I think I am finally getting back to my normal routine. I got everything marked off my to do list yesterday and have a pretty good start to today. I just wish this cough I have had will go away! Then last night I had an allergic reaction to something and that gave me another set back. It seems I am finding more and more things I can not eat! This was just Italian bratwurst with 4 cheeses in it...so who knows what it could have been!
I can't make phone calls because I feel like it is rude to cough through the conversation. That and I am NOT good at making phone calls anyway! I have always been that way...Just weird I guess. Don't mind people calling me just not good at making the calls. Anyway...
We are still waiting for our fingerprint renewal to come in the mail. We had them done on Sept 8 so hopefully they will be here this week. If they are not I will make Don start calling them. Don't want any unnecessary delays when our time comes!
I am still in AWE...every time I see his photo. As long as we have waited and hoped and prayed and dreamed...I was thinking we would never be at this point! Yesterday I was changing my devotional calendar over and this is what it said:
God says: I care for you...I will supply all your needs...I have loved you with an everlasting love...I will never fail you...Do not be afraid...Trust me...Your times are in MY hands...I rule over all...I am for you...When needed, I will discipline you as your loving FATHER...Call upon ME and I will answer you...I know the plans for you.
What a wonderful reminder!! I think I need to make it into a poster and recite it daily. :)
Hope you all have a wonderful day!
Tina
**Be joyful always; Pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. 1Thes. 5:16-18
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Saturday, September 26, 2009
IT IS OFFICIAL!!!
We have officially accepted the referral for our little guy. I am SO very excited. I will try and post a few pics later.
I have heard others say that it took a few days to come out of the fog and I thought that was odd. BUT...now I understand. I have not been able to accomplish much the past 2 days. That is really not normal for me. I like everything organized and together and well...that has not been the case the last few days. Today I am hoping to get some things done and re focus myself on what needs to be done!!! :)
We have his picture everywhere in the house and I just walk past and I have to stop and stare!! He is SO beautiful!! My heart is so full right now and I am just so happy!
There is a lot to do in the next 3-4 months to prepare for his arrival. His nursery is all together and ready for him. We do need to start looking into getting a carseat. We were waiting to see his size and age before we started looking. SO...if you have a favorite or one that you don't like let us know. It has been 11 years since we had a baby so things change a lot in that time!!
Thanks to all for praying for us. We still need prayers for court date and travel and would so appreciate them from all of you!
Have a blessed weekend!
Tina
***I am always praising YOU; all day long I honor YOU. Psalm 71:8
I have heard others say that it took a few days to come out of the fog and I thought that was odd. BUT...now I understand. I have not been able to accomplish much the past 2 days. That is really not normal for me. I like everything organized and together and well...that has not been the case the last few days. Today I am hoping to get some things done and re focus myself on what needs to be done!!! :)
We have his picture everywhere in the house and I just walk past and I have to stop and stare!! He is SO beautiful!! My heart is so full right now and I am just so happy!
There is a lot to do in the next 3-4 months to prepare for his arrival. His nursery is all together and ready for him. We do need to start looking into getting a carseat. We were waiting to see his size and age before we started looking. SO...if you have a favorite or one that you don't like let us know. It has been 11 years since we had a baby so things change a lot in that time!!
Thanks to all for praying for us. We still need prayers for court date and travel and would so appreciate them from all of you!
Have a blessed weekend!
Tina
***I am always praising YOU; all day long I honor YOU. Psalm 71:8
Thursday, September 24, 2009
AND GOD SAYS...IS TODAY SOON ENOUGH???
YES...THAT IS RIGHT!! Today at 1035 am we received one of the most precious "gifts" we could ever receive! He is absolutely amazing. He is only 4 months old and we are just speechless. He is quite healthy looking. I wish I could share more but...that will have to wait until after we pass court. For now...We feel so blessed!
The referral story:
Well...I was busy cleaning out cabinets and repapering them. I was trying to keep myself busy so as not to think about the fact that we have been "waiting" so long! Don came in from work and we were talking and playing with Heidi. His cell phone rang and we were standing close together and Heidi was in his arms. I could hear a woman's voice and he responded no when she asked if he was at work...then she asked if I was there...I lost it!! I heard her say "this is your day" and all I said was OOOOH- Then she began giving details and I said oh wait I need a pen. We were both crying and laughing and shaking. Poor Heidi did not know what to think. We hung up and got on the computer. We fell in love with our little guy immediately. He is adorable!
We then quickly packed up and headed to Walgreens to make copies of the photo. Before we went into Walgreens we had to gain our composure. Then we headed first to Em's school (she was promised first dibs on seeing him) and then to Randy's school. Then we called Tifanie and she met us for a picture as well. We have called lots of people.
