council so on Saturday we went to the art display and awards program for her. I will also try to post a picture of it. She did a great job it is quite beautiful. Dan and I feel better about all the paper ,tape,markers,and glue that the girls use (on a very regular basis) it has not been for nought.:) We continue to be busy and hopeful, why well because we can't be anything else

Quick update

This week we had Alex state finger printed and a home study done. WHEW!!! We are supposed to take him Thursday ,but the school play starts on Thursday, so the problem is miss the production for the whole school and go get it done....because this is really...really...really important.....but so is his other commitement. UGH So I am thinking we go on a different day then the appointment, we have never done this before and I hate to be obnoxious but we really need this done. Decisions decisions. I am posting a picture of my grandson Wesley, I took him away for Monday afternoon with gramma time.

Set backs

We have experienced some set backs with bringing Anna home. Nothing earth shattering just very time consuming and frustrating. Alex has turned 18 so now he has to be finger printed and cleared on the state and federal levels. What it means is more paper work and time and money. We were hoping to travel in May but at this point in time that would take a miracle. Not that God couldn't do that it's really more frustrating than anything. We would love to get her home and start on the next phase of this which is atatchment and bonding. We will persevere.