give 1 save 1 for the graham's

Ok, for all you ladies who have had biological children, I'm guessing that when you got pregnant and found out that another friend was pregnant at the same time, you somehow had a closer bond with them. You stayed in touch more and shared with that person so many personal things, just to determine if you were alone and if the other was feeling the same way or going through the same types of "stuff." 

Well it's kind of the same way when you find out that someone is adopting, and then when you find out it's from the same country as you, it's just so exciting. But then to find out that they'll be adopting around the same time and that your children could possibly come from the same orphanage... it's an amazing & comforting feeling. 

And so, I introduce you to April & Luke Graham! Our friends that will probably be forever in our lives because of the bond we will share through adoption. 

They too, are adopting from Uganda and with the same agency as us. They are right ahead of us in the process (could possibly be with them in Africa together while we pick up Eli). While we will not be fundraising for our adoption, I'd like to ask y'all to consider pitching in a dollar or 2 or more for their adoption. They are such awesome Godly people!!!

Click on the link above to see their story and to give $1 to save 1 child!

Oh and while you're at... PLEASE SHARE THE GIVE 1 SAVE 1 website on facebook, twitter or your own personal blog so that others can help them bring their baby home!

get to reading

while i'll not be making a new year's resolution, i have decided what books i plan to read in 2013. i was so inspired last year by the books i read, i decided i should do a little bit more of that.

2013
(not pictured but on it's way, "the queen of katwe")

2012

(not pictured "a long walk to water")

maybe i'll take some more time to share with you about my 2012 readings in another post.

mixed emotions

Today was a bit of a roller coaster of emotions

I was... 

happy because it was Friday

bummed because I had to get up and work on Friday

stoked when my passport came in

excited that our Sole Hope kit is here for January 26th

relieved cuz I've put in my notice at work and won't be there much longer

nervous that I'll be a stay at home mom at some point this year

ready for this next chapter of my life

anxious for the Guatemala Mission Trip

proud when I saw a video made by a family having a blast raising funds for their mission trip

tired because I've been watching passion 2013 every night

totally motivated because I've watched passion 2013 for so many nights

encouraged by a friend at lunch

that's enough for one day... so I'll call it a night! 

2013 is THE year!

Spent most of my day cleaning out closets and cluttered areas so that we could begin to get ready for Eli!

Welcome Home Bella Mei!

What an awesome night. What an awesome God! 

Welcome Home Bella Mei!

Loving the Process!

One of THE best things about adoption is the process. 

So many people ask when we're adopting. The answer is so much more than providing a date or certain amount of months, because we honestly have no idea. We don't know when the paperwork will end, when we get put on the next waiting list, when we will get a call, when we will then have to fill out more paperwork or when we will leave to go and get our little boy. 

But, OH THE PROCESS! I love it (so far). While we have had the pleasure to meet so many families that are adopting or have adopted... there are 2 families that we are currently walking through this process with. And we look forward to raising our own adoptive children with theirs!

This week has been super exciting... today in the mail we got our "Ours to Love" t-shirts from the Graham's, who are also adopting from Uganda. I love knowing that April & Luke are just ahead of us in the process because now I have a go-to girl that I can text all my silly questions to and she has all the answers. Love it (and the shirts). 

And then there is the Pazzaglia's who are IN CHINA NOW!!! I have been overwhelmed this week with joy for this family. Hearing Kelly's voice and listening to the anticipation of a long awaited trip to China to get Bella Mei. I've been overwhelmed at all the many pictures I see of Tony & her holding Bella Mei in their arms. 

What's so awesome about the process??? The families we meet, the love we share for these kiddos, the love that God shows towards us as we walk by faith. Oh there is so much to love about this process (paperwork and all). 

just a quick update

Met with a sweet lady today from our agency. Plans are to begin paperwork in January! Very excited to  start the next phase of our adoption! Keep you all posted.

Today began what I guess will just be the beginning of paperwork and fees. Name changed on Driver's License (check)! And next will be updating my passport.

Then, what could be our last Christmas without a little one!!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!