Now we wait for the court date. But I think for now I will just enjoy this day!!
Thanks so much if you have been praying for us! Please keep it up...we still have about 3-4 months of waiting to get through.
Blessings~
Tina
GOD IS GOOD ALL THE TIME!!!
The referral story:
Well...I was busy cleaning out cabinets and repapering them. I was trying to keep myself busy so as not to think about the fact that we have been "waiting" so long! Don came in from work and we were talking and playing with Heidi. His cell phone rang and we were standing close together and Heidi was in his arms. I could hear a woman's voice and he responded no when she asked if he was at work...then she asked if I was there...I lost it!! I heard her say "this is your day" and all I said was OOOOH- Then she began giving details and I said oh wait I need a pen. We were both crying and laughing and shaking. Poor Heidi did not know what to think. We hung up and got on the computer. We fell in love with our little guy immediately. He is adorable!
We then quickly packed up and headed to Walgreens to make copies of the photo. Before we went into Walgreens we had to gain our composure. Then we headed first to Em's school (she was promised first dibs on seeing him) and then to Randy's school. Then we called Tifanie and she met us for a picture as well. We have called lots of people.
Now we wait for the court date. But I think for now I will just enjoy this day!!
Thanks so much if you have been praying for us! Please keep it up...we still have about 3-4 months of waiting to get through.
Blessings~
Tina
GOD IS GOOD ALL THE TIME!!!
11 MONTHS...PLEASE LET IT BE SOON??!!
OK...so as you can see by the ticker we are now at 11 months of waiting (in the Ethiopia program). We are inching ever closer to the three year mark!! YUCK-- I was talking to my mother in law on the phone yesterday and I told her what was going on and all. I told her this Christmas I planned on just getting through it. I may not be a very happy person...but I will not let that take away from the Holiday or my other kiddos. It will be hard but I will get through just as I have the last few years! I will put on my best bravest face and just make it through!! She reminded me that there is a reason for all of this. I know this...REALLY...I do know this. BUT it does not make the waiting any easier but it does at times make it bearable. I am hoping and praying that if we at least have our referral and I have a picture of our little guy that it will not seem so difficult. I know we have to be getting close...but so far nothing this week.
SO...here's wishing for some good news TODAY!!
Have a blessed day!
Tina
***If all things are possible with God, then all things are possible to him who believes in HIM.
Corrie ten Boom
SO...here's wishing for some good news TODAY!!
Have a blessed day!
Tina
***If all things are possible with God, then all things are possible to him who believes in HIM.
Corrie ten Boom
Monday, September 21, 2009
WE ARE BACK...
We had a good time at Branson in spite of the rain. We walked on the Landing on Friday night and that was fun. Heidi got spooked by the boat horn...(very funny!) and it took a while for her to get back down and walk.
Whenever we would go to our room she would run to the door and say bye-bye! Emilie enjoyed shopping and going to build a bear for her 6th animal!!
I am now trying to get caught up on laundry and NOT feel as sick as I do!! My voice is going and my head hurts and I have a horrible cough!! UUGH- I hate coughing because if I don't cross my legs...OOPS!!! :) It is wonderful.
Praying this is a great week for many people!!(us too PLEASE!!)
Blessings~
Tina
Whenever we would go to our room she would run to the door and say bye-bye! Emilie enjoyed shopping and going to build a bear for her 6th animal!!
I am now trying to get caught up on laundry and NOT feel as sick as I do!! My voice is going and my head hurts and I have a horrible cough!! UUGH- I hate coughing because if I don't cross my legs...OOPS!!! :) It is wonderful.
Praying this is a great week for many people!!(us too PLEASE!!)
Blessings~
Tina
Friday, September 18, 2009
WEEK #47...
Nothing new to report this week. We are still here and we are still waiting for our phone call... It is kind of hard because you get so pumped up when you here good news and you just want it to keep coming and then...nothing for a week...such a let down!
I am starting to keep the phone around me now. I am so hoping we are very close. It is tough when you don't know exactly where you are sitting at. We know overall but are pretty much guessing on the other because we do not know if anyone else has changed their request? Very hard for this list person!!
***Please keep my sister, Cindy, in your prayers this next week. She heads to Mayo clinic after a few years of illness and no diagnosis. We are praying she will finally get answers and be on the mend. She is leaving three boys in the care of my Dad during the week and my mom will join them on the weekends. Pray for them all as the boys will surely miss their Mom and are very concerned about her. My sister has been a great source of support for me, especially these past few months of waiting. I was reading my devotion today and this was the verse...I have heard your prayer, I have seen your tears; surely I will heal you. 1Kings 20:5
We are headed to Branson today. Don has a Guard conference to attend. We are taking Emilie and little Heidi. I am sure us girls will find something to keep us entertained while Don is in meetings.
