Romans 8:25

But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.

It's a 5. . .

So, you'd like that a "5" rating for a day is a good thing, right? Well, not according to my ranking system.

I've always loved mint-chocolate. Baskin Robbins Mint Ice Cream, Junior Mints, anything chocolatey and minty. Oh, I know, the new Mint Mocha Frap at Starbucks! Anyhow, I'm now into my daily dose of York pepermint patties. . .Not so bad, considering lower in fat, etc.

Well, today, it's a 5. It's not even lunch time and I've had FIVE patties. They're my comfort food. When I'm sad, I eat one. Does it make me feel better? For a little while, then I get sad again and I eat another one. . .I'm averaging 1 and hour, although I consumed more than that in shorter periods of time, with a slightly longer break between them.

Heavenly Father - I really need some uplifting news - a picture, a head circumference measurement, a video. . .hey, I know, how about a first decree?! That would be so uplifting.

Here's what I'll say when we get "that" call: THANK YOU FATHER, Hallelujah!

I'm ready. . .phone, ring??? Please? Anything?

P.S. I love you

Gracyn,

Mommy is getting your FOURTH care package ready to go with Jaden's mommy Ramona soon. It made me think - I do hope you're getting them. In case you can hear me,

P.S. I love you!

Mommy

Just pretending. . .YIPPEE NEW PHOTO!

Isn't she so silly?! And absolutely adorable?! Who wouldn't love those cheeks?! I can't wait to get this little sweetpea home. She'll fit right in with our family.

So at the end of the month usually all SLC Families get updates on measurements, new photos, sometimes video footage, and every month I wait, and I hope, and I pray.

I'd rather have a ruling than a photo, but a photo over nothing at all I'd still rejoice in. It saddens me to think that for anyone who checks our site for updates and doesn't see Gracyn's beautiful face on the first page that they just exit and move on to another site with beautiful new pictures. Who has time to go through old posts? Well, okay - sometimes I do, until I find pictures, but probably not everyone.

With that said, I'm "just pretending" - I'm pretending we got a new picture. This one hasn't gotten much press, so maybe I can pass it off as "new" -

Happy 22 Months Gracyn!

Last year our expectations were set to have our little girl home by now. Seems most of the 2007 referrals have come home and are adjusting to their forever families, and now even the 2008 referrals are starting to travel. Out little Miss Gracyn is still in Taiwan.

I'm hopeful that we'll get our first decree before the month is over. Since travel is usually about 8-10 weeks after the first decree, and we're only 2 months from Gracyn turning 2, the likelihood of having her home before her birthday is minimal. At this point, I'd be thrilled to be picking her up on her birthday! At least we'd be with her.

Praying for His divine intervention. Father in Heaven, please hear me. I trust that you have a plan for us, and I trust that your plan is not to bring us harm. There are days more recently that I struggle with trying to understand what's behind this plan. I pray for peace, and for you to take this burden off my shoulders. I pray that Gracyn above all else, knows you, and feels your love. I pray that her foster family knows you and are able to provide for her until she comes home. Thank you Lord. Thank you for holding Gracyn in your hands, while I hold her tight in my heart. In your name. . .I pray. Amen.

Happy 22 Months baby!! Mommy loves you!

You do know this is blog-worthy, right?

I'm not sure if this post is dedicated to my cutie pie Peyton, or my silly husband. Peyton just finished his first week of swimming lessons, and this week became comfortable swimming around on his own (with gear on of course) - Above you'll see my husband attempting to get into the cyclone spin - we've tried several times - anyone know how to use this thing? Peyton isn't quite as brave as Daddy. You can see getting ready to jump, knees bent, wait, one more time - okay, HERE I GO!

I love my boys and they're making a long summer of waiting extra fun and special. Praying for news this coming week - the official 2 month mark since our court log in date, came and went - I forgot about it - really? I forgot about it? Just for a brief moment, which was a much needed rest from all the worries of waiting.

What my daughter's life could have been like. . .

Pingtung Kindergarten Video (click here)

Gracyn has been in foster care in Pingtung since birth.

Sandimen Singers (click here)

Based on photos, decor of the home that Gracyn lives in, the furniture, tile floors, and other research has led me to believe very strongly that Gracyn is in Sandimen. A town in Pingtung where members of the Paiwan Aboriginal Tribe live.