These are the questions I think about when I think about our next adoption. I know I haven't talked about it as much this time. It doesn't consume me. My four beautiful kids do.
Here is a little update on us: Brea is dragging her feet. Really, but for no good reason. J's paperwork is complete, my paperwork is about 90% complete, and then we have to get fingerprints and physicals. I think most of our references are already turned in (now that is amazing!). Once we turn in the above mentioned items, the social worker from CC will meet with J and I individually and then she will come to our house and do a home visit. Then, we will be approved and waiting.
I'm not sure why I'm dragging my feet. Maybe because I can't imagine having another baby right now (not yet anyway). Maybe because I want to get my migraines under control first. Honestly, I just keep feeling like God is telling me to wait and enjoy the process. The first time with Mary Elizabeth, we went through the process like a crazy person. We finished our formal packet in four days and I was constantly so stressed about hurrying up and getting approved that I look back at the whole thing as stressful. I want this time to be different and so far it has been.
Back to my initial questions...
I think about whether we will be blessed with a boy or a girl. J seems to think girl. I think about what she/he will look like. Will he/she be premature like Mary or a fat chunk like my other three were? Will he/she be born here in TN or will we travel to another state? How will we raise the rest of the needed funds? Then, I just sit back and smile because I know my God has it ALL under control.
Saturday, December 20, 2008
The perfect spot
I have the perfect spot in my house for this...
Is it not gorgeous? My friend Laura made it for my friend Tracie to raffle off for her adoption fund. For $10, you get a ticket AND you help bring a child home. Go HERE NOW and donate before it's too late.
But don't be upset if I win...I told ya, I already have the perfect spot for this!
Is it not gorgeous? My friend Laura made it for my friend Tracie to raffle off for her adoption fund. For $10, you get a ticket AND you help bring a child home. Go HERE NOW and donate before it's too late.
But don't be upset if I win...I told ya, I already have the perfect spot for this!
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Ignorance
Many people have asked me about how people react to us being a transracial family. Today I had two funny things happen so I thought I would share them with you so you could see some of the ignorant things people say. I should tell you that many days, although many people will stare, we usually never have anyone say silly things like this.
I met Alison B. for a quick lunch/shopping trip. I stopped in Janie and Jack to look for Christmas shirts for the boys. I was holding Charlotte while Alison and Norah were outside the store waiting on me. I quickly found two sweaters and headed to check out. The sales lady, who was very nice I might add, began commenting on how sweet Charlotte was. She was asking me questions like how old is she, how much does she weigh, etc. I then told her that I wasn't her mom. She then asked me how many kids I had, I answered and then told her our youngest was adopted. Her face immediately lit up and she said, "it's so funny you mentioned adoption. I was just telling my family we need to go to the town orphanage and see if we could help out." I just smiled, paid and left, wishing her good luck in her endeavors. Good luck finding the town orphanage.
Then, it was off to lunch and then playland for Norah. While Norah was running around, I was sitting there holding Charlotte when another sweet lady approached and asked how old she was. I told her and then she asked if she could touch her hair. Sure. Then, she asked me how much she weighed. I said, "um, I'm not her mom, I'm not sure" to which she said, "well, that's obvious that you aren't her mom" I felt like I had been smacked. I wish you could have seen her face when I then asked Alison how much she weighed and loudly said, "and there's her big sister" and pointed to Norah. Hmmm...shouldn't assume I couldn't be her mom.
I make ignorant comments all the time. We've all asked how far along a woman is when she really isn't pregnant. I guess I just try to be more aware of what I say now. That "normal" is no longer 2 kids and a white picket fence. I love being a transracial family. I love that others feel comfortable around us, especially those that also don't have the traditional family.
I met Alison B. for a quick lunch/shopping trip. I stopped in Janie and Jack to look for Christmas shirts for the boys. I was holding Charlotte while Alison and Norah were outside the store waiting on me. I quickly found two sweaters and headed to check out. The sales lady, who was very nice I might add, began commenting on how sweet Charlotte was. She was asking me questions like how old is she, how much does she weigh, etc. I then told her that I wasn't her mom. She then asked me how many kids I had, I answered and then told her our youngest was adopted. Her face immediately lit up and she said, "it's so funny you mentioned adoption. I was just telling my family we need to go to the town orphanage and see if we could help out." I just smiled, paid and left, wishing her good luck in her endeavors. Good luck finding the town orphanage.
