tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2702799442075871802024-03-12T19:47:33.461-07:00Our Journey Mia/ Has Changed To Ethiopia AdoptionThe McDadeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13751732721495663750noreply@blogger.comBlogger75125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-270279944207587180.post-25248741221232455752012-06-06T18:32:00.001-07:002012-06-06T18:32:34.288-07:00Adoption PartyWe had the best adoption party last weekend thanks to Angie McDade for hosting the party for us! She did a great job and it was so much fun!! We had lots of family and friends come to celebrate Connor joining our family. I want to thank everybody that helped make this party a huge hit. Here are some pictures from the adoption party. <br /><br />Mark and I were so surprise with all of the decorations!<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/06/06/3535.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/06/06/s_3535.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='186' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/06/06/3536.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/06/06/s_3536.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='186' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/06/06/3537.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/06/06/s_3537.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='186' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/06/06/3539.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/06/06/s_3539.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='186' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Here is Connor's ultrasound:<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/06/06/3540.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/06/06/s_3540.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='186' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />This is so cool. The tree is for everyone that came to the party to leave their fingerprint. I framed it and put it in Connor's bedroom so he would know how much he is already loved.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/06/06/3541.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/06/06/s_3541.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='186' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />It matches great in Connor's bedroom! I can't wait for him to be here!!!<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/06/06/3542.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/06/06/s_3542.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Two new friends of mine Sallyanne and Ashley came in their ice cream truck to give out ice cream to all of the kids. So sweet. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/06/06/3543.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/06/06/s_3543.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='186' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/06/06/3544.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/06/06/s_3544.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='186' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />All of the kids played on a slip-n-slide and had a blast!! What a great idea for the kids..<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/06/06/3545.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/06/06/s_3545.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='186' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Here is our beautiful cake that a friend of Angie's made for the party. It was good too. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/06/06/3546.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/06/06/s_3546.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='186' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/06/06/3547.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/06/06/s_3547.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='186' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />We just can't wait for Connor to join our family. We were so touched by how much our family and friends already love Connor. We thank you all for the gifts, food, donations, and for praying for us. We love all of you very much.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/06/06/3548.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/06/06/s_3548.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='186' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Soon there will be signs at the airport saying, "Welcome Home Connor"!! I just can't wait for that day to come!! <br /><br /><br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />The McDadeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13751732721495663750noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-270279944207587180.post-89794743689988788952012-05-14T11:24:00.001-07:002012-05-14T11:24:24.422-07:00Mother's Day weekendYesterday was Mother's Day. I was worried that I was going to be all sad since Connor still is not home with us yet, but God took care of my feelings. I am blessed to have a sweet little girl whom I cherish every minute that I am with her. She made my Mother's Day extremely special this year. Summer helped clean the house for me. She spent all day by my side (like any other day), but she made my day feel SO special.. She made me the most special Mother's Day card and a painted pot from school.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/05/14/1950.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/05/14/s_1950.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/05/14/1951.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/05/14/s_1951.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Here are a few pictures from our Mother's Day lunch at our house. My mom and sister came out to eat lunch with us. We all had a great time. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/05/14/1952.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/05/14/s_1952.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />My sister bought me some basil and rosemary for my yard. I just love herbs. They make cooking so much better when they are fresh. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/05/14/1953.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/05/14/s_1953.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />So I had a great Mother's Day! This will be my LAST Mother's Day without my sweet little boy. However, I did get a little Mother's Day present from BCS - he has his passport!! His picture is so cute on it. We are one step closer to becoming a family of four!! Not much longer!!<br /><br />Please keep praying for us while we wait to travel for our Embassy appointment. We just can not wait!!!<br /><br /><br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />The McDadeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13751732721495663750noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-270279944207587180.post-4145600560709717692012-05-02T11:04:00.001-07:002012-05-02T11:04:00.077-07:00Moved?Connor was moved on Monday to a new orphanage in Addis Ababa. He will be there until we go back on our Embassy trip. Really hoping that we will be back the first of June! We can't wait! I emailed them and asked how he did on the plane? The nanny that was with him said that he cried a lot and was uneasy. Once they got to the orphanage he wanted to be near the other kids. He was still a little upset by the time the nanny left. They said he was eating and sleeping good. That is a plus. I just pray that he will not be too scared. I don't know what is going on in his little head. It makes me sad that I can't be there to try to comfort him. I know God is watching over him for us until we can get there. I just hope is happens FAST!!!!<br /><br />I found out today that he has a birth certificate now. They are working on getting his passport. Once they get this we can be submitted for an Embassy appointment. Maybe in a few weeks we will know when we are going back to Ethiopia. <br /><br />Connor we are coming soon. We love you so much! We can't wait for you to join our family forever!! <br />We all want to hug, kiss and love on you! We want you to know how special you are to your birth family and to us. We will always pray for them and you will know where you came from. Hang on my sweet little boy- this will be the last month that you will be without us! WE LOVE YOU- mommy, daddy, big sister Sum!