My kids hear about adoption a lot in this house. I am a huge advocate for adoption and often talk to others about the process, the need...my desire. We also talk to our kids openly about their own adoptions. It's their stories, part of their history and part of who they are. I always want an open door relationship with my kids and so far that is just what I have with our son (8 years old). Our daughter is 3 and while she will talk about 'her story' I'm not sure she actually 'gets it' yet. Hulk was around 4 years old when he really started to understand better so I'm sure Bug's day will be coming soon when she'll start asking more questions.
But tonight when tucking Hulk into bed, we had this conversation. This boy will change the world one day. He is remarkable and I can't wait to see how God uses him.
Hulk: Mom, why do people adopt kids
Me: Why do you think?
Hulk: I think people adopt kids so they won't be orphans anymore
Me: Can you tell me what makes a kid an orphan?
Hulk: An orphan is a kid that doesn't have parents or a family.
Me: That's right.
Hulk: So I think people adopt kids so they don't have to be orphans anymore. I'm glad you and Daddy adopted me. *pause* I'm glad I'm not an orphan anymore. I'm glad Bug isn't an orphan either.
Me: Baby I wouldn't have it any other way. God knew how our family would be brought together long before we had a clue.
Hulk: If I could have made a choice when I still lived in Guatemala, I know exactly what parents I would choose.
Me: Really? Can you tell me about the parents you would choose (trying to stay calm, while quietly wondering. I always try to let him talk more than me when we talk adoption or specifically about his story).
Hulk: *started to giggle* I would choose a mommy who acted silly sometimes and wanted everyone in the world to adopt orphans and a fun daddy who likes to hunt and play sports. *giggling*
Me: REALLY? (dramatically)
Hulk: yep...I would choose you and Daddy. I love you Mommy!
Me: I love you too Hulk. You are one special kid and I love your heart.
Hulk: Maybe one day everyone will adopt a kid. I don't want any kid to not have a family.
Me: That would be great. I want every kid to have a family too.
Hulk: Ok...goodnight
Me: Goodnight Hulk. Love you
This boy gets my heart. He is a typical boy. He loves avengers, ninja turtles and xbox. But what is not typical about him is his heart. He has compassion like no other child I have ever met. He has a heart for adoption. He has a heart for changing the world. And HE WILL!! The truth is...he already has.
Saturday, August 24, 2013
Friday, August 16, 2013
First order submitted...and HUGE THANKYOU!
I stand amazed today! I just our first order for tshirts and we currently have 124 orders. My goal for the first order was 100 and we have exceeded that. Thank to each person who has ordered, shared our blog and info on facebook/twitter/instagram, thank you most of all for your support and prayers.
What does 124 shirts mean? It means that He is funding what He favors!
As you know, we are going into this without planning or saving. We are taking the biggest leap of faith that we have ever taken. And taking that leap can be scary...but we've done it. Our initial expenses are about $1200. Money we need right now.
What does 124 shirts mean? It means that (once all are paid) we have funded that $1200. All of it.
So tell me...do YOU believe that God funds what He favors?
We will continue to sell shirts and submit another order in a couple of weeks.
All of the proceeds from that order will go towards legal and travel fees.
Again...I stand amazed!! I can not wait to get these shirts in!! They are amazing!!
When they are in, I would love for you to send me photos of you wearing your new shirts for the blog!! *eek* Sooooo excited...
ARE PRECIOUS IN HIS SIGHT!
What does 124 shirts mean? It means that He is funding what He favors!
As you know, we are going into this without planning or saving. We are taking the biggest leap of faith that we have ever taken. And taking that leap can be scary...but we've done it. Our initial expenses are about $1200. Money we need right now.
What does 124 shirts mean? It means that (once all are paid) we have funded that $1200. All of it.
So tell me...do YOU believe that God funds what He favors?
We will continue to sell shirts and submit another order in a couple of weeks.
All of the proceeds from that order will go towards legal and travel fees.
Again...I stand amazed!! I can not wait to get these shirts in!! They are amazing!!
When they are in, I would love for you to send me photos of you wearing your new shirts for the blog!! *eek* Sooooo excited...
ARE PRECIOUS IN HIS SIGHT!
Thursday, August 15, 2013
Blessed, Blown Away and humbled...
2 weeks ago, we announced our big news. We are excited and a bit scared about where this road may lead. We have no clue, but no that God has led us to have an open door for adoption. We have taken those first few baby steps in faith...leading to much bigger steps of faith.
In the past couple of weeks, we have met with our awesome social worker for the first time, gathered documents, completed applications and taken the trip to the city jail for fingerprints. We have also prayed and seen so many blessing from others as you have all embraced us and supported us in this journey.
It is truly a faith journey.
2 weeks ago, I posted about our news and also posted about 3 tshirts that Fund the Nations designed for us as a simple and fun fundraiser. The proceeds will help us with our initial fees and legal fees. My goal = what I see as needed for quickly upcoming expenses...but honestly, didn't think we would ever make the goal.
My goals were pretty simple. I could see us making 2 orders and would love to have 100 shirts each time. totally 200 shirts. But honestly, I had no idea how we would ever make 100 orders. That is a lot of tshirts!!!
