ADOPTION VIDEO

Would you all like to see our ADOPTION VIDEO?  My wonderfully amazing friend Colleen put it together for us.  I am so unskilled at computer stuff that it is pitiful!  She did an amazing job though!  She is just starting her own amazing adoption journey to her son that she met while on my adoption trip and you can follow along with her HERE. 

Here is Our Adoption Journey to Matthew, Johnathan, and Charity 

So much to UPDATE and so little TIME

So much has been going on here.  I have been on trip #1.  Those of you who follow the Facebook page know that, because it is SO much easier to post a quick update on there than it is to write a blog post.  I am going to try to do an update on that soon.  It is also just past the one year anniversary of the 5 kids coming home.  I need to do a full update on that too!! 

So much to do and so little time.  Aleshia is due to have her open heart surgery on August 15th.  She will have neurological testing on August 14th to see how much brain damage really occurred during the one that she had done before we adopted her and brought her to the US.  She was going to have it done sooner, but there were insurance issues to clear up and things that had to occur.  So things are SO busy.

Today I want to give you a little update on the 5 that already came home.  Here is Keith's one year home side by side comparison! 

THIS HE'S GROWN MUCH!!!????!!!!

He went from wearing size 3 to 6 months clothes to 36 inches tall and wearing 3T size clothes!
He went from less than 12lbs to weighing 32lbs!
He went from not being able to hold his head up to cruising the furniture!
HE IS AMAZING!!!! 

We have lots of fundraising going on to get to our other three kids.  I will post more about that later and you hurry and get to the post just below this before Saturday, August 3rd is over then you can still order those amazing shirts!  I will be closing that up and turning in those orders after that date. 

You can also shop on my Usborne page to support our adoption by clicking HERE. 

You can shop for great dvds and help your family learn more at the Bible while supporting our adoption HERE. 

We also have a fundraiser running on Indiegogo right now where you can help us raise the funds needed for the pickup trip for the kids.  Click HERE to go there.  You can read more about each of the three kids there.  I will update on my trip to meet them here very soon!  I just have to catch my breath and have a moment to spare.  I just finished up an auction of Facebook and have a ton of stuff to mail out.  Not to mention that little boy you see above is ALWAYS ON THE MOVE!!  Believe me though, I'm not complaining.  I'd give anything if Matthew, Johnathan, and Charity were here and into everything instead of stuck in cribs across the ocean!  Please please pray for them while they wait.  Please especially pray for Matthew.  Leaving him was the hardest thing I've ever had to do and he is in need of coming home SO very badly.

Hidden Treasures!!

The Hidden Treasures Auction will end tonight!!!  Go check it out before it is all over.  CLICK HERE TO GO VISIT THEM!   Make sure to look for the quilt that I made and the Princess dress that I made that Anita is modelling for the auction!!  My grandmother also made two quilts to help bring home her newest great grandchildren!!  She started making quilts just so she could help bring them home, so go check it out.  There is awesome jewelry, great gift cards, and lots of great items on there!! 

Don't forget to look at the giveaway we have going on right now on here!!  You can click HERE to see that and read about Mulligan Stew!  You should go check out that blog to see pictures of Keith meeting Julia.  We were in town for the girls' cardiologist.  Aleshia and Keith that she has pictures of on there were both from our last adoption.  Julianne was from a different adoption and was adopted from US foster care.  She was our first with Down Syndrome and is the one who made us start looking around and find the 5 Bulgarian Blessings that you all came to love so dearly!  Go look HERE at pictures!  Check out the giveaway while you are at it there too!!!

So here are some treasures for you to see from Easter morning.  These are the youngest 5 girls.  :)

Julianne is 6

and

Aleshia is 6!

Anita is 7!

 

 Ahnja is 11 now and Destiny will be 10 next month!





I recently gave you an update on Nicholas.  Keith will have an update all of his own.  It is impossible to show you how much he has grown with just one picture and he is in motion so much that most of his pictures have at least one part blurry!  lol 



Christmas Pictures Any One?

Christmas pictures of the 5 Bulgarian Blessings are here and ready to share.  :) 

First of I'll show you the Family Christmas Picture!

 Ahnja

 Nicholas

 Anita

 Aleshia

 Keith

 Our 5 Bulgaria Blessings Together

 Ahnja with Destiny (these two are tight)

 Another family shot

 

I think if you look at both of the family shots, you can see the spots that 3 more little ones are meant to fill!  We can't wait to get them home and are still working hard on the paperwork to get them here. 

