Jeremiah 29:11: 2014

Tuesday, September 9, 2014

Almost

We were almost matched with a birthmother. Almost. But it didn't work out.

Actually, we thought that we were matched for awhile. She viewed our profile and "picked" us during the last week of July. We were told it wouldn't be an official match until we spoke with her on the phone. So about a week later we spoke with her for an hour and half. We thought the call went really well. Baby boy is due late October and we started making some plans.

But sadly it was not meant to be. She had some personal issues to sort out and she put on the brakes. She had been getting some counseling from the social workers but it turns out she is not going to make an adoption plan.

We are disappointed, of course, but trust that God will bring us the child that is meant for our family. In a way I feel like I have no right to complain. We are so very blessed with the two children God has given us. And we just began the adoption process again - we never expected something to come along so quickly. However, I can't help but be sad thinking that we might have brought home a baby next month.

I continue to cling to "my" Jeremiah 29:11 verse... it helps so much to put my trust in The Lord, and to know that He has a plan for our lives.

Thursday, August 21, 2014

Molly is TWO!

Yesterday was Molly's birthday - my sweet girl is TWO! In some ways I can't believe it - and yet in other ways I can't believe she is only two. It doesn't help that she keeps going around saying, "No, I not two... I three!" :) She is so tall with long hair and super verbal. She definitely looks and acts older!

We tried to make her special day a fun one and we're having a small party this Saturday. I'm in awe of this little lady and I'm so blessed to be her mama!

Tuesday, July 15, 2014

Homestudy #3

The exciting news around here is that we have started working on another home study! I wasn't sure if we would be able to pursue another adoption - and we still aren't sure how we are going to afford it. (Ack!) But I trust that somehow, Lord willing, it will all work out.

I had almost forgotten just how much paperwork is involved. Of course it's all worth it in the end, but it is definitely a big undertaking to complete. I feel like I am running all over our county searching for the right paperwork. Many people ask me what is involved with a homestudy, so I thought I would share what our state and our agency require. The ones with an asterisk have a fee involved (in addition to the fees we pay our agency.)

-Three types of clearances:
(1) Child Protective Clearances (we had to get a form notarized and mail it)
(2) Child Support Clearances (sign and mail in a form)
(3) FBI Police Clearance (had to get fingerprinted)*

-Basic Information (one form for each member of our family - including copies of our 4 birth certificates, 2 adoption decrees, and 1 marriage license.)

-A form about our extended family members

-Proof of health insurance

-Physicians Form (one form for each member of our family filled out by a doctor- including HIV test and TB test for the adults)*

-Report from your children's school (we don't need this one)

-Statement of Net Worth (fill out a form about our finances including our most recent tax forms and copies of our paychecks)

-House Inspection by the County (arrange a visit)*

-Fire Safety Inspection by the Fire Marshal (arrange a visit)

-Driving Record (we have to request a complete driving record from the DMV for all adults)*

-References (three friends have to write references and one needs to be interviewed)

-Training (8 hours of in-person or online training must be completed)*

-Agency Specific Documents (we had to read and sign nine different documents regarding home safety, child discipline, agency protocol, etc.)

-Social Worker Visits (once all of the above is completed, our SW will schedule 2-3 visits)

-Photo Album Profile (once we are homestudy approved we will create a photo album profile which will be shown to potential birthmothers)*

Whew! Thankfully we have completed almost everything in the past two weeks. We are leaving town on Saturday and I wanted to have it all taken care of before we leave.

My sweet cousin and her husband offered to babysit last weekend so that Troy and I could have a day to ourselves. It would have been more fun to see a movie or something like that, but I was so glad to have the time to take care of these things! We also test-drove some cars since we will need a bigger vehicle when the baby comes.

Yesterday I started the 54 Day Rosary Novena after a friend told me that she had recently been praying it. I am praying that God's will be done, for the baby, the birthmother and for peace as we go through this crazy process.

Our Lady of the Rosary, pray for us!

Wednesday, June 11, 2014

Catching Up

Here is a glimpse of what our family has been up to lately. (Warning: picture overload in this post.)

Last month we had a couple of crazy storms. Our sweet little creek had some major flooding during one of them!

My husband built this lovely little bench for the kids.

Lots of rain = lots of waterfalls at Great Falls National Park

rock climbing at Great Falls National Park

Mothers Day Tea at Tommy's preschool

Tommy showing me his gifts

My mom came into town for my busiest week of the year. It also happened to be Mothers Day while she was here! We enjoyed some special time together.

Beautiful bouquet from my hubby and kiddos on Mothers Day!

Enjoying a chocolate covered strawberry on Mother's Day

Baking with Grandma

Birthday waffles for my big 4 year old!

Birthday cake on his special day - May 12

So excited to open gifts!

Dress rehearsal from the show I directed - Mulan, Jr

A quick selfie before the first show

Caterpillar at the park

So much rain around here lately - rain gear was the perfect gift!

Recognize these lovely bloggers? It was so nice to catch up and have the kiddos play together.

Watching the turtle in our creek

I helped organize a baby shower for one of my friends. I'm obsessed with these Salsa Sweets cookies I ordered! (You can find her on facebook or instagram - simply amazing!)

The only picture I took from Tommy's birthday party - this was after everyone had left and I was about to start cleaning up...

My dear friend took some nice shots from Tommy's Pirate Party:

Some of the pirate themed food

Searching for treasure!

First Mate Molly

Walking the plank

Tiny pirates!

Enjoying meals on the deck before it gets too hot and sticky!

Our backyard = little boy heaven

this face!! :)

First trip to the dentist! I was amazed that he sat still for an entire cleaning and x-rays!

I started volunteering at our parish youth group. Ever played 9 Square before? The kids are obsessed with it!

More time outdoors.

Paddle boats!

Last day of preschool. Tommy loves all of his new friends from school!

My dear friend (and roommate from college/sorority sister) now lives in the area.
We are trying to meet up as often as we can. I love spending time with her sweet little girl Ainsley!