Things just keep getting better!!!!

My Grandmama's coming, My Grandmama's coming!!!!

As all of you know I am going to Guatemala in 20 days to be with my baby. I was planning on going all by myself. I admitted that I was nervous, but nothing was keeping me from going. Well, I don't have to go by myself anymore. My mama called me today and told me that she and my daddy had decided that she needed to go with me! What an answered prayer this is!!! There is one MAJOR problem: Mama has no passport. There is one solution: We can get an appointment in New Orleans, drive there, and get it the same day! We live about 2 hours or so from New Orleans, so we will just make a day trip. You can't make an appointment until you are 14 days from travel, so next Monday I will be calling and making our appointment. One of our state reps suggested that this is what we do. His office said they will do anything they can to help. SO, tomorrow we are booking her flight. It will be so special to have my mama in Guatemala with Anne Pearce and me. It will be so wonderful to see my mother hold my baby for the first time. There will be a lot of crying going on! I also am so thrilled to be able to introduce my mama to AP's foster family and all of our Guatemalan friends. She will be able to see the beautiful country where Anne Pearce came from and have the opportunity to experience her culture. I know that will mean so much to us in the years to come to have shared this experience together. God is so good to me that I can't even believe it. My mama is not a big traveler, so doing this is HUGE for her. I appreciate her sacrifice and my daddy's too. He is not used to being away from my mama. They are attached to each other's hips! They have been married for 48 years this August, and this will be the longest they have ever been apart. Thank you Grandmama and PawPaw. Anne Pearce and her mommy and daddy thank you from the bottom of their hearts! We love you!

Faith and Family....

Today our pastor delivered a message that hit home with me. He was discussing how we need our church family and how they need us. Sometimes when we are facing difficult times it's easy to turn away from our church family and retreat into ourselves. I felt like he was speaking just to me. When we were kicked out of PGN I was devastated. I didn't want to go anywhere or be around anyone. I coined the term "homeaholic". I was addicted to my home. I see now that I should have been reaching out to others instead of wallowing in my grief and isolation. I could have had so much love and support if only I would have reached out. I am blessed to have my wonderful Andrew as well as close family and friends who are always here to listen to and pray for me. I don't want you to think that I have been all alone....I do have a wonderful support system, BUT by staying away I was also not serving others. There was so much that I COULD have been doing for my church and church family. I can't do anything about the past, but I will try my best to always serve my Father no matter what the circumstance.

On another note, I was reflecting after the service about how God allows things to happen to us that are, well........bad sometimes. It struck me then that we never know all the "bad" things that He doesn't allow to happen at all. YES, AP did get kicked out of PGN, but we have been blessed so many other ways. There is no telling all the things God put into place during that time of waiting. I just have to trust and have faith that all this falls perfectly into our Father's perfect plan.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and no not rely on your own insight. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." Proverbs 3:5,6

Just how am I doing???

I was laying here thinking just a minute ago. I started not to post this, because you have heard it all lately. I then reminded myself that this is MY blog, and I can write whatever I want. Can't I Cameo???? I CANNOT believe that in 22 days I am going to be with my baby girl. All of us know how exhausting this journey is, both emotionally and physically. Even though we only started a year ago I have known that God was leading me to this point for YEARS. I just had to wait for His time to start. I feel like I have waited a long time to find my daughter, but boy has it been worth it. It is still hard to imagine that we are in the home stretch. There is no way to know how long I will be in Guatemala, but I am just so thankful to be able to go be with AP. I still just pinch myself to make sure this is real. It's not a joke; I am going to get MY DAUGHTER. I know this is just a random post saying the same thing over and over. I am having trouble expressing myself....it's hard to find the words! If anyone can understand it's you guys....It just seems too good to be true. Do you know what I mean????

Is this real???

