Tagged

Okay so I have been tagged by Leslie and Andrea G. Leslie thought it would be a good idea to get me distracted from thinking about court. Unfortunately my brain doesn't really want to come up with really random/weird stuff but I'll try.

1. When I came to America in 1985 I lived with Kevin in a furnished trailer for one year.

2. I was an atheist and didn't accept Jesus Christ into my heart until I was 40.

3. I did ballroom dancing when I was a teenager. I actually used to go on tournaments for about 2 years.

4. I can do a cartwheel on roller skates. Still today and embarrass my daughter every time I do it.

5. I have traveled all over Europe with a bunch of friends when I was 16 on a train for one month. I have also been to Guatemala and Zambia and this year Ethiopia, hopefully. Oh and I have lived in four different states in the US. That's actually not bad for being a retired military wife.

6. I hate people who are showoffs and try to prove themselves with their worldly possessions just to look good.

7. I like my friendships to be deep and intense. I don't like blah blah friendships and that is probably why I don't have many friends. I like people to be loyal and trustworthy.

I have tagged
Joy and Crystal. Crystal is private. All my blogger buddies I read have already been tagged.

Palin on Abortion

Palin talks about abortion here . I love that woman. I am sick and tired of everyone badmouthing Palin and McCain. I am not talking about regular people but Believers/Christ Followers. If you are not, don't even feel attacked. Obama this, Obama that, but nobody talks about that he allows abortions and thinks nothing of it. Yes the economy is bad but FORTUNATELY God is in Control and always has been in control.

Also if that is not enough, you should read the book "Don't Drink the Kool-Aid". Maybe that should be a wake up call for Believers.

P.S. Leslie thanks for pointing out my spelling error. Fixed it.

Court, October 15.

Court is 4 days out (our time). To be honest, I am going nuts. Sleepless nights and that bronchitis hasn't helped at all on top of my sleepless night. Cough, cough cough, like my chest wants to jump out of me. I am doing pretty well during the daytime, in fact I haven't missed any work. I am on antibiotics. Just the nights are so hard.

I have been there, done that, rejection after rejection, so it isn't easy to tell myself it wouldn't happen again the first time around at their court hearing. If you are stopping by my blog would you please find it in your heart to pray for my 2 children for their Oct 15. court date?

Also I am pretty good at announcing stuff. So if you don't hear any announcements, that just means I don't want to be bothered until I am ready. I like to go in hiding for a few days when I am being rejected. Yes I have memorized all the scriptures to comfort me in those times but I am still human and still to have the same fears as the days grow closer. Definitely a thorn in my flesh.

So, just wanted to put a little heads up out there for those who don't know me so well or those that don't know that I tell it like it is and I don't beat around the bush. I hope some have met me at REACH camp who read my blog and can testify to that.

Julee in ET

Julee is currently in ET loving on my kids and all the other kids. She has a chance to go there before her kids have court. Going just to meet them. That is so awesome. I love how she describes being with her daughter at KM. Hah, she is also the last one probably to get foot tracings of my children before I get to go. I have been wanting to have them so badly so this might be my chance, we will see. No big deal if it doesn't work out.

It's 4:00am in the morning and I have a horrible chest cold. I can't even lay down and sleep. I have been so stingy taking sick time at work because I want to save all my days for when the little ones come home.

FIREPROOF (Best Movie of the Year)

Last night my friend Melanie sent out a mass email telling all her friends to watch the movie above. You have got to watch this movie. I hardly ever watch any movies but this one is one of the best movies I have seen in a long time. It's with Kirk Cameron who also played the first 3 Left Behind movies. This guy is such a godly man in real life. I think he has at least 5 kids. I truly think that's why he doesn't get anymore Hollywood movies because he belongs to God. This movie is about him and his wife wrapped up in their worldly every day life. They both want out and talking about divorce. He takes a 41 day journal from his dad and works really hard to put his marriage back together IN A GODLY WAY. At first he is very reluctant and shows a lot of pride. I loved how they quote God and scripture so much in this movie. The whole theater was sobbing including the men. What an amazing movie, go Kirk Cameron and whoever played his dad.

Names and a Bit News on my Girly

Today I got an email from one of the mom's who has seen my precious girl and said she needs some major dental work immediately. Hah, I better start saving since my insurance only covers 50%. Kevin has mentioned that before when he saw her pics but I didn't think it was bad. At least those are her baby teeth. I am very particular about good teeth. Our little Amira will be the first one with problem teeth. On a serious note, I am not complaining, just wanted to mention it.

Also, as a family, we are not going to call our littel H. Savannah anymore. Her name will be Amira H. Hill. And we are calling our son by his ET name and Isaac will be his middle name. My family was making fun of me saying Savannah is such a popular white girl name and my other two daughters have unique names. Amira is an African name and means princess. And that she is, a princess.

Less Than 2 Weeks

It's hard to believe the time is almost here for the kids to have court. I have been checking with people to see if my immigrations packet is in ET but I have not heard back. I would be seriously mad if it wasn't, especially after the National Visa Center said it is and I have been wanting to find people out.

