Life is absolutely crazy (and not in a good way)....

Things have been crazy in our house for the past few weeks!!

*Our outside AC unit started acting up about 2 weeks ago, and last week it finally died.  As in, Totally Dead!  We have a Home Warranty company that we really like (most of the time!) and so I called them last Monday night and they assigned it to a repair company who came out on Wednesday (23rd).  The motor is shot and the wiring is really bad, so they totally disconnected the unit from the electrical supply to prevent any further problems (fire hazard??).  They then contacted the warranty company to get approval to replace the entire unit, who then said that they wouldn't pay for some things (removal of old unit, removal of old R-22 freon, acid cleaning of copper lines going into the house & placement of a sight glass on the new freon line=$525)  We approved the first 3 things but declined to accept the 'Optional Up-Grade of the Sight Glass ($150).  The AC company then said they wouldn't put the unit in unless we said we would pay for the 'Optional Up-Grade of the Sight Glass'.  Apparently, future reading of the freon won't be accurate if they can't 'see' the level.  I thought the freon was checked via the pressure.  Guess I was wrong!!  Anyway, as of Friday (25th) afternoon, I had contacted the AC repair company: approved the charges of $375, declined the $150 Sight Glass; contacted the home warranty company who then contacted the AC repair company and got 'official approval' to order the new unit.  The home warranty company then pushed the order through and it should be sitting in the 'Orders to be Filled' box at the suppliers when they open for business on Tuesday.  It is really hot in our house and we are praying that the order gets filled on Tuesday, the AC repair company can get it installed on Tuesday (Wednesday at the very latest!) and the house can get back to a normal temperature (most anything below 95 degrees would be great!!)  It would also be nice if we all could get a good nights sleep!!  Although Chris and I have both lost weight........

*We got 'The Letter' from the IRS on Thursday (24th).  Was so hoping that we wouldn't have to deal with this.  Basically, 'The Letter' is a form letter stating that the IRS is going to 'Examine' your tax file to see if you really qualify for the exemptions that you claim, regarding adoption expenses in our case.  Since we only make about $75,000 a year (between the 2 of us) and are expecting to get around $30,000 back (most of it is a one time thing since you can only claim international adoption expenses one time after the adoption is finalized), I am not entirely surprised that we were 'Red Flagged'.  I spent 20 minutes on hold then 30 minutes talking with a really nice lady at the Philadelphia office of the IRS Examination Office.  I put it rather bluntly to her: What (exactly) do we need to do to get this processed correctly and completely the first time?  What exactly do we need to send in?  What exactly do you (IRS) want to see?  What do I have to do to the individual papers (put Chris' name & social at the top of each and every one)?  After she got done laughing (apparently most people don't ask those questions), she told me exactly what papers/documents/receipts to send, what to put on each page, how to send it in (certified, return receipt requested and we sent it in a flat-rate Priority Mail envelope) and the basic time line to expect (30-45 days to 'review', if all is okay and file is closed then we would get a check in 2-6 weeks).  Not really happy about having to wait any longer!!  We really need that refund right now, but we know that there is a reason it has been delayed and that God will provide for us through this time!!  Anyway, made the phone call Thursday night, got the papers organized Thursday night, put name & social on papers Friday and made copies Saturday morning then dropped it off at the Sugar Land Post Office around 11:00 Saturday morning, sent in a flat-rate Priority Mail Envelope, certified mail and return receipt requested.  According to the USPS website, it is on its way and is scheduled for delivery in Philadelphia on Tuesday, May 29.

*The last week of school is upon us (both David & Rachael) and I hope things go well (and that we don't sweat to death before the AC gets fixed!!)  David's Kindergarten Graduation is Wednesday May 30 and we are really excited!!  They have decided to promote him to 1st Grade next year, with ESL support.  We (us and the school) decided to keep him in the ESL program which will give him the extra support and time needed for reading.  He is doing great (mastering) everything else.  This summer I will work with him specifically on reading to help make sure he is ready for 1st Grade in August.  We are all so ready for Summer Break!!!!

Summer School (such as it is...)

