Today is July 1st....I have no idea where June went.....holy cow. We have been so busy that we really haven't done much this summer but run kids to different activities. Baseball, swim team, birthday parties, etc. It's pretty much non stop. In the rush and craziness of running kids I am looking forward to adding another child into the mix. Really, what's one more??? I'm sure she will rock my world when we do get her....but she is going to be nothing but a blessing to my family. Everyone is anxiously waiting her arrival. Friends and family are asking "have you heard anything?" "when do you travel?". It used to be "will you have her this summer?" now it's turned into "will you have her by Christmas?" Well, I honestly don't know. We are still waiting on our referral. It's going a little slower than we had hoped but there have been alot of changes with the process. First the two trip rule, then the closings of different offices in ET that have to file paperwork for the orphans. Now we are moving into the rainy season in ET and that means the courts will most likely close for awhile.
We have been slowly moving up the waiting list for a little girl 0-3 years old. I'm glad to say we are now #1 on the list. So we could really have a referral any day. Then we will apply for a court date and pray we get in before the courts close because of the rain. If all that falls into place we could have our girl home by Christmas. I know God has all this planned out and in His perfect timing. It's just so hard not knowing and waiting. I really had no idea what a roller coaster this process was going to be. It has been much more emotional than I ever imagined. I am normally a pretty level headed person, but this waiting has turned me into a grumpy crazy lady. I check my email a zillion times a day. I check our agency website a zillion times a day. Not sure what I think is going to change in 20 minutes but I still check. I just can't help myself. One day I am so down and grumpy and I can't stand to be around anyone...the next day I will be excited and soooo looking forward to our baby. My poor family...having to put up with me. I just can't wait to smell her and hold her. I know that sounds weird. But Hannah smells like perfume and hand sanitizer...don't ask. Hannah is almost 15 and she is not into hugging anymore. The boys pretty much smell like dirt...seriously-they are so dirty by the end of the day. They play hard and sweat. Luke turns 11 in 14 days and is almost as tall as me now. Owen, who is 7, still likes to cuddle but he is growing like a weed and is long and leggy...kind of hard to cuddle. I want that clean baby smell.....powder, lotion, and yes-even diapers...if she is not potty trained yet. I can't wait. I want to kiss on her, I want her to fall asleep on my shoulder. Oh, it gives me the chills just thinking about it. I am in love with her already and I have no idea who she is.
Darren just got back from working at an orphanage in Haiti. Check it out at www.glahaiti.org. When he got home and told me the stories and showed me video and pictues....oh man, my heart ached. He said it was so hard to leave the kids. He is now worried about going over for our court date and meeting our girl....then having to come home without her and wait 6-8 before we can go back and bring her home. He is convinced I will be a wreck. That is really going to be hard, I already know it. I just can't imagine getting back on that plane without her.....
Well, I need to stop dreaming about my girl and focus on my stinky boys.... :) It is shower time, then bed time.
Please keep us in your prayers. That God makes His path clear to us and we get the news about our daughter soon.
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Friday, June 25, 2010
Weak moment
Well, I broke down and bought something for the baby that I don't have.....
I was at TJ Maxx today and I saw this sweater dress. This picture does not do it justice. It is soooo cute. I bought it in a 2T thinking that maybe if we get our girl this fall or winter she could wear it. But if not, Baby S, the Johns' baby should be able to wear it so I will give it to her.
Just had to show everyone!!!
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Time is standing still.....
