Packing up Lex...

While writing up the packing suggestion list yesterday, I remembered some of the odd things Lex asked to take back with him. Besides a large Ziploc of Halloween candy, I packed all his clothes, (shirts, pants, pj's, underwear, socks) a fleece blanket, shoes, his little am/fm headset that was free with one of the shirts he picked out (apparently this is WHY he picked this shirt), baseball hat, Batman notebook, pens, paper and envelopes with our address on them, 3-4 match box cars, new tooth brush, a few toothpaste, floss, child's English dictionary/picture book, 2 small photo albums full of pictures of his stay with us and of course his beeping on the hour watch which was proudly strapped to his wrist. In addition he asked for and took:
A role of clear tape (like the kind you put in an office dispenser)
Rylee's OLD soccer cleats (that he could barely get on his feet)
double A batteries (which he didn't have anything that used them)
playing cards (I'm not even sure all the cards were in this deck!)
and a roll of Costco Kirkland Brand TOILET PAPER!
I thought the TP was so strange until one of the parents yesterday suggested bringing your own....
I've had a couple more comments/suggestions for traveling that I thought I'd pass on:
#1 Bring a portable water boiler to boil water for cooking? I'm sure where we stay with full apartments this would not be necessary but if you were in a hotel and wanting to make instant oatmeal?
#2 You can purchase a high-capacity replacement battery for your camcorder that lasts anywhere from 3 to 10+ times the capacity of the battery that comes with the camcorder. Amazon.com sells them for just about every make and model.
Note to self: Pack antibiotic ointment for Lex. When he arrived he had such chappy lips and a sore, I tried a number of things but a few doses of antibiotic ointment and waalaa it was gone.
I'm also going to pack Mountain House freeze dried meals. They've actually for hiking and a great source of protein and they've pretty dang good. I can't imagine keeping James happy on Mac & Cheese and Top Roman for any extended period of time!
Attention Parents Heading to the Ukraine:
I'm thinking of planning a game night to brush up on our card and dice game skills. I think it will be not this weekend but the next, let me know if you'd like to come. Bring your home grown children (as we need to practice with children-right?) AND I'm going to try and serve some samples of these Mountain House meals. If you'd like to come, comment or email me (richharts@msn.com) for an exact date, time and address. Bring a treat to share and any card and dice games to teach us!

Major Miracle!

For those of you following my blog you know I post my "mini" miracles and my "major" miracles in this adoption journey and today's was MAJOR!
All along this road to bringing Alex home was the huge, looming question. "How are we going to pay for this?" As mentioned, about three months ago the answer (for a large chunk) was to refinance our house, rolling our first and 2nd together and getting cash out. I work as a real estate agent and deal with loans, underwriters and appraisers on a daily bases, so this should have been a piece of cake. But it wasn't. First I needed to find a rate to justify refinancing our 5.75% first mortgage as there's no way James was going to go for this unless we were lowering our overall payment so getting a killer rate was paramount!
Toward the end of November I locked in at rate that lowered our total house payment (with the cash out) by about $150 a month with my credit union. My fabulous loan officer (that I use for almost every deal and who I not only love because she is incredible at her job but also because I consider her one of my very good friends) couldn't find this rate and because one of her best traits is objective honesty she told me to "go for it" with my credit union.
After eight weeks stuck in underwriting, appraisal issues, switching to another lender and then employment verification issues, switching back to the original lender and still having appraisal issues, (which is bizarre because we have a very solid file!) I humbly called my fabulous loan officer/friend whom I will call Corbie Coy-cause that's her name-with Academy Mortgage and told her my plight. She worked her magic and not only beat my original rate (thus lowering my already lower payment-rates are even better now than the were end of November!) she got me a few thousand extra than anticipated towards our adoption. Within 10 days, we were through underwriting, signed, (Shout out to my fabulous title officer Jolyn Brown at Highland title who came in on Presidents Day to settle my loan!) loan done, funds in the bank!
So this is a blatant/UN-apologizing/thoroughly deserving plug:
If you are in need of working with the best loan officer and nicest person around, you should get Corbie's contact info from me! You will love her just as much as I do!
Now we're just waiting for our tax returns and we should have all our funds. (Sounds of angels singing should be inserted here!)
Had you asked me how I was going to come up with the money for this adventure the day I put Alex on the plane to go back to the orphanage, I would have have shrugged my shoulders and said "I have no idea!"
The Lord truly works in mysterious ways, and today, he worked through and angel on earth named Corbie!

Travel tips....

