What can I say that is completely positive?? How about...we have survived 31 weeks? I am certain we are not going to make the court closure. I had really hoped there would be a miracle performed right in front of our eyes BUT that doesn't look like it will be happening. Now I have seen some amazing things done for us for this adoption so I am still hopeful but I am also trying to be realistic as well. My feelings have been hurt several times these past 2.5 years and most of the time it was for getting my hopes up.
So now I am praying that we will receive our referral in time to travel before Christmas. Please join me in praying! We were told this week that they are no longer giving out any numbers. We think we are close BUT we also heard that many have changed requests and since we are not being told anything who knows?? Don is NOT happy about this. He doesn't think it is fair. SO...what has been fair in all of this?? I would just like to know how to plan? This adoption has been an eye opener for a planner!
I am so happy for the ones who have received their referrals or passed court! Have to be honest though I sure wish it were us! :)
Hope you all have a blessed day!
Tina
***Father, when I feel lost or alone, You teach me I can have such great courage in Your strength and direction. You teach me through the promises of Your Word how faithful You are and that You do have an answer to all my questions and longings. I can trust you to handle any obstacles that come my way. I can trust you to give me the patience that I seek. Thank you for holding me so securely as I walk through this land. You have the whole universe's best interest in Your hands!
Friday, May 29, 2009
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
20 YEARS...WHERE DID THE TIME GO??
Yes...today is our 20th wedding anniversary. What an adventure it has been for us. We have survived spending the first 3 1/2 years of our marriage in Germany away from family. (Highly recommend this because it taught us to work things out and rely on one another!) We have survived deployments away from each other...the longest was the year in Iraq. We have 3 great kids and one we are still waitig for!! We have had several highs and many lows...but we have always made it through stronger than ever.
I am blessed to have such a wonderful guy. He has always been such a great friend and provider for our family. He does little things to make me feel loved all of the time. Isn't it great that after 20 years I still get that feeling when he walks in to the room. (You know the butterfly feeling!)
Believe me when I tell you we have had our share of arguments as well. We are far from perfect but we learn from these and move forward. I tend to hold things in then blow up and be over it...He tends to NOT get over it quite so easily! One of the greatest fights we had was over the silliest thing...I was pregnant with our first child, while living in Germany. I had dropped an egg on the floor and he laughed at me...well that made me mad so...I threw an egg at him...so began our egg fight in our kitchen! :) What a mess we had to clean up. We love to tell that story.
We also know that without God being first in our marriage then we probably would not have survived. Deployments are not easy on any marriage! It is even harder when you are trying to explain to small chilren that Daddy will be home and not really know if you are telling them the truth or not. But with a lot of prayer we all know that God protected his men and brought them all safely home to their families.
SO...Donald, Thanks for the best 20 years! Thanks for putting up with me and my moodiness these past 2 years!:) I hope and pray we have another 20 to share together!! I love you more.
Tina
I am blessed to have such a wonderful guy. He has always been such a great friend and provider for our family. He does little things to make me feel loved all of the time. Isn't it great that after 20 years I still get that feeling when he walks in to the room. (You know the butterfly feeling!)
Believe me when I tell you we have had our share of arguments as well. We are far from perfect but we learn from these and move forward. I tend to hold things in then blow up and be over it...He tends to NOT get over it quite so easily! One of the greatest fights we had was over the silliest thing...I was pregnant with our first child, while living in Germany. I had dropped an egg on the floor and he laughed at me...well that made me mad so...I threw an egg at him...so began our egg fight in our kitchen! :) What a mess we had to clean up. We love to tell that story.
We also know that without God being first in our marriage then we probably would not have survived. Deployments are not easy on any marriage! It is even harder when you are trying to explain to small chilren that Daddy will be home and not really know if you are telling them the truth or not. But with a lot of prayer we all know that God protected his men and brought them all safely home to their families.
SO...Donald, Thanks for the best 20 years! Thanks for putting up with me and my moodiness these past 2 years!:) I hope and pray we have another 20 to share together!! I love you more.
Tina
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
AND SO SUMMER BEGINS...
I can hardly believe that we are already on summer break! Where have the last 5 months gone?? I now have a child who made it through her first year of college, a JR in HS and a 5th grader! It does make me feel every bit of my age.
