Summer temperatures already??

Wow, it is HOT! HOT! HOT! WE did not have time to go to the big pool today so went for second best before baseball practice...we drug out the old wading pool! It was so much fun...add two rather large dogs to the mix and it is a PARTY!!!!

Counting the days...

We are eagerly watching for signs of Travel Approvals to roll into the United States international adoption agencies from the Chinese Center of Adoption Affairs. We know we are getting somewhat close to the top of the pile but cannot count on ANY timeline but God's! We find great comfort in that!


"We witness a miracle every time a child enters into life.
But those who make their journey home across time and miles,
growing within the hearts of those who wait to love them,
are carried on the wings of destiny and placed among us
by God's very own hands."
~Kristi Larson

Sam and Marrim!

Sammy has had a good friend in China and her name is Marrim. They are only about four months apart in age and Marmalade has been in foster care with friends of Shaun and Kim's. Marrim flew home with her Forever Family, the Campeau's, on Friday 5/19.

Here is a photo of Sam and Marrim right before Marrim flew home to Essex, Ontario with her new family.

Mother's Day Blessings

What a great Mother's Day! I was spoiled and loved every minute of it. Certainly I have a mother who should be honored as she is a GOOD ONE! Think I will keep her! I am thankful for the example she set for Rob and I!
Nate causes me to think deeply on a regular basis...Bob has ALWAYS said that Nate has a heart as big as TEXAS! He is right. Nate loves others and although he struggles daily with his disabilities when we look at the young man he is becoming his compassion for others outweighs all his handicaps. He paid me a compliment...Nate and his siblings have always seen their adoptions as a positive part of their lives and the stories are told and re-told on a regular basis in our household. Truly each one is a miracle to our family! I am thankful to have been adopted into the family of God!! Well, Nate said that when he tells others that he is adopted people will often say, "Do you know your REAL mother?" Well, Nate says to me..."Mom, do you know what they mean? They MEAN my biological mother but YOU are my REAL mother!" This says so much to me and just reinforces in me that God has such great things in store for our children.

Giving thanks on this Mother's day for my children that truly are not mine but God's.

Postscript: Nate got his braces off on 5/30/06 and wow he is a handsome guy! He looks so old to us!!

The wait continues...

We are currently still waiting for the call to tell us that our TRAVEL APPROVAL has been sent from Beijing. What this piece of paper does is allow us to apply for our Travel Visas and then request a date in Guangzhou for a Consulate Appointment. Once we know what our Consulate Appointment is we can make flight and hotel reservations and GET PACKING!! We are currently on our 42nd day of the wait...most likely we will wait another 20 plus days but only God knows that outcome! We are busy with church, baseball and end of year school activities so we are thankful to be a part of that with the kids. Emma said the other day, "It is taking FOREVER to bring Sam home!!" We feel like that too at times.

Puzzles are fun!

We sent a package that had a puzzle book in it as Kim does not find puzzles easily in China. Shaun and Kim have helped Sam to LOVE reading and he is enjoying his new farm/puzzle book.

Emma's birthday suprise!

Emma turned SEVEN today and it is amazing to us the sweetness of her! She has really grown up this year! She was so thrilled to participate in what is now a MUCH anticipated KINNEY FAMILY TRADITION of "Daddy's Day Out" when Bob spends the entire day with the birthday child and they plan all the acitivities. While Bob and Emma were out having breakfast at Bob Evans we received a voicemail from Kim and Sam in China!! Kim had Sam wish Emma a happy birthday. Emma was so excited to hear Sammy yell "Em-MA!" on the telephone. It was a fun surprise. The kids listened to it over and over and laughed about how silly Sam is! A real fun addition to a great day!

OH! Did I mention that the TOOTH FAIRY, (whose name is "Alice Spoondinger" at our house), has been visiting our house OFTEN?!?!?!