But...I was proven wrong once again. See, there are things that I KNOW...and things that have to be slapped back into my senses. And this in one of those things. See this is what I know:
God funds what He favors!
And this has been proven to me over the past couple of weeks!!
So today, I sit here with my tshirt orders in front of me and I stand amazed. Because of each of you, we have orders for 116 shirts!!! 116! 116!! That is truly amazing!
Yes! HE FUNDS WHAT HE FAVORS!!
My ultimate goal is 200 total...and I sit here the day before my FIRST order with only 84 away from our total goal. Amazed I am!!!!
So, I sit here wondering...is there any way possible we actually meet the ultimate goal today? Any way at all? Can you help me by spreading the word, sharing via facebook or twitter or instagram? I will be placing our first order tomorrow and at 116, I am beyond excited!!! What if it was 200???
Love you all!!
Me and Hubs
Hulk and Bug
In the past couple of weeks, we have met with our awesome social worker for the first time, gathered documents, completed applications and taken the trip to the city jail for fingerprints. We have also prayed and seen so many blessing from others as you have all embraced us and supported us in this journey.
It is truly a faith journey.
2 weeks ago, I posted about our news and also posted about 3 tshirts that Fund the Nations designed for us as a simple and fun fundraiser. The proceeds will help us with our initial fees and legal fees. My goal = what I see as needed for quickly upcoming expenses...but honestly, didn't think we would ever make the goal.
My goals were pretty simple. I could see us making 2 orders and would love to have 100 shirts each time. totally 200 shirts. But honestly, I had no idea how we would ever make 100 orders. That is a lot of tshirts!!!
But...I was proven wrong once again. See, there are things that I KNOW...and things that have to be slapped back into my senses. And this in one of those things. See this is what I know:
God funds what He favors!
And this has been proven to me over the past couple of weeks!!
So today, I sit here with my tshirt orders in front of me and I stand amazed. Because of each of you, we have orders for 116 shirts!!! 116! 116!! That is truly amazing!
Yes! HE FUNDS WHAT HE FAVORS!!
My ultimate goal is 200 total...and I sit here the day before my FIRST order with only 84 away from our total goal. Amazed I am!!!!
So, I sit here wondering...is there any way possible we actually meet the ultimate goal today? Any way at all? Can you help me by spreading the word, sharing via facebook or twitter or instagram? I will be placing our first order tomorrow and at 116, I am beyond excited!!! What if it was 200???
Love you all!!
Me and Hubs
Hulk and Bug
Monday, August 12, 2013
The look...
If you're an adoptive mom..particularly a trans-racial adoptive mom, you will get this.
The look.
You know it...when you pass another mom in the grocery store and you suddenly notice that their child strikes a resemblance to your own...you give each other the look.
The look...
sometimes a nod...
sometimes a tiny grin.
We get it. Its as if the other is saying...yep, I see you.
yes, we are an adoptive family too. I understand too!
It's a quiet reassurance that we aren't alone without even speaking. I've seen and given this look many many times over the past 9 years. But yesterday...
...yesterday, I saw a look. A similar look, a nod...a reassuring gesture of 'I understand'...'yes, we are similar'...but it wasn't another mom or dad.
Yesterday, while in the grocery store MY SON gave the look...to another family...and their children gave the polite 'nod' back. I found it a little funny. And reassuring at the same time.
As we walked in our direction, my son says...
Hulk: Hey Mom...did you see that family?
Me: Yes, I did
Hulk: They were brown and their dad was white.
Me:, Yea...I saw that.
Hulk: pretty cool.
So, to the Dad with the 3 amazingly beautiful Chinese daughters at Publix yesterday...thank you. Apparently 'the look' has been passed down to future generations!
The look.
You know it...when you pass another mom in the grocery store and you suddenly notice that their child strikes a resemblance to your own...you give each other the look.
The look...
sometimes a nod...
sometimes a tiny grin.
We get it. Its as if the other is saying...yep, I see you.
yes, we are an adoptive family too. I understand too!
It's a quiet reassurance that we aren't alone without even speaking. I've seen and given this look many many times over the past 9 years. But yesterday...
...yesterday, I saw a look. A similar look, a nod...a reassuring gesture of 'I understand'...'yes, we are similar'...but it wasn't another mom or dad.
Yesterday, while in the grocery store MY SON gave the look...to another family...and their children gave the polite 'nod' back. I found it a little funny. And reassuring at the same time.
As we walked in our direction, my son says...
Hulk: Hey Mom...did you see that family?
Me: Yes, I did
Hulk: They were brown and their dad was white.
Me:, Yea...I saw that.
Hulk: pretty cool.
So, to the Dad with the 3 amazingly beautiful Chinese daughters at Publix yesterday...thank you. Apparently 'the look' has been passed down to future generations!
Friday, August 9, 2013
I *mustache* you a question...
I love this boy more than words can say. He has taught me so much about life and love and God's grace! A few weeks ago he asked Jesus to live in his heart. He will change the world in so many ways and I cannot wait to see how God will use him.