SO...Do we have big plans for the summer?? Of course we do!!!! :) June brings...Randy's Eagle court of honor, then he leaves for Church camp and returns in time to head out to Boy scout camp with Dad. Emilie heads to Church while the guys are still at camp so I will have some quiet evenings at home for about 4 days! :)
July brings...Don leaves for his annual National Guard AT and Randy has another Church camp but this month is a little less hectic. Aug appears to be somewhat quiet but they start school Aug 19th. I would like to get to the zoo a few times this summer and maybe some other fun things around here. We will see what we can do.
Of course our break began with Em up at 5 this morning so we will have to work on that! She will be a big crab by noon and it is raining here so no outside today!:(
By the way...We had a great time on our trip. We headed back about 11 on Sat and just took our time stopping at antique shops looking for the best bargains and treasures. We had a lot of fun. I got an old crock bowl for my kitchen table and finally found a treasure I have been wanting for a long time, a pitcher with a wash basin.***It is BEAUTIFUL!*** I also got some kitchen utensils that I collect. Don did a great job of surprising me and making me feel very loved! Tomorrow is our big day and I will post more then.
No adoption news just hoping and praying for lots of good news this week for many families, especially those who are waiting for the ban to be lifted so they can get new court dates!
I have also added a prayer request list on the side so if you have a need and would like prayers please let me know by leaving a comment. I would love to pray for you!
Have a blessed day!
Tina
***"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9
SO...Do we have big plans for the summer?? Of course we do!!!! :) June brings...Randy's Eagle court of honor, then he leaves for Church camp and returns in time to head out to Boy scout camp with Dad. Emilie heads to Church while the guys are still at camp so I will have some quiet evenings at home for about 4 days! :)
July brings...Don leaves for his annual National Guard AT and Randy has another Church camp but this month is a little less hectic. Aug appears to be somewhat quiet but they start school Aug 19th. I would like to get to the zoo a few times this summer and maybe some other fun things around here. We will see what we can do.
Of course our break began with Em up at 5 this morning so we will have to work on that! She will be a big crab by noon and it is raining here so no outside today!:(
By the way...We had a great time on our trip. We headed back about 11 on Sat and just took our time stopping at antique shops looking for the best bargains and treasures. We had a lot of fun. I got an old crock bowl for my kitchen table and finally found a treasure I have been wanting for a long time, a pitcher with a wash basin.***It is BEAUTIFUL!*** I also got some kitchen utensils that I collect. Don did a great job of surprising me and making me feel very loved! Tomorrow is our big day and I will post more then.
No adoption news just hoping and praying for lots of good news this week for many families, especially those who are waiting for the ban to be lifted so they can get new court dates!
I have also added a prayer request list on the side so if you have a need and would like prayers please let me know by leaving a comment. I would love to pray for you!
Have a blessed day!
Tina
***"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9
Friday, May 22, 2009
30 WEEKS & A LITTLE SURPRISE!!
We have now reached 30 weeks of waiting. Where am I with this? HMMM... Well...I am trying to be ok! I am trying to see the "sunshine" daily! I fail more often than not but I am truly trying. I know the day we see our son's face will be one of the greatest moments in our lives and I can't wait to share that moment with all of our family and friends who have been praying for us along this journey!
OK...now onto my little surprise! I have known for a few weeks that my hubby and children were cooking something up for our 20th anniversary (May 27th). Now...I am a planner...I like control...I like to make lists...SO...me and the word surprise...not the best of friends! :) My family knows this so they have had a lot of fun messing with Mom lately. Last night, after dropping Randy at youth group, I came home to get some things done. As I was putting a fan in our bedroom window I looked over and saw something written on my dresser mirror. I walked over to read it and this is what it said...IF WE ARE GOING OUT OF TOWN TOMORROW AFTERNOON, DON'T YOU THINK YOU SHOULD PACK! What???? So...I called hubby and said...where and how long? We are just going for the night but he really got me! The kids were thrilled that they kept the secret for so long. Randy said he was worried Dad was going to try to pack for everyone! (kids are going to Aunt's house)
I am looking forward to some time away with hubby. He said we are going to go to some antique shops and I get to pick something out!! I LOVE to go to antique stores!!
Just a little funny thing...20 years ago today...I was graduating from High School!! We got married 6 days after I graduated from High School. Now there is no way I would let my daughter do that! :) BUT 20 years later I am more in love with him than I was then! I will post more on our actual day! And will let you in on what I got from the antique store!
