Life With Janaa

Well, we're home from the beach. It was a beach trip, but vacation I'm not sure about. We did have a blast with the girls hanging out at the beach, playing putt-putt, shopping and everything else.  They were so good. They shared well and fought like sisters.  I just love that they have each other!

J and I are headed up to see my brother and his wife for the rest of the week.  Next week is the wedding of Janaa's foster mom, our dear friend so we'll be gone most of next week as well. Sorry, I haven't been great with updating, but we really haven't been here.

The best news....Emma got her visa!!! Janaa's best friend is coming with her parents to the wedding, but we were sure if she could get a visa to travel. Last night, at the very last minute she was granted her visa!!!! I screamed and cried.  It was really an impossible thing, but that's what our God specializes in. So, Sunday night...4 days...we'll be picking her up at the airport!!!!  Praise God from whom all blessings flow...Now I've got to get my house clean!

Although it doesn't really apply to me for the first time in my life and the only time for at least 13 more years.  But! It does mean that Grandma is out!  It also means pool, beach and permission to relax.  If you've read the Daddy Page you know that Janaa finally has a play set and pool set up. The yard is now mud and hay from all the rain we've gotten, now if we could just get some grass! 

Here's the coolest thing about our week! We actually have plants growing that we can eat. Yep! Peppers and garlic are poking out. I'm so excited. I've never grown anything successfully that I could or would, for that matter, consume.  We'll keep you posted on the out come. Maybe we'll have an abundance and can share it with you all.

Janaa and I got to spend a few more days with Drew (and his parents) this week.  Janaa loves her Drew.  Then we get to spend next week with the other Aunt and cousin.  What a great 2 weeks!

If you will please pray with us for a visa. Not for us, but for Janaa best friend. She is in the process of being adopted as well while living in Thailand so it is all a bit different for her.  She and her family are good friends and should be flying to the US in a couple of weeks for Mommy Rachel's wedding. However, without a US visa Emma can't come.  My heart breaks at the mere thought that she will not get it. She and Janaa are uniquely close. Though they haven't been together much in the past 18 months they remain very close. They long to see each other in a way I've never seen.  I know God has a plan, but I have to say, I'm praying it's something other than way.  They have both been so excited about seeing each other.  So...We wait and trust.  Please pray with us for a miracle visa.  She needs it in the next 10 days or so.

 We have a new nephew,  Jonathan Andrew Hightower.  We call him Drew.  Is  he cute or what?  He was born Sunday morning weighing 8lb 14oz and 21" long. 

He is a  healthy little guy, and has the sweetest nature about him.  He cries when he's hungry or dirty, but other than that he enjoys sleeping. 

Drew came home with his mommy and daddy yesterday and wasn't sure of his new environment at first, but he quickly snuggled in. 

I'm sure there will be more photos to come.  We haven't had internet access so it's difficult to post.

What a special day Mother's Day was.  Janaa is so aware of being kind and thinking of sweet ways to celebrate on her own. Saturday night she insisted that she and daddy fix super while I relaxed.  She had several flowers for me on Sunday and was so kind all weekend.

I am often taken back by how sweet Janaa is.  Today we were checking out at a store and Janaa told me that she loved me. She does this often and for no reason.  The lady checking us out said, "Oh she must be buttering you up for something she wants."  Now, don't get me wrong. She does know how to use this powerful technique and she does it quite well.  But, most of the time she is just honestly being a sweet kiddo.  Man, I love her!

We have ballet rehearsals this week. Janaa is so excited about her ballet recital this weekend. It will be interesting to see if she actually panics or enjoys herself.  She goes both ways.  Don't worry we'll post photos ;).

Sorry for the absence in posting. It has been a long and somewhat difficult few weeks. My grandfather's death was unexpected and we have all been learning how to deal with it.  My brother, on the other hand, is expecting a son any day.  We we have been living in a crazy limbo of expectation and emotion. 

My adorable little nephew, who I haven't acutally met yet, has decided to be stubborn.  He was due this weekend, but was expected about a month ago.  BUT! He's still not here yet.  We are all tired of waiting, especially his mom!  I'm praying we'll have a great Mother's Day tomorrow with a baby on the way.  None of us mind traveling to see the world's most precious little boy.  

I have the best nice, nephew and daughter in the world! 

We have been planting this year...lots of things!  We like to cook with bell peppers often, but I am NOT paying $3 per pepper. So, I decided to plant some of my own this year for $2 a plant.  Sounds like a much cheaper plan to me.  Now, I guess we'll have to see if I can keep them alive and they'll actually grow.  Janaa also planted some flowers this year...from Thailand. Yep, I brought seeds across the border. I didn't really mean to. When I bought them I wasn't thinking about it. When I came in I didn't think about them. (I was thinking about balancing a 4 year old and 6 bags on my tiny cart.)  Anyway, they originated from the States so it shouldn't matter.  Janaa planted a couple merigolds in each of the little pots shown below.