Game day!

For our 15th wedding anniversary and for Brandon's 35th birthday, my mom and my sister got us tickets to the Alabama/ Mississippi State football game! Of course that was back in August so nobody knew MSU would be THIS good. 

We were afraid we weren't going to be able to go but at the last minute, it worked out and we decided to go. And boy am I glad we did! What a fun atmosphere that was! I texted an Alabama regular (shout out to Alison Johnson!) and she gave us great directions and advice for parking. We followed those directions to the T and found a great place to park. The walk up to the stadium was awesome. Everybody was dressed up in their Bama or state gear and it seemed like a pretty friendly rivalry. Now most people know that I am an LSU girl, but I am also a Bama girl and I definitely had that Crimson on! (On my first day of school when we moved here in 1985, a girl asked me who I was for- Alabama or Auburn. I looked around the class and saw team colors for both, and Alabama it was!)

From start to finish it was an awesome day! Alabama won, we had good seats, nice people around us, we were able to find our car when it was over. Just overall a great day together! 

Of course I have pictures!

Is He my “enough” while I am waiting in my hallway?

The title of today's blog post comes from a blog I read earlier this morning, called While Waiting.  It is very good and worth taking the time to read.  It's a question I have to ask myself- is God really enough?  If my "what if" or "worst case" happens, is God still enough?  I would like to say, well obviously yes!  But honestly, I can't say that every day.  He's still working on me... His grace is sufficient for me.  Thank you God for your grace and mercy!

I've been reading a lot of waiting and timing recently.  Waiting is not something that I do well.  When I get an idea in my head, I am ready to jump and do it, and I'll figure out the details along the way.  Sometimes this has worked pretty well and other times not so much.  In our 15 years of marriage, Brandon has taught me how to be patient.  I watch how he handles situations, how he prays about it, how he thinks things through, and how he asks the important questions (that I never think of).  Sometimes he drives me crazy when he is processing or thinking through something haha, but I know it's the right thing to do.

That being said, here are some other blogs or articles that have helped me while I am waiting in my hallway.  If you are like me, and you are in a time of waiting, I hope these blogs will help you as they have helped me.

Five Ways to Glorify God While You Wait

In the Meantime

Not According to Plan

Thanks,
Chrissy

Good first visit

Visit one went really well! I don't think my house has ever looked that good haha. Too bad it didn't stay that way...

We have the best licensing worker! (The other two ladies are awesome too though!) She is very patient with us as we try to decide what to do. I wonder if she's ever met more indecisive people than us! She said she's used to it ;) Anyway, she patiently answered all of our questions and asked us some to help us think through everything. I appreciate her being open and honest with us. It is helping us! You know, just when you think you have it figured out what you're going to do, you get more info and lean the other direction.   Oh well, we're still talking about it...

Now to relax we are spending the day with family in Moulton! Awesome day full of food, laughter, and football! 

Here's a shot of us when the visit was over:

How relieved do we look??

On another note

On another note- as I have worked my tail off today getting the house ready, I have had to fight off some resentment towards those who don't have to go through all of this for a child. 

Just keeping it real y'all...

And some resentment towards this one for making such a mess! 

Home visit Friday

Today is the day of the first home visit. As I'm taking a break from frantically moving stuff around (so that meds and cleaners can be locked up) and cleaning my house. I cannot believe how much stuff we have in this house!  And that's after we have even cleaned out cabinets and closets. I guess we need round 2! 

So of course today I see all of the projects I wish I could get done in time. Brandon had a profound statement this morning (he usually does; I learn so much from him!). He said if we really wanted to go the fostering route we would be so excited to the point that our house would have been ready already. He's right; if this was something I really wanted to do I would be so strongly in favor that nothing could stop me!  I feel like if we choose the adoption route we have more time to not only get our house ready, but more time to think things through. More time to consider answers to the questions we will be asked: what age or gender do we prefer, how many children? They even ask about race and culture. So that does take some (not all) of the pressure off of this visit today. But we still need your prayers! I need to be able to think straight and I need Sherman to not use his box while our worker is here!

