It just hits you....

Tiny isn't in love with TV, to say the least... but once she saw Jerry Seinfeld's "A Bee Movie" she was entranced. Girl LOVES her bugs and bees. One day I just sat in amazement as she caught bee after bee off my sedum. After she would catch them she put them in a little plastic terrarium. Upon accumulating 30 or so she would open the little trap door and watch them all zoom out. She did this for a few days....I am not kidding this girl loves bugs.... on the third day she got stung... but seriously...how many bees did she woo before she found one who would not cooperate? Over one hundred for sure.
Regardless there are some days I look at these girls and it just strikes me "they have come along way". In my day to day they just gel so well with all the kids I pushed out.... I just mother them like all my children...They *are* my children, afterall. But there are those moments when it just hits you all over again, "holy shit they are here!...there was a time when they were definitly NOT here... and now by the grace of God they are here!"
So the other day I was sitting at my laptop and planning our day. A Bee Movie was wrapping up...everyone still in their pajamas... and the closing song is "Here comes the sun"...and we all know the lyrics, right? right! I look up to tell the girls to run upstairs and get dressed and this is what I see.... and the tears well up and you think , "holy shit...they are really here!"
(make sure you pay attention to the lyrics )

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Happy Bug Birthday!

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Our Saturday

Here is our latest Saturday. We just hatched some eggs and relaxed as a family. All of the kids enjoy watching the little peeps creep out of the eggs. These were eggs from our own chickens and some from our friends chickens.

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It's all really great!

Everything is great. I mean it. The girls are learning English. The rest of us are learning Spanish...we all speak Spanglish. We hope to adopt again in the future. It has been the right experience for our family.
*The girls swimming skills are really taking off. We started just a few weeks ago and they were fear stricken in la pacina grande...but everyday they begged to go. But now just over a month in the states.. They both joyfully leap off the diving board, coming to the surface with giant satisfied grins on their faces.
* They stopped hugging everyone within the first week... and now only hug who is in la familia. They love who is their family and drag them off to see their new drawings and accomplishments. Yeni is driven by the prospect of la esquela...she can't wait and would flatten the world to ensure her attendance.
*My mom took the five year olds (yes I have 2 of them) out to school shop. WOW did they make out like little bandits. I told my sister; had I known that all you had to do was just pile the clothes in a whirl of confusion on my mom and then shuffle her to the cash register .... I would have been so much better dressed as a kid. So both of the 5 year olds have brand new wardrobes thanks to my mom!!!!! Shout out to the Moo for all the new la ropas!!!!! We are very thankful. When the girls came home they were in such a frenzy of showing off their clothes... Papito was very impressed!
* When the 5 year olds came home with all their shopping loot the 3 year olds (yep I have 2 of those too!) looked on in amazement... and then went in on what stuff they will want for "their school". We do lessons everyday at the kitchen table... so I think they are reaching pretty high to think they need new clothes for that. But to make them feel important I picked them up some new sandals... because holy cow they are always wearing each others shoes and then I look out the window and see one 3 yr old dragging the other by their foot yelling, "get out of my shoes.. those are mine.. you lost yours"... and the smaller three year old screaming about "getting to them first, you were sleeping". Three year olds could really produce a great reality show featuring all their daily antics... Come to think of it.. our house would be a great reality show...It would be a hit!

All by Myself!

When I went to Guate to pick up the girls... I went all by myself. No husband... no friend...no sister...no one but me. I took the advice of a little known genius and hired Victor. He was to pick me up from the airport , to and from the embassy and take me out shopping. He emailed my husband and told him that he also had available a prepaid cell phone if I needed it. We agreed on all of this and I flew to Guate.
As soon as I got there he was waiting . He guided me through the mobs of people and ushered me into a vehicle which was pristine. Victor Lopez handed me a cell phone and some bottled water. He spoke awesome English and was a joy to be around! He took me out shopping and taught me facts about Guatemala. While shopping he negotiated with the merchants and did all the overall interpreting.
For the Embassy appointment he was INVALUABLE... you can not put a price on how WONDERFUL Victor Lopez is as a friend. At the Embassy he stood in the lines for me and helped me with the paperwork. When it was absolutely nessassary for me to be present he played with the girls and walked them around. Victor being a father of two he knew the girls were getting bored. Being the gem of a man when he wasn't helping me, or waiting in line, or interpreting, or paying on my behalf, or wasn't singing with the girls... he was helping an old woman with some form that she couldn't understand.... He is priceless.
He was the best Rent-A-Husband that anyone could ask for...Acutally, truth be told he was better then having my husband because he knew everything and spoke the language. Hiring him was the best money I have spent in a long time. He is also the only person in this adoption process who wasn't scamming us.. and who didn't ask for enough money... Victor Lopez is very underpaid for the quality of work he does. I never could have completed this adoption without him!
He offers many other services that I didn't take advantage of.. because of time restraints.. However if you are going to Guate he is absolutly crucial to having a relaxed time!

