Friday, January 30, 2009

14 WEEKS WAITING!!

We have been on the waitlist for 14 weeks now. This week was an amazing week of referrals. Ten referrals in one day plus one little guy going to waitlist as special needs. We believe we are at about #18 on the list. We are just hoping to get a referral and pass court before the closure in Aug. If things continue this way then it does look promising but I can not allow myself to get my hopes up.
Sunday I am having a dinner at our home for my parents. Their birthdays are in Jan and Feb so I thought we could celebrate them together. I have a large family so it is hard to get everyone together at the same time. I am hoping everyone makes it. I think some are even going to Church with us! I am really excited. Donald says...no stressing out!! HA He know usually when I am planning an event at our house I go psycho! I have tried to keep up with everything through out the week. I will become the drill sgt on Sat when I am making everyone do things! :) The house shouldn't take that much just the kids' bedrooms and basement. FUN!!

Have a great weekend!!
Blessings~
Tina

Thursday, January 29, 2009

CAN'T THINK OF A TITLE??

I couldn't think of a title for this post so...that became the title.
Yesterday we went "Grandma" Dorothy's funeral. We took Em and Randy with us. It was packed and we were told that at least 400 people attended the visitation. She was loved by so many people. I know she will be missed by everyone. I only hope I can take what I have learned from her and live it everyday! Two of the questions that were given to us by the Minister was...How did she do it? and How do we go on without her? We know she did it by keeping her faith strong and with God in her heart. We move on without her by trying to be more like her! She loved with everything in her and when you talked to her you just knew she loved you. She has spread that love all over a whole community! So...I am sad but so thankful that she loved us and our babies! SO...thank you Grandma Dorothy for teaching us and for loving us!
Today I sat at the computer and tried to figure up where we are at "overall" on the list. I believe we are around #66. That seems like a lot but when you factor in that this includes everyone waiting and that we began on Oct 24th at #110 then it is really amazing! I believe we are around #18 for a little guy 0-12 months. We are moving right along really. I am feeling so much better now that we have had some movement in 2009. I was so worried when there was nothing for several weeks. It felt like we were starting 2008 all over again. I know God is in control and am thankful that He has our little one all picked out for us.
Please...if you have a minute still say a prayer for the little guy on the waitlist.

Blessings~
Tina

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

AN AMAZING DAY!!

Today we heard that there were 11 referrals yesterday. One little one will go on the waitlist. But if my calculations are right we should be around #18 for a baby boy 0-12 months. I am getting so excited. We could actually get our referral within the next 2 months if things continue they way they are right now.
Please...if you have a minute pray for the little guy on the waitlist. He is very sick right now.

Blessings~
Tina

Monday, January 26, 2009

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD #2!!

I am posting this one day late but with yesterday's news I didn't think about it. Yesterday was my father in laws birthday. We celebrated it on Saturday evening with dinner and cake at their house. Steve has been my 2nd Dad now for almost 20 years. He is a wonderful Dad and has helped me through a lot of things. I know he is always there when I need him. He has taken care of us when Don has been gone with the Guard. I knew he would always listen when I called to ask questions on what the news was saying. I am very thankful he is my Dad by marriage. The weird thing is he is 6 days younger than my Dad. SO...Happy belated Birthday Steve. Thanks for everything and I love ya!!!

Blessings~
Tina

Sunday, January 25, 2009

HEAVY HEARTS...

Tonight our hearts are heavy. We have lost a very dear woman. She was known as Grandma Dorothy to most of our hometown. She was such a wonderful woman and she will be so missed by everyone. We were able to see her Friday evening. She recognized Don by his voice right away and she knew the rest of us when she looked. She said how Randy has Don's smile and she called Em her baby girl. (She certainly was when she was little!) So today my children are sad...my husband is heartbroken...and I am just so thankful we were one of the ones she touched!
After we visited with her for a few minutes Fri we headed home and as we were eating dinner out Em started talking about her getting better. We then had to explain that she was not going to get better. Em cried as her brother held her.(It is so amazing to watch your children comfort each other!) We talked about how sometimes we want to be selfish and keep the ones we love here with us. But how she had lived such a long wonderful life and that her reward was waiting in Heaven. Then today at Church Em put in a prayer request that God would take her pain and not let her suffer. She past away about 1pm today. I know she is reunited with her family and friends in Heaven! SO...even though we are sad we are thankful that we had the chance to know her and be loved by her.

