Four is Four

Wow. What just happened?!

This has been the theme for this kid's life. From the moment she was born (ten minutes after arriving at the hospital, nine days early, no check in or iv), to refusing to eat baby food ever, to potty training at two (don't get too jealous. she totally regressed when we moved) to announcing to anyone who would listen that she was five and lived at Disneyland (when she was three), to being the first of our daughters to kiss a boy (what the crap?!), to today when she turned four.

This is one funny, awesome kid. She always makes us laugh. Here's to Four!

She said...

As we drove past a cemetery yesterday, Three said to me,

"Mom, when we're moms and you're dead, what kind of a rock do you want on your bury place?"

Me, "Well, I will probably still be alive when you are a mom, at least for a while," thinking I ought to reassure her (and my other more paranoid child, Two) that I'm not about to kick it.

Three, "Well, you probably will die, so what kind of rock do you want? BIG?! or little."

*******

Four recently told me that her best friend is her ghost. We've been hearing about her ghost for awhile now. He tells her to do things she gets in trouble for, plays horses with her and gives her wedgies. While I don't love that 'Ghost' is 'telling' Four to be naughty, I love that she has an imaginary friend. Huz and I both had imaginary friends when we were little and I've always hoped that at least one of our kids would follow suit. It's just so entertaining. While Four's friend 'Ghost' is slightly more creative than my 'Lou-lou', nothing will ever be as awesome as Huz's dear friend, 'Googalocha.'

Happy Anniversary Babe!!!

Thirteen rockin' years!!!

(yesterday...)

Love you!

Submit Wednesday/Easter

Well, we're all set to submit this Wednesday. This time all of our paperwork is already in Ukraine, so hopefully that all works out well. :)

I'd really like to write a nasty post about how much I dislike the USCIS and how irresponsible and uncaring they appear to be. How in any other profession it would be unacceptable to give a time frame for a time sensitive project, and then proceed to extend that time frame by weeks and even months. How in any other profession if someone was to somehow manage to lose paperwork as frequently as they do, they would be unemployed. I'd like to tell you all how I told an officer there that my little boy over in Eastern Europe had been admitted to the hospital with head pain, without a mom or dad to sit with him or kiss his forehead, and how that same worker told me that everyone has a sad story and wants their paperwork. I'd like to see everyone who is employed by the USCIS have to send their child to sit in an Eastern European orphanage while they submit their paperwork and wait the long drawn out days, weeks, and months for approval to come-just so that they know what they are doing to the many families and children that they work for and who pay their salaries. I would also like to find out what their case load is like and then hire an outside, independent firm to process applications and see how much more efficient the private firm proved to be. I'd like to share with you how after the many, MANY hours we spent on the phone, and the many different people we spoke with we did finally get ahold of two people who cared. One man who found someone to process our case, and an Officer Mock who immediately processed and approved our application.

But, that will have to wait for another day. Because even though I do feel all those things, I also feel fine about our time frame and know that Heavenly Father is working on things that we know nothing of.

Today I want to share that I know bad things happen to good people. Terrible, sad, tragic, disappointing events take place each and every day to undeserving, unsuspecting, wonderful people. While I know that these things will refine those who they happen to, I also know that it is a test to see how those of us who witness the misfortune react. I know that in this crazy world where bad decisions are made and indifference seems to rule, there are kind, amazing, hopeful people that see the miracle in the sun rising and setting, a family growing closer through trial, and God's hand in simply all they do and are. I know that a loving Heavenly Father hears and answers our prayers, even the vain and repetitious ones. I know he has a plan for every person that has ever lived on this earth and for those who will in the future. I know that His son, Jesus, is my Savior, brother and example. I know that while Jesus was on earth, as a good, wonderful man, he experienced many of the feelings we often experience and that in the garden of Gethsemane, he experienced them all. I know that many years ago bad decisions were made and indifference ruled as the Son of God was judged by man and then killed. I know that the family of Christ's followers reached to each other and comforted one another, growing closer through the trial of their Saviors' death. I know that a miracle happened when the sun rose and it was discovered that Jesus was gone from the tomb. While at first the people were devastated that His body was missing, they misunderstood (as we often do) and soon realized that Heavenly Father does answer prayers, that He does have a plan for each of us and for those who come after. I know that Jesus Christ is risen, and because of that, justice will prevail, hearts can be healed, and that we can all live again.

