A year in review

Originally Posted 070808: When we started this process we thought that the decision to adopt was the difficult part. We just made one of the biggest decisions of our life now let's just go get out and get one, right? There is just a big list somewhere of kids that are waiting for a home, right?

The great world of adoption is a complicated and sometimes very confusing culture that has many options. Each comes with it's own set of issues, demands, and challenges. But in God's perfect plan and in His timing, the end result is loving parents welcoming a beautiful child into their world to take care of forever.

Today: We look back over the last 5 months, all that we have completed and take a deep, deep breath. We have now completed every requirement pertaining to our Home Study, our agency has even sent us our Hague approval letter, we are now waiting for our social worker to return from vacation to sign off. It will then be filed with the juvenile courts here in AZ.

Our fingerprints have been taken by Homeland Security and the process for USCIS clearance has begun. We are being told that both will take 60-90days respectively. So let the wait begin.

Once these last forms are received we will be able to compile our dossier and send it off to China!

All that once seemed so overwhelming, is now completed. Piles of paperwork and daunting time frames are now just distant memories. Just another great reminder of how time in our lives flows by so quickly.

We have yet to write via our blog, but we have also decided to proceed with a concurrent adoption here in the states...yes you read it right...number 2 (or hopefully number 1). We have been contacted by our local agency and have an appointment set for Jan. 16. We are super excited!!!

This process will be so much easier since our Home Study is already completed. We will have to attend two classes, write a letter to the birth mother and basically just wait (:

We will be eligible late February or early March. A friend of mine said..."Just think--your baby could already be in his/her birth moms tummy right now!" WOW that is crazy to think about.

Please pray for us. All the birth mothers that will be posed with the most difficult decision in their lives and all the orphans or soon to be orphans in this world.

2009 will be a great year!

Happy Birthday Baby Jesus!

The Birth of Jesus 2 - The best home videos are here

And the FINAL winners are...Melissa and Lorraine

Congratulations girls!!!

Melissa at http://justinmerrill.blogspot.com
Lorriane at http://coming4claire.blogspot.com

A special thank you to all of you that participated - we do appreciate all your support.

Merry Christmas!!!

Best Christmas Song Ever

My favorite Christmas song ever is O Holy Night. It was composed in 1847 from the poem Minuit, Chrétiens by Frenchman Placide Cappeau. It's message is just as clear now as it was then. The next time you hear it stop and consider the words that he wrote. They are full of the hope and joy and love and freedom that is the Christmas story.

O holy night! The stars are brightly shining,
It is the night of our dear Saviour's birth.
Long lay the world in sin and error pining,
'Til He appear'd and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.

Fall on your knees! O, hear the angels' voices!
O night divine, O night when Christ was born;
O night divine, O night, O night Divine.

Led by the light of Faith serenely beaming,
With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand.
So led by light of a star sweetly gleaming,
Here come the wise men from Orient land.
The King of Kings lay thus in lowly manger;
In all our trials born to be our friend.

He knows our need, to our weakness is no stranger,
Behold your King! Before Him lowly bend!
Behold your King, Behold your King.

Truly He taught us to love one another;
His law is love and His gospel is peace.
Chains shall He break for the slave is our brother;
And in His name all oppression shall cease.
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,
Let all within us praise His holy name.

Christ is the Lord! O praise His Name forever,
His power and glory evermore proclaim.
His power and glory evermore proclaim.

Merry Christmas.



(Michael Crawford from 1993 TV Christmas Special)

Giveaway FINAL WEEK!

FINAL WEEK of our C.H.A.R.M. ADDICTION GIVEAWAY and because it is Christmas I will be giving away not ONE, but TWO charms this week (YEP you read it right) we will have 2 winners this week!

So come on girls - get your favorites posted. If you are new to the giveaway just scroll down to find the rules. Don't forget to post a comment so you get counted and if someone referred you - please let me know. GOOD LUCK!

Home Study is complete!

Yep...that's right our home study is complete and on its way to VA for approval from AWAA HQ. This is a big one folks - really BIG! Just in case you are curious or just want to better appreciate and understand the details of the adoption process - I have outlined below for you.

Our HS is a compilation of documents that includes a 17 page detail of our life.

• Adoptive Parents stats
• Application & Type of Child Requested
• Duty of Disclosure
• Adoption issues & motivation to adopt from China
• Description of adoptive parents (that's us!)
• Education and Employment
• Personal
• Marital Relationship
• Attitude Towards Birth parents
• Lifestyle
• Health
• Religion
• Child Care Plans
• Financial Capabilities
• Home and Community Environment
• References
• Parenting
• Expectations to the Development and Growth of a child
• Clearances (CPS)
• Pre-Adoption - Home visits
• Ability to Travel
• Documents
  
• • AWAA Application
  • Birth Certificates
  • Marriage Certificate
  • Verification of Health, Life and Auto Insurance
  • Verification of Employment
  • Verification of Homeowner’s Insurance
  • Copy of Arizona Driver’s License
  • Verification of Fees Paid
  • Copy of Letter of Request for Child
  • Current income tax return
  • Five letters of reference
  • Financial Statement
  • Medical reports
  • Police clearance letters
  • Fingerprint results
  • Child Protective service clearances
  • Autobiographies
  • Signed Guardianship Statement
  
• Guardianship
  
• Summary & Agency's Recommendation (we passed!)