We have enrolled David into kindergarten for the fall.  Because of this, we have been working with him on an almost constant basis every day to get him ready (at least as ready as he can be).  He will be one of the younger ones in the class (his birthday is the second day of school this year), but we believe that he will do just fine.  We have already talked with the school counselor about him and his educational background (as much as we know about it and what we have observed) and she believes that he will do fine.  We are prepared to deal with any issues that arise as well as the possibility that he may have to repeat kindergarten and we are okay with that. 

In order to get him better prepared, David has been attending 'summer school' classes with Rachael.  They have been working on basic writing (holding the pencil correctly was a challenge at first!), numbers, colors, shapes, letters (both upper and lower case), visual discrimination activities, etc.  His basic fine motor skills are okay, but he does have a problem holding crayons correctly as well as staying within the picture while coloring.  Overall, we are impressed with his progress.  He may not be entirely on level with some of these basic skills, but he is getting there.  We don't think that anyone really worked with him prior to us, but he is doing well.

We allowed him to pick out some of the school supplies that he is working with right now, as well as some of the posters that now grace our dining room wall.  He has some really cool pencil grips that force him to hold the pencil correctly (even though he says that they hurt his fingers!) and is doing great!

Here are some pictures you may enjoy!

Ready for Summer School!

School Posters

More School Posters

David's Reward Chart

Michael's Reward Chart

School Work

School Work

School Work

School Work

School Work

School Work

School Work

Coupon Book

We have been trying to save money any time we can.  One way to do this is to use coupons and shop at Wal-Mart using other store ads (they do the price matching with other store prices).  When combining a coupon with a low sale price, you can save quite a bit (and stock up when possible).  Chris told me about the coupon book one of the CSM's at Wal-Mart has.  Last night I checked with her and looked at her book to see if I can get our coupons better organized.  For about $10 dollars I was able to get a binder and 'coupon' pages to create an organized system.  I also picked up some notebook paper and found a pencil bag at home that I haven't used in a while (complete with small scissors, paper clips, pencil, pens & markers).  It didn't take long to put it all together last night (did it all after the boys went to bed; while watching Congo) and now it is ready to go!  I think the longest amount of time was spent sorting the coupons into the slots.  It was quite easy to do (after deciding how I wanted to organize it all).  I decided to organize it according to sections (children stuff, health & beauty, medicine/first aid, box mixes, dairy, meats, etc).  I also added a 'divider page' between each coupon page to help find what I am looking for quickly.  You can organize yours any way that works for you!  Hope this will help you!!

Here are some pictures to help you get one started!

I found a 1.5" binder with an expandable pocket on the outside to put fliers, etc in so they are ready when I go to the store ($4.97 at Wal-Mart)

These are pocket pages for sports cards, but can be used for most anything that will fit in them
($4.95 at Wal-Mart in the collectible section near the registers)

The pencil pouch I found at home (already had the stuff in it) with notebook paper to write down stuff
(store/item/price and shopping lists)
Wal-Mart will price match based on other store ads (make sure you check dates & items!)

One of the coupon pages, with a 'divider page' behind it.
I decided to put one coupon per pocket (unless I had more than one, then I put it in the same pocket)
If I need more pages per section, I have the extras at the back of the binder

Fliers fit in the front expandable pocket



Still in Moscow

So far we are enjoying our stay in the Peking Hotel in Moscow.  The suite is comfortable (not very child friendly) and we have settled in for our stay here.  Last night was 'bath night' for all of us.  It was rather interesting when all we have is a shower stall that is barely big enough for one person.  Thankfully the boys cooperated with Rachael (David did great; Michael was not too happy with the whole process) and it was done rather efficiently and with minimal water on the floor or Rachael!

Yesterday morning the doctor (Boris) came by with the official papers for their medical check (took about 15 minutes total) that is required for their visas.  They are both in good health (except for flat feet) and have stuffy noses due to colds (no surprise since they are both good at dripping snot on things).  All the papers were submitted to the Embassy yesterday and we got the call around noon that we would have an 'interview' on Tuesday at the Embassy to get their visas.

