It's Birthday Season!

The kids (minus Amos, who spent his morning alone with Daddy at home) and I just returned from a cute, patriotic, American Flag themed birthday party. There was a flag craft, flag cake, patriotic music, the clothes theme was red, white, and blue, and the birthday girl was even wearing an adorable dress sewn by her mother that had American Flags all over it. How sweet is that? I love unique themed parties!


Speaking of sewing, I am determined to learn. Recently I really feel the NEED to learn to sew things like curtains, little dresses or skirts, maybe some easy bags/purses, and things of that nature. I don't know if it's God urging me to pick up a very useful, handy skill, but I am certain it will happen. In my quest to better myself as a wife, a mother, and an all around human being, I think sewing will really assist me in being more helpful and productive. I'm super excited! My Mamaw even told me she'd give me a sewing machine. She's such an amazing seamstress- I hope to learn from her at least initially. And this is something I will pass down to all of my girls (and boys, if they so choose).


My sweet boy Jasper turned 4 years old on Monday, August 16th! Here at home he opened a gift (an elaborate Thomas the Train bath toy), blew out a candle on his previously requested lemon cake with vanilla icing, and ate a yummy supper of pizza and salad (also requested by him). We had a previous celebration with his cousin Ryan (whose birthday is 8/12) at his Aunt Kim's house weeks ago, so that took care of any party lusting issues. I also plan to take him to see a movie soon, just he and I. He will love that!


In adoption news, Robby and I are busy getting everything completed for the home study so that we can begin the interview process. Last week I emailed four friends of ours information for sending in referrals on our behalf, we had our background checks done at the state police headquarters (we passed! lol), and both Ireland and I had physicals done at the doctor (it took 2.5 hours!) on Friday. I still have to go back for lots of blood work, as well as a TB test, and *ahem* my yearly before my physical is complete, but my appointment for that isn't until September 3rd. Robby and Jasper have their physicals on Monday afternoon and Amos has his on Tuesday morning. Robby will also have to go back for at least one other appointment for blood work/TB test as well (and this is not to mention the drive back to the doctor's office for the TB reading 24 hours afterward). We also have yet to fill out our "fact sheets" (aka TONS of personal, random questions about ourselves and our spouse) or the original application in it's entirety. Thankfully, we have copied everyone's birth certificates, our marriage license, W2s for 2009, and the financial form we sent to our adoption agency! So at least some things are done. And if you're still following me without being utterly confused at this point, you deserve a cookie! ;) Yeah, so things are moving along as fast as they can at this point. Next up is scheduling the first interview (which might not be before October, but I'm keeping my fingers crossed for an earlier date) and writing a check for $1300 to the home study agency. I am in constant prayer about all of this.