 

I will try to get all the kids posted on the family blog soon.  Right now it is time to bake Christmas cookies! 

Some pictures of Nicholas and a small update

Nicholas is doing great.  He is a child that I thought would take quite a while to adjust and be able to go to church and out to eat.  He handles everything very well already though.  He can sit through a preaching service.  He waits patiently when we go out to eat.  He is using the potty when sent.

Most of all, he loves being loved!  He loves hugs, kisses, sitting on your lap, and being picked up.  He is 10 years old, but about the size of Cody who is 5 years old.  He very much understands what we are saying already and smiles when I say 'I love you'.  Such a cutie!

Here are some pictures.

We are so blessed!  I'll try to do better at updating, but things are busy with the new adoption paperwork.  On top of that, I'm trying to find a new pediatric cardiologist that I will like.  Aleshia is fine now, but the one Aleshia went to will be one we never go to again and the one Julianne has seen for quite some time is using the same new medicine for sedation.  That means that none of my children will be seeing him for ECHOs that they want sedations for either.  Julianne was due to have one in December, so I need a new cardiologist quickly.  

I'll give more updates on the kids we are going back for soon.  Our commitment paperwork should arrive my snail mail in their country tomorrow!

We Reached $100, but I'm showing the Main video so here it is

I can't get the preview video to post.  That means you get to see the main video, even though we are only at $105
Let me start by saying that this is less probably about half of the clothes that had to come out of the closet in order to put fall and winter into the closet.  We pile them up like this and then pull down the tubs from the attic in order to have the stuff ready to go into those tubs and put them right back up.  Then I wash and sort all of the clothes from the tubs and mark them with a sharpie to show who they go to that year.  What they decided to do this year, shows what happens when you have 15 children between the ages of 5 and 13.  lol  Kids just want to have fun!

CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE UNROE KIDS JUMP IN FALL CLOTHES INSTEAD OF FALL LEAVES!

We'll have more ways for you to help us fundraise for this new adoption later, along with pictures and names as we're still working on the new names.

Do you want to SEE???

My kids are hysterical.  I was in their videoing their funniness and thought that it should be "Pay Per View".  So here's the deal,  WHEN THE CHIP IN ON THE RIGHT SIDE BAR REACHES $200 IN DONATIONS (THAT WILL HELP BRING OUR NEXT THREE KIDS HOME TO JOIN IN THE FUN) THEN I WILL POST THE VIDEO!!!!

This is what the Unroe children have decided to do instead of jumping in piles of leaves and how any chore can become fun.
Dayton left the activity when he saw the camera, but Cody and Ahnja were having a blast and some of the others couldn't decide whether to join or not!  lol

I'll keep watching so that I know when to post.  Make sure to keep popping by so you don't miss it!!!

Also, anyone who donates to the Chipin before that goal is reached will be entered to win this little wooden doll that I bought in Bulgaria!  She is so cute and she has a vial of "Rose" perfume inside which is the popular thing over there!

And then there were 5 - Nicholas's Gotcha Day!

Guest post by Catherine - Hurry Home Amanda, we need you back blogging about your amazing family!

18th July 2012 and Nicholas's Gotcha Day!

Nicholas Cole Unroe, orphan no more

Gotcha Nicholas!

and here are the famous 5 on tour with Mom Amanda and Doug

Aleshia relaxing

Keith sleeping

Sisters, sisters.....

Never were there such devoted sisters!!

Amanda has lots of video clips to show you but thats for another post!

In the meantime our love and hugs to you all

Godspeed for a safe trip home and we can't wait to see you all together with Brent and the other children, together at last

Catherine, Vince & Nathan  xxxx

17th July is Ahnja & Anita's Gotcha day

Another guest post from Catherine with the pictures you have been waiting for

Aleshia and Keith are orphans no more!

Amanda is having trouble getting pictures through but did manage to get some to Brent.  So for any that didn't see them on Facebook here are the rushes of Aleshia & Keiths Gotcha Day.....

Aleshia meets Mommy for the first time and soon they are off to start the journey to collect little Keith.

I keep coming back to this picture Amanda, you look so happy.  Its been said before but it was always in God's plan that you would be together, you were literally made for each other.

 

This amazing picture of Keith & Amanda brought tears to my eyes.  Precious, priceless, what an amazing smile as Keith reaches out to touch Mommy's face. 