A woman we talked with at the market.

Yes she is pouring water out of a boot....and *WHY* is she pouring water out of a boot...well... our 2gallon watering can is ridiculously big to her. She was very determined to wash off the beetle....She would pour a bootful over it and then check... finally she resigned herself to the boot just not working. Still determined to wash off the little beetle she got the watering can... Success!



The girls and all of the kids, for that matter, are settling in really well. It has worked out tremendously well for us, as we already have a 5 and 3 year old. We can determine what is and isn't age related. Overall having 6kids isn't ALOT of KIDS... it feels really normal. Don't get me wrong there are plenty of times of the day where our family rhythm is blown right out of the water... but overall it is really good...and I am really really happy with my family.

So Great!

I love these kids.
They are all so great and such a blessing to our lives!
Some said it could feel a lot like babysitting ... well.. it doesn't; it feels like mothering.
I just really love them...all.

Guate Airport

"is that mommas plane?"...teeny
"no momma's plane is very big"..tiny
"is that momma's plane?...teeny
"NO!" tiny says exhausted that teeny is just not getting it, "momm's plane is not little...Momma's plane is VERY BIG!"
(of course that was all in spanish)

Princessas

Any Questions?

Guates out of the Bag

Gigs up.. I guess, lol.. You found me out.. I am in guate. I had to clear some "issues" up and get things squared away. There were a lot of screwed up details.. but in the end everything was taken care of.

Okay seriously.. you needed to see this:

Muy bonita

DNA

Get this????
The DNa is on it's WAY!!!!!
Get up from your computer and Dance it out People....
Dance
Dance
Dance
DANCE!

Sowing and Reaping

As a family we have always believed in the concept of "reaping what you sow". We take this very seriously in all aspects of our lives. Well it is with great pleasure that I tell you of what my parents did:
Last Sunday my parents went to a new church. There was an opportunity for them to sign up to sponser children in other countries. My parents took that opportunity to invest in 2 childrens , Jose and Jeremi ...in hopes that they can make a difference in those kids lives.. but also as Sowing into Guatemala so we may REAP the reality of OUR GIRLS coming home sooner. Another cool part of the sponsorship is they allow you to visit if you want (with the proper background checks.. which I have tons of).. So when we go for pick-up I will be taking stuff down for the familes. How cool is that?!!
So much has happened this week.. it seems like everyone is reaping ....and reaping... and reaping!
Props to my parents for sowing into these kids lives! and also Props to them for showing their strong support of our adoption!

Birth Certificates!

Look at these girls! Their fostermom sent these to me. We talked to her and she seems to be taking good care of the girls. She said "they love to play outside".... which is great since we spend a huge chunk of each day outside tending to our gardens. They seem "so normal" despite everything they have gone through.
On the official side of things.. The girls were issued new birth certificates. That is a great relief. In light of all the controversary with Guatemala adoptions we brought their birthmom back into sign off for yet another time ...so it is very official now. They are OUR GIRLS!
Did you hear me?
THEY ARE OUR GIRLS!
OURS!
OURS!!!!!!

Strawberry Family

Remember when I had a picture of My Family in Pumpkin form? Remember how I said I wouldn't want to have to show you my family in snowperson form.....lucky us we never did get a ton of snow.
Well now I give you my family in GREEN Strawberry Form. Who knew it would take this long!? Either way.. there we are in all our green strawberry form!
On a side note we just got our renewal of our fingerprints in the mail...so we are cleared six ways from sunday for another year.... Anyone up for another adoption?

Happy birthday Papito!

"Hola Papito,
We love you and miss you!
We want to go swimming again.
We are behaving and want to come home.
Get on a plane and come get us!"
Love....
Teeny y Tiny

Happy Easter

I spoke to the girls yesterday. They sound great. Teeny speaks more clearly then the last time I spoke to her. Tiny was very chatty. They had a good Easter and were happy to tell me where they went and how they have been "acting very good".

I understand the greater plan.... and I *get* why Teeny and Tiny aren't here yet. And for everyone who has called or emailed me privately... My dad is doing good and will be better then new in no time.
Me and my family are "In it to win it"!

Please Look at these Links

I don't have a lot to report...just keeping busy.

I found this and received it today. I love it.
Spanish Language for Adoption

Then we reviewed this site
Mayan Families

and we really loved their Micro Loan project it is exactly what I want to be involved in
Micro Loans

... We will also be involved in their Chicken Project.... for obvious reasons, it really spoke to our kids..one in particular!
Chickens for Everyone...All it takes is a Peep!


So cool right?!

Side Note

Hey Mr or Miss...Lima, Peru,
Who are you? I see I have many people visit my little blog. But who is the person from Peru. I have friends from Peru....but it isn't them....So who are you...and Welcome to my site. I am so glad that you have followed my journey in adoption.
It is so intriguiing that so far away someone would find my little blog interesting and check on it so often.
I am glad you read (I am glad all my readers check on my blog) ....Please click on the Post Comment....and leave a little message or hello.
Thanks for taking the time to stop by!

