Saturday, September 30, 2006
GO HAWKEYES!!!!
Just wanted to make sure everyone was planning on cheering the Hawkeyes onto victory this evening!!! It's a HUGE game for us! GO HAWKEYES!!!!!!!!!!!
Friday, September 29, 2006
Being Good
"No man knows how bad he is until he's tried very hard to be good..." -C.S Lewis
This quote is so true! Sean and I have several things that we are continuously "working on" in our lives. When you are trying to be aware of the sinful or "bad" things that you are doing it makes you realize that you usually just don't notice you're doing it. It's so true that I have never realized how "bad" I was until now that I have been trying very hard to be "good". No one ever told me this journey would be easy, just that the final reward is beyond anything imagineable!
This quote is so true! Sean and I have several things that we are continuously "working on" in our lives. When you are trying to be aware of the sinful or "bad" things that you are doing it makes you realize that you usually just don't notice you're doing it. It's so true that I have never realized how "bad" I was until now that I have been trying very hard to be "good". No one ever told me this journey would be easy, just that the final reward is beyond anything imagineable!
Moving On
Since the news that we weren't going to be parents of the babies in Virginia, we have been keeping ourselves busy. Last night we went to dinner and a movie and then actually got a full nights sleep!!! It was great to sleep deep. For some reason, I still had a difficult time getting to sleep just thinking of the days events, but once I got to sleep, I didn't wake up for 9 1/2 hours! :) Then today, Sean had class and worked and I did some laundry and ran some errands. I prepared a yummy new recipe for dinner (Thanks Cathy!) and we watched Grey's Anatomy! I LOVE Grey's Anatomy! Then Sean and I played cribbage. I won the tournament! I ALWAYS do...Sean says I am lucky, I say there is no such thing as luck, I am just skilled. :) Anyway, we have been keeping busy which is keeping our minds off of our recent disappointment. In my Daily Bread Daily Devotional yesterday, it talked about the command of Galatians 6:2, "Bear one another's burdens." It states in the devotional that 'Bearing one another's burden helps make the burden bearable.' I know that the reason our disappointment was so bearable for us was because many of you have been bearing our burden for us and praying for our strength. Thank you all for making this easier on us! We love each of you so much!
We're looking so forward to this weekend. We have several things on the agenda, but possibly the most exciting is the Iowa vs. Ohio State game on Saturday night. Oh, how we would so LOVE to be able to attend!!! We will root on our Hawkeyes from the comfort of our home in front of our big screen! If anything could cheer me up this weekend, it would be the Hawks defeating the Buckeyes!!!! :) ha. GO HAWKS! I am realistic though, and understand that this will be probably the most difficult game of the year for us and we may not come out victorious. We will support our team to the end no matter what! Anxious to see how it all unfolds!
We're looking so forward to this weekend. We have several things on the agenda, but possibly the most exciting is the Iowa vs. Ohio State game on Saturday night. Oh, how we would so LOVE to be able to attend!!! We will root on our Hawkeyes from the comfort of our home in front of our big screen! If anything could cheer me up this weekend, it would be the Hawks defeating the Buckeyes!!!! :) ha. GO HAWKS! I am realistic though, and understand that this will be probably the most difficult game of the year for us and we may not come out victorious. We will support our team to the end no matter what! Anxious to see how it all unfolds!
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
The Outcome
Well, what a relief it is to no longer wonder what is going to happen with these situations in Virginia. The news is that we will not have to travel to Virginia. Both of the birthmothers selected other families for their babies. Mya, the twins' birthmother liked our profile, but selected a couple that was closer to Virginia. The other birthmother, we didn't get too much information about, just that she selected another couple. We are disappointed, but really are okay with everything. We know that we will get that baby that we're meant to have. We REALLY appreciate all of the prayers and believe that's why we are doing so well at accepting this outcome. It is definitely not the end of the world, and when we look into the eyes of our baby when we get it, we will be SO HAPPY that we didn't get any of these babies in Virginia! I am sooo glad that God has his perfect master plan and I don't have to worry about having control of my life! I can't wait to see His master plan unfold in our lives! Looking forward to the future and feeling VERY relieved!
AAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!!!
I am on the verge of tears because I am so stressed out! It is 2:40, and we STILL HAVEN'T HEARD A THING!!!!! This is the worst! I feel sick to my stomach and I don't know what to do with myself! PLEASE PRAY!
SERIOUSLY!!!!
Okay, so it's 1:00, and we STILL haven't heard anything. I don't know if that's a bad sign or a good sign. We'll keep you posted!!!
