It's Official!

Happy Halloween from the sister and brother!

It's been a long time since I have used the title "It's Official", but it's a classic and I feel now is the best time ever to use said tile.

Finally, finally, FINALLY...(can I get a hallelujah...........)

MF HAS OFFICIALLY BEEN ASSIGNED TO OUR FAMILY!!!!!!!!!!!

Yes, this is a big deal. This is the step we have been waiting for since September. This is the one that almost drove me out of my mind. This is the one that I have only mentioned here on the blog about a thousand times now.

So relieved to be past this point! So, the question is of course, what's next?

1) File our I-800. This usually happens right away, but in our case will not happen until next week because (of course) Ecuador goes on holiday starting tomorrow. Our agency here needs to get the document from them showing the official assignment and that isn't going to happen when they are on holiday. Any delay that can happen is bound to happen in our case, we are quickly learning. The I-800 should take 2-3 weeks before we get approval. This is the second part of the immigration process on the US end (the first part, the I-800A took three months, remember that beauty?)

2) After I-800 approval, we file another form, the DS-230 (please remember all these forms- there will be a quiz later) and send our in-country fees (a mere $2195). The National Visa Center (NVC) here cables to Guayaquil, Ecuador, our approval and the rep there starts the visa process for MF. Once the visa is approved, my understanding is that the visa consulate there cables their approval back to the US and then issues a travel date.

3) Travel. Hmmm...when will this be? We are still telling ourselves January- though there is a small chance it could be sometime in December. Depends on how fast things go. I am not opposed to traveling in December and spending Christmas there, as I have mentioned. I think having a simple Christmas there, spending time in the orphanages, would be an amazing experience for our family. Anyway, what I really hope is that we can be there in time for MF's birthday-- Jan 6. I would be heartbroken to miss her 7th birthday. I have only been there for her 1st so far and missed every other. 

Of course I feel really happy with this new progression. So much RELIEF. But, to be honest, I have had to play a lot of "name that emotion" with myself lately because I am feeling so many things, some of which (more than I care to admit) are negative due to the difficult nature of this process. But ultimately, I recognize that I am not in charge and though I can't see the reason behind the delays now, one day I hope to gain understanding. 

Devin has become my personal therapist (the last occupation he would ever pick...ha ha, poor man!) and he does so well to help me see the good in the situation. I really would be insane without him. One thing we have talked about is that I can definitely now empathize with my clients in a way that I could not before. Sure, our situations are different. But at the same time, I understand the agony of wanting a child more than anything (mine a specific child, theirs just a child in general) and the terrible pain that comes with the waiting process. I think I can honestly say that I know some of what they go through, but I also recognize and admit that what they face is much harder. I think these new insights will hopefully help me to be more compassionate and caring in my work with couples facing the mountain called "infertility." 

Anyway, way more rambling here than I intended, but hey, you get what you get! 

Thank you AGAIN, everyone, for your prayers in our behalf. We have felt them and have felt buoyed up and encouraged because of them. We are so appreciative. Continued prayers that the process will continue smoothly and that we can travel quickly to bring our daughter home would be great.

Fall Festivities

I really love this time of year. The colors, the cooler weather, the fun festivities...And let's be honest- Halloween is the gateway to the Holiday Season! Devin is holding me back from busting out the Christmas music. I love, love, love it. We have begun the season in full swing around here.

Witchapalooza 2011:

Last week we attended Witchapalooza at Gardner Village for our 4th year in a row. I would be lying if I said I didn't feel a little bit sad, because this is the first year we celebrated without Linda. I know that this is just the beginning of what is sure to be a hard holiday season in that regard. I almost really want to be in Ecuador (beyond the obvious reasons why) to miss this first Christmas without her. We'll see how things turn out.

However, I am happy to report that we all still had an amazing time and that we celebrated our inner witches fabulously. The costumes were incredible, the food amazing, and the play as funny as they come. It is really a fun event that you should all check out if you are in the area. Here are some snapshots from our 2011 event: (no picture will ever, ever rival this one though. Go ahead. Check it out. You won't be disappointed. Promise.)

