2010 PROMISES TO BE A GREAT YEAR!!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR...tomorrow I will be posting about a certain boy and his birthday...so today I will say Happy New Year to all!

I am anxiously awaiting 2010 and the wonders it will behold. A baby in our home again after 11 years!! One that we have dreamed of for many years and waited on for 3 years. We are so excited and are planning many activities in the coming months. BUT first we have to get the little guy home and we are praying that it will be happening in 4 more weeks!

I hope that God blesses your 2010 with lots of love and happiness!

Have a blessed night!
Tina

RANDOM CHRISTMAS PICS...

Our house Christmas morning before everyone opened the gifts. Elijah's picture was on the mantle and he had a stocking as well.
Emilie did her annual gingerbread house.

Emilie's Christmas program at Church. She was Mary in the Nativity.

She also played herself. Our program was taking a trip down memory lane. We took a trip back through 10 years of videos and programs. It was great! We took many pics of Christmas but most did not turn out very well. This was the highlight of our Christmas '09. We are very excited about what 2010 has in store for us.

Have a blessed day,

Tina

FINALLY GOT OUR SHOTS!

We had our appt to get our shots today at the health clinic. We just made it last week! I have procrastinated this one very thing for the adoption. WHY? Because I hate to get shots. I am a BIG baby! The idea of a needle going into my skin makes me sick to my stomach. Well...today I knew we had to go because PRAISE GOD we are getting very close to traveling to bring our little guy home. All morning I felt like I was going to throw up...I knew it was just nerves so I prayed and tried not to think about it. But my great Hubby decided to keep reminding me of it!! :) Anyway...I ended up getting 3 shots and one pill form and opting not to get the other 3 they wanted me to. The Nurse kept telling me to just think about getting them. I told her I would and guess what? I THINK I am NOT getting them! We had budgeted for the cost of the shots and we were under budget by $140...WOO HOO!
Now we are trying to get in contact with a few travel agents with experience in international adoption travels. We have heard from one but the other has not contacted us back yet.
Our plan is to stay at our agencies guest home that was recently done. I think we may be traveling with a large group so we will see if it is available. So much to plan and do in the next 5 weeks or so. I have started my lists so that makes me feel like I have some control...HA!

Blessings~
Tina
For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases Him. Philippians 2:13

UPDATED PHOTOS!

We woke to some updated photos of our little guy today. (Thanks Salyers Family!) Isn't he just so cute! We sent this bib so we could have a record of his first Christmas even though he was not home with us! And we sent him a little photo album so he could look at Mommy, Daddy, Sissy, Bubby, and Emi. Yes, those are the names they want him to call them! Ha- They don't realize that sometimes it just doesn't work out that way. :) He is 7 months old in these photos. Such a beautiful little one!

This is my favorite of the ones sent! Just that sucking in the lower lip and those eyes! I can not wait to love on him!!!!

Hope you all had a safe and wonderful weekend! Please remember to keep those with court dates coming up in your prayers...along with those getting ready to travel!

Have blessed night,

Tina

SHARING MY THOUGHTS...(Extra long!)

