Parenting class??

Yes, we had to attend a 6 hour parenting class, which actually Tom and I could have taught. It was helpful with some of the information about policy in Russia. Truthfully I knew most of it just by reading info on the Web. Tom and I also found out that we have to do another 4 hours via the internet to finish the required time from the state of Illinois. Oh Joy. We have finished with most of the paperwork. Kelly, I need to have you notarize some more papers! Thank you. When that is done we have to just wait for the Federal Immigration paperwork to clear us and to have our finger prints taken. We will just keep doing more and more paperwork until then.
Not much happening in regards to the kids. Soccer, Soccer, and more Soccer. End of school activities for the boys, trying to find time to go to the lake (not sure if that will happen until July), trying to enjoy Tom on a date.

Memorial Day

Since I will be gone this Weekend, I wanted to post now how much I appreciate all the men and women who fight for us. You give EVERYTHING, so we can have EVERYTHING. I don't want to take YOU for granted.

WE CAN'T FORGET THEM!!!!

End of School Events

It really has been a productive week with school awards and end of year commitments. Last night Tyler was recognized by the High School for his service in the Student Congress. I didn't get any pics of it because he told me "no mom, not tonight", so I listened and didn't embarrass him.

Tonight we had a band concert at school

Trevor playing the drums for his

Jazz Band "Too" Austin is there in the middle,

he is 1st chair for the Saxaphones

He played really well despite the fact that

he had a terrible headache.

Citizen of the Month

Andrew

Citizen of the Month

You Rock!!!

I'm so proud of you.

Happy 75th Birthday Mom

Ruth McIntosh Schaefer

at 1 1/2 years oldGraduation from Harper High

1952

1954

May 2009

Our Familys Teeth

This pic is great, our ortho is getting a great deal also, Tom, myself, Austin, Trevor and Andrew all need/have braces. Can you say Cha Ching? I went today and boy did he do a number to my teeth. I have had braces on now for 3 years, yep I can't belive it either. I only have about 3 weeks left, ya right. Then, I need to go to a specialist to have a fake tooth put in, only problem is that I don't have enough bone left in the empty space (why I went to ortho in first place), so Doc has to do a bone transplant from my lower jaw. Ouch! I hate all dentist and such. Trevor went to the ortho and the Doc says he has to have 3 baby teeth pulled. He still has 9 baby teeth and Doc wants them out. Our dentist says he can't do it because of how 2 of them are in the bone so now I have to take him to a specialist. Cha Ching! Tooth Fairy where are you? Come and take this boys teeth and leave us money. Tyler seems to be the only one spared from all this yucky ortho stuff. He has really nice teeth THANK YOU GOD.

Signed with Agency

O.K., we are on a roll now. I signed with EAC adoption agency. They are a large adoption agency out of Ohio. After much prayer I feel this will be the best agency for us. Thank you all for keeping us in your prayers, please continue to do so. Our next step is to finish the Home Study process. This is so awesome!!!

Happy Mothers Day

This is a picture that Austin gave to me.

Hope you all have a great Mothers Day!

I got the best present

yep

Tom has agreed

so have the kids

to ADOPT!!!!!

Informal Meeting

Last night, Tom and I went and had a meeting with an adoption agency. We were there with another couple who just started looking into adoption as an option for her Infertility. It was nice because Tom was able to ask questions and have it answered by someone other than me. We are still commited to pray about our decision. Thank you all for praying with us. This is an awesome journey with many ups and downs and Tom needs to be sure.

Pastoral Meeting

Last night Tom and I went and met with the pastor for our home study. Tom was able to discuss his concerns and ask questions. Tom is still praying about our decision to adopt, he is funny in his thinking about if we do adopt he wants to bring home 2 girls but he still is not sure if he wants to take on the commitment of another child. We will keep praying about it and soon God will tell him what to do. So you can keep praying for us as well.

Tyler the Lawyer

Tyler had a mock trial yesterday for school. It is a part of his Business Law class and the kids in the class had a trial against another school. Tyler had a dual role as a lawyer and the defendant. He did AWESOME!!!

He was so sure of himself and showed so much confidence.

I can't believe my baby is growing up to be a great man.