Good morning!  We just got home from our 8th year at Pine Cove family camp.  We had a great time and have come back energized and refreshed.  We were fortunate enough to have Dr. Tim Kimmel as our speaker this year.  He is the executive director of Family Matters and spoke to us about Grace Based Parenting.  It was an incredible message and one that our family will be working on.  The main message was that we should look through a "grace lens" when parenting our children and treat them as God treats us.  We also have to remember that they are born sinners and until God intercedes we should not be surprised when they sin.  He has written some great books if you think this is something you would like to look into.  Next year we will be a family of 5 and get to introduce our daughter to Pine Cove.  We can't wait!

Now on to the adoption news.....we received our Pre-approval (PA) on July 24th!  One step closer.  Since our home study was for a girl between the ages of 2-6 and she will not be 2 until February we are having to update our home study.  This meant a trip back to the doctor for me this morning to have all my blood work and physical exam, again.  No fun, but necessary.  We will have a phone interview today with the social worker and update any information that needs to be changed.  Moving right along!

While we were in Texas I went to my favorite store there, The Busy B, and bought the first things for Chelsea!  (I don't think I've revealed her name on here but it is Chelsea Reagan).  Very excited to have some pink around the house.  Keep the prayers coming for a speedy process so we can go get our sweet girl.  When we have our definite approval I will post her picture for all of you to see.

One more cool thing, when we got home last night there was a ladybug on our doorstep!