More USCIS Information???

Well, we have "earned " the "honor" of being the first family for AW in TN to ever be asked for two clarifications from USCIS. So, we are sending a whole new, revised Home Study instead, with USCIS approval, to take care of the two or three items in our Home Study that needed clarification or additional information. Apparently, it's the time of year USCIS reviews policies or something and adds new rules, etc. so we just got lucky I guess at having our paperwork there at this time. Oh Well, I'd rather it be done perfectly under the newer guidelines when it goes to the embassy anyway. Plus, it also gives us more time on our expiration dates for our Orphan Petition. I'm just really glad it has all worked out. Our paperwork has actually been in Memphis since last December, so our agency license page has also expired. But, that will work out as well since we are sending a revised Home Study.
For our family members who are wondering when we are ever going to actually go to Kaz. Well that's in God's hands, but I can say that our agency has actually started moving dossiers through the DC Embassy and we are #12 in line. So, it could be 6-12 months or more before it is our turn to submit our dossier. Then another 4-9 months before we receive an LOI to travel. (Although we are hoping for much quicker timelines.)
After waiting so long for Lilliana (6 years), this isn't really that bad. My only concern comes after having done yard work all day and trying to walk straight at night. Then I wonder how I'll manage carrying a little one or toddler around if I have to wait to much longer :) :) I guess it will just have to make me more determined to stay in shape, huh!?

Miss Lilliana's Headache

"Ooohhh! Mom!!! My head hurts...........................My brain is beating on it."

She is soooo funny!! I needed a good laugh. My sweet little angel is such a joy! I just can't get enough of her! Oh what fun.

Adoption Update

USCIS needs "more information" to process our petition. Since our 18 year old lives in the college dorm, she is still considered living at home. So....now we will have her fingerprinted and hope that will be our final issue with USCIS. USCIS approval will have taken us approx. 6-8 months. (FYI)
As I've said before, it's ok really, as the wait has really worked out for our good so far.
We will officially have been in the paperwork process of our adoption for one full year on June 10, 2009. It will also be approximately five years since the day God put the burden in my heart to adopt. I'm amazed at how time seems to go by so quickly.

Happy Easter To My Precious Babies.....Mom

Dean (Daddy), Uncle Ryan, Aunt Sherry, Garrett, Aunt Sharon, Wyatt, Uncle "Bubby" Vinton, Janie (Mommy), Lilliana, Lee, Lindsay, & Megan.

"Prince Wyatt and Princess Lilliana"

Dean, Janie and our Precious "Eldest", "Princess Lindsay"

Happy Birthday Lilliana!

Lilliana Charlize (short for Lily Annalise Charlotte Elizabeth)

Lili - symbol for purity; Anna - gracious
Charlotte- petite; Elizabeth - consecrated to God

Did we cover all the bases?
Today we celebrated our precious baby's 5th birthday (technically not until Tuesday, but the weekend works better). I can not believe it!!! It took me six long years to have her and she's already been here five very short years! Why do hard times seem to go so much slower than the good ones?
Just like our wait for our child from Kazakhstan. It seems to be taking forever, but at the very same time, our daughters are growing and changing so fast. This really helps us keep things in perspective!!!
The precious little arms that kept finding their way around my neck while that sweet tiny voice kept thanking me for the "dress-up" birthday party was my very favorite part of the day! Oh what fun we had......sigh....smile...
My second and third favorite parts: The whole bunch singing "God Our Father" for blessing as always and seeing my eldest in the beautiful new outfits I bought her and hearing her say, "You did good Mom." (It gets harder and harder to dress girls as they get older! Cute just doesn't always cut it. LOL)
Here are some pictures of our fun day.

Happy Birthday Lindsay!

My sweet, precious baby turned 19 this weekend. Lindsay (peaceful Aisle) Koryn - (I got that part from the wren - a bird). Her needs remain true to her name. She is a child, young lady, that thrives best in peace. And, true to her name, she also wants adventure, just like the birds of the air - she loves to fly and see new places; she loves to travel.
We have been blessed beyond measure with the heart God has given her for others and also in how He has been faithful in helping us raise her.
Happy, Happy Birthday dear daughter! And remember that your deepest peace and your grandest adventures will come while walking with Him.

All my love,

Mom