We have finally moved Danica into the basement before she went back to college and the kids' room is ready to have stuff moved in. Actually little things I can do. I am somewhat on a budget. I still have to paint one wall back to yellow, its burgundy right now.

I found some cool things last weekend and the weekend before. I found a really nice wooden box for toys, a set of 80 matchbox cars, 2 other big cars, a play tent, a doll stroller and carrier. Found some really cool bedding for my boy some other time, has lots of balls on it and its mostly blue, yellow and red so I am going to have to look some more for my girl.

Stuff is just so expensive. I need a huge throw rug or something since we have hardwood floors. I am hoping to buy the kids' beds right after they make court. Kevin will not let me make that purchase prior to it.

Otherwise I am above the moon these days, can't stop thinking about my precious kids and just want to hold them sooooo badly. Hopefully they will be home before Christmas, hopefully.

HIV Isn't Spread Through

I got a great book that my friend Erin recommended some time ago and I just love this book and highly recommended for people to read especially for those who are in denial about HIV. Also this book is such an easy read. You don't have to be a doctor to understand.

The book is called 100 questions about HIV and AIDS by Joel Gallant, MD.

Back to my title, here it is:
HIV isn't spread through contact with saliva, urine, sweat, or feces, and contrary to popular belief, it is not transmitted by mosquitoes, exposure of body fluids to intact skin, holding hands, kissing, hugging, sharing drinking glasses or eating utensils, mutual masturbation, or having naughty thoughts. (sorry about the last two words but this doctor has a funny sense of humor at times).

Got to go, more little lessons about HIV another day.

Danica off to College again

My Danica. Sorry, the picture is a year old

Where did the 3 months go when Danica was home from college. I am so proud of her. She worked hard all summer long to make some extra cash. I actually had her living on a $100.00 per month while at college last year. But I guess she started to like her financial independence and now she even found a job at her college working at the financial department.

I look back now, a year ago, and she has had so much confusion if she was at the right college. Her story from last year was pretty amazing to tell. She had applied at 4 colleges and they all accepted her. Of course she applied only at an hour radius from our house. She loves being close to home. But she really wanted to chose between either the University of WA or Seattle Pacific University. For me it wasn't even a decision, I wanted her at SPU because I wanted her at a Christian College with low student numbers attending. But I wanted Danica to make her final choice. So last year when it came to decision making between the two colleges I told her she needed to go away and pray about it hard. So she proceeded to go the the beach and here is her story. She told me she prayed and prayed that God would lead her the way. Finally she said "God, if in the next 3 minutes a sea lion comes out of the water, I am meant to go to SPU. If nothing happens, I am meant to go to UWA. So basically the sea lion popped out of the water as soon as she turned her head and here was the decision where she needed to go. I still get chills when I think about Danica's story.

So her first half year at college she was really struggling, not in school but more with the people thinking she didn't fit in because of her being a minority. But a miracle happened after January of this year. She returned from her break and now she loves her college with all the people and everything it has to offer.

Since Kevin is a full time student we actually had to tell the school that we wouldn't be able to bring her back this year because it's private and way too expensive. So they re-locked at our finances and also on how much money we have been spending for the adoptions and they had great mercy on us cutting our bill in half for tuition this coming year. Praise God! That was a great blessing. Now I really believe with all my heart Danica is at the right college where she needs to be and is meant to be.

More about my Danica another day. I just got off in lalaland because I was thinking about her college.

28 days till Court

Every time I think about that I get sick to my stomach. 28 more days or 4 more weeks. We have almost made it. Well let's hope so anyway. I have seen too many stories about people not making court but it just has to happen. Having 2 children that are not related doesn't make it any easier because they have to hear 2 different cases. Although the time was flying by, it still seems so slow and forever away. I just miss these little ones so badly. I dream about them so much. I dream of holding them both in my arms for the very first time. I really hope that ones they have made court that the time flies by after that just because of packing and doing all these last minute things. The fact that I am traveling alone doesn't bother me at all. I just wanna be with my kids. I wish I could leave right now and I so would if I didn't have to work right now.

Any Suggestions?

This weekend we are moving our 20 year old Danica into the basement. Don't worry it's nice, its a daylight basement and she is really excited anyway. Plus she is going back to college soon. She will not be home very often but of course we feel like we still need to give her a room. And I like to keep all my little ones upstairs with me.

Anyway, I really need your advice. If you are reading my blog and have never left a comment, I would appreciate your advice too if you can relate to my question. My 2 kids from ET are a boy and a girl, both 4 years old, and I will have to put them in one room. Although I am not buying any furniture yet I was trying to get some ideas. The room is already painted yellow which I think is a neutral color. I was so set on getting a girly room and a boyish room but since I have to now set them up in one room I don't know what to do. I have to say I am a little disappointed. I know the kids really don't care but I do. I just want to set up something fun and inexpensive.

What would I do? What would you do?

