Application Approved!

Our application was approved! We heard back from our agency in just over 24 hours! All five of us had gone to Salem to pick up some groceries from Costco. It was Friday, June 27th 2014. They had samples out so Tyler, Haley and Penny stood in line waiting for some sort of chicken product to try. I took Logan in the shopping cart to get some milk when I heard my phone chime that I had a message. I took my phone out of my purse and listened to the message. I could feel my eyes welling up with tears as I was listening, it was our agency telling me we had been approved! Logan was looking at me funny, probably wondering what was wrong with his mom. :) I hung up my phone and gave Logan a big hug while telling him we'd been accepted into the Haiti program. We can bring his brothers or brother and sister home! Tyler and the girls found us and when I saw Tyler I felt like I could start crying. I told them the exciting news and I'm sure all the other shoppers are wondering what in the world is going on with us. :) Those moments will hopefully forever be stored in my memory. The excitement and emotion were so strong I can't even imagine how I am going to feel when I actually get to meet my children! I have been telling myself that this will probably be the fastest thing to happen, so don't get used to it. Nevertheless, it was time to celebrate with a little sparkling cider!

This past week we had a nice break from the intense research, decision making and application process. Our agency social worker was out of the office for the week so we couldn't really move forward at all. We were emailed a 165 page document about the program, fees, training, and process we will be involved in over these next months and years. I think it was a good thing that was all we had to do last week because it was a lot to read!

On Thursday we went up to the house Tyler grew up in. His brother lives there now, but a lot of his dad and mom's things are still there. Tyler's dad said he would donate some things to our garage sale fundraiser so we started going through the garage. I feel like in some ways this is how Tyler's mom can be part of bringing our children home. It's pretty amazing how many memories come flooding back by just being at the house.  I was able to see this hydrangea bush that Caron loved. They will forever remind me of her. I miss her.

We spent a lot of time this week with our kids swimming, playing games and enjoying time with friends and family. We had a fantastic 4th of July and went to watch Frozen at the park on Saturday night. I love summer and the fun small town activities we get to do. I keep thinking about how fun it will be to share these moments with all five of our kids.

Now I eagerly anticipate tomorrow. I will be close to my phone all day waiting for our agency to call and tell me what our next step will be. What paperwork do we need to gather? What training do we need to start? What appointments do I need to make? I can't wait to get started!!