Adoption Update

Talk about spinning your wheels. Cory and I attended another adoption meeting last Thursday. It was on domestic adoption. We both felt like we had a much better understanding of why most lean toward international. There are just way to many unknowns and the stats are scary. (50% of mothers change their minds at time of birth or decide they prefer a different couple.) We are trying to stay open minded however so we are planning to visit another agency on March 12 to hear about their domestic program. I believe I mentioned this agency in a previous post. It is called the Miriam Project and is run through Madison Park Church of God in Anderson, IN. This process is definitely a test of faith. I feel like faith is the only thing keeping me together right now. We have had a lot going on in our lives over the past several months in addition to this and it is truly amazing to see God work when you let him. I pray that I will be a strong enough person to let him take care of this also. I have always struggled to want to control things myself.

Kitchen Remodel

Wow, it's been a while since I've had time to post anything new. My kitchen remodel is really coming along. The cabinets are finished. Next is adding the granite countertops, tile flooring and painting the walls. I will show before and after pictures but I want to wait until the transformation is complete. It will be a dramatic change. We are updating the flooring throughout the house also but the kitchen will by far be the most dramatic. Hopefully it won't take so long to do the rest. Refinishing the cabinets wore me out but it was sooo worth it.

Valentine's Day

What a great Valentine's Day! Cory and I usually don't get all caught up in this stuff but he was so thoughtful this year. Most of you know that I've been working hard on refinishing all the cabinetry in my house. Well, I've been having some issues with my lower back because of it so instead of going out to dinner, like we always do, he went to David & Mary's Spa and got me a 4 handed massage. Any massage would have been great but he remembered a conversation from a month ago that this was the massage I wanted. At the time, I didn't even think he was listening because I was just reading over the different types because I wanted to book something special for my mom and sister the next time they visit. Isn't he awesome! I am so thankful for every day I'm with him. I love you Cory!

I hope all of you had a great Valentine's Day!

Miriam Project Adoption Services

I just found out about an adoption agency that is affiliated with the Church of God in Anderson, IN. I was surprised that I hadn't heard about it sooner. One of the girls at work put me in touch with her cousin who had adopted through them. I talked with her for over an hour last night learning more about her experience and things to expect. It was so helpful and I am so grateful that we had the chance to talk. She seems like an amazing mom and she had some really insightful perspectives. Cory and I will definitely look into this agency further. Please keep us in your prayers.

Maddison

Isn't she adorable! This is one of the latest pictures Jen had taken of her. She was so funny during her photo session. The photographer would ask her to pose a certain way and Maddison would start negotiating with her. Maddison told her she would pose for her as long as she got to do her own pose next. She is so hilarious!

I'll try to post pictures of the other three soon. I need to get some updated ones from Barry and Michelle.

"God will provide"

Our sermon in church this morning was so good. It was about Abraham and Isaac at Mount Moriah. The core of the sermon was that sometimes our faith will be tested but we need to have faith that God will provide. If you get the chance and want to read or listen to the sermon I would highly recommend it. Below is the link to our church website.

http://gracecc.org/

I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

Austin, Michaela, Matthew & Maddison

My neices and nephews are growing up so fast. Austin is becoming quite the athlete. He is unbelievably competitive. Mom and I were just talking about it and how much it reminds us of dad. Michaela is learning to play the guitar. She made her debut in church last week and did an amazing job. Austin and Michaela are both gifted with music. Of course, that should be no surprise considering the talents their parents have. Matthew is now driving. I can't even believe it. He is growing up to be an amazing kid. He is so well mannered and a pleasure to be around. I wish we could see him more. Maddison is now in pre-school and she loves every minute of it. She is so advanced for her age it's almost scary. She's four years old and she already knows how to add and subtract. She loves socializing also. She was really disappointed when the weather kept her from going to school on Friday. I'd add some pictures of them but it is not allowing me tonight for some reason. I'll post them when I figure it out. It's too late to worry about it right now. Good night!