Today, we went shopping for school supplies. School starts back in a week and I've put this task off until the week before. Totally unlike me, but just couldn't get it done any earlier. I always let him choose as much as he can himself (unless there is a specific color requirement, etc). So, today I told him to get 4 composition notebooks. He quickly came back and said he found the perfect one...and could he Puuullllease get it.
ummmm.of course!
Today, we went shopping for school supplies. School starts back in a week and I've put this task off until the week before. Totally unlike me, but just couldn't get it done any earlier. I always let him choose as much as he can himself (unless there is a specific color requirement, etc). So, today I told him to get 4 composition notebooks. He quickly came back and said he found the perfect one...and could he Puuullllease get it.
ummmm.of course!
It reads:
I *mustache* you a question. Do you know Jesus?
 |
| I 'mustache' you a question. Do you know Jesus? |
Overwhelmed!
Whew! Wow! Thank you!!!!
We announced a few days ago about the leap of faith that we are taking. Updating our homestudy so we can have an open door for adoption. I just looked and almost 1000 people have viewed that post. For my little blog, that is huge! Thank you all!
If you have taken the time to click and read, please take a moment and lift us in prayer.
We have no idea where this road will lead.
All we know is that this was placed in our hearts...and we must act.
We had our first visit with our social worker this week...making it all a little more real. This is the third time we've been through this...so it is a little more relaxing than that first homestudy visit back in 2005 when I was pretty sure I was going to vomit before our social worker arrived. You know, just all the unknowns. And trust me...it was nothing to worry about!
I sit here tonight and think about all that has happened in our family over the past 8 years. Meeting our son...then meeting our daughter. Our family has been transformed...in many ways. We have grown and our hearts have grown stronger for those children who are in need of families. I would love to sit down and right more about our family journey over the past 8 years...but it will be incredibly l-o-n-g! But..I may do it in segments over the next few weeks.
So, I sit here tonight, completing paperwork and going through the checklist of documents that I need to put my hands on this week. We are trying to move this pretty quick...but most of that will depend on our clearances. Those tend to take several weeks. So, while you are praying for us...will you specifically pray that our clearances all clear quickly?
And I will also take a moment and answer a few common quesitons that we have been asked the past couple of days:
1. Will this be international or domestic? Planning on domestic. Traveling with my littles would be incredibly difficult right now, especially with Hulk being in school. Not impossible, but not the best option for our family at this point.
2. Newborn again? Honestly, only God knows! We are open to newborns...and toddlers...and young school age.
3. Did you say special needs? Yes, we did. Over the past couple of years, I have been approached many times about babies and children with some level of 'special need' and little to no families interested in adopting them. Broke my heart each and every time. So, yes, we are open to children with special needs.
4. How long will it take? Again, only God knows. Honestly, we have no timeline. He brought us to this...and He will bring us through this. We are simply taking the leap of faith that He asked us to. Does He have another child in mind for our family. Only God knows.
That is what Faith is...doing without knowing.
5. Why? Because it is clear in our hearts that this is what we need to do.
6. Why are you selling tshirts? I think tshirts speak volumes without having to actually speak. The back of these shirts say ALL ARE PRECIOUS IN HIS SIGHT. I truly believe that EVERY child that God created is on this earth for a purpose, a reason and is precious and deserves a loving family of his/her own. Since this is not a planned adoption (meaning we haven't' spent time planning and saving as we did before), we are selling the shirts to help the initial expenses and legal fees we may incur.
7. How many tshirts do you need to sell? We would love to sell 200, but 100 is the goal for our first order next week. We have not yet met that first goal...I will prepare the order on Thursday 8/15.
8. What can I do to help? PRAY for us. Pray for guidance as we venture this journey.
Spread the word about the tshirts...share my blog on facebook and twitter, share about the shirts and our journey. Love those around you and support other adoptive families who are in the same situation.
Did you miss our announcement post or want to see the tshirts? Just click HERE!
Much love!
We announced a few days ago about the leap of faith that we are taking. Updating our homestudy so we can have an open door for adoption. I just looked and almost 1000 people have viewed that post. For my little blog, that is huge! Thank you all!
If you have taken the time to click and read, please take a moment and lift us in prayer.
We have no idea where this road will lead.
All we know is that this was placed in our hearts...and we must act.
We had our first visit with our social worker this week...making it all a little more real. This is the third time we've been through this...so it is a little more relaxing than that first homestudy visit back in 2005 when I was pretty sure I was going to vomit before our social worker arrived. You know, just all the unknowns. And trust me...it was nothing to worry about!
I sit here tonight and think about all that has happened in our family over the past 8 years. Meeting our son...then meeting our daughter. Our family has been transformed...in many ways. We have grown and our hearts have grown stronger for those children who are in need of families. I would love to sit down and right more about our family journey over the past 8 years...but it will be incredibly l-o-n-g! But..I may do it in segments over the next few weeks.
So, I sit here tonight, completing paperwork and going through the checklist of documents that I need to put my hands on this week. We are trying to move this pretty quick...but most of that will depend on our clearances. Those tend to take several weeks. So, while you are praying for us...will you specifically pray that our clearances all clear quickly?
And I will also take a moment and answer a few common quesitons that we have been asked the past couple of days:
1. Will this be international or domestic? Planning on domestic. Traveling with my littles would be incredibly difficult right now, especially with Hulk being in school. Not impossible, but not the best option for our family at this point.