On a nicer note, check out what my awesome Mama brought us! This is what I came home to yesterday (along with some incredible caramel apple bread):

She's pretty great!

Ok, it's back to work I go! Keep praying please 😊

Some helps along the way

As Brandon and I have been traveling this road, I have stumbled upon many books and posts and articles that have been so helpful! 

One in particular is a book I am currently reading; it is Barren Among the Fruitful by Amanda Hope Haley. I have been searching for a book like this one for a while now. Every infertility/adoption story I hear or read about has been helpful, but most of them end with that "happily ever after"- a baby or child. I kept wondering, where are the stories from women who didn't have that ending? What if I never get that ending?  This book not only covers the author's infertility story, and stories from other women, but it talks about not ever having children. I highly recommend it!

Another helpful post is one I found on the true women blog. It's called, What if I Can't  Have Children? I'll attempt to add the link in here. Not promising anything though! Well try this, go to www.truewoman.com/?id=2723

Hopefully it works because it s a great article! For more of what I have found you can also check out my facebook page. I also have a board on Pinterest. It's called hopefully one day. 

That's it for now! How about ending with Sherman? That always make me happy!

 

Mission Complete!

We made it! We got our Tuesday nights back! (It's good to know that other people struggled with the 3 hour Tuesday nights too.)  

Last week was our final GPS meeting and we all got our certificates. I'm so glad that we have proof of completion! We earned those certificates- I might have to frame mine.  Tonight we had our CPR training at the DHR building. And it just might be the last time I have to set foot in there for a formal meeting!  No offense to the workers there- loved them but glad to be done!  The CPR training was really good and actually fun; we had a great instructor.

Here is how we celebrated our freedom:

Oh yeah- Five Guys!!!

Friday afternoon we have our first home visit by our assigned worker. So if you think about it, please lift us up in prayer!  And please include a prayer that Sherman cooperates! 

My prayer has been that God will help us figure out what we want to do and what's best to do.  Obviously we want His will and His plan over our own.  I really just need Him to tell me exactly what to do here.  It doesn't always work that way does it? 

My heart is full

So sorry about the debbie-downer post yesterday. Sometimes you just have down or dark days, you know? The feelings are there, but in my short 38 years on this earth I have realized that my feelings will lie to me. They can't always be trusted. That's when God in his sweet mercy and grace usually sends someone my way to lift me up and encourage me. And sometimes even to "slap me out of it."

My heart is full today because I got to spend some time with a girl that I have know since she was a baby. And now she is a freshman in college. Wow do I feel old!  Monica came by to tell me all about school and everything going on in her life. I cannot tell you how good it was to listen and ask questions. Big duh moment here: it's so nice to focus on somebody else and get my eyes off of myself! I have missed her and that group of girls that I got to teach in Sunday school last year. I can't imagine how their parents feel!

One of the things we talked about was prayer and having an active, intentional prayer life. It's so important and it's an area that I struggle with. But I love to pray for other people. So if there is anything I can pray about for you, please let me know! This verse in Romans is so good: "Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer." That's Romans 12:12 and it's my challenge for the moment. What's yours?

In closing, here is a picture from when I got to go with Monica and her friend Christy to a college preview day at the wonderful Blue Mountain College (it's an awesome college!!):

 

I absolutely love and miss these girls!

This is not a perky post

If you are looking for a perky, happy, make you feel good post, I would advise you to stop reading and go find some pictures of kittens.  Here's a fat cat for your viewing pleasure before you close this web page (the day Sherman got stuck under the bed and Brandon stopped for a picture before getting him out- my favorite):

When this blog was started, the purpose was to document this journey through the DHR adoption/foster care process.  I wanted to be able to go back and read everything once the process is complete and we have our happy little family the way I'd planned it all along.  I prefer to share the highs, but I think part of that is to show the lows too.  At the risk of being transparent and vulnerable, here goes... Today I feel absolutely defeated and hopeless.  Before you scroll down to comment, I know for certain that there is an abundance of hope in Jesus, and that's where my strength comes from.  I am not doubting this at all; I just am having a little pity moment (not even a party) and I will get over it.  It just seems like this is never going to happen.  And I do thank God for the friends and family who will sit and listen and let me vent without preaching to me.  That is a form of ministering to people and it is so important.  Encouragement- yes; showing me the fault in my current theology- no, please, just no. Not right now.