Tuesday, September 26, 2006
Update
Okay, seriously, my patience is being tested FOR SURE!!! We got an update from our social worker today and it sounds like Mya (the twins birthmother) has reviewed the profiles and taken home the ones that she is considering (we are still in the running!!!) and going to go through them again at home and make a decision. Tomorrow, she has an appointment to go into the office and talk with her social worker about her decision and do the necessary things to get things all together and we should hear by 1:00. Now, we were originally told that we would hear by Monday or Tuesday at the latest, and that didn't happen, so we're not holding our breath! :) We'll see.
After getting all of that information, we were told by our social worker that Mya's social worker has another client that just had a baby boy and he is still in the hospital because he is jaundice (spelling???), but that we would be a good match for her as well. He was born on September 22nd and he is also black. His birthmother is in college and he is a product of a one night stand and she has no way to contact the father and apparently doesn't really know him, so he's not in the picture. SO, if Mya doesn't choose us, then our profile is going to be shown to this other birthmother and we may have to go to Virginia if we get picked by her anyway! This last week has been NUTS! Hopefully this will all be over soon! Please pray!
After getting all of that information, we were told by our social worker that Mya's social worker has another client that just had a baby boy and he is still in the hospital because he is jaundice (spelling???), but that we would be a good match for her as well. He was born on September 22nd and he is also black. His birthmother is in college and he is a product of a one night stand and she has no way to contact the father and apparently doesn't really know him, so he's not in the picture. SO, if Mya doesn't choose us, then our profile is going to be shown to this other birthmother and we may have to go to Virginia if we get picked by her anyway! This last week has been NUTS! Hopefully this will all be over soon! Please pray!
For our anniversary!
For our anniversary, Sean decided to put on my new pajamas and do a little "love jig" for me. Boy was it a beautiful moment! He loves me soooo much! :)
Calming the nerves :)
With all of the stress we've had waiting for a phone call about the twins, we decided to calm our nerves this evening. Sean did that by consuming some adult beverages and posing for a photo shoot! He is such a stud muffin!!!! I love him sooooo much, he has been wonderful at distracting me from thinking about this situation. He really is amazing...can't you tell from the pictures?!!! :)
Monday, September 25, 2006
Waiting...Waiting...Waiting
Yes, we are STILL waiting to hear. We did get a call today letting us know that the birthmother (her name is Mya) was looking at our profile today. Our social worker also told us not to hold our breaths about hearing anything today. SO, the wait continues! I would think that the birthmother would want to make a decision sooner rather than later, but who know. So hopefully we'll hear something tomorrow! AAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!! This wait is driving me nuts! In the conversation with our social worker, I also found out that Mya will be looking at 5 profiles (this is more than we originally expected), so we have a 20% chance of getting picked. I'm not quite as optimistic after hearing about the number of other profiles she will see. :( We are doing okay though and keep reminding ourselves that whatever is meant to be will be. We went out for sushi tonight and while we were there, I said to Sean, "if anything was going to perk me up today, it was going to be sushi!" :) YUMMY! Then we went and played some pool and now we are just going to relax the rest of the evening and watch some football. We would still appreciate prayer as we know we may have a big day ahead of us, hopefully tomorrow!!! We'll let you know as we hear more.
The Sunset
This was the sunset yesterday...it was BEAUTIFUL!!! I just thought I would share it with all of you.
Today is a beautiful day as well. It is Sean and my anniversary, the weather is gorgeuos and we may find out today that we are a Mommy and Daddy of twins! I have decided though, that if we find out that we are not going to get the twins, that it will still be a beautiful day. We are hopeful and in constant prayer until we get word...
Saturday, September 23, 2006
Twins Update...
It has been a few days since I have posted anything and so I just wanted to update everyone on the situation...
We are sitting on pins and needles at our household awaiting the news of whether we are a mommy and daddy or not! This is the hardest thing that I have ever had to do! It looks like we will not be hearing anything until Monday or maybe Tuesday, so we can do nothing, but wait. This is definitely a test for me, as I tend to be soooooo impatient! I am doing the best I can, but have slept only a few hours each night since we got word that we may get the twins! I have been in constant prayer and I know many of you out there have been praying for us as well. I am not doing very well at guarding my heart...I am just too excited! I know if we find out that the twins will be placed with another couple, we will be disappointed, but will get through it. We understand the challenges that could come with raising twins, but we are willing to take on those challenges and have grown more and more excited these last few days. I don't think I have EVER been so consumed with something in my whole life. I can't seem to think of anything else! Hopefully I can get some sleep these next couple of nights and then we can find out one way or another if we will be raising these two precious lives! Whether we will or not, at least we will be able to move on and accept whatever happens. I must admit, we want to raise these twins sooooo badly!!!!!!!!!!
