My father-in-law, after going through an angiogram and having a stint put in his heart to take care of a blockage of 70% is now home from the hospital and getting around better each day. He came home on Thursday and tonight we had them over for supper. I am really glad that I can help them out because they have done so much for us.
God has been so good in this whole situation. First, allowing him to have the problems with his blood pressure and heart rate so that the doctors could find the tumor. Then, as I thought about it the other day, keeping him safe throughout the long snowy winter when he cleared their snow, great-grandma's snow, and often our snow as well as the snow for the older couple across the street because that neighbor had a blockage and couldn't do that. That realization just blows my mind. My father-in-law didn't know he had a blockage and was doing all that work that could have led to a heart attack and yet God protected him through it all. WOW!!!!
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Hooray for Trees and Grass!
Today we went to a local landscaping place because they had 1/2 off all of their current trees, shrubs, etc. to make room for the new things coming in later in the week. They also had free ash trees. When we got there, one of our neighbors was there with their truck and trailer and offered to take home for us anything we bought. What a blessing that was! We came home with 6 trees and a magnolia bush/tree. Our neighbor not only transported it for us, he also came over and planted them for us, with my help, and helped us get some grass seed planted as well. Hooray! At least part of my yard will not be weeds this year and full of sand burrs (at least I hope). This week we are supposed to get a fair amount of rain so I should be able to get a good start on the grass and trees taking root and growing. I know it sounds goofy to be so excited about this but if you knew what our yard was like you would understand why I am so excited! Now I can't wait to start planting and seeing some color come into our yard. I am so ready for warmer weather and the end of the school year.
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Are you or should you be an adoptive mother?
As I was reading one of the other adoption blogs of someone from my agency, I came across this list. I found it one worth sharing.
You know you are an adoptive mother (or you should be!) if:
1. The fact that there are 143 million children without a parent to kiss them goodnight has ever made you lose sleep.
2. You realize DNA has nothing to do with love and family.
3. You can't watch Adoption Stories on TLC without sobbing.
4. The fact that if 7% of Christians adopted 1 child, there would be no orphans in the world is convicting to you.
5. You spend free time surfing blogs about families who have experienced the blessing of adoption.
6. It drives you crazy when people ask you about your adopted child's "real" parents.
7. You have ever been "pregnant" with your adoptive child longer than it takes an elephant to give birth.
8. You had no idea how you would afford to adopt but stepped out in faith anyway knowing where God calls you He will provide.
9. You have ever taken a airplane ride half way around the world with a child you just met.
10. You believe God's heart is for adoption.
11. You realize that welcoming a child into your heart and family is one of the most important legacy's you could ever leave on this earth.
12. You shudder when people say your child is so lucky that you adopted them, knowing full well you are the blessed one to have them in your life.
13. You know what the word Dossier means and you can actually pronounce it!
14. You have welcomed a social worker into the most private parts of your life.
You know you are an adoptive mother (or you should be!) if:
1. The fact that there are 143 million children without a parent to kiss them goodnight has ever made you lose sleep.
2. You realize DNA has nothing to do with love and family.
3. You can't watch Adoption Stories on TLC without sobbing.
4. The fact that if 7% of Christians adopted 1 child, there would be no orphans in the world is convicting to you.
5. You spend free time surfing blogs about families who have experienced the blessing of adoption.
6. It drives you crazy when people ask you about your adopted child's "real" parents.
7. You have ever been "pregnant" with your adoptive child longer than it takes an elephant to give birth.
8. You had no idea how you would afford to adopt but stepped out in faith anyway knowing where God calls you He will provide.
9. You have ever taken a airplane ride half way around the world with a child you just met.
10. You believe God's heart is for adoption.
11. You realize that welcoming a child into your heart and family is one of the most important legacy's you could ever leave on this earth.
12. You shudder when people say your child is so lucky that you adopted them, knowing full well you are the blessed one to have them in your life.
13. You know what the word Dossier means and you can actually pronounce it!
14. You have welcomed a social worker into the most private parts of your life.
Monday, March 24, 2008
Difficult News
Today we got some difficult news regarding my father-in-law. After going in to the hospital for what appeared to be heart-related problems, they found that he has a tumor in his kidney. It gave me a very sick feeling in the pit of my stomach at first. He has been such a rock for us throughout Brent's sickness and in the time since his death.
As I look at it now, I can see God's hand in this situation. First, this type of tumor is not usually found until it is too late because it doesn't have any pain associated with it. If he had not gone in for the heart-related issues, they would not have found it until it was too late. Now they should be able to treat it. He will probably have one of his kidneys removed, but people can survive with only one kidney.