<br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />The McDadeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13751732721495663750noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-270279944207587180.post-17034903077655764632012-04-19T17:22:00.001-07:002012-04-19T17:22:31.356-07:00We passed Court TodayI went to work like another day and when I got off work there was an email from my agency saying that the letter was sent to the courts today and we passed! Our adoption date is April 19, 2012! I was so overjoyed that all I could do was cry. I just sat trying to take it all in and was just blown away. After waiting almost three years it is finally happening. I have another child! He is my son! I am so blessed to call Connor Equba McDade my son. Oh happy day!! <br /><br />I asked my agency if I could post pictures of him on Facebook or on my blog - not until after Embassy. So I can't post any pictures yet. However, I don't think it will be too long before we go back! I am really hoping and praying for 2-3 months at the latest. It may be sooner, but I don't want to get my hopes up yet. There are still things we need to do before we travel again. My sister-n-law is throwing us an adoption party in May so that will be lots of fun!! We still need more baby things and a little more money to travel. We need for Summer to be out of school before we travel again. I hope it will be sometime in June so she will be out of school and I can take off work - we will be home bodies for a month to get him adjusted. Oh, I can't wait!!! <br /><br />Please keep us in your prayers as we wait to get the rest of his paperwork done, passport, visa, and medical elevation. Then after the aunt goes for her interview - we will be on our way back to Ethiopia. This time we will be bringing our little guy home!! OH HAPPY DAY!!!!!<br /> <br /><br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />The McDadeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13751732721495663750noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-270279944207587180.post-43023065470843656092012-04-18T10:31:00.001-07:002012-04-18T10:31:37.316-07:00Didn't pass court!Well, we didn't pass court on April 17, 2012. The letter that they needed just wasn't there in time. So we wait. They are translating it today and hopefully will have it ready for court on April 26, 2012. It could be sooner! I am praying for sooner. The sooner we pass court, the sooner we can be on our Embassy trip to bring Connor home. I am so ready for that day to come. I am so ready to be a family of four!!!!<br /><br />I received the sweetest video of Connor today playing with a little girl at his orphanage. They both were walking around trying to kick the balls. They both have been there for way too long! When we were there I was able to play with this little girl and take some pictures of her for her mommy. She is such a funny little girl. I can't wait to see her home with her forever family. Just like I can't wait to have Connor back in my arms again!!<br /><br />Another family that was at the guesthouse with us took some pictures of Connor for us - which I can't post yet until we pass court. She also took a picture of us at the Golf Club as a family of three waiting for Connor to join us. We can't wait for that day to come!!<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/04/18/1593.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/04/18/s_1593.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Please keep us in your prayers-that we will be able to stand the wait until we are able to go back to Ethiopia to bring our little boy home to his forever family!!!<br /><br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />The McDadeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13751732721495663750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-270279944207587180.post-21901974498115673342012-04-17T04:58:00.001-07:002012-04-17T04:58:28.998-07:00Our Ethiopian TripMark, Summer, and I have been home for 5 days now trying to recover from jet lag. I have been trying to blog about our trip, but with being so tired Nd checking up with family it has been hard.<br /><br />We all survived the long plane flights. I thought they would never end!! Summer did really good. She even tried to eat some of the food on the plane - which was not good! So glad we packed her tons of snacks to eat. We were digging in her bag by the time we landed in Addis.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/04/17/663.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/04/17/s_663.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />When we landed in Addis we were so tired! After we got our money exchanged, travel visas, and found our luggage- we could not find our driver. Come to find out that we landed earlier than he thought. She we waited on him while people were coming up to us begging and wanting tips. Finally, we see him coming and he takes us to the guesthouse- Morning Coffee Guesthouse. Where we were greeted at the door by Mrs. Birtukan and her husband. I knew the minute we met them we were in a great place!<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/04/17/664.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/04/17/s_664.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='186' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />We were woken up early the next morning at 4:00 by a rooster. So we decided to get up and get dressed. They were picking us up early to go sightseeing and to a museum. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/04/17/665.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/04/17/s_665.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='186' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Then we went to lunch at Lucy's Restaurant and it was so good. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/04/17/666.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/04/17/s_666.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Then the next day we had to wake up around 4:30 to get ready to get on a plane that would take us to Mekele. That is where the orphanage our son is at. Mekele was different from Addis. There was not as many people and the driving was nice. It was a really neat place to visit. The orphanage staff were do nice to us and I could tell that they loved all the children there. They love our little boy. They didn't want him to cry at all. They all held him until he was comfortable around us. It took almost three hours for him to finally sit in my lap. Man, what an amazing time that was!! It wasn't long, but it melted my heart. I am more in love with our little boy than ever before. Here are a few that I put on Facebook. <br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/04/17/667.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/04/17/s_667.jpg' border='0' width='187' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/04/17/668.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/04/17/s_668.jpg' border='0' width='187' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /> We were able to stay at the orphanage until it was his nap time then we had to leave. It was so hard to leave, but we had to. Hopefully, we will be back soon to bring him home.<br /><br />Then on Sunday we met two other families from our guesthouse that are adopting. Both families were on their Embassy trip. It was so nice to meet others while we were there. We all went to an International church service in Addis. The church service was great! We all then went out to lunch at the Golf Club. It was really nice.<br /><br />Then on Monday Mark, Summer, and I had to go to court. We waited for almost two hours before the Judge even got there. Then when we were called back there - I knew something was wrong. We still didn't have the letter that we needed to pass court. The MOWA letter was there, but something was missing. So they rescheduled a new court date for April 17. Which is today. I don't think we will pass today either, but I will post either way. <br /><br />The whole time in Ethiopia was a great experience. I am do glad we took Summer with us. She can not wait to go back to bring her little brother home. Keep praying for us as we wait again. <br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />The McDadeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13751732721495663750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-270279944207587180.post-28285902447470841392012-04-02T17:30:00.001-07:002012-04-02T17:30:33.898-07:00Leaving Tomorrow For EthiopiaMark, Summer and I leave to tomorrow to head to Ethiopia!! We are so excited, nervous and full of joy!!! I just might not sleep a wink tonight. I just can not wait to see, hold, and love on my little boy!! It will be so amazing. It has been a long 2 year wait and it is finally about to come true.