Have a wonderful weekend!
Blessings~
Tina
***But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not be faint. Isaiah 40:31
OK...now onto my little surprise! I have known for a few weeks that my hubby and children were cooking something up for our 20th anniversary (May 27th). Now...I am a planner...I like control...I like to make lists...SO...me and the word surprise...not the best of friends! :) My family knows this so they have had a lot of fun messing with Mom lately. Last night, after dropping Randy at youth group, I came home to get some things done. As I was putting a fan in our bedroom window I looked over and saw something written on my dresser mirror. I walked over to read it and this is what it said...IF WE ARE GOING OUT OF TOWN TOMORROW AFTERNOON, DON'T YOU THINK YOU SHOULD PACK! What???? So...I called hubby and said...where and how long? We are just going for the night but he really got me! The kids were thrilled that they kept the secret for so long. Randy said he was worried Dad was going to try to pack for everyone! (kids are going to Aunt's house)
I am looking forward to some time away with hubby. He said we are going to go to some antique shops and I get to pick something out!! I LOVE to go to antique stores!!
Just a little funny thing...20 years ago today...I was graduating from High School!! We got married 6 days after I graduated from High School. Now there is no way I would let my daughter do that! :) BUT 20 years later I am more in love with him than I was then! I will post more on our actual day! And will let you in on what I got from the antique store!
Have a wonderful weekend!
Blessings~
Tina
***But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not be faint. Isaiah 40:31
Saturday, May 16, 2009
THE MOVE...
Tifanie, our almost 19 yr old, moved into her apartment yesterday. She still has things here that need to moved thanks to the down pour we got yesterday! I was not able to help her move but I did go over last night and got a list of needs and went to the grocery store and bought her groceries. Then I hit up Walmart today and got her a few more things. Her cat will head to her new home tomorrow! :) YEAH!! The cat drives me nuts! We have a cat but this little one is constantly getting out and you have to chase it down. NOT FUN!
I am happy for Tifanie. I know this is a big step for her. She is living with her best friend so I am grateful for that.
Now we are going to do some remodeling in our home. Randy has been promised the basement bedroom so we will need to paint it. It was lime green and he says there is no way he is sleeping in there with it that color! HA Hopefully, by next weekend we will have it done and him moved down there. His room (which is the smallest in our house) will become Don's office. He is looking forward to that again! SO...at least my mind will be occupied these next couple of weeks.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Blessings~
Tina
I am happy for Tifanie. I know this is a big step for her. She is living with her best friend so I am grateful for that.
Now we are going to do some remodeling in our home. Randy has been promised the basement bedroom so we will need to paint it. It was lime green and he says there is no way he is sleeping in there with it that color! HA Hopefully, by next weekend we will have it done and him moved down there. His room (which is the smallest in our house) will become Don's office. He is looking forward to that again! SO...at least my mind will be occupied these next couple of weeks.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Blessings~
Tina
Friday, May 15, 2009
29 WEEKS...
Well...we have hit 29 weeks. I really thought we would not see this number but hey, what do I really know?? Some days I am doing very well being optimistic and other days I am not so well. I pray A LOT! And that alone gives me peace to make it another minute, another hour, another day and even another week or month!
Today our oldest is moving into an apartment with her best friend. They are both very excited to be starting this journey in their lives. I am proud of Tifanie for being so independent but is also hard to watch her carry her things out the door! I pray all good things for my firstborn baby!
We do not have much planned for the weekend. We are going to go over to dinner Sat night with some friends to get some things accomplished for Randy's eagle court of honor. I am quite thankful for these great friends and all of their help!
SOME PRAYER REQUESTS:
Randy's procedure on Tues. He is still having pain and we are hoping this will tell us what is going on.
Those families still waiting for word on what is going on with their babies and court dates.
More referrals and court dates!
My sister and her health problems
Thanks so much for your support and prayers we feel them daily!
Have a blessed weekend.
Tina
***Lord, Your word has such healing power. Thank you for the promise that no matter how dark our days can be, You will never let us be lost or separated from Your love and care. You will never allow us to suffer more than we can bear! Even more, You comfort us through Your Holy Spirit and save us from having despairing hearts.