I am probably more concerned about my mother-in-law. She was really struggling with this. I just pray that Rachel, Mari-Liis and I can be a source of help and comfort to her in this time. I think that Brent's sister and brother will probably be coming soon as well. That will be a big source of comfort to her as well. I pray that she will be able to find the peace and comfort of our heavenly Father in the midst of this uncertainty. We love them so much and never want to see them experience pain.
As I look at it now, I can see God's hand in this situation. First, this type of tumor is not usually found until it is too late because it doesn't have any pain associated with it. If he had not gone in for the heart-related issues, they would not have found it until it was too late. Now they should be able to treat it. He will probably have one of his kidneys removed, but people can survive with only one kidney.
I am probably more concerned about my mother-in-law. She was really struggling with this. I just pray that Rachel, Mari-Liis and I can be a source of help and comfort to her in this time. I think that Brent's sister and brother will probably be coming soon as well. That will be a big source of comfort to her as well. I pray that she will be able to find the peace and comfort of our heavenly Father in the midst of this uncertainty. We love them so much and never want to see them experience pain.
Easter
We just returned from spending the weekend in Wisconsin with my family. We were supposed to have left on Friday but were delayed a day due to all the snow they were receiving there. We left Saturday morning very early instead. The roads were okay but from what I could tell, I am really glad we didn't try it on Friday.
On Friday, we spent the day starting on some of our projects for the upcoming spring break. We also watched The Passion of the Christ. Rachel wasn't going to watch but did in the end. I'm glad she did. It really reminds you again of the sacrifice Jesus Christ made for each one of us. As He was beaten time and time again, I was reminded that my sins were the cause of those beatings. Each one represented a sin that I have committed or will commit yet (because as much as I don't want to sin, I am still human and will not be perfect until I stand in Heaven with my Lord). Oh, to look on His face and touch His hands and feet where He was pierced for me.
On Easter Sunday we attended church with my parents. In the sermon, the priest talked about why the resurrection is so important. It proves that God has the power to overcome death, hell and the grave. This is reassuring when I think about the many people that I am praying God will heal. He also pointed out that when we repent, it is like we are changing sides. We are moving from the side of darkness to the side of the Light. I had never thought of it this way. Every time I choose to repent of my sin, I am choosing to be on the side of Jesus Christ. And His side is the winning side. So, why wouldn't I want to be on His side?!
On Friday, we spent the day starting on some of our projects for the upcoming spring break. We also watched The Passion of the Christ. Rachel wasn't going to watch but did in the end. I'm glad she did. It really reminds you again of the sacrifice Jesus Christ made for each one of us. As He was beaten time and time again, I was reminded that my sins were the cause of those beatings. Each one represented a sin that I have committed or will commit yet (because as much as I don't want to sin, I am still human and will not be perfect until I stand in Heaven with my Lord). Oh, to look on His face and touch His hands and feet where He was pierced for me.
On Easter Sunday we attended church with my parents. In the sermon, the priest talked about why the resurrection is so important. It proves that God has the power to overcome death, hell and the grave. This is reassuring when I think about the many people that I am praying God will heal. He also pointed out that when we repent, it is like we are changing sides. We are moving from the side of darkness to the side of the Light. I had never thought of it this way. Every time I choose to repent of my sin, I am choosing to be on the side of Jesus Christ. And His side is the winning side. So, why wouldn't I want to be on His side?!
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Dossier is On It's Way
Today I got an email from Katie informing us that our dossier was sent this week to Vietnam. I am sooo excited to know that at least for a little while I do not have to do any paperwork, just adoption education things. I had a nice conversation with my daughter about this whole thing. She tells me she is not worried about this process and that we'll have a baby when it is time. What a great attitude! I am not worried either. I just like to know what's going on. That's the control freak in me coming out I guess. I'm working on that one. I guess this is God's way of helping me to learn to let go of control and give it to Him.
Spring Break
Hooray! We are finally on spring break and on the official first day of spring. The weather today certainly did feel more like spring but I don't think it is shorts weather yet - even though one of my second graders chose to wear them to school. There is still that winter nip in the air that comes in the beginning of spring. Good thing they won't be in school tomorrow as they are predicting some wintry weather again. The weather man said that if we got another 2 inches, it would officially be the snowiest winter on record.
This week we definitely saw some signs of spring as well. There are more birds out and about looking through our yard for food now that most of the snow is gone. We saw a bunny rabbit running across a neigbor's yard. And last night we hit a raccoon running across the road on the way home from church. I hate when that happens, even though I really don't like raccoons. They are still one of God's creatures and it gives me a sick feeling in my stomach when you hear the "thud".
This morning I had to take a half of a sick day because Rachel needed to have something fixed on her braces. The appointment was for 8:00 but we were in and out before then and so I had a morning that I could have been at school. It was good for Rachel because she was very worried about missing any school time. She wants to be able to opt out of two of her finals, which is something they can do if they have missed no more than two days of school. I did enjoy my time at home.