Then its off together to sort out the passport photos (or maybe Visa's)? See how the children are leaning into their Mommy?  They have no idea yet about family but they are sure going to find out soon!

And in Brent's words.....'Hey, Aleshia, guess what! We're free!!'
They already look so comfortable in each others company!

And today, 17th July, they get to meet 2 of their sisters.....hang on Anita and Ahnja, Mommy is only a few steps away from you.......today is your special day.......

Today is the day you meet Mommy, Aleshia & Keith.  today is the day you start to learn what its like to be loved and cherished, nurtured and held, to be part of a living breathing praying and praising family.

God is good, we cannot wait to see the pictures as Mommy springs you out...Godspeed Amanda, as ever you carry our love and our prayers with you.  Love and hugs too for Brent and the rest of the children eagerly awaiting news at home.

Catherine, Vince & Nathan xxxx 

ps, Amanda will update you in much more detail when she gets an internet connection!

16th July is Aleshia & Keith's Gotcha Day

Catherine here, yet another interloper, sorry, guest blogger!

Its already 16th July here in the UK and in Bulgaria and that means its Aleshia & Keith's Gotcha Day

This is the day that the Lord has made, we will rejoice and be glad in it!

Time to spring them out Amanda!

First Aleshia........

and then Keith...........

No longer orphans but Unroes - can't wait to see you both in the arms of your Mommy & Daddy!

Amanda, give those sweet babes a kiss from me, Vince & Nathan

hugs & prayers

Catherine x

Saturday Night Blessing

We took the children to hear Squire Parson's and his wonderful group on Saturday night.  He was at the church that I grew up in.  His son recognized us from when we use to go see them all the time.  He came over to talk to us and it thrilled the kids.  It was so nice to see them again and Squire came up to speak before he sung.

The service was wonderful.  It was loads of fun, full of personality, and more than you could understand without being there.  I felt encouraged, challenged to have more faith, so thankful to be sitting at His feet, and then I got something I didn't expect.

Squire talked about finding out that he had Leukemia a short while ago.  I remember reading the news on his site and sending up prayers.  Seeing him back singing and so strong was wonderful!

Then he sung a song that he had wrote about that time.  These are the words that God used to give me such a wonderful assurance:

Later when the room was empty
I was talking to my Lord
Thanking Him for all the blessings
on my Life He had poured


I felt a touch upon my shoulder
I turned around
No one to see
Once again I felt Him touch me
I knew the Lord had come to me


I'm still here I heard Him whisper
I am still upon the throne
I'm still here I'm right beside you
Child I'll not forsake my own.

You can go hear part it HERE.

The tears started to flow.  I knew exactly what God was telling me.  See my Keith is NOT alone in that isolation room.  He never has been!  Yes, people have treated him horribly.  Yes, people forgot him and there was a long time that I never even knew he existed.  God will not forsake His own and my children are His and have been since long before I knew they were there to love them!

GOD WAS THERE!

So often during this journey, I've prayed that somehow God would hug them for me.  I've prayed that He would ease their loneliness, keep them company, and make them feel loved even while in a place where there was no love.  I've prayed it knowing He could and hoping that He would.  I've known that He loved them even more than I do, yet I've felt such despair that I can't hold them in my arms.  I've begged Him to hold them in His.  I've cried as I fell asleep, while I showered, when I had to slip away from the kids and say I had to go to the bathroom just so that I could cry without spreading my sorrow to my little ones.  I've begged for His protection for them, for Him to ease the discomfort of hungry bellies, help them have hope inside for a family even though they didn't even know what it meant.  I've begged Him to give them dreams of Mommy coming to get them and to help them know it is going to happen.  I've asked Him to prepare their hearts for the huge change coming and help them to be ready to be loved and us to be ready to meet their differing needs of which we can't even imagine yet.

Then in the 79 words you read above, God spoke to my heart.  He told me that He is there with them.  That I can rest a little easier.  That He has it under control and they are safe in His arms until He brings them into mine.  As the tears flowed, I felt such a relief.  I am trying hard to hang on to that peace and relief.

Soon my wonderful Father is going to wipe away my tears and theirs and place them in my arms, but until then none of us are alone.

I highly advise you go listen and see if you can get some of that peace.  It made the rest of the weekend (which are always SO HARD) so much easier.  It made today so much easier.  It is making waiting so much easier.

