887 days... WE ARE FINAL!!!

Our adoption journey began August 5, 2009...
Our paperwork was completed August 10, 2010...
We got the call for Savannah October 13, 2010...
We met Savannah "our sweet girl" on November 1, 2010...
Savannah came home on November 5, 2010...

And....
Monday, January 9, 2012 all 6 of us sat in court together, surrounded by family and friends as we signed our final paper and heard the greatest words come from the judge's mouth,
"Savannah is officially yours!"

My eyes were filled with tears of joy!  I was finally, officially and forever Savannah's Mom!

Enjoy our video of this amazing moment captured by our close friend

Boone Family Adoption Hearing on Vimeo

As I walked out of the courtroom, I held my daughter's hand tighter then ever!  The fears were gone, the what ifs disappeared and I looked her in the eyes and with absolute certainty I told her.. I am your FOREVER Mommy and you are FOREVER my Savannah Joy Boone!  It was amazing!

We celebrated after at IHop for breakfast and then headed home to decorate for her adoption party.  It was a "Sweet Love" theme with a picture timeline of her last fourteen months with us, as well as a candy buffet and cake pops!  She was beyond excited.

We get to move forward... 

I no longer have to write two names, show documentation I have legal care of her, call the social workers when we are leaving town, only leave her with a babysitter for less then 4 hours, fax medical check-ups, document any medicine she takes, keep her picture off the internet, answer any questions, etc... The Lord has given us the most incredible gift, we are her Dad and Mom.

Her birth certificate reads:

Savannah Joy Boone

Name of Father: Joel Boone

Name of Mother: Sarah Boone

The Lord has been faithful to complete our family in a beautiful way and I wouldn't trade any of the 887 days!

We couldn't imagine our family any other way!

Thank you for all your prayers, encouragement, hugs and celebration you have shared with our family as we walked through our journey of adoption.

Court Date!!!

The first couple weeks of December were a roller coaster of emotions for me.  We were told that "the" papers we signed would be filed with the court the first week of December and then our finalization court date would be a week or two after.  Everything was to be done in December.  I was so excited and SO ready!!  It has been a long and emotional 14 month pregnancy/labor and I was ready for the delivery:)...

Unfortunately, everything didn't go as planned.  "The" papers took longer and then "the"papers took longer and then there was one paper missing... I am really done with papers!
We were now waiting for one last paper from the county Savannah previously lived in and they hoped to release it to our social worker by December 13th... hoped... ugh...

I found myself extremely anxious, frustrated, discouraged and bitter.  I didn't want to wait anymore.  I wanted to drive and release the paper myself.   I had a plan and it wasn't happening.  I didn't like that and I didn't understand why. I am thankful for my sweet hubby, friends and family that listened to me, prayed for me and reminded me that the Lord was in control and that His plan was the greatest even if I couldn't see it.  Each morning I would ask the Lord for patience, some days were better then others and some days I had to ask a 100 times. I began to feel His peace and release my plans.

On Friday December 9th I got the call that "the" paper had been released (music to my ears), but it couldn't be faxed, it would be mailed.  Ahhh... really?  Ok, I could do this.. waiting that's what I do.  I was told that by the middle of the next week everything would be filed.  I was praying for a miracle, that "the" papers would be ready Monday and that there would be one more court date available in December.

SURPRISE... Monday morning (December 12th) we got the call that "the" papers were here! Our Lord is amazing! "The" papers were being hand delivered to the court to be filed and I would receive a phone call in the afternoon with our court date.  I knew chances of a December court date were slim and I was prepared to hear January, but I was still praying.

Around 2:00 our social worker called with the date...
January 9th!!!

The Lord chose not to answer my prayer for December, but finally WE HAD A DATE!  I was thankful for  His peace.. it was filling my heart and I wasn't disappointed.  He answered my prayer for "the" papers to arrive on Monday and I didn't want to forget that! Finally, we had an end date to all of our waiting!

Our 2-1/2 year adoption journey will come to an end in 10 days.. what a journey it has been..
from Day 1 till Day 887 we have experienced every possible emotion, but through it all we have experienced the Lord's perfect plan in bringing our daughter home.  Thank you for all of your prayers... what a blessing they have been to Our Forever Family!

Now it's time to plan our Adoption Day Party!!

Our Family 3K Fun Run

Our Adoption Signing celebration continued...

Just an hour after signing "the" papers, we headed down to Monterey and Pacific Grove for a night away and to participate in a 3k Family Fun Run for Atheletes for Adoption.  When we arrived in town, we went to Chili's for dinner and were joined by my parents, Joel's parents, my brother's family and Joel's brothers family.  It was so fun to all be together for my birthday meal!  After dinner we all headed back to our hotel in Pacific Grove and tucked  into bed.

Saturday morning was the 3K Run.  We had so much fun getting ready.  The kids were so excited to put on their AFA shirts and bib numbers.  They were ready for the race.  As we walked down to the start line (all 17 of us) the day was beautiful, there were lots of people and so much excitement.  