Yesterday we walked back to KFC for lunch and went to an 'American Style' diner close by in a park for dinner.  It serves American type food and was very reasonably priced.  The boys were not too keen on the grilled cheese sandwiches, but Rachael enjoyed the Grilled Ham with Brie Cheese sandwich while Chris had the Chicken Quesadillas (the guacamole was kind of like the McCormick packaged mix variety).  They had Iced Tea (with ice) that Chris really enjoyed!!

So far the boys are still doing well.  We are all starting to get 'cabin fever' again, but only one more day to go!  Last night Michael was fighting sleep for about 30 minutes, but since they didn't get a nap during the afternoon, we weren't that surprised.  Thankfully David seems to be able to sleep through it all.  Once he was asleep, he didn't wake up during the night like usual; definitely progress!

Today was Visa Day at the Embassy.  There were 6 other families there when we were.  Our appointment was for 11:30 and we were done and back at the hotel around 12:30.  Alex is going to take their papers & passports to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to register them today.  He will call tomorrow (Wednesday) after 3:00 to let us know when he will meet us in the lobby with their papers & passports.  Apparently Russia will allow them to keep their Russian Citizenship for life, as well as their Russian passports.  If they ever travel to Russia, they will have to travel with their Russian passports, not the US ones we will get them.  Didn't know about that.  Also, if they set foot in Russia between ages 18-29/35, they can be immediately taken and put in the Russian Army (mandatory service and Russia still considers them a citizen).  Didn't know about that either.  Need to file that under 'Things to Remember for the Boys'.

Tomorrow is another 'free day' for us, except we need to be in our room by 2:30 and wait for Alex's call.  Then we just need to repack/reorganize for our flight home on Thursday.  We have their 'visa envelopes' in a safe place.  When we land in Houston, we will have to present their passports and will be 'escorted' to a secondary room where we will hand over the 'Visa Envelope' that is sealed, stamped and EXTREMELY IMPORTANT THAT IT STAYS IN GOOD SHAPE to the customs person.  We were told that NO ONE BUT THE US CUSTOMS PERSON OPENS IT as it is government property and contains the papers that the US government needs to verify their visas/citizenship.  Once the boys get THE STAMP in their passport, they will be US Citizens.  Once we get home, we will file for US passports, Social Security cards, Certificate of Citizenship, etc.  We keep thinking, just a few more papers to fill out......

Not sure what we will do for dinner tonight.  Chris went to KFC and got us chicken strips and Nestea for lunch and brought it back to the hotel.  It was easier than dragging the boys back out after getting in from the Embassy visit.  Well, they are probably awake from their nap (if they actually slept) so I had better sign off for now.  Chris is doing a great job with them, but usually has a look of 'are you leaving me alone with them again? for how long??' when I mention that I want to check email, the bank account and update the blog.  I will try to update before we leave Moscow, but not sure if it will happen. 

Please continue to keep us in your prayers!

Playing Tourist in Moscow

Dinner last night was wonderful!  Natalia showed us a KFC not far from the hotel and we walked there for dinner.  Once we figured out the English menu (print was about a size 5 font), we ordered 2 chicken strip kids meals with french fries and apple juice, fries & chicken strips for us, Rachael had Coke (no ice offered) and Chris had Nestea (he savored it, even though it was lemon flavored!).  Apparently David doesn't like french fries and Michael eats everything.  We are still working on the sippy cup concept....

Even though beer was offered (2 varieties on tap), we declined.  Wonder if they will ever sell beer at the KFC's in the States???

The boys had another good night of sleep (Michael was in a crib and David & Rachael shared the bed while Chris slept on the sofa. 

This morning we had a good breakfast and met 2 other families that are here because of finalizing adoptions (a single lady from Chicago and a couple from Georgia).  It was wonderful to speak American!  It is amazing how much you miss it.

We also found out that the bar & restaurant have free WiFi, so that is good.  Trying to figure out the Internet card thing is hard. 

Natalia picked us up just after noon today to take us around some of the touristy places here in Moscow.  Thankfully she called about an hour before coming by since they had a time change last night that we didn't know about.  We are back to a 9 hour difference.