Blessings~
Tina

Friday, January 23, 2009

13 WEEKS...

We have now been waiting 13 weeks on the list for our little guy. I have had a better week. I am trying to see the positive in all of this. Some days are better than others.
I did get some organizing done. The pantry is now done. The last 2 things I really need to do is 2 closets. (Em and Randy's) I have kind of put those off because I am sure I will be a crabby person by the time I finish with them. :)
We did get some wonderful news this week...3 referrals and all were baby boys 2-2 months and 1-6 months. I think if my calculations are correct we are now at #22 for 0-12 months.
I even went to JCPenney's and did some clearance shopping for our little guy and Emilie this week. I bought size 12 months hoping he will be able to wear them next winter. They had some really cute things. We have quite a few things in the 6-9 months size so I don't want to buy anything else in that size. BUT it was really hard because they had some pretty cute things. I am just not so sure he will be that small when we get him. I got Em things that she will be able to wear next fall/winter as well. I was very proud of myself as I saved a little over $300. I LOVE clearance shopping!!
I am still praying that we will at least get our referral and pass court before the closure the beginning of August.

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend!
Blessings~
Tina

Monday, January 19, 2009

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD!

My Dad probably does not read this very often but I am hoping my Mom will get him to read it today. HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!! My Dad has taught me some very valuable lessons in life. He is a very hard worker. He has always worked hard for his family. He did not become a Christian until I was about 9, I think. So...I got to see my Dad change and it was an amazing change! My husband is a lot like my Dad. My Dad loves to get down on the floor and play with the kids. My kids knew papa would wrestle and throw them in the air and loved EVERY minute of it! The kids are older now but I can't wait to see our little guy interact with Papa. My Dad said recently that our little guy will be a gift from God. That touched my heart in ways he will never know. SO...for everything you have done for me and for always praying for us...Thank you Dad! I feel so blessed that God brought us together!! Happy Birthday! Love you, Tina

Dad with his new nerf gun at Christmas!

Blessings~
Tina

Friday, January 16, 2009

12 WEEKS & SOME REORGANIZING...

SO...today marks 12 weeks waiting. The first 8 to 10 weeks were easy BUT recently the wait has been a bit unbearable to me. Good grief...We have at least 14 to 20 weeks left to wait!! UUGH- will I ever make it.
Part of my New Year's goals was to try and get more organized with the closets and cabinets. My kitchen cabinets are done. I have cleaned them out and gotten rid of all the things we don't need or use. I have wiped them down and shined them and they look pretty good. I still need to clean out the pantry. I have cleaned out our breakfast server and made room for things for little guy. AND the big one is I have cleaned out the front room coat closet. That was a chore!! Everytime it was opened I would have an anxiety attack. It just looked so overwhelming to clean out. BUT it is now done. Saturday I will start on the upstairs closets. I am happy to be accomplishing this goal it makes me feel good to get it done!
Today we are headed out to get a few errands ran and some shopping done. This will get me away from the computer for a little while.

Hope you all have a Happy Friday. AND thanks for the comments. I would LOVE to go somewhere tropical...maybe for my 25th anniversary I will be able to! :)(That is only 5 years and 4 months away!!)

Blessings~
Tina

The guy who promises to love me even when I am not so nice!! ;)

Thursday, January 15, 2009

NOT HIS FAULT...