We arrived at the start line a few minutes early so we got to talk with other families that were there running for athletes for adoption as well as take lots of pictures.  At the 5 minute warning they played the National Anthem.  As I stood there listening to the song and looking around at the 17 family members there with me, my eyes filled with tears.  Today my family joined with me in my passion for adoption and my daughter's journey. They booked hotels, paid race registration fees, drove hours and set aside time in their schedules to be here with us.  I had never felt so supported and loved.  It was overwhelmingly awesome!  My family rocks!  

The gun fired and the race began... 

and for us it wasn't about the race but about the fun.  We ran for about 1 minute then chased, played, laughed, walked and talked all along the ocean.  It was such an amazing hour.  Yes, it took our family just over one hour to go 2 miles, but we finished!   I think we literally were the second to last group.  However, that hour will forever be a sweet memory.  Our families had the best conversations over those 2 miles and my heart was so happy watching all the kids play together.  I am so thankful it took as long as it did!

Thank You, Thank You, Thank You to our friends and family that sponsored us for the run!

We raised $500 for God's Grace Adoption Ministries which will  help bring children home to their forever families! 

Also our family won for greatest family participation for The Athletes for Adoption Team

http://athletesforadoption.org/twitter/705/ (click for photo)

Add Todd and Tatyana's daughter, Katya got youngest participant

http://athletesforadoption.org/twitter/703/ (click for photo)

A Burden Lifted...

We were always told that Savannah was here to stay, she wasn't going any where and that no one would move her... but it wasn't till after signing "the" papers that I realized I had those thoughts in the back of my mind.  As I look at my precious daughter, I realized that burden had been lifted and I could squeeze her that much tighter.  We are one step away from officially knowing that no one could ever take her from us.  I can't wait for her Adoption Day!!!

Please join with us in prayer as we wait again for our court date...

Happy 31st Birthday...

November 18th was finally here... I couldn't wait for this day, yet I had guarded myself just in case it didn't happen.  Obviously the day would happen, as well as my birthday, but I was anxious for us to sign Savannah's adoption papers.  However, knowing that it could quite possibly be postponed, I tried once again to not have high expectations... knowing I would ball my eyes out if the date was moved.   Right at noon our social worker arrived, so we were yet another step closer.  I kept my phone close just in case Savannah's social worker got lost or needed anything and then about 12:15 she arrived!  I think I could of hugged her forever (she had the papers we needed to sign).  As she came in she said, "There is  just one problem, I made a mistake..."  at these words my heart dropped to the floor and I could almost feel the instant tears, "I forgot a blue and black pen", ohh huge relief, I had plenty of those to share.  We all gathered around our dining room table as she explained each paper in this massive book (basically Savannah's life story before our home).  I couldn't stop looking at the cover.  It was the first time we saw her forever name on an official document.  It was beautiful!  We had a signing party as all four of us passed papers around placing our signatures in all the right places.  Savannah sat right on my lap as she was so happy for Mommy and Daddy to be signing her forever and ever  I will never have to move again papers.   The process took about 45 minutes and we thanked the social workers for all they had done and then they were on their way to there next appointments.  As the door closed all I could do was smile.  I felt so giddy.  We were no longer Savannah's foster parents.  We had signed the papers to officially be her forever Mommy and Daddy.
We were finally in adoption placement!! It was the best birthday present ever!! The Lord had answered my prayer!!

Family Birthday

Yesterday we celebrated our First Family Birthday!!  It has been exactly one year since Savannah came home and we became a forever family of 6!!

We took the kids out for a very special "fancy" dinner at Dewz and we had the most incredible time.  Sometimes, I find myself leery of having expectations for special moments so that I am not disappointed, but last night couldn't of been more beautiful.  All 4 kids were so well behaved and loved choosing fancy appetizers, really yummy big kid dinners (prime rib), and huge desserts.  Joel and I felt so blessed to be able to have a night to spoil the family.

While we were at dinner Joel asked each one of our children to share special moments that they remember from this past year... Here is a glimpse

Gavin- Seeing sissy for the first time, Wagon Train Summer Camp and camping with our friends The McCay's and The Vasquez's
Merek- Discovery Kingdom, that sissy got to go to the Beach House and The Boardwalk for the first time (our annual vacation of many years) and bobbing for apples
Eiler- The Hoe Down and Camping
Savannah- Disneyland with Daddy and Our Family Birthday

Our evening ended with picking up our "race" shirts for Athletes for Adoption, so that we could wear them today in support of Orphan Sunday.  We were one "Big Red" family at church today and we look forward to doing our Family 3K run on November 19th in Monterey.  I am so excited that my parents, my brother's family, Joel's parents and possibly Joel's brother Todd's family will be joining us in the race! We are thankful we can join with others in raising money for God's Grace Adoption Ministry so families can receive financial assistance for adoption expenses and children be united with their Forever Families!

Here is a link if you are interested in sponsoring our family in the 3K Run
http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/boonefamily/bigsur?fge=ask

and a link to Athlete's for Adoption
http://athletesforadoption.org/

as well as a link to God's Grace Adoption Ministry
http://ggam.org/

When I think of last night, I smile...
I am thankful that the Lord has given me the opportunity to be a Mom to 4 precious children.  May I bring the Lord honor and glory and would He find me faithful as I raise them.

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!!