Happy Birthday Dear Boaz!

Hi friends. It's been a few weeks since I've posted and it's time for an update. First of all, check out that fundraising thermometer over on the right hand side. We are so close to being fully funded, y'all. It's incredible. We have had some extremely generous and unexpected donations come in and we couldn't be more thankful. I may do a post on how draining the prospect of fundraising after three failed adoptions is later, but for now please just know how precious you are to us when you show us so much love. We are humbled and honored and thankful to know you. And our Jamberry party raised $187! Thanks again to sweet Jane, who is donating all of her commission from what was sold. You are a blessing!

In adoption progress news, we had all three home study visits with our social worker in the past couple of weeks. It is such a good feeling to have that checked off of the list and we will move on to the next step as soon as the papers are in our hands. I know I posted about it on Facebook, but seriously-if anyone is intimidated by the thought of going through the scrutinizing aspect of the adoption process but you want to adopt, please know this. During a home visit one of our children came waltzing past the kitchen table sans clothes because he said his energy was draining and he needed to soak his feet in water. There were a couple of other similarly embarrassing hilarious things as well. And our social worker didn't bat an eye. Evidently this isn't her first rodeo and it ain't ours either. It was pretty comical. So do not let the red tape part of bringing a child home keep you from going for it. There is no such thing as a perfect home with perfect parents and brothers and sisters. It just doesn't exist. Thankfully perfection is not required to be able to adopt-only willing hearts. Grace abounds. Please feel free to contact me anytime with questions-we are far from experts, but I would love to put your mind at ease if I can. 

And here's the really fun stuff. Little Boaz is turning one on Saturday! Lord willing, this will be his only birthday spent without a family. We cannot WAIT to get our hands on that little man. And what a precious little man he is. We got an updated report from our agency along with some new pictures- which are like solid gold to a waiting family. Feast your eyes:

I know, I know-it's not fair that we are getting the cutest boy in China-but we are. I mean-what a little lover! That tongue...those fingers...those little touching feet...the little man haircut...the overstuffed and probably really sweaty little getup...Gah! Happy Birthday, little Bo-you are so loved and so celebrated and we are praying you home!!

Jamberry Fundraiser!

It's been a crazy week! We just got back from Aaron's sister's beautiful wedding where she was a gorgeous bride. We are so happy for her and her new husband. And now that we've had a second to catch our breath, we are starting our first official fundraiser for little Boaz! 

I've known Jane since I was little. We're talking the 1980's. My sister and I were in her wedding. She was in my dad's youth group. And her mom married my uncle, which makes us cousins by marriage. She's a precious life long friend and has chosen to bless us by giving us her commission from a Jamberry party she is hosting! I'm so pumped and even more thankful!! If you don't know what Jamberry is, here's some information for you. They're awesome nail wraps that last for weeks - no harsh chemicals, chipped polish, trips to the salon, or damage to your natural nail. These are not polish strips or fake nails. They are high quality, latex-free, non-toxic heat sealed wraps you apply to your nails of any length. One sheet gives you 2-4 manis and 2 pedis, and last for 10-14 days. Because this party is all online, you can shop in your jammies! Over 300 styles so there's something for everyone! There are so many cute designs. This video shows you how to apply them. And if you're on Facebook, you can join the party here. Even if you're not sure if you want to purchase anything, join the group and there will be some fun giveaways. The Jamberry party ends May 12.

Thanks for your support!