I just read an incredible blog post by an incredible young woman.  She was able to put into words what I couldn't even put into thoughts.  The blog is called Forming the Pearl and I would encourage you to go read it.  She has some awesome words of encouragement and help for this moment that I needed to read (and put into practice).  The particular blog post is called "In the Meantime."

Another reason for being so transparent is so that the two people who read this blog (thanks Mama and Margaret!) will know better how to pray for me and Brandon.  I never get tired of hearing people tell me they are praying for us!  The LIFE Group lesson this Sunday is on prayer and it's a good one.  I call it a "toe-stomper" because it didn't just step on my toes, it stomped on them!  That explanation is for all of the engineers out there.  ;)  Oh I'm just kidding... sort of.

Ok, I have to end on a positive note, so here is another picture of Sherman.  He was so glad to see us when we came back from the beach.  I was just glad he didn't leave us any presents...

And some more from the beach...

Matching converse!

The whole group at the Back Porch.

Fun times. I want to go back right now.

You're welcome.

Attempting a selfie.

Me with my love.

And group shot on the last day after all of our football teams lost.

Finally... The beach!

Well we finally made it to the beach! We are here with my parents, my cool converse-wearing 91 year old Mamaw, my sister and her fiancé. It's always a good time. :) I love the beach in October! I can actually come out from under the umbrella. The ocean is clear, the breeze is cool, the sky is blue with a few clouds, and I have my newest Ted Dekker book. Life is good right now!

As of Tuesday we are done with 8 classes out of 10. The classes are still very helpful and informative. I can't emphasize enough how good the case/social workers are! They have done a great job with our classes. And have been very patient with us haha. We still don't know what we will decide. If you think about it, please pray for us. Pray that we will be able to decide what to do. We have so much information to process that it's almost overwhelming! I have a tendency to jump into things and think about it later. I'm so thankful that Brandon keeps me grounded and is good about processing things! 

Thanks for taking the time to read my scattered thoughts! And for praying for us. In the meantime, I'll be soaking up some sun and some shade with my toes in the sand!

Happy Tuesday

We are on the way to class #6! And very glad that we are knocking these out. So far so good. I am wondering what we'll be learning tonight...

In other news, Brandon came on up to the 21st century and got an iPhone. I have waited for this day for so long!! He seems to like it :) And he's even started taking selfies hahaha! Here's one from the car on the way to class. 

Happy Tuesday everybody!

Love this quote!

I couldn't agree more :)

Happy Wednesday everybody!

Another week, another class

Today will be GPS class #4 for us.  Can you tell we are counting down a little?  When you start out on week 1, not knowing at all what to expect, 9 more weeks seems daunting.  But after going for 3 weeks so far, I can say that I am actually enjoying it (well, most of it).

It is so obvious at times that this is a state requirement, but the ladies that lead/teach this class are what makes it good.  We have now met all 3 of the case workers who will be teaching, and the experienced foster/adoptive mom who stays the same week to week.  I definitely see the benefit of these classes and I have learned SO much already!  At times it seems like information overload. And at times I think to myself, didn't we already cover this like 3 times already??  But it is necessary and it is helpful.

We started out pretty sure that we were interested in adoption only, but we went with an open mind, ready to listen to what they had to say.  And after class #1, that was confirmed.  Then you realize how much of a need the state has for foster families, and what these kids go through, and you think, well maybe we could do foster parenting...  After class #3 we were back to almost 100% sure that we are interested in adoption only.  One of the things they get us thinking about is our families. And how fostering and/or adopting will change your life as well as the child's life.

We have a lot of class interaction too.  For 3 weeks now I have listened to the people in our class, and I came to an opinion (shocking, I know).  I believe that these people have a calling to be a foster parent.  They are like 100% sure about it, and most of them already have kids of their own!  I am blown away by them.  But as our case workers and experienced mom keep reminding us, each family is unique and has their own needs and knows what fits best in their home with their family- just like each child is unique and has their own needs and will fit best with a particular situation/family. Very reassuring!

