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Our Suitcases Are On Stand-By

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“If you smile when you are alone, then you really mean it.”
-Andy Rooney

Diamond

I’m on another avocado kick. Did you know they’re actually considered a fruit? Yep. Apparently they’re a (single-seeded) BERRY. #whaaaaaaa? #ThingsIDidn’tKnowUntilIWas40

Avocado

I went through an avocado phase at one point last year too. Seems like I moved on to Honey Crisp apples after that. Or was it chocolate chip cookies? (hee hee)

Spray Roses

(Spray roses, just ’cause I love ’em)

And speaking of kicks, I’m trying to walk at least 10,000 steps every day, too. Jenna Wolfe got me all fired up about it. (Are you following the Jeff Rossen stuff on the Today Show?) I started using an app called Pacer to keep track of how many steps I’ve taken, but whew! I have been WAY off. I’m talkin’ thousands of steps off. Don’t tell Jenna. 😉

Diamond

In adoption news, two of our fellow adoptive families are at the orphanage meeting their kids this week! They are on their 2-week socialization trips, and although the wifi and electricity haven’t been working very well so far, we did get a few fun texts from one of the mamas about our Sweet P today.

Three Angels Childrens Relief | Haiti | 2014

In one, she said “He’s little, but he’s heavy, and that boy has RHYTHM!” 😀 How neat is that? We’ve heard from others that one of his favorite things to do is learn new songs. His musical daddy is especially excited about that. 🙂

There’s a chance we could meet up with our friends while they’re still down there, but our Sweet P’s paperwork (along with two other precious kiddos) still needs one more signature before we can book our plane tickets.

Boys Vest | Kids Room

Families have been traveling very quickly after they get their official invite, so we could be headed to Haiti VERY soon!

Jesus Calling | Jesus Storybook Bible | Kids Room | Chihuahua | Teddy Bear

We usually get updates on Fridays, but since that letter could literally come any time now- we’ve got our suitcases on stand by.

What Do You Do With An Idea

Have I mentioned I’m on a perma-smile kick now, too? Yep. Even when I’m alone. 😀

PS- I still need to install a plug-in to help me (randomly) choose a winner for the Lysa TerKeurst book giveaway. I promise to announce the name of the winner this Wednesday!

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Comments

  3. Eileen Beck

    Layla,

    My husband is a dentist and he and our 18 year-old daughter are traveling to Haiti for a dental mission trip February 6-14th. I know that they’ll be at an orphanage for at least one day. I wonder if it’s the same orphanage your little guy is at? They’re going with an organization called Children of the Nations, but he’s not sure the name of the specific orphanage. He said the only thing he was told what that there are 88 children in need of dental work and that most have never seen a dentist. Should be a busy time!

  4. Andrea

    How exciting!! I remember the feeling of waiting for the calls to go get our girls. My heart pounded so hard every time I thought about holding them from both fear and excitement. Can’t wait for your update.

  5. Ter'e

    This has made me so happy to hear.
    “Sweet P……….here comes your mommy and daddy”.
    My heart is smiling………

    • Kara

      Wow the way you just worded that “Sweet P, here come your momma and daddy” just brought me to tears.

      Hold on little (heavy!) buddy… SO SOON!

  6. Louise

    Best wishes to you both, Layla! It will be great to read that the three of you have arrived HOME!

  7. Theresa Sea

    I love hearing about your adoption story! It’s in my future; the hubs and I want to be a leeetle more financially secure before we take the plunge. So excited it’s soooooo close for your family!

  10. Penny

    What exciting news! I too am smiling for you, alone. Love the little vest, I hope that soon little Sweet P will be wearing it.

  11. Cecilia

    Ooh, Layla! That is very exciting news! Praying that final signature goes on quickly and y’all can be on your way!
    Hugs and prayers,
    Cecilia

  12. Lori in Prescott

    What a perfect photo of the pup, the bear, the books on the sofa. That is just lovely. Monday morning smile! Thanks!

    • Layla

      Thank you! That’s actually Sweet P’s nightstand the books are on. Can’t wait to read them with him snuggles up in that bed! 🙂

  15. Cathy R

    Every time I click to read your blog I am hoping that I will see the words “the lettered cottage is taking some time off to be with our Sweet P!” All in God’s time, I know, but I am so excited for you and wish and pray it was sooner rather than later. But….all in God’s time!

  19. Susan

    I got to meet my lil guy in the month of FEB. We left on Valentine’s day 2009. It was the best Valentine’s day by far!!

  20. Dawn

    On stand by with ya! This is such fun and exciting news! I love that you are on perma-smile mode.

