Still in Limbo

We had the hearing for the little boy in foster care we're hoping to adopt yesterday morning. It wasn't exactly bad, but it wasn't what we thought it would be. They are going for severance and adoption, but that doesn't mean we're the lucky family. Here's what is going to happen as far as we know (which we've learned isn't always accurate but I think this is pretty realistic)...

Scenario 1:

At the hearing in June, if the parents (or any other family members) do not show up to protest the termination of rights, they will be severed at the hearing. At that point, a "Red Folder Committee" will be put together to look over all the eligible Foster-Adopt families (us included) and determine which family is best suited for the baby. We're assuming there will be another hearing once that is figured out to officially transfer custody and start the adoption proceedings. We don't know if we have any sort of "leg up" here, but we are kind of feeling like we don't as much as we would like. Which sucks in a way, but is also good because it means that the baby will go to the best family and not just the pushiest and loudest. :0)

Scenario 2:

At the hearing in June, if the parents (or any other family members) DO show up to protest the termination of rights, one of two things will happen: it will be determined that whoever is protesting is not fit to take care of him and the rights will be severed anyway (not likely), or that person will be given an extension and a "things to do to get the baby back" list. Basically meaning that everything will start all over again from when he was taken into foster care in the first place.

To be honest, we would be happy for his mom if she can meet the state requirements and they can be a family. If he can be the baby that turns her life around and they can be happy together, then who are we to begrudge her that opportunity?

SO- to put it simply, it may not look promising for us to adopt him, but we'll keep praying and see what Heavenly Father has up his sleeve!

Love to all and thanks for the continued prayers!

P.S. We ARE still looking and hoping for a baby, even if this does work out. PLEASE keep us in mind if you hear of a baby being placed for adoption!! Thanks!

Too much to catch up on so moving forward...

However, I will just say quickly that we cut back most of the branches on our tree

Before...

After

and after the leaves have had time to grow and all the poor branches are SO overloaded that they look rather sad and limp!

And that my birthday was loads of fun and I was spoiled by friends, family and my darling husband. Thanks to all!

I have to also inform you that princesses eat hot dogs,

Clint took Madison on a Daddy Daughter campout just out of town with Andy and his girls,

and we had a blast at our family reunion with Clint's Mom's family.

Easter was fun, we put out a carrot and some water for the Easter Bunny and when we woke up the carrot was eaten, water drank, and eggs ALL OVER the house!!! Madi was a hoot finding all the eggs, screaming and jumping and laughing. It's so fun now that she understands holidays! We didn't get a picture of her in her Easter dress because we were already running late. Maybe in a few weeks when she wears it again!

Clint was watching Madison the other night and when I got home, he was grinning and would only say, "look at the pictures!" so here they are for your enjoyment also!

Yes, those are pretzels inbetween my daughter's toes. And yes, she did eat them.



Madison also learned how to paint this week. Mommy and Daddy got in on the fun too, and now it's a daily activity at our house.

Ok, that's a wrap. Whew!

Online Applications are EVIL!!

I just need to vent for a second...

GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGH!!

CUUUUUUSSSSWOOOOOOORRRRRRD!!

Ah, there. I'm better now. Thanks for listening!