Ry-Ry and Avery. 2nd Generation of Witches. They have a long way to go before they are as witchy as some of the rest of us...

How do you like my hair? I had Ryen all but convinced it was real, but she is a smarty pants and figured out that it is a wig. If only my hair were that delightful on a regular basis!

Sue and her girls. Sue's costume was awesome...but that's what you get when you are an avid online/T.V./infomercial shopper. The best of the best! Even her shoes were officially Witchy.

Jen and our mom. Where is her costume you ask? Yeah. I am asking the same thing. Still.

Oh this is totally out of order and not even part of Witchapalooza- but everyone got to see beautiful Charlie on the way up when they picked up Ry and I can't help but share this picture because it is so.stinking.adorable.

Pumpkin Patch:

 
Monday we went to a cute little (free!) pumpkin patch in a neighboring city with my cousin Sarah and her hubby Daniel, plus their little neighbor boy. We saw some animals (Hallie refused to pet them until the very end, but Jace didn't mind!), climbed some hay bales, did a hay maze, and then picked ourselves some awesome pumpkins. We won't mention that it was right about then that I started to feel ill, very ill, nor that I threw up promptly when we got home, ruining our fun night of chili and pumpkin carving. No, we will focus on the fun parts, such as these:

Conquering the hay bale! Sorry these pictures are bad again-- back to the phone. But that sure is cute of Hallie and her daddy, right?

The best I could manage of the kids. Hm. I think I should take up professional photography, don't you? Not even one looking at the camera. Oh well, they are still darn cute and that's all that matters. (the children, not the pictures.)

Jace really enjoyed eating the hay. Oh, and on a similar note, he ate an entire (large) leaf today. Mother of the year, right here. No wonder he wasn't hungry for dinner.

Hallie and her very own pumpkin. Hand picked and all. Now, just getting around to carving it before Monday!

The Newest & Bringing back the Paypal

Sorry for those who are my friends on Facebook...you get the updates twice. Today's latest is that I got an email from our agency saying that our documents did not arrive in Ecuador until yesterday afternoon (Tuesday), so the committee thought that was too much of a "time crunch" to get them ready for Thursday's meeting. I'm not sure exactly what that means because the two documents just need to put in the binder with the other documents, as far as I know. Anyway, that is neither here nor there...just my frustrations speaking. So, the meeting has been postponed until Monday to give them plenty of time to get them ready. Ugh.

Just don't ask me how I took this news. I am not doing so hot with the continual delays and disappointments, as I am sure you have figured. People are probably going to start thinking I am mentally unstable. :) Don't worry, I am not there...YET. Let's just say this process is not for the weak or faint of heart!

We are also re-posting the Paypal link. We had such an overwhelming response last time it was up. It was so amazing and we were so touched and feel so blessed to have such great family and friends. I do feel somewhat guilty putting it back up, but the truth is that we still have a lot of travel costs to cover. Flights alone are going to run at least a few thousand dollars and housing for 8 weeks is going to be costly as well. We are saving everything we can, but there have also been some people who have asked if they can still donate. So, here it is. If anyone has any Frequent Flier Mileage they would be willing to donate, that would also be a huge help to us. {Disclaimer: Please do not feel obligated to donate. We realize that not everyone is in a position to do so. Your prayers and kind words are just as meaningful to us.}

Thank you all for your kindness, thoughts, and support through this process. We need lots and lots of prayers for Monday. It has to be Monday... If not, someone please reserve me a spot in the loony bin.

Temple Square

Even though we have been to Temple Square quite a few times, we took advantage of being so close and took the kids last Monday. Hallie really enjoyed the tour of the Conference Center, especially the large chandeliers and big pictures.

This is the largest painting in the place. Everything is so beautiful there.

At the top of the auditorium. This seats the most people of any indoor auditorium- 21,000 people!

There is a "Hall of the Prophets" with a bust of each Modern-day prophet. Here is President Thomas S. Monson, our current prophet. His only came in about three weeks ago- so it is brand spankin' new! That was fun to see.