I wanted to blog about my feeling on Christmas Day. Not those of pure joy, which I am sure you could read, but those of the pain of the unknown...
We had so many people praying for us on the 24th and I can not tell you how many told me they were up between 1am and 3 am praying for us! I still sit here in awe of it. I was CERTAIN we would pass and find out quickly! That was not to happen. I had a friend text me and say she had just prayed that we would get an email from our consultant to let us know something. I had just opened that email about 1 minute before I received the text. Sharon just let us know that she has not been able to contact them and had heard nothing but to be encouraged. When I read it...I cried! Poor Emilie thought we had not passed and began crying too. I looked at her and asked her why she was crying...she said we failed didn't we! Then I had to comfort her...poor girl! Anyway, I made the necessary phone calls to anxiously awaiting family and friends. I did call hubby first, he was at work. He took as hard as I did. Let me say, this three year journey has at times been rough for us!
I had planned on going to Christmas Eve service at our Church but Don said the roads were really icy and the ice was still coming down. SO...I told Em we were not going to be able to go and she was very sad about that. (Emotional Day!!) I was looking forward to it as well. I knew it would help me get in the mood I needed to be in...the real reason for Christmas! But a few minutes after I made the announcement, one of our elders called and informed us it had been cancelled due to the weather. SO...the guys made it home from work and we did our traditional tacos and watched A Christmas Story (You'll shoot your eye out!) Don then went and got our oldest at work and she stayed the night. We read the Nativity before we all headed to bed.
I woke up at 3 am Christmas morning and I walked through the house a few times...I prayed that God would give me peace for the day. I was so sad and I did not want to ruin the kids' Christmas. (This is the 3rd year I have done this!) After that I woke about every 30 minutes and laid in bed and prayed the same thing over and over again. Then at 6 am I decided to check the email before everyone got up. NOTHING-I laid back down and prayed and cried! I just knew we were going to see our Christmas miracle this year and yet...it sure did not look like it at this point. The kids were up at 7 and we began opening gifts. At one point a comment was made that I was too tired and shouldn't have been up all night! I lost and it and started really crying! My kids gathered around their "crazy" mom and just held me. I knew I had to get it together for their sakes if not for anyone else!
By 930 I had probably check our email 20 times. (in between fixing breakfast and cleaning up)Finally, I decided to shower get ready to head to my in laws. As I showered I prayed again and asked for peace and finally gave it all back over to HIM! I dressed and found my devotion book and found the perfect devotion and decided to put it in my blog along with my struggle for the day.
As I was pulling up my blog I saw that I had a few more emails and decided to check them. There it was...YOUR ADOPTION HAS BEEN APPROVED!...I started crying and yelling for everyone to come here. They all thought I had finally gone off the deep end, I think! But with tears of JOY I told them that we had indeed received our Christmas miracle and we all hugged and held on to each other!
We made lots of phone calls, emails, texts, and posted on facebook. You should have seen us all trying to post things and pics and everything!
Before we headed out for the day...I walked back into the office and looked at the devotion book still sitting there opened to the page I had chosen...I thanked God for our miracle...and for taking us on this long journey to our little guy. What a blessing we are getting from all of it...even the hard times. Elijah will know just how much he has been loved, even before he was conceived!
We are praying in about 5 weeks we will have our boy in our arms. That will be our biggest miracle of all!!
Now the devotion: "Endurance"
Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. Hebrews 12:1-2
You long to scream "ENOUGH!" and turn your back on everything, but you don't. At times like this, God raises your spiritual eyes to Jesus, the one who not only walks with you but has gone before you to the end. Trust Him to take you to the finish. There you will thank Him for making it possible for you to endure present hardship and reap the eternal reward of achieving His purpose for your life.
I just wanted to share this with anyone who would read it. I have faith and I trust in God but I have those moments when I wonder WHY? And Christmas morning as tough as it was...was something I needed to help me to remember that as I prayed I was not fully handing it all over. I am sure in the coming weeks I will deal with things as well and I pray that I will give it over and leave it!!

Have a blessed Lord's Day!
Tina

MERRY CHRISTMAS...HE IS OURS!!!

Elijah Simon-Bereket is officially a Hubbard. We are praising God in the Hubbard house for this "gift" we have received today!

Updated pics @ 6 months (so happy!)

Referral (4 months)

****EVERY GOOD AND PERFECT GIFT IS FROM ABOVE... James 1:17

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!

HAVE A VERY BLESSED DAY IN THE LORD!

The Hubbard Family

NO NEWS TODAY...

We just heard via email that we will most likely not be hearing about our court date today. And since tomorrow is a holiday and then the weekend we figure it will be Monday before we hear anything. Does this surprise me? Not really. We have had a journey like this all along and that is ok. A very sweet person reminded me of what today is really about and I am feeling ok. It will be a tough few days of not knowing but in the grand scheme of things...it will be nothing!
A devotion I found:
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Phillipians 4:6-7
What does it mean to "cast your care on God"? Start by opening your heart and telling Him about your fears, your worries, those things that make you feel anxious. Once you've done that , thank Him for taking all that worry off your hands. As you give up your anxious thoughts to Him. He gives you something back---His perfect peace.

SO...May you all have a very Merry Christmas. May feel God's perfect peace this season and have many wonderful blessings in the New Year!

Have a blessed Christmas Eve,
Tina

1 DAY!!!!!!!!!!!

Yes, that is right. There is only one more day til court. Actually, as we sleep tonight they will be holding court in Ethiopia. That is "IF" we sleep tonight! I was awake a lot last night and every time I was up I prayed. I do not yet have the butterflies in my stomach BUT ask me later... Today's devotion...PEACE:
You, Lord, give true peace to those who depend on you, because they trust you. Isaiah 26:3
Daily stress, nagging worries, and ceaseless squabbles make you long for a place--an hour--of peace. You don't need to look for a serene spot, however, and you don't need to arrange a special time to rest you heart in God's peace. He has it for you right now, right where you are. Give God all those things that drive out the peace--name them, hand them over, and don't grab them back again!! Then take comfort in the peace He has for you.