2. Newborn again? Honestly, only God knows! We are open to newborns...and toddlers...and young school age.
3. Did you say special needs? Yes, we did. Over the past couple of years, I have been approached many times about babies and children with some level of 'special need' and little to no families interested in adopting them. Broke my heart each and every time. So, yes, we are open to children with special needs.
4. How long will it take? Again, only God knows. Honestly, we have no timeline. He brought us to this...and He will bring us through this. We are simply taking the leap of faith that He asked us to. Does He have another child in mind for our family. Only God knows.
That is what Faith is...doing without knowing.
5. Why? Because it is clear in our hearts that this is what we need to do.
6. Why are you selling tshirts? I think tshirts speak volumes without having to actually speak. The back of these shirts say ALL ARE PRECIOUS IN HIS SIGHT. I truly believe that EVERY child that God created is on this earth for a purpose, a reason and is precious and deserves a loving family of his/her own. Since this is not a planned adoption (meaning we haven't' spent time planning and saving as we did before), we are selling the shirts to help the initial expenses and legal fees we may incur.
7. How many tshirts do you need to sell? We would love to sell 200, but 100 is the goal for our first order next week. We have not yet met that first goal...I will prepare the order on Thursday 8/15.
8. What can I do to help? PRAY for us. Pray for guidance as we venture this journey.
Spread the word about the tshirts...share my blog on facebook and twitter, share about the shirts and our journey. Love those around you and support other adoptive families who are in the same situation.
Did you miss our announcement post or want to see the tshirts? Just click HERE!
Much love!
Saturday, August 3, 2013
HOLD ON...big news is coming!!
I have hesitated to post this..because honestly, it seems too good to be true, but here goes!
For over a year, I've been praying that God would guide us in a big decision. A decision that was tough for us to make because we were not always on the same page.
Updating our homestudy.
Yes...you read those words correctly!
I have been praying about having an open door. Not necessary pursuing an adoption again, but having a door open if we hear of a child that needs a family. I pray every day about whether another child is meant to join our family. Honestly, I'd probably have a house full of children if we were able, but adoption is complicated, and can be expensive....and Hubs and I have to be on the same page.
This has been my prayer...
And then we met a little girl. Sweet A.
She changed our world! In 2 days, she changed our hearts, our views, and brought us to the point where we both needed to be. Her sweet smile and her silly laughter melted us. I truly believe that one of the many reasons she was where she was on those couple of days, was to simply reach people, soften their hearts and let the Lord speak to people through her. The world has marked so many things against her...and yet the Lord is using her for His kingdom in a very very BIG way.
On our way home from that special weekend, we talked a lot about Sweet A and other children like her. We talked about adoption, growing our family, now or later, or ever? We talked about children with special needs, especially Down Syndrome because Sweet A has Down Syndrome, but we talked about other issues too. We talked about love and faith and the strength of our family...and if we were crazy about even thinking it...
And then...Hubs says that we need to update our home study. We needed to be prepared.
Really? Were we really on the same page?
I will admit, I was scared to get excited. This is what I've been praying for. For us to both be on the same page. To have an open door when children like Sweet A needs a family. Sweet A opened our eyes and hearts...in a big way. But scared none the less.
Is this the perfect time to think about adopting again. No.
Have we planned and prepared. No.
Am I scared? yes!
Is God telling us to take a leap of faith? YES! YES! YES!
We are getting started on our homestudy update. The whole process is upon us again. Gathering documents, medicals, fingerprints, clearances, profile, etc. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a little anxious. This is very unlike our other adoptions, where we saved and planned and saved and planned. We have done none of that!
But we are taking a leap of FAITH!
Do I think God will place another child in our family? Honestly, I don't know. But we are choosing to have our door open. We are taking a huge leap of faith. Our homestudy will be in place and our family will be registered with several organizations. This will be much different than our previous adoptions.
Out of my comfort zone? You bet!
When we've mentioned this to friends, they has asked..."how can we help?"
First, please pray for us. Please pray that God will continue to guide us. Please pray that God will prepare us for the child that He may be leading to us.
Financially, adoption can be expensive. We don't know what the future holds and do not plan on doing many fundraisers, in fact this will likely be the only one. We thought it would be fun to do this one and it would help us with initial expenses (homestudy, legal fees etc).
Hubs and I (and the kids) are rival fans. Hubs and Hulk wear blue/orange and Me and Bug wear red/white. It is fun in our family around football season. And many of our friends are the same way. So, we had the shirts designed in our favorite team colors.
And yes, there is also a fun design for those of you who don't rock the same colors as us! ha!
The shirts are awesome! I LOVE them!!
{A LITTLE ABOUT THESE SHIRTS} They are COMFORT COLORS...amazing tshirts!! Great quality that will last a long long time. Front and back designed by the amazing Fund the Nations crew just for us! (tell them we sent you!) When ordering, please choose your size Youth XS-XL or Adult S-XXL. And of course, choose your color: Red, Blue, or Seafoam
These are pre-orders and I will be placing the first order on August 16th and they will be at my home soon after. If you want to get in on the first round of orders, simply choose your size/style below and a huge THANK YOU from our family to yours!
