Following Our Dream

So you probably think I forgot about my blog, didn't you???

Well, I did not! We had phone and computer difficulty for about a week and then this total exhaustion hit me from no where! It's been rough but I'm trying my darndest to get over it.

In the meantime, we have had some major nudging from "ah em" "The Man Upstairs". He has really been showing us the path that He wants us to take in our lives and boy, it sure feels good to realize and see the BIG PICTURE!!! Well, what He will let us see! hehe

Last Monday, we had a meeting with a local fostering agency on the "potential adoption" of 3 boys (twins 3, and baby brother 1). It was a very neat and educational meeting as we learned about the boys and told them about our family. It sure gave us alot to think about over this past week!!!

But as much as we would have loved to add them to our family, something just didn't feel right. They just didn't feel like "our sons". God touched our hearts with these boys and we loved learning about them and trust me, they are precious!! But it just didn't feel right. So we called the agency and told them that as much as we would have loved to adopt them, we must follow our hearts and what God has planned for us.

So, its been a mad rush to get our paperwork completed and off to what we feel, is our child! There are several amazing things that have revealed themselves about this child and the situation. but I will post about them when things are more solidified. Right now, our journey is not over and I don't want to miss any of the amazing tale!

Stay tuned as our journey unfolds and we pray that you will witness the "birth" of our next child!

Been Awhile! VENTING TONIGHT

It's been awhile since I've posted on here. Sorry, it's been a crazy few days! Our family is going through some changes, some could be major and some not as much. It's not really anything bad (although some family would probably say different). It's just changes.

Alot of this time has been waiting for answers to some rather important questions. We have gotten many of our answers but then as those answers came, more questions came, so we wait for even more answers. It seems never ending to say the least. It also seems as though, one answer hinges upon another answer. UGH! Frustrating isn't even the word for it all!

But in the midst of all of the never ending wait, I have God to thank for my children and my husband. We are all fine and healthy (except a little g-tube trouble for Arlyn), we have each other, and our friends. God Is Good!

Now My Vent.....
I really don't know where to start, this issue has been an issue for quite some time.
FAMILY!!!
Yes! Family! It never ceases to amaze me how sometimes family has your back and can be such great support but man, when they don't agree with your choices!!! WATCH OUT!

My family is well, not so enthused with our choice of adding more children to our family. They love the kids and give them attention but to keep adopting more, they just don't get it. I know that some mean well. They just don't want us to be overwhelmed, but some are just plain hurtful and jealous!!!

Why do I think they are jealous?? Because I'm the type of person that will set my goal and strive til I reach it! I don't ever back down from a challenge! Especially if someone tries to hinder my goal or just tells me that I can't do it! I just don't think that certain family members like that about me. I have a spine and I for sure have a mouth! LOL

If you can't already tell, this has been a hot subject for me! hehe In my case the "hot" subject is adoption but in many other peoples lives its many other things. Wether it's your lifestyle, what car you buy or home, how you parent, your religion, and so on. It just seems that you cannot please every loved one and you certainly shouldn't live your life to their expectations or wishes.

That wouldn't even be your life that you are living!! Now, don't get me wrong, I definately have my opinions about how some of my loved ones live and the choices that they make. But the difference here is that I don't set out to hinder or hurt their life choices. Unfortuately some do! :(

Ok, this rant is almost over! haha But I leave with this..... IF God didn't want our family to adopt anymore children then WHY has he made it possible for many and I do mean MANY, potential placements come our way within the last 3-4 months??? I have never felt so honored and blessed. Alot of these potential children would have been a wonderful addition but alas, they just weren't meant for us. But it is humbling to have so many social workers(who see many families on paper) pick our family out of many, to be in the "top pick" for these special children!!

I have to think that we are doing something right. I have to believe that it's not luck but His will for us! I have to just ignore the undesirable intentions and thoughts of some and step out on my faith that I am doing what He wants me to do. Maybe someday, people will be more accepting and understanding. Maybe someone will see our family and its make-up and really appreciate what God has blessed us with AND maybe just maybe, some may see that adoption is a gift and that they can be just as blessed as we are. :)

A Birthday Celebration!

Arlyn's birthday party was today! Yes! Our precious baby is 1 !!! Hard to believe, it's already been a year that she came into our lives. Boy! We have been thru alot in this year!

We lived in Tennessee when Arlyn was born, we moved back to Ohio for her to get better care, she went through major surgery , pneumonia, tummy bugs and typical growing pains (cutting teeth).

But we also got to see her smile her beautiful smile, laugh and giggle, coo, love and know all of us, we also witnessed her learning to roll over, and of course shed a few tears and get anything she wanted! LOL

WOW! What a journey! Wonder what the next year ahead of us will bring! I know that it won't be easy but we are honored and blessed to be able to travel this journey with Arlyn. We thank God that he chose us to be this precious childs mommy and daddy.

And...Jamie decided to get a dozen pink balloons for the occasion so what happens when you have 12 balloons in floating around your house?????

Yep! A good old balloon fight! hehe

She"s Rolling!!!

Miss Arlyn is rolling over!!!!! The day before her 1st birthday and she has figured out how to roll over. Of course Jamie and I are in tears!! LOL

I know that this is a big deal for every parent. But Arlyn is a very special girl. She is our CDLS affected child and as you can imagine, when you have a spcial needs child everything is a big deal!

We cannot be more proud of our angel. She is such a blessing to us.God gave us such a miraculous gift when he entrusted us to be her mommy and daddy. We just want to love and nurture her the best of our ability. I even texted her physical therapist tonigh to share the news!! hehe

I managed to catch her mid roll on video. Enjoy!

WAITING

So this week has been about waiting. Waiting for many answers, to many questions. I would love to say that "I am patiently waiting". But that would be a total lie!!! I hate waiting. It stinks!

But what do ya do??? You pretty much have to wait!

I am relying on God's timeing and His will. I know that He knows what's best for us and even if I disagree, what the heck can I do about it!!! LOL

Things are unfolding slowly and I believe that within this next week we will have more answers.

I wish I had more to share but in due time I pray that I will.