The only picture of all of us. We were on the roof of the Conference Center and our sweet  little old lady guide volunteered to take a picture of us. Well- she couldn't quite figure out the camera on my phone (our regular camera died...so we are just going with the phone for now). She tried so many times that I eventually just told her that she got it. :)

Self Portraits. Love them. This is a classic Jace-face.

Inside the Tabernacle. It is crazy to think that just 10 years ago, we were holding Conference there- it is so much tinier.

On the pews in the Tabernacle. Hallie refused to sit up. Oh well, you win some, you lose some. Clearly Jace is waving his arm-- or something?

Last stop- the Temple. Hallie ran right up to it and let us know that she was "touching the Temple!"

Hallie in front of the big Temple doors.

A view of part of the Conference Center from where we were on Temple Square.

We are lucky to live so close to so many historic sites. We had a great time as a family touring the sites and then going to dinner at one of our favorites- Tucanos (Devin's birthday present).

Update

Just an follow up on yesterday's post...

I had a rough night. A good cry with my husband (okay he didn't cry-- just me) and a new day and I am feeling better.

I know we have had to deal with a lot, but in reality I still know that we have more to be grateful for the journey. I need to focus on these things and not let the rotten parts get me down.

I have an awesome husband, you all know that, right?

I needed to work today because I basically had back to back appointments from 11 to 3 pm. So, Devin got the job of taking care of our little problem. We woke up early and headed to my office where we got our new documents notarized. I had filled out the application last night (the form where Devin's signature needed to match his passport of years ago) and we had that and my new passport copy (WITH signature) ready to go. One of many benefits of working where I do is that we require notaries all the time...so luckily our secretary Bev was willing to notarize for us. Then while I remained at work, Devin drove both documents to Salt Lake to be apostilled. The same day rate was awful, but we felt it was worth it. He then drove back here and Fedexed them to Ecuador. It basically took the whole day, but it's DONE. They are slated to arrive in Quito on Monday at 6 pm. That should be in plenty of time for Thursday's meeting.

Please just hope and pray with me that no more bumps in the road will present themselves. I think I would lose my mind....I'm on the brink, but surely anything more would make it official.

Thanks to all of you for your support and prayers. We appreciate it so, so much.

Opposition

Opposition.

I feel like we are getting nothing but right now in our adoption. When we started this journey, I knew it was going to be hard. But never did I imagine that it would be this hard. Maybe it is because this isn't the only hard thing I feel like I am battling right now, but I just feel like this really testing me.

Why do good things have to be so hard? I know the answer to that, but things are just so crappy right now. I hoped we would be immune to opposition, but we have been hit over and over again. I am almost to my breaking point. I think our motives are pure. We want to bring an orphan, special needs child into our home. So why is everything going wrong? I know that in reality, this experience will teach us to treasure MF even more for everything we have had to go through to get her here.

Some scriptures are taking on more intense meaning for me:

(2 Nephi 2:11) For it must needs be, that there is an ^aopposition in all things. If not so, my first-born in the wilderness, righteousness could not be brought to pass, neither wickedness, neither holiness nor misery, neither good nor bad. Wherefore, all things must needs be a compound in one; wherefore, if it should be one body it must needs remain as dead, having no life neither death, nor corruption nor incorruption, happiness nor misery, neither sense nor insensibility.

(D&C 29:39) And it must needs be that the devil should tempt the children of men, or they could not be agents unto themselves; for if they never should have bitter they could not know the sweet—

And this one, which has always been a favorite scripture of mine. This is a comfort to me because I know that when I am at my weakest, as Paul says, then my reliance is more upon the Lord and He can make me strong:

(2 Corinthians 12:10) Therefore I take pleasure in ^ainfirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in ^bpersecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am ^cweak, then am I ^dstrong.

I know that ours is exactly the type of situation that Satan fights hardest against. He knows that families are of utmost importance and he aims to defeat them. He wants us to give up.

Believe me, I am far from giving up. I am just ready for something to go our way.

I know the best things in life require long and hard fights. MF is going to bring us so much happiness and add joy to our lives and the fight is worth it. Just like adding Hallie and then adding Jace has made Devin and I  more complete and much more happy, I know it will be the same with MF. So, we will just have to fight that much harder.