To all our family that we love and appreciate so much - you may not know it but your are already doing your part. We couldn't have told our life stories - without mentioning our wonderful parents - Mom, Dad, Ken & Carol - thank you for life...thank you for the wonderful childhoods memories...thank you for endless opportunities, lessons and wisdom.

Then of coarse what would our lives be without our brother's, sister's, BIL's, SIL's and nieces and newphews! Bro- Don, Denise, Amanda, Mathew & Michael. Ken, Julie and Brittany. Thank you for being BIG brothers, little sisters and friends.

We are so happy that you are apart of our life story - we could not have done it without you!

XOXO

And the winner is...Jeanette!!!

Congratulations to Jeanette at http://blessedbybaseballsandbows.blogspot.com/ she is this weeks winner!

Thank you for all your support!
Sheri

Adoption Update

Hi everyone

We have not posted an update in a while - and Dave said that our blog is looking a bit promotional. Today - I have updates on our HS that I would like to share.

This am - I awoke at the crack of dawn and can I tell you - there is nothing more beautiful than an Arizona sunrise on a cold December day (cold being relevant - I know) I did just looked and it is currently 37 degrees - very cold by AZ standards.

We spoke with our SW (social worker) yesterday - she is working on the final stages of our HS (home study) and we should see a rough draft today or tomorrow. Once we see a copy - we are required to go through it and check dates, names, numbers etc. Then back to SW for final draft - from there it goes to VA where our FC (family coordinator) and her boss from AWAA review and approve it!

Once everyone signs off on our HS - we are ready to submit to the courts (AZ reguires all HS to go through the juvenile courts) where a judge must approve that we are worthy to adopt! Crazy - huh? All these processes are in place to protect these little helpless babies - but what is the turn over value for us?

I know I have said this before - but the entire HS process has been an incredible journey. It has forced us to look deep into our souls. It has forced us to reminess about the amazing life we have been given (thanks - mom's and dad's). It has forced us to open up our hearts to each other and others more than ever before. It has also forced us to be humble and have a bit more humility. I believe this process has strenghten us as individuals and as parents to be.

I want to thank all our family friends for their kind words of encouragement and support.

Big CHARM ADDICTION Giveaway - Week 2

CONGRATULATIONS to Jenny - she was last weeks winner - but no worries - we still have 2 weeks left! So lets review....

As some of you know, I created a little business to help defer the cost of adoption. THANK YOU to everyone that has bought charms and passed along the WEBSITE ADDRESS (www.CHARMADDICTION.etsy.com) to friends and family. Your help is working; to date I have sold 48 charms across the country and around the world (TWO TO SWEDEN!)

To help promote this business and bring our little Shania a step closer to us, we are sponsoring a CHARM GIVEAWAY. You don't have to spend a thing, just help me spread the love a little by promoting my favorite healthy addiction, C.H.A.R.M. ADDICTION.

Over the next two weeks I will be giving away two more, (YES 2 more!), C.H.A.R.M. ADDICTION charms. Here's how you can HELP and WIN!

1. Go to C.H.A.R.M. ADDICTION and pick out your favorite charm - WARNING...I have posted lots of new adorable and addicting charms so choosing might be the hardest part.
2. Grab a picture of your favorite charm (just cut and paste from our site) post it on your website, blog, facebook or myspace page with a little blurb about why you like the charm, along with a link to C.H.A.R.M. ADDICTION.
3. If you have more than one favorite charm you can post it as well - there is no limit to how many favorite charms you can post - for every post you will receive another entry.
4. Return to this post and place a comment - please include a link to your blog post.
5. Bonus double entry - tell a friend and when they post it, YOU will recieve (2) two entries! Just let me know in the comments that you referred a friend and give me a link to their post!
   

Easy right?

You can start posting anytime or if you are going to leave your current post - just let me know. I will give away a charm every Friday for the next 2 weeks.

Friday, December 5th - Jenny (http://www.inhonorofheritage.blogspot.com)
Friday, December 12th
Friday, December 18th

You are probably thinking "hey, what charm will I win?" That's a great question and I have an answer. You win the one you choose! How sweet is that? Pick your favorite charm and if your name is drawn that is the charm you will win!

Winners will be drawn EACH FRIDAY (using Random.org) for the NEXT TWO WEEKS! Winners will be posted right here on the blog, so check back on FRIDAY to see if you have won! I'll ship anywhere in the world - so SWEDEN, you're in!

Thanks!

We have a winner...

Congratulations to Jenny at http://www.inhonorofheritage.blogspot.com she is this weeks winner! Don't worry though girls there is still two weeks left to go!

Thank you for all your support!
Sheri

Big CHARM ADDICTION Giveaway

As some of you know, I created a little business to help defer the cost of adoption. THANK YOU to everyone that has bought charms and passed along the WEBSITE ADDRESS (www.CHARMADDICTION.etsy.com) to friends and family. Your help is working; to date I have sold 36 charms across the country and around the world (TWO TO SWEDEN!)