We went to Red Square and got pictures (Chris played photographer today!) in front of St. Basil's Cathedral (the traditional place for pictures) as well as other places in Red Square.  We saw Lenin's Tomb, but it was closed to visitors today and we couldn't actually see him.  Cool thought, but kinda creepy to see a guy dead for so many years....

We walked through a mall type place (3 stories and about 2-3 blocks big).  We walked through a 'food store' that is in there and really enjoyed the smells!  Didn't buy anything as we were trying to keep the boys from touching things (like the expensive wine bottles!).  We also saw the Cathedral of Jesus Christ the Savior.  Beautiful place, but so sad to see those people praying to icons, pictures, relics, etc.  Totally missing the message of Jesus.

Natalia had washed her car for us before we drove around and the kids totally dirtied it up with muddy shoes and animal cracker crumbs!  Guess that is what we will have to expect our cars to look like!

The boys were put to bed just after 2:00 for a nap, but didn't (no surprise there!).  They are probably up by now (Rachael left Chris upstairs with them, heh, heh, heh).  Rachael also left Chris upstairs this morning watching Sponge Bob (in Russian) with the boys while she checked out the free WiFi in the bar (heh, heh, heh).  This could become a nice thing....... (for Rachael, that is).

Not sure what we will do for dinner tonight, but it is bound to be good.

Tomorrow (Monday) morning the doctor will visit our suite to check the boys' health for the embassy paperwork.  He is scheduled to be here between 7:30-8:00.  According to one of the other families, it will probably take about 10 minutes.  Then on to breakfast before going back to the room to wait (from 10:00 - 11:00) in case Natalia calls from the embassy with any problems.  If all is good, we should have our Embassy appointment Tuesday morning around 11:00.  Wednesday we will register the boys at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and will fly home on Thursday. 

Cannot wait to get home!!!!!  We already have a list of things we will need to get as soon as we eat dinner Thursday night: lock for refrigerator, side rail for Michael's bed, milk, coffee creamer, orange juice, apple juice, step stool for in front of the toilet and several others things not remembered right now.  Rachael just wants an ice cold can of Dr Pepper.  Chris wants a nice cold glass of plain ice tea.  Real coffee would also be good.  Anyway, we will be glad to be home and start settling the boys in.  We have wondered how Sheba will adjust to them......

Please keep us in your prayers for a few more days (or longer if you want!!) as we get things finalized here and ready to fly home. 

Will try to post more before we leave Moscow.  We will post pictures when we get settled at home, promise!

Court Trip to Russia

We are home from our very quick trip to Russia for the Court Hearing to finalize (make official) the adoption of our two boys.  All went well.  Our hearing was at 2:00 and we were back at the hotel by 4:00.  Other than the judge stating that we are now the parents of David & Michael, we don't actually have anything to show (we won't get any of the documents until we go back to pick them up and bring them home).

The weather was rather nice (averaged around 0-1 degrees Celsious).

view of the S.... airport from the Park Inn Hotel in Moscow our first night in Russia

view of the Dvina River from our hotel in Arkangelsk (the river is actually frozen over)

 The person in red (lower right side) is cross country skiing on the river

On the way to dinner after our court hearing

 Natalie (our translator) took our picture outside of the Arkangelsk Regional Court after our hearing was over and we were declared to be the parents of David & Michael Larkins

Resting at the hotel in Moscow near the D... airport the night before coming home.


We are now waiting to return to pick up our boys.  Please continue to pray as we have had to make some airline changes and have come across some unexpected financial issues (possible problems). 
We are trusting in God to provide what is needed.  He has been faithful to us in so many ways, but it is hard to not get frustrated or nervous about the issues.
We are looking at about $2200 in various fees in Russia for the boys' papers.
We are anticipating about $2300 just in lodging (hotel stays, not counting meals).
Katy ISD has docked Rachael's March 15 paycheck by just over $1000 which is throwing us off (the offices are closed for Spring Break until the 21st) and we won't be able to get it sorted out before we leave again.
Chris' last day with Fort Bend ISD is this Friday (March 18), and will be on leave from Wal-Mart for about a month, which means no income from there.