I love that these can be worn all year, but LOVE that I can sport my team colors while sharing a little about those things that are most important to me. Faith, Hope, Love and FAMILY!!!! And yes, ALL ARE PRECIOUS IN HIS SIGHT!
AND for fun...I will be keeping a running tally of which team is 'winning'. I know who I'M pulling for...what about you??
{TO ORDER} Simply choose your options below and you can pay via paypal. You can also comment via facebook...or just let me know and I'll add your order and send you an invoice. And again...Thank you! Please remember to keep our family in your daily prayers.
8/8/13 As of today, the Bama fans are winning by 11!
8/10/13 As of this morning, the Bama fans are still winning by 13!
8/14/13 As of tonight, Auburn is up by 1!!
8/15/13 As of this morning, Alabama and Auburn are TIED!!
Love,
Me, Hubs, Hulk & Bug
update: I've had a few people ask if they can share this on facebook? Umm..yes! And thank you!
update: I had several people asking how to check out with more than one shirt. ah! I corrected it...sorry for those that had to do the checkout process several times! This will be MUCH easier!
For over a year, I've been praying that God would guide us in a big decision. A decision that was tough for us to make because we were not always on the same page.
Updating our homestudy.
Yes...you read those words correctly!
I have been praying about having an open door. Not necessary pursuing an adoption again, but having a door open if we hear of a child that needs a family. I pray every day about whether another child is meant to join our family. Honestly, I'd probably have a house full of children if we were able, but adoption is complicated, and can be expensive....and Hubs and I have to be on the same page.
This has been my prayer...
And then we met a little girl. Sweet A.
She changed our world! In 2 days, she changed our hearts, our views, and brought us to the point where we both needed to be. Her sweet smile and her silly laughter melted us. I truly believe that one of the many reasons she was where she was on those couple of days, was to simply reach people, soften their hearts and let the Lord speak to people through her. The world has marked so many things against her...and yet the Lord is using her for His kingdom in a very very BIG way.
On our way home from that special weekend, we talked a lot about Sweet A and other children like her. We talked about adoption, growing our family, now or later, or ever? We talked about children with special needs, especially Down Syndrome because Sweet A has Down Syndrome, but we talked about other issues too. We talked about love and faith and the strength of our family...and if we were crazy about even thinking it...
And then...Hubs says that we need to update our home study. We needed to be prepared.
Really? Were we really on the same page?
I will admit, I was scared to get excited. This is what I've been praying for. For us to both be on the same page. To have an open door when children like Sweet A needs a family. Sweet A opened our eyes and hearts...in a big way. But scared none the less.
 |
| My prayer for an open door... |
Is this the perfect time to think about adopting again. No.
Have we planned and prepared. No.
Am I scared? yes!
Is God telling us to take a leap of faith? YES! YES! YES!
We are getting started on our homestudy update. The whole process is upon us again. Gathering documents, medicals, fingerprints, clearances, profile, etc. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a little anxious. This is very unlike our other adoptions, where we saved and planned and saved and planned. We have done none of that!
But we are taking a leap of FAITH!
Do I think God will place another child in our family? Honestly, I don't know. But we are choosing to have our door open. We are taking a huge leap of faith. Our homestudy will be in place and our family will be registered with several organizations. This will be much different than our previous adoptions.
Out of my comfort zone? You bet!
When we've mentioned this to friends, they has asked..."how can we help?"
First, please pray for us. Please pray that God will continue to guide us. Please pray that God will prepare us for the child that He may be leading to us.
Financially, adoption can be expensive. We don't know what the future holds and do not plan on doing many fundraisers, in fact this will likely be the only one. We thought it would be fun to do this one and it would help us with initial expenses (homestudy, legal fees etc).
Hubs and I (and the kids) are rival fans. Hubs and Hulk wear blue/orange and Me and Bug wear red/white. It is fun in our family around football season. And many of our friends are the same way. So, we had the shirts designed in our favorite team colors.
And yes, there is also a fun design for those of you who don't rock the same colors as us! ha!
The shirts are awesome! I LOVE them!!
{A LITTLE ABOUT THESE SHIRTS} They are COMFORT COLORS...amazing tshirts!! Great quality that will last a long long time. Front and back designed by the amazing Fund the Nations crew just for us! (tell them we sent you!) When ordering, please choose your size Youth XS-XL or Adult S-XXL. And of course, choose your color: Red, Blue, or Seafoam
These are pre-orders and I will be placing the first order on August 16th and they will be at my home soon after. If you want to get in on the first round of orders, simply choose your size/style below and a huge THANK YOU from our family to yours!
I love that these can be worn all year, but LOVE that I can sport my team colors while sharing a little about those things that are most important to me. Faith, Hope, Love and FAMILY!!!! And yes, ALL ARE PRECIOUS IN HIS SIGHT!
AND for fun...I will be keeping a running tally of which team is 'winning'. I know who I'M pulling for...what about you??
{TO ORDER} Simply choose your options below and you can pay via paypal. You can also comment via facebook...or just let me know and I'll add your order and send you an invoice. And again...Thank you! Please remember to keep our family in your daily prayers.