I have to tell a funny story about my dog. I think she is getting more silly and more like a person the older she gets. She has a chair that she really likes to sit in and goes to as soon as we let her out of the basement. When I got home I had put my purse on that chair. I didn't think anything of it until the dog kept standing in front of the chair, wagging her tail and looking back and forth from me to the chair as if to say, "Are you going to get that thing off of my chair?!" As soon as I moved the purse she climbed into the chair and hung her paws off the arm rest like she does so she can see out the window. The rest of the morning she followed me around wherever I went and hopped from my bed to the chair downstairs, depending on where I was.
This week we definitely saw some signs of spring as well. There are more birds out and about looking through our yard for food now that most of the snow is gone. We saw a bunny rabbit running across a neigbor's yard. And last night we hit a raccoon running across the road on the way home from church. I hate when that happens, even though I really don't like raccoons. They are still one of God's creatures and it gives me a sick feeling in my stomach when you hear the "thud".
This morning I had to take a half of a sick day because Rachel needed to have something fixed on her braces. The appointment was for 8:00 but we were in and out before then and so I had a morning that I could have been at school. It was good for Rachel because she was very worried about missing any school time. She wants to be able to opt out of two of her finals, which is something they can do if they have missed no more than two days of school. I did enjoy my time at home.
I have to tell a funny story about my dog. I think she is getting more silly and more like a person the older she gets. She has a chair that she really likes to sit in and goes to as soon as we let her out of the basement. When I got home I had put my purse on that chair. I didn't think anything of it until the dog kept standing in front of the chair, wagging her tail and looking back and forth from me to the chair as if to say, "Are you going to get that thing off of my chair?!" As soon as I moved the purse she climbed into the chair and hung her paws off the arm rest like she does so she can see out the window. The rest of the morning she followed me around wherever I went and hopped from my bed to the chair downstairs, depending on where I was.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
News and Things
I am happy to say that we have received a copy of our authenticated dossier in the mail today. I'm not sure if that means I am officially on the wait list for a referral or if that happens after my dossier is logged in in Vietnam. From what I understand from others on the forum, this usually takes about 4-6 weeks. So, by the end of April I should be "officially" on the wait list if I'm not already. I just really hope we have a referral before September when the MOU expires. But I also have to keep telling myself that God is in control of this and not me. Interestingly, tonight at church at the end of our praise and worship time, Jamie approached me to tell me that as he was praying God gave him the word "release" for me. He said he didn't know exactly what it meant but that was the word the Lord laid upon his heart to give to me. I'm not sure exactly what it means either but I will receive it and wait for the Lord to show me where this release will come from. It could be related to the adoption or finances or my single status or perhaps my job. I guess the Lord must really be trying to get my attention because on Sunday he gave our pastor's wife a word for me as well. I'm glad He's speaking because I have been really struggling with stress in my life lately. I can't imagine why but that's another story.
Tomorrow is the last day of school before spring break. HOORAY! It can't be here soon enough. This school year has been very stressful and not just on me. I think every staff member I have talked to has felt the same way. We definitely need some time of refreshing and recharging before facing the last two months.
Time to get to bed so I can get up on time tomorrow!
Tomorrow is the last day of school before spring break. HOORAY! It can't be here soon enough. This school year has been very stressful and not just on me. I think every staff member I have talked to has felt the same way. We definitely need some time of refreshing and recharging before facing the last two months.
Time to get to bed so I can get up on time tomorrow!
Saturday, March 15, 2008
What a Week!
This was quite a busy week at the Senior house. Rachel has officially begun her high school acting career. She had a small part in the winter one act plays on Thursday night. The plays were to have taken place last week Friday but had to be delayed. So, there was practice every night this week along with the Academic Excellence dinner and awards night and the last Scholastic Bowl meet of the year. Rachel did a great job and all the plays were very well done. Each one had a student director or two and afterwards the cast went out to Village Inn for their cast party. Rachel said she enjoyed doing the play because she got to meet some new people that she would not have met otherwise. She was only one of four freshman that were in the plays.
On Tuesday night we attended the Academic Excellence dinner, which is for students who have a 3.75 GPA or higher. There were quite a few freshman who were honored that night. I am very proud of Rachel. She is definitely focused on what she wants in life. I have to laugh sometimes because she talks often about how she doesn't have time for a boyfriend because she has too many things she wants to do in life. It's true! She also really would like to be valedictorian and make it into National Honor Society. Like I said, she is very focused. Sometimes I have to remind her to loosen up and not take life so seriously.
On Thursday night, in addition to having the play, they also had their last Scholastic Bowl meet. It was a meet that was a little different than the others in that there were no bonus questions and because it was sponsored by and played live on a local radio station. Her team won the meet and received medals that she will be able to put on her letter when she earns one. This was definitely a nice way to end their year, especially considering they didn't make it past regionals.