If we do get them, something tells me that I won't have time to post a very extensive blog regarding the situation. I'll have Cassie post about it if it happens, but this is what we know so far, if we end up getting them:
We have looked into some flights and stuff and have decided that we will drive to Virginia instead of fly. We will want a car while we're there and it would be much easier to pack our car full with what we need instead of having to stuff everything in suitcases to be checked. SO, as soon as we get the good news (IF we get good news!), we will be getting everything in order here. We will have to go purchase some items and then we plan on heading out right away. Sean will stay for the first 4 days or so and then will fly out of Virginia to come back to Des Moines so he can attend class and work for about 4 or 5 days. During those days, Cassie (and maybe Mom) will come out and help me. Then Sean will fly back to Virginia for the last few days and we'll drive home with some precious cargo!!!! :) Just thought I'd let you all know now what we're thinking so that I don't have to post a super long explanation amidst everything else if this all pans out. I will definitely post the news as soon as we hear it whether it is good OR bad.
We're hopefull, but are trying to remain guarded a bit. Sean is doing a great job at guarding his heart...me on the other hand, I am not doing such a great job at that. I may be borderline devastated if this doesn't work out! This waiting is pure agony! We appreciate your continued prayers! Hopefully good news to come!!!
We are sitting on pins and needles at our household awaiting the news of whether we are a mommy and daddy or not! This is the hardest thing that I have ever had to do! It looks like we will not be hearing anything until Monday or maybe Tuesday, so we can do nothing, but wait. This is definitely a test for me, as I tend to be soooooo impatient! I am doing the best I can, but have slept only a few hours each night since we got word that we may get the twins! I have been in constant prayer and I know many of you out there have been praying for us as well. I am not doing very well at guarding my heart...I am just too excited! I know if we find out that the twins will be placed with another couple, we will be disappointed, but will get through it. We understand the challenges that could come with raising twins, but we are willing to take on those challenges and have grown more and more excited these last few days. I don't think I have EVER been so consumed with something in my whole life. I can't seem to think of anything else! Hopefully I can get some sleep these next couple of nights and then we can find out one way or another if we will be raising these two precious lives! Whether we will or not, at least we will be able to move on and accept whatever happens. I must admit, we want to raise these twins sooooo badly!!!!!!!!!!
If we do get them, something tells me that I won't have time to post a very extensive blog regarding the situation. I'll have Cassie post about it if it happens, but this is what we know so far, if we end up getting them:
We have looked into some flights and stuff and have decided that we will drive to Virginia instead of fly. We will want a car while we're there and it would be much easier to pack our car full with what we need instead of having to stuff everything in suitcases to be checked. SO, as soon as we get the good news (IF we get good news!), we will be getting everything in order here. We will have to go purchase some items and then we plan on heading out right away. Sean will stay for the first 4 days or so and then will fly out of Virginia to come back to Des Moines so he can attend class and work for about 4 or 5 days. During those days, Cassie (and maybe Mom) will come out and help me. Then Sean will fly back to Virginia for the last few days and we'll drive home with some precious cargo!!!! :) Just thought I'd let you all know now what we're thinking so that I don't have to post a super long explanation amidst everything else if this all pans out. I will definitely post the news as soon as we hear it whether it is good OR bad.
We're hopefull, but are trying to remain guarded a bit. Sean is doing a great job at guarding his heart...me on the other hand, I am not doing such a great job at that. I may be borderline devastated if this doesn't work out! This waiting is pure agony! We appreciate your continued prayers! Hopefully good news to come!!!
Thursday, September 21, 2006
TWINS!!!!
Well, I wasn't going to post this on my blog, because I didn't want to jinx it, but pretty much everyone already knows about it, so here goes.
We found out yesterday that the birthmother in Cedar Rapids had changed her mind and decided not to place her baby for adoption. A short few minutes following that, we got word of a birthmother in Virginia who delivered twins on September 12 that has already signed away her rights and is just looking for a family for her babies. To make a long story short, she is interested in us and our profile was put in the mail to be overnighted to her yesterday and she will make a decision between us and another couple by early next week! Pretty exciting!!!! We are trying to guard our hearts a bit, as we don't want to be completely devastated if this doesn't pan out. Although, I must admit, the idea of twins is pretty exciting AND scary at the same time! :) We're hopeful, but could really use your prayers...not only for us, but for these babies and their birthmother.
If we find out that we were chosen, we will fly out that day or the day after to go to Virginia and get them. They are in a great foster home right now and are healthy and doing great! When we get to Virginia, we would get to take them right away and stay in a hotel. I would have to stay in Virginia for up to 2 weeks before I could bring them home due to an Interstate Placement Law. No biggie, but I know I would be anxious to get them home! Due to Sean's school and work situation, unfortunately he wouldn't be able to stay that entire 2 weeks. He would come for a few days in the beginning and either Cassie or Mom would come for a few days in the middle and then Sean would probably come back for a few days in the end to help me bring them home.
I don't know that this has all really sunk in for me or not yet. If it does happen, what a great birthday gift it will be for me since TODAY is my birthday!!!!!! This is far beyond what Sean and I ever dreamed would happen, but we know that if it's meant to be then it will be. If these are our babies, then it will work out. We know it's not a definite and we're trying to remain realistic.