Then, it was off to lunch and then playland for Norah. While Norah was running around, I was sitting there holding Charlotte when another sweet lady approached and asked how old she was. I told her and then she asked if she could touch her hair. Sure. Then, she asked me how much she weighed. I said, "um, I'm not her mom, I'm not sure" to which she said, "well, that's obvious that you aren't her mom" I felt like I had been smacked. I wish you could have seen her face when I then asked Alison how much she weighed and loudly said, "and there's her big sister" and pointed to Norah. Hmmm...shouldn't assume I couldn't be her mom.
I make ignorant comments all the time. We've all asked how far along a woman is when she really isn't pregnant. I guess I just try to be more aware of what I say now. That "normal" is no longer 2 kids and a white picket fence. I love being a transracial family. I love that others feel comfortable around us, especially those that also don't have the traditional family.
Friday, December 12, 2008
Snow Can't Stop God
If you don't live in TN and are reading this, let me preface this post by saying that even during a threat of snow, life in TN stops. Seriously. People forget how to drive, stores are instantly out of milk and bread, and people hunker down like we will have a blizzard. Never mind that since the ice storm of 1993, I'm not sure we have EVER had a snowstorm that would keep you from getting to the store, but alas...I have other things to blog about tonight.
So, last night was our auction. I must admit that this was a stressful event for me. For some reason (AKA SATAN), we seem to have been under attack during the planning of this event. Kids were sick, I got sick, people died, you name it...we've experienced it in the last few weeks. I just felt completely ill prepared, but Katie and Ray totally picked up the slack. I must admit, when everything was set up last night, I realized that no one but me would realize that I felt ill prepared. Bidder registration started at 5:30pm and at 5:50pm we still had less than 10 people there. It wasn't because we hadn't advertised, it was because it was snowing. Hadn't I said (OUT LOUD) multiple times yesterday that Satan needed to stay away from me in the name of my Lord, Jesus Christ. I was freaking out. Seriously. Freaking out.
And then we had to make the decision to cancel the auction. What would we do with all the items that had been so graciously donated? How would the people feel that had ventured out in the SNOW to come to this? I mean, I would have been ill.
It was at that moment that I was once reminded that I am not in control. GOD IS. God is in control of everything. He knew it would snow. He knew I would doubt. AND HE INTENDED TO PROVE ME WRONG. You see, the people who did show up were there by the GRACE OF GOD. My sister, Ali, and Sarah...both of whom graciously helped us load in everything and set up in the rain, snow and cold. Both of whom reminded Katie and I not to worry. My mom and dad wrangling all of our kids. Laura Horton, my ultimate prayer warrior, who instantly put me at peace. Angie V., ever faithful, with her plates of cookies and brownies and a smile that made me feel safe. Karen and Brian, who are themselves adopting...my new friends! Ray and Katie's family, always so kind and have such encouraging words. A couple from Long Hollow, who come to find out, the wife was Anna's first camp counselor years ago. Such a kind, sweet soul. Another couple from Long Hollow who know Ray and Katie. A couple who saw our signs and decided to drop in. Susan Gupton who always is just a doll! I hope I have named you all. You were all instrumental in what I am about to tell you.
You see, we canceled the auction, but offered to everyone that was there that if they had come for something specific, we would sell it for half of the listed value OR they could make an offer. What happened next was nothing short of a miracle. Everyone started rounding up items off the tables and coming out front to check out. And you know what? We sold $1900 and we both brought home carloads of items to sell on craigslist and ebay. $1900!!!!! AND WE DIDN'T HAVE THE AUCTION! People paid us full price for items, people handed us cash, checks, etc. and people gave us love.
THANK YOU to those that hugged us, prayed for us, and gave. Not just your money, but your time. I am humbled, so incredibly humbled. And exhausted. Love you all!