My mama and I went to lunch today and did a little shopping. We both were saying how we couldn't believe that in a little over 3 weeks I will have AP! It just seems so surreal.....I have known that this would come, but I still can't believe that it's almost here. I know that there are no guarantees, but I really feel that a miracle is about to happen. I have posted before that I have felt all along that God would give us a miracle in PGN. When we were kicked out I was devastated, but I still trusted in God. I truly believe that we will be out soon and that our paperwork will fly for us to bring her home. Isn't this amazing?? This journey started over a year ago, BUT it's almost over! We are so thankful that our agency and attorney are allowing me to go care for AP. That is such an answered prayer. I don't understand why some things have happened the way that they have, but I ultimately trust that my Father will make all things right. He will take bad situations and turn them to good. I told my mama today that all of a sudden all my worry about this situation is over. I actually had PEACE and CALM today. What a relief that was! I am so thankful.... I dread the thought of leaving Andrew, the boys, my parents, sisters, Daisy, Wyatt, Maggie, my church, my friends, and the comfort of home. I do have peace that this is the right decision though. It's not going to be easy being away from them all, but I just KNOW that it's what I'm supposed to do. Good things aren't always easy are they? Sometimes we just have to get ready and take that big leap of faith. I have my foot sticking out, and I'm ready to jump! Anne Pearce, here I come!

I have SO much to do!

As excited as I am about this trip, I do have to admit that I am a little bit nervous. There are so many details that I have to take care of before I can leave. It's hard to pack when you don't know how long you will be gone! Of course I am praying that we have the speediest resubmit ever and that we are already OUT before I go! I am going to try to pack the smallest amount possible. I know that some of you have seen AP's closet and are thinking, Oh yeah right! All I can say is that baby clothes don't take up as much space as grown up clothes. I talked to Continental last night, and they aren't allowing any extra bags! That means that I can have 2 bags and a carry on. I will just be stuffing stuff in. I can just pay extra if my bags weigh more than the allowed 50 pounds. I am taking the Bumbo, but I am going to buy a walker while I am there, so I will have something else to entertain AP. I will leave that with Carolina when I leave. I have a doctor's appt. in the morning. I am going to get prescriptions for a couple of antibiotics, so I will be prepared if anything jumps on me. Can you guys think of anything else that I may need? Give me thoughts and suggestions.....

lovelovelove

What a great day so far! WOW!

Ok, first of all I got these:

This alone would make for a great day! Seconds later I got an email from our agency stating that I have OFFICIAL clearance from everyone to go to Guatemala on May 21!!! IT IS HAPPENING!!! THANK YOU, GOD!!!!!!!!!! I will be going to be with my baby in 25 days and have her FOREVER! That is such an amazing feeling.....I just can't describe it. Natalie and I were just talking about how real this is all becoming. We are going to get our girls! SOMEBODY PINCH ME!!! Whew! Can you tell that I am excited?????

Ok, now look at my girl. How cute is this kid? I am wondering though.......did somebody steal Wayne Newton's hair and put it on AP? LOL!!! What am I going to do with this hair? I love it! I guess I'll just randomly stick bows in there somewhere. Please continue to pray. It is working!! God is hearing all of our prayers. I am so happy to be able to share this joy with all of you. You guys are my team, and I love and thank you all for everything you do for me!

Won't be here for a few days.....

Andrew and I have some things to take care of, so you probably won't hear from me until around Wednesday. Natalie will let me know if anyone has any BIG news. I pray someone gets out this week! We should hear from our agency early in the week about our case status. Hopefully we are back in PGN and movin' right along. I know you all will be having Lou withdrawals, but I WILL BE BACK!!! Until then, I'll leave you with a couple of pics.
lovelovelove,
lou

It's getting hard to find pics that you guys haven't seen. Here is AP living it up in Guatemala with her foster mom, Carolina, her son, Joshua, and another Guatebaby. These came from the cameras that we got back in March.

AP and kids with foster daddy, Oscar. Check out his Alabama t-shirt!
What a little angel girl!
Cutie Patootie!
My feet! My feet! I love my feet!

What does my blog look like?

Since I redid the blog Nat says that it is all white for her with pink only at the bottom. How does it look to you? Are you seeing pink on the side like I do or plain white like Nat does? If it is all white I've got to do some changin'. Let me know.....I'm croaking here!