Didn't Make It

Well, it came as no big surprise to me that our paper did not make it in time for our dossier to be submitted today. Bummer. We tried our hardest and did everything within our power to make it happen, and so did our agency. The chaperone that stayed with us during the hosting trip, Oleg, is an attorney for the agency and he tried to get the SDA to still take it. They couldn't, but they told him they may be able to take it next Wednesday. They will tell him for sure tomorrow. If not next Wednesday, they will tell him when then.

Yesterday one of the families that adopted from our orphanage came home. I went to the airport to see them. They are the first from our group to have completed their adoption and did so in record time. Sweet! They adopted a cute 16 year-old girl. Now their next adventure begins...

We are anxious to go. With families starting to bring their kids home and us not having had communication with the boys for a couple months now, it feels like it is taking forever. I'm not freaking out though. I feel confident that when we are supposed to have this happen, God will provide a way and until then, I will trust in His impeccable, perfect timing.

(and try not to gorge myself with brownies and ice cream and other yummy treats...)

Haven't Heard Anything, Guessing No

Delivered At 3:45. Will It Make It??

The Package Just Left Germany!!

Play by Play

Update: It is now 11:07 and Huz just called. He is just. finishing. Can you believe it?! Apparently after I talked to him at 9, he went back to Delta where he tried to get it on the flight to Kyiv that had to go through customs given the slight chance that it could be DHL. He was on hold there for half an hour, then the Delta rep was on hold for half an hour. All to find out that they wouldn't allow it to go on the flight because it was 10 and it had to be registered by 9:30. Keep in mind that all this started back at 8:30, so Huz is pretty frustrated. Delta now says that the earliest it will be in Kyiv is 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, too late. Huz has to wait for them to credit our money back and of course that takes forever. Next he drives back to DHL and tries to ship it. But, because the city we live in is not serviced by DHL, and our credit card billing address is in this city, they won't accept payment. Never mind the fact that we are shipping FROM Salt Lake City and are at the exact pick-up spot. Wild enough, the lady working there also happens to be from our same city and is able to help Huz do a manual payment. Now, at 11 a.m., our one measly little piece of paper that has an attached apostille is headed to Ukraine, via DHL, with a very VERY slight chance of arriving in Ukraine before the SDA closes on Wednesday. Pray, pray, pray... that it will get there... or that I won't freak out:)

Let me give you a play by play of this morning. Huz was up and out of here by 6:30 a.m. This may not be that early to most of you, but here at the Holbrook house it's practically the middle of the night. We don't ever go to bed before midnight and that's considered early.

6:30 Huz leaves to take I-171h to capitol to be apostilled

7:50 Huz gets to capitol and has I-171h apostilled

8:30 arrives at Delta's cargo office to use their spiffy little Delta Dash service that is only

slightly more expensive than a delivery service and can guarantee delivery faster as it

essentially flies as a passenger of a given flight

8:45 is told by Delta that it has to switch flights and will have an additional 8 hour customs

pit stop in Amsterdam that's right folks, our piece of paper has to go through

customs...haha:)

8:50 Huz decides to send it through DHL as we were told by them it would have guaranteed

delivery by 3 p.m. Wednesday, tying with Delta Dash and costing a little less. Also a

VERY slight chance it could arrive maybe a couple hours earlier.

9:00 discover that DHL is now guaranteeing delivery by 4:30 instead of 3. Huz and Ellie from

the agency decide to go with plan B? to send it Delta Dash because a guaranteed delivery

of 3 is far better than a guaranteed delivery of 4:30 even though the 4:30 has a VERY

slight chance that it could be earlier.

9:17 I've been up for almost 3 hours and been on the phone, emailing and texting this whole

time.

We're of course praying our brains out that this document arrives in Ukraine in time to be translated, notarized and delivered to the SDA Wednesday. If you feel so inclined to join us, we'd love the extra prayers:)

A Little Break

My sisters and me, named by birth order: Third, Fifth, First, Fourth

Four, Three, Fifth-my graduating sister (in case you couldn't tell from the outfit), One, Two

Friday evening we took a break from real life and headed to Rexburg, Idaho to watch my baby sister graduate from college.

