Saturday, February 23, 2013

Moving Right Along

Movin’ right along in search of good times and good news.  We are trying to keep this show on track.  In January, our I-800s along with supporting documents were sent to the USCIS ---- they never arrived – YIKES……. I must say --- We have the nicest Officer at the USCIS ever---- she has been great and helped us so much!!! After much frustrations, I picked myself up to re-gathered everything and resend our documents.  On February 14th, we received news that our 2 I-800s were Provisionally Approval and our files have been moved to the National Visa Center for upload into the Dept. of State system.  This part was so quick! Thanks Office Cindy!  I think the NVC is where the Article 5 letters are issued.   Once the MOJ receives these letters they will pass everything along and a court date will be issued.  We also did fingerprints again for the FBI - sent - hopefully these are our last ones to do.  Movin’ right along – they say getting there is half the fun. Movin’ right along (doog-a-doon doog-a-doon)

We Skyped with the girls today!! What at wonderful experience – just to see them and hear their little voices.  “Mama - Daddy” I do not have the words to describe how that made us feel.  They would even repeat Love You… we can’t wait to bring them home. 
We are still working on their room.  My sister will be coming to visit and help put the finishing touches on the girls' room in just a few weeks.  We are having a shower for the girls and I'm so excited that all of our friends and family will be together celebrating. I love showing them off.  
Movin’ right along

My Loves
 

Sunday, January 27, 2013

My Wish

Our first trip, we arrived in Sofia on Sunday then travel to Novi Pazar on Monday to meet the girls.  When we arrived, we first met with the Social Service staff.  They were all very nice and were able to answer all of our questions about the girls.  We were taken to a “play room” - as the staff opens the door – there were the girls playing.  I think my heart stopped – the precious little ones we only saw in a picture and fell in love were right here.  The moments passed slowly as we entered and were introduced to our girls.  They are beautiful, active with great personalities – I couldn’t help but stare. We played with them as they quickly warmed up to us.  That kiss, that hug, that touch will forever be imprinted into our memories - what a magical thing.  Oh, oh oh!!  The hours passed so quickly and we looked forward to the next day. 

Each day brought new memories and many “first” for our girls.  We brought play dough and they didn’t even want to touch it – it took getting use to it and by the end of the day it was a hit.  We were able to take some walks to the park where swings and slides were calling our names.  The girls were not sure what to think at first- once they figured out how much fun it was – I think they had a blast.  They were so cute and I was amazed that the teeter-totter was a hit too.   We also brought a picture book for each of them – pictures of us – of course – and our family plus our dogs.  They had so much fun looking at it – momma and daddy – Pretty Cool. 

The last day was the hardest knowing this was it until we return. I don’t think 4-5 months will pass quickly enough for us.  There were many kisses and hugs this week as well as laughter and smiles that we will hold in our memories.  Our week was absolutely amazing – we had an amazing translator – she was very good to us – loved her.  I was worried how we would be able to leave – just walk away from these two precious ones.  There must have been a plan between our translator and others to have our exit done without rush and only a tear.  We said goodbye and gave our kisses and hugs – we hope they last until our return – we made our exit before we knew it – then to the car headed back to Sofia. 

Once back in Sofia – Friday – we signed papers and then we had a free day to sightsee in downtown Sofia.  There are some amazing buildings and lots of walking to do which balances the good food we ate.  We had an early flight on Saturday – long flights are not my thing – I was miserable sitting in one place for so long.  We’ve made it back for a week– set our pictures to music and now counting down the day.  Our family and friends are helping us plan for them and get the house ready as well as lots of celebrations – I think we are going to stay busy – now and forever.  We are truly blessed with great family and friends. 

My Wish – I hope they know somebody LOVES them – Yeah, this is our wish!!!!

Saturday, December 29, 2012

Referral – Girls Girls Girls!!!!

Our time has come – we survived the great wait !!!  We have received our referral!!! The call came in December 4th, Kay, our coordinator, gave us the wonderful news – the only information at first was - we had a referral.  In the following weeks, details of our referral trickled in – TWIN GIRLS!!!!! Once we laid eyes on them December 14th -  Yes, they are our girls and we are blessed – they are who we prayed for all these years.  We have our travel dates – can’t wait to meet them– so excited!!!               

We can’t stop thinkin’ about Girls! Girls!

Saturday, August 11, 2012

Summertime!

We had a wonderful summer vacation.  Our family vacation just gets better each year! 
The Beach Club
It’s a smile, it’s a kiss - It’s a sip of wine, It’s summertime -Sweet summertime!
 
Double Red Flag Cautions were flying high most of the week!!!
 
Vince and Zach just hangin’ out
Loving their Aunt Pam!!!!!   
I’ll work on catching up on what’s been going on. Hope you enjoy a few pictures. This is a start!

Sunday, May 27, 2012

Whole Lotta Celebrating Goin' On

We have been busy this month with so many celebrations.  Vince celebrated his birthday with a day of relaxation and dinner at Carrabba’s Italian Grill – Vince ordered spaghetti with Italian sausage and my favorite was the signature dish of Pasta Weesie.


Nurse’s Week
We celebrated all the magnificent Nurses at Baptist!
We also had lots of fun in the HotShots Photo Booth!!!


Lauren and Chris Winchell’s Wedding
My Best Friend Melinda
My Sweetheart

Hub City Fitness Quest

Dustin took 1st place in his division as well as Overall Winner for Men’s Physique !  We're so proud of him!!
As you can see, we’ve been super busy and having blast.  I would like to say there was lots going on with our adoption but I can’t.  As the old adage says: no news is good news – NOT – hopefully soon!!



Thursday, April 26, 2012

On a Jet Plane

YEAH!!!! We have received our USCIS extension last Thursday.  We immediately got busy getting our documents notarized, certified and apostilled.  USCIS was notarized Friday – then all notaries were certified – off to our capital in Nashville for the official seal of approval.  Tuesday we received all apostilled documents – Thanks FedEx for a speedy delivery!!!!  Made my copies of all the documents then – off they went – back to FedEx – On a Jet Plane – to Bulgaria!!!!  I wish I could say we were on that jet plane ---- VESTA should have them in their hands Friday!!! YEAH!!!
Praying for our Referrals!!!  As we continue to wait…