Today I am "trying" to feel better. I am "trying" to see the positive things that are going on. I am not there yet but I am "trying."
My poor husband is probably wanting OUT!! I have been rather...well...difficult to live with lately. (more like for the last 2 years!) About a week ago he brought home a vitamin that is supposed to help put you in a better mood! HA HA HA HA HA...All I could think about was an episode of "Everybody Loves Raymond". Do you know what I am talking about?? I didn't go nutso on him...I just said that is not going to work! He said I should try it. OK that was my sign that I have not been the friendliest of people lately. He took me to a movie last Friday night to get me out of the house and away from the computer. He took me out to lunch on Monday to get me out. BUT my moods have only gotten worse! Yesterday when we got "official" news that the wait times from referral to travel are getting longer I was upset. I sent him a text about it. His first comment was...we will be fine. I didn't agree...then he said something like...it will happen when it happens! Well...I wanted to throw the phone into the wall. I told him later last night that I was thinking he shouldn't quit his day job because that was the worst supportive comment EVER!!! BUT you know what? This is not his fault. This man that I married almost 20 years ago would have had this baby in my arms the day we began this process if he could have. That is how he is. I know this is just as hard on him to watch me be so sad and broken right now. He wants to make it all better and he can't and he is a fixer!! Today...I am trying really hard to remember that he too is longing for our little guy and I need to remember that. This process is not all about what I want but involves so many more than just me!! SO...if it takes longer then so be it. I will not be happy about it but I will try to remember what is really important and be thankful for those I have that can and will keep me going! I am thankful for my husband and his love for me (even when I am not lovable! :) ).


Today's inspirational comment: When the things you are experiencing don't make sense, faith says, "God knows what He is doing." **Trying very hard to keep the faith!**

Blessings~
Tina

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

THE ADOPTION BLUES...

The last few days I think I have been in the adoption blues. Two years waiting for our little guy and things are going really slowly for referrals and court dates right now. I am trying so hard to stay optimistic. But the math tells me we should have a referral by the closure BUT having a court date is not likely! That makes me sad. I am trying to be ok but I am just not there. I know God can do some amazing things. I have seen it in this adoption many times! Recently we have had wonderful people give towards the adoption of our little guy...AMAZING!! But the thought of waiting almost 3 years has me down right now. We would have to update the homestudy and be refingerprinted AGAIN!! I can't imagine seeing his little face and then waiting over 6 months to actually hold him!! I know others have done it and survived. I just don't want to. Sorry... I am praying for peace and understanding and will hopefully feel much better VERY soon!

My calendar says today...What things are possible for you today through faith? All things are possible, because your faith is in the God who knows no impossibilities.
All things are possible to him that believeth. Mark 9:23

Blessings~
Tina

Friday, January 9, 2009

East to the West...

My children are taking over the blog for this post...Randy wanted to post one of our favorite Casting Crown songs...



Emilie wrote a poem for a contest at school but was too late to get it turned in. I told her I would post it for the blog world to read and enjoy...
A SPRING DAY IN MARCH
I can see a doe and a fawn gathered in a meadow to eat tender delicate grass.
I can hear a water fall nearby that gently drips into a river below.
I can smell the flowers that bloomed beautiful reds and greens.
I can feel the gentle dewey wet grass as I rest motionless in that exact spot.
I can taste those freshly picked from a bush berries.
And it was truly was a grandly perfect spring day.


By...Emilie Hubbard (10 yrs)

Hope you enjoyed the post from the kids.

Blessings~
Tina

11 WEEKS WAITING!!

Today marks 11 weeks of waiting. It has been a tough week for me. I am not sure why it hit me this week? Our agency has not had any referrals in 3 weeks and I am thinking that may be it. When you are watching progress and see yourself moving up the list it makes the wait a little easier (for me anyway).
I can say that I am SO thankful for all of the kind words and prayers and good thoughts while I was in a "mood". One of my best prayer warriors is my sister. She has been wonderful these past few months. I know if I need to vent she is there to listen! She has been having some health problems for over a year now and they are still not sure what is going on so I try to check in on her a lot. But I think she has helped me more lately than I have helped her! She is SO excited about our little guy. She has even said she would love to go with us to get him! I know our little guy is already so loved and that is such a blessing to us. My Dad told me recently that Our little guy is a gift from God! I was so touched by this. I know that is how Don and I feel but to hear others say it is truly amazing to us.
So...today as we continue to wait I know in my heart that we are going to be blessed beyond belief when our little guy arrives!
My inspirational calendar says for 1/9: Today is your best day because you can grow a little more in your faith, a little more in your maturity, and a little more in your intimacy with Jesus.

Blessings~
Tina

Cindy (my sister) and I @ Christmas.