I can tell that spring break is right around the corner because it is getting much more difficult to keep my students focused and on task. I will be glad for some time away from the stress but do not look forward to trying to get them back into things for the final two months afterwards. I plan to scrapbook Rachel's freshman year of high school so that I at least stay current with high school. I am also planning to paint some murals in the Kids Corner 4 Christ at church (aka the Children's Church room). Sounds like a lot! I hope I get it all finished!!
On Tuesday night we attended the Academic Excellence dinner, which is for students who have a 3.75 GPA or higher. There were quite a few freshman who were honored that night. I am very proud of Rachel. She is definitely focused on what she wants in life. I have to laugh sometimes because she talks often about how she doesn't have time for a boyfriend because she has too many things she wants to do in life. It's true! She also really would like to be valedictorian and make it into National Honor Society. Like I said, she is very focused. Sometimes I have to remind her to loosen up and not take life so seriously.
On Thursday night, in addition to having the play, they also had their last Scholastic Bowl meet. It was a meet that was a little different than the others in that there were no bonus questions and because it was sponsored by and played live on a local radio station. Her team won the meet and received medals that she will be able to put on her letter when she earns one. This was definitely a nice way to end their year, especially considering they didn't make it past regionals.
I can tell that spring break is right around the corner because it is getting much more difficult to keep my students focused and on task. I will be glad for some time away from the stress but do not look forward to trying to get them back into things for the final two months afterwards. I plan to scrapbook Rachel's freshman year of high school so that I at least stay current with high school. I am also planning to paint some murals in the Kids Corner 4 Christ at church (aka the Children's Church room). Sounds like a lot! I hope I get it all finished!!
Friday, March 14, 2008
Dossier Authenticated
We finally received the news we have been waiting for for two weeks! Yesterday Kelley from Dillon emailed me to say that our dossier is authenticated and we should receive a copy in about two weeks. Hooray! I finally feel like were getting somewhere, even though I think it will still be a long wait. I hope not, but I have to remember that it is in God's timing and His hands, not mine.
Sunday, March 2, 2008
Adoption News
This week we had a little bit of a scare! On Tuesday I emailed Katie to see where they were in authenticating my dossier. She forwarded my email to Rhonda/Kelley who emailed me on Wednesday to tell me that it was held up at the Secretary of State's Office. She said they told her they had called my about redoing a document because of a problem with a notary. I emailed her and told her that I had not received any call from the Secretary of State's office. I asked about calling. She emailed me back with the number. When I called, the lady I talked to was not very polite and told me she had checked with all of the people in her department and didn't have any record of my documents. She told me to find out when and how my documents were sent. I emailed Kelley back who sent the information to me. I then called back to the Secretary of State's office. This time I talked with a lady who was more polite but didn't know anything eithe. She gave me the voicemail of the previous lady. On Friday, I received a phone call from Kelley to say that everything was fine with my dossier. They had filed it under Dillon instead of my name. It was already sent out and was at the Consulate being authenticated there and should be back to Dillon within a week. Boy, did I breathe a sigh of relief!!! Next step, were on the waiting list. I can't wait to get that email. We're one step closer!! Praise the Lord!!
Update
It has been a busy week since I last posted. The girls and I went to the Toby Mac, Jeremy Camp, Matthew West concert on the 23rd and had a blast. It was a great worship experience. We met some great people seated around us and I wish I had their names written down so that we could have communicated with them. What a neat family they were!! They drove 3 hours to come to the concert and went home when it was finished. We didn't get home until midnight (although we did stay a little longer to talk to Jeremy Camp) so I can't imagine when they got home. As I said, we did meet Jeremy Camp and Matthew West. I have to say that I was very impressed with both of them, both onstage and off. They are genuine men of God and not just performers.
This weekend I took the girls to Michigan to attend the Father/Daughter banguet with my brother-in-law Joel. Joel has been doing this ever since Brent passed away. It is always a special time for all of us. It makes me feel good to know that she can have this "dad" experience that she wouldn't otherwise have. That is one of the hard things about being a single mom. It is also a good time for me to be able to relax and spend time with Andrea. We rarely get the time to talk anymore. I consider myself so blessed to have such a great relationship with Brent's family, even this long after his death.
This weekend I took the girls to Michigan to attend the Father/Daughter banguet with my brother-in-law Joel. Joel has been doing this ever since Brent passed away. It is always a special time for all of us. It makes me feel good to know that she can have this "dad" experience that she wouldn't otherwise have. That is one of the hard things about being a single mom. It is also a good time for me to be able to relax and spend time with Andrea. We rarely get the time to talk anymore. I consider myself so blessed to have such a great relationship with Brent's family, even this long after his death.
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