MSNBC Article

Foreign Adoptions in U.S. Decline for Third Year
Tougher policies in China and Russia are partly responsible
Associated Press

NEW YORK - The number of foreign children adopted by Americans has dropped for the third year in a row, a consequence of tougher policies in the two countries — China and Russia — that over the past decade have provided the most children to U.S. families...

Dossier Going to Vietnam Soon!

We just heard that our dossier is back from the consulate, and will be on its way to VN in a few days. Our agency is holding it for a couple more days to send it in with another that will be ready soon. Yippee! I'm so excited and can hardly believe that after all this time, our paperwork will soon be in Vietnam. Of course, there's no telling how long we'll wait after that, but still- it feels like progress!

Spotlight on Lavender... Time for knees to hit the floor

I hope you'll forgive me for being repetitive, but I wanted to pull an item off the prayer list and make sure this little girl gets the attention and prayer she deserves. Lavender, of Sweet and Sour Chicken fame, is scheduled to start pre-op procedures for her cleft repair in just a couple days (the 28th). I believe her first surgery is still slated to begin on Dec. 6. I've asked her mom for permission to request your prayers on her behalf. If you don't know this family's story, go over and take a look. Make sure to go back to the beginning to hear Sabrina's difficult journey in bringing Lavender home. And while you're there, scroll down to the post titled "Wonderful Support" from Sept. 21st, to see and hear Lavender talking to her mommy and saying her ABC's (or skip directly to it here). She will steal your heart! Once you see her, there's no way you'll forget to pray for her. I know I have some faithful, praying people reading this, so I'm counting on you. Let's lift her and her family up!

Alex's Senior Pictures

Family and friends,

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving. Are you able to zip your pants? That's actually kind of a personal question, isn't it? Alex's Senior pictures are now available to view on the photographer's website. If you would like to see them, email me and I'll send you the link. I'm really happy with how they turned out, although I'm still trying to come to grips with the idea that I'm the mom of someone who looks like such a man. He's really messing up my standard lie of saying I'm only 32. I can't pull that off anymore. Darn these kids!

Here's a picture from yesterday of the old man with all 9 of his children and 1 of his grandchildren. He was so happy and proud to have them all home together. Also pictured is my awesome Mom-in-law. If you look closely, you will see Nick has a black eye. He tripped over his dog (yes, it's ok to laugh at that part) and fell off his deck... landing ON HIS FACE (that part's not funny. It's a good thing Mommy wasn't there to see it. I would have been a mess). He dislocated his shoulder, blackened his eye, and hurt his knee. Amazing that he didn't break his neck. My precious Evan (front and center) apparently thought these were mug shots. Can't you just feel the holiday cheer oozing out of him? I was on the other side of the camera this time, but just picture me looking fat and fabulous, as always.

Back row: Mike, Kindra, Nick, Darrell, Wanda, Alex, Kyle
Front row: Braden, Tuck, Evan, Bri, Olivia