Well, we are still waiting on our referral. Things slowed to a hault in Etiopia during the elections. They are now over and we are all hoping that the government will start processing paperwork again. At this point, we really have no idea when we will get "the call", it could be tomorrow...it could be in another 6 months. Who knows...well, God does-but He's not giving me any hints. :)
This has been kind of a crazy week so far. First, my friend and business partner, Jennifer, FINALLY got their official referral for their sweet baby girl. They have been "matched" with Baby S for several months now, but one office in Ethiopia was closed and holding up the process. Well, they finally signed off on the paperwork and the referral was given. Now Jen waits to hear when she and her husband will travel for the court date. The ET courts usually close for the rainy season, roads are just too bad to travel. That season is anytime in August and September. It just depends on Mother Nature. They could be closed for only a couple of weeks or 6-8 weeks....So to say the least, everyone wants a court date before the closings.....I pray that they get in before the rain hits. I could not be happier for Jennifer and her family, but it is a little bittersweet. Deep down I know we were both hoping we would get referrals close together so we might travel at the same time. How fun would that be???? We have been there for each other during this entire process-that would have been a really nice way to finish this up!! And I hope our girls are close in age. Best buddies growing up together...oh, it makes me tear up just thinking about it.
Second, Darren left for Haiti on Sunday with a group from our church. I miss him and I sooo wish I could have gone with them. They are working at God's Littlest Angels orphanage. The family that runs the orphanage, the Bickels, are originally from Monticello. When we started the adoption process, I looked into adopting from Haiti. But the process was not a smooth one....and the timeline was really long. So we switched to Ethiopia. Then the earthquake hit and things got even crazier. The Haitian goverment has tried to streamline the adoption process somewhat since the earthquake. I'm getting facebook messages and texts from our group saying the kids are just adorable and Haiti is beautiful. I wish I was there!!!! But I know I would be an emotional mess loving on those babies. I'm an emotional mess now, what difference would that make??? :)
Third, this week is busy!!!!! Where is Darren when I need him??? Oh, in Haiti loving on those babies!!!!! I usually get up early and go to work. Darren gets the kids where they need to be in the morning and then goes to work. Well, this week I am doing all of it. So I have recruited my dear friends to help me out getting children where they need to be. Thank you...you know who you are... :) The bakery is super busy this week. We have several parties that we are doing all the dessets for, we have several special orders, restaurant orders and the first farmer's market of the summer. We are baking fools. Seriously, we were so tired today when we finally left. I think we baked around 30 pies today. Plus cookies and cakes. It felt a little like Thanksgiving......
The next couple of days are going to be very busy at the Pie Hole, as we lovingly call it.
So, as my friends and followers, I ask for your prayers. Prayers for patience as we wait. Prayers for the safety and health of our baby girl. We don't know who she is yet, but God already knows and is watching over her. Prayers for the Johns that their paperwork will move swiftly through the court system. Prayers for Darren's safety in Haiti. Prayers for me, that I sit back and let God do His work, in His time. Not mine. I know He is leading me down a path, I just need to trust and follow.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
and do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make straight your paths.
—Proverbs 3:5-6
This has been kind of a crazy week so far. First, my friend and business partner, Jennifer, FINALLY got their official referral for their sweet baby girl. They have been "matched" with Baby S for several months now, but one office in Ethiopia was closed and holding up the process. Well, they finally signed off on the paperwork and the referral was given. Now Jen waits to hear when she and her husband will travel for the court date. The ET courts usually close for the rainy season, roads are just too bad to travel. That season is anytime in August and September. It just depends on Mother Nature. They could be closed for only a couple of weeks or 6-8 weeks....So to say the least, everyone wants a court date before the closings.....I pray that they get in before the rain hits. I could not be happier for Jennifer and her family, but it is a little bittersweet. Deep down I know we were both hoping we would get referrals close together so we might travel at the same time. How fun would that be???? We have been there for each other during this entire process-that would have been a really nice way to finish this up!! And I hope our girls are close in age. Best buddies growing up together...oh, it makes me tear up just thinking about it.