Please continue to pray for us, our boys and all the little things that have to be done and in place before we go to pick them up.  Also pray that we will have a good transition home.

A comedy of errors????

We have made it to Archangelsk and our court hearing is scheduled for tomorrow at 2:00 pm.

Neither one of us slept very well on the plane to Moscow (I think we both got about an hour each).

We did sleep better at the Park Inn hotel in Moscow, where we spent the night before getting up early to catch our flight to Archangelsk.

Thankfully we didn't have any problems with carrying on our luggage (we didn't want our court clothes to get lost in transit).  However, we did feel like squished sardines on the flight from Moscow to Archangelsk.

After arriving at the Pur Navolok Hotel and checking in, we took a nap until we were to meet with Dimitry (the paperwork guy here).  We handed over the 4 apostilled papers we scrambled to get last week so that Dimitry could get the translations attached and notarized.  We met up with him around 4:45 and got the papers back.  We then paid him the remaining balance of the Russian Program Fee plus the cost of the plane tickets he bought for us (this trip and next trip).  However he preferred rubles.  The exchange bank at the hotel was closed, so I was directed to an automated bank machine that would do the exchange.  We were able to exchange enough to pay him, however, the machine kept one of our $100 bills.  After a phone call from the doorman to the bank, then the girl at the check in desk talked to the bank, and the other girl at the desk talked to the bank, I had to get Dimitry to find out what was going on.  Needless to say, we should be able to get our money back tomorrow morning when someone from the bank comes to the hotel to check the machine.  Nothing to do right now but laugh.......

We met with Natalie this evening at the Adoption Office to go over the papers we had submitted to the court and get prepped for our hearing tomorrow.  Tonight I have to write up our 'speeches' to give in court tomorrow.  Haven't quite decided how to explain the concept of Chris being a stay-at-home dad and I will stay as a working mom.  Not a common concept at home, much less here.  Pray for us.

We have come across several unexpected expenses and we are not entirely sure that we have the funds we need right now.  Once we get back home, we should be able to sort it all out.  Either way, God will provide.

Not sure what the time is right now here in Archangelsk (can't see the clock because Chris is sleeping and if I move I might lose the Internet signal again), but I had better get to work on the 'speeches'.

Please continue to keep us and our boys in your prayers.  Oh, and the judge (a man, not the lady that wanted the updated papers we scrambled to get last week....) and the other participants of our court hearing.

We will post more tomorrow after our hearing.

Papers survived the weather

The last of the papers we needed to send to Russia were mailed from Austin last Monday morning via FedEx Overnight with delivery by 10:30 (scheduled to be delivered on Tuesday by 10:30am).

They were delivered and signed for this morning at 10:10am (according to the tracking information on the FedEx website). 

They arrived in Dallas last Tuesday (extreme early morning) but didn't get delivered till today because of the bad weather (ice, snow, etc).

Haven't heard from our caseworker yet.  If they got the papers today, they should be sent back out this afternoon to Russia.  It takes 2 days to get there, so hopefully the papers will arrive by Thursday morning.

Yeah!  Now we get to wait a little bit longer for a court date. 

Still praying that we get a date around the end of the month.  Chris and I are scheduled to run the concession stand at the Greater Houston Ham Fest on Saturday, March 5.  Praying that we will still be able to do so.  We have back-up people (my sister and whoever she gets to help her) in place, but we would rather be there ourselves.  It would be easier all the way around if we are here for that weekend.

Please continue to keep us and our boys in your prayers as we continue to wait.

More Papers...

Apparently, our Dossier made it to Russia without some necessary documents.

We thought that we had it all ready to go.  Checked the list & documents before heading to Austin.  Checked the list & documents after getting them Apostilled.  Checked the list & documents at the FedEx Office after making copies.  Checked the list & documents before sealing the envelope. 

The papers we are missing were not listed.

