Since I see how supportive you all are, I'd like to ask for a different type of favor altogether. We'd like to take this trip next spring, most likely, but this is what we're thinking: If God really does have a pair of children we're meant to adopt, we'd like them with us on this trip. It's the sort of thing which can be a loved memory we share, and I'd really dislike only having them in on the references after the fact. If they're only new to our family it will be too overwhelming for them to join in on the trip right away- for all of us. So, will you please join us in praying for God's very best will without hindrances for our adoption situation? We are FINE as is, if that's God's will. We are INCOMPLETE as a family if His will is for us to have the two more we believe He has led us to be adopting. We've been approved for adoption since December and our adoption agency, KidsPeace, doesn''t actually look for us; that's up to us, so to speak. As you know, it's up to God. We feel we are to be adopting a pair of African American siblings, male & female, between the approximate ages of 2 & 6. We'd really appreciate you storming heaven on our behalf as you have stormed the internet to help us win this contest!
Thanks so much!!!
MB

I have to admit, I had doubts.  Actually when they hadn't announced it (and it's August ... erm what is the date again? :) ) I was wondering if it was legitimate.  And the computer guy in me wondered if they had concerns about hanging chads, or what the real reason it took 2 weeks to count the votes.

I'm very glad that I was wrong.  Congratulations.  IAnd 'll definitely be praying for direction when it comes to adoption (I was adopted and we have a set of friends who have been waiting 2 years+ for an adoption to come through who happen to be in Russia this week (I don't think they signed me to a confidentiality statement and I'm excited for them that it's becoming a reality.))

Hmmm, my congratulations seems to have gotten lost in there. :)

BTW, the last time I was asked "Are you sitting down?", I answered "I'm at work, of course I am."

Of course my wife then proceeded to tell me "I'm seeing two lines" which after I got over the vision thing and got her to tell me "I'm pregnant" made me glad I was.

Hard to believe that was over 2 years ago. :)

BTW, I happened to catch the aforementioned adopting friend on IM this morning (which caught me offguard since I thought they were still over in Russia).  When I asked him he said

"just on a sec, very expensive much rubles ...."

and then he said

"we have a boy! More later when home bye"

This comes from a typically "non" emotional guy (who knew they were going over to meet a boy).  They now have to come home and wait a month (or so) to get paperwork straightened out before being able to go back to Russia one more time to pick up their son for good. I'm sure that time is going to be hard for them. :)

God is good.

Amen, Phyllis Adelle- God has blessed us, indeed.
Norm, you crack me up!
Lara, this is a God thing, beginning to end- if ANY part of this is going to work (like me being a good mommy to four kids!) it has to be by His strength, grace, love, wisdom, etc!!!!

ANOTHER VACATION!!!!!!???!??!?!?!  ARE YOU EVER HOME! :)

Seriously you're making me jealous. :)  Although I'm not necessarily a big fan of camping so maybe not so much.  But the time away from it all is good.

CAN WE GET A HUGE PRAISE GOD !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I am so excited for you guys,and will definitely pray for your adoption situation.Believe it or not I was thinking about you guys adopting this morning and have wondered if you guys had won a few times..Haven't been on much,cause have been gone a lot and am trying to get our daughter ready to leave for college in a couple of weeks.AM really excited for you guys!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!