Wow! Look at me, I haven't posted for TWO days!
Mostly, because there's nothing new going on! After two weeks of theater performances, its been nice to just stay home, hang out and do nothing!
Today I went to lunch with the group of parents that have ALREADY adopted from Ukraine. I went with the intent to pick their brains about traveling. We were there for over FOUR hours! It was so great to talk to these parents who made it!! (And a few are returning this spring to bring home more children!)
Everyone has a story. Miracles, struggles, heartache, happiness. Amazing people!
Here are a few of the tips:
(Email or comment with your email and I'll forward you a complete list!)

#1 Take a good sedative for the long flight and train rides
#2 Pack antacid’s, cold medicine, ibuprofen etc.
#3 Bring fresh, crisp money for exchange. They won’t take dirty, crinkled money
#4. Keep you passport with you ALWAYS
#5 Make sure you bring your adoption decree WITH you to the airport and not check it in your luggage.
#6 Wear layers
#7 Bring treats for the orphans. Some bought big Costco bags of candy to share, others bought things in the Ukraine.
#8 Bring playing cards and dice
#9 You might want to bring your own toilet paper.
#10 Buy a hair dryer/curling iron when you get there-the adapters tend to make our appliances short out.
#11. Bring a surge protector for your computer
#12 Bring your video camera and digital camera
#13 Write in your journal
#14 Bring things to do, movies, books scriptures etc.
#15 Bring good walking shoes!

Traveling This Road...

I can't believe how connected I've become to the other parents going through this same experience. I've spent countless hours on the phone/email with others who, until we started this adventure, I didn't know at all.
Sometimes they're calling or emailing with questions like "How do we get to the appostille office?' or "I heard you have a secret about getting your fingerprints done faster?" and they're always so grateful for my directions and tips but really they're doing me the favor. You see, our adoption is the first and foremost thing I like to talk about! (And I worry that I talk about it too much to my friends and family and that they're going to start avoiding having conversations with me!) I love the opportunity to talk with these fellow parents and if I can help them in some small way, then that's great! I am by no means an expert, I can only share what has worked for me and my experience. I'm just so happy when I get a call and a chance to share stories and concerns, pass on tips and directions, and mostly just know that there is someone traveling this road with us!
As we've all gotten closer to submitting and getting everything done on our end, I've been on pins and needles not only for myself but for other parents as well. I worry when I haven't heard they have a submission date that something has gone terribly wrong. (Not all keep such a rambling blog and put it all out there for the world to see!) I know, you probably think I'm just being nosy. (Which is true to some extent but nosy in a concerned/caring way!?) And these parents (I say parents as some are Dad's not just Mom's) have become my friends-I think you could compare it to the bond a soldier gets with his fellow soldiers-we're all fighting for the same cause and in the same trench and side by side. (That's probably a little dramatic but then-you know me!)
I've shared heartache on the phone regarding health problems, doubts about if adoption is right for them, money concerns, communication concerns, sibling worries, family support issues, and of course paper chase worries. I don't have all the answers, and sometimes it's me with the worries and concerns but overall our chats are positive and I feel buoyed up after talking to them.
But yesterday, I called on a Mom who was just delivered a heart wrenching delay that even if you ask me, I won't go into it, as it's her story to share if she chooses to or not and right now there are still a lot of unanswered questions and answers needed.
So today, I can't help but think of her and my heart hurts for her, her family and her children half a world away.
A wise fellow blogger & parent put out a call for prayers and fasting and I'd like to do the same on my little blog. Please pray for ALL of us to have success in our efforts to bring our children home. Please pray that those with roadblocks/delays will find comfort and the answers they're looking for. And above all, please pray that our children are safe, cared for and have hope that we will come.
Thank you to all who check on my blog and send your sweet comments and even those that don't comment but let me know they've been reading.
Love to all!

Follow this story if you can!

While taking Devree's friend home after Rylee's play we drove by one of Kambree's friends house and out on the porch were four darling boys/friends of Kambree's in thier choir suits singing and giving flowers to Kambree's friend. (I thought maybe she was getting asked to a dance?)

Devree's friend just happens to live next door so Kambree and Brad (Kambree's friend she brought to Rylee's play and friend to the four boys as well) jumped out and met the boys while they were heading back to their car. The boys apparently sing and give flowers out every Valentines day-calling themselves the V-boys-to their friends that are girls. (Not to be mistaken with girlfriends!) They had been trying to call on our home phone to arrange a surprise with me for Kambree but we were at Rylee's play. So right there and then she got a serenade and flower.
Luckily for me, I had my camera!