Second, Darren left for Haiti on Sunday with a group from our church. I miss him and I sooo wish I could have gone with them. They are working at God's Littlest Angels orphanage. The family that runs the orphanage, the Bickels, are originally from Monticello. When we started the adoption process, I looked into adopting from Haiti. But the process was not a smooth one....and the timeline was really long. So we switched to Ethiopia. Then the earthquake hit and things got even crazier. The Haitian goverment has tried to streamline the adoption process somewhat since the earthquake. I'm getting facebook messages and texts from our group saying the kids are just adorable and Haiti is beautiful. I wish I was there!!!! But I know I would be an emotional mess loving on those babies. I'm an emotional mess now, what difference would that make??? :)
Third, this week is busy!!!!! Where is Darren when I need him??? Oh, in Haiti loving on those babies!!!!! I usually get up early and go to work. Darren gets the kids where they need to be in the morning and then goes to work. Well, this week I am doing all of it. So I have recruited my dear friends to help me out getting children where they need to be. Thank you...you know who you are... :) The bakery is super busy this week. We have several parties that we are doing all the dessets for, we have several special orders, restaurant orders and the first farmer's market of the summer. We are baking fools. Seriously, we were so tired today when we finally left. I think we baked around 30 pies today. Plus cookies and cakes. It felt a little like Thanksgiving......
The next couple of days are going to be very busy at the Pie Hole, as we lovingly call it.
So, as my friends and followers, I ask for your prayers. Prayers for patience as we wait. Prayers for the safety and health of our baby girl. We don't know who she is yet, but God already knows and is watching over her. Prayers for the Johns that their paperwork will move swiftly through the court system. Prayers for Darren's safety in Haiti. Prayers for me, that I sit back and let God do His work, in His time. Not mine. I know He is leading me down a path, I just need to trust and follow.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
and do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make straight your paths.
—Proverbs 3:5-6
Friday, May 28, 2010
Friday, May 21, 2010
Sick and Tired
I am sick and grumpy. So get ready for some whinning.......
First, I am sick-major sinus infection. So much fun-NOT.
Second, my friend, Diane and I had a garage sale this weekend and it rained the entire time. The sale was horrible, we are going to try to do it again next weekend. Diane is heading to Haiti for a mission trip and I am going to Ethiopia-so we were hoping to have a great sale-maybe next week...
As far as the adoption, not good either. Still now news on a referral. We were considering a sibling set, two sisters, but it just did't seem right or work out. So, we are still waiting. I know she is out there somewhere.
One plus of the last few weeks is that I have lost a ton a weight. I am really happy about it. Back in my skinny jeans :)
But this week has been hard, I have been totally stressed and now sick. I have not eaten well at all and I have got to get back on the program. I haven't gained any weight, but I haven't lost any either.
Ok, I am so sick and drugged up I can't even think straight, I know I am rambling......better go before I say something super dumb.
First, I am sick-major sinus infection. So much fun-NOT.
Second, my friend, Diane and I had a garage sale this weekend and it rained the entire time. The sale was horrible, we are going to try to do it again next weekend. Diane is heading to Haiti for a mission trip and I am going to Ethiopia-so we were hoping to have a great sale-maybe next week...
As far as the adoption, not good either. Still now news on a referral. We were considering a sibling set, two sisters, but it just did't seem right or work out. So, we are still waiting. I know she is out there somewhere.
One plus of the last few weeks is that I have lost a ton a weight. I am really happy about it. Back in my skinny jeans :)
But this week has been hard, I have been totally stressed and now sick. I have not eaten well at all and I have got to get back on the program. I haven't gained any weight, but I haven't lost any either.
Ok, I am so sick and drugged up I can't even think straight, I know I am rambling......better go before I say something super dumb.
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Mother's Day.....bitter sweet
Well, today is Mother's Day. We have had a busy day and I got to enjoy my family. First, my church family at early service. Second, we met my parents and two grandma's for brunch. Third, we went to the farm to see Darren's Mom and sister's family. We are now home and we have all gone our seperate ways....doing our own thing. I am searching the waiting list to see if any new children have come into our agency....what's new right?
