Wednesday, December 19, 2007

A Christmas Wish Comes True


Why the big smiles?? Our agency CHILDRENS HOPE INTERNATIONAL received word today from Russia that they will be ACCREDITED on Friday!!! WOOHOO!! This is exciting news, as this means that things should move a little quicker!! I have been smiling all day!! Not only is this good news for us...but wonderful news for all those little kiddos that will be finding new, loving homes!! I've always loved this time of year and now another special memory to add to this season of miracles!

We're hoping that next year's "Family Christmas Photo" will have an "addition" to it!! As you can tell by the picture...we're ALL happy to hear the good news!!

Saturday, December 15, 2007

The Holiday Season is Here...

I know the holiday season is here because... we are busy! Today we have Mike's work party, tomorrow we head to Idaho for Christmas with my family, back tomorrow afternoon so Mike can fly to Boise for work, Mike returns Monday night and flies to Wisconsin for Christmas...at which point he will be able to rest...meanwhile, I continue traveling "Around the World" in my 2nd grade classroom until Friday and then I leave Saturday to meet up with Mike and his family for Christmas. So...doesn't it seem appropriate, especially considering "Murphy's Law", that we should get "The Call" from our agency this week?!?! I guess it is just my wishful thinking and hoping. Mike's thinking is that the call won't come in the midst of our busy-ness, but rather just as we start to relax and have nowhere to be and nothing to do...then that's when we get the call. In all reality...I am happy with either scenario!! We just want to meet our "Little One"!

As for our travels "Around the World" in my 2nd grade classroom...yesterday, we stopped off in Russia and the Ukraine. I have a student in my class that was adopted from the Ukraine (yes, God works in mysterious ways) and she brought some treasures her parents bought when they were there. She had one of those Russian hats they wear (not sure of the name)...it is so beautiful and soft! A huge Matryoshka nesting doll set, and a Pysanky egg. It was so wonderful to see her marvel in her countries traditions! Another students grandparents are living in the Ukraine and that student was able to bring in lots of gifts that they had sent her...even a Russian Monopoly game! Needless to say, I was enthralled with all of the treasures they brought! I can't wait until we can experience our babies culture!

Sunday, December 2, 2007

Winter is Here!

We got our first decent snow storm yesterday. We got about 3" down here in the valley, and the ski resorts received over 7". It finally feels like Christmas Season. We bought our tickets to go back to Wisconsin for Christmas, and will spend the holidays there. This past week, several agencies received their accreditation from Russia, and we thought ours would be in that batch. That did not happen, however there is still hope that they will be accredited this week (which means referrals will happen quicker). We are keeping our fingers crossed. Even with accreditation, our agency has informed us that no visits to Russia will take place between Dec 20 - Jan 15 due to the holidays. So, it looks like 2008 will be the year for our family to grow.