To help promote this business and bring our little Shania a step closer to us, we are sponsoring a CHARM GIVEAWAY. You don't have to spend a thing, just help me spread the love a little by promoting my favorite healthy addiction, C.H.A.R.M. ADDICTION.

Over the next few weeks I will be giving away three, (YES 3!), C.H.A.R.M. ADDICTION charms. Here's how you can HELP and WIN!

1. Go to C.H.A.R.M. ADDICTION and pick out your favorite charm - WARNING...I have posted lots of new adorable and addicting charms so choosing might be the hardest part.
2. Grab a picture of your favorite charm (just cut and paste from our site) post it on your website, blog, facebook or myspace page with a little blurb about why you like the charm, along with a link to C.H.A.R.M. ADDICTION.
3. If you have more than one favorite charm you can post it as well - there is no limit to how many favorite charms you can post - for every post you will receive another entry.
4. Return to this post and place a comment - please include a link to your blog post.
5. Bonus double entry - tell a friend and when they post it, YOU will recieve (2) two entries! Just let me know in the comments that you referred a friend and give me a link to their post!
   

Easy right?

You can start posting today, Friday, November 28th. I will give away a charm every Friday for the next 3 weeks.

Friday, December 5th
Friday, December 12th
Friday, December 18th

You are probably thinking "hey, what charm will I win?" That's a great question and I have an answer. You win the one you choose! How sweet is that? Pick your favorite charm and if your name is drawn that is the charm you will win!

Winners will be drawn EACH FRIDAY (using Random.org) for the NEXT THREE WEEKS! Winners will be posted right here on the blog, so check back on FRIDAY to see if you have won! I'll ship anywhere in the world - so SWEDEN, you're in!

Thanks!

Checking the Last Box

Here is a pretty big update for you... We are about to check off the last item in our home study. The last item is my physical exam.

China has a number of medical requirements to qualify for adoption. One of them is for a BMI (body mass index) under a certain number. When we started the process I did not qualify, but now I do. In the past six months I have lost the equivalent of at least two Thanksgiving turkeys. It's been a fantastic, fun, and sometimes stressful time for us. Sheri has been my champion through this adventure and continues to give me the desire to be the best possible husband, and if God wills father, that I can be.

First thing tomorrow morning I go to the doctor for my physical exam. We'll then check the last box on our home study.

all in his good timing

I received this from a friend today - it could not have come at a more appropriate time. As we wind down our HS - I sometimes feel like we are taking 1 step forward and 2 steps back. I was feeling a bit discouraged - mostly because things were not moving at my pace (:

"But these things I plan won't happen right away.
Slowly, steadily, surely the time approaches when the
vision will be fulfilled. If it seems slow, be patient!
For it will surely take place. It will not be late by a
single day. Habakkuk 2:3

What a wonderful reminder on Gods promise and timing.

PS Thank you Kathy for the wonderful scripture and thank you Jen for your comic relief and your encouragement.

It's already been three weeks, so where's our baby?

Dave posted this title 3 weeks after we had made our final decision to adopt.

It has actually now been 5 months and I thought it would be nice to take a look back at our journey and where we are today. Even though the process seems slow at times, the truth of the matter is a lot of incredible things have been accomplished. Of coarse there is the paperwork, Home Studies, Medical test and Fees but the most incredible highlight of all has been the relationships we have built and the knowledge we have gained.

We have had the opportunity to talk to, email and actually meet many wonderful people in the adoption world. Some that have adopted from China and are already home with their children. Some that are in the process and some that just want to help people who are interested in adoption.

For instance My "adoption friend" Jen (Hi Jen) we exchange email almost daily. Jen, PJ, Ashlyn and Phillip are an adorable family from Texas and they are just a little ahead of is the adoption process.

There is Jeanette - who found us through another blog and after an exchange of a couple of emails - learned that we live a mile away! Her family just celebrated their one year home with Elizabeth - there adorable little princess from China. They actually go to our church and invited us to their Thursday night bible study. We have attended two consecutive studies - and they actually invited us back! What wonderful people!

Many families that we have met are currently in the China program, some for over two years now. Currently the wait time is three years and appears to be growing with each month. As we continue to follow the China Program and finalize our HS(Home Study) We are continuing to look at all options for adoption. Our hope is by December, our HS will be completed and through the courts - this means we will be certified through the state of Arizona to adopt domestically or internationally.

Each day brings new opportunities, opens new doors and new life journeys. Where will this one lead us next?

Everything to me

Thank you for carrying a child for nine months, going through the pain of labor, holding the child in your arms and loving the child so much that you

The video below is a song by Mark Schultz who was given up for adoption. It is his tribute to his birth mother and birth mothers around the world.

Thank you for everything

Preparing for the big day

No not that one silly...

The elections! We have been given freedom and the incredible right to vote because of our founding fathers and many who have died on our behalf. November 4th is an important day for all of us - including our little Shania who is not even born yet.

It is our right and privileged to be heard on this day. Make sure to have your voice heard and your vote counted. Voting is the most basic form of involvement in our democratic system and one that we can all be a part of. American voters will determine who will lead us, make our laws and protect our liberties.

