Toddler's Rockin' out to Foreigner

We love you Uncle Derek, our very own "Jute Box Hero." We miss you so much.

Change Over

Here it comes! Since I was up in the middle of the night unable to sleep, I did something I've been meaning to do for a long time.

OUR NEW BLOG IS HERE!

If you have a link to my blog on your site, would you please change my blog address.
It is now tracieloux.wordpress.com

Change Is Good

I'm working on a new blog that will better serve the needs of communicating with our family and friends. Be on the look out for the big unveiling.

For those of you who don't like change, I'm giving you a bit of fair warning!

God, Friendship, and Adoption

I met someone today that I have no doubt was brought into my life for an incredible purpose. You know how you meet someone and you feel that something big is about to happen. This was one of those moments! I can't even put it into words but I'm grateful that God brought Jen Keller into my life today.

I stumbled upon her blog through another blog I read, one thing let to another, and we began to correspond via email. When I found out she lived only a few hours a way and would be in KC for a medical appointment for her daughter, I quickly arranged for a coffee meeting!

Jenn and her husband Nick have 7 beautiful children, 6 of whom were adopted as drug exposed infants. Jenn is an advocate and public speaker on behalf of drug endangered children. She is currently working on getting a bill passes to protect the unborn from drug exposure in the womb.

This is one phenomenal woman of God! If you have a heart for adoption, and would like to learn more about drug exposure in newbornq. Or even if the thought scares you, and you'd like more information and education on the issue, please check out Jenn's blog and leave a comment with your email address!

Adoption News

HOME STUDY IS COMPLETE! I get to pick it up tomorrow.
Appointment Friday with Homeland Security to get our I600A turned in.
Pray for quick approval so we can submit our dossier!

Nick's fundraiser is going well. Schedule now if you want a photo session in time for Christmas gifts!!

Adoption Fundraiser: Photo Shoots

Our son Nick, in his desire to take part in fund raising for our adoption, is offering photography sessions for individuals and families. If you would like to schedule a session with Nick, he is asking for a minimum donation of $75 to our adoption fund (checks made payable to John and Tracie Loux). You will receive full access to all photos, which will be given to you on CD.

For donations of $100 or more, you will also receive the "Photographer's Favorite"- an 8x10 print of Nick's favorite photo from your session.

For donations exceeding $250 to our adoption fund, you will receive the "Photographer's Favorite", as well as 4x6 prints of all of the photos from your session.

Below are a few examples of some of Nick's recent portrait photography:







Email me at tracieloux@gmail.com to schedule a session with Nick.

Adoption Update

All of our paperwork has been turned in to our social worker who will hopefully write up our Home Study quickly! YIPPEE!!!!

I now have to correct a bunch of our forms for our Dossier that I found out would be rejected if I don't make a few edits. At least I found out before submitting them (thanks Derek and Renee!).

As soon as I have our home study in hand, we get can apply for our I600A.

At that point our Dossier will be ready to submit to our facilitator for translation, I think!

There are always unexpected hang ups with adoption. The one I have to hurdle this week, is getting our Pennsylvania marriage licenses apostilled IN PENNSYLVANIA and quickly! Apparently it's not enough to have them certified in your state of marriage, the apostille has to be done there too. Pray I can figure this one out and get it done speedily- horray for FedEx!

In the mean time we pray for our son and believe for God's protection and mercy to surround him. Please continue to pray for an additional $20,000 to come in for our remaining adoption expenses! I woke up today in a panic over that today, and had to talk to the Father who knows and cares and has no limitation on the resources available to Him to provide for those He loves.

My Beautiful Nieces

Teyolla, Telma, and Keyolla
My gorgeous nieces!

I love you girls! I'm so proud of you. You have become beautiful young women who love Jesus, and you make my heart glad!

Friday Night Fun with the Loux's

Elia, Isabelle, Michaela, and Sophie- Drama Queens for Sure!

Elia, Taylor, Isabelle, and Cousin Sophia- Dress Up Night!!!

Elia Jane- The Beauty Queen

Prom Queen!

LiLi Lou and Uncle Derek (play station night!)

Daddy, you can do it! Beat, Uncle Derek!!!! Come On!!!!

Two Years Ago

It was just about two years ago, that we decided to start the adoption process and get our home study done. It has been a whirl wind ever since, as God took the small YES in our hearts and began to birth a passion for adoption deep within. Today we have a beautiful little one in our home, one on the way, and I have been blessed to take part in helping 8 precious lives find their forever families since January of this year.

Today I am marveling at the faithfulness of God to stir our hearts to beat a little more like His as we turn our hearts to the ones He loves.

Palin and Special Needs