Hope you all have a blessed weekend.
Tina
**Heavenly Father, Your Word promises the YOU will not give us more than we can bear; YOU promised to lift us out of our grief and despair. Today, LORD, I pray for those who mourn, and I thank YOU for sustaining all of us in our dark days. AMEN
I am starting to keep the phone around me now. I am so hoping we are very close. It is tough when you don't know exactly where you are sitting at. We know overall but are pretty much guessing on the other because we do not know if anyone else has changed their request? Very hard for this list person!!
***Please keep my sister, Cindy, in your prayers this next week. She heads to Mayo clinic after a few years of illness and no diagnosis. We are praying she will finally get answers and be on the mend. She is leaving three boys in the care of my Dad during the week and my mom will join them on the weekends. Pray for them all as the boys will surely miss their Mom and are very concerned about her. My sister has been a great source of support for me, especially these past few months of waiting. I was reading my devotion today and this was the verse...I have heard your prayer, I have seen your tears; surely I will heal you. 1Kings 20:5
We are headed to Branson today. Don has a Guard conference to attend. We are taking Emilie and little Heidi. I am sure us girls will find something to keep us entertained while Don is in meetings.
Hope you all have a blessed weekend.
Tina
**Heavenly Father, Your Word promises the YOU will not give us more than we can bear; YOU promised to lift us out of our grief and despair. Today, LORD, I pray for those who mourn, and I thank YOU for sustaining all of us in our dark days. AMEN
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
IT WAS A MISTAKE...
Last Friday I got a letter in the mail saying that Tifanie needed to come back into the USCIS office and have her fingerprints re-done because they were rejected???? SO...as to not waste any time and get this all figured out we headed back to the office today. Don went in with Tifanie while I hung around outside with little Heidi. While in there for about 30 minutes they discovered that it was all a mistake and her fingerprints were fine the first time around. She was NOT happy because this is not a school day for her and she could have slept in before going to work this afternoon. OOPS!! Oh well...Better safe than sorry! :)
Friday, September 11, 2009
46 WEEKS...a little ray of sunshine!
Well...it has been 46 weeks. Time flies...NOT!!! (more like creeps...when you are waiting!) The good news is that there were 2 baby boy referrals this week so we moved up on the overall list AND our preference list. SO..we know we are 26 overall and not sure where we are at on the other one but know we are getting VERY close!! PLEASE LET IT BE SOON!!!!!!!
UPDATE: A family that was in front of us on the list chose a little guy off the waitlist. SO...we are another step closer. WOO-HOO!!!!
Don so wants to call and ask for our exact number but I keep telling him they will not give it to him. He keeps thinking of different scenarios he can use to ask...HA! I keep telling him it doesn't matter they will NOT tell him. He and I are a lot alike when it comes to planning and making arrangements. PLUS...we know what our youngest is like and she must have a set routine and changes cause her to be a little off for awhile so it will be hardest on her while we are gone. We have been doing our best to prepare her and she should stay in her normal routine other than us being here.
Our weekend is a boring one! Don left this morning for guard and will travel out of state on Sunday for an overnight to see some of his troops before they head to Iraq. He struggled with this group leaving because they are the ones he served with a few years ago in Iraq. He had the guilt thing going on. I am glad he is here for a few more years at least!! BUT if you think about it please say a prayer for these men and women and those left behind! I can certainly relate and would wish it on no one!! That was the toughest time of my life with three young children.
Hope you all have a wonderful weekend.
Blessings~
Tina
***HE granted their request because they trusted in HIM. 1 Chronicles 5:20
UPDATE: A family that was in front of us on the list chose a little guy off the waitlist. SO...we are another step closer. WOO-HOO!!!!
Don so wants to call and ask for our exact number but I keep telling him they will not give it to him. He keeps thinking of different scenarios he can use to ask...HA! I keep telling him it doesn't matter they will NOT tell him. He and I are a lot alike when it comes to planning and making arrangements. PLUS...we know what our youngest is like and she must have a set routine and changes cause her to be a little off for awhile so it will be hardest on her while we are gone. We have been doing our best to prepare her and she should stay in her normal routine other than us being here.