The latest:

I received an email last week from our agency letting us know that we were "officially" on the docket to be assigned this Thursday (tomorrow, the 20th). This after almost a 2 month wait for the assignment (remember how the first date we were told was September 8th?) Well this time really did seem to be the real deal, because the other families who have been assigned have told me that they got the same message about being "on the docket" before they were actually assigned.

Well, we have obviously been anticipating this Thursday all week. It felt like something was really going to happen.

Then, I got this email today from our agency:

Hey Kim,

The copy of the passport that we submitted with your dossier shows that your passport isn't signed.

Please sign your passport, re-scan and send to me asap. I will send to Ecuador.

Also, did you keep a copy of the spanish application? MJ (rep in Ecuador) is saying something about the signatures at the bottom of the page...that Devin's doesn't match his passport. Can you explain that or resend that page with new signatures.

Okay. I was a little annoyed that I was just getting this information the day before our case was to go before the assignment committee when our dossier has been in country for three months now and we have been sitting here doing nothing. However, it seemed fixable... I ran home from work, signed my passport, and scanned and emailed a copy back. As for Devin's signature on his passport, I explained that yes it is different because his passport is seven years old and his signature has changed in that time.

J (agency rep here in the US) emailed back and assured me that all would be fine with that explanation and the new copy of my passport.

That is until this evening when I got another email stating that it is in fact NOT fine. They would not accept the copy of my passport. I now need to get a new copy of it, notarize it, and apostille it (Remember that process where I had to drive our documents to Salt Lake to be apostilled- basically a notarization of the notary's stamp and it cost an arm and a leg and took two days? Yeah. That.) As for Devin's situation, his signatures must match. Okay, GREAT. So we must re-fill out our application and have him sign his signature as he did seven years ago (who knows if he is even capable of that?? The signature is very different. Let's be honest, he was 18 then.) We then must also notarize that and apostille it again. Good. Great. Oh, and the kicker? The committee will meet on our case next Thursday if we can get the documents done and Fedexed to Ecuador before then ($125 to fedex! No big thing!)

That's only going to take a small miracle. If we don't get them there by then, who knows when they will meet again and actually look at our case. I am going to do everything in my power to get them there, but I have to be honest and tell you of my extreme disappointment and frustration at this point. I am confused as to why our documents were not reviewed prior to today in order to catch these things? Had I known Devin's signatures would be an issue, we would have just gotten him a new passport when the kids and I got them. It would have been much easier. I am kicking myself for not signing my passport, but again, why was it not looked at when it was sent three months ago? Just frustrating.

Clinging on to all the hope and faith I can at this point....

Those of you who are mighty pray-ers (or anyone who prays at all), would you be so kind to offer one up in our behalf? As you can tell, we need it. 

Spud Harvest

How's this for a Spud Harvest post? Lots of pictures! Devin is still in Idaho driving a truck for Spud Harvest. They have had a few delays due to rain, but seem to be back on track now. During our stay in Idaho, I went to see him at least once per day to spend time with him and to ride with him in his truck. Great fun. Enjoy some pictures:

Here we are on our way to the "pit" for the first time. Is it embarrassing that I had never seen the entire process of Spud Harvest prior to this, despite having grown up right in the middle of it? Yes, I'd say so. Let's just say I was quickly educated.

oh gosh, sure love him. That's a Devin face.

Don't worry that it is dark. If you know anything about Spud Harvest, you know that they work until all hours of the night. 11 pm, midnight, later...whatever needs to be done.

Taking a ride with the kids. Neither looks thrilled, eh? Hallie got to sit on Devin's lap (while we were stopped of course) and much preferred being in the driver's seat....

A view out the window. Nothing but field!

Houie, Houie. This is my cousin Houston. He is in charge of backing the trucks in when they come to drop off their load at the pit. I am sure there is a more professional sounding title for that, but I don't know it! Sorry, Houie. The work that he does is important, though. PS. Houston just got his mission call to serve in the Columbus, Ohio mission and will leave on Nov 30th. We are so proud of him. And while on the subject of mission calls (spud harvest and mission calls in the same post- who knew?) Nick, my cousin on the Strobel side, also got his call the same day and is going to Toronto, Canada. He leaves in February. What good cousins I have. We are happy for both of them. Anyway, very tangential....