8/8/13 As of today, the Bama fans are winning by 11!
8/10/13 As of this morning, the Bama fans are still winning by 13!
8/14/13 As of tonight, Auburn is up by 1!!
8/15/13 As of this morning, Alabama and Auburn are TIED!!
Love,
Me, Hubs, Hulk & Bug
update: I've had a few people ask if they can share this on facebook? Umm..yes! And thank you!
update: I had several people asking how to check out with more than one shirt. ah! I corrected it...sorry for those that had to do the checkout process several times! This will be MUCH easier!
Tuesday, July 23, 2013
An amazing weekend away
We came home Sunday from a great weekend away. This time last year we joined several other adoptive families in the mountains for a quick get-away. A time to relax with others...before the weekend was over, everyone was already talking about 'next year'.
Once again, it was amazing. A time to simply relax with other parents who 'get it'. Parents who understand the journey that adoption is. The heartache, triumph, happy tears and sad tears. Parents who can laugh with you and understand things that only a person who has experienced the journey can. The kids have as much fun as we do and it is so awesome that they see so many other families built like ours. I truly believe that we are building lifetime friendships...not just us parents, but our kids too. How awesome is that?
We drove (literally) all night Thursday, arriving at 2:30am. That was rough...but the kids were AMAZING and slept the whole way. Friday morning we awoke and started our weekend with our friends. There were so many parts of this weekend that were amazing.
Silly laughter at 2am in the hotel hallway with friends.
Watching Bug swim for the first time all by herself...even if it was only a 2ft pool.
Seeing Hulk playing with the 'big kids'...and then realizing that HE was one of the big kids.
Girls night out with just us Mommy's...no hubby's, no kids.
Snuggles from my babies after a super long day at the pool
One moment that I would love to share happened Friday night. We all met at a banquet hall for a catered meal. It was great, and we were all able to mingle and chat. Last year we did something similar, introduced ourselves and our families. My sweet boy stood up last year and introduced himself as Hulk...made mention about how he turns green when he's mad and growled. Total laughter throughout the room.
This year however, was a little different. If you've read THIS POST, you will know about the wonderful decision he made last week. Well, this evening he whispered in my ear if he could talk in the microphone. I said yes. After introducing our family, he takes the microphone and says:
"You might want to know that I became a Christian this week. It's important. If you haven't asked Jesus to live in your heart...you might want to do that."
*applause*
Wow! He's EIGHT! And he just took a microphone and told 100 people that he is a Christian. He proclaimed his beliefs to 100 people at one time.
It always amazes me when people talk about how quiet he is. Because he's not. He has no problem speaking in front of a crowd and has done so time and time again. It's always quick...but he loves it.
Super proud of my kids. I know I seem to brag a lot about them...but they amaze me each day. I loved seeing them play and meet new friends this weekend. Hulk loved seeing so many families like ours and Bug just loved having so many friends to play with.
Can not wait for this weekend again next summer!!
Once again, it was amazing. A time to simply relax with other parents who 'get it'. Parents who understand the journey that adoption is. The heartache, triumph, happy tears and sad tears. Parents who can laugh with you and understand things that only a person who has experienced the journey can. The kids have as much fun as we do and it is so awesome that they see so many other families built like ours. I truly believe that we are building lifetime friendships...not just us parents, but our kids too. How awesome is that?
We drove (literally) all night Thursday, arriving at 2:30am. That was rough...but the kids were AMAZING and slept the whole way. Friday morning we awoke and started our weekend with our friends. There were so many parts of this weekend that were amazing.
Silly laughter at 2am in the hotel hallway with friends.
Watching Bug swim for the first time all by herself...even if it was only a 2ft pool.
Seeing Hulk playing with the 'big kids'...and then realizing that HE was one of the big kids.
Girls night out with just us Mommy's...no hubby's, no kids.
Snuggles from my babies after a super long day at the pool
One moment that I would love to share happened Friday night. We all met at a banquet hall for a catered meal. It was great, and we were all able to mingle and chat. Last year we did something similar, introduced ourselves and our families. My sweet boy stood up last year and introduced himself as Hulk...made mention about how he turns green when he's mad and growled. Total laughter throughout the room.
This year however, was a little different. If you've read THIS POST, you will know about the wonderful decision he made last week. Well, this evening he whispered in my ear if he could talk in the microphone. I said yes. After introducing our family, he takes the microphone and says:
"You might want to know that I became a Christian this week. It's important. If you haven't asked Jesus to live in your heart...you might want to do that."
*applause*
Wow! He's EIGHT! And he just took a microphone and told 100 people that he is a Christian. He proclaimed his beliefs to 100 people at one time.
It always amazes me when people talk about how quiet he is. Because he's not. He has no problem speaking in front of a crowd and has done so time and time again. It's always quick...but he loves it.
Super proud of my kids. I know I seem to brag a lot about them...but they amaze me each day. I loved seeing them play and meet new friends this weekend. Hulk loved seeing so many families like ours and Bug just loved having so many friends to play with.
Can not wait for this weekend again next summer!!
Tuesday, July 16, 2013
Twice Adopted
In October 2012, my amazing grandmother passed away. My brother and I were the only grandchildren, so I think our bond was pretty special. Maybe everyone has that bond with their grand parents? I don't know...but I think my grandmother was pretty awesome.