<br /><br />We will not get to see him until Friday April 6! We will fly to Mekele where is orphanage is at. We will spend the whole day in Mekele, but not the whole day with our son. We will see him, then get some lunch, go to some museums, and back to see him one last time. That will be so sad to say good bye to him and then have to wait for 2 or 3 months to go back for him. It will be sad for our daughter too who is going to "meet" her little brother. She will not want to leave him there, but we have no choice. He is loved by his nannies. They are taking great care of him. I just want him home with us- so we can be a family for four soon. <br /><br />We will go sightseeing, and going to the market while we are there. I really don't know what days we are doing what. I hope I can post while we are there. So we will see. <br /><br />Then on Monday April 9 is our court date!!! Please everyone pray that we will pass while we are in Ethiopia!! This would help us out so much. It would make it easier for us to go back to our son. Then if we do pass I can post pictures of us being a family of four!!!! I so want to show everyone his precious face.. <br /><br />I love our little boy so much!! I am so thankful that the Lord is blessing us with another child. I am so thankful that He has allowed for us to adopt!! I am thankful that we are able to take our daughter with us on both trips. I am thankful that we are about to meet our son. God is so good!!! <br /><br />Please keep praying for us. <br /><br />1 Samuel 1:27 " I have prayed for this child, and the Lord has granted me what I have asked for"<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />The McDadeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13751732721495663750noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-270279944207587180.post-40148293465684726032012-03-30T14:34:00.012-07:002012-03-30T16:19:46.983-07:00Birthday Weekend<div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div>This past weekend was my 38 birthday. I cant believe that I am about to be 40 in a couple of years. There is nothing wrong with getting older - it has just flown by! i still like to do my workout everyday and to play with Summer. We are about to go meet our little boy in a few days. Life is so good!<div><div> </div><div>Mark, Summer, Kathza, and I went to my mom's house for my birthday lunch. We had Papa John's Pizza and it was so good. We have not had that since we moved out to Somerville - like 3 years. They gave me some money so I can buy me some Ethiopian souvenirs while we are there. </div><div> </div><div>Here are a few pictures of our day at my mom's house. We had a lot of fun!</div><div> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK7X0CLZFjX4NoImIXWXdPEXqjC_lh2kUAhdBfbVCwRk6wVNeabOeWbnnPYHbqdNpi95xy92JDuGyA8AvwJlSWHmTROqL3p-J2I_K4owyiylCenEsN7B2vMATmcPdKL4i05FkzILfHkZQ/s1600/birthday+at+moms+008.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 320px; height: 213px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725813005473901474" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK7X0CLZFjX4NoImIXWXdPEXqjC_lh2kUAhdBfbVCwRk6wVNeabOeWbnnPYHbqdNpi95xy92JDuGyA8AvwJlSWHmTROqL3p-J2I_K4owyiylCenEsN7B2vMATmcPdKL4i05FkzILfHkZQ/s320/birthday+at+moms+008.JPG" /></a></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeakO_4i_qOSxVVYhuzqc_Zq6vXnfqlcQuVxyb6bNi7xRZ1LYrrASW0pv7-d0VlCrJnKIIsRQLi-_lt0zgjXVHKCu7mUwdFDgFoo2KS_sdBKw3-9hlZvkYYYFtVbr5phflr0yLnnw_qIM/s1600/birthday+at+moms+016.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 320px; height: 240px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725811037117871810" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeakO_4i_qOSxVVYhuzqc_Zq6vXnfqlcQuVxyb6bNi7xRZ1LYrrASW0pv7-d0VlCrJnKIIsRQLi-_lt0zgjXVHKCu7mUwdFDgFoo2KS_sdBKw3-9hlZvkYYYFtVbr5phflr0yLnnw_qIM/s320/birthday+at+moms+016.JPG" /></a></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgugKrO9CmjhORCPEdMWZa_TMlnWvnwKFsQg9ZxO-nQUaTMzyIOMxy1AZrkAuHShyphenhyphen8TlAJ6Th_6_GTl0dpwdF2MThHr9UdSNfMf2PVZV2A8YQIOtqJxwI0gG5Ca4uwXibjIDR-7E8NsbGM/s1600/birthday+at+moms+007.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 320px; height: 213px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725812997893314754" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgugKrO9CmjhORCPEdMWZa_TMlnWvnwKFsQg9ZxO-nQUaTMzyIOMxy1AZrkAuHShyphenhyphen8TlAJ6Th_6_GTl0dpwdF2MThHr9UdSNfMf2PVZV2A8YQIOtqJxwI0gG5Ca4uwXibjIDR-7E8NsbGM/s320/birthday+at+moms+007.JPG" /></a></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiAavhuZpwqNXlthMKfuBFXvbnIe6TzfnZw2tHeu0T0xf1ywaLWaedLX0OvQ7DFFWb48GBQAxsKrVbf-xKNcuTd8fTcm4DAF4LBYVizZ0YY5q5PllsnCnNP0SKOEcOrSWssGOvRMjwbmE/s1600/birthday+at+moms+006.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 320px; height: 213px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725809794229759250" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiAavhuZpwqNXlthMKfuBFXvbnIe6TzfnZw2tHeu0T0xf1ywaLWaedLX0OvQ7DFFWb48GBQAxsKrVbf-xKNcuTd8fTcm4DAF4LBYVizZ0YY5q5PllsnCnNP0SKOEcOrSWssGOvRMjwbmE/s320/birthday+at+moms+006.JPG" /></a></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> <img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 213px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725832579670221858" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXr5IQ46xVRC5A7KbVElIhW0mw6ea2cQrCIOxfU62fSOWktd0GJZMpyJQby0gnpVjgyGSPEs6swtHL4ZSJ_1cB_n_QURE6H_OAoCNZ2m9-pmmNifDDrPBO6lgxG9ZkWcd549c-ILYDscE/s320/birthday+at+moms+009.JPG" /></div><div> <img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 213px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725815578632000162" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUSkc1qL9_cAm4MVFURh3yRcNiqffUHUASgWz8dVb0sATcNGmL0da91H_YDsNDLNbvbGP8cfyRoL7KKbO62io_bYwqYKGTRMKZJMDv9uBD3vlFR3vrvnT7AEtM1J1pb4mrNXA4LRW5cXo/s320/birthday+at+moms+010.JPG" /><div><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 213px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725815583538424834" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUzUQuNe4fFaPwRALivchZbAJ76bPZDXtjJfI3sFq7KocnBrMP3Bu3aL5_rqJdeIiM2XbK19WQCZIE4DQy9jqVT2cUK0WwjRXbl13c3yJ_ObNic3hUpVMjy3dVycS351esg87SGbBxALE/s320/birthday+at+moms+012.JPG" /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWqIS8TI453CtN-vAksoNq59bMYhLFIMRu-8CvK9kPDggF8_6vmLeAcgRT169A-3r2QeFKO8dNsFG8R7mPTNG1llndMUXBCuio9ZSjq-tTMDooKtGQ1Qtws1zqcPcyjo7pC4op4_5UIvU/s1600/birthday+at+moms+009.JPG"></a> </div></div><div>So we had a great day. I am so glad that I have my mom and sister in my life! We do not have a big family but we will do anything for each other. I am so glad that they are so supportive of Mark and I adopting our little boy from Ethiopia. It means so much to me to have them so interested in our adoption journey. They both are so glad we are about to go and finally see him and hold him. We also have Mark's parents who are supporting us as well. I have a great father-n-law who I look up to and I consider him like my dad. He is what a dad should really be like. Mark's whole side of the family is very supportive of us adopting. It helps when you have one member that is not.</div><div> </div><div> </div><div>Sometimes, I wish my dad was on board with our adoption. Sometimes, I wish he would just try to be supportive and call us. I have not really talked to my dad in almost 10 months. I spoke to him briefly on Christmas morning, but that did not go well. And on my birthday I was really hoping he would call me. He never did. I do not know if he knows we are about to go across the world to meet his grandson - who he wants no part with just because he is black. It makes me sad to know that my dad wants to have nothing to do with us because we are adopting a child from Ethiopia. Just sad... However, I am getting use to the fact that he might never come around. I am getting to the point where he might have waited to late to come around. I really do not have a dad anymore and that is what is sad - because he lives only 20 minutes away from me... All I can do is pray for him that he might change....</div><div> </div><div>I did have a GREAT birthday no matter what because we got to get tickets to go to Ethiopia!! What more can a girl ask for???? To pass court while we are there, super fast Embassy clearence so we can go bring him home SOON!!!!!!!! </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWqIS8TI453CtN-vAksoNq59bMYhLFIMRu-8CvK9kPDggF8_6vmLeAcgRT169A-3r2QeFKO8dNsFG8R7mPTNG1llndMUXBCuio9ZSjq-tTMDooKtGQ1Qtws1zqcPcyjo7pC4op4_5UIvU/s1600/birthday+at+moms+009.JPG"></a> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>The McDadeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13751732721495663750noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-270279944207587180.post-1456045259782531872012-03-08T16:09:00.001-08:002012-03-08T16:09:05.034-08:00Email I wrote to HopeHere is the email that I wrote to Hope Church about the sermon series I Quit. Hope sent out an email asking for people to write about something that you have quit during this sermon. So I wrote this email. Mainly to get it off my chest and to let God have all my worries. I did not ever think they would pick mine to read to the whole church. mine was one of the four that they read. They cut it in half, but it was cool to hear it. Mark was sitting by me and said, " sounds like another couple." I looked at him and said, " it is us!" Then I started to cry once it was talking about us getting the "call". I took it as a sign that God was with us and He would not leave us during this journey. <br /><br /><br />Our names are