I know, right now you're thinking, 'what's in Rexburg?!' But I will tell you it has changed phenomenally from fifteen years ago. There is a booming city right next to it called Ammon. We usually stay in Ammon in a hotel right next to where my sister works. Who would've ever thought that Rexburg/Ammon, Idaho would have movie theaters, Texas Roadhouse, Massage Envy, Wal-Mart and more. Seriously could've done the 'Ricks College' thing had this been the case back in my day. We love visiting her at her apartment and meeting her 'sisters' as my kids call her roommates. I'm not sure why it's so hard for them to understand that just because they live together doesn't mean they are sisters. My three sisters have had roommates for the past almost ten years (not all at the same time) so this concept is nothing new... Whatever:)

We only had to stop 3 times for potty breaks on the 3 hour car ride down. (the first pit stop was before we even got on the freeway. sigh.) I always stop though. And I try to not complain too much about it because when I was a teenager and my now graduated from college sister was a little kid, she had to pee on a road trip one time and my dad WOULD. NOT. STOP. ABSOLUTELY. NOT. I can't say that I blame him, now that I've taken a few road trips with my littles. I actually gained the most compassion for him during a road trip to good ol' Boise, Idaho. The would be 4 1/2 hour car ride took EIGHT!!!!! We had to stop six times for potty breaks. I bought a package of pull-ups for the trip home and made them all wear those.

Anyhow, back to my story about driving with my family as a teenager and my dad refusing to stop. I was handed a paper cup (remember back then paper cups were coated in wax) and instructed to climb in the very back of the van with my little sis and hold the cup for her to pee in. Dead serious. To this day I remember feeling really nervous as the cup got more and more full and the wax began to melt away from the cup. Extra gross was handing the cup to my dad and having him chuck it out the window as we continued to drive. Pretty sure some of that ended up on the car...

So, back to our little over night road trip. I've mentioned before that I have bad luck. My little family knows it, too. Anytime something that could be perceived as bad luck happens they whine that it's because I am with them. They're probably right. Here's a sampling of a few of the things that happened during the 24 hours we were gone:

1) hotel out of roll away beds. slept sideways on a double bed to accommodate six of us sleeping in the room

2) 3 kids woke up during the night. one confused about where to use the bathroom, one had a bad dream, one had a 'dry toe' and needed to use my chapstick on it. yeah, i know, weird.

3) because my kids love me SO MUCH i held two of them during the graduation ceremony, therefore my vision was blocked and I missed seeing the whole thing.

4) at the celebratory lunch after, somehow my food was forgotten. They took orders for food, drinks, sides and treats and somehow managed to lose every. single. one. of my items even though they were not listed together. Explain that. Out of the eleven of us that ordered, only my food was not there. Even the girl working there thought it was wild.

5) at said lunch, Four spilled. I cleaned the floor. Three spilled. I cleaned the floor again. Two spilled. I cleaned the floor yet again.

6) same lunch Four needed to use the bathroom (surprise) and accidentally fell into the toilet. Cleaned her up.

7) accidentally left blanket and kid bracelet made for graduating aunt at the hotel. luckily remembered while in the same city and was able to find the items.

8) seriously embarrassed by Four in a public restroom. No details of this event will be given.

9) kids absolutely CANNOT hear me yelling instructions to them in the car but as soon as I crack open a bag of Nibs licorice, they can all hear the bag 'crinkle.'

I realize that some of these things involve being a parent rather than luck, but really? Really? Who else's kid wakes up in the middle of the night asking to use their chapstick for their TOE?!

It was great to get away. It was great to be with my family and my extended family. I love being a mom. I love going places. Sometimes, I even love my bad luck. At least it's entertaining!

Didn't Get It

And I'm too ornery to write anything more. We are still working on something, with the help of the Lt. Governor and Senator Hatch though. I'll let you know as soon as we know something more definite.

*Edited at 8:30 a.m. We just got it. Only 17 hours too late. Whatever. We are going to send it on "Delta Dash." We have to take it to the airport and it will fly to Kyiv where someone will pick it up for us. But, with the way things are going, or rather aren't, I'm holding my breath until it gets to our facilitator.

Paper Pregnant

I've heard the adoption process referred to as a 'paper pregnancy' before. While I certainly haven't been suffering from morning sickness, my weight has increased (eating due to stress) and I am just as anxious to get these kids home as I was to get my babies birthed.

Tomorrow is a big day. If we get that coveted paper from the USCIS, we submit to the Ukrainian SDA next Wednesday. We would then be able to be in Ukraine in approximately six weeks to 'give birth' if you will.

To relate this in terms of pregnancy, it would be like going in for an ultra sound tomorrow. The doctor is either going to tell you 'you are due in 6 weeks' or 'I'm sorry, you actually have twelve weeks.'

Kind of a big deal.

Kind of going to be a big let down if we don't get that paper.

Kind of going to be either ecstatic and pleased with the USCIS or cursing the slowness of this process.