So, last night was our auction. I must admit that this was a stressful event for me. For some reason (AKA SATAN), we seem to have been under attack during the planning of this event. Kids were sick, I got sick, people died, you name it...we've experienced it in the last few weeks. I just felt completely ill prepared, but Katie and Ray totally picked up the slack. I must admit, when everything was set up last night, I realized that no one but me would realize that I felt ill prepared. Bidder registration started at 5:30pm and at 5:50pm we still had less than 10 people there. It wasn't because we hadn't advertised, it was because it was snowing. Hadn't I said (OUT LOUD) multiple times yesterday that Satan needed to stay away from me in the name of my Lord, Jesus Christ. I was freaking out. Seriously. Freaking out.
And then we had to make the decision to cancel the auction. What would we do with all the items that had been so graciously donated? How would the people feel that had ventured out in the SNOW to come to this? I mean, I would have been ill.
It was at that moment that I was once reminded that I am not in control. GOD IS. God is in control of everything. He knew it would snow. He knew I would doubt. AND HE INTENDED TO PROVE ME WRONG. You see, the people who did show up were there by the GRACE OF GOD. My sister, Ali, and Sarah...both of whom graciously helped us load in everything and set up in the rain, snow and cold. Both of whom reminded Katie and I not to worry. My mom and dad wrangling all of our kids. Laura Horton, my ultimate prayer warrior, who instantly put me at peace. Angie V., ever faithful, with her plates of cookies and brownies and a smile that made me feel safe. Karen and Brian, who are themselves adopting...my new friends! Ray and Katie's family, always so kind and have such encouraging words. A couple from Long Hollow, who come to find out, the wife was Anna's first camp counselor years ago. Such a kind, sweet soul. Another couple from Long Hollow who know Ray and Katie. A couple who saw our signs and decided to drop in. Susan Gupton who always is just a doll! I hope I have named you all. You were all instrumental in what I am about to tell you.
You see, we canceled the auction, but offered to everyone that was there that if they had come for something specific, we would sell it for half of the listed value OR they could make an offer. What happened next was nothing short of a miracle. Everyone started rounding up items off the tables and coming out front to check out. And you know what? We sold $1900 and we both brought home carloads of items to sell on craigslist and ebay. $1900!!!!! AND WE DIDN'T HAVE THE AUCTION! People paid us full price for items, people handed us cash, checks, etc. and people gave us love.
THANK YOU to those that hugged us, prayed for us, and gave. Not just your money, but your time. I am humbled, so incredibly humbled. And exhausted. Love you all!
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
A more detailed listing
of goodies we will have to auction off on Thursday night:
Massage Therapy sessions, Fisher Price Smart Cycle, Super Speed Wash certificates, living will and estate planning session, Restaurant Certificates, Dance and Gymnastics, Real Estate Signs, Manicures, Mini Storage for 3 months, Golf Packages, Nashville Symphony tickets, Arbonne, Pampered Chef, Art Pieces, Photography sessions, Hotel stays at Hyatt Place and at Lowe's Vanderbilt Plaza, Heating and Air service packages, Car services from Firestone, Upper Case living, Furniture pieces, Boutique clothing, Gift Baskets, Tee Shirts, Webkinz, American Girl Doll w/ accessories, custom curtains (THEY ARE GORGEOUS!), mirrors and other home decor, Maggie Moo's customs, Pitter Patter Art custom artwork, framed oil on canvas by Eddie Holland, Bakugan basket (THE HARD TO FIND BOY TOY THIS CHRISTMAS!), Taste of Home Entertaining, Dave Ramsey Financial Peace Jr. set, Longaberger baskets, and SO MUCH MORE!
Be there at 6pm Thursday night. Score some great stuff and help a great cause!
