Ella's First Photo Book...

We created this photo book for Ella to hold on to while she is still in the orphanage. We hope that seeing pictures of us, her extended family, her home and her room will help make the adjustment into someplace foreign a little less difficult.

Click the link to view her photo book http://share.shutterfly.com/action/project/1UZtnDNqxdG/landing

Kids Say The Cutest Things...

Carson said tonight before going to bed, "Mom, I love Ella already and I miss her. Is that weird? I mean, we don't even know what she looks like and she is in my heart already. Can she come home now?"

This one I have to set up. Today, we were in the store and Christian wanted this Star Wars Light Saber. I tried to talk him out of it $17.00 - he was spending his own money. Needless to say, my efforts at thwarting the expenditure I knew he would regret failed. So tonight, as he hands me his $17.00 (he bought on credit) he started to cry because now he doesn't have much money left (saw this coming). I explained to him that sometimes we want something so bad in the moment but later when we get it home we realize we really didn't need it or it isn't exactly what we were looking for. He says, "Yes Mommy I know. I have buyers remote."

Sometimes you just want to cry or laugh but you can't so after they go to bed you blog about it!

Ella's Space...

Finally!

We have finished (for the most part) with Ella's room. Her room is painted lilac with white sheer drapes for the windows and soft yellow sheers hanging from the ceiling at the head of each bed. Yes, I said each...we just don't know if the Lord is blessing us with one or two little girls so we are prepared for two!

All About Ella...

Grandma Balk made some really cute outfits for Ella. We are blessed she is so talented and took the time to make these outfits for you Ella. The outfit to the left (pants and top) are adjustable at the waist with a pull and tie string. The top and the dress (to the right) are both adjustable on the shoulders and she added a tie string to gather the top/dress in the back.

They are a soft blue with adorable little white bunnies!

Thank you Grandma!

VBS

Christian & Carson are attending VBS this week. They had a wonderful first day. I love it when they climb in the car just busting to tell you what they learned and how much they enjoyed going!

New Driver Alert!

Patrick is officially a new driver today. This morning we spent 2 hours at the DMV (1.5 waiting to reach the desk) for Patrick to test and receive his learners permit.

And yes, for those of you wondering, I cried.

Nesting & Emotional...

Well, the topic says it all.

~~~~~~

I have stocked the pantry, the freezer, and the refrigerator;

I have cleaned out, cleaned up and down and under;

I have made my list, checked it twice and added and deleted;

I have cried, laughed and accomplished both at the same time.

~~~~~~

Today, I realized this is the last two weeks it will be just

Daddy, Mommy & THE BOYS.