SO...if you think about us tonight please pray that we will have peace until we get our good news! I am hoping we will hear early tomorrow. But I am going to place it in God's hands and leave it!!! :) OK...I will do my very best to leave it!

Have a wonderful day,
Tina
***A heart at peace gives life to the body. Proverbs 14:30

2 MORE DAYS...

I enjoy being able to count down things. I like marking days off of the calendar and looking toward some exciting event for our family. It is hard to believe that we have almost gone through three calendars for this special event! Don told me one day that he didn't think we would need another big calendar as we are almost through counting the days! I looked at him and said...get me one...I will need to count to the very day we leave to pick up our precious little guy!! :)
Today the devotion I chose is on TRUST:
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not depend on your own understanding. Proverbs 3:5
You might have been taught to depend on yourself, and perhaps others admire you as a confident and self-determined woman. Eventually, however, you will reach the limits of your understanding, and that's where you will find either frustration--or God. Use fully the gifts of intellect and ability He has given you, but at the same time, put your heart's trust in God. He alone knows no limits.

As we inch closer to our court date I am trusting fully in God to see us through. He is the only one who can!! What a testimony this journey has been for us. Someday we will sit with little guy and tell him all of the wonderful things God did to bring us together. What a joy that will be.

Please continue to pray with us for our court date on Thur (Wed night for us) and for another family who's court date is Fri. God Bless all of you!

Have a blessed day,
Tina
***Father, we trust You!

SPLOTCHED...again!

SO...it all started Sat. night. We had dinner and then my face started to feel tight and itchy. I took some benadryl before bed but still woke up looking pretty bad. No time to deal with it, I did my best to cover it with make-up and headed to Church. As soon as I got home I took the make-up off and put lotion on and took more benadryl along with a nap! Then today it looks worse so I am headed to the Dr. I have a lot of allergy issues but this could also be stress related. Although, I am feeling very peaceful right now it may be coming out in other ways. I guess we will see what the Dr says.
Now on to today's devotion on Worry:
[Jesus said,] "Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don't get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow." Matt 6:34
God considers worry a negative commodity in your life because it takes the place of trust in His willingness and ability to take care of you. When worry visits your heart, banish it by reminding yourself how completely God has taken care of you in the past. List the blessings in your life today that shout of His protection and love. Then entrust the future to the same God. See for yourself you have nothing to worry about.
It is now 3 days away from our court date. Last night I asked hubby if he was feeling nervous and he said no and he asked if I was and I told him surprisingly I was feeling calm right now. As I have said there is nothing more we can do but pray it is God's will for our little guy to be ours on Thurs. Other than that it is out of our hands. I trust in His timing as it has been perfect thus far...even when I could not see that! :)

CONGRATULATIONS TO THOSE WHO PASSED COURT TODAY...maybe we will be travel buddies?

Have a blessed Monday,
Tina
***"Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?" Matt. 6:27

WORRY...

I have been finding ways to keep myself busy and my mind occupied as our court date gets closer. My mother in law gave me a book for my birthday with comforting devotions in it and I think that is what I will use this week to help me make it to Thursday! Today I am reading about WORRY...
[Jesus said]: "Don't worry...Your heavenly Father already knows all your needs." Matt. 6:32
Worry will steal your life if you let it. And yet it is nothing more than the anticipation of trouble that most likely will never come your way. It has no substance and no power except in your mind. God asks you to replace your worry with a firm trust in His love and concern for you. He knows all that is in your future, all of your needs, and He is committed to caring for you. Surrender your mind to God and don't give worry a second thought.
SO...I am trusting that God is in control of all things and will see us through to getting our son home! 4 DAYS TIL COURT!

Tonight was Em's Christmas program at Church. I will try to get pics posted soon. She played herself and Mary this year. She did a great job! Actually, they all did a great job!!!!

Praying for those who have court dates tomorrow and the rest of this week!!

God Bless,
Tina
***Lord, grant me peace this week as we wait in anticipation to hear the good news!!

ANTICIPATION & NERVES...