No news....

The men in my life:

Still no word on PGN! I keep waiting and waiting and waiting and waiting...you get the point. I did email my agency today and ask if they would ask our attorney if he would allow me to go down on May 21 whether we are out of PGN or not. I have to be able to book a flight and hotel dates. You guys know it's almost impossible to do something like that overnight without paying a fortune. It's already going to be a sacrifice paying for people to live in 2 places, but I just KNOW in my heart that it's what I'm supposed to do. I wish that God would have just let me be content and stay here with Andrew and the boys until she's ready to come home, but I just have this overwhelming feeling that this is WHAT HE WANTS ME TO DO. As excited as I am I am so sad about leaving Andrew and the boys. For those of you who don't know me that well, Andrew and I are joined at the hip. Literally. We do everything together. He is my rock on earth. And my boys????? They are as necessary as air to me. With all that being said, we still feel that Anne Pearce needs me to come, so it will be easier on her. I do look forward to having with her all to myself. However you look at this, it's hard. It's not natural to have to leave part of your family to go be with another. I know I am just rambling, but I guess this is what a blog is for. SO, we will be waiting to hear what our attorney says. Who knows how long that could take.... You guys know it could be a week or longer before I hear. Let's all pray we get the answer soon, so I will know one way or the other. I also pray that AP gets out of PGN in record time and that Andrew, Logan, and Hayden will be headed down to GC soon to get us both! Please pray for guidance and that God will touch everyone who has to make decisions about this.

Do you ever feel like you are going bonkers?

I just had a sobbing crying fit of hysteria a few minutes ago. My sweet hubby was taking me out to eat, but I just don't want to go ANYWHERE.....not even to go out and eat. He listened while I just cried and cried about how much I miss our baby, about how it sucks that she is over 6 months old and not even back in PGN, about how it sucks that she is doing things that I am not even aware of. Let's face it....I AM DONE. I am ready for that little angel to be home, so my family is complete. I am ready for this hole in my heart to be filled. I know that God is with me, and I know that He has perfect timing. That doesn't mean that sometimes I don't hurt so bad I think I could die. The last time I saw that little face was March 9. That seems like so long ago. Sweetie Pie Andrew keeps reminding me that we are in the home stretch and that God will reveal His plan and miracle for Anne Pearce. I can't imagine going through this without my heavenly Father and my wonderfully supportive husband. SO, Andrew went and bought steaks and baked potatoes, and we are having supper at home. Sometimes you just have to go with the flow. I know that life won't be easy after this adoption is over, but I do pray that we feel normal once again. I miss normal.

Donna and Ava

Hey guys,
If you follow Donna and Ava here is their new blogsite http://www.avaroseisabel.blogspot.com/. Donna had some issues with her agency about the blog this week, and she has started over. Here she is for those of you wondering!

Nothing new here....

Andrew and I are trying to enjoy our last week without kiddos EVER. It is SO quiet here. I am choosing to focus on the positive that there is a great chance that I could be in GC in a month! If the case drags longer than that I will deal with that then. I do have great trust in our attorney in GC. My agency is not happy (to put it nicely) with our decision for me to go wait it out for pink, but we have to do what we feel is in the best interest for AP. It's wonderful to know that you guys are so supportive of our decision. After all, no one really understands what we go through but us Guatemamas anyway! I really don't understand why my agency would care one way or the other about me going down, but I am not going to go there. God led me to them to bring AP home, and they have completed all necessary requirements so far. SO, let's all just pray that AP gets out quickly, and that I am there soon. I NEED to be there. I just can't explain it any differently. I have a reservation at a hotel in Guatemala City, but Natalie and I are constantly looking for alternatives in Antigua. That all depends on if Bella and AP get out around the same time. Please pray for us about this. Nat and I have become SO CLOSE, and it would mean the world to us to be in Guatemala together with our girls. I will let you know if we hear ANYTHING.

lovelovelovelovelove!

