Soaked in Prayer!

This could be a big week for our adoption process...or at least the process of getting our names on the list and our dossier to China.  We have completed our fingerprints for USCIS and now we're waiting for that approval to come back.  Which is what we need prayer for.  The last two times we've sent off our home study for USCIS approval- we have received an RFE (request for evidence) which is a raging annoying red flag that basically means the home study is lacking something therefore must be revised, resent, re-reviewed, re-sent to USCIS and then finally we get our approval letter from USCIS.  Its definitely not the end of the world, but it really is discouraging when you get told to take three steps back before taking the coveted one step forward.  

So....we're asking for LOTS of prayers this week for our home study.  That the USCIS officer reading it will see/find everything he/she needs and will give it a big 'ole stamp of approval.  And, then that our letter sails through the US postal service smoothly and quickly.  Oh, ya and that the letter doesn't get lost.  Yes, it happens.  It happened last time actually :(  If you could join us in lifting up our USCIS file- we would greatly appreciate it!  There is a possibility that our file will get reviewed this week otherwise, the following week is very likely.  So, just soak up your prayer time petitioning God to please, allow our file to get a favorable review the first time.  No RFE and for the letter to not get lost!  

Thanks folks- we greatly appreciate it!  

Easter in the Country

For me, there is no place more fitting to celebrate Easter than back at the ranch.  With calving season in full swing, green grass emerging and fresh open country air...life is good in the spring!  New life, new hope for warmer nice weather and new growth on its way.  This Easter, we spent the weekend back at the ranch and we had a great time! We had a great time- check it out :)

First stop-checking cows...

 We even have baby colts this spring- this is my favorite :) 

 Saturday morning, after a little feeding and fencing...

it was time for fishing :) 

Which of course meant digging for worms down by the barn with Uncle Ryon.

 Worms & dirt- what boyhood dreams are made of. 

 Down by the river, to enjoy a perfect afternoon.  

 Kaleb's improvisedfishing pole as the odds of losing the real pole in the water was high! 

Next up...coloring eggs.  Fun times!

 All kinds of Easter basket fun followed by hunting for eggs.  

 Showing Great Grandma the eggs. 

We had a great weekend- lots of time out in the sunshine with family :) 

Go God- so thankful for all He has done for us! 

Thanks for asking...

Five years ago.  Five years ago today... God granted me the greatest surprise of my life.  A gift I had pretty much determined was outside of God's plan and design for my life.  Went for a drive with this guy (whom I thought was quite amazing), visited about 19 different childhood landmarks, had the world's most poorly made McDonalds hot fudge sundae then stopped at the park for a walk.  It was cold and it was windy...of course, we were in Wyoming.  And, then suddenly- that man was down on one knee and out popped an incredible diamond ring.  He asked, I said yes.  Oh, the many prayers that were answered that day.  The prayer to be a wife, the new hope at being a mother, the freedom to rely on someone else.  Finally, finally, finally!  Five years ago today, was a pivot point in my life.  And, a blessed one indeed.  

Six years ago today, I was confidant in being single.  Homeowner, teacher, a dog I loved, and just enough relationship baggage to say "I'm done...this ain't for me." But what did I know?  Obviously, nothing of God's incredible plan ahead.  Yet, obviously here we are five years later.  And, what a blessing and adventure it's been.  

My greatest surprise in life- you, Wes Roth!

Thanks for putting up with our crazy life, our crazy schedules, our hectic mornings, our insane quantity of miles we drive, for coffee money each morning, peanut butter toast that's just right, and putting up with my crazy ideas.  For walking through the times when God has said 'no' and God's leading when He has said 'yes'.  

Thanks for asking, Wes Roth!  I love you, My Love :)

Home Study is Complete!!

We learned great news today... our home study is complete!!  Such great news to hear- tonight, we'll sign our name to the last page.  Tomorrow, Wes will overnight our I-800a form and documents.  From there, we begin the count down to our I-800a approval.  Between now and then, we'll gather up the last of our paperwork required by China.  Our I-800a approval will be the final piece of paperwork needed to pass along and as soon as we have that in our hands.... we'll be officially 'on the list'!!!  Right now, it looks like that will happen by about the end of May.  Also, we have learned this week that our agency has added another orphanage partnership.  This new partnership is believed to bring an even greater increase in the number of referrals in the coming year.  We can't wait to meet the little one God has chosen for us.  Can.Not.Wait.  Thank you so much for all your love and prayers these past few months.  We appreciate them and are encouraged by all your lovin' kindness :)  God Bless!