Our weekend is a boring one! Don left this morning for guard and will travel out of state on Sunday for an overnight to see some of his troops before they head to Iraq. He struggled with this group leaving because they are the ones he served with a few years ago in Iraq. He had the guilt thing going on. I am glad he is here for a few more years at least!! BUT if you think about it please say a prayer for these men and women and those left behind! I can certainly relate and would wish it on no one!! That was the toughest time of my life with three young children.
Hope you all have a wonderful weekend.
Blessings~
Tina
***HE granted their request because they trusted in HIM. 1 Chronicles 5:20
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
FINGERPRINTS...DONE!
We got our fingerprints done. We waited about 45 minutes total. Their computers were updating so we had to wait a few minutes to get our receipt to go to the fingerprinting door so that was about 10 minutes of our wait. We only needed a letter explaining what we needed and our fingerprint form that says when they will expire. Now hopefully it will not take long and they will be cabled to Ethiopia and all will be in order when we get our call! SOON PLEASE!!!!
My morning was a bit stressful. Emilie did great getting up and ready for school. I had to get ready to leave the house when she left so I was running around a bit not being able to stay on top of her...reminding her of the usual things...brush your teeth...put your deodorant on...etc. At 841 I realize Tifanie (our oldest) is not yet here and was supposed to be here at 830. SO...I call and no answer. I call Don and he then calls her and calls me back. He had forgotten to call and wake her up at 730. OK...PANIC mode starts to set in.
I get Heidi into the Explorer with her backpack and get all of the paperwork I may need in the vehicle as well. Then I sit there...my stress level was on overload at 904!! I was trying to remain calm and listen to my Christian music to keep me focused...I called and voiced my frustration to Don! (he apparently called Tifanie again to worn her I was not in a good mood!) We pulled out of our subdivision at 912 and our appt was at 930.
The benefit of following hubby was that he was in his police car! We got to the USCIS office at 929 an thankfully all went very well. We even had a VERY friendly lady at the window!
SO...as usual it all worked out just fine and I was nuts for no reason!
Hope you all enjoy your day,
Tina
***Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for HIM. Psalm 37:7
My morning was a bit stressful. Emilie did great getting up and ready for school. I had to get ready to leave the house when she left so I was running around a bit not being able to stay on top of her...reminding her of the usual things...brush your teeth...put your deodorant on...etc. At 841 I realize Tifanie (our oldest) is not yet here and was supposed to be here at 830. SO...I call and no answer. I call Don and he then calls her and calls me back. He had forgotten to call and wake her up at 730. OK...PANIC mode starts to set in.
I get Heidi into the Explorer with her backpack and get all of the paperwork I may need in the vehicle as well. Then I sit there...my stress level was on overload at 904!! I was trying to remain calm and listen to my Christian music to keep me focused...I called and voiced my frustration to Don! (he apparently called Tifanie again to worn her I was not in a good mood!) We pulled out of our subdivision at 912 and our appt was at 930.
The benefit of following hubby was that he was in his police car! We got to the USCIS office at 929 an thankfully all went very well. We even had a VERY friendly lady at the window!
SO...as usual it all worked out just fine and I was nuts for no reason!
Hope you all enjoy your day,
Tina
***Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for HIM. Psalm 37:7
Monday, September 7, 2009
FINGERPRINTS...AGAIN!
SO...tomorrow we have an appt to get our fingerprints done again (third time is a charm) RIGHT???? I am hoping it will be a short wait. We have never had to wait very long so praying tomorrow will be the same.
Today I have tried to get the things I think they will want when we go. I am hoping I have it all.
I am also praying this will be our last trip to the USCIS office before little guy arrives! :) PLEASE!!!!
I did have a great day yesterday. We enjoyed seeing family at my parents. It was family that I don't get to see very often so it was nice. Then we went to my in laws and had dinner for my sister in laws birthday.
Today I have spent Labor Day...laboring! :) I cleaned house, did laundry, and made some treats for the family.
Hope you all are enjoying your day off.
Blessings~
Tina
Today I have tried to get the things I think they will want when we go. I am hoping I have it all.
I am also praying this will be our last trip to the USCIS office before little guy arrives! :) PLEASE!!!!
I did have a great day yesterday. We enjoyed seeing family at my parents. It was family that I don't get to see very often so it was nice. Then we went to my in laws and had dinner for my sister in laws birthday.
Today I have spent Labor Day...laboring! :) I cleaned house, did laundry, and made some treats for the family.
Hope you all are enjoying your day off.
Blessings~
Tina
Friday, September 4, 2009
45 WEEKS...
Another week passes us by. There was a referral yesterday of a 17 month old little guy who is special needs. I am happy there was a referral this week!! And praying for many more in the next few weeks. We know we are #28 overall.