That being said, our Father likes to hear from us.  Please talk to Him and ask Him to bring them home quickly!  :)

How the Day Got Better - Praise

UPDATE FROM TUESDAY MORNING!!!  THE CHECK JUST CLEARED!!!!!  PRAISE GOD!!!!

I have to say that I was overwhelmed today with the prayers and kind words of so many.  I asked for prayer and boy could I feel it!  So many people sent messages, gave toward our FSP, and shared our need for prayer.  I truly was left with happy tears before it was all over with.  I could just feel the prayers going up and I have to believe that tiny Keith felt them today too!  

That warms my heart!  The little boy who has been so forgotten for so long is not forgotten.  The devil may have thought he would keep him there hidden, but he won't!  God has a hold on my tiny boy now!  There are lots of Christians praying and the devil doesn't have a fighting chance! 

We saw some movement today.  Our Senator's office has been told that our stuff will reach the next stop on Wednesday.  The letter about Keith's medical situation was forwarded by the wonderful lady who has been helping us to the USCIS officer.  I am trusting God is going to keep this thing moving and praising Him for the help we were able to get from Senator Portman's staff lady who has been so helpful and understanding.  God is on the move and your all's prayers are so appreciated!! 

I was pretty spent there for a while today.  Then I realized that my tiny "Chromosomally Enhanced" Princess was asleep.  Well I knew that was a gift for the perfect nap for me.  I had just had a Facebook conversation with a wonderful praying adoptive mom who encouraged me so much.  My teenage son Denzell and Dayton both said they had it covered here and all the kids were so good, so I laid down with my cuddle bug and took a little nap! 

How could anyone resist that cuddle bug!?!

I woke up feeling refreshed and I'm just sure it was from your prayers and those of so many others.  I awoke to news from a friend in our homeschool group that her mother in law's group of ladies decided to make a whole bunch of homemade pillow cases as their service project this month and give them to us.  What a wonderful thing to be able to tell my kids someone did for them!  They are loved and people care!!  

I felt so energized and like nesting this evening so we accomplished a whole bunch.  You can read more about that HERE on our family blog along with rooming arrangements we are working out.  :) 

Thank you so much for all your prayers and encouragement in so many ways!  The devil lost today, because I am going to bed thankful and bold in God's love and the wonderful Family of God that I am a part of! 

If you have been a part of the giving to our FSP, sharing the waiting children, sharing our story, or donating to the Hidden Treasures Auction that starts Sunday, PLEASE let me know so that I can thank you, add you to our Giveaway, etc.  The details are HERE.

Again, THANK YOU SO MUCH!  Keep praying, because God is going to do big things!

Large Family Post from My Our Family Blog

I didn't want to post this here last night (well early this morning), because I wanted everyone to see the waiting children.  :)  I thought I'd share it here too now though. 

Here is a link to get you to it.  It is just something that I think people need to think about.  There are some things about large families that are hard for others to understand.  :)

http://lifeofthemomofmany.blogspot.com/2012/03/large-family-prejudice.html

Go read it and see what large families have to offer and why the prejudice against them is unfair. 

What Down Syndrome Means to Me - BY DAYTON UNROE

Today I asked the kids to write about what Down Syndrome means to them, the kids coming, Julianne, or anything about Down Syndrome in their journals for a homeschool assignment.  I haven't got to read them all yet and I'm sure that some of my kids will make it an issue of some kind or not want to share, but Dayton did a great job and was glad to let me share HIS view. 

(If you'd like to see Julianne and Dayton together in a video then HERE is a post of that.)

"Down Syndrome means alot to me.  When I think about Down Syndrome, I think of a cute little boy or girl laughing.  Alot of people think Down Syndrome is something that makes them stand out in a bad way and they will never be able to "blend in".  But they stand out in a good way, by being special and extremely cute.  They can do everything we can eventually because they are so smart.  They are also the cutest little things in the world.  Down Syndrome is the best syndrome you can have.  Down Syndrome is awesome!"

Dayton Unroe
age 10
brother to one "Chromosomally Enhanced" sister home
and 3 sisters and two brothers on the way who are also
"Chromosomally Enhanced"

I'm Sick and in the Mood To Tell It Like It Is

I have the flu and so does Julianne.  She is puny and doesn't want to eat or drink.  Her stubborness is usually a very wonderful thing and usually I can reason with her about things she needs to take in order to feel better.  Her throat is sore though and it is a fight to get liquids down her to keep her hydrated.  I love that little girl more than anyone could possibly imagine and seeing her sick is so hard.