"Addicted To Love!"

Rylee performed with her Guyz-n-Dollz group Thursday & Friday.
She played the part of Unloveable, a cupid that had lost her wings.
She stole the show-and I'm not the only one that thought so!
Here are a few pics and a video clip!

Letter #3!!

Woohoo! Just in time for Valentines Day, I got a letter from my Alex!!

AND
It's in English! Don't know how that happened, I take it he has someone helping him as I'm sure this is not his actually typing and English but I'm thrilled!!
I didn't want to lose anything in the translation so here's the unaltered, scanned version. I hope you can read it.



I do remember asking him a bunch of questions, I think a little was lost in translation but they're great questions all the same. A taxi driver? Oh, my. That's okay. Austin wanted to work in a junk yard and crush cars when he was slightly younger than Alex. The color red is good info, as I haven't decorated his room yet. I knew about the eggs and hash browns. Good thing I shop at Costco.
Then of course, he sent some original artwork. I don't know what it says yet. I'm working on getting it translated!

Note from translator: Alexiy is quite something! He writes often (which is very unusual for kids) and he draws for you. Nice.
He said on the top. "Hello from wintery Ukraine". (if there is such a word in English or I made it up? - he means Ukraine in winter, almost like snowy) And then "I love you very much. Alexiy."

What a sweet boy. I asked my children if we should call and tell him when we're coming or just show up and surprise him. Rylee said to call so he can tell all his friends and be excited. Austin said to ask him if he wants us to tell him or just surprise him. Devree all for surprising him. My mom said I have to tell him, that it will drive me crazy not to tell him. I'm leaning towards telling him especially if we're going sooner as opposed to later. What do you all think? Tell him or surprise him?
I can't help but get excited to think we might be going next month but I'm trying really hard not to get my hopes up.
Anyway, just had to share my letter!

Ten Things Tag...

(I swear I don't make these tags up!)

10 Things I Love:
1. Obedient children-especially when they're mine!
2. Buying clothes in a smaller size
3. Great bargains....and I mean great!!
4. My family-of course!
5. Hearing my husband hammer and drill on home improvement projects!
6. Listening to my children laugh and play together.
7. Bedtime-after a productive busy day.
8. Going to lunch/scrapbook/pedicures with my girlfriends
9. Money in the bank!
10. Getting the house contract and delivering the good news!

10 Things I Dislike:
1. Cleaning bathrooms
2. The smell of fish or bacon in my house/hair.
3. Gaining weight.
4. Arguing children (either with me or with each other!)
5. The first day of James 2 weeks back to work.
6. Feeling left out
7. Confrontation
8. Dishonest people
9. Putting gas in my car
10. When expensive boring but necessary things break, like cars, water heaters, etc.
(I seriously could go on and on in this category!)

10 Random Things About Me:
1. I could go on and on about what I love and dislike!
2. My mom named me after Wendy in Peter Pan.
3. I LOVE to clean out closets and drawers
4. Hate to wash walls and windows
5. I'm attempting to learn how to play the guitar and I'm terrible!
6. I've actually worked as a paid actor on TV
7. I hit the gym 5-6 times a week but only because I have a faithful gym buddy.
8. I've had braces THREE times.
9. I have tested for and passed the Vegas "playground installation" contractors exam.
10. I won State my senior year in persuasive speech. (This may explain why I can talk so many people into seeing things my way!)

I am tagging: Michelle, Jen, Amy, Corbie, Deedee, Carlin, Heidi, Sara, Angie, Wendy, Lindsay and LindsEy, Katie, Kristy, Kym, Shannon, Traci, Jennifer, Natalie, Stefani, Carol, and anyone else that wants to play! (See #6 on my dislikes for the reason my tag list is so long!)

Oh my heck!

I know I've already posted today and I know this has absolutely nothing to do with me, and I know it's not even my news BUT I had to share that one of the family's that submitted EIGHT days ago got their travel date and it's in THREE WEEKS!!! Oh my heck!! Can you believe it? Three weeks??!!
We're exactly a week behind them and I know it doesn't mean a thing for us, nor should I even think it might.....
but you all know me too well to think that the thought hasn't crossed my mind that we may be in Ukraine NEXT MONTH!!
Just breath.....deep breaths....

Today's Motto:

'Never borrow from the future. If you worry about what may happen tomorrow and it doesn't happen, you have worried in vain. Even if it does happen, you have to worry twice.'

Words to live by when working on an international adoption!