Papers they need:

*2 notarized copies of the Home Study with the correct ages listed.  (check)
*2 notarized copies of the Psychological Evaluation for Chris (No check)
*2 notarized copies of the Psychological Evaluation for Rachael (No check)
*2 notarized copies of the psychologist's license (No check)


I have contacted the psychologist.  He should be able to get it all together tomorrow and get it in the mail to us.  He is in Houston, so it shouldn't take long (mail wise that is; not sure on the timing of the psychologist).

We have copies of the Home Study ready to go.

Now we wait again.

This shouldn't put us behind as the judge that will be hearing our case (along with several other families) is having some issues with the Apostilles.  He wants the Apostille to verify the signature of the person signing the paper, not the notary's signature.  The whole point of the notary is to verify the signature of the person signing the paper.  The Apostille is to verify that the notary is legally allowed to verify the person signing the paper.

Confused yet?????

Either way, we should be 'back on schedule' by the end of next week.

On a different topic, our water heater decided to spring a leak yesterday.  Thankfully the home warranty assigned a great plumbing company to it.  By the time I got home (around 4:00 pm), we had a brand new water heater installed and heating water!  Our cost: $55 service fee.  Home Warranties Rock!  Since the date on the old water heater is from 1979, I think it had a good life......

Dossier Part 2

Dossier Part 2 is ready to be Apostilled! 

*The last of the papers we were waiting for came in Thursday (it took almost 11 weeks out of a possible 12 weeks for the FBI to send a paper for each of us confirming that we do not have a record with the FBI)!

*We got all of our signatures notarized this afternoon.

*Just finished printing signing, attaching to the papers the request/application paper for each of the different sets of notarized papers (and the certified copies of our marriage license).

*Now to find the directions to the Secretary of State's office in Austin so Chris and I can drive over & back this week to get the Apostille papers.

*We will then send it all (after making copies of course!) via overnight FedEx from Austin (the place I used last time is only about a mile or less walk from the SOS office).  Hopefully the package will be in Dallas on Thursday. 

*They will check it over and send it on to Russia.

*Now we will wait some more (hoping for less time to wait this time around).

Dossier Part 2 is ready to be Apostilled! 

Please continue to pray for us and our boys during this time.  We don't have any contact with them (and won't till it is all finalized), but are trusting God that they are in good health and are looking forward to being with Mama & Daddy soon!  So far, we think we are okay financially, but any extra would be helpful!

Still waiting on papers

We got some more papers in this week, but we are still waiting on the FBI clearance and the corrected age on our approval forms from USCIS.  We are still waiting on approval for our court application, then we can print it and when the rest of the papers come in, get all of our papers notarized.  Once that is done, we will take everything to Austin to get Apostilled before overnighting it to Dallas.  I am praying that we will get all our papers done and sent to Russia in early December.  We probably won't be able to get a court date until January. 

Rachael's school is throwing us an Adoption Shower this week, so our Wal-Mart Baby Registry has been updated recently. 

We are getting things ready for our boys.

Missing them and praying that we get to bring them home soon.

Paperwork is progressing

Spent 2.5 hours last night working on paperwork and most of today (classes and students were worked in during the day) but finally got our visa paperwork ready to go.  After Chris got home and cleaned up, we went and got our visa application pictures done (had to measure before cutting as they need to be a smaller size).  They have been glued to the correct applications (getting the applications to print correctly was NOT FUN and spent 10 minutes hogging the school copier to make sure I made 2 correct copies [front & back] while others were waiting for school work stuff).  It is so nice to work with such understanding teachers!

After school I stopped by the bank and picked up a cashier's check for the visa application fee (expedited service please!) on the way home.

We are ready to go to the consulate in the morning.  We are planning on going early (they only take applications from 9-12) so that we won't have to wait long (and have time to fix any thing not correct - PRAYING THAT NOTHING IS WRONG WITH THE APPLICATIONS!)

Tomorrow afternoon we are going to the church to get papers signed & notarized (our wonderful church secretary is a notary!) and mail them off to Buckner.