I also have the constant reminder of my other five Chromosomally Enhanced children who need to come home.  Four of them are fed and some are even in places better than we imagined they would be, but they need to be home with us learning and growing.  Keith on the other hand is not fed like he should be.  He is tiny and in need of medical attention.  He will be 5 years old on April 1st and wears a size 3 to 6 months clothes.  My heart hurts for him all the time.  I worry about him and pray that God holds him in His hands while we can't hold him in ours.  I beg God to make the process go quickly. 

I usually don't say too much about the struggles we go through with "other people".  Our household is wonderful and these people here are all that I need for everything to be ok.  God is in what we are doing and I have no doubt of that.  Besides that - no one else matters. 

That being said, I am so fed up.  When we added Keith to this adoption my sister (I use that word in biology only bc in our family love not biology forms families) made some horrible comments.  She made comments about adoptive kids not being the same.  How they shouldn't be able to get social security if a parent dies, because it wasn't their real parents anyway.  She then went into how she isn't for abortion, but we don't need more people here "taxing the system" speaking of Down Syndrome.  She made comments about how the kids shouldn't be allowed to come here because they will never "contribute".  My sister had made comments in the past when her kids were acting horrid about how my kids were the issue bc it made things crowded (even though my kids were sitting quietly around a table eating).  I forgave that and some other words that were very hurtful so that my grandparents could have holidays where everyone was cordial.  I told her then that another hateful word about my kids would mean I was done with her for good.  I told her that I understood her embarassment about her kids' behavior, but my kids had better not be the ones to have it blamed on them bc of her embarassment that my kids with "special needs" can handle get togethers better. 

When the comments about Down Syndrome and adopted kids not being really the same came out, I WAS DONE!  I let the rest of the family know that I was done.  My mother said that it was a difference in "Political beliefs".  I told her that was only accurate if my sister was a "Nazi".  Since then the rest of my family (with the exception of my brother and sister in law - much more my real sister- who purely tolerate her when necessary) have continued to say she is wrong, but I don't feel they've taken a "stand".  They will say that she is very wrong, but "her kids" can't help it.  I do understand that, because I wouldn't wish anything bad of her kids, because it isn't their fault that she is a  . . . . . .

It has made a huge impact though.  I know that if she had made a racial comment about Denzell, Precious, or Unique being African American and somehow "unworthy" then our family would have had a fit.  Why then is it ok for comments about Down Syndrome???  I guess it is because our entire world seems to devalue people with an extra chromosome.  It makes me furious though.  (Did you read the story about the parents who were awarded nearly $3 million because they weren't told their child had Down Syndrome in utero and they would have aborted her!!!!  GRRRRR!!!!!)  What my sister and our world don't seem to understand is that people with Down Syndrome contribute way more than my sister.  My sister has mooched in any way that she can and gotten any help that she can.  She leaves her kids with whoever she can.  People with Down Syndrome are so stubborn that they can accomplish much more than they are given credit for.  They make everyone around them better.  They can have careers when they become adults.  They make the world smile (well except those with a scowl that they were born to begin with).  They were PUT HERE BY GOD!!  Our world employs "teachers", but people with Down Syndrome are the "teachers" that God put here. 

All I know is that I would hate to stand before God some day and give account for in anyway harboring those thoughts, feelings, or condoning in any way those who have those thoughts or feelings.  Those (like my biological sister) who have the nerve to actually say such things to a parent who ADORES their children's extra chromosome, should beware.  She was very blessed that she had that audacity over the phone.  In person, I would have knocked her down!  For my family members who have the audacity to let her name slip out of their mouths in conversation with me, I pray that I can contain my thoughts, but I make no guarantees.  God even said that you can't serve two masters and you must choose a side.  Neutral sometimes just isn't really neutral.  I only need God to approve of me, so if people wonder why I don't have more to do with family, there is the reason.  Yes, many of them love my children.  Sometimes love with no action just isn't enough though. 

I hate to end a post on such a negative note.  I realize that many of you are going "what the heck", but it is something that I've needed to get off my chest.  I just got off the phone with a family member who was giving her "prolife speech" that she had given to someone at work.  All the while, I know that she still won't take a stand as far as my sister.  That conversation added to the story about the family suing because their daughter was born just sent me into rant mode and I had to let it out.  This is the result of all those things in combination with seeing my little girl the world thinks isn't worthy bc God made her special sick, while my little boy made in God's image but considered unworthy by so much of the world lays alone and hungry.  Sorry if it isn't "nice" or "politically correct" or "encouraging", but its truthful.