  22. Rebecca L H

    I love seeing the books and the little vest waiting for him. I am praying it is soon!

  24. Nancy

    OH MY!!!!!!!!!!!! I`m so excited for you guys!!! I`ve been thinking about you almost every day since I came back from Haïti last week. Praying for you! Hope that you will be able to hold your little angel very soon 🙂

    We really had a hard time to get down to heart after returning from this trip. So hard to see all those kiddos in need.

    We`re planning to returning again the first week of March.

    I will be praying for you 🙂

    Blessings,

    Nancy

  27. Susan Hughes

    I’ve already started praying for travel mercy for you both. Thought I would start early. Can’t wait to hear the next step in your journey.

  28. Cyndee

    So happy for you and Kevin! Hoping the call/letter comes soon! You two will be great parents and there are so many happy times ahead for the Palmer Family!

  29. teresa

    L & K~
    I am so excited, and I have that smile on my face thinking of you going to meet your little man! Prayers are with you. Hoping it will be SOON SOON SOON!

  31. Lin

    Continued prayers for all of you to be able to get your sweet little guy soon! Oh what a happy day that will be! God Bless!

  32. Marilyn Palmer Hewitt

    Layla and Kevin — I am happy and excited to hear that you suitcases are packed and waiting! Hopefully the next letter comes quickly and you will be able to book tickets timely and at a decent price. Just think, maybe the next trip you will need THREE tickets for the trip back. It would be nice if he could be here by Easter…..but God has this all planned, including the logistics. I am praying for safe travels for you all. If you can, please send up a prayer for my mother, Betty Palmer. I’ve got one of those smiles on my face, too. happy travels!

  34. Kathie from CA

    I am excited with you as you await your newest family member. You are even more dear to me because you share a name, even to spelling, Layla with my precious 6 year old granddaughter.

  35. Marie P.

    It’s so exciting to hear your updates as your time together draws nearer!! Keeping all of you in my thoughts and prayers. And, those roses are just beautiful! Thanks for sharing.

  36. Carmen

    Oh Lord I pray you let the papers get signed in your timing .
    Praying for safe travel and sweet pea will sing praises to the Lord all the days of his life.

  38. brenda

    I am curious from the standpoint of having these sweet little ones in a long family situation why things must lumber along so slowly……….. I know mommy and daddy are anxious to have their loved ones in their arms and homes but wouldn’t it be so much healthier physically, spiritually,and lovingly for the children to go home a bit sooner. ?????????????????????????? thisThis is soem

  39. brenda

    not sure why the comment above stopped being visible to be to make any type corrections. sorry

  40. Colleen

    Oh Layla fingers crossed here this has been a long journey hoping the next stage is soon. Blessings and hugs

  41. Gloria

    Godspeed for your trip to Haiti. Also, I said a prayer to St. Anthony that he find a way to SPEED this along for you to get there.
    Best,
    Gloria

  42. kristin

    Seeing that little vest makes it all seem even closer and more real. I got a huge smile and almost teared up seeing that little vest, knowing someday (soon) your son will be wearing it. Wishing you a wonderful start to your 2015. I have a feeling so much is going to happen you won’t have a moment to stand still! Best to you and your family always. 🙂

  43. Mindy

    I am reading this with goosebumps – so very happy for you that the time is growing so near! And reading that your little one loves music – well, just another God-given bonus for you all. I don’t have any avocados at home but I do have some apples and you have me craving both right now! Hugs and prayers.

  45. Rhonda

    God is so good! I replied quite awhile ago and mentioned I wanted to see some musical instruments on those bedroom shelves from Sweet P’s origin. You better get ready, God has already began a good work in this little man’s soul and by matching him with parents who love the Lord and lift their voices in praise. Praying that music will fill your home for many years. God be praised!

  46. Sherri Farrell

    I love seeing Max waiting patiently on the be for Sweet P to come home!!! Praying for news to come quickly and for safe travels!!!!

  47. Charlie Benedick

    I have goosebumps AND a smile on my face! And it is only 5:15 in the morning! I have a feeling this smile will stay with me for awhile! God bless you all and praying for you and those suitcases in the air, on a plane headed for your Sweet P. Your love is contagious! Thinking of you!

  48. Jenny B.

    Yay! I hope you get to go quickly! How sweet and special that he’s already a music lover. Just more confirmation that he was always meant to be in your family. <3

  49. Cindy Hancock

    And Sweet P makes three!!!!!!!!!!! Soooo very excited for y’all and answered prayer! Praying all goes well and it will be VERY soon that you meet your little man! <3 Blessings!!!!!!