When I woke up this morning and went out for breakfast...Darren said, "I was hoping we would get a referral for Mother's Day." Yeah, me too. The waiting is getting to me. Some days are better than others. I try so hard not to worry about it....it will happen when it's the perfect time and God knows when that is going to be.....I wish He would let me in on the secret!!! But I jump at every phone call...every email. It's pathetic. I'm trying to keep busy and not worry about it. I am working on a garage sale.....why am I doing that? I hate it every time. Tons of work for not alot of money. But the garage sale has kept my mind off of the baby...until I go to a friends garage sale and buy the cutest darn clothes for a little girl I don't even have yet. Yes, I did. I told myself I wouldn't buy clothes and I did. I caved in a weak moment. But they are soooooo cute. Already hanging in her closet. I have no idea if our child will even fit into them, but if not, I'll put them in my garage sale...or give them to Jennifer. I bet they will fit her little girl.....we just need to get her home too. The office that can sign off on the last paper for her adoption is closed right now. So baby S is just waiting......just like us, I guess. Do you think she is as stressed as we are...or is she enjoying the life she knows right now? That's what I need to do....enjoy the life I have right now. Why stress out about something I have no control over. It's not fair to me or my family. I will do better....I promise.
When I woke up this morning and went out for breakfast...Darren said, "I was hoping we would get a referral for Mother's Day." Yeah, me too. The waiting is getting to me. Some days are better than others. I try so hard not to worry about it....it will happen when it's the perfect time and God knows when that is going to be.....I wish He would let me in on the secret!!! But I jump at every phone call...every email. It's pathetic. I'm trying to keep busy and not worry about it. I am working on a garage sale.....why am I doing that? I hate it every time. Tons of work for not alot of money. But the garage sale has kept my mind off of the baby...until I go to a friends garage sale and buy the cutest darn clothes for a little girl I don't even have yet. Yes, I did. I told myself I wouldn't buy clothes and I did. I caved in a weak moment. But they are soooooo cute. Already hanging in her closet. I have no idea if our child will even fit into them, but if not, I'll put them in my garage sale...or give them to Jennifer. I bet they will fit her little girl.....we just need to get her home too. The office that can sign off on the last paper for her adoption is closed right now. So baby S is just waiting......just like us, I guess. Do you think she is as stressed as we are...or is she enjoying the life she knows right now? That's what I need to do....enjoy the life I have right now. Why stress out about something I have no control over. It's not fair to me or my family. I will do better....I promise.
Monday, April 26, 2010
Stress and a diet....not a good combo
It has been a bumpy couple of days on the adoption front.....I am an emotional wreck...but what's new right? This whole process has thrown me for a loop. We are at a crossroads right now....the point of no return. Bermuda Triangle, if you will. Don't get me wrong....I am NOT changing my mind. I want to adopt more than ever, it's just I am searching for answers, trying to make the right decisions. I obviously can't go into the details, but I am struggling. Really struggling. I need a sign. I literally need that loud Holy voice to come out of the Heaven's and speak to me. Tell me what I should do-show me the right direction. But does that really happen, in the Bible it does...but this is Monticello. I've heard of people saying they literally heard a voice loud and clear. But my head is so cloudy right now.....I know miracles happen. I've seen it, it happened to a dear friend just a week or so ago. He is lucky to be alive...but the stars aligned and everyone he needed was in the right place at the right time. God just wasn't ready for him yet. What does God have planned for me? He already knows, He already has the perfect child for us..but the path I am taking is a little weeded over and I can't seem to find my way.
What I need right now are prayers from my friends. Please pray that we find peace in our decisions and find our way to our little girl.
On a "lighter" note....pun intended....the diet is going well. I have lost around 25 pounds...woo hoo. I feel great and I am back in my "skinny" clothes. But.....right now I am so stressed, I really want eat sit down and eat a bowl of popcorn. Yes, popcorn. Not even a bag of doritos or 6 chocolate chip cookies...just popcorn. But I'm being good....pray for me on that subject too. :)
What I need right now are prayers from my friends. Please pray that we find peace in our decisions and find our way to our little girl.
On a "lighter" note....pun intended....the diet is going well. I have lost around 25 pounds...woo hoo. I feel great and I am back in my "skinny" clothes. But.....right now I am so stressed, I really want eat sit down and eat a bowl of popcorn. Yes, popcorn. Not even a bag of doritos or 6 chocolate chip cookies...just popcorn. But I'm being good....pray for me on that subject too. :)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)