Shannon and Mark McDade. We have a biological daughter named Summer who is seven years old. I felt like God was calling me to adopt. I went and told my husband Mark about this and he thought I was crazy. I mean when you sit down and look at how much it cost to adopt international, and all the training you have to do. It was a lot for him to take in, but he eventually was on board. We started the adoption process in June 29,2009 with the country of Taiwan, but after a year of waiting we realized that it was going to be a longer wait than we wanted. Now our daughter was getting older and I thought that we needed another child quickly. Mark and I talked to our agency and we decided to switch countries to Ethiopia in 2010. Our social worker said it might be quicker to adopt from Ethiopia - so we thought too. Then right after we got our dossier over there in Ethiopia the slow down began again!! The government came across some cases that the children were stolen from their birth families. So they shut down some orphanages and we were getting so nervous about the switch we made, but I knew it was the right path to be on. There were days where I would ask God "why is it taking so long for us to be blessed with another child?" I was getting to the point that I thought we would never get "the call" - "the call" that I wanted more than anything at this time. It was really hard to see other people that I knew having a baby or getting "the call" from their adoption agencies. We had other stresses on top of the not knowing when or if we would get the call. One of the stresses that I have to deal with is my dad being against this adoption since we were adopting an African American child. He has not talked to me, my husband, or his granddaughter in over eight months. So this hit me really hard. However, I feel like God wants us to adopt and that is what we were going to do even if it meant it would take a while and certain people were against us. We waited for eight months then we received a referral of a 13 month old little boy in October 26, 2011!! What a happy day that was when the phone rang and our social worker said, "there is a 13 month old boy needing a home." Then we were waiting again... We have been waiting for three months on a court date so we can meet our little boy. During this time Hope started doing the series on I Quit. It was like God was talking to me especially on the sermon about Quit Complaining!! That my blessings out weight my bruises, not letting other people dampen my gratitude, remembering God is faithful and won't give us more than we can shoulder! Man that hit me hard.. So I left that day from Hope thinking differently about our adoption. I gave it all to God on that day and told Him to lead us where He wants us to go. If we have to wait a little longer before we hold our precious boy I can handle that, because I know that God is holding and loving on him while He prepares our family for the blessings yet to come!! <br /><br />Thanks,<br />Shannon, Mark and<br />Summer McDade<br /><br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />The McDadeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13751732721495663750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-270279944207587180.post-69854417947299510792012-03-08T11:40:00.010-08:002012-03-08T12:11:00.501-08:00Court DateMark and I have been waiting on a court date for some time now. Well, on Monday, March 5, 2012 we found out that the birth family had their court date and now the judge could schedule us a court date. This is what we have been waiting on for four months. Our court date is going to be on April 9, 2012!!! We are so excited about this news. As you can see this happened three days ago and I am just now getting to blog it- mostly because I forgot with being on cloud nine for three days!!! We will be leaving on April 3 and returning on April 10.<br /><br />We will be spending Easter in Ethiopia this year. It is funny how things work out around Easter for us. Mark and I found out that we were pregnant with Summer on Easter six years ago. Then two years ago when we started this adoption journey our yellow lab named Sassi started to get sick. It was on Easter weekend when she finally got so sick that she died. She was only two years old and had cancer. However, before she died we decided to get us another lab to help Summer and I cope with her dying. So two weeks before Easter we found this five month old yellow lab named Lilly (Easter Lilly). We thought the name was a sign to get her. So we did and kept her name. Two weeks after we brought Lilly home Sassi died. Before Sassi died she helped us train Lilly. Sassi was a great dog and we miss her everyday. This is going to be a great Easter!!<br /><br />I have finally got our flights taken care of. Now waiting to see if we get the guesthouse that we want to stay in. I have heard so many good things about the Morning Coffee Guesthouse. I cant wait to go. Just think in 29 days I will be holding my son for the first time!!! Oh, how I have waited for this day to come. Oh, how much I have prayed for us and for him. Please to continue to pray for us while we get ready to travel. Please pray for our son to not be too freaked out when he sees us and that he will open up to us. Please pray for Summer that she will have an amazing experience in another country and with her little brother.<br /><br />1 Samuel 1:27 " I have prayed for this child, and the Lord has granted me what I asked for"The McDadeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13751732721495663750noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-270279944207587180.post-18121437105185132192012-02-06T10:02:00.001-08:002012-02-06T10:02:31.500-08:00One Step Closer!Mark and I received an email from our Ethiopian Team today letting us know that the guardianship letter for the aunt was granted!! We are so excited about this! The birth family has a court date on March 5, 2012. We were suppose to be issued a court date also, but the Judge overlooked us- so we will have to wait until the court reopens at the end of February. So we should know then when our court date is. Mark and I really hope it will be during Summer's spring break. She will be traveling with us. I do not want her to miss much school, but I believe that her going with us will be a great experience for her. <br /><br />Please keep us, Connor, and his birth family in your prayers. Please pray that we will be patient while we wait to go meet our little boy!! <br />Romans 8:25- " But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently."<br />We are one step closer.....<br /><br /><br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />The McDadeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13751732721495663750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-270279944207587180.post-35978631897711907962012-01-26T14:41:00.000-08:002012-01-26T15:58:53.047-08:00Waiting Is Not FunMark and I have been on a roller coaster ride of our lives for over the past two years. Yes, this roller coaster ride is called adoption. I am so glad we decided to get on this certain ride, but just wish it would soon end so we could get off of it! Sometimes, I wish the ride could be smoother and quicker instead of bumpy and LONG. There are so many ups and downs that it would make your head spin or just make you throw up. Today was one of those days where you think you are going to like part of this ride then you realize that something is around the corner that makes it so much harder-the uncertainty of adoption.<br /><br />Mark and I received our referral on October 26, 2010 of a little 13 month old boy. We are so blessed to have pictures of him and even some videos. We get updates on our little boy once a month. I am so happy that we do get these, but I want him home. We have been submitted to court, but still no court date as of today. Our agency is trying to get a certain letter that would help us get a court date. Who really knows when this will happen? I was told last week that they thought they were getting the letter from the Judge. Not yet!! It has been three months since our referral and still no court date. Why does it have to be so hard for everybody to get their crap done so these kids can get adopted? Now our little boy is 16 months old and is growing everyday without us. I pray that we will soon get to "meet" our little boy. I love him so much that it makes my heart hurt to not have him with us, but one day he will be and we will be off this ride!!