Article 5

We received notification that our article 5 has been signed and sent to CCAA in Beijing!!! I know some of you are thinking what does this mean now? Well this means that our TA ~ travel approval ~ will be coming in 3 to 4 weeks. This is very bitter sweet for us, because we have been waiting for Article 5 for some time now, and now that we have it, it has opened our eyes to our timeline in regards to our girls traveling with us. On that note ~ we have had another option open up for us! We are not sure what we are going to do, but have talked to the girls and we have some more talking to do later...... It has been a day of emotions for us but we are so blessed to have received the news today and be one step closer to TA :)

"Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him"

Psalm 62:5

Happy Saturday~

Good Morning,

I'm sure that all of you are getting ready for the Christmas festivities to come, or re cooping from the ones that have already happen. Christmas is a little different for us this year, we are not spending what have in the the past, because we hope we are not here. Lots of waiting this season, usually its waiting on Santa, but that's not the case this time. But the reality is that our Article 5 should have been signed and sent to Beijing already, and its not so TA still looks aways away. Things we are waiting on:

1. Article 5 to be signed and sent to Beijing

2. TA ~ travel approval before Dec 18th :)

3. Ashley to take and finish her first ACT test

4. Decision to purchase gifts for all

5. Kaylee's teeth to quit hurting because of the rubber bands

6. Kaylee's braces to come off ~ Jan 27th

7. But most important ~ Gods Timing!!!!!

Today is a special day for my girls, because they spend the day with their grandma and grandpa, eating, shopping and the big high light of the day ~ LOOKING AT CHRISTMAS LIGHTS!!! David and I will spend some due time together, since we have been so busy! Looking forward to some time with him having dinner and maybe doing some Christmas shopping!

I have been very busy on the fund raiser party orders...... Thank you all so much for your purchases, we are truly blessed to have your help through this wonderful, incredible journey! Much love to all, and enjoy your family time during the holiday season!

Words of a Wise Woman~

Please allow me to share, I have been doing a Beth Moore study now for 10 weeks, and it comes to an end tonight! :( I have learned so much by Beth Moore ~ we have been studying the Fruit of the Spirit! I have really learned what love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control really are! I have learned how to apply them ~ through God filling me, not be doing something myself! The few that I was worried about didn't even mean what I thought they did! Oh and Patience ~ learned the most about that one! It has been a wonderful time of learning and hanging with ladies every Thursday night! I know that I only will have the Fruit of the Spirit by emptying myself and allowing God to fill me, so I must be with Him daily, praise Him through out the day, pray to Him every morning and through out the day, share with Him, and love Him as He loves me!

The Company I Keep

Let me be known by the company I keep

By the One who determines each day that I greet

From the moment I wake til He rocks me to sleep

Let me be known by the company I keep!

Let me be known by the company I keep

When the valleys are low and the mountains of steep

by the One who holds fast when swift waters are deep

Let me be known by the company I keep!

Let me be known by the company I keep

By the One who implores me to sit at His feet

And quickens my soul to discern what is deep

Let me be known by the company I keep!

Let me be known by the company I keep

Eclipsed by the your presence that I may decrease

Til all You have chosen this traveler to meet

No longer see me but the Company I keep.

~Beth Moore

But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control. Against such things there is no law

Galatians 5:22~23

Good Morning to All

Hear my prayer oh God, listen to the words of my mouth

Psalm 54:2

What a wonderful weekend we had! I hope it was wonderful for all of you as well. It started off on Friday when we got the call from our agency saying that our provisional approval was a Yes. Then more good news to follow. But before that I would like to share with you something that has been very close to David and I heart. We have thought about this from the beginning of this journey. David and I would like to take our girls with us to China, and as we have progressed, we are realizing that so many things have to happen in order for the desire to come true. The first thing we must do is give it to the Lord, we are trying to do so many things in our timing, in our own strength, and in our own resources. We know that we must let God do all of this and just let Him have it. But I would like to ask all of you that is willing to join, to join us in prayer. We know that if God wants our girls to go, they will go! So we are praying boldly and continually that He will allow them to travel with us and meet Emily the first time we do!!!!!!! Now~more good news, we felt we had missed the deadline for traveling with our girls. Our agency told us that we are about 4 to 5 weeks out from TA ~ travel approval. This means it is still very possible for us to travel around December 25th ~ Woo Hoo! We need TA between Dec 18th and Dec 23 to make this possible. With this timeline they would only miss 6 days of school, which is wonderful for both of them, because Ashley will stress over homework and test that she missed. So with this good news, we are still hopeful (patience with circumstances) that we will travel by the end of this year. :)

Our family at the shower ~ minus one!

Now for the rest of the wonderful weekend. Our wonderful church and some fantastic ladies gave us a shower on Sunday. I was so excited for it, that I woke up on Sunday morning earlier than usual and could not go back to sleep. One of the hostess's asked what would you like at the shower, and I said "Cake and her", my wish was granted. she was there and we had the best cake in town ~ tasted wonderful! We were showered with gifts, to name a few ~ lots of pink clothes, pj's, shoes, blankets, bows, diaper bag, diapers, toys, bottles, practical tools to make life easier, and the last but not least..... A crib that has a built in changing table, and will also turn into a full size bed in the future!!!! God is so very good. Thank you so much to the ladies that hosted the shower for us, what a blessing to someone who is literally starting over. To everyone who gave such wonderful gifts, thank you, they all are precious to us and we are so blessed to have such wonderful family, and friends! From the bottom of our hearts we love you all!