Thursday, January 8, 2009

RE-READING OUR ADOPTION JOURNAL

I decided today to go back and read the adoption journal that I started 2 years ago. I was hoping it would give me peace as we continue the wait. It amazes me to see how far we have come and what we have gone through to get our little guy. I can see the hand of God working throughout these last 2 years and I am feeling better now. I still have that "want" but I also feel like we are where we are supposed to be right now. (As hard as that is to take sometimes!) Today as I read through my journal I found a poem that I hand copied in there on 1/12/08. I thought I would share it with you all. I am sure most of you have heard it.

We witness a miracle everytime a child enters into life.
But those who make their journey home across time and miles,
growing within the hearts of those who wait to love them,
are carried on the wings of destiny and placed among us
by God's very hands.

Blessings~
Tina

TODAY I JUST WANT!!!!

Today I sit here and think about the fact that we have been doing this adoption for 2 years. I am struggling. I want so much...
I want to see our little guy...other than in my dreams!
I want to look into the crib and see our little guy laying there!
I want to watch him walk to his Daddy when he walks in the door from work!
I want to watch our little guy playing with his brother and sisters!
BUT MOST OF ALL...I WANT TO HAVE HIM IN MY ARMS!

I know we are closer to getting him. I know that God has already picked him out for us. I know that God is holding us up as we continue this journey. I know that God will give me peace that I will survive this journey and be better for it!

BUT for now...right this minute...I WANT!!!

Blessings~
Tina

Wednesday, January 7, 2009

MERRY CHRISTMAS IN ETHIOPIA!!

Melkam Ghena
Melkin Yelidet Beaal
enkwan laberhana ledat abaqqawot
Enquine le gena adersashewu

(Merry Christmas said so many different ways in Amharic.)

Today is Christmas in Ethiopia. The House of Hope celebrated yesterday and even had a group that was on a mission trip there to celebrate with them.
We can't wait to celebrate this with ALL of our children but especially our little guy. When I was talking about it last night at the dinner table, my 16 yr old said,"WOO HOO more presents!!" I tell you I wonder about that kid sometimes! I plan on doing more research about Christmas in Ethiopia so that I am completely prepared next year!

Blessings~
Tina

A NEW DAY!

Today is a new day! We still had a tough night but we all did sleep better last night. Today as I changed my inspirational calendar this is what I found
God will use what happens today to prepare
you for what He has for you in the future days.
HMMMM...Wonder what He has in store for me??? I know that He never gives more than I can handle BUT I wonder why He thinks I can handle so much??
We have swim lessons tonight. I promised Em I would take pics and post some of what she has learned. She does love to swim.
SO...Today I am giving it ALL to God.

Blessings~
Tina

Tuesday, January 6, 2009

ANOTHER DAY!

Today is just another day. I am completely exhausted!! I have never posted here about ADHD. Our youngest was diagnosed about 3 or so years ago. Our son was diagnosed the year prior to her. Randy was having problems in school turning in his work. He would get it all done and then leave it somewhere like his locker or just misplace it. He would get A's on the tests and end up with C's in his classes and not see anything wrong with that. His teachers in Middle school were NOT good at communicating with me SO this Mom got ugly!! I was told if we do not stand up for our children no one else will! Randy has never been hyperactive or had problems staying in control of his emotions. He just had a hard time staying focused and organized. We never put Randy on meds because with the help of teachers and us staying on top of this Randy has been very successful. Emilie is the total opposite! She has been a very hyper child from birth. We dealt with it until she started having problems with school and then we wanted her to be successful so we went to a specialist. Emilie is very passionate about EVERYTHING! We finally have her on a med that she is doing very well in school. That is VERY important to us!! We work hard to deal with everything here at home but we are not always the best parents at it. It is hard when you are into an hour long fit and you are not sure how to help her or to keep yourself from losing it as well!! Lately she is having problems sleeping. We are hoping this will get under control soon. Maybe God is preparing us for our little guy who will keep us up at night! :) I don't want my children to be defined by ADHD. I want them to be successful despite it. Randy is doing great now and getting A's and B's in High school. Emilie is doing very well in school and we are still working on home! We are Mom and Dad so I am sure she feels like it is ok to just be herself with us. Sometimes herself is a little hard to deal with. BUT we love her and will always do our best to make her successful in all aspects of her life. Anyway...I know this has nothing to do with adoption but I just had to get this out today!