<br /><br />I think the hardest thing about this ride of adoption is the unknown. The not knowing is so hard for someone like me who likes to have everything mapped or planned out ahead of time. I am so a schedule person. I freak out when we get off this schedule. So maybe adoption is harder for me than someone else who is going through it, but I don't think so. I think we all have certain expectations about how this roller coaster ride should be. Some people might like the bumpy parts and that may help to mold them into something they would not be if it wasn't for the rough parts. Then there are others who get a smooth ride with a quick finish and they look back on it and decide to do it all again. No matter what type of person you are adoption is one of the craziest roller coaster rides out there!!!!The McDadeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13751732721495663750noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-270279944207587180.post-3183313230065904082011-12-27T11:47:00.001-08:002011-12-27T11:47:15.162-08:00Christmas 2011Mark and I have been so busy working at UPS during this Christmas season. We did manage to get a tree, decorate it and still saw Santa while we were working all these crazy hours. Here are a few pictures of us at the Enchanted Forest seeing Santa. Summer even had a list for Connor to get some things from Santa. So sweet!!!<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/12/27/1602.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/12/27/s_1602.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/12/27/1603.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/12/27/s_1603.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/12/27/1604.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/12/27/s_1604.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Here are a few of us getting our tree and it being decorated for Christmas.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/12/27/1605.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/12/27/s_1605.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/12/27/1606.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/12/27/s_1606.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />So wish Connor was here with us this Christmas. I know he will be here next Christmas and that makes me smile!!! I can't wait for my two kids come running down the stairs on Christmas morning and jumping in our beds to wake us up. That is going to be so much fun!!!<br /><br />We had a great Christmas Eve Service at Hope Church then we came to make sugar cookies. Here are a few pictures of us on Christmas Eve making sugar cookies for Santa and the rest of the family.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/12/27/1607.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/12/27/s_1607.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/12/27/1608.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/12/27/s_1608.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/12/27/1609.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/12/27/s_1609.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/12/27/1610.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/12/27/s_1610.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />I love making sugar cookies during Christmas. I love being together as a family especially during the Holidays. I love having the tree lit at night, drinking a little eggnog and watching Christmas shows!! <br /><br />Here are a few pictures of Christmas morning - it was much fun and I can't wait for next year when Connor will be here too. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/12/27/1611.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/12/27/s_1611.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/12/27/1612.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/12/27/s_1612.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/12/27/1613.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/12/27/s_1613.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />I am so happy that all of my family members got Connor something for Christmas except one. I was not excepting that Connor would get what he did since he is not home yet, but so blessed that he has some things too. He is still in an orphanage in Ethiopia. He is getting good care in the orphanage that he is in, but I want him home with us. I want to be his mommy. I want to be the one hugging him. I want to be the one kissing him when he falls down. I want to be the one praying with him before bedtime. I want to be the one tucking him in at night. I want to be the one he calls in the middle of the night. Just like I am with Summer I want to be his mommy now and always!!!!!<br /><br />On December 26 it is my sister's birthday. Mark and I decided to celebrate her birthday this year by taking my side to an Ethiopian restaurant called Abyssinia. We thought it would help me too because Connor is not here yet, but by eating there it felt like we were a little closer to him. Weird huh? It worked though!! Abyssinia was so good. We are going to go once a month. I really liked it and it was a great experience for us. However, Summer did not like it too much, but she did try it. Here are a few pictures of the restaurant. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/12/27/1614.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/12/27/s_1614.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/12/27/1615.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/12/27/s_1615.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/12/27/1616.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/12/27/s_1616.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />The food- so good!!!<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/12/27/1617.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/12/27/s_1617.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />My mom, Kathza, and Mark<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/12/27/1618.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/12/27/s_1618.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Summer not really sure about this. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/12/27/1619.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/12/27/s_1619.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />We had a great Christmas weekend!! I know next year will be filled with more blessings and I can not wait!!! We have fun with Santa, toys, and good food, but we do not need to forget that Jesus is the most important thing about Christmas and every day. We all need to have a personal relationship with Him. Without Jesus I am nothing!! With Jesus I can accomplish anything!! Thank you Lord for your Son, Happy Birthday Jesus!!! <br /><br /><br /><br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />The McDadeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13751732721495663750noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-270279944207587180.post-48920678933975395412011-12-14T17:52:00.001-08:002011-12-14T17:52:11.024-08:00Summer's 7th Birthday PartyWe celebrated Summer's 7th birthday party last week at Pump It Up. Many of her classmates came. We all had so much fun!! I can not believe that Summer is already seven years old. Where has the time gone? I am so blessed to be her mommy. I love her so much!! Happy birthday to my sweet girl! Here are a few pictures of her party. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/12/14/2818.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/12/14/s_2818.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/12/14/2819.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/12/14/s_2819.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/12/14/2820.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/12/14/s_2820.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/12/14/2821.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/12/14/s_2821.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Well, no news on a court date yet. Mark and I were hoping that our son would be home by the time Summer turned seven years old. That did not happen. All we can do is put our trust in God and wait for His timing. I am so thankful to have a picture of our little guy.( I wish I could share the pictures, but I can not until we pass court ). I hope we hear something soon. Please keep us in your prayers while we wait. Please pray for our son, his birth family, and for us to be prepared for anything that could stand in our way. Mark and I have had many things try to keep us down, but then God lifts us up again!!!<br /><br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />The McDadeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13751732721495663750noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-270279944207587180.post-9880180731562516132011-12-14T17:41:00.001-08:002011-12-14T17:41:20.481-08:00Testing<br /><br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />The McDadeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13751732721495663750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-270279944207587180.post-22986207786723355702011-11-02T10:45:00.001-07:002011-11-02T10:45:41.486-07:00REFERRAL!!!!I haven't written in our blog for some time now. I just felt it was better to wait on a referral before I wrote again. I was getting so frustrated that I just needed to step away for a bit. Guess what?? <br /><br />REFERRAL!!!!!!