I've always loved her...but the day she laid eyes on my son...oh, that love grew and grew even stronger. See, the bond she and I had? Nothing compared to the bond that she and my son had. They connected...in a big way. Hulk was 3 1/2 months old when he came home. And she loved him from the first moment she saw him...and he loved her too.
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| Meeting for the first time |
I will never know what made that instant connection, but if she was in the room, he wanted to be near her. He would crawl across restaurant tables to see her and she would sit at the table and play with play-do with him for hours.
 |
| Always a big hug for Nanny |
She wasn't a young great grandmother...she was in her 90s when she passed away. So it wasn't like she was out playing ball or riding bikes with him. But he wanted to be near her. He wanted to help her. He wanted to talk to her and hug her and simply love her. During the last couple years, she lived at a nursing home. My son LOVED visiting with her. He would sit by her and share his newest action figure and tell her all about his days at school. He would draw pictures for her. Share secrets and watch baseball on tv. They were connected.
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| Nanny with her 4 Great Grand Children....she loved them so much! |
And then she got sick. Very sick.
She was admitted to the hospital and stayed for a very long time. Hulk longed to see her and often he wasn't allowed. Either because of her stay in ICU (no kids) or because I simply didn't want the memory of her 'bad days' to be his last memories.
And then...she suddenly got better. She was eating again and wanting to sit up and talking to us. And Hulk and Bug got to visit again. I am so thankful for that day.
For it was that day that they heard her say 'I love you SO much' once again.
They were able to visit a few more times, but....
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| In the hospital...this day was super special. |
She was gone soon after.
And my tears still flow.
And Hulk's tears still flow.
I miss her so much.
Her death brought on a lot of questions from Hulk. Big questions about life and death. Heaven and Hell. For months, I have been answering questions.
And tonight, after a long long discussion with Hulk, makes me miss Nanny even more. Because I want to call her and tell her what an amazing impact she had on my son. I want to tell her thank you for being the example that she was to him. I want to tell her thank you for loving him unconditionally. I want to tell her thank you for that immediate bond that they had.
I want to pick up the phone and call her and tell her what happened tonight.
She impacted my son's life so much in the 7 years they had together...and yet it may have been her death that impacted him most.
Tonight, my son asked Christ to live in his heart. He said he wanted to live forever in Heaven and live his life on earth for Jesus. He said he wanted to tell everyone about Jesus and that he wanted Him to be in his heart. We talked for a long time. I answered a ton of questions. And he talked a LOT of Nanny.
Tonight I held my son's hand as he asked Christ to save him. I am overwhelmed. He has a heart of gold and tonight he went to bed a Christian. He will change the world...no doubt.
Tonight I am going to bed overwhelmed by so much going on in life right now. But my heart is full and I am so thankful for so much.
I am thankful for a great family that has 'walked the walk' and been an example for my kids. My parents and my in laws are awesome...couldn't ask for better examples for my kids. I'm thankful for my Nanny and the relationship that they had because I truly believe that it was that relationship...that bond, that prompted so many questions when she passed away. I'm thankful for his VBS teachers who shared this gospel with him this week.
And I'm thankful that my son is now adopted into the family of Christ. He was adopted 8 years ago into our family. He has now been twice adopted.
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| Loving VBS! |
Friday, July 5, 2013
Bumps, boo boos, tears and fears
Yesterday was Independence Day. We celebrated with family and had a great day. It was rainy...I mean RAINY all day. We made the most of it and took the kids to the movies in the morning and let them play with cousins all afternoon. After supper (a mighty fine supper I might add) we let all the kids play out in the massive mud puddle out front. Yea, I know...they loved it. Bug came walking over to me and simply fell. Don't know if she tripped over her feet or if she tripped on the edge of the driveway...but she fell, and she fell hard.
My immediate fear was that it was bad, really bad. And although I was only a foot away, I couldn't get to her quick enough. I swooped her into my arms, held her tight and said a super fast prayer asking her to be ok before I could look. I was so afraid at what I would see. Thankfully, her face wasn't bad. But her poor mouth was busted. And those poor 2 front teeth (that have met the concrete on other days) were busted once again. Blood and tears and MY fear for her simply overwhelmed me.
I hate to see my children hurt. In those moments, I feel completely helpless and helpless is a terrible feeling. I just wanted to snap my fingers and make her hurt go away, make the blood and swelling stop and just make her okay. These are the Mommy moments that are the hardest. So, I held her and talked to her and tried to calm her as she snuggled closer to my chest. Being a holiday, at 7:00 at night, I knew finding a dentist would be next to impossible. Calling everyone we new in the dental field in the next few minutes was all I knew to do. Thankfully my mother is a nurse and was watching all the 'medical' things and my mother in law works at a dental office and called the dentist for me. He told us what to do and we did. A little while later she was back on her feet and playing. She was still hurting but also not wanting to miss anything.