For those of you who are interested in the information about the babies:
It's a boy and a girl, they are both currently 5lbs. and doing very well, eating well and healthy. They babies are African American and ADORABLE I have heard!!! :)
I will definitely keep you posted with any new information on the situation, but in the meantime, please pray for us, the birthmother and the babies! We would really appreciate it! Thank you! Hopefully I'll have some exciting news to come!
We found out yesterday that the birthmother in Cedar Rapids had changed her mind and decided not to place her baby for adoption. A short few minutes following that, we got word of a birthmother in Virginia who delivered twins on September 12 that has already signed away her rights and is just looking for a family for her babies. To make a long story short, she is interested in us and our profile was put in the mail to be overnighted to her yesterday and she will make a decision between us and another couple by early next week! Pretty exciting!!!! We are trying to guard our hearts a bit, as we don't want to be completely devastated if this doesn't pan out. Although, I must admit, the idea of twins is pretty exciting AND scary at the same time! :) We're hopeful, but could really use your prayers...not only for us, but for these babies and their birthmother.
If we find out that we were chosen, we will fly out that day or the day after to go to Virginia and get them. They are in a great foster home right now and are healthy and doing great! When we get to Virginia, we would get to take them right away and stay in a hotel. I would have to stay in Virginia for up to 2 weeks before I could bring them home due to an Interstate Placement Law. No biggie, but I know I would be anxious to get them home! Due to Sean's school and work situation, unfortunately he wouldn't be able to stay that entire 2 weeks. He would come for a few days in the beginning and either Cassie or Mom would come for a few days in the middle and then Sean would probably come back for a few days in the end to help me bring them home.
I don't know that this has all really sunk in for me or not yet. If it does happen, what a great birthday gift it will be for me since TODAY is my birthday!!!!!! This is far beyond what Sean and I ever dreamed would happen, but we know that if it's meant to be then it will be. If these are our babies, then it will work out. We know it's not a definite and we're trying to remain realistic.
For those of you who are interested in the information about the babies:
It's a boy and a girl, they are both currently 5lbs. and doing very well, eating well and healthy. They babies are African American and ADORABLE I have heard!!! :)
I will definitely keep you posted with any new information on the situation, but in the meantime, please pray for us, the birthmother and the babies! We would really appreciate it! Thank you! Hopefully I'll have some exciting news to come!
Monday, September 18, 2006
The rest of the night was spent at Missippi Brew. There was a live band that was great. Sean's parents came out and partied with us too!!! Sean was on Cloud 9, but it's all a bit of a fog for him today! :) The weekend was such a success and Sean was in such a good mood today even though he wasn't feeling that great! I don't think he'll ever forget his 30th birthday!
Great times!
Everyone just hung out and had a great time! We had an intense Bag-O tournament that Marcia and Chris won and everyone else just hung out and mingled. Bode became a new found Hawkeye fan after finally wearing his Hawkeye jersey for the first time. He realized in that moment that he definitely looked FABULOUS in black and gold.
OH, and Sean said to me, "Honey, you're the best wife I've ever had!"
I'm so glad I am his favorite from all of his many past wives! :)
The Surprise!
At first, Sean came in hooting and hollering about the Hawks Victory...her had no idea who was waiting to great him! He was utterly surprised! He had no idea what was going on and was really confused at first. He looked at his family and said, "Hey, what are you guys doing here???" Then he realized what was going on and saw his friends that had traveled in and was SO HAPPY! It was such a great surprise! I can't believe I pulled it off...I am not the best at keeping my mouth shut, youknow! Ha. :)
The Wait
We all waited for Sean's arrival. The kids played and we set up for the party. We had walking tacos, a cake and several choices of pie. YUMMY!
The Face
This is my masterpiece I created on Sean's face at 6:30 in the morning in preparation for the Hawkeye victory! Apparently a few newspapers took his picture and interviewed him, so he could be in a couple of papers. I thought his face was awesome and it held up pretty well too. It didn't get washed off until about 11:30 PM.
Friday Night
Well, the weekend began with a little dinner and karaoke at the Chart House. It was a great night to just sit back and relax. I was hoping no one would slip and spoil the surprise that was to come the next day! Everyone was great at keeping the secret and I was relieved! I couldn't wait for the party!!!
Thursday, September 14, 2006
Healing Field
Sean and I visited the Healing Field tonight after dinner. It is a memorial containing 2,998 American flags that each represent a person that was killed in the September 11th Terrorist Attacks. Tied to each flag is a yellow ribbon with a person's name and how they were killed that day. It was amazing to see all of these flags lined up creating such a huge field of flags. It was so amazingly sad. I am so proud to be an American tonight. Praying for all of the families of the people who were killed in this terrible tragedy.
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