Happy Valentine's Day everyone! Today is the time to show special appreciation to those most special in our lives... and of course we all naturally show our love and affection to our spouses, children, and significant others. But I also want to take this opportunity to express my love, appreciation, and admiration to all my friends.... all of you who read this blog. Without you as my support system, my strength, and my encouragers, I wouldn't do half the things I do in life.
As most of you know, I've had a bump or two in my journey through life... but THANKS to you, my friends and family, I have been able to either maneuver around the rocks in my path, kick them to the side, or climb over them (when they were big ol' boulders that seemed unmoveable). It's been through those rocky times in life (whether it was 16 years ago when my first husband died, or 10 years ago when I miscarried our third child, or just last year when I struggled with work stress and unhappiness), that my friends and family have stuck by me and weathered the stormy days by my side! And it's now, in the current clear and lovely path of our recent adoption news that I am thrilled to turn to you all and share our joy, our laughter, our hopes, and our elation! What an amazing gamet this life has provided, and all the while, it's been with friends like you, and THANKS to friends like you, that we can all rejoice in the Lord's blessings and grace!
I love you all.... some differently than others. I love my husband with an intimate and romantic love; I love my children with a nurturing and inspirational love; I love my friends with a grateful and joyous love; I love my sister with a unique and supportive love; I love my parents with a devoted and appreciative love; I love my neighbors with a courteous and helpful love.... no matter what relationship you're celbrating today, make it count. Tell those that you love, how much they mean to you! Don't limit your love and appreciation to one or two people..... wear your love on your sleeve today, and treat this day as an opportunity to boost up someone else, and thank them for being important in your life!
HAPPY "LOVE" DAY! I truly love you all!
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Monday, February 11, 2008
FIRST GOAL!!!!!!!!!
Ben scored his first goal in his hockey career this weekend!!!!! His skating has been improving every week, and his confidence has been rising right along with his skills! But he hasn't shot the puck into the net, until YESTERDAY!!! He was in the middle of the crowd of players, all swarming in front of the open net (with seconds left, the other team had pulled their goalie), and he went for it when it was passed to him... he shot, and it went in, giving his team a 5-3 win!!! He was so excited, and to think it was against an undefeated team, too!!! I don't think his smile faded until long after he'd falled asleep last night!!! Now his confidence will REALLY be skating high on the ice in the future!!!
Matt says his shoulders are stiff lately.... I suppose that comes from sitting in a frozen position at play practice for hours on end.... arms folded high in front of him, as Chinese person in the musical The Micado. He has had a blast though, practicing and learning the songs... he gets to wave and maneuver a 6' fan around on stage, but he'll also be wearing volleyball knee pads under his costume, since they have to hit the floor repeatedly. ha. Hey, whatever it takes, right?
Ed is at home today, finishing window trim and moulding around our addition. It's looking SO nice, and almost ready to be finished up with the floor sealer/polish, then an area rug, move in the furniture, and call it good! The floor heat we put in is SO nice... we're going to really love that new sunroom/family room.
As for me? I'm on pins and needles waiting for the call that Noah's decided to make his entrance into the world. Last night was the first night of sleeping with two phones on my nightstand... my cell phone and our home phone. The due-date is Thursday, Valentine's Day, but I'm ready for him TODAY! ha. Just like a kid at Christmas... I know it's going to come sooner or later, but I want it to happen NOW!!!!!
No matter what's going on in your life, or what great achievements your family members are thrilled with, don't forget to take a moment and say "Thanks God"... for today, for yesterday, and for tomorrow! There are blessings all around us, and we're lucky to have a God like we do, watching over us, and holding us in HIS love!
Matt says his shoulders are stiff lately.... I suppose that comes from sitting in a frozen position at play practice for hours on end.... arms folded high in front of him, as Chinese person in the musical The Micado. He has had a blast though, practicing and learning the songs... he gets to wave and maneuver a 6' fan around on stage, but he'll also be wearing volleyball knee pads under his costume, since they have to hit the floor repeatedly. ha. Hey, whatever it takes, right?
Ed is at home today, finishing window trim and moulding around our addition. It's looking SO nice, and almost ready to be finished up with the floor sealer/polish, then an area rug, move in the furniture, and call it good! The floor heat we put in is SO nice... we're going to really love that new sunroom/family room.
As for me? I'm on pins and needles waiting for the call that Noah's decided to make his entrance into the world. Last night was the first night of sleeping with two phones on my nightstand... my cell phone and our home phone. The due-date is Thursday, Valentine's Day, but I'm ready for him TODAY! ha. Just like a kid at Christmas... I know it's going to come sooner or later, but I want it to happen NOW!!!!!
No matter what's going on in your life, or what great achievements your family members are thrilled with, don't forget to take a moment and say "Thanks God"... for today, for yesterday, and for tomorrow! There are blessings all around us, and we're lucky to have a God like we do, watching over us, and holding us in HIS love!
Monday, February 4, 2008
The COUNTDOWN begins...
Ten, Nine, Eight, Seven, Six, Five... ok, so we're only at TEN right now.... the number of days until our precious gift from God is due to arrive. Our niece isn't starting to give signs of any major labor pains or readiness for the blessed event, so I'm half thinking I should back up my countdown and add an additional seven days onto it. The doctors have already assured her, however, that she won't go past February 21st. So at the VERY outset, she's got 17 days left of carrying our little Noah for us.
Expecting a baby is never the same from one time to the next. I remember thinking when I was pregnant with Ben, that is seemed so different from when I was pregnant with Matt ~ just because with Matt, my entire focus was devoted to the upcoming delivery. With Ben then, my focus was somewhat split between my upcoming delivery, as well as my preschooler's excitement. THIS time, not only am I focusing on the upcoming delivery (which isn't even my, for that matter) but I'm focusing on my teenager's social life and school activities, my middle schooler's sports activities and homework monitoring, AND my awesome career and hobbies! My plate is full, so to speak. ha! But, then I