<br /><br />Our social worker called me on Wednesday, October 26, 2011 for a 13 month old little boy!!! She asked, " What I was doing?" then she said "well, there is a little boy that is 13 months old." I was saying, "Yes, so?" then she said, "this is your referral." I just started crying!! I totally lost it with her on the phone. I was so happy, but still could not believe her that it was happening to US!!! Finally, it is happening to us. I dreamed of this day and it was SO much sweeter than I ever thought it would be. <br /><br />We are so excited and in shock!! I have been so busy since the referral trying to make sure that he was healthy to adopt. Yes, he is. He is just really small, but he will gain the weight once he joins our family! Both sides of our family like to eat - so he will be fine. HAHA!!! I can't wait until I can post some pictures of Connor, but we have to pass court first. <br /><br />Just when I could not go any long God showed up and gave us the referral of our little boy that we have been praying for SO long. God is SO good!!! I am so blessed to have a picture of his cute little face before the holidays. We will travel some where between 3-5 months. I am not going to rush this. I am just so happy to finally see what our son looks like!! He is so much better than I could have pictured!! <br />I can't wait to meet him and hold him for the first time!! What a great day that will be!!!<br /><br />Maybe by the summertime we will be a family of FOUR!!!<br /><br />Please keep praying for us while we wait to travel. Thanks<br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />The McDadeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13751732721495663750noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-270279944207587180.post-43941741405654081392011-09-01T16:24:00.001-07:002011-09-01T16:31:27.483-07:00Got our I-171H Approval LetterToday Mark and I received our I-171H approval letter in the mail. I did not think we would get it this fast. We were just finger printed on Monday to get them renewed. I am so happy that we got the letter today. Tomorrow I am going to take it by Bethany's office and get them to fax it to the Ethiopian team. <br /><br />Tomorrow we will be waiting six months since our dossier was sent to Ethiopia. I am not going to give up on this adoption. At times you just want to throw in the towel. Then there are other times where you get SO excited that you want to go to one of the biggest mountains and yell the good news to everyone!!! Today was one of those days. Maybe, later on I will be yelling we have a picture of our little prince!<br /><br />Please keep praying for us while we wait for his picture. <br /><br />"Every good and perfect gift is from above"- James 1:17<br /><br /><br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br /><br /><br /><br />The McDadeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13751732721495663750noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-270279944207587180.post-62572321719347330912011-08-29T14:29:00.001-07:002011-08-29T14:29:55.403-07:00Renewed Finger PrintsToday Mark and I had to renew our finger prints for the USCIS since it has been 18 months. Our finger prints expire after 18 months. I can't believe it has already been 18 months since our finger prints. It had been almost 26 months of waiting for a referral. I don't understand why it has to take so long before you can get a referral - picture of our little boy. I am SO ready to see his precious face!!! I really want to know how old he is going to be, his name, and see what he looks like. I am praying that we will find out soon about our son. I just want to know all about him. I will have to be more patient while I am waiting. Trying really hard too. <br /><br />However, I am so glad we have Summer as my daughter. She is such a sweet girl who loves to dress up in anything that looks like a princess. So today Summer went with us to get finger printed and then we went to American Cafe. It was so good!! Mark and I have no more time off work until after the first of the year so I hope this is it with the adoption stuff until then. <br /><br />We have been so busy lately with getting Summer back to school. She is in first grade this year. Here are a couple of pictures of Summer on the first day of school.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/08/29/3818.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/08/29/s_3818.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/08/29/3819.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/08/29/s_3819.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/08/29/3820.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/08/29/s_3820.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />I am praying that we will get a referral of her little brother soon. The more we wait the older she gets and the more we question if this is what God really wanted us to do. I believe He does, but sometimes you doubt. <br /><br />This past weekend was Mark's 39 birthday party at his parents house. Man, we are getting old!! HAHA!! <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/08/29/3821.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/08/29/s_3821.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/08/29/3822.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/08/29/s_3822.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />I am so blessed to have the family that God has given me. I am so truly blessed more than words can say. Sometimes, I get down and frustrated about the adoption, but that does not mean I am not thankful for what I do have. Everything that I have I know is a blessing from God. God is good!!!<br /><br />Please keep praying for our family while we wait on a referral.<br />So ready to see our little prince.<br /><br />Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />The McDadeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13751732721495663750noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-270279944207587180.post-88794028444533906882011-07-25T15:17:00.001-07:002011-07-25T15:17:56.243-07:00Day At the Zoo 2011Mark and I decided to take Summer for a fun filled day at the zoo. We have not received a referral yet and we really do not know when we will. Mark is upset because we still have no concrete answers. I am upset because I want my Connor home with us. Summer just wants a little brother to do things with. She doesn't understand why it has to take so long before he joins our family. She says, " Lets go get him now!" We were all in a funk until we went to the zoo.<br /><br />Here we are just inside of the zoo.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/07/25/3820.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/07/25/s_3820.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/07/25/3821.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/07/25/s_3821.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /> <br />While we were at the zoo we saw about five or more families who had adopted transracial. The families looked so happy and the kids looked well adjusted. I did not go up to any of the families to ask questions. I did not want to interfere with their day with their kids. However, it made Mark and I feel better about our situation and it makes us want to wait for how ever long until we get Connor. I know it will happen. I just want it to hurry up and happen. Summer is getting older each day and Connor is out there somewhere waiting for us... <br /><br />Here are some more pictures at the zoo.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/07/25/3822.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/07/25/s_3822.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Summer watching the penguins. She really liked to watch them swim. Please do not fall in!!! <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/07/25/3823.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/07/25/s_3823.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />The polar bears were cool too. Man they are so big!!! <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/07/25/3824.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/07/25/s_3824.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/07/25/3826.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/07/25/s_3826.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Waiting on the sea lion show to start. Daddy was telling her all about them. I think?????<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/07/25/3827.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/07/25/s_3827.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Summer is posing for this picture. She is getting ready to go. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/07/25/3828.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/07/25/s_3828.