Girls, Get your hankies ready!

I saw this on another blog and just had to share. OH MY GOODNESS! This is When Love Takes You In, by my man, Steven Curtis Chapman. I would love to go hug his neck for this one!

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New look for the blog and some news.

Have I told you guys that my mommy is REALLY close to being with me forever?

The blog needed an overhaul! I feel like I just redecorated a room! Natalie, I know you don't love the text color, but just think of it as dark pink! My agency said today that our paperwork was submitted to the foreign ministry of affairs on Friday, and that it takes 2-3 days there. Then it has to be translated (one piece of paper), then back into PGN. So, I guess that we could be back in Thursday or Friday! Whooo HOOO! I am praying for the short end of resubmission, so it's possible that I will be there mid to late May like I was praying. My agency has never had anyone foster, so they are working on establishing the necessary requirements. If things work out for AP and Bella to get out around the same time, Nat and I will head to Antigua. No matter when all this comes together it is just such a relief to be planning to go to be with Anne Pearce and to know that I will NEVER have to give her back! This has been a long journey, but God is showing me the end! Thank you God!!!!! I am praying for re-submission and a speedy trip through PGN everyday. Please pray that God continues to show Himself in this adoption. We know that He has led us to Anne Pearce, and we trust that He will continue to guide our way. I know that everyone is praying for Anne Pearce to be home with us soon!

I love you all,
lou

OK, I booked the flight.....

for May 11! This is my theory......tickets are SO much cheaper when you buy in advance. Worst case scenario I can't go then, but I can save my ticket for later. Even paying the $100 to change the date is much cheaper than trying to book a ticket a week before you try to go. The boys are going to wait to come when Andrew comes for pick-up. It will be a difficult separation, but we all agreed it's what's best for AP. Daisy has offered to help with Logan and Hayden. She is so sent from heaven!!! With Andrew, Daisy, Wyatt, and Maggie looking after my boys I won't have a worry. I will miss them all terribly though. SO, even if we're not out of PGN I am heading down on the 11th if my attorney will allow it. He is such a great man, I'm sure he will. I just have to start the ball rolling with my agency. I can't believe that in less than a month I could be with AP FOREVER and NEVER have to give her back. I still can't grasp that. If any other blogging mommies are going to be heading for visits you better give me a heads up. I can get a driver to bring me to any of the hotels to visit. PLEASE don't leave me here all by myself. If anyone else is thinking of doing this I would love to share the information with you. I am still praying that one of our blogging mommies is going with me. She is really trying to work it out. I will let her tell all of you when she is ready. I PRAY that she goes even if only for a visit. I feel like I need to pinch myself......that this isn't really happening, but I know it is. Please pray that all the details work out. I feel that this is what God is leading me to do for Anne Pearce.

Love to all,
lou

Note: JP is NOT out of PGN.

Their agency "made a mistake" and got the names mixed up! That is unbelieveable! Please pray for Andrea, Scott, and JP as they deal with all of this.

No news about PGN, but makin' plans!

I still haven't heard from my agency if we have been resubmitted to PGN. I have a feeling that we have, but I don't want to get my hopes up. Andrew and I were talking, and we are thinking about going to Guatemala the weekend of Mother's Day and the boys and me staying until Anne Pearce gets to come home. We pray that we will be out of PGN by then. If not, we'll just wait it out. Andrew has talked to the school system about the boys withdrawing the last 2 weeks. Everything is looking fine with that, we just have to talk to their principals next week after spring break. We are praying about this................ We do think that we will go ahead and book airline tickets; It will be cheaper to pay the $100 to change the tickets than to try to book that close to time. Please pray for us as we make this decision. I look at this little face and just know it's what I'm supposed to do. I will let you know as things progress!

Is it Monday yet?