All that is left to do is finish going over the other papers for our trip, work on papers for Dossier Part 2, and add stuff to the Baby Registry we have at Wal-Mart (for those who want to get specific things for the boys/us - gift cards are always welcome!!).  I am sure that there is more to do, but I can't really think right now.  Brain is not working properly due to lack of sleep, and stress.  :)

Only a week and a half before we leave to meet our boys.  We are really excited, but trying to stay calm and relaxed.

We took advantage of Babies-R-Us's Great Trade In this past weekend.  We traded in an old car seat and booster seat for new ones.  We were able to get 25% off  (each) of 2 new convertible car seats that will also work as a booster seat later for Michael, as well as 15% & 20% 2 new tall back booster seats for David.  All totaled was a great deal!!  All 4 cost less than $250!!  So, we are set for transportation issues (one set per vehicle).  We are going to get the mattresses tomorrow. 

Please continue to pray for us and our boys during this time of waiting and paperwork, not to mention the traveling! 

ACCEPTANCE & TRAVEL

We have accepted the referral and are planning our first trip around the beginning of October!

We are really excited about meeting our boys! 

Until all of this is finalized, we won't post specifics or pictures (confidentiality concerns), but we can tell you some things:

*the ages are 4 & 2
*they look really great
*we are going to keep their Russian name as a middle name and adding a new name to go with their new family
*we are going to name the older brother David
*we are going to name the younger brother Michael

Please continue to pray for us:
*that we stay calm and focused
*that Rachael can get school stuff done in a timely manner (has to leave lesson plans, etc for a sub)
*that we get all the papers sorted, organized, filled out, signed, notarized, apostilled, etc as needed and as soon as possible (the sooner the dossier part 2 is completed & sent to Russia the sooner we get a court date!)
*that we make good travel arrangements (we will be traveling to the Archangelsk Region)
*we are about $8,000 short of what we anticipate
*there are probably more things but this is all for now.......

Fingerprinting request...

Today we got our official notice to appear for fingerprinting! 

We are requested to appear on 08/09/10 at 2:00 pm at a local Application Support Center (on Highway 6 at Voss). 

Yeah!!

This is the next step in the Application for Advance Processing or Orphan Petition by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service.  Having the application process done before we go to Russia will help expedite the process after the adoption proceedings for our children in Russia.

Yeah!!!

Papers are Apostilled

A friend and I drove to Austin Tuesday afternoon, spent the night at a hotel then went to get the papers processed around mid-morning. It was a very relaxing time for both of us.

The papers had been sent to Oklahoma last Monday (a week ago) instead of to us, so we have been waiting somewhat patiently (okay, not very patient!).  They were overnighted to us this past Monday and arrived Tuesday morning.  I made the rounds (library to get some computer stuff completed as our computer is still down, church to make copies of everything, bank to transfer money to pay for the Apostilles, lunch, Wal-Mart for a hairbrush, envelopes & toothpaste then back home in time for Dawn to pick me up).  Busy day!

The Apostille process was rather quick (Thanks for the comment Ann!) which was nice.  We then walked a half mile to a  FedEx Office where I made a few copies and mailed it all off via FedEx overnight (Chris' step dad is letting us use his account - thanks Dave!).  According to FedEx, the package was signed for around 8:41 Thursday morning.

Whew.  At least that part is done.

Now we wait (AGAIN). 

Papers should be on their way to us...

Talked with our case worker yesterday: the rest of our dossier papers were supposed to be mailed yesterday!  We should get them in a few days.; then off to Austin on Monday to get them Apostilled!  Things are moving again.....

Working on Dossier Part 1

I am almost done with our section of the Dossier Part 1!  Chris and I are meeting our church secretary tomorrow at the church (they both have the day off) around noon to sign all 32 papers and have her notarize them all!  You should have heard her when I told her that we have 32 papers for her to notarize.  It will be fun tomorrow!  I made sure to have 4 blue pens that work (we have to use blue ink on all papers).

Monday I have an appointment with our social worker to have her certify our Picture Books and get them notarized!  Thankfully we only have 3 of those to do.