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />We had a great family day at the zoo. I am so happy that we all had fun. We got some ice cream while walking around, we had some lunch, then it was time to go. It was a good day to spend as a family. I am so blessed to have the family that God gave me. I am blessed to have a love in my heart for Connor who is somewhere on the other side of the world being prepared just for our family. I can not wait for the day that I get to see his precious face for the first time. What a blessing that will be!!!!<br /><br /><br />Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />The McDadeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13751732721495663750noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-270279944207587180.post-48476313798775267772011-07-22T10:42:00.001-07:002011-07-22T10:42:58.634-07:00Our 10th AnniversaryMark and I just had our 10th wedding anniversary!!! It was like any other day.. I got up at 3:45am to go to work and load packages on the UPS trucks. I even loaded my own husband's truck. Mark came to work at UPS and drove all day. Then Summer and I swam, played around the house, and even cut the grass. We both were thinking he would be home kind of early so we could spend some time together on our anniversary night... Well, no that did not happen. Mark got home around 9:30.. Summer was asleep on couch while I was asleep on the other couch. So it was just another day. However, we are going to celebrate it on Saturday. We might go out to eat and then Mimi is coming over to spend the night and play with Summer. Normally, we always go back to Pensacola for our anniversary, but this year we decided to stay home and save our money just in case we get "the call" a possible referral. I hope next year we will have a referral or even our little boy here with us. I am praying!!<br /><br />I can't believe it has been ten years since we walked barefoot on the beach in Pensacola and got married. Mark's dad did the ceremony for us. We only had about nine family members come to watch us get married. It was so a great day. Towards the end of the ceremony it started to rain. Then right after it started to come down so bad that we all got wet!! We all went back to the hotel in the dining room for a small reception. It was great. Then the next day Mark and I flew off to Jamaica for a week. I will never forget our beautiful wedding day and our honeymoon. <br /><br />I am so blessed to have married this man. He is such a great husband, an amazing daddy to Summer ( and one day to Connor), and my best friend. He is such a great man that loves God. He takes care of us like nobody else could. When I get upset about the adoption or ask how much longer is it going to take he is there for me. He gets upset when I get upset. He hurts when I hurt. He laughs when I laugh. He is always there for me no matter what.<br /><br />Lately, I have been having to deal with my dad being against us adopting from Ethiopia. He has made it clear that we are messing up as he would say. He was not against us adopting from Taiwan when we first started this journey. The wait was just too long for us to stay with that country so we had to switch to another country and we picked Ethiopia. I don't care what ethnic group our child is from. I will love him just like we do Summer. I want for our family to grow through adoption. So our family might not look like what other families look like, or in that case what my dad thinks it should look like. It is our family and we want it to resemble what heaven is going to look like. With all kinds of people that are different! <br /><br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />The McDadeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13751732721495663750noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-270279944207587180.post-63153630189101098022011-07-09T13:04:00.001-07:002011-07-09T13:04:26.686-07:00The Roller Coaster RideYesterday I had a conference call with my social worker and another lady from our agency. It was one of the unhappiest day so far. I was so excited before the call thinking that they would tell me it could happen anytime since we our dossier has been DTE four months now. I was hoping that we would be getting a referral soon. It might take up to 4 more months before we get a referral or could take longer. I think it is going to be on the longer side. I guess because nothing has happened as we thought it was going too. Our age range is from 12m-3.5 years old. So if we want a boy who is 2 it could take up to 8 months before referral. However, everything on the profile sheet has what the needs we can meet of that child. So I guess if you want a child kind of healthy you could be waiting a LONG time. It doesn't matter if we have the money in the bank, bedroom done, clothes in the closet, and bags ready to be packed!!! We are ready for a picture of our little boy; so we thought?? Who knows?? We have been going on this roller coaster ride now for two years!!! I just want the ride to stop and to get on another ride. I am stressed out all the time because we think it is about to happen then it doesn't! Just more waiting!!! So I am not going to get my hopes up anymore. I really was going to adopt again after this adoption was finalized, but after all of this- No way!!! I just don't have what it takes to keep my emotions going up and down. Sometimes I wonder what is wrong with us?? Why can't we be the next family to get a referral? I don't know. I guess I just have to keep waiting...... <br /><br />Please keep praying for us to have the strength to keep sitting on this roller coaster because it is starting to freak me out!!!!!<br /><br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />The McDadeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13751732721495663750noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-270279944207587180.post-30674038168697555152011-07-03T18:13:00.001-07:002011-07-03T18:13:21.483-07:00Home Visit UpdatedWe had our home visit yesterday with our social worker to update everything. That was FUN!!! <br /><br />Mark and I asked her tons of questions to when we might get a referral. We are at our fourth month of waiting so it looks good for us. BCSI sent out an email stating that if you are wanting a child between the age of 0-2 it could take up to 6-12 months after your dossier is in Ethiopia. Then if you want a child 2 and up it could take up to 4-8 months after your dossier is in Ethiopia. Our age range is 12-3.5 years old. She said it could happen at any time because we are at our fourth month of waiting. I really hope so. We told her we are SO ready for a picture!!! That would be closure for us knowing that he will soon be our son. I know it will be hard once we see his precious face and have to wait to travel. I think this is the hardest is not knowing when we will get his picture!!!! If I have a picture and get updates I can live with that until we bring him home. It will be a different type of waiting. It will be like a happy wait, because we know he is ours!!! <br /><br />She loved his bedroom and she said we had everything done. So I hope she can put in a word on our behalf to let the Ethiopian team know that we can and are ready to travel at anytime. I don't know what more we can do?? All we can do now it give it to God and pray everyday that we will soon see our little prince!<br />Philippians 4:6- " Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving present your requests to God."<br />I am saying this verse everyday to not let me get too worked up over when we are getting Connor, but to pray and give it up to God and be blessed with what we do have. Everything we have is a blessing from God. He is so good!! I know when we get our referral it will be a blessing and it will be GOOD!!!<br /><br />Please keep praying for us and our family as we wait for our picture of our little guy. <br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />The McDadeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13751732721495663750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-270279944207587180.post-5546672634291379582011-06-18T17:37:00.001-07:002011-06-18T17:37:16.278-07:00How Much Longer???Mark and I have been busy updating all our documents for our home study. Everything has to be updated to send off to the government for our new USCIS appointment. I am so ready for this to be over with.