quick visit to KALAHARI!!

Valentine's Day Celebrations

Although Ryan would rather that NO ONE ever know he got a "pedicure," it sure was a fun midday date. He got his nasty feet cleaned up and I enjoyed the massage factor, and a painting on my Toes. So relaxing and so fun to sit next to my hubs and do this!!

Griff had his first preschool Vday program and cookie decorating with Uncle Dave. Griff talked for DAYS about uncle DVD coming to school. Maybe that's because Dave told him he would dress as a red power ranger. 😉

Ryan and I had the best Valentine's Day date we've had thus far as old married folk. 😍 And, it was in our home. Ellie took over as the babysitter, set the table, and kept Ems and Griff upstairs with her the entire evening. We never heard a peep until 8:45 when we kissed everyone goodnight. Wow. Perfect.

Best Valentine's Day gift of all---updated pics of our sweet Grady boy.
Current weight: 11 kg---which is 24.2 lbs!!
Current height: 81 cm-- 2.6 feet tall!!

Musk melon

He sat on the counter and went to town on the musk melon. Afterwards, "man, that was awesome." 

10 year old in the house!!

It sure was a fun weekend celebrating Miss Ellie. Officially 10. What in the world? Ryan and I both remember the day we hit our double digits. So cool!!! I literally remember where I was standing when I put my "ten" candle on my cake. For Ellie---she has been SO excited to get her ears pierced. And that we did...What a champ. Barely batted an eye.

She loved having her two buddies come to dinner and sleep over as well. And of course--ending the weekend with a joint family party with her Nana. Such a treasure.

Ellie, we are so thankful that you being a part of our family makes us THE SNOWS. You are a joy. You cause us to think before we speak and you challenge us to be patient--a lot ;)...but you bring wisdom and fun and laughter and depth into our home. We love how you are growing as a basketball player and guitar player--and as a friend. You make us happy sweet pea. We love you so so much.

Third times a charm

Detroit, Michigan.

USCIS immigration office. 

We are now familiar with the routine and the lady at the check-in desk. We've got the route down pat. Making this 80 min journey once a year for three years now...and we are happy to say this will be our LAST time here! ✔️

PAIR letter day

It sure was quite the moment to open our mailbox this afternoon and see an envelope from Homeland Security. I screamed and jumped up and down---no one was in the house to witness the craziness, either. 😊 Ryan and I couldn't believe how quickly our letter came, knowing the case was just mailed stateside on Jan 20.  Pretty awesome.

So a few short hours later I had everything packaged up and ready to be shipped to DC. Pretty great feeling! 

The next 4-8 weeks of waiting to even HEAR from Lesley about when we travel for court will not be easy. Praying for speediness and anticipating more waiting. Wondering if we will travel in March but preparing for the fact that it may be April. 😔

Grady, we love you little man! 

From the mouth of Deb

Mom and Dad (Nana and Papa) are in California right now. They went to Saddleback church this morning and sang this song during worship:

Will you hold me in Your arms
As I rest on Your knee, won't You tell me my favorite story
I was an orphan, You adopted me

As I listen to Your voice the blessing surrounds me
I know I'm Yours, I'm so glad You found me
I was an orphan, You adopted me

Wrap your strong arms around me
This is my peace
Father, stay close by me
Stay

As I look in Your eyes I see such kindness
Nothing in the world is anything like this
I was an orphan, You adopted me

Wrap your strong arms around me
This is my peace
Father, stay close by me

Wrap your strong arms around me
This is my peace
Father, stay close by me
Stay 

Mom texted Ryan and me afterward, and wrote this... " I had this picture of Jesus embracing Graydon and his caretakers hugging him for all of us!"

Most comforting thing I've heard in awhile. Thank you Jesus that you are loving our little guy when we can't do it up close.