I have been working all week to get things done.  All that is left to do is clean out the children's bedroom, straighten up my sewing room and take pictures of both.  Once I get pictures I like, I will copy & paste them into the Picture Book document, print and wait till Monday to get it all signed!  Once the Picture Books are done, our part will be completed.

Hopefully we will get the rest of the Dossier documents from Buckner soon so that I can take it all to Austin to get it Apostilled (pronounced Ap-O-Steeled).  Once that is done, we will send it to Buckner.  They will send it to Russia to get filed and we will wait.

Please continue to pray for us during this time, as well as our children.

Dossier Instructions are here!!

Our Russia Dossier Instructions came via email this morning!! Whew!

AACK. UUUHHH?? HUH??

Okay. Read them, saved a copy in our Adoption file on the computer. Left the house, ran errands. Got home, read them again, printed a copy, read the copy and decided that it can wait till tomorrow to go back over and start working on it.

Several forms have to be typed and signed in blue ink while being notarized. Have to make sure to follow very specific directions regarding notarization. Hmmm.

Need to create a Picture Book while following specific directions of that (and will need to get it notarized and signed by the social worker). Hmmm.

THINGS TO DO: Clean house so we can take pictures; get yard mowed, edged, cleaned up so we can take pictures; empty bedroom (& hopefully get furniture in it) so we can take pictures; get stuff we want for the bathroom so we can take pictures; bathe the dog so she will look good in the pictures; find money to pay for all the stuff we need......

I plan to get certified copies of our marriage license this next week and drive up to Denton with a friend to get certified copies of my birth certificate. And wait to get Chris' birth certificate copies in the mail. Hopefully they will get here in the next few weeks (or sooner!!).

As soon as we get the go-ahead and all the papers are in order, I will take a road trip to Austin to get it all apostilled (ap-oh-steeled).

Please continue to pray for our children and their current caregivers. Also continue to keep our finances in your prayers. We have enough for the fees related to the adoption, but still need furniture for the children's bedroom (we found storage beds on Wal-Mart.com that we really like that has dressers and such to match). The furniture will cost around $800 (not including mattresses). We still don't have bedding, towels, etc. I have set up a Wish List with Wal-Mart for things we would like to have. Unfortunately the furniture is not able to be listed (no gifting options). Gift cards are always welcome! :)

YEAH!!! We are getting closer......

Papers to get

I sent off the request for certified, English translated copies of Chris' birth certificate today. They should get the envelope on Thursday, but not sure when we will get the copies. Since Chris was born in Puerto Rico, his birth certificate is written in Spanish and we have to have English translated copies. I requested that they send translated copies but I am not sure if they will.

For my birth certificate, I think it will be easier and faster to drive to Denton county and pick them up in person. If I request them through mail or the Internet, it could take any where from 10 days to 6 weeks to get them. In person, it will take about 10 minutes. Road trip!!

The easiest copies to get will be our wedding certificate; it was filed in Richmond. I will see if I can get them this week.

Not sure what else we will need for our dossier, but at least this is a start.

I haven't heard from our social worker if she sent in the Home Study Update yet. She was supposed to send it in last Friday. Once it gets 'approved', we will get a copy, a copy will be sent to Immigration and hopefully we will get the information about the dossier at that time.

Please continue to keep our children and their current caregivers in your prayers.

One more thing to update...

We got an email today telling us that we have one more paper to update! That's what we were afraid of. It is a Medical Form (4 yes/no type questions), so it isn't that bad. We won't need any blood work or testing done, just need to get the doctor to fill it out, sign it and send it in. It's on my list of things to do tomorrow.

As far as the social worker, I spoke with the lady who supervises the Home Study social workers about the situation and feel much better! Lack of communication can be a horrible thing! We did have to submit a Grief & Loss paper (new thing added to Home Studies for Russia). Of course I cried, read Chris what I wrote, cried some more, typed what Chris dictated, tried not to cry some more and sent it off to Pat & Kristen. Talk about stirring emotions...

Hopefully the Update will be finished soon and we can continue going forward.

Please continue praying for us during this time.

School is almost over for the year (last day with the kiddos is Thursday, June 3!).