On a positive note, please go read THIS post for all the wonderful opportunities available right now to those who support us.  :)  For those in our church and those others who truly support us, we are truly thankful and thank God for you each day. 

A few quotes from Abraham Lincoln:
“Stand with anyone that is right; stand with him while he is right and part with him when he goes wrong.”    Wow, how this applies to so many situations where those with an extra chromosome are being aborted, orphaned, and thought unworthy!

"Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent a new nation, conceived in liberty and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal."  Does this not apply to those with an extra chromosome world??

“My concern is not whether God is on our side; my greatest concern is to be on God's side, for God is always right.” I guess the question is WWJD???  If He were walking this earth now, would those who call themselves Christians dare to do and say the things they do about children that He created???

“Those who deny freedom to others deserve it not for themselves.”  So very true?  If we deny the freedom to live and be valued to children and adults because of God giving them a little something "extra", then should we have it??? 

Then even more important, what does the Bible say:

Never take advantage of any widow or orphan. If you do and they cry out to me, you can be sure that I will hear their cry.

Exodus 22:22-23   

Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you.

James 1:27

Learn to do good. Seek justice. Help the oppressed. Defend the cause of orphans. Fight for the rights of widows.

Isaiah 1:17

And anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf is welcoming me.

Matthew 18:5
 

SO I THINK THAT MAKES IT PRETTY CLEAR WHERE GOD STANDS!
 Joshua 24:15 - "But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.”

Behind the Scenes of Trip #1: How We Waited for Skype Calls

Dayton and Julianne waited up with me almost every night that we had Skype calls.  There were only a few nights that they fell asleep earlier.  I am so thankful that they wanted to wait up with me!  The truth is that I would have been bored stiff without them waiting up to keep me company and make me laugh. 

I'm not sure how parents who don't already have a lot of kids manage to wait through the process.  The waiting day to day is hard enough.  Knowing where Keith is and what his days consist of makes it much harder.  Knowing that he needs to get home, get good nutrition, and get medical treatment makes me feel panicked, but I know God is in control.  I'm so thankful that God gave me my wonderful children that are already home to wait through it with me. 

I thought first I'd let you know what my house sounded like at about 2 or 3 am each night.  :)

I'm going to wait until tomorrow to draw for the gifts.  I KNOW that there are people who shared and who gave toward our Family Sponsorship Page.  I don't know what to put you in for unless you tell me though.  I also don't know for sure who shared without being told and I don't like to call out names of who donated.  Maybe the people who donated don't even read the blog.  ???  I really don't know, but if you let me know before tomorrow evening then I will put you in for your chances. 

You can still vote to help spread the word about waiting kids by voting for our blog on Circle of Moms.  There is a button that links you to the place to vote on the left hand side of the blog. 

My Husband is on His Way HOME!

My husband has been gone for a month!  He has visited 5 children in 3 different cities.  He has made me so proud with how well that he has handled all the things during this trip.  He has loved on, held, cuddled, played with, and swung in the air all 5 of my babies.  He has had to sadly leave each one behind, with a strength that I thank God he possesses, because I don't have that. He has missed all 14 of us very much, but been so strong about the whole thing.  He has taken pictures and videos better than I imagined he could.  He has worked hard to Skype me in each day so that I could see each child in "live time". 

Now, he is finally in the air and on his way back to us here.  He is on his way to Amsterdam right now, then will start the treck across the ocean to New York.  Then late Saturday night he will arrive in Columbus!  I will be picking him up and my wonderful brother and sister in law will be staying here with my 13 kids and their 3 kids.  We will sleep a few hours at a Columbus hotel and then head home to our crew, who will be very glad to have Daddy home.  (I might manage a "date" at Olive Garden on the way home since it is such a long drive!)

I am so very thankful for my husband and the wonderful Daddy that he is.  He loves each of the kids before we ever touch them, just like I do.  He truly is a man that I thank God for each day.  One day this week I will write the story of how we came to find each other and the miracle God gave us in each other.  Tonight, I am going to try and get some sleep so that I can safely drive to pick him up!

Praying God gives him a safe trip and that it is just a short time before I head over to get our babies and bring them home!