365 days together...

I was so nervous and so excited.. my stomach hurt.  I was going to see you, my precious daughter for the very first time.   However, this journey was different.  You were 2 years old and I was a complete stranger.  I would take you away from everything familiar and comfortable and share with you how I was going to be your FOREVER Mommy!  This was a day I had dreamed about, prayed about and thought often about over the past year and a half.  I couldn't wait to see your face, to hold you, to kiss you, to cuddle you and to hear your voice.  Yet, would you want that?  As we approached your house I began to pray with Daddy, asking the Lord Jesus to prepare your heart.  I prayed he would give us favor in your eyes and that you would feel safe and know you were loved.

I'll never forget the moment the door opened and I finally saw you for the very first time...  You didn't know who I was, but I knew you were my baby girl!  Daddy and I got to spend about an hour with you and we played legos, gave you a book filled with pictures of us, brothers, your new house and your new room.  Your favorite picture was of the backyard, you loved the slide.  I remember when I got to pick you up for the first time to help you wash your hands, I got to hold you!  It was quick, but it was amazing! Before we had to leave that night, we gave you your pink bear from brothers and your blankey.  You cried as we left.  My heart  hurt because I knew you didn't understand, but we reassured you we would be back tomorrow.  When Daddy and I closed the door my heart was sad, the good-bye was difficult and I wasn't prepared, but then I realized God had answered my prayer.  We had found favor in your eyes!

The next five days were unforgettable and emotionally exhausting.  Each day we were able to spend more and more time with you.  The good-byes never got easier and when I woke up Friday morning.. I thanked Jesus that I would no longer have to tell  you good-bye and tonight we would tuck you in to your new bed!

You have been home for 365 days!!  I can't imagine life without you!!  We have had a year of lots of firsts and new beginnings. I am so thankful God created you Savannah.  I love you so much.  Your sparkling blue eyes, adventurous personality, love for shoes, jewelry and the color pink brings joy to each day.

Mommy continues to pray daily for wisdom as I raise you.  I pray that I would encourage you and grow you in the gifts and talents that Lord has given you.  I pray that you would trust and follow Jesus each and everyday of your life.  I pray that you would know that you are not here by chance, but made by God, the creator of everything.  He formed everything about you and knows the exact number of hairs on your head.  You are the daughter of the King!

More Beautiful You
By: Jonny Diaz


Little girl fourteen flipping through a magazine
Says she wants to look that way
But her hair isn't straight, her body isn't fake
And she's always felt overweight

Well, little girl fourteen I wish that you could see
That beauty is within your heart
And you were made with such care, your skin, your body and your hair
Are perfect just the way they are

There could never be a more beautiful you
Don't buy the lies, disguises and hoops, they make you jump through
You were made to fill a purpose that only you could do
So there could never be a more beautiful you

Little girl twenty one the things that you've already done
Anything to get ahead
And you say you've got a man but He's got another plan
Only wants what you will do instead

Well, little girl twenty one you never thought that this would come
You starve yourself to play the part
But I can promise you there's a man whose love is true
And He'll treat you like the jewel you are

So turn around you're not too far
To back away be who you are
To change your path go another way
It's not too late, you can be saved
If you feel depressed with past regrets
The shameful nights hope to forget
Can disappear, they can all be washed away

By the one who's strong, can right your wrongs
Can rid your fears dry, all your tears
And change the way you look at this big world
He will take your dark distorted view
And with His light, He will show you truth
And again you'll see through the eyes of a little girl
That there could never be a more beautiful you
Don't buy the lies, disguises and hoops, they make you jump through
You were made to fill a purpose that only you could do
So there could never be a more beautiful you
There could never be a more beautiful you

You were made to fill a purpose that only you could do, so there could never be a more beautiful you...

I love you Savannah!!
Update:
The plan is still to sign for adoption on November 18th... please pray with us that it will take place

Remembering October 2010

One year ago...

October 6, 2010 our family was the chosen family for a 4 month baby girl.  Although we were chosen, we were having to wait while the social workers completed ruling out all possible family members before she could be moved to our home.
The wait was so hard.

One week later...

October 13, 2010 we received a 2nd call, this time for a two year old little girl.  I was blown away! I couldn't believe we were called for another girl!  Oh, how our hearts wanted to bring home both girls, but we were told that wasn't an option.  My mind was everywhere.. so I began praying, praying, and praying some more asking the Lord to show us, which little girl was the one he had created to be our forever daughter.  We did not want to have to chose!
And with the second call, came more waiting.

5 days later...

October 18, 2010 we received an email that the 4 month old baby girl's placement was being delayed and that we would receive more information in a couple weeks.  I was sad and disappointed.  I was so ready to bring my daughter home.  One hour later I received another email, this time from the case workers of the 2 year old little girl. In the email there was a general profile about her and that they would call us in the afternoon.
At 5:00pm  on October 18th the Lord answered our prayer.. He chose for us!  We were called by our social worker, told we were chosen for the 2 year old little girl and that they were ready to begin the transition of her moving to her forever family!  We had yet to see her face, but we knew this was our daughter, the one we had prayed for every night for over a year.  This day I will never forget!
And then again we waited.

October 21, 2010 we saw a picture our daughter's face for the first time!!
more waiting.

October 27, 2010 we found out we would meet our daughter in 5 days!! Finally, we would hold our sweet girl!!
more waiting.

November 1, 2010 we held our sweet daughter Savannah for the first time!! Joel and I were so filled with joy as we looked into her beautiful blue eyes.  It was a very special day!
We couldn't wait to bring her home.

November 5, 2010 WE ARE A FOREVER FAMILY OF 6 AND OUR DAUGHTER IS HOME!!!!

October 2011
Where are we now... WAITING

We are waiting for Savannah's adoption to be finalized.  Just last week, we were given a date to sign the adoption papers, which is November 18th (My birthday, the best gift ever!).  Then we have been told that the paperwork will be turned into the court and within 4-8 weeks we can call for a finalization date. We are so ready to officially and forever be the parents of our precious blessing Savannah Joy Boone.

Please pray that there won't be a delay in signing the papers on November 18th and that the paperwork will process smoothly and quickly.  My heart desires and dreams that by the end of 2011 it will be final.

Waiting... not my gift:) and though moments have seemed like an eternity I can't believe all that has taken place this past year.  Our God is Amazing and my eyes are teary as I remember it all!

The Lord brought our daughter home quickly!

Thank you so much for all your faithful prayers!!