Strength, Lord, Strength

Hello friends and family!

We have been busy over the last several weeks and I am afraid the blog has taken a backseat. Patrick and I have been working hard on remodeling our kitchen from new countertops (granite tiles we laid ourselves!) to new tile on the floor, a new backsplash and a new island/breakfast bar. Pretty much the only thing that isn't new is the cabinets! Otherwise, we are almost done - and I am ready to start on the bathroom, though I am pretty sure Patrick's head will pop off if I don't give him a little break! :)

On another topic, we have some news about the boys. Their case worker emailed us this week to let us know the home studies for the boys' family members being considered for placement have been completed. She is waiting to get the final reports to review them. Once she reviews them, then she and her supervisor will determine if they are approved or not. If they are approved, then the court will decide if the boys will be placed with them - which is very likely...there isn't really a good reason to not place them with the family if they are willing and pass the home study - unless something is "iffy" in the home study or they back out. If the home studies are not approved, then they start all over. However, we are thinking there is a 99.99% chance that they will be approved. The case worker emailed us today to tell us that the oldest will be joining the youngest on the weekly Sunday visits with the youngest's Aunt and Dad. The youngest was the only one going to that visit for the past couple of months. I am also pretty sure this is the aunt who said she would be willing to take both boys. We think that is why they are both going on the visits now.

The way things have been moving, we really can't give a good guess on how much longer we might have these little guys. I did ask for an estimated time line so we can try to prepare the boys and their things as well as ourselves! But of course, I didn't get one. So I have made one up to at least give me a goal...My best guess would be that if the home studies are approved, the boys will be be gone by the end of May at the very latest. I would imagine we are talking more like two weeks, but I am only guessing. I don't know that I have known CPS to do anything in two weeks, so who knows! :)

Anyways, we would appreciate any prayers you can throw up for these boys, their families and our family as well.

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Phillipeans 4:13