We have been anxiously anticipating our little guy for the last 3 years...truly longer! When we made the final decision that we were ready to take the leap (of faith) we began anticipating our little guy's arrival. Along the way we saw our faith tested and we watched our faith grow. We knew it would not be easy and when things got tough (more times than I liked!) we continued the journey. Finally, there was a phone call and we saw our little guy. OH MY how the anticipation grew. I had no idea how much I could love a little one so far away and without even holding him! But it was there and I began anticipating the court date! Finally, the court date was issued and now...we are anticipating the court date and passing on the first try!! That is where the "nerves" come in. I know there is nothing I can do, except pray and give it all to God. Which I do a thousand times a day! There are still those nerves and with each day we get closer to the 24th my anticipation grows and the nerves get a little more jittery. I serve an awesome God, whether we pass or not, I will still serve Him.
SO...with that said...5 DAYS TIL COURT!!! :)

Keep those prayers coming! I know so many (along with us) appreciate your prayers for us.

Have a blessed night all,
Tina
***Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. Hebrews 10:23

FAITH VERSUS FEAR...

This morning I read something that immediately caused me to fear not passing court in 6 DAYS. As I read and re read this post and then an update I grew more and more fearful. Then I sat down and prayed...I prayed for peace and wisdom...and the strength to handle all of it. Then I emailed our consultant! Thanks to her timely response the fear did not last long and she settled any of my major concerns. After reading her email I sat back and thought...great job of handing it over to God, Tina!!! What I had done was allow Satan to get into my head, once again! So... I prayed again and asked for peace and calm as we wait to hear if we pass court in 6 DAY!!! I also found this devotion that seemed very fitting for the day...

Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will hold on to you with My righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10
A terrible storm rose quickly on the Sea of Galilee, and the disciples were afraid. Although they had witnessed many miracles, the disciples feared for their lives, so they turned to Jesus, and He calmed the waters and the wind.
The next time you find yourself facing a fear-provoking situation, remember that the One who calmed the wind and waves is also your personal Savior. Then ask yourself which is stronger; your faith or your fear? The answer should be obvious. So, when the storm clouds form overhead and you find yourself being tossed on the stormy seas of life, remember this: Wherever you are, God is there, too. And, because He cares for you, you are protected.
Only believe, don't fear. Our Master, Jesus, always watches over us, and no matter what the persecution, Jesus will surely overcome it. (Lottie Moon)

SO...once again today I am giving it all over to Him. There is truly nothing I can do except pray that it will all go our way. He is in control of all and if it is his will then we will get wonderful news in 6 DAYS!! Please join with us.
*Also, please pray for others who have been put on hold and are still waiting for their court dates! There are several families this coming week with court dates as well so please continue to keep them in your prayers as well. You all are the best!! THANK YOU!

Have a Christ-filled day!
Tina
***Heavenly Father, when I am fearful, keep me mindful that You are my protector and my salvation. Give me strength, Lord, to face the challenges of this day as I gain my courage from You. AMEN

12 WEEKS AND ONE WEEK TO GO TIL COURT...

12 weeks ago we looked into the incredible eyes of our Little Guy for the very first time...AMAZING!! I still could sit and stare for hours at his picture. We watch his video everyday and fall more in love each time. Now we are only 7 days away from our court date and prayerfully, only weeks away from holding him. I am so ready for that. This has been a tough journey at times but also so rewarding. We have seen God work throughout and I know we are about to see more of His handiwork in the coming weeks. My stomach flutters with anticipation right now.
Don is out of town for a few days with Guard but will be home Friday afternoon. We are hoping to have a date day on Sat. We don't get much alone time as it is and know things will change when Little Guy arrives. This Momma does not plan on letting him out of her sight for a while. :)Emilie also has her Christmas program Sunday evening so we have another busy weekend. Busy is good right now.
There were several court dates issued yesterday...Congratulations to all!! Please continue to pray for passing court dates...I know there are some on 12/21, 12/24, 12/25, 1/4, 1/5, and 1/6.
Thanks to all!!