These were the reds coming in, as you can tell. What beauts!

This is inside the pit...one of the warehouses where the potatoes are stored. It was AMAZING to watch them all roll in to these huge piles. I am telling you, I am fascinated by the whole process!

Just cute. I asked Landon what his job is (he spent all day there too while they were in town) and he said, "What? me? I MANAGE this whole operation!!"

Devin picking his load. Each time he comes in with his truck, he gets out to help get rocks and large dirt clods out of the potatoes. Don't worry, the spuds are picked again and again by more people as they go up the line. My cousin Hailie works at spud harvest as well and she is one of six or so people who are in charge of just picking. Fun.

Those specks make it appear that it is snowing. It is not. That is just the combination of dust and a crappy camera.

Isn't he so handsome? Don't answer that. I will. Yes, Yes he is. Sure love that husband of mine.

Well, there you have it. Spud Harvest 2011. Thanks to my uncle Judd for allowing Devin to participate this year! Surely a good experience for him.

What We Love about Idaho

Good news folks! We have a new computer. The other one was not worth salvaging. Sigh. Oh well.

Bad news folks! No new news on the adoption front. Are we surprised? NO. Again we wait. Extra sigh.

Now onto the real reason for this post. We spent an amazing week in Idaho last week. The main purpose was for Devin to work at Spud Harvest (separate post coming), so while he got to work 16 hour days, the kids and I got to play, play, play. It was a much needed break from the stresses of life. It is always rejuvenating to spend time with family, especially when they are dealing with some of the same stresses that we are. Nothing needs to be said, but just spending time together is healing.

Without further ado, enjoy a picture tour and a bunch of reasons why we loved our time in good ol' Idaho:

• Food. Food. Food. Oh and cousin bonding time. :) We had a pizza night one night at Sue's house. We then ate Apple Crisp and roasted Smores. Can never go wrong with more than one dessert, right? This is the only picture of that event that I took. Avery and Hallie loving Sue's new kitty. What a cheeser, that Hallie.

• Birthday parties galore! Avery turned 6, so we celebrated with a party at the "Pee-Pee Palace" (aka Green Canyon Hot Springs). This place is a fun little swimming area, but as you can tell, our always-kind-and-ever-appropriate family has given it a nickname. We asked the lady how old the red lounge chairs there are (serious memories of these as a child) and she said "oh at least 50 years old." Suffice it to say, it's a bit run down. 

That Sunday, we also had a mega-birthday party for Jennifer, Devin, Houston, and I who all had birthdays in a 2 week period. Of course we had to have two kinds of cake (back to to the multiple desserts issue) and lots and lots of food. It was a great time to be with everyone. Devin even got to be there because Sundays are days off from the spuds.

• Hailie's volleyball game! You know we love any excuse we can get to yell and be obnoxious. Poor Hailie, I am sure we just slightly embarrassed her in front of her friends. She plays some awesome volleyball, though, I'll tell you that much. (Love Mari Ann in this picture. Classic.)

• Down time. Uh, perhaps Hallie had watched a few too many movies at this point? Glued. Yes. Glued. Okay, she actually only looked this way because it was her favorite movie, Tangled. We don't own it, so she watches it at everyone else's house whenever she can.

• We got to see this beautiful girl, plus her daddy and siblings. I am embarrassed to say that I have not seen Charlie since she was in the hospital. It is hard to get to Logan (2 1/2 hours away) without my kids so I haven't been. But, Brad and the kids came up to Idaho for the weekend and it was so great to see them. I had some special Charlie cuddle time and it was so good for me. I love that little angel. She is so sweet and doing so incredibly well. I just look at her and can't help but think what a miracle her life is.

• Spending time with Grandma. I love being at my Grandma's house. It holds so many of my memories. Whether we are having a big get together, or there are just a few of us there talking, I cherish the time at her house. I look forward to it. This is one of my favorite places in the world. I love knowing that the door is always open and that I can sit there for hours and not be a burden. And hey, you can't beat that view of the Snake River, either.

