Just received news that our dossier is on its way to Ethiopia!  Woot woot!!

A Day I'll Never Forget

13 years ago today I had the privilege of becoming Mrs. Kelli Monks.  I will never forget the anticipation leading up to that day.  Vince and I knew that we would one day be married-I think even after a few months of dating.  We spent many moments sharing our dreams and desires for our life and family.  Once that day came, I felt like God had blessed me in such a way that my life would never be the same.  Sure, we have had times of trial and trouble, but our devotion to one another has never wavered.  God continues to show us the way.  I admire my husband for all that he is.  He loves me unconditionally, and I trust him with my life.  I can truly say that each year is better than the last.  God has been so good to us.

Psalm 37:4
               Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY VINCE! 

I LOVE YOU!

THE GOOD NEWS...

   is that we received our appointment for our fingerprinting today!
The bad news is that my appointment is scheduled for the same day I start Jury duty :(
I really don't want to reschedule this appointment. Please pray that the courts will allow me to leave in enough time to get to my appointment.  Tomorrow I am going to call and see if they will allow that!
They are scheduled for July 19th at 1:00 and 2:00.

~Kelli

Of course, things have not slowed down around our home.  We are patiently waiting for our referral.  Things are coming together for us.  I still have days of doubt and worry, but God quickly reminds me of HIS great power.  I have been encouraged by the love and support of so many people-even strangers that have reached out to us.  I think God has shown us that although this road is not an easy one, it is one we have been called to follow.  Only by God's grace...

Currently, we are getting excited about our upcoming golf scramble.  Vince has been working like crazy to get it all together.  I am so proud of him. 

Vaccinations are also on our mind right now.  We are looking at what is recommended for us as we travel. I will discuss this in detail later. 

Last weekend Vince and I were given an opportunity to get away for a night to Brown County.  We had such a wonderful time.  June 28th we will be married 13 years!  The time has gone by so fast.  The last time we went to Brown County was for our first year anniversary.  I am so blessed to share this life with my best friend and love of my life. 

A covered bridge we visited in Columbus

Love it!

Outside of our room at our Bed and Breakfast

Here are some pictures of some family summer fun

McKenzie, Cassie & Gracie catching fireflies after an evening of swimming

Eating lunch and more swimming

Dropping Abby off for camp at Country Lake

Ready for the week!

Gracie at squaredancing practice.  Not a very good picture, but I had to add because that day was so fun! 

This weekend is another homeschool conference.  I am excited about some of the speakers that are lilned up to present.  It is going to be at Valley View which is very close to our home.  As I learn all that I can about educating our children, I realize what a great opportunity it is for our family as well.  Abby and Gracie are the best of friends. If that is the only blessing that has come from homeschooling,  it would be worth it.  But I can say without a doubt, there have been many more.

Much love~Kelli

Dossier

Our dossier is en route to Ethiopia!  Vince and I are so glad to have that finished.  Now we are on to the next phase which is waiting for our referral. 
We want to say thank you for your prayers.  They mean so much to us. ♥

~Kelli

A little update on our adoption...Last night we were able to review our home study, make a few revisions, and today Vince picked up the final copy!  Yippee!!  We are meeting with Cindy from Arise on Thursday to submit our dossier.  Things are starting to move...paperwork that is.  I know we still have quite a ways to go, but it feels so good to be finished with this portion of the journey.  Sorry I have not updated for awhile...I think I have been in some kind of funk :(  Feeling somewhat overwhelmed which in turn causes me to do nothing.  Vince, on the other hand, just keeps going.  I am so thankful to share this  life with him.  He has been such a rock through all of this.  I know that the days when I feel down are the days when God gives him the strength to help me along. 

I guess I need to recap the last couple of weeks for us.  We have been very busy.  I love summer!

Last Tuesday we decided to take Abby out to celebrate her 5th grade graduation.  Although she didn't have an official graduation, we wanted to take a night to recognize how hard she has worked thus far.  She is about to enter a new season of her life.  She is growing up so quickly!  Vince and I are so very proud of her. 

Friday we had a book swap with our homeschool group.  It is a time to get together and sell any homeschool curriculum or books to other homeschoolers. It was held at Tom Sawyer Park.  This was my first year to attend.  It was a big event, and I enjoyed to talking with other moms.  I did have a few things to sell and did fairly well. 

Friday was also my brother, Kyle's birthday.  We ate at Skyline Chili and then went back to my parent's house to have cake and ice cream.  Happy 22nd Birthday Kyle!

We spent Saturday at Holiday World.  It was such a great time!  I love that park.  Thanks so much to my parents for giving us the opportunity to go. 

Vince and Gracie

Griffin and Abby

Rachel and Cassie enjoying the lazy river

Yesterday we had a guest!We had a nice time watching Ryder.  Isn't he cute?

He worked hard to pull that wagon around.

Much love to everyone!  Have a great week!

Kelli