Have a Blessed day,
Tina
***Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. Hebrews 11:1

3 YEARS AND 7 MONTHS AND 9 DAYS!!!!

It has been 3 years since we began our adoption journey. I recently heard someone say that they would have given up by now. Actually, we have heard this several times. We did not give up because we knew our little guy was out there somewhere waiting for us. I have felt this for such a long time. I had no idea it would be almost 3 years before we knew who he was...or over 3 years before he was in our arms. The thing is God knew all along! He knew we would hit some bumps and He knew we would struggle (He never promised it would be easy!!). The one thing I am certain of is He has been in control the whole time and we have NEVER walked this journey alone. SO, as frustrating as it is to have waited 3 long years...I now know why. Our little guy was meant to be ours and God's plan was perfect for us. ( I can say this now but then...it was tough!!) :) This year I finally get to put up that 6th stocking! I was so excited to pull it out of the tub of Christmas stuff this year and to hang it up. It makes it more real and although now our mantle holds his pictures along with the decorations I thought I would share this picture.
Little Guy is also 7 months old today! I wonder what he is doing all the time. I can not wait to get him in my arms for good. We are hoping in another 6-7 weeks we will be there with him!!

9 DAYS UNTIL COURT DATE!!! I am keeping myself busy with lists here so that I don't think too much. I don't want to spend my time worrying...I just want to leave it in God's hands and let it go. Now...I shall confess...I am not good at this! I tend to worry about everything and let it all weigh me down. But I feel such a peace right now and so I am just going with it. I pray for peace all the time and I believe God has given me peace and I am allowing it to hold right now. God is in control and that is how it should be!

PLEASE continue to pray for Henry(1 yr old), he had heart surgery yesterday and is doing good right now. Heidi's Mommy is at home but will need to gain strength now. There was a referral yesterday...pray for more in the next few days! AND court dates and passing court dates along with those traveling and more travel dates! Thanks to all!!!

Have a blessed Tuesday,
Tina
***Let go and Let God!!!

A VERY BUSY WEEKEND...

(Randy, Tifanie, Emilie, and Heidi)

We had a very busy weekend. We took Heidi to see Santa on Friday at the mall. She was so very cute. She is 2 so we thought she might be a little afraid, but once she say he was going to give her a candy cane, he became her best friend! She told him she wanted Dora and Diego and they compared their boots. We had fun and are looking forward to taking Little Guy next year.

Saturday was our first family Christmas dinner to go to. There were a lot of people there. We took Miss Heidi along with us. She enjoyed everyone and all of the food. I have a few pictures I can post here from that. Randy was being a bit of a smarty pants when we were trying to get him to smile!! Can you tell?

Sunday was Church and play practice. Our program is next Sunday so they only have one week left and we are going to have 2 practices this week. I think it will turn out great. Emilie knows her lines already and just needs a little help with the songs. I hope to remember to take the camera.

Today we will be having our scout annual dinner and the boys will go caroling at one of the homes here. The boys enjoy this as much as the ladies do. Randy still talks about memories he has of going through the years.

Today marks 10 DAYS TIL COURT!! I am so excited and ready.

Don's Aunt Sandee has given us some great things for him. A Christmas ornament with his picture in it...a VERY cool handmade bag (she did) for him...and a BEAUTIFUL pooh bear quilt (made by her mother) that I am just in love with. I will try to take a picture and post it.

I am just so very thankful for ALL of our family and friends who are just as anxious to get our little guy here and cuddle and love on him.

***PLEASE...pray for Henry today as he is having heart surgery. Also, for Heidi's Mommy, who has been in the hospital since late last week. Please continue to pray for passing court dates, new referrals,& new court dates. Thanks to all!

Blessings this Monday~

Tina***Our God is an awesome God, He reigns from heaven above...with wisdom, power and love...Our God is an awesome God!!

11 WEEKS...

It has been 11 weeks since we saw our little guy's picture and fell head over heels in love with him. We are so excited that in 2 weeks we will have our court date. Our little Guy is so very cute and we can not wait to share his pictures with everyone.

We are looking forward to this phase of our journey. We have been looking forward to this phase of our journey for a very long time! :) God is so very good and we are so very thankful for the blessings this adoption journey has brought us.

There have been a few referrals this week and I am praying for many more before next Friday! (Our agency will close for 2 weeks during Christmas and New Years) Also, praying for court dates and passing court dates!!

Have a wonderful day!
Tina
***Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His faithful love endures forever. Psalm 106:1

SNOW DAY...

Today my alarm went off at 715 as usual. I looked outside to see Randy's car still sitting in the driveway. That meant he was going to be late to school for the second time in a week. UUGH- So, I headed downstairs to yell at him to get up and get going. He came to the stairs and said..."We don't have school!"...I didn't believe him so had to check for myself and sure enough they are out! SO...instead of school they got to do some manual labor! HA- They got their rooms cleaned AND a few other things done as well. Hubby fixed lunch for everyone and helped clean out our closet as well. I am trying to get everything organized before my mind turns to goo!