It is a a weighty responsibility and it is absolutely critical that we all understand where our candidates stand on the issues that matter to us personally. Do your homework so that you may choose the candidates that best line up with your beliefs, convictions and values.

Change is inevitable - and our hope is that the future for our family is one where democracy is strengthened, not weakened. Where freedom throughout the world is advanced, not set back. Where American's are encouraged to do their best and receive the rewards, not complacent to take handouts and look to the government for answers. Where everyone looks to his neighbor and says 'how can I help them?' not 'how can they help me.'

Eight days from now we will wake up and their will be a new president elect. Roughly half of the country will be disappointed. It will be vitally important that we all rally together around the president and vice-president (whomever he and she are) to boldly move this country forward. Please join me in putting aside politics (while still clinging to beliefs, morals and integrity) to make this great country even better for Shania.

USCIS is going in the mail tomorrow

We completed another extensive and complicated document today. The I800-A form that goes to the Department of Homeland Security. It is required by OUR government along with a healthy fee and from what I can tell is basically our request for official government fingerprinting.

Hmmm hope the incident coming home from Rocky Point earlier this year doesn't come up (: It was really nothing...instead of using our passports (the sensible thing) we tried to show our DL's when coming back into AZ and the border patrol agent told us he was going to flag us as non-compliant. Hope that's not too bad ):

Dave will be getting the required money order and copies tomorrow and is putting the I800A form in the mail! Yeah!!! Just one more detail that puts us closer to our little "Shania"

Goodnight for now...

Final Home Study Visit is Over!

We just now completed our final home study visit and I believe that we have passed. Our emergency numbers are posted, our evacuation plan is on display, guns are all locked up, and all of our toxic waste has been properly disposed.

Special thanks to our special neighbors Janet and Gregg who loaned us their vacuum cleaner when ours died out unexpectedly this morning. They live in Alaska part time so they don't even know it yet - thanks guys!

Now our social worker Tricia is going to put together the reports she generated during our three visits together and write the official Home Study Report. This report is submitted locally to the court and is translated into Mandarin and sent to China. It is the first of three major steps in the Shania Project. Home Study, Dossier, and I-800 USCIS. One down and two to go!

Thank you to everyone who has been thinking of us and praying for us today. Words can't fully express our gratitude.

Final Home Study on Saturday

This Saturday, October 18 is circled in red on our calendar. It marks the day of our final home study visit with our social worker. If you have been following the list along the right side of this blog you have seen all of those home study items move from the to-do list to the done list. (another example of my wonderful wife's persistence and multi-tasking skills, you amaze me Shmoopie).

Saturday's visit is one of the final hurdles in the home study process. Once the visit is completed our social worker Trish will write the home study report, which is then translated and sent to the CCAA (China Center of Adoption Affairs).

Each day brings us closer to our little Shania.

Adoption Fundraising

Adoptive families describe adoption as a significant, amazing and life-changing experience. They also say that it is expensive. I am absolutely amazed at families that have adopted two, three or more kids over a short period of time. How do they pull that off financially? My guess is that it is resourcefulness and the following blog supports that. Touching Lives... One at a Time is a site dedicated to promoting fundraisers for adoptive families. Check out the creative ways people come up with to fund their own Shania Projects.

Sheri's amazing jewelry received a mention this week. Thanks Lady in Waiting!

To our little Shania: add one more to the list of people that love you and care about you. Come see us soon little peanut.

Fenced in...

or out, depending on how you look at. The pool fence is in. A little weird, 9 years without a pool fence and voila, the fence is in. I think I like it. I was concerned that it would bother me but I barely notice it. It looks nice! Not sure that Louie (Missy's dog) and Rock Star know what to think of it, especially because it has still been pretty warm here and we keep them out of the pool area most of time. They like to swim on demand. It's all for you little Shania (:

Etsy is up and running

I am so excited! I have been soldering for a week now, and with the help of my patient, smart and kind husband I now have some of my latest solder pieces on the web. So please go take a look. These are just a few of the latest designs. I will work on getting my initials and little girl designs up soon! Have fun (Oh, and buy something too!)

www.charmaddiction.etsy.com

Our Photo Page

Three photo pages are required for our dossier for China. The CCAA is very specific on what they want to see. Here are our photo pages, approved and ready to go to China!

Whew!

This week we are making big exciting (sometimes stressful) strides!

The pool fence will be installed on Thursday (Rockey and Louie will not be happy ):

I have given blood and other samples more times in the last week than I care to give. For those of you that know me (and this is where the stress comes in), you know that needles and doctors are not my thing - I have avoided them for a very long time...longer than I care to admit. But for this particular project - avoidance was defiantly not an option. Between my physical (that I worried myself almost sick over - but passed with flying colors!) and life insurance requirements I saw more doctors, needles, scales ): and vials then I have probably seen in my entire life.

Today, I count my blessing and thank god for all he has provided me and especially my health, my husband and His grace.

Baby Girl

So grandma Bublitz along with the rest of us are so ready to shop. A bit early for the real shopping but she cheated just a little this past week. This is your first official and adorable little outfit! Pink, Sweet and oh so cute!!!