I think this would be a great ministry in the church, don't you?  I can see it now- Foster Care/Adoption Ministry: being the hands and feet of Jesus as we partner with local and state DHR.  In all seriousness, I've read about church families taking this on personally in their families and as a ministry of their church.  You might have read a book about it.  :)  I know this challenge is not for every family, but the need is so so big.  My heart hurts for these kids in foster care who have been ripped away from their families.  And for the ones whose parents' rights have been terminated and they are just waiting for a forever family.  Some have been waiting for years.  Some will never have that wish fulfilled.

I guess that's enough for now.  Here's to class #4!

What a Week!

What a week it's been!  

Monday I got to fill in for my Zumba teacher and lead the class.  That was awesome and gave me a slight idea of what teaching a Zumba class is like.  And wouldn't you know it, we had 6 new people in the class that night!  I heavily promoted for them to come back next week for the real work-out. FYI- I will be very glad when she is back... Beth is awesome!

Tuesday we started the first of ten weeks of three hour long adoption/foster care classes.  In ways it was exactly what I expected, but then not at all what I expected.  It was very informative and well done.  I really like the case worker (I forget her official title) who leads it.  She is professional and sharp, but also personable and friendly.  Great combo!   These classes will really help us in this whole process.  As I sat there looking around the room (when I was supposed to be paying attention) I was impressed by how many people were there and interested in fostering or adopting.  And then listening to them talk I realized, this is definitely a calling!  Especially foster care.  And it is such a need.  It was a long but good night.

Wednesday we started our Ladies Bible Study here at work!  We are doing the Esther study by Beth Moore and I am SO excited.  If it continues how it started, it's going to be absolutely incredible!  And we had a taco bar with lots of desserts.  Love it.  Confession time: I had two desserts and I do not regret it.  Since I teach Sunday School on Sundays (and love every minute of it), I don't get the benefit of being taught the Bible in a small group setting.  And I came to realize that I really need that in my life.  It's cool to get to do this with co-workers too; it has helped me to be more open with them and just to be closer to them.

Yesterday (Thursday) Brandon and I celebrated our 15th wedding anniversary!  I know, I can't believe it's been that long either!  It really has flown by.  When I am tempted to fall into that trap of self-pity or the why me pit, I think of how blessed I am to have my sweet husband.  He is the most unselfish person I have ever met.  What a servant he is!  He has taught me so much (and has no idea) just by being himself.

Today is Friday.  'Nuff said.

Tomorrow (Saturday) I get to go wedding dress shopping with my sister and my mom! I can't wait!  Those two can out-shop me in no time, so prayers for lots of energy would be appreciated.

Sunday is our Leader Training for the new LIFE Group (Sunday School) year, and I always enjoy that.  Plus they feed us.


Well that's a wrap on my week.  Here's hoping for another great one next week!

I guess it's time to start blogging!

A couple of people have suggested that I start a blog.  I cannot imagine that I would have much to say, or that it is the least bit interesting, but I'll take a stab at it.  The main purpose being that I can record my thoughts and keep the memories.  (I have a terrible memory!)

I love reading blogs.  Especially blogs authored by people that I know and don't see very much.  It's just an easier way to get caught up, and to know how I can pray for people.  And since I'm more of an introvert (and NOT a phone person) I can avoid conversations haha.

More recently I have been searching for blogs on adoption.  There are a lot of great reads out there, but I am constantly looking for more!  Being an adopted person myself, I absolutely love to read or hear about the adoption experiences of others.  And I love to tell my adoption story (that's for a whole 'nother entry).

I constantly think about adoption- my adoption, my birth mother, my adoptive family, and hopefully adopting one day.  Since so many others' stories and blogs have and are still helping me, I thought maybe this one will help someone some day.  That means there is more to come...

I guess that's a good enough start to this whole blogging thing.  I'll leave this entry with some pictures!

The fam, Easter Sunday 2014 in our dress up clothes!

Brandon and me on July 4th this year.  I wish we had some more of those brownies...