My two very 2 sweet blogger friends Carolyn and Andrea have recently picked up their children from ET. I didn't get there permission to link their blog but I will just have to say something about them.... Before picking up their children they had to make some serious decisions if they still wanted to bring their children home or not per the agency. Without even blinking (I know they prayed and talked to their husband's about it) they made the decision to bring home those precious children anyway, no matter what. Just writing about this is making tears stream down my face. I have so much love and respect for these families I can't barely explain! They have just inspired me so much in my own journey. Having followed their blogs and watched the grace they have and love for their children is an understatement.

I am saying all of this because I am telling you that God has prepared me also to bring my two precious children home no matter what is wrong with them. Do you hear? No matter what. The day I signed the placement papers, those precious children were my children just like my 2 bio children. I will love them unconditionally. Even if they were healthy and have some deep anger issues, want to destroy my house, or beat me, whatever it is, bring it one, I am prepared. Once I have made a commitment that is it, through thick and thin. I will make this vow to my children today at this very moment.

CAMP

I had the privilege this weekend to meet some amazing families that have already brought their children home from ET. Since they have not given me permission or I rather didn't even ask to post their pictures, I will not.

The kids were off playing with their counselor's pretty much all day and the parents got to have free time most of the camp. But for me the best time was I got to talk to the wonderful women that I was able to meet just on their blogs.

My husband and another husband was just cracking up over me as I mentioned all their names and they just looked at me like I was crazy.

What was really the biggest highlight was that Kevin got to talk to some dads that he just admired and was able to get their side of the story on adoption and large families. He is really, really excited now.

If any of the ladies that I met at camp are reading this that I have met up with, I just have to tell you, you are so amazing and incredible and I wished we all lived closer together.

And one last thing, there was one kid that I absolutely adored. She was really good friends with my son B in ET and we just hit it off. Ask her mommy, right S.? I picture my little girl H. looking just like her frame wise.

Happy Anniversary - 23 years

Here is my story. I love reading on other blogs how a couple met or they write devotions for their husband or wives. Scroll down to next post to see pics. You know I am not a good writer but here is mine:

I met Kevin back in 1984. My best friend than was dating his best friend. So Kevin asked his friend to meet one of his girlfriend’s friends, which was me of course.

The first night I met him I just got in from a tennis match and I was all sweaty, gross but at least our meeting wasn't all having me made up. So we became really good friends and had a great friendship for six months. I really liked him as a friend but something didn’t click for me as it had for Kevin from the very beginning. I guess I wasn’t attracted to him but I LOVED his personality. (hey at least I am being honest). I think my mother-in-law would kill me if she reads this since she thinks her son is the best since gravy.

The real awakening didn’t come for me until I went to Greece with 6 girlfriends and while I was at the island of Crete, a voice told me (back then I didn’t believe in God, but I know now it was God) in the middle of the night while sitting at the ocean, “Kevin is it, he will be your husband".
After I returned from Greece, I told Kevin I wanted to date him and I am very serious now. After that we became inseparable and spent every free moment we had together.
In November of 1984 he told me he had to go back to the states and I was just devastated. I said “yeah right, a military guy, there is no way we are going to get married now and last forever. But Kevin assured me that he loved me and even though he has to go back to the states he will not leave me behind. I still didn’t believe him.

We got engaged on March 31, 1985 and he went back to the states in May of 1985. I came to visit him in August that year and we got married while I was visiting. Yeah there you go, “no wedding, just the courthouse”. Hopefully one day, we can renew our vows and have a real wedding as this has always been my dream.

Obviously we were only 20 when we got married and for us to jump in there without leading a marriage and not putting God first, that is pretty much bound for failure. But at least we had very old fashioned values and I think that is what kept us going year after year. It sure wasn’t easy the first 10 years. Ughh I wanted to kill him so many times and so did he. We had many Kool-Aid and food fights to let our aggressions out.

But thanks to God’s grace, today our marriage is just so awesome and growing deeper every day. I thank God every day for giving me Kevin. He is the sweetest, most loving, funniest, sexiest, handsome man on this earth in my eyes. But you know what I love about him the most is that he is sad when I am sad. He says nothing makes him happier when I smile, ha-ha I guess he likes my smile. So he has supported me 100% in this adoption journey for going on over 2 years. He keeps handing out more and more money every day to pay for these adoptions but he keeps saying “I love to see that smile when you talk about the children we are going to adopt”. Yeah I just love this man like crazy and I am so thankful for him. He brings sooooo much joy to my life.

23 years! Happy Anniversary Kevin

Kevin and I dating, 1984 (19y/o), wow that is Danica's age!

March 31, 1985 (We got engaged)

Kevin returns from Desert Storm/Saudi Arabia 1991

2001 Our annual recruiting ball

The picture on my blog to the right was taken this year so you guys know what we look like now, this year. Didn't have time to go through all my other pics, but better than nothing. Oh and thanks to my precious daughter Danica for scanning these pics today. No time to do it myself.