You're a lucky girl!

To our little princess (even though you are not born yet) this is the "Bublitz" side of your family, and can I just say...your are one lucky girl!

FFV 2008 was a great time. You were discussed at length and already soooo loved. Dave and I can't wait to add our little "peanut" to the family vacations!

On this particular day we visit the Grand Canyon. Drove from one side to the other - even packed a picnic lunch and picniced along the way.

Because We Had Room at Our Table

Our decision to adopt can be described simply: Because we had room at our table. We have been so blessed with more than we need. God has provided us with an abundance of resources, of love, and of family and friends. We have so much to share with you little Shania. Your chair is waiting.

Fudgie Family in Flagstaff

The whole family is in Flagstaff on our annual Fudgie Family vacation. We have thought about you and talked about you a whole bunch Shania. The girls even did some shopping for you and we had your very first baby shower. There are seven Fudgies that love you and can't wait to meet you.

Off in the distance

This weekend while driving back from Tucson - the journey to our little girl became a much more real prospect.

Don't get me wrong...The decision to adopt is real...our faith and hope are real...But the once seemingly high and dauntingly steep mountains of paperwork and requirements is becoming a vague and distant paper trail behind us. Today...I feel like we are at the top of one of the many mountains along our journey, looking down. Every once in awhile off in the distance I can see our little girl, our new life together and gods endless miracles.

We have completed 3 out of 4 of our required home visits, lots of paperwork and well on our way to Shania.

As I stand at the top of this mountain today and celebrate a small victory - I have to acknowledge the man I love. Dave has endured, he has perseveered, he has tolerated and he has been my rock.

One Amazing Coincidence

We are preparing for our first two home study interviews this weekend. To speed things up a bit we chose to drive down to Tucson and meet with our social worker Saturday night and Sunday morning. Since Tucson is a two hour drive we thought it would be a good idea to get a room for Saturday night. We were considering our options and their effect on our budget when we received an unexpected email from a vendor. "Do you guys ever get to Tucson" was her question. She wrote that she was dropping in the mail a certificate for one night at the Westin La Paloma plus a voucher for $150 to spend on food and drink. She does not know about the adoption and would have no way of knowing that we were going to Tucson this weekend. This is one amazing coincidence.

The more I have thought about it I wonder if it is a coincidence at all. I can choose to believe that this is a random act, but I do believe it is something more. Now I'm not saying that I think that God sent us a certificate to stay at the Westin, but I'm certainly not saying that He couldn't. If the God that created the earth and everything in it including me and you wanted us to stay at the Westin don't you think He could make that happen?

At the very least this is an amazing reminder that our God, the King, the mighty and merciful Creator loves us and cares for us.

Matthew 6:25

Department of State

Yesterday we received our wedding certificate back from the PROC (Chinese Consulate) This one traveled from Wyoming to AZ, Back to Wyoming, Back to AZ, onto The Department of State in Washington, D.C., back to AZ then back to the Chinese Consulate and all in one piece! Express mail...the only way to travel.

As I was scanning my last set of (out-of-state) documents,
I realized that one of my favorite people in Washington - signed our doc...check out the signature.

Condoleezza Rice...just thought that was kind of cool. I have always liked her!

Another doc authenticated and certified

Yeah! Another document checked off the list. Today I received by birth certificate back from Chinese Consulate - My BC was the first to go and and has taken quite sometime to pass thru the Secretary of State and then onto the PROC and then back to us. Another one done...Yeah...I celebrate very small things like this on a daily basis.

Oh and a big weekend for us - We have HS visit #2 and #3 down in tucson. Together interview on Saturday and individual interviews on Sunday. Our SW (social worker) said each visit would only take about an hour. Hmmm....she doesn't know my shmoopie! I bet he has a list of question for her (:

Working on pool fence quotes, Life Ins, Medical Ins and what else. Busy week for the Bublitz!

Sheri's Determination

I am married to the most focused, driven, persistent woman I have ever met. When Sheri takes on a task there is nothing that can stop her. She never stops amazing me. I have seen her tackle mountains and not blink or complain once. Seeing her charge head long into the adoption process fills me with happiness. She keeps all the paperwork together and organized and keeps a running status on every piece. This morning during breakfast we had a quick Shania meeting. Sheri whipped out her list, did a full review, and updated all of our etas.

You are awesome Shmoopie. Thank you for keeping us on track through it all.

72 days into the journey

As I reflect tonight on the beginning or our journey to Shania - I can not believe how much progress we have made in such a very short time. Good job Shoompie!
June 19th ish - Made the decision to adopt
June 29th - accepted by AWAA
June 30th - filled out official application
July 14th - Assigned a family coordinator Dossier packet sent out
July 16th - Assigned a Social Worker for our Home Study (HS packet sent out) Since then we have been busy!
I have added a list in the left margin(things to do) that gives a good idea of what we have accomplished!

About the name Shania

Shania (noun)

There have been more than a few questions from our friends concerning our dear child's name. Thank you for your questions and suggestions. While I think that the name Shania is great and all, it is not our new daughter's name. Shania is a placeholder and a generic term for a little peanut. A sample of it's use would be: "That kid is one cute Shania."