Today, I woke with an urgency to see what I could do. What I found out late last night is that all the dentists that were on my mental list to get into today (Bug's dentist is out of town) are all out of town. However, we have good people around us. After a quick phone to Bug's hygienist, she confirmed what I was already feeling. I soon after swooped her up and took her to a hygienist that lives nearby and she again confirmed. No dentist today...we will wait til Monday and do all that these 2 woman suggested. After coming home, Dr. B calls and again confirms and offers a few more suggestions to get us through the weekend.
See, I knew what I needed to do today. Her mouth looked better, but she still needs to be seen. But panic is never good. Panic makes you not think clearly. And last night I was truly panicked. Seeing my baby hurt is absolutely the worst thing EVER.
So, Monday we may be at the dentist instead of gymnastics...
Not such a good start to our week. Trying to be optimistic...these are baby teeth. Hoping they will hang in with us for a little longer, but if not...at least they aren't permanent teeth?
All this panic and fear over Bug's bumps and boo boo's really got me thinking. I was terrified at how much she seemed to be in pain. I just wanted to make it better. I was literally sick to my stomach, had to get a sprite to calm it. It wasn't the blood, but the fear that she was really hurt and I could not make her better.
Over the past few weeks I've followed the story of a little girl name Teresa. Teresa was adopted and has fought a battle most of her life. She recently received a new heart...and then the transplant failed. And soon after, Teresa was given her wings and was met at Heaven's gate. It broke my heart for this family. But sitting there last night with, what seems very very very minor in compassion to sweet Teresa....the fear I had as a mother, how does that even compare to the battle that Teresa and her family fought? So, I sit here tonight pondering life...and death. Pondering how parents with children in these situations must feel constantly, not knowing if the next simple cold will take their child's life.
So to all you Mommy's out there fighting battles of life and death, or simple bumps and boo boo's...I will pray for your tears and fears. I pray that no matter the severity of your little ones boo boo, that you know exactly what to say to comfort and love and calm your little one. And for those of us with small boo boo's....please reach out and say an extra prayer for those Mommy's with children with big boo boo's.
I know my sweet girl's big smile will return to normal soon. And for that I am thankful.
xoxo
My immediate fear was that it was bad, really bad. And although I was only a foot away, I couldn't get to her quick enough. I swooped her into my arms, held her tight and said a super fast prayer asking her to be ok before I could look. I was so afraid at what I would see. Thankfully, her face wasn't bad. But her poor mouth was busted. And those poor 2 front teeth (that have met the concrete on other days) were busted once again. Blood and tears and MY fear for her simply overwhelmed me.
I hate to see my children hurt. In those moments, I feel completely helpless and helpless is a terrible feeling. I just wanted to snap my fingers and make her hurt go away, make the blood and swelling stop and just make her okay. These are the Mommy moments that are the hardest. So, I held her and talked to her and tried to calm her as she snuggled closer to my chest. Being a holiday, at 7:00 at night, I knew finding a dentist would be next to impossible. Calling everyone we new in the dental field in the next few minutes was all I knew to do. Thankfully my mother is a nurse and was watching all the 'medical' things and my mother in law works at a dental office and called the dentist for me. He told us what to do and we did. A little while later she was back on her feet and playing. She was still hurting but also not wanting to miss anything.
Today, I woke with an urgency to see what I could do. What I found out late last night is that all the dentists that were on my mental list to get into today (Bug's dentist is out of town) are all out of town. However, we have good people around us. After a quick phone to Bug's hygienist, she confirmed what I was already feeling. I soon after swooped her up and took her to a hygienist that lives nearby and she again confirmed. No dentist today...we will wait til Monday and do all that these 2 woman suggested. After coming home, Dr. B calls and again confirms and offers a few more suggestions to get us through the weekend.
See, I knew what I needed to do today. Her mouth looked better, but she still needs to be seen. But panic is never good. Panic makes you not think clearly. And last night I was truly panicked. Seeing my baby hurt is absolutely the worst thing EVER.
So, Monday we may be at the dentist instead of gymnastics...
Not such a good start to our week. Trying to be optimistic...these are baby teeth. Hoping they will hang in with us for a little longer, but if not...at least they aren't permanent teeth?
All this panic and fear over Bug's bumps and boo boo's really got me thinking. I was terrified at how much she seemed to be in pain. I just wanted to make it better. I was literally sick to my stomach, had to get a sprite to calm it. It wasn't the blood, but the fear that she was really hurt and I could not make her better.
Over the past few weeks I've followed the story of a little girl name Teresa. Teresa was adopted and has fought a battle most of her life. She recently received a new heart...and then the transplant failed. And soon after, Teresa was given her wings and was met at Heaven's gate. It broke my heart for this family. But sitting there last night with, what seems very very very minor in compassion to sweet Teresa....the fear I had as a mother, how does that even compare to the battle that Teresa and her family fought? So, I sit here tonight pondering life...and death. Pondering how parents with children in these situations must feel constantly, not knowing if the next simple cold will take their child's life.
So to all you Mommy's out there fighting battles of life and death, or simple bumps and boo boo's...I will pray for your tears and fears. I pray that no matter the severity of your little ones boo boo, that you know exactly what to say to comfort and love and calm your little one. And for those of us with small boo boo's....please reach out and say an extra prayer for those Mommy's with children with big boo boo's.
{before the big fall}
xoxo
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