Blessings~
Tina

Monday, January 5, 2009

SPLOTCHED!

I know interesting title...right? Well...we celebrated Christmas with my family on Saturday and we had a great time. BUT Saturday morning I woke up and my face had a few red splotches and what looked like maybe hives?? I covered it up with makeup and we headed out. Then when I woke up Sunday morning...I looked SCARY! My face was swollen and the red splotches were worse. Since I teach the 2&3 yr old class I decided not to totally freak them out and Don went to Church and taught them for me. I stayed doped up on Benadryl all day and today it is much better. The hard part is trying to figure out what I ate or used that caused it. It still itches but is much better and not as swollen.
We did have a good time Saturday. We even got 2 gifts from my family. A lovey blankie with a dog on it and an ethnic nativity scene (very cool!) And my sister even gave us a gift towards Little guy's adoption!! We feel so blessed that everyone is so excited about getting him!
Here are a few pics from the day.
It was hard getting a good pic of my mom because she didn't want it taken!

My brother and his wife bought my Dad a nerf gun and he loved it!!

This is the four kids that were all born in the same year! They are all 10. They are the youngest of the bunch for now!

I will post more pics later. I have a large family so we have a lot of pics.

Hope you all have a great week!

Blessings~
Tina

Friday, January 2, 2009

10 WEEKS WAITING! :)

Today we have been waiting 10 weeks for our referral. I think having the Holidays thrown in there it has made this part of the time fly by. I am anxious to see how many referrals there are when our agency opens back after a few weeks off for the Holidays. I know there are several of us who are anxious about it.
It is hard to believe it is already 2009! Did you all make New Year's "Goals"? I tried to make a few. I will list them and then maybe it will make me more accountable? Yah right?!! 1. Be a better wife and mom 2. Lose another 5 lbs 3. Read my Bible more 4. Be thankful for what I have 5. Organize my house before we get our referral! :)
We have one more Christmas to do. My family will get together tomorrow at my parent's house. I will hopefully have pics to post on Monday of the event. We usually have a good time.
I am reminded today of this Bible verse:
BE ANXIOUS FOR NOTHING, BUT IN EVERYTHING, BY PRAYER AND PETITION, WITH THANKSGIVING, PRESENT YOUR REQUESTS TO GOD. PHIL. 4:6 (NIV)

Blessings in 2009,
Tina

Thursday, January 1, 2009

HAPPY 16TH BIRTHDAY, RANDY...& HAPPY NEW YEAR!

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!! I hope you are all doing well after a late night?? We were in bed by 1. All we did was hang out and play the wii and eat things that are surely not on MY diet!! :) The bad thing is that we were just about asleep when Don received a phone call from the PD and had to go in and work an accident. He then did not get home until 430. It is 1030 and everyone is still sleeping! We are headed to grandparents today to celebrate the New Year and to celebrate my boy turning 16. I AM OLD!! :p
Randy was born at 12:29 am on New Year's Day in 1993. He was a little over 3 weeks early so you can imagine our surprise! He was the first baby born in that hospital that year and the first actually born on the 1st in like 4 or 5 years so we got a lot of attention!! He was born on a Military post as well so...I remember just getting settled in my room and trying to rest and the nurses coming in and saying, "You may want to get up and shower the General will be here at 10 to see you and the baby!" We were pretty famous for a few days! We even made the front page of the paper there! I only stayed in the hospital for that night and then I just wanted to get home to our other little one as well.
I feel so blessed to be Randy's Mom. He is such a great kid and quickly becoming a man! YUCK!!! He has goals and plans he has set for himself. I can't wait to see what God has planned for him. I know he will so something great in his life. He is looking forward to being a big brother. He has wanted a brother for a long time! The girls have even said that he can be the first to hold our little guy when we arrive home! We all are reminded (by him) how long He has waited for a brother! :)
HAPPY BIRTHDAY SON! WE LOVE YOU SO MUCH!


Tifanie holding Randy the day we came home from the hospital on Jan. 2nd 1993!

Randy last year at a winter survival campout. He was sleeping inside an igloo he and some friends made.

Randy with Tifanie.

Christmas 2008...goofing around!

I hope you all have a wonderful 2009 filled with many blessings!

God Bless~
Tina