Today our oldest is moving into an apartment with her best friend. They are both very excited to be starting this journey in their lives. I am proud of Tifanie for being so independent but is also hard to watch her carry her things out the door! I pray all good things for my firstborn baby!
We do not have much planned for the weekend. We are going to go over to dinner Sat night with some friends to get some things accomplished for Randy's eagle court of honor. I am quite thankful for these great friends and all of their help!
SOME PRAYER REQUESTS:
Randy's procedure on Tues. He is still having pain and we are hoping this will tell us what is going on.
Those families still waiting for word on what is going on with their babies and court dates.
More referrals and court dates!
My sister and her health problems
Thanks so much for your support and prayers we feel them daily!
Have a blessed weekend.
Tina
***Lord, Your word has such healing power. Thank you for the promise that no matter how dark our days can be, You will never let us be lost or separated from Your love and care. You will never allow us to suffer more than we can bear! Even more, You comfort us through Your Holy Spirit and save us from having despairing hearts.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
A LITTLE REMINDER...
Today I received this email from my Mom passed on from one of my other Mom's when I was growing up! I am sure that neither one of them knew how badly I needed this today! Sometimes all it takes is a little reminder that I am not alone and that God is walking with me and even carrying me when I feel the days are becoming too long and too hard to bear!
***'To get something you never had, you have to do something you never did.' When God takes something from your grasp, He's not punishing you, but merely opening your hands to receive something better. Concentrate on this sentence... 'The will of God will never take you where the Grace of God will not protect you.'
Blessings,
Tina
UPDATE: There were 4 referrals today. 2 baby girls and 2 baby boys! That means we drop 4 overall and 2 for our request! :)
***'To get something you never had, you have to do something you never did.' When God takes something from your grasp, He's not punishing you, but merely opening your hands to receive something better. Concentrate on this sentence... 'The will of God will never take you where the Grace of God will not protect you.'
Blessings,
Tina
UPDATE: There were 4 referrals today. 2 baby girls and 2 baby boys! That means we drop 4 overall and 2 for our request! :)
Monday, May 11, 2009
WHY SUCH ANGER?
Things have been a bit tough for many families since last Friday. Due to some findings by a judge in Ethiopia they are not hearing any cases of infants abandoned within Addis Ababa. My understanding is that one agency has caused the problem which in turn causes the judge to question all those abandoned there. I can understand this but am hopeful that this will be resolved quickly.
The thing I am not getting is this: why when things are tough do people start attacking one another? (And how can you tell tone in an email?) I've seen this a lot lately. I know things are uncertain for those families so why choose now to "pick" at them? I saw this when we were with our other agency and waiting on referrals from Vietnam. It got pretty ugly towards the end. Anyway...I can't go back there again so I am hoping it will get better and if it continues I will have to make the choice to stop getting on that yahoo group. This wait is hard enough without hurting others along the way. For right now I am choosing to pray for everyone!
SO...To those going through this please know you and your little one's are in my prayers.
To those waiting word of your successful court date...I am praying!
AND For those waiting for referrals or court dates...I am praying!
Blessings~
Tina
***My One Year Bible says this today... A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouth of the fool gushes folly. The eyes of the Lord are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good. Proverbs 15:1-3
The thing I am not getting is this: why when things are tough do people start attacking one another? (And how can you tell tone in an email?) I've seen this a lot lately. I know things are uncertain for those families so why choose now to "pick" at them? I saw this when we were with our other agency and waiting on referrals from Vietnam. It got pretty ugly towards the end. Anyway...I can't go back there again so I am hoping it will get better and if it continues I will have to make the choice to stop getting on that yahoo group. This wait is hard enough without hurting others along the way. For right now I am choosing to pray for everyone!
SO...To those going through this please know you and your little one's are in my prayers.
To those waiting word of your successful court date...I am praying!
AND For those waiting for referrals or court dates...I am praying!
Blessings~
Tina
***My One Year Bible says this today... A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouth of the fool gushes folly. The eyes of the Lord are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good. Proverbs 15:1-3
Sunday, May 10, 2009
HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!
Today I have tried very hard to focus on the blessing of being a mother. If not for my children I have I would not be a Mom! My heart still aches for our little guy but I am hopeful and am keeping the faith that it WILL happen soon.