<br /><br />How much longer???? That is the question of the hour. I wish I knew the answer. I would love to say here is a picture of our little boy whom we are adopting from Ethiopia when people ask. I think it would be a little easier for me to know that we have a referral. We would know his name, age, medical history, and would see his precious face. I would love to know these things. It would make the waiting so much easier. See I have the personality that needs to know when things happen, and I like to be in control over most situations. When it comes to adoptions you can not be in control over anything except getting your paperwork done. I did all that in one week!! So then I have to wait on my social worker to get the home study done. Now we have our Dossier over in Ethiopia waiting for them to match us to a child that is in the orphanage. Still no control!!! Drives me crazy!!!! Mark and I have some money saved for travel, the room done, clothes in his closet and dresser, and some toys. We can not do anything else until we know his age. What else is there to do??? Been reading tons of books. I am SO ready for a picture of our little boy who is already part of our lives!!! <br /><br />I am hoping and praying that we will have a referral soon!! I have to trust in God with this one and let Him lead us to our little boy. He knows who are son will be. He knows when it will be the right time for him to join our family. He knows when we will be truly ready. God is preparing us while He is preparing Connor. I just have to trust in Him and keep doing what He wants us to do- that is to NOT give up!!!!!!<br /><br />I have many people in our lives that support us adopting from Ethiopia. Almost everyone that we work with at UPS is supportive. However, I have one person who does not agree with this adoption and that is my dad. The one person that you would want to back you up is family. Well, he has made it clear that he is against it and that will not change. Mark and I have decided that whoever talks negatively about our adoption then they will not be welcomed around our family. I am not going to put up with it when it deals with my kids. Connor is not here yet, but he is part of our family. We all talk about him ( what he might be like, look like, age) We pray for him everyday and for his birth family too. So Connor is part of our family and has a huge place in our hearts!!!!<br /><br />Tomorrow is Father's Day.. I am so blessed to have the most amazing husband. He is such a great dad to Summer and will be also to Connor!!! I thank God everyday that I married him and for putting him in my life. I am so thankful that he wants to adopt Connor as much as I do!! He can not wait to have a little boy running around the house.<br /><br />I already have my Princess now just waiting on my little Prince!!<br /><br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />The McDadeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13751732721495663750noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-270279944207587180.post-1858125721040667822011-06-10T17:07:00.001-07:002011-06-10T17:07:09.688-07:00The Updating Starts....Mark and I are having to start updating all of our documents for our home study. So we need to get the home study updated, medical exams for all of us, police clearances, evidence of our assets and mortgage. should be FUN!!! This will the third time to do all of this. So I am getting pretty good at it. The first time was for our Dossier to go to Taiwan. The second time us to change countries. Then to send our Dossier to Ethiopia. Now, this time is because our USCIS is going to expire in August. Man, I can not believe it is already that time to ask for an extension. Maybe this will be the last time for us to update things.<br /><br />Today I took Summer to her physician to get her medical exam done for this home study. she was NOT a happy camper!! She was so scared that she was going to get some shots. She did not get any shots, but they did prick her finger to do a blood test. Not good at all. The nurse gave her sucker while she was about to do it and Summer freaked out!!! Then she let the nurse have her finger all is history. She looks at the nurse while still crying says that is It????? Crazy girl!!!! Here is a pic of her right after the finger prick indecent. Still a little mad at me!! Oh well, she had to get it done..<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/06/10/3760.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/06/10/s_3760.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br />So one down two more to go. Mark and I have ours Tuesday at 8:30. Then we are going to do the police clearances. Then we should be done until our social worker comes out to the house to do a home study update. I will be so glad once we get a referral!!!! I hope it will not be too much longer... Sigh....<br /><br />I am doing many things to keep me busy while waiting. The waiting to me is the HARDEST part!!! The not knowing?? When will we be matched to a child?? Where are we at in the orphanage??? How much longer?? I am the type of person that I like to know what is going on. I will do things myself to make sure they get done. While going through an adoption you have to rely on your agency and social worker and even more lean on God. I have done all that I can on my end. I have to leave it up to them and that is so hard to do!!!! So I am staying busy with Summer swimming a lot, working in the yard, and working some more on Connor's room. I am also reading some good books. One book that I am reading is called Forgotten God by Francis Chan. It is talking about how people today forget about the Holy Spirit. Should be a good read....<br /><br />Summer starts VBS at Hope next week. She is so excited about going this year. I really hope she learns a lot and enjoys herself at the same time. It will help her to not think about the adoption stuff while we are updating things. Sometimes she says are we<br />STILL getting Connor?? I guess because we have been on this journey for almost two years and still no little brother. It will happen!! I hope soon so we can be a family of FOUR!!!!<br /><br />Please if you are the praying type put us in your prayers that we will get a referral soon. Please pray for Connor and for his birth family. Please pray that this adoption will motivate others to adopt and that this adoption will be all for God's Glory!!! <br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />The McDadeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13751732721495663750noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-270279944207587180.post-44272949909643870822011-05-26T18:04:00.001-07:002011-05-26T18:04:24.291-07:00Summer's Srk GraduationSummer graduated from kindergarten at FACS yesterday. Mark and I both took off work to go to her 9:30 ceremony. Summer had her Mimi, Poppy, Nana, Pockey Dey, Aunt Angie and Kate there to support her. Summer was so happy to see all of them there. The program was really good. They did many songs and then they got their little diplomas. So cute!!<br /><br />Summer looked so pretty. She was so worried about the outfit that she was wearing under the white robe. She didn't want anything to show through it. So we had to go shopping the day before the ceremony to find something that she liked. Crazy. However, we found something that worked perfectly. I curled her hair up in the back. She looked so pretty with her hair curled up, her purple glasses on and in her white robe with the cute hat. When I first saw her in the line waiting to go into the Chapel I started to cry a little.... <br /><br />Here are a few pictures of Summer's Srk. graduation day <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/05/26/3473.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/05/26/s_3473.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /> <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/05/26/3474.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/05/26/s_3474.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/05/26/3475.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/05/26/s_3475.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/05/26/3476.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/05/26/s_3476.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />After the graduation was over with Mark and I took Summer out to lunch at the American Cafe. We had so much fun together. I hope we always will even when she get older!!! <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/05/26/3477.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/05/26/s_3477.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />I can not believe that she has grown up so fast. It seems like yesterday we were bringing her home from the hospital. Man time flys. I am so happy to have her as my daughter. I am so blessed that she calls me mommy. I will always cherish the sweet moments that we have together. Like after tucking her into bed she will call for me about three times to come back to her room for another good night kiss or a tickle. Sometimes I am tired and I just want her to go to sleep, but I do love it when she wants just one more hug from me and another kiss. Or just sitting on the couch cuddling watching a movie.<br />I love being with her and most of all I love being her mommy!!!!<br /><br />Had such a great day with my little graduate!!! Summer you did it!! First grade here I come!!!'<br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />The McDadeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13751732721495663750noreply@blogger.com1