Name is still wide open and we are accepting all suggestions.

Home Study Orientation Today

Sheri and I went to our Home Study Orientation today in Tucson. Met with our Home Study Coordinator and two other couples (shout out to Stan and Cathy, Kim and John). This marks the first of four face-to-face meetings that we will have with a social worker. It is their job to evaluate our ability to parent a child and report their findings to the state.

We are pleased and privileged to have the opportunity to pursue this adoption. However, after a two hour drive each way and six hours in the classroom we feel a little tired.

Note to our little Shania: If you are looking for any evidence that you are wanted, special and loved, look at days like today. We love you and can't wait to meet you.

US Women's Vollyball Gold Medal

This evening the US Woman's Beach Volleyball Team of Kerri Walsh and Misty May Treanor beat the Chinese team of Wang Jie and Zhang Xi to win the gold medal. Another highlight in what has turned out to be a fantastic Beijing Olympics.

It is especially interesting to us to see the city we will one day visit on our trip to get our daughter. We can tell her about seeing so much of her homeland on the Olympic coverage. It is amazing to see how much China has changed in just the past few years.

If we start training immediately Shania should be ready to compete in the 2028 Olympics!

1st official Chinese Document

It's official! Our first Chinese document.

We had to order new birth certificates from our state of origin. Once we received them them back - we send them back to the Secretary of State for Certification. Once back from the SOS they go onto the Chinese Consulate for Authentication. Dave's BC was the first to be returned - MI was on the ball.

All documents that are required to be notarized will have to go thru this process for our Dossier.

Whats left...My BC is still out there somewhere in CA (yikes!) in the pile of mail at the SOS office....come on CA and our wedding certificate - not sure where that is out right now...I think it is in D.C.

All other documents (from AZ) we will take all at once to our local SOS office and have them certified right there on the spot.

Cool huh?

Happy Birthday Dad!

Today is my dad's 70th birthday...that is right the big 70! It is crazy to think - Dad turns 70 and our little Shania is not even born yet!

Yesterday, dad remarked on the birthday cards he had received so far...he said "They all have a BIG 70 on front...couldn't they just say Happy Birthday." I reminded him of how much more knowledge and wisdom he has than I.

Today I feel blessed to have both of my in my parents alive, healthy, and living so close by.
Today I am thankful for all the wonderful people around me that share their love and wisdom.
Today I am grateful that god has given us the opportunity to add to our family so that one day we can pass along our love and wisdom to our child/children.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DADDY (:

Rock Star's turn

Today Rocky aka Rock Star made a few sacrifices of his own for The Shania Project. He had to go to the vet. They gave him a couple of shots, they took his blood and well you know... whatever else they do to dogs on a routine check-up. He doesn't understand what it is all about but yes, Rocky too is included in the paperwork shuffle. We are required to show proof of current shots along with a signed letter from the vet on letterhead (don't think it needs to be notorized - I will have to check on that one). (: Crazy - glad we only have one pet!

Just read some interesting facts about the Chinese culture - The Chinese do not understand the "Man's best friend" thing we Westerners have. They use dogs for guarding and protection - I have also read articles about them being apart of some diets...not sure that one is true - but it is documented. Now that I think about it, most dogs in the West probably have it better than a lot of the Chinese population to the East.

Chapmans on Good Morning America

Steven Curtis and Mary Beth Chapman will be on Good Morning America tomorrow morning. The Chapmans are outspoken advocates for adoption and are themselves adoptive parents to three children from China.They will be talking for the first time publicly about the recent tragedy that took the life of their five year old Maria Sue Chapman.

I mention the Chapman family since it is the story of their daughter's death that opened our eyes to the opportunity to adopt from China. So in a way our little Shania will always be connected to their little Maria.

Pray for China

From the Voice of the Martyrs...

The eyes of the world will soon be on the Olympics. But the eyes of God remain on His children and especially those who suffer for their faith.

Despite what you may hear in the news, Chinese Christians who refuse to register with the government controlled church are being persecuted. Many have undergone horrific suffering.

Recently a prominent representative of a group of house churches in China asked Christians throughout the free world to pray for China during the Olympics. The Voice of the Martyrs, in partnership with China Aid Associates, has accepted that call and has produced the Olympic Prayer Band. We would like to invite you to request one for free to wear during the Olympics. Similar prayer bands will also be distributed to house church Christians in China and they will be praying for you as well.

"Lord, Thank you for showing me today that there are people with real needs and real pain. Please help us have compassion on those that are in need, give us hearts and hands that want to help. Please comfort orphans around the world, give them food to eat and fresh water to drink, and warm clothes to wear. Above all I pray that they would be comforted by your love and wrapped in your mercy. Amen."

`For I was hungry, and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me something to drink; I was a stranger, and you invited Me in; naked, and you clothed Me; I was sick, and you visited Me; I was in prison, and you came to Me.'
Matthew 25: 35-36

Making progress...

Well it's another day in "Paper Paradise". I feel like we are really making progress! Each day I am scratching something else off the list.

