Halloween 2009

One more time....

After we were informed that we were not able to adopt Emily, we also found out that the DR changed their laws requiring that documents be apostilled. The seals on our dossier were no longer acceptable.  So... to make a long story short.  Our dossier was mailed back to us and we sent if off to get RE-SEALED! It is now back on it's way to the Dominican Republic.  Once the Secretary of Foreign Affairs approves the new seals, our dossier will be registered with CONANI.   One year later...

Jeremiah 17:7

"But blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him."

We have recently found out that we will not be able to adopt sweet "little treasure."  We have decided not to go into all of the details on our blog, they are not what is really important. What is really important is that we will continue to TRUST God and His plan for our family.  We are called to adoption.  We know it and believe it.  Our journey has taken us to the Dominican Republic and we will continue an adoption from this country.  Our paperwork will be filed with their Central Authority and we will be referred a child (as is the process with most countries and non-special needs children).  We do not have a timeframe right now, but expect some time next year.  

One day we will understand God's plan, but for now we hold on to what we believe.  God is sovereign.  He is over everything!  To say the least, it has been difficult.  We have experienced a range of emotions, but at the end of the day, it is basically grief.  

Sweet litte treasure has a name.  It is Emily.  She lives in an orphanage and will most likely be there until she is 18.  Please pray for her.  Please pray for her health, protection and heart.  She will never know that a family in Charlotte loves her so very much and did everything in their power to bring her to a forever home with them.  She will not know that 2 little girls wanted to be her sisters.  She will never know that a Mom and Dad couldn't wait to hold her in their arms. She will never know how much I love her sweet face.

Olivia turns 7!

Our sweet little sunshine just turned 7!   Hard to believe that "my baby" is in the First Grade - in swim school and taking the violin.  Seems like yesterday when this happy girl was permanently attached to my hip.  No wonder she chose not to walk until she was 16 months old! 

Olivia celebrated her birthday this year with a Beading party at Dish It Out.  She had lots of fun with all of her friends.

Happy 7th Birthday Livvie Loo! 

First Day of School!

7:00 am

 

Bailey and Olivia had a great first day of school!  Me - not so much.  I truly thought our little one would be home by now.  Not sure what to do with myself now that both girls go for the full day. No more half days of school for Olivia! 

Guess I'll think of something... tennis anyone?

While we waited this summer...

Yes - we are still waiting!  No news (yet).  Please continue to pray that our "little treasure" will be home soon!

We had a super fun-busy summer!  The girls kept me busy with the pool, playdates and fun trips.

Bailey joined our neighborhood swim team again this year.  They had a great season and won the Division Championship!  

Swim Team

We went on our annual beach trip to the Outer Banks with the Williams and Hawley families. This made our 7 th year together!  As usual, we had a blast! 

Outer Banks 

(Olivia lost a tooth while we were there.  No worries though, the Tooth Fairy found her!)

(This would be the only time Bailey's feet were out of the water! She spent 90% of her time in the ocean or pool.)

  Dan Nicholas Park

We enjoyed a long- fun day at this park with the sweet Wall girls.  We did everything from carousel rides, gem mining, train rides, water splash park and visited the nature center.  Whew!

Camp Rock - Asheville

Bailey went on her first overnight camp this summer with our church.  Her best buddy, Sullivan was her roommate. They had a great time!  I was really missing my girl by day 2.

Folly Beach - Charleston

(The view from our back porch...very peaceful.)

I love these smiles!

So long summer vacation....hello first and fourth grade!  

Bailey turns 9!

I can't believe my girl is 9!  It really seems like yesterday that JT and I were chasing this curly headed, no napping, full of life little girl, ALL over the place.  She has always been on-the-go! She continues to make us laugh and keep us busy.  Happy 9th Birthday sweet girl! 

At her "Skating" party this year, Bailey asked her friends to make a donation to "little treasure's" orphanage instead of giving her a present. With her birthday money she was able to purchase 2 pairs of shoes for every girl in the orphanage!  We had so much fun shopping and I loved to once again see the BIG heart God gave her shine through.

We managed to squeeze all of the shoes in this suitcase and they will be delivered this weekend!  We are both very excited...