In the pre-adoption days, I LOVED the weekend. LOVED laying around, reading a good book, or visiting with friends. In the adoption days though, I can't stand weekends!!! I love having Drew and the boys home with me, but I know it's impossible to hear any news at all. Anyone else feel this way? It's like we LIVE for Mondays and the HOPE that our agency got some email late Friday afternoon that they will immediately send us on Monday morning! I have been praying since Thursday that we were re-submitted on Friday. Hopefully we will find out tomorrow. On another note, Congrats to Andrea and JP! They are out of PGN!!!!! They had a resubmit day of MARCH 27!!!!! That gives me hope that AP will be back in and OUT quickly! I am so happy for Andrea. She is such a good Christian woman, and I feel blessed to know her. Well, here's to a happy Sunday for everyone and for good news for us all next week!!!

love to all,
lou

Just a rainy Saturday!

Just look at precious Maggie!

Wish this angel was here with us!

Here we are trying to talk Maggie into letting Loulou take her picture in the sand- No go!

I am sorry, but HOW SWEET is this??
Maggie and "KK" as she calls her
That's the Gulf of Mexico behind us!
Daisy, Karen, and me in front of my house
We have had some storms today! Just a rainy yucky day. We never heard back from our agency yesterday, so we pray that we re-entered PGN. God let me know today that all is well. He sent me hope that AP will be back IN and OUT of PGN soon. As I was telling Daisy about my little message from God it stopped raining, and the sun started shining where she was! God does speak to us all the time. I have really come to the place where I totally trust Him and know that His hand is in control. Of course, I want to be back in PGN, so we can get out, but God already has the date planned that AP will get out, and no kick out will stop that! I do miss my girl and her wonderful foster mommy. I will be so glad when we can sit down and visit again! My hope is here and it's alive. God is just so good to me! Karen had a great week in Alabama. I just heard from her that she made it home safely through this BAD weather we are having. I'm glad to know she's safe! I will post some pics from the beach and our week. Maybe Daisy won't kill me for posting them first!

Case update!!!

I just heard from our agency that our attorney received our document yesterday! YEAH! We are praying that we are resubmitted to PGN today on Friday the 13th. Let's have good news on this superstitious day. It will probably be Monday before we hear, but I have a feeling it's today!
Let's all pray! I'll post more later!
love to all,
lou

The best part of living in southern Alabama.....

This is where Daisy, Maggie, Karen, and I are headed until Friday. PARADISE! There will be no blogging done on this mini retreat, but I will fill you all in on Friday night. Natalie will keep me updated if anyone has any news. All of you who have my cell # feel free to call! Until then.....

Case Update!!!

Just got an email from our agency stating that our document is heading back down to Guatemala today, so we should be resubmitted as soon as it gets there!!!

YEAH!!!!

Happy 6 month birthday Anne Pearce!

Has it REALLY been 6 months since my little angel was born???? I know it has, and it just makes me sad. I am so thankful that she is happy and healthy. It is a bit depressing that on this birthday we're not even back in PGN. I called our agency yesterday to check on our documnet. It went off to the courier LAST Monday, so it really should be back. I am going to try not to get so caught up in how long we've been out and how much time has been wasted. It is just so hard. I think I have officially run out of patience! I am just so ready for this girl to be home. I KNOW our time will come, and I do trust God. I do pray that we get some fantastic news this week. Getting back in PGN will be fabulous! Today Karen and I are heading down to Fairhope to have lunch with my mom and to do a little shopping. I told Karen and Andrew that we need to have cupcakes tonight for AP's birthday. I hope that all of you have a FANTASTIC day.

Love and hugs!

Reunited and it feels so good!

Here comes Karen!

Do you think we were happy to see each other???
2 Happy friends!
Karen and I realized that this is the first time we have been somewhere normal and not cooped up at the Marriott! We actually ate lunch in a real restaurant!!!
My sister, Jenny with Maggie at lunch.

Karen is here, and we are thrilled to be together again!

Sorry my friends for the confusion!

I am so sorry! NO, AP is NOT out of PGN......we're not even BACK in! Karen (Abbie's mom) is on her way to Alabama. I didn't mean to give you all a coronary!

Have I told you guys.....