Cross your fingers:)

Poor Little Bird

Saturday the kids had friends over playing. It was a great day. I LOVE weekends!! Anyhow, we baked, played, roller bladed, biked, crafted, watched a movie, colored windows, you name it, we probably did it. Good times.

Because there was so much excitement in the house, it was pretty LOUD!!! Huz had just taken a shower and everybody else was in the family room when all of a sudden...

BAM!!

There was this loud crash. We all heard it above the ruckus from within the house. For a split second I thought that a pool ball had been dropped down the stairs and it had landed on the wood floor, but that's happened before and this noise was much louder. I walked over to the family room and realized what had happened.

A kestrel had flown into our 2nd story window. When we first built this house, One and Two were out on the deck and a robin did this same thing, only it landed on top of Two. This actually freaked One out, resulting in Two freaking out. The robin was knocked out and after a couple of hours flew away. The kestrel was not so fortunate.

I ran outside, followed by a herd of kids, one with her camera (like mother like daughter). I quickly checked little birdies' vitals. No pulse, no breathing. After recently dealing with the death of Princess when these same friends were over last time, I didn't want to tell them all that the bird had died. So, I did my motherly duty and told them that we needed to give him some time to see if he flew away. The cat was FREAKING out and wanted outside so bad. And, because I have no short term memory, I let him out five different times only to see him beeline for the fallen bird and then have to race after him before more damage was done. Good grief. The kids all wanted us to have a funeral for the bird 'if he didn't make it,' burying him in our "Pet Cemetery." I was all for that, but because I'm not the one digging the grave, Huz opted for a less formal burial later that night when the kids were all in bed.

We're going to need to figure something out about that window so that no other innocent birds lose their lives. Man, they both hit the window hard enough that they cracked it. So sad.

p.s. I have to pat myself on the back for remembering from fourth grade what kind of bird it was!!! I guess my long term memory is much better:)

USCIS, part 7

Okay, here is an amendment. And an apology for my lack of patience. I feel like I always give up right before something happens. Then I feel repentant. You'd think I'd learn...

Huz just called me and he tried calling again and was able to get ahold of a very helpful man. This guy said that he was physically looking for our paperwork and that he couldn't find it but thought that was because someone had grabbed it to process it. We are hoping and praying that someone got Huz's message and DOES care!! And that our app really isn't lost. That'd be really bad. Anyhow, this guy took our cell phone numbers, our home phone, our emails and told us he'd contact us as soon as he found out who had our app. Keep ya posted!

Man, these people really just don't care.

So, it looks like we're not going to be able to submit on the 13th. Huz called them this morning and got about as far as I ever did, which isn't far at all. He did leave a few messages for some people, but they said they only return calls once a day from 9-10 a.m. our time.

It's not terrible, there's just two kids sitting in an orphanage on the other side of the world wondering why all the other families except for theirs are adopting the other kids right now.

We'll be able to get another submission date, it just pushes our travel date back further and further and further. The next thing to get anxious about is that Huz's brother gets married at the end of June and the very next week I'm supposed to be at girl's camp for our church. I hadn't even worried about these two things before because I thought we'd certainly be back long before then. Silly me:)

Oh well. It's all good. I just keep telling this to myself.

Augh!!!!

I need some help. From anyone.

Just talked to the USCIS AGAIN. The lady I spoke with was kind, but not at all helpful. In all honesty, I'd rather talk to someone nice and unhelpful than rude and unhelpful so perhaps that is the ONLY plus.

We still don't have a case worker. STILL. I asked when I could anticipate being assigned, as our paperwork is due next week. The lady said, "Cases are taking about a month to be assigned and then another week to process. We've only had your case here for two weeks, so you have a while."

Me, "Actually you have had our application for six weeks, and we still don't have a case worker." As in the information you just gave me is inaccurate. Or else we'd have our approval.

Her, "I must have looked at the calendar wrong."

Yeah, by like a MONTH!

Judas.

She can't help. She won't help. Doesn't matter that our stuff is due in a week or that for some mysterious reason our case is taking EXTRA long. She told me to call back next week to see if I had been assigned. I told her that would be past our submission date and too late. She told me that was too bad.

What am I supposed to do?!?!

Everyone else I know had a case worker assigned to them nearly immediately!! As in days, not months!! I'm trying not to freak out, but I don't even know what to do now. Every single person at the USCIS that I talk to tells me something different. Every single person!!! Don't they all work for the same place? How can there be twenty different answers for the same flippin' question. Seriously. I know of twelve different families that have received their USCIS approval in less than one month. This year. What is the deal?! The USCIS tells me they don't know. They don't know ANYTHING!!!!!