Well, that was quick!

We sent our application into Children's Home Society one week ago. During the last week, I have completed my "Life Story" (its a lengthy question and answer type packet) and all of the other paperwork that I currently have. Richard is about 1/2 way done with his "Life Story". I spoke with our caseworker yesterday, and they received it and we are moving forward (officially!). She told me that she wants to come do our home visit in the next TWO WEEKS, before she goes on vacation. I have no idea why, but for some reason, I thought there would be a lot more time in between the application and a home visit, so I froze up a little and got nervous. I don't know why I want more time, but for some reason, I was so scared! We need to put carpet in our guest room (future nursery), but other than that, there isn't anything major that needs to be done before we are baby ready. She assured me that the non carpet would not be an issue, and that she isn't even looking at that sort of stuff. Just making sure that we don't have any dangers in our home (pool without a fence, exposed wires, making sure we have a fire extinguisher and proper smoke alarms). I would be lying if I said I still wasn't freaking out   a little nervous. Now, I am just waiting to hear back from her to schedule the date. I need to keep this verse at the top of my mind "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you." Deuteronomy 31:6. 

Other than that, we are just focusing on our fundraising events that we have coming up.

• We have our BIG garage sale coming up June 29th in Stuart. This will go to support Richard and I, and Karen and her husband Matt as they go through the process as well. We are so humbled by peoples donations. I have been picking up items from people for the last two weeks, and have quite a few more stops to make! We have a wide variety of items, ranging from baby toys and clothes, adult clothing, dishes, books, furniture, household items and much more. THANK YOU to everyone who has and will be contributing!!! Now we just have to pray for cooperative weather :)

•  Karen Smith (her and her hubby's blog is http://smithfamilyimport.com), and I are organizing a super fun event called a Quarter Auction. If you haven't ever been (or even if you have!) to one, you will want to make sure you don't miss this!! Basically, you purchase a paddle (like an auction) at the door, and sit at a table. In the middle of your table there is a bowl. There are numerous vendors auctioning off all sorts of items. They stand up front, tell about the item they auctioning off, and how many quarters they are asking for it (usually 1-3 quarters per item). If you are interested in that item, you put the amount of quarters they asked for into the bowl on your table and hold up your paddle. Then the announcer draws a number from a basket and if it matches your paddle, you win the item! So you can potentially win some great items for very cheap! Oh, and you will be supporting a great cause :) We are planning, as of now, for Thursday, July 18th. Start saving your quarters!

• Sunday, July 21st, I am hosting a day at The House Of Refuge for people to come have mini photo sessions. My sweet friend Sarah Curtis is donating her time and photography skills to take the pictures. We had 14 slots available, and filled them all!! The sessions will last around 20 minutes, the cost is $50, and you will get a CD with print rights of your pictures. 

So, mark your calendars! I am so thankful to everyone who is helping these events happen behind the scenes!! I wouldn't be able to do any of this without all of the support and prayers from my sweet friends and family!