Which reminds me...15 days til court!! And my lists have started...

Praying for passing court dates...court dates to be issued...lots & lots of referrals AND peace for all!

Have a blessed Wednesday,
Tina
***We have this hope- like a sure and firm anchor of the soul- that enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain. Hebrews 6:19

A TERRIFIC TOMORROW...

**As we are getting close to the 3 yr mark of this adoption process...I have been reminded of how hard we planned out EVERY detail of it. We just "knew" things would fall according to our plans. **BIG LAUGH HERE** As many have said...we plan and God laughs! If you had asked me 3 years ago if we would still be waiting for Little Guy to arrive I would have said of course not! BUT...here we are...now we are so very close to him now and we are so excited about that. As I was reading through my devotions I found this one to share.

"For I know the plans I have for you"- [this is] the Lord's declaration-"plans for [your] welfare, not for disaster, to give you a future and hope." Jeremiah 29:11

How bright do you believe your future to be? Well, if you're a faithful believer, God has plans for you that are so bright that you'd better pack several pairs of sunglasses and a lifetime supply of sunblock!
The way that you think about your future will play a powerful role in determining how things turn out (it's called the "self-fulfilling prophecy," and it applies to everybody, including you). So here's another question: Are you expecting a terrific tomorrow, or are you dreading a terrible one? The answer to that question will have a powerful impact on the way tomorrow unfolds.
Today, as you live in the present and look to the future, remember that God has an amazing plan for you. Act-and believe-accordingly. And one more thing: don't forget the sunblock!

Do not limit the limitless God! With Him, face the future unafraid because you are never alone.
Mrs. Charles E Cowman

I know that if our plans had played out 3 yrs ago then we would not be here now looking to the future with this adorable baby boy. I know God has great plans for this little guy and I am so thankful He chose us to parent him. SO...here's to a terrific tomorrow!!

Have a blessed night,
Tina
**Dear Lord, sometimes when I think about the future, I worry. Today, I will do a better job of trusting You. You are my Father, and I will place my hope and my faith in You. Amen

NEVER DOUBT THE POWER OF PRAYER!!

WE HAVE A COURT DATE!! About 5 minutes after I posted my last entry the phone rang. I looked up at the tv (has caller ID on it) and it said our agency name on it. I ran for the phone. It was our consultant and she said "I have good news"...I teared up. Then she said your court date is December 24th!! I started choking up!! GOD IS AMAZING!!

So...now we begin praying for a passing court date!

Have a blessed day ALL...I am still on cloud 9 here!!!
Tina
Nothing is impossible with God!

10 WEEKS...and still waiting!

It has been 10 weeks since we saw our little guy. YES...10 WEEKS!!!! But I am holding my own in this never ending waiting game. This has been a great week but also a tough week. To explain...we received updated pictures of our precious little guy on Monday (THANK YOU ELISA AND BRANDON!!!). They were beautiful. His smile is priceless!! Oh my gosh...we are all so in love with him. We showed his new pics to family and friends and they all had the same reaction..." WE WANT TO GET OUR HANDS ON HIM!!" But then we heard of some court dates issued on Monday and we were not in that group. SO VERY HAPPY FOR THE FAMILIES WHO DID RECEIVE COURT DATES!! :) I was sad (and a little jealous) because a few of these received their referrals after us and sometimes that is just hard to digest. (then I start feeling guilty for feeling that way!) SO...here I was with beautiful new pics of our little guy and still feeling blue. THEN I go to check my email again. There was, in my inbox, an email from Elisa that was labeled SURPRISE. I thought it was another picture they had found BUT as I opened it there was my baby boy in a short video. I bawled like a big old baby!!! I was feeling so defeated until I saw that and I was reminded that no matter how long we need to wait...this little one is going to be our baby boy! He is so amazing!! I called Don and told him to come home that I had a surprise for him. (poor guy thought we had a court date) BUT this was just as great. We have watched it hundreds of times at least. He is beautiful for sure. We know God is in control and are praying we will hear something soon about a court date. After seeing him in the video...we are all quite anxious to get ahold of him.

Please join us in prayer for ours and many others court dates and travel dates and for many more referrals before the end of the year!

Have a blessed Thursday,
Tina
***Dear Lord, deliver me from the needless pain of envy. You have given me countless blessings. Let me be thankful for the gifts I have received, and let me NEVER be resentful of the gifts You have given others. AMEN