I am so very thankful for those who have been commenting or others who have been just calling or emailing your encouragements. The longer the wait becomes the harder it seems to be hitting me! I don't like sounding down and I really don't like sounding like a big whiner!! BUT...lately...that is how I feel. SO...to those who are standing in the gap for me right now...THANK YOU! It helps to know when I feel at my lowest that I have those willing to pray me out of it!
We have Heidi's birthday party Saturday and then on Sunday we are headed home to have a reunion and then celebrate my sister in laws birthday. I am hoping that will keep me busy enough not to think too much!
Hope you all have a wonderful "holiday" weekend!
Blessings~
Tina
***Faith is seeing light with the eyes of your heart, when the eyes of your body see only darkness. Barbara Johnson
Father, in the dark moments of my life, help me to remember that YOU are always near and that YOU can overcome any challenge. AMEN-
I am so very thankful for those who have been commenting or others who have been just calling or emailing your encouragements. The longer the wait becomes the harder it seems to be hitting me! I don't like sounding down and I really don't like sounding like a big whiner!! BUT...lately...that is how I feel. SO...to those who are standing in the gap for me right now...THANK YOU! It helps to know when I feel at my lowest that I have those willing to pray me out of it!
We have Heidi's birthday party Saturday and then on Sunday we are headed home to have a reunion and then celebrate my sister in laws birthday. I am hoping that will keep me busy enough not to think too much!
Hope you all have a wonderful "holiday" weekend!
Blessings~
Tina
***Faith is seeing light with the eyes of your heart, when the eyes of your body see only darkness. Barbara Johnson
Father, in the dark moments of my life, help me to remember that YOU are always near and that YOU can overcome any challenge. AMEN-
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
THE MIRACLE WORKER...
This morning as I opened my devotion book, I found this title. It was fitting for me today and this month. Because I am praying for a HUGE miracle this month!
I have seen God do amazing things in my life. All three of our children...my husband returning unharmed from Iraq...they lost not one soldier out of the huge group they took! These are just a few examples...there are so many more.
Jesus said to them, "I have shown you many great miracles from the Father." John10:32
Dear Lord, absolutely nothing is impossible for YOU. Let me trust in YOUR power and in YOUR miracles. When I lose hope, give me faith; when others lose hope, let me tell them of YOUR glorious works. Today, Lord, keep me mindful that YOU are a God of infinite possibilities and infinite love.**** AMEN****
There is someone who makes possible what seems completely impossible. Catherine Marshall
Blessings~
Tina
**I DO BELIEVE IN MIRACLES!
I have seen God do amazing things in my life. All three of our children...my husband returning unharmed from Iraq...they lost not one soldier out of the huge group they took! These are just a few examples...there are so many more.
Jesus said to them, "I have shown you many great miracles from the Father." John10:32
Dear Lord, absolutely nothing is impossible for YOU. Let me trust in YOUR power and in YOUR miracles. When I lose hope, give me faith; when others lose hope, let me tell them of YOUR glorious works. Today, Lord, keep me mindful that YOU are a God of infinite possibilities and infinite love.**** AMEN****
There is someone who makes possible what seems completely impossible. Catherine Marshall
Blessings~
Tina
**I DO BELIEVE IN MIRACLES!
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
PRAYING THIS IS OUR MONTH!!!
SO...another month has come and gone and we are still waiting. We are praying even harder that this is our month! PLEASE GOD... We will hit 11 months at the end of the month. I am trying to keep a more positive attitude and be more trusting and let God be in control of all. :) I might need reminding on this.
We are getting our fingerprints done again for the third time with USCIS this Friday. They expire 1NOV and I am positive we will not be traveling before then. We will have to pay for these this time. UUGH-
We are going to be busy this month. We have two family things this Sunday and a birthday party on Saturday. We may be free next weekend but the following weekend we are going to Branson to hang out while Don goes to one of his leaders conferences for the Guard. We are just going to hang out and maybe hit a few of the outlet malls. CHEAP!
Enjoy your day.
Blessings~
Tina
**May the God of hope fill you with joy and peace.
We are getting our fingerprints done again for the third time with USCIS this Friday. They expire 1NOV and I am positive we will not be traveling before then. We will have to pay for these this time. UUGH-
We are going to be busy this month. We have two family things this Sunday and a birthday party on Saturday. We may be free next weekend but the following weekend we are going to Branson to hang out while Don goes to one of his leaders conferences for the Guard. We are just going to hang out and maybe hit a few of the outlet malls. CHEAP!
Enjoy your day.
Blessings~
Tina
**May the God of hope fill you with joy and peace.
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