Monday, April 30, 2012

Benefit Concert

The benefit concert went really well on Saturday. We had a good turnout and my son, Michael, played a variety of music - from Ragtime to Rachmaninoff. I was so proud and grateful that Michael cared enough that he took the time to do this concert for us. As I watched him play, and then looked around at my children, I again felt so blessed - - Bethany resting on me, Claire with her head resting on Bethany, Sarah signing "I love you" to Emily (because I told her she better be QUIET), and Caroline and Sarah giving each other little smiles. It is a beautiful sight to see my older children and little ones all together supporting their brother. 

A love offering was taken and $1,860.00 was donated for Bella and Allysen. I was astounded. I never dreamed that people would be so generous. I am so thankful. We have truly been blessed.


Thursday, April 26, 2012

Update

We got news today that our dossier should be submitted to the MOJ next Wednesday. If it is, that would be wonderful. I'm starting to feel pretty excited now and travel doesn't seem that far away. There is another family traveling next week to the same orphanage that Allysen is in. They are hoping to be able to see her. If they are allowed to see her, they said they would take some pictures for me and try to figure out what size she wears so that I can buy her some clothes. I am so excited about this as all I have of Allysen is one very old picture.

As for fund raising, we have come up with the idea of a benefit concert. My son, Michael, will be performing a piano concert at our church this Saturday, the 28th. A love offering will be taken, and all proceeds will go towards Bella and Allysen's adoption. We have a pretty small congregation at our church, but we are hoping that some people from the community will come. I'm very thankful to my son for doing this for us, and also feel very blessed that our church was so willing to allow us to do this. They have even worked on our behalf to promote the event.

As usual, here are some pictures:







Sunday, April 15, 2012

Dossier Being Translated

Our dossier is being translated. Or, at least that is what we were told a few days ago. I don't know how long the translation takes. Anyway, at least we are making some progress. I'm getting anxious to travel to meet our girls. I'm hoping we travel no later than June, but I just don't know how long everything takes. I guess now it's just waiting and waiting.

Making muffins







Thursday, April 5, 2012

Dossier En Route

We have mailed our dossier and it should be delivered sometime on Friday. I will relax when I know it's there and being translated.

Here are a few additional photos from Saturday's recital:






Tuesday, April 3, 2012

MIM Spring Recital

Saturday was recital time again - - same costumes - different dances. It was Sarah & Caroline's 2nd recital with Miracles In Motion, and they were both pretty excited. I really enjoyed it, and they did a dance to "New York, New York" that I just loved. I enjoyed it so much, I'm hoping they get to perform that dance again sometime.

Anyway, I took some pictures and thought I would post a few. Sarah looks pretty scared in several of them, but I think that by the very end she was warming up to the whole experience. She is always a little out of her element when in a crowd, or a new place. Caroline, on the other hand, loved every minute of it and really got into the dances - - no stage fright for her. Hopefully, after a few more recitals, Sarah will not be quite as nervous.

I am so happy that they have both found something they love to do, and I have to say, they couldn't have a better teacher.














Sunday, April 1, 2012

We Have USCIS Approval!

This past Thursday, we received approval from USCIS! Now, this week, we will be sending in our dossier. Then, I guess we just wait. 


Now that spring is here, the kids are back outside playing...all the time.