Confirmation and Casino

Don't worry, I know the two have very little to do with each other but Krista confirmed her faith at 9 am church in Iowa and since I don't live in Iowa a night at Diamond Jo's Casino was totally warranted. I lost my $20 limit, but played for a few hours and had fun.
Krista chose Galatians 2:20 as her confirmation verse "I was crucified with Christ so that I no longer live but Christ lives in me." Thought you all might appreciate a Thursday school lesson. We are proud of you Krista!!
Erik finally had to face Jeff after deciding to go to Wartburg. I believe I can quote Jeff when he said to Erik "you can choose any school you want except Wartburg." I think he dressed the same to soften the blow.

He Is Risen!!

Now lets eat chocolate!
We celebrated Easter with the Thieles this year. I remember an e-mail to our social worker last year commenting on how fun it would be to have a child in the Easter egg hunt this year. I guess I shouldn't have been counting my chickens before they hatched (into little chocolate eggs.) In my defense the two couples I know who sent their Dossiers in just before and just after us ARE home with their kids and both of them had failed referrals too so it wasn't a totally unrealistic e-mail. In case you can't tell I'm more than a little frustrated. It has been a month full of "sorry it is never going to happen." Then "wait maybe there's a chance." Then "it's not looking so good again." This entire process has been the roller coaster ride from h#@! with no end in sight. Again, I'm so thankful for the support of family and friends who have kept me busy through all of this. This week I had fun catching up with some old friends at The Heron, attending Wednesdays with Grandma where Emily (the family interior designer) picked out our paint, and even had fun painting with Mom.

And of course there is nothing like a day with the Thieles to get a good kid fix, especially if you like pink, which I do!

Thanksgiving in April

Another First Thursday has come and gone. This month we had one of Mom's favorites, Thanksgiving Dinner.

The Big 9-0

Grandma Angie turned 90 and we celebrated with the party of any 90 year old Minnesota farm wife's dream, a potluck at the church she has attended her entire 90 years. There were hotdishes and jello salads galore. We love you Grandma.

Mr. Sansgaard

I wrote the last post when I was a little panicky. Our adoption agency shocked us with the news they are ending their Russia program. Over the last couple weeks we were relieved to hear they are going to help a few families like us who are at the top of the list secure a referral. This is great news!! Now if only the Russian Powers That Be will refer an American family a healthy child.

Jeff grew up and moved away. He is the one and only history teacher in a SMALL town in Iowa. Last weekend we finally made it down to check out his new life. We toured the school, met the Jolivettes for lunch at the Grab and Go, saw the sites of many small towns, and experienced the nightlife. I'm glad Jeff is happy in his new home, but I wish it was closer. We miss him!





We drove by this on one of our tours. Seriously.