I cried.

~~~~~~

There are lots of "last time" facing us over the next 2 weeks;

and many "first times" in the years ahead.

Wrap Up...

It was a busy week!

Moving is always a busy time and while we always hope our belongings will arrive to their new destination without incident, it wasn't to be on this move. We had some water damage and some broken furniture issues this time. However, the inspector surveyed the damage and moved quickly with the repairs. So this week the Rick and his wife (repair folks) arrived to make repairs along with Carpet Magic who made those nasty water mark stains disappear! Thanks to both teams for a wonderful job and your quick response!

Christian and Carson had testing on Tuesday this past week for their potential acceptance into ICS. They did outstanding and were accepted on Thursday. School will begin for them in a little over a week.

We are still waiting for Patrick's transcripts to arrive to begin working on his school enrollment. Hopefully, they will arrive this week.

We had work orders (repairs) for the house at various times and days this week. Now everything seems to be functioning along the lines of normal.

Remember that Harley I won back in September? Well, it arrived and has been delivered. It is BEAUTIFUL! I'll post pictures of it soon. Speaking of pictures, somewhere in our move from the hotel to the house my camera has been 'misplaced' as we cannot locate it. Argh. Hopefully, it will show up unexpectedly.

I used the week to start laying out our items for Ukraine...books, DVD's, paperwork, gifts, 220 hairdryer, converters, peanut butter, tuna fish, crackers, Ella's toothbrush, toothpaste, sippy cups, cup of soups, clothes line, color wonder coloring, magic doodle, clothes pins, Tylenol, pepto, plastic spoons and forks and more.

We also gathered a POA (medical and dental) for my mother-in-law who will stay with our boys. Sent another POA off to the State of Texas for apostilling for me to have POA after Jim leaves Ukraine.

As you can see in the ticker above we have only 2 weeks 2 days until our interview! We will be leaving soon to begin our travels...say tuned into the blog for more info!

One last note, Adriana forwarded another $50.00 in donations to the orphanage fund. While those donation amount is anonymous, please know that we are deeply grateful for your generosity.

Random Thoughts...

It’ almost 1:00A here and I just can’t sleep. I’ve watched a little TV and I’ve read a bit…nothing, no sleepiness.

Earlier today, I began cleaning up the office. I put together with Christian a shelf to hold our books and miscellaneous stuff and then sorted through a bunch of boxes and papers. I ran across several of our preliminary adoption packets from various agencies. I think I gathered them in May 2007 when I attended the Adoption Symposium in Kaiserslautern, Germany. Sometimes that weekend seems like ages ago and other times it seems like yesterday. As I sorted though what I wanted to keep and discard, I couldn’t help but think about our sweet Ella waiting to come home. This has been an amazing journey and in 21 days we will hopefully be with our Ella. I can’t help wonder, is she warm; did she have enough to eat; did she brush her teeth before bed; did anyone read to her today; did anyone tell her what a blessing she is; did she fall asleep wondering if she was ever going to have a forever family; are her fingernails and toenails clipped; did anyone cuddle her and tuck her in after a bedtime story; will she wake up in the morning wondering if today is the day she will meet her forever family; did she have a bath today; will she have one tomorrow; is she afraid of lightening; is she afraid of bugs; does she like to swing…

Sigh…so many things I want to know. My heart aches to just hold her and to tell her how much she is loved.

Please keep praying for our family to be united.

ID Please...

In the military world reaching 10 is a huge deal.
Why?

Because at age 10 you get your very own ID card!

This morning Christian went for his very first ID card. They measured and weighed him, took his picture, had him sign his card and finally presented him with his ID card. He must now officially show his card to enter base, enter the commissary (grocery store), the base shopping mall, at the swimming pool, base theater, and all other ID card sensitive places on base.

Our little guy, growing up.

Some pictures of the milestone:

The Weigh In

Measuring Up

Signing on the dotted line

Finished Product

The smile of a 10 year old who just received his 1st ID card

PRICELESS!

Mundane Stuff...

Today, we narrowed the search for elementary schools down for Christian & Carson. We are either going with one of the local private schools or one of the public elementary schools off base. At both schools they are required to take an entrance test and it seems we have gotten a bit rusty since school ended, so we will begin going over multiplication, division, reading and spelling words to brush up – one hour a day everyday.

Tried to purchase curtains today to finish off the main floor of our house, but since I didn’t measure (like I should have), I bought the wrong size. Argh. We will try another trip tomorrow to purchase the correct size. The house is beginning to come together. I think there may be 3 or 4 boxes left upstairs; none on the main floor; but the basement is another story.

Tomorrow I am going to Target so I can knock off a few items on my list of "things we need" for Ukraine. Someone had recently posted what they took and after scanning it (some great ideas), a trip to the store is in order.

Happy Birthday To You...

Our little man turned 9 today!

30 Days Out...

We are at the 30 day mark!

But who is counting?

We are!

Along with our families, friends, co-workers, and fellow bloggers!

At Peace

As time approaches for us to initiate preparing for our departure to Ukraine and our interview with the SDA, I have been asked, “Are you nervous?” and “are you scared?” almost every day. Oddly enough, I don’t feel rushed, hurried, nervous or scared. After pondering those questions for a few days and wondering that perhaps I should be a bit more anxious (because I am usually the type A here), I approached Jim with these same questions. I was not surprised at all by his response. No, he isn’t anxious or apprehensive about our approaching departure or interview. But that’s normal for him as he is always calm and collected – I love that about him!

That evening, I found some quiet time after everyone was in bed to think about this incredible journey. I thought maybe I should be feeling more stressed about our departure and interview appointment, but then I realized there is no need to be scared or nervous because God is leading the way. I have always known that my duty here on earth is to help others; to provide, care and nurture. I am following God’s will and HE is providing the peace in my heart to walk forward in this journey. I have no fears, no second thoughts, no desire to turn back; just an abundance of peace and love for a little girl who is waiting for her daddy and momma to bring her home.

Our family, friends, and the wonderful people we have just met have been more than generous with offers to help in anyway they can. Thank you for your offers – they are warm and thoughtful and because of your generosity everything is falling into place.

Continue to keep us in your prayers.

Ten, Nine, Eight, Seven, Six, FIVE

Five short weeks to go!

Money, Money, Money...

We contacted our bank this morning to have the necessary funds deposited into our local bank. Next stop, the local bank to ask how much notification they will need to collect the uncirculated bills we will be taking with us.

We have not transferred the monies donated for the orphanage as we are still receiving more donations. We cannot express how grateful and humbled we are that so many of you have donated to the orphanage which has been caring for Ella. Thank you again for your compassion, love, and support.

Still want to donate? Contact Adriana at Adriana101@gmail.com

All donations are collected anonymously to us.

Thank you to everyone in advance. The orphanage will be grateful and appreciative so many of you have donated, as are we.

Love,

The Payne Family

In Our Hands...

Our tickets arrived today! I felt like putting them in the safe...but I have left them in plain view for now just to look at them every once in awhile. It seems unimaginable that in 5 short weeks we will be in Ukraine to bring Ella home. I can't wait! There is so much left to do...I better start making a list.

Internet Up...

Sorry for the delay in posting! Our Internet capabilities were interrupted with the move, but we are up and running again thanks to Time Warner Cable.

We will post some Assumption of Command, the move in, and photos of our house in the next few days.

Check back soon!

Happy Birthday...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to our little man. He is so proud to be 10 years old today. This morning daddy took Christian for some one on one time...some breakfast, some shopping, and a little lunch while I baked Christian his favorite cake (chocolate cake with chocolate frosting). We met up with Grandma Balk, Aunt Zenia, and Cousin Astryd for some good 'ole fashioned party fun complete with pizza!

Hotel No More...

It's our last night in the hotel and although we are looking forward to our own defined space, we have had some fun bunking together: movies, popcorn, late night conversations and reminiscing of days/years gone by, take out food and eating on the bed (a big no no in our house), playing games and swimming.

While it has been confining at times, 20/20 hind sight... you really have some great conversations with your children - they share details of their lives you are really glad you didn't miss.