Oh, the frustrations!

So close, and yet, so far...our home study is STILL not done, mainly because we want the numbers our CPA verifies to match the numbers in the home study. The information for the home study was in February, CPA (who is VERY STRICT) is using numbers from April 30, and it is common for the financial numbers to need updating to match as they are often done at different times and money situations change even in a couple of months. The big thing, though, is like I said, our CPA is VERY particular, a trait I admire, but a trait that is also causing me and Ally some frustration. In our income letter, she uses median income info from 2006--which is the most current available (and she parenthetically says that it is the most current available) but Ally said NO WAY because it is 2006 and this is 2008 and the CPA letter doesn't even need what year the info is based on but our CPA is putting it there anyway. I emailed her and asked her to just word it as based on the most current data available and leave out the fact that it's from 2006. If not, then well...heck. I don't know. We've already sunk a ton of $$ in her, I REALLY like our CPA, and she and Ally have had several conversations that I wish I was a fly on the wall for based on each participant's side of the story!! Funny, though, Ally said to just let her keep calling her and she'll argue for me. I don't know how far that will get me, though, because it seems as if there is no love lost between the two. Who knew?

On the name front, John actually used the words, "Emma Grace is a nice name, Lori." Which, I must say, is about as much as I have ever heard from him on any name opinions. I like it a lot too, but I still like Jane a lot as it would honor my mom. Emma Grace would be Strong, All Consuming, and in the Divine Favor of God. Emma Jane would be Strong, All Consuming and the feminine form of John--which is The Lord is Gracious. They would both be very appropriate. So....of course, at this rate, I'll have TONS of time to think about it. Ha ha...and I planned to have my dossier in by June 14th. Ahh...silly me and my thinking that I had any control in anything.

Oh, and I'm just watching now NBC declare Obama as the democratic nominee. Guess we know who our president will be in November. Look, whatever your political beliefs, it's my blog and I can say what I want to say. I TOTALLY respect those who may have opposing ideas, and truly feel that is what makes our country great. Bottom line is that I am not really thrilled with anybody for President--though I am a conservative (Baptist, no less), pro-life, military spouse who believes in prayer being allowed in school if children so choose, I am also (or would like to consider myself) an educator who realizes the SEVERE lackings in school, a woman frustrated with the disparity in our country between the haves and the have nots (and I blessedly consider myself a have) and don't necessarily feel PETA goes about getting their point across in the most appropriate ways, believe wholeheartedly in the humane treatment of all animals. I prefer the Washington Times to the Washington Post but also have NPR on in my radio fairly regularly. Not to mention that I read John McCain's book and consider him a true American hero, but I worry about his age. I love the fact that he considers himself a Reaganomics man (yep, I loved Reagan) but also really appreciate Obama being faithful in marriage for all these years. Regardless of who wins in November, I will do as I have done every night before I go to bed. I will pray that God grants them the wisdom and compassion they need to take care of our wonderful country.

Patience is a Virtue Part TWO

Wow..can't believe I haven't blogged (you should know I just typed the word 'typed' and replaced it with 'blogged' because that's just how techno I have become!) since last weekend. We have had some very busy times, though, and they don't seem to be slowing down. One of our great friends from years ago is a Blue Angel, and their family came up for an airshow last weekend and we got to visit with them. It is amazing how those special people you know God put in your life for just the right times never seem to age and we fall right back into where we left off. We also had a wedding rehearsal, a wedding, Memorial Day, end of school cr*p and still getting over the crud. Oh, and friends coming in again tomorrow for the weekend. So, in essence, not really a lot of time to blog anyway.

Good thing, since there is not a lot to blog about. Turns out that most people only had to have 10 hours of training for their adoptions. Yep, good old Maryland needs 21. Soooo...guess what we spent the weekend doing? Money-making, I know it is...However, that is done, and all I have to do is get the certificates and our pictures to our SW and Home study should be on its way to USCIS. I am ok with the fact that out dossier won't be submitted until July 16 or 17, but I wish it was different. Ally has been great about checking in on me and letting me know she will help with whatever, so that makes me feel supported, and I guess that's a big thing to me. I know John would say, "Ya think?" Oh yeah, he, of course, is not home. I know he doesn't deploy like some people deploy, but these in and out trips here and there all the flipping time are frustrating! I won't complain, though. We are very blessed with his work arrangement and I thank God for it every day.

SOOOO many babies are coming home these days--I LOVE it. It makes my wading through the masses have a light at the end of the tunnel. I'm going to start throwing out names to try them on...some we (ok, I) have been tossing are: Clare Grace, Emma Grace, Emma Jane, Gracie Jane, Abigail Jane (but would probably call her Abby Jane) Caroline Grace, Hannah Grace...hmm, that's all I can think of right now. Any comments?