*****Welcome Jimena,
I am glad you like following along. I have friends from Peru so that is why it intrigued me that someone from Lima was reading. It doesn't scare me at all! Glad you are here. Enjoy! Thank you for saying "hi"

Higher still

So the suspense is growing......
I saw someone get an approval with a 12/20 submit...
Can you barely stand it!?
Stay tuned.
EEEE!!

Still High!

Okay Business first. Called Laura at PGN and we are with the 2nd Reviewer. Which we knew... but it is good to know we are still holding strong! Cases all around me are getting approved. One of my close friends just got her Approval and she was a Dec 10th submission.... We are a Dec 28th submission. We are getting close. Keep in mind that there was a whole Christmas break they didn't work...so the excitement is insane!
Got new pics! YAYYYYYYYYYYY! and by the looks of it...one will love to help Caleb with the chickens... and one...err.. may pass on it! Wait till they find out where Pollo Compero gets their "pollo"...On the other hand, maybe those expressions mean they know exactly what's up with PolloCompero.


They asked me on Monday..."momma when are you coming to get me....we want to get on the plane" Then they heard Zims voice and squeeled, "Hola bebe...hola!". I love them!
HEY...anyone know the lyrics to the Spanish childrens song which is sung to the tune of "If all the Raindrops were gumdrops and lemondrops...oh what a world this would be...Standing outside with my mouth open wide...ah ah aha ah ah ah ah..."
Anyone?...please leave a comment.Thanks!

High!

So many wonderful things! We are on the 2nd reviewers desk. So that is good.
BUT BETTER YET!!!!!!!!
My secret Plan has worked....


and aren't they beautiful?! So high up in the sky...precariouslyy perched on a balcony. Everytime they see a plane they ask their fostermom "Is my mom coming to get us on the plane"
(Can you hear my heart crack wide open?)
And she tells them , "Yes she will come for you....she has to travel a long way"
(enter Fievel Mousekawitz singing, "somewhere out there")
OH! And their fostermom has 6...SIX SIX sons...so the girls will be more then prepared for coming here to our rowdy bunch!
Oh can you believe they ask all the time to go to Pollo Compero...ya don't say?!

My heart is bursting.

1st Desk

I called PGN and spoke with Laura today. We have been in 15days and are still at the 1st reviewers desk. That would be due to all the folks with incomplete files submitting before the New Year...so all their files that don't have even the slimmest slightest chance of being approved and are just sitting there clogging up the works ... they are making the 1st desk a file jam at the moment. I remember begging my agency to submit me without PA at one point...and now I understand why it is a bad idea.... you are just robbing from someone elses time with a reviewer.
The Great News....lol...Haven't been kicked out yet! (This is where you say a prayer for my file to get approval.....ie. Dear Lord please pour out a blessing of approval on their file. Please shine Your favor into this situation.Amen)
For your information Dateline will be doing a show on Guate adoptions. I think it will be on January 20th. Most families adopting from Guate agree it will be rich with "paid birthmothers" (because no one does that in this country right, ...oh no those are called "gifts").... and "stolen babies" (please remember the TWO seperate DNA tests)... or Guate being a super fast and easy place to adopt from (Oh come on!). Well whatever they choose to get ratings with....please don't forget all the truths that you have learned about adoption in this process. Heck they may really surprise everyone and give a warm fuzzy look at how families were formed through adoption....but who would watch that?!...hey, but maybe.
I know I am not always a faithful little blogger.... somedays it feels like if I don't have headlines why should I trouble you with idle blog chatter... but ...well... I have something in the works... and I don't want to get your hopes up.... I may even know within 2weeks if my idea will pan out.... so stay tuned... if it does work out I will be OH SO EXCITED...
And now a happy little pic....sigh... they are just so pretty in all their we-just-got-done-playing-outside glory

Called PGN

Got through to PGN yesterday...Can I tell you how bad I didn't like Celine Dion before.... but honestly the PGn on-hold music is terrible. First is James Blunt, "You're Beautiful", then that Beauty and the Beast song "Tale as old as Time" then two Dion songs...Then back to James Blunt... 4 songs over and over again...Do they think americans like this crap? Or maybe they think they can run us off this way. Then to continue the torture you could hold on for this loop of junk multiple times only to have someone pick up the reciever and click it back down...disconnected! The ultimate in Guatemala punishment. You are sitting there with your head in your hands as your brain leaks out your ear from the screechy howl of Celine thinking, "all that for nothing...AND I had to pay for that".
I endured the torture and got to the Laura (secretary) and she told me, "You are on the first reviewers desk, Congratulations. You are very lucky to have been submitted before the 31st. PGN is not accepting any new cases after that date. Had you not been submitted you would now not be able to get in at all"
So shove it Ms. Dion... you don't scare me!

p.s... if this post was not fun enough for you.. watch the montage again, lol

We are in PGN again.

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