Me and the hostess's ~ some of them could not be there but I thank you all!

The Yummy Cake

The wonderful gifts ~ thanks to all!

One of the many cute outfits that we got, I think this might be one of Kaylee's favorite, check out her thumb!

Our crib ~ now I cant wait to revamp Kaylee's room for our new arrival!!

Some of our guests

Some more of our guests!

What a blessing, I cant say thank you enough to show how grateful we are! So many emotions to mention, but we are feeling love, excitement, and joy and are looking forward to what is to come!!!!! Thank you again, we love you!

Update!

We are currently waiting for our LOA to be shipped to China. First we must go through the paperwork approval at NBC in Chicago. We are about to the end of that wait, and then our paperwork will be cabled to China and begin the work for Article 5. We are currently in the 1 1/2 week of our 6 to 8 week wait. We know that it will be worth it, but still very hard some days. I am so amazed at our journey of Faith to our sweet precious little girl ~ Emily. God has done some incredible things and changed some point of views in all our family. I thank God for the blessings that He has given all of us, and I thank Him for what is to come for the Mueller family! God you are such an amazing God, faithful and just, loving and forgiving, full of mercy and compassion!!!! Thanks for checking in with us and your comments! We love you all!

Expecting LOA between 2 ~ 3 today..... Woo Hoo!

LOA Update!

Ok let me start by saying today was not what I had expected it to be. And yet it all started last Friday, when our LOA had been sent to us via Fedex. We didn't know that had been, but it was. We had come to the conclusion that we should have our package stopped in OKC and we would drive there to sign it and return it asap to K. I sent an email explaining this to K and gave her the address on which we wanted it remain. When we received the the email back explaining that K had already sent it our way.... Yipee I thought we will have a day earlier. Can you believe it! So last night we began to prepare for LOA arriving and we would immediately head to Enid and send it back. We then heard that the package was not coming until tomorrow and it was currently in OKC. A few phone calls, we had requested that they hold it in OKC and we were coming that way. We hopped in the car and was about to head to the city, when we called to assure that it was being held. They told us OH NO we cant hold it for you, it is in the city but we cant release it to you until tomorrow. I refused to take that as the final answer but I was not the one on the phone with Fedex. So the final update on LOA is that is guaranteed to be here tomorrow by 7 pm, shipping via Fedex. Frustration filled me, but I only had a pity party for a short while. Tears streamed down my face, but I quickly realized that I am NOT in control. He is, not me. Why we are waiting is beyond my abilities, but I don't mind because He has proven over and over that He knows best, and who am I to doubt that. I do ask that you continue to pray for us and we continue this journey, with Faith in our Christ Jesus. We love you all!

Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.

Hebrews 11:1

For everything that was written in the past, was written to teach us, so that through endurance and encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.

Romans 15:4

"Be still and now that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted on earth."

Psalms 46:10

Oh my goodness... This mom is doing the happy dance! (and you all now that I cant dance). We are on day 94 of the wait for LOA, and today we received the very important email saying "Your LOA is on its way"...... Thanks Karla! During our bible study, and after I had shared my heart with what God had shown me this week about Peace, and being still and wait on him, my sweet husband came in and shown me the email. Now you know that I gasped and took all the air out of the room. Everyone reaction was priceless, and I was quick to share that we had LOA...... :) Praise you father, because your timing is best. I know my focus was on other things regarding the adoption journey. When I confessed that to Him this week and my dear friends, He delivered that very thing I had given to Him. Where my focus was on, to my surprise He still told us tonight that it could be very possible. I am in Awe, but not of Him because He is a God that loves me, answers my prayers, listens to my dreams, and praises. I am so excited to see the timeline before us, and have peace about it. Thank you my father for always being there even when I could be pushing you away!!!! I love you Lord, and Emily we are one step closer to holding you my precious daughter!!!! :)

Received a Blessing!!!

Hello all,

We have been waiting for LOA(letter of approval) for some time now, and still no news :( but much to our surprise we had an update on our baby Emily! As far as LOA, we have our paperwork done and we are just waiting for our agency to call us saying that they have it.

Now for the update..... We asked our agency to see if we could get an update around Sept. 1st and we were so excited to see this today. We got measurements of her and weight as well. She weighs 18 and 1/2 pounds and her foot size is 2 1/2 ~ 3 inches. She has a lot of hair, but still cut in a short do ~ :) Her mommy thinks she looks so sad, and just wants me to come and get her. Her crib looks lonely and she needs a buddy!!! Enjoy the pictures of our sweet Emily and keep checking in with us, we expect LOA soon!

Emily ~ about 13 1/2 months

I think she wants me to hold her, what do you think?