The next 2 weeks our focus is on...
Police report - letters of Repentance (don't ask)
Application Letter - Ask China for permission to adopt our Princess
Finalize 07 Tax returns
Employment verification letter from CPA
Financial Statement
Family Photo Pages (my favorite project) I will post once we finalize.
Pool Regulation
RockStar - Vet(3 shots and a letter stating that he is healthy)

Encouraging China adoption news for July - lots of little ones found "Forever Homes. Blog rumors are that everything will shut down for the Olympics but should pick back and with a swift pace after the closing ceremonies.

Sex crime

Friday has been a great day for Sheri and I to go gather up documents and otherwise cross off to-do items from our adoption list. Today got off to a perfect start with breakfast at The Good Egg, our favorite spot. From there we headed over to the Chandler Police Dept. to get a copy of our police report clearance. We ran into a fantastic young lady named Geri at the records department (A little too optimistic and helpful... check the coffee).

As we were walking away from the window with our perfectly executed documents; signed and dated, notarized, notary's commission expires in more than 14 months (yeah, it's like that), we both stopped in our tracks. On my report there were the expected minor law enforcement encounters: speeding, no insurance card, that sort of thing (note to Shania: this does not excuse Daddy's behavior, this is totally unacceptable). But there was an unexpected item on Sheri's report: Sex Offense. We both felt sick to our stomachs. Had someone stolen Sheri's identity? Maybe a setup like in that Sandra Bullock movie? (not Speed, the other one. Network?)

Back at the window Geri was all business. She pulled the report and began to laugh as she read. "You had apparently, um. been the witness to someone, well um (wispering details) ....."

We laughed. Oh yeah the perv in the Volvo! Great news is that Sheri was not the perpetrator, but the reporter of this particular offense.

Classes

Tearing through my online classes required for Hague Convention compliance. Three classes down with four more to go!

'For I know the plans that I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11

We are on a roll...

The first leg of the adoption process is the paperwork for our Home Study(HS). The (HS) consists of tons of paperwork, one orientation meeting in Tucson and 3 home visits by our assigned social work -poor her :)

I am happy to report the paperwork is well underway at the Bublitz home. We have to have 90% completed before a home visit will be scheduled - so we are working diligently! I am so grateful that we have time and flexibility.

Below is what we have completed, filed out, turned-in and copied for our files:

Autobiography for Dave
Autobiography for Sheri
Copy of Birth Certificate for Dave
Copy of BC for Sheri
Copy of Certificate of Marriage
Copy of Divorce decree for Sheri
America World Guardianship Statement
America World International Disclaimer
Adoptive Parent Reading Agreement
Copy of Fingerprint card for Dave
Copy of Fingerprint card for Sheri
Adoptive Families Central Registry Records Clearance
Copy of Home Insurance for primary residence (Indian Wells Dr)
Copy of Home Insurance for residence #2 (Bellerive)
Copy of Auto Insurance for Tahoe
Copy of Auto Insurance for Jeep
Copy of DL for Dave Proof of Arizona residency
Copy of DL for Sheri Proof of Arizona residency
America World - AZ Home Study Agreement
Home Study Post-Placement Agreement
Home Study Agency Agreement
AWA Home Study Application
Release of Info for Adoptive and Home Study Process
Duty of Candor
Residential History Form - Dave
Residential History Form - Sheri
Application for certification to Adopt

OK...are you ready...this is about 65-70% complete! We still have a ways to go but I am confident we can get it all done before our HS orientation which is scheduled for August 26th in Tucson.

Gotta run - the paperwork is calling (;

Excited, Anxious, Overwelmed

Wow! As Dave mentioned earlier we were assigned a Family Coordinator located in VA and had contact with our Home Study lead in Tucson.

We have been instructed to focus mostly on our Home Study for now, which entails just about everything...basically our life stories and the paper trail that coincides.

This week we are focusing on...
ordering NEW certified birth certificates - Done!
ordering NEW certified marriage certificate - Done!
Completing the HS Application (very extensive) - almost Done
Writing our autobiographies - hmmm haven't started yet...

Should complete all by the weekend and then on to the next...

Trusting God

Quote from a book I am reading China Ghosts, by Jeff Gammage. The author and his wife have adopted an infant girl that is now four. They are planning a trip back to China.

"When her Mom and I explain to Jun Yu where we were going and what we would do, she responded with a wounding question: would she be coming back with us, or would we be leaving her in China?"

I immediately thought of how God has promised us that he will never leave us and always take care of us, and how we have such a tough time trusting in Him. Didn't He guarantee that we have been adopted into His love through Jesus Christ? (Eph 1:5) Hasn't he promised that he will never leave us or forsake us? (Deuter 31)

Yet I have such a tough time relying on Him.

"For this reason I say to you, do not be worried about your life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink; nor for your body, as to what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? "Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they?" - Mattthew 6:25-26

Encouragement

We had an encouraging call today. Our family coordinator at America World Adoption called to introduce herself. She is a real firecracker; very confident and competent. Sheri and I are both happy to welcome her to team Shania.

She says that right now referrals are taking about 30 months for healthy infants from China. There are waiting children with special needs that may be available in less time.

