Our journal of our time together with Lili and her brothers
Page 8 - January - February 2005
Below you'll find some of our days together as a family
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Read from the bottom to the top if this is your first visit with us
Return to Lili's Home Page
Links to our adoption agencies:
Families thru International Adoption / Adoption by Gentle Care
January 29, 2005
We received our Brown Envelope today from the American Consulate in Guangzhou, P.R. China! This is a rather special day for us. What this means is the U.S. Consulate has received our INS approval, and they have everything ready for us when we arrive. This document comes in a "brown envelope" so adoptive families often refer to it as the brown envelope! This is the last step of the process before referral. In other words, the last step until we know who Maggie Jo is. Even though we have named her already, we actually have no idea who she is. The adoption process is long and time consuming, but there are clearly defined steps along the way. This is the last one that we have an effect on the outcome. Or in other words, we are dependent on others from this point on. I can not believe how emotionally different the second trip to China is than the first. I find myself so much more trusting and accepting of the process. I am actually looking forward to the trip and meeting Maggie Jo, rather than worrying if it will indeed happen. I have faith and absolute confidence in our adoption agency (FTIA) and the CCAA (Chinese Center for Adoption Affairs). The last time with Lili, I was a bit apprehensive of all the unknowns. Lilian is such a huge part of our family and the boys have taken to her so wonderfully. We are truly a family, and all of us (even Lili) are looking forward to our daughter/sister to arrive this summer.Something that is hard for me to believe is that in about seven months we will be a family with five children. All but Christopher and Gracie have come to us through the miracle of adoption. We also have Gracie Jo watching over us from heaven. Lately I have asked God to have her look after Spencer, my brother stationed in Iraq. I worry every day about our Troops, Airmen, Sailors, Marines, Coast Guardsmen and women as well as the Civilian Contractors making the election tomorrow possible.
If anyone reading this is considering adoption, I would say pray about it, get your facts together, and then just do it! It has been such an important addition to our family. It has allowed us to love children we could not bear, and meet families all over the world we would not otherwise have met. Lili is already talking about her new "baby" sister. It is conceivable though that Maggie Jo could be as old, or maybe bigger than Lili. I am not sure what she would think of that. - Scott
January 19, 2005
I just realized it has been awhile since I have added any pictures to the website. I have very limited time, so enjoy them -Scott
We lit a candle for Gracie Jo, and lost loved ones with our support group in Ada, Ohio
We like to go to let others see that healing is possible with love and time.
I would like to think our family adds joy to other's lives
Lili and Nemo
A few weeks ago we visited the Springfield Stake and Shake
(Can you say Poster Child?)
The ride home from the Cabin can be a long trip.
(Thank Goodness for Gameboy Advance SP's)
Lili walking up the steps to Church with Nicholas close behind!
(Her brothers takes such wonderful care of her)
Lili seemed overwhelmed by the Elmo's all singing to her at once.
(Daddy pushed all their little demonstration buttons at the same time)
Steve Angle learned that if you want your computer fixed, you have to hold Lili first
(He is a customer of my business, and a dear friend)
Lili and Lisa at her Pre-School
(It is the best in the whole world according to Lili)
Just 13 more years to grow some legs!
NOTE: Dad had the keys and the car was NOT runningJanuary 10, 2005
We got our power back on this evening! -ScottJanuary 9, 2005
As we have now been without power since Wednesday and it is now Sunday evening - it is no longer fun. We were sitting around thinking about where to take showers (we have no running water), and remembered we belong to the YMCA! I know what you are thinking . . we will bath before and after swimming ;-) Actually we drove down to Cincinnati today for Tracy's sister Angie's wedding shower and all of us did. Shower that is. OK you would have a strange sense of humor if you had been camping for the past five days!Our generator is doing us well and we are warm. I brought home the smaller microwave from the office. It seems the man sized turkey cooking microwave that we have at home is a bit much for the generator, and pulls it down. We have been keeping up with the gas for the generator, and the propane is holding out. We ferry water from the office in brand new 5 gallon gas cans, that will come in handy after the crisis. I could not see buying water cans and never use them again. My main concern is if we will have power by Wednesday. I am planning a short trip to the cabin with a friend and his son. I don't see myself leaving the family home alone on generator power. (I imagine Tracy doesn't either) We all remember the Home Alone movie - right? Of course in three more days - my opinion might just change! Lili and her brothers are still having fun camping after all. I wish I could say Tracy and I are having fun too, but we are still doing surprisingly well. It is impossible to have pity with so many millions of people sitting out in the open in Asia fighting for their lives because of the Tsunami.
One last thing, the baby you all prayed for earlier this year is doing very well. I do have another prayer request. My brother Spencer is in the US Army and is currently stationed in the Middle East. Please include him in your prayers for us. We want his unit to get home safe. I got to meet his Lieutenant when they were home for Christmas on a 48 hour pass. I was happy to learn he was a prior service enlisted man! Thank You for your prayers. - Scott
Spencer and our family - Thanksgiving 2004January 7, 2005
As we enter the third day without power in our home, I am amazed at how well we are doing. Lili is under constant hand holding care by a never ending shift of brothers who seamlessly hand her off between one another. We have a generator running the sump pump and the freezer-fridge and some lights. Of course the computer too! I would estimate 80% of the County is without power and my hat is off to the men and woman working around the clock to aid in the repairs. This is one heck of an ice storm!The good side of the ice is the beauty of it all in the trees. We have been south to Urbana and about 5 miles south of our home, it stops.