PS.... Remember the Johnsons in your prayers!

Happy Birthday Kaylee!

Today is our sweet Kaylee's 14th birthday!!!! My goodness I cant believe how old my girls are getting. Kaylee, we are so proud of you and all your accomplishments! You have grown up so fast, and are such a beautiful girl, inside and out. We love your sweet spirit, your love for children, your love for Christ, your serving heart, your giggle, the time you invest into your friends, and the way you love your family (immediate and church). Kaylee we love you so much and are so thankful that God gave you to us to love. You are a truly a blessing, and a gift from God! Im so looking forward to what God is going to do through your life, and cant wait to see where God takes you. Happy birthday Kaylee, WE LOVE YOU!

Happy Birthday Ashley

I want to wish my sweet Ashley a Happy Birthday!!!!! Her birthday was Saturday October 3rd, and we had so much planned this weekend that I didn't have some spare moments to blog about it.

So here it goes........ Ashley we are so proud of you and the young lady you are growing up to be. We love how you love the Lord, and love your family. We love how you take school seriously, and take pride in your accomplishments. We love that you put others first, sometimes even when you don't want to. But most of all WE LOVE YOU! Happy Birthday, Hope you had a great one!

OU vs OSU

Ok no doubt in my mind...... OU wins! But, I had a opportunity to travel with the Ringwood FCA to FCA gameday at OSU. We were able to see a football game, have a FCA rally and hang with other students within our school who share the same beliefs! It was a lot of fun, even though we were at a OSU football game. Lots of orange all around us, with a few crimson and cream shirts mixed within ~ Brave souls! The final score was 56 ~ 6, of course OSU favor. Makes for not much excitement but lots of touchdowns! The other team was Grambling State, known for being "The Best Band in the Land". They really put on a show! Anyways..... I may be an die hard OU fan, but I must say WTG OSU!

Ashley and SC at the football game!

"Bullet" the horse, rides after a touchdown!

"Grambling Band"

"Grambling Band" ~ A tribute to Micheal Jackson.

Inspired!

I'm so excited to share my fundraiser idea. Many months ago I had seen a very cool necklace that inspired me to start a fundraiser. With the help of CJ and LW I was able to start "More Precious Than Gold" last week. Thank you so much to the both of you, for your help and encouragement and support. After many hours of looking at beads and putting them together, I have been inspired by 8 necklaces. I have started with ~

Emily ~ an Asian design with an American flare

Ladybug ~ red, black with a white accent

Ocean Mist ~ ocean colors with a silver accent

Nature Inspired ~ green and brown

Safari ~ many pottery colors

Licorice Groove ~ black and white with a flare

Pretty in Pastel ~ pastel green, blue and pink

Iced Mocha ~ 3 shades of brown

I am very excited to share them with you. 100% of the profit goes to help us bring our "More Precious Than Gold ~ Emily" home. We hope you enjoy the necklaces and I thank you for helping bring Emily home.

Good Evening all!

I must share with you whats on my heart. I am overjoyed, overwhelmed, and over filled with Gods love. I have been preparing my heart for a Bible Study that God laid upon my heart many months ago. As we embark upon a journey through they fruits of the spirit tomorrow, I must share that I am really excited and scared at the same time. I so want to please God in all I do, and I know I can do this and will do this, but Satan is attacking me in all areas of my life. I must focus on Him and all He is going to do for me during this Bible Study. Tomorrow evening I, along with many other ladies, will begin a Bible Study entitled "Living Among Ourselves" (a study on the fruits of the spirits). This study is done by Beth Moore and I so LOVE her work and how God has used her to do big and mighty things. My prayer is that I will be open to Gods words and teachings. I think in my mind that I know the fruits of the spirit that I MUST work on, but I want to open to God and honest to myself with the ones that I felt were ok or better than ok. Lord, please speak to me about all the fruits of the spirit and let me focus on your will not mine. Thanks for listening to me, and letting me record my thoughts! May you all be blessed and remember to put God first in all you do and have. Love you all!

Our Sweet Emily~

What a blessing to be woke up at 1:30 in the morning...... No really it is when I hear "April are you awake?" I was thinking what and why? He said it again and I responded..... He then said "Get up we got pictures!" Well you can imagine that I was up and out of that bed in nothing flat!!!!! We have been waiting for these pictures for a long time, but the wait is over and so worth it! Emily's birthday was August 29th and we sent her a cake to help her celebrate and hopefully get some pictures. Well that prayer/wish came true. What a blessing to have organizations, like Ladybugs~n~love, serve adoptive families. They are truly a God sent gift to so many families that are waiting to hold their precious children. Thank you so much Ladybugs~n~love! Now for what you all have been waiting for ~ especially me and my family ~ God is so good to us, even though we don't deserve His love, mercy, or gifts. He still gives them to us, because He loves us so much. Thank you God for all the blessings you have given to us, individually and as a family. We are truly blessed. Now here is my sweet little girl ~ Emily!

She is a true "Mueller", she seems to love cake!

Happy Birthday Emily!

Mommy, Daddy, Ashley and Kaylee love you very much!