Cinderella

You can find out more about Steven and Mary Beth Chapman's organization Shaohannah's Hope right here.

It's already been three weeks, so where's our baby?

When we started this process we thought that the decision to adopt was the difficult part. We just made one of the biggest decisions of our life now let's just go get out and get one, right? There is just a big list somewhere of kids that are waiting for a home, right?

The great world of adoption is a complicated and sometimes very confusing culture that has many options. Each comes with it's own set of issues, demands, and challenges. But in God's perfect plan and in His timing, the end result is loving parents welcoming a beautiful child into their world to take care of forever.

Questions we had to ask ourselves...

Domestic: Did we prefer a closed adoption, in which the birth parents remain anonymous, or would we be comfortable with the increasingly common open adoption process? In an open adoption we would meet and stay in touch with the birth parents. Would we rather use an adoption agency or a private adoption lawyer, or seek a child through advertisements you place on your own?

The US adoption system is different itself from other countries in that it does not use a orphanage system, but rather relies on foster families to provide ongoing care. Therefore there are not thousands of babies laying in shared cribs waiting for their forever families to bring them home. Thank goodness!

International: Would we consider adopting a child from another country? Could we parent a child whose racial or cultural background is different from ours? How about an older child?

Earthquake puts adoption on hold

Great story from CNN about Rick and Michele, an American couple adopting a girl from Chengdu, near the center of the May 2008 massive earthquake.

"It's hard to have faith with everything that's gone on," said Michele. "I just hope we can see her soon."

If you are reading this and can relate with Michele I pray that you have faith, the kind of faith that can move mountains. Frankly I don't know how well I would hold up under that challenge. Would you pray that Sheri and I would have faith despite the trials we will face?

Matthew 17:20 if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.

Adoption Decision

We are adopting a little girl from China. For now we call her Shania.

Over the past few weeks I have tried to rewind my brain tape to figure out where Sheri and I decided to pursue an adoption. No luck. I just can't come up with the moment when the decision was made. I do know that there was a time just a few weeks ago when adoption, or even parenting, seemed like a foreign concept reserved for others much more patient and gifted than me. Today it makes complete sense that we are adopting. It's a no brainer.

The journey has officially began

Today is the beginning of a brand new adventure in our lives. We made the first official steps towards adoption. We filled out and signed all the AWAA agreements and placed them in the mail yesterday. We payed our initial program fee. Now the "NO OFF" paper chase begins.
We have lots to do and the clock is tick...tick...ticking.

The wait time is going out as far as 32-40 months and not getting any shorter so the quicker we get our dossier in the better! AWAA should assign us a "Family Coordinator" this week, we have to take 10 hours of parenting classes thru the a government agency and then paperwork, licenses, passports, fingerprints - all sorts of stuff will be required.

The time seems daunting (that is the word they use - it seems fitting) I know... but we have lots to do in the meantime. Dave and I have vowed to trust in god and remember that he is control of all things - we plan to embrace these last months together as a family of 2 and in gods good timing add a little blessing (heck we have waited this long...right?)- realizing that soon - sooner than we think our time alone as 2 will be gone. WOW! that is crazy.

Back in the office today after vaca - I am ready plus it is a short week...YEAH! Oh and Dave and I will celebrate our 11th Anniversary on Friday - guaranteed fireworks every year!

A week in HB and all is well

WOW! What a great place to visit, relax, have fun and enjoy. Another year...another week at the beach...life is so very good.

For those that have never been to Huntington Beach, CA - it is a must if you love CA beaches. Not to crowded (the week we go) not to plastic (as Dave would say) perfect for relaxing fun for the whole family! We just love it. Thanks to the Brewers for finding such a great spot!

While we were away enjoying the sun, surf and sand we received a congratulations message from AWAA. We have been approved to proceed forward with our adoption. YEAH! They have sent us our first packet and we are moving forward.

Where I am today...

Today is Friday - we are wrapping up the office to leave on vacation for a week! Our annual trip to HB with our good friends the "Brewers"

We have filled our our adoption application with American World Adoption. They have contacted us with a preliminary phone call and asked a couple of clarifying questions. We should hear from them again soon.

Our initial decision was to adopt from China. But of coarse in my obsessive ways I have surfed the net, read a hundred stories and am feeling a bit confused now. The China process is taking 30-32 months. That does not include the time it takes to put the paperwork together. Lets face it friends...I am not 20 anymore...wait...I am not 30 anymore...yikes.

Still feeling anxious, excited and now confused - A good time for a week on the beach with our good friends and my shmoopie!

In the first days

God has blessed Dave and I in so many ways and continues to do so. We will celebrate our 11th wedding anniversary on July 4th...always fireworks (: Dave is my strength, my best friend, my patients, my godly example...the list continues on.

In just the last couple of weeks we have decided to adopt a child- most likely international! That is about as far as we are in the process. It is exciting, confusing, emotional, and a great opportunity for me to trust in god.

I started this blog today for several reason...

I wanted to have a journal from our first days thru the end of this glorious opportunity.

A place for our family and friends to follow along with us on our journey

And possibly a place for strangers to receive hope, answers, and understanding of the adoption process