That I am about to go here:

To pick up:

Who is on her way right now in one of these:

Karen is on her way to Alabama as we speak to spend her spring break with us. I AM SO EXCITED!!!! I will post some more pics after I get her from the airport. Did I tell you all HOW EXCITED I AM??????

Just a little video to share today......

Hayden and Maggie

Maggie LOVES Hayden(Haynon) as she calles him. She was over the other day and was ordering Hayden to read books to her. He does whatever she says...... We took these pictures while they were playing in the nursery.....So SWEET!

Happy Easter to all....

Natalie, Andrew, and I were all trying to figure out tonight on the telephone what the Easter Bunny has to do with Jesus rising from death. Andrew found some explanation saying that eggs are the symbol for rebirth... it went on and on. Anyway, we still didn't get it. What I do get is that Jesus went through all that pain and suffering, so we can have life eternal. Nothing to do with a bunny to me. I was reminded that when Jesus was on that cross he was thinking of ME and how much He loves ME. How humbling is that? He makes me want to be a better person for Him, and I will try harder every day. I know I will fail at times, but I also know that He will be there to pick me up and push me on. He is my strength and my salvation.

Anne Pearce is somewhere in Guatemala City tonight, and I am sure that Carolina has taken her to some of the Guatemalan festivities. Guatemalans celebrate Easter all week long, and I know it is a wonderful time down there right now. I hope they took some pictures for us, so AP can see how she celebrated her first Easter. I have comfort knowing that next Easter our little angel will be here with us. I am sad she can't be now, but I am so thankful that she has wonderful people caring for her. I also know that Jesus is watching over her and holding her until I can. I pray for us all to have peace and strength in the knowledge that our Savior is with us all. On this Holy Day I pray that we all realize the magnificence of the gift He gave us so long ago. It is the gift that truly keeps on giving!

Love you all,

lou

Today is my 3rd anniversary for getting the pace maker!

Anne Pearce at almost 4 months....my little angel

I have been very aware today of just how blessed I am to be here with my family and friends! Everytime I looked at Logan and Hayden today it was with thanksgiving for my Father! I am so glad to be here with all of you!


I am missing my sweet baby and wishing she was with us for Easter. We don't understand why it takes so long, and why God hasn't sent her home to us, BUT I do have a huge feeling of peace that Anne Pearce will be home soon. I am still asking my heavenly Father everyday for a miracle, and I believe He will give it. I think, especially today on Good Friday, that he has already given us the best gift imaginable. He loves us enough to let His only son die for our sins. The best part of the story is that He will rise on Sunday! He is with us all here now, because of that sacrifice so long ago. If God can raise Jesus from the dead, dealing with PGN workers will be a piece of cake! I do trust His timing, and pray that we will get great news soon. Today I was rereading some emails I received on some down days. I will leave you today with what my sweet Andrew said to me: I remember reading somewhere that faith gets its power from love- that the love of God flows through each of us to work in miraculous ways. Just think of how much love you have in your heart for God and Anne Pearce and imagine the amount of faith that can be built on that alone.


I pray that the love we all have in our hearts for our Lord and our children will allow our faith to grow even stronger during these holy days!


Happy Easter and love to you all!!!

I almost died 3 years ago today.

I have never told this story publicly, but I feel that it is fitting with all that is going on in my life. This time of year is so special for us all with the death and resurrection of our Savior, Jesus Christ. It also holds special for me, because it represents my rebirth not only with my physical life, but my spiritual one as well.