I went to Church with my family today. They took me out to lunch and gave me gifts...I got 2 of the willow tree angel figurines that I have started collecting and I got an ipod shuffle. I had been wanting one for when I walk and when we fly to Ethiopia! We then headed to Lowe's for flowers and plants and seeds for the garden. We got all of it planted before the rain!!:)
I have had a blessed day. I am thankful for my children and for my hubby!!
*Please say a prayer for the adoptive families who have been put on hold right now.
*Please pray for our little Heidi who is having surgery tomorrow...she having tubes put and her adenoids taken out.
Thanks everyone... and hope you all had a BLESSED MOTHER'S DAY!!
Blessings~
Tina
I went to Church with my family today. They took me out to lunch and gave me gifts...I got 2 of the willow tree angel figurines that I have started collecting and I got an ipod shuffle. I had been wanting one for when I walk and when we fly to Ethiopia! We then headed to Lowe's for flowers and plants and seeds for the garden. We got all of it planted before the rain!!:)
I have had a blessed day. I am thankful for my children and for my hubby!!
*Please say a prayer for the adoptive families who have been put on hold right now.
*Please pray for our little Heidi who is having surgery tomorrow...she having tubes put and her adenoids taken out.
Thanks everyone... and hope you all had a BLESSED MOTHER'S DAY!!
Blessings~
Tina
Friday, May 8, 2009
WAITING 28 WEEKS TODAY!!
28 weeks of waiting and I am still here praying for peace as I wonder if our turn will ever come! I was so hoping to be celebrating Mother's Day with all 4 of my children this year but not happening this year! Don't get me wrong...I am blessed to be the mother of 3 children. They are wonderful kids and even though they drive me crazy they have made me a mom and I love them with everything I have. BUT I still long for the one that is missing...
SO...plans for the weekend are...headed to grandparents tomorrow and the Church on Sunday with a busy afternoon of planting flowers. I usually always get my flowers for Mother's Day. I am not sure what else is planned but maybe a nap???? :)
Randy is still feeling crummy. He tells me the only thing that doesn't bother him right now is eggs. He has the procedure on the 19th so I hope that tells us something.
To all of the Moms out there, including those waiting Moms...Have a Blessed Mother's Day!!
Blessings~
Tina
***And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28
SO...plans for the weekend are...headed to grandparents tomorrow and the Church on Sunday with a busy afternoon of planting flowers. I usually always get my flowers for Mother's Day. I am not sure what else is planned but maybe a nap???? :)
Randy is still feeling crummy. He tells me the only thing that doesn't bother him right now is eggs. He has the procedure on the 19th so I hope that tells us something.
To all of the Moms out there, including those waiting Moms...Have a Blessed Mother's Day!!
Blessings~
Tina
***And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28
Sunday, May 3, 2009
BLESSED DAY!
Today was a great day. We were blessed to be able to watch our Emilie be baptized. One of the greatest joys is to see your husband baptize your child. It's one of those memories you will have for a lifetime. We are so very proud of our Emilie!! We had 18 friends and family that joined us for this special day.
I hope your Sunday was as blessed as ours.
Tina
I hope your Sunday was as blessed as ours.
Tina
Friday, May 1, 2009
27 WEEKS...
It has been 27 weeks since we got on the waitlist. I have had such a crazy week! I am still waiting for our weekly update to see where we are at on the list. I am pretty sure that we will not make the August closure. I am trying very hard to be OK with this. Although...miracles happen everyday! :) I am not ready to give up hope just yet!
Randy is having a procedure the middle of May to find out what is going on. I hope that this will let us know but if not then they have one other test to run. He is only 16 so I am praying that it is not anything serious.
Emilie tried out for a talent show at school today. I guess she will get the results on Monday if she made it or not. I love that at her age she is not afraid to try! I am such a shy...nervous person. Randy is a lot like me but even he is getting better.
I have wonderful news that I will share with everyone on Sunday...so look for the update!
Have a wonderful weekend!
Blessings~
Tina
***Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1
Randy is having a procedure the middle of May to find out what is going on. I hope that this will let us know but if not then they have one other test to run. He is only 16 so I am praying that it is not anything serious.
Emilie tried out for a talent show at school today. I guess she will get the results on Monday if she made it or not. I love that at her age she is not afraid to try! I am such a shy...nervous person. Randy is a lot like me but even he is getting better.
I have wonderful news that I will share with everyone on Sunday...so look for the update!
Have a wonderful weekend!
Blessings~
Tina
***Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1
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