Massage Therapy sessions, Fisher Price Smart Cycle, Super Speed Wash certificates, living will and estate planning session, Restaurant Certificates, Dance and Gymnastics, Real Estate Signs, Manicures, Mini Storage for 3 months, Golf Packages, Nashville Symphony tickets, Arbonne, Pampered Chef, Art Pieces, Photography sessions, Hotel stays at Hyatt Place and at Lowe's Vanderbilt Plaza, Heating and Air service packages, Car services from Firestone, Upper Case living, Furniture pieces, Boutique clothing, Gift Baskets, Tee Shirts, Webkinz, American Girl Doll w/ accessories, custom curtains (THEY ARE GORGEOUS!), mirrors and other home decor, Maggie Moo's customs, Pitter Patter Art custom artwork, framed oil on canvas by Eddie Holland, Bakugan basket (THE HARD TO FIND BOY TOY THIS CHRISTMAS!), Taste of Home Entertaining, Dave Ramsey Financial Peace Jr. set, Longaberger baskets, and SO MUCH MORE!
Be there at 6pm Thursday night. Score some great stuff and help a great cause!
Monday, December 8, 2008
It's Auction Time In Tennessee!
I know I haven't been good about really advertising the auction coming up this week, but please don't take my lack of posting as a lack of excitement. I am JACKED about this auction, just sick with a sinus infection and I feel like I am running 2 steps ahead and taking 6 steps back.
Here's the poopy scoop on the auction:
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11 at 6pm at THE CHURCH AT INDIAN LAKE (formerly the Hope Center in Hendersonville) This is located at the Drakes Creek exit on Vietname Vets and is opposite the interstate from the Streets of Indian Lake.
This is a LIVE AUCTION with Gene Carman Realty Company. All items have been donated and you will get a number and bid, bid, bid. ALL and I mean EVERY DIME is going to our adoption fund (J and Brea) and Ray and Katie's adoption fund. They are adopting from Ethiopia.
As of 8:22pm on Monday night, we already have over 60 lots to bid on. This ranges from a piano, a computer armoire, a chair, photo sessions, custom kids clothing, paintings, an American Girl doll with accessories, hotel stays, massages, toys, and so much more. People have graciously donated some amazing items.
What we need? Of course, we still donations. Please let anyone you know that might want to donate from a local business that we have a way to have them write that donation off AND they will get a ton of exposure as every bidder will have a piece of paper in their hand knowing who donated what.
If you don't have stuff to donate, we also need baked goods. We will be selling canned drinks and would like to be able to offer something for people to snack on as well. If you wouldn't mind baking some brownies, cookies, a cake, etc. We don't care, you bake it...we sell it. Again, every DIME goes to our adoption fund. All you need to do is email me at cheapbrea@gmail.com and let me know where to come get it. We will take care of packaging it up and getting it ready for auction night.
I don't say this enough, but please know how much we are thankful for your support!
Here's the poopy scoop on the auction:
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11 at 6pm at THE CHURCH AT INDIAN LAKE (formerly the Hope Center in Hendersonville) This is located at the Drakes Creek exit on Vietname Vets and is opposite the interstate from the Streets of Indian Lake.
This is a LIVE AUCTION with Gene Carman Realty Company. All items have been donated and you will get a number and bid, bid, bid. ALL and I mean EVERY DIME is going to our adoption fund (J and Brea) and Ray and Katie's adoption fund. They are adopting from Ethiopia.
As of 8:22pm on Monday night, we already have over 60 lots to bid on. This ranges from a piano, a computer armoire, a chair, photo sessions, custom kids clothing, paintings, an American Girl doll with accessories, hotel stays, massages, toys, and so much more. People have graciously donated some amazing items.
What we need? Of course, we still donations. Please let anyone you know that might want to donate from a local business that we have a way to have them write that donation off AND they will get a ton of exposure as every bidder will have a piece of paper in their hand knowing who donated what.
If you don't have stuff to donate, we also need baked goods. We will be selling canned drinks and would like to be able to offer something for people to snack on as well. If you wouldn't mind baking some brownies, cookies, a cake, etc. We don't care, you bake it...we sell it. Again, every DIME goes to our adoption fund. All you need to do is email me at cheapbrea@gmail.com and let me know where to come get it. We will take care of packaging it up and getting it ready for auction night.
I don't say this enough, but please know how much we are thankful for your support!
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