I have always had some kind of heart problem. I had my first heart procedure 9 years ago. That worked for about 5-6 years, and that was the healthiest time of my life. I was running and exercising daily. I was even competing in local 5 and 10Ks. It was fabulous. I actually noticed that something wasn't right with my heart during a run. I just KNEW. That was June, and my health just started to deteriorate. We tried all kinds of different meds, but nothing was working. My hands and feet were numb most of the time, because I wasn't getting enough blood to my extremities. At this time I was still teaching full time and attending grad. school. Have I mentioned that I was a single mom and had 2 young boys to take care of? I didn't have time to be sick. 3 years ago yesterday I had been to my night class. Andrew was watching the boys, and as soon as I got home something just changed with my body. I can remember being in the bath tub and having the strangest feeling in my head. I didn't know what it was, but I hoped that a good night's sleep would help. Since I felt so bad I asked Andrew to stay the night with us. The next morning when I woke up I couldn't even lift my head. It was a feeling unlike anything I had ever experienced. At that moment God spoke to me and told me to go to the hospital. He really spoke to me....I heard his message in my soul. I couldn't stand, so Andrew carried me to his truck to drive me the 2 and a half hours to the hospital in Mobile. During that ride I was experiencing times of unconsciousness. I prayed the ENTIRE way that God will let me live to raise my children. Even when I wasn't completely aware I was continuing to pray, and I felt God with me. I knew that I would be ok. When I arrived at my doctor's office my pulse was in the low 30's. That afternoon my doctors decided that a pace maker was in store for me and scheduled my surgery for Good Friday. I had friends and family telling me how sorry they were, but I was thrilled! God sent His son to die for us on a Good Friday long ago, and He chose to save my life on that Good Friday. I can't even put into words what that means to me. God heard my prayer. He is allowing me to raise Logan and Hayden and soon Anne Pearce. He told me that he answered my prayer, and that he had another little one that He wanted me to raise! I don't tell this story because I want sympathy or attention. I am telling it in the hopes that it may lead one person to know Jesus. He saved my life for a reason, and part of that reason is to adopt Anne Pearce. Our life has many peaks and valleys, and Jesus is always with us. He was with me when I beat the odds and ran a 10K one April, and He was with me when I almost died the next. He is always with us, and He is in control. My life isn't perfect, but God never promised it would be. He did promise that He would be with us through it all! I am SO much better these days. I will probably never be completely normal, but who is?? When Andrew kissed me after my surgery he said it was the first time he had ever kissed me when my lips were warm! They had always been cold, because of my lack of circulation. God renewed my body and soul. Please let him do the same for you. Happy Easter to you all, and I love you.

In Christ,
Lou

We asked our agency about another visit trip....

Since the big PGN kick out I've been thinking that I need to go visit again, since our case has been delayed. I asked the agency about it Monday, and I also asked about me going after PGN to wait for pink. They said they were emailing our attorney. We should hear today or tomorrow. I know of other families going to visit from our agency, so I don't see why they should have a problem with us going back. We'll just have to see. When we went in January our attorney said we were welcome whenever we wanted to come back. I hope he sticks to that! I miss Guatemala! I miss my baby, and my friends Jorge, Carolina, and Ana. I even miss the Marriott. I know I only miss it, because that's where I've been with AP. I wish I didn't have to go back again for a visit; I wish I was just going to bring her home. We do feel that it's important to go spend as much time with her as we can. It would be great if I could just go foster, but Logan and Hayden wouldn't do well with me gone for months. Anyway, I'm just rambling. Natalie and I are hoping that I get the ok and I could try to make it to GC week after next. We'll just have to see.

As far as our case is going.......the document should have gotten to the courier yesterday. Terri is hoping that it will be back to her at the end of the week, so she can send it back to Sergio. I'll let you all know. We're praying for resubmit early next week. That means we really didn't miss too much time, since PGN is closed down for Easter. That helps my feelings just a BIT.

Hope everyone is having a great week!

Happy Birthday, Dear Olivia

My "first" baby turns 16 today. This precious girl is my niece, Olivia. I love her like she's one of mine. People always say she looks enough like me to be my daughter anyway. My sister Jenny has the mom honors. I have adored this child since the day she was born. I can't believe that she's 16! Where did all those little smocked dresses and Keds go? All the baby dolls and climbing bushes in Grandmama's yard? She has turned into a wonderful girl that we are all so proud of. I love you sweet Livie, and Happy Birthday to you.
LouLou

We all gave Livie pearls for the big occasion!

Liv and her boyfriend, Keenan at the Outback