All in all, a fabulous week spent on my home turf. I love Idaho. Even though I haven't lived there in years, it still feels like "home" to me.

And how about some bonus pictures of some cute kiddos? On our way home, we picked up Hudson and we got to spend a few days with him while his mama and daddy worked/went to school. We had such a fun time.

Two cute boys in a stroller!

Attempt at getting a picture of the kids...sorry Hals, kept chopping her out!

Again, just cute. Best buds.

That's it for now...Spud Harvest pictures to come. I know, I know, you can't wait!

Jace: 7 months

Well, hello. I know I have not updated the blog in an unusually long time (for me). I have a good reason. And that reason is that our computer died. Yeah, so we are computer-less for the time being while it gets fixed. Yes, doesn't it seem like our car just died? Well, it did. Fun times, everyone. Fun times.

Anyway, we have been in Idaho for about a week as we came to drop Devin off to work at Spud Harvest for my uncle (more to come on that, promise). So- he will be here for another two weeks while the kids and I return home tomorrow. Anyway, I am using my mom's computer now to give you a little update.

First- The Jacer bug. He is now 7 months old and as cute as can be.  Enjoy some pictures and some updates about him.

No he does not have a large spot on his forehead. My camera on my phone is dirty, that's why that spot always appears. Perhaps I should clean it?

Jace is a big boy. He can sit in carts now. He can even tolerate it when his sister pushes him around in carts. Sorry for the blurriness of the picture, but it was just too cute not to share.

Jace is a big Cougar fan, though he was embarrassed, just like the rest of us, with their loss to the Utes.



Love the bedtime look. All cuddled up, binky in mouth, and ready to go!



Jace really enjoys this toy. The reason why is because he can look at himself in the mirror. He finds that to be very, very, funny.

Just handsome.

Some facts about Jace at 7 months:

*Jace has been sitting up on his own for about a month now. He really likes to sit and is content sitting by himself for quite a while, especially if he has something like markers to play with while he sits.

*Jace is getting around more, though slowly. He is just slow moving. He doesn't like to move around too much as he is happy in whatever position he is in. He can lay on his stomach for a long time and I will put a toy just out of reach to see if he will go for it, and he won't. He is just happy where he is! He does scoot though and can turn himself around while laying. He also rolls, but like I said, he doesn't move much. He rolls onto his stomach as soon as we put him in his bed and sleeps that way. He rolls from his stomach to his back immediately in the bathtub if we roll him over that way, but other than that,  he will usually lay on his stomach to play for a long time. It's interesting. It's just kind of like he is not that interested in getting anywhere, which is the opposite of how Hallie was. He is started to make motions to army crawl, so we will see if he picks that up soon.

*Jace is still a champion eater. He eats 8 ounce bottles every 3 hours (he has a physique to keep up, afterall!)  He also eats solids, though he does not prefer baby food. He likes to eat what we are eating. Bread, crackers, etc.

*Jace takes three naps per day generally, anywhere from a half hour to 3 hours. He sleeps from 7 pm until about 7 am now.

*Jace has his two bottom teeth (from the time he was 3 months old) and now is cutting his top two teeth.

*Jace is a happy boy! He likes to fake cough for attention and has a really high pitched scream if he wants something or just wants someone to pay attention to him. He is really an easy baby and if his needs are met, he is happy as a clam.

*Jace is starting to babble a little bit.  He makes a gu-gu-gu sound and we are working on ma-ma-ma since naturally he will want to say that before da-da-da. I am also teaching him to respond to "clap!" which he thinks is very funny. Just putting his hands together means "clap" to him and he gets very excited.

*Jace thinks the funniest things in the world are A) my singing and B) Hallie's dancing. In that order. Nothing makes him laugh quite like when I sing. I am not taking that as a compliment, by the way. Hallie's dancing...well, you have seen the video, so he is excused in his laughing there also.

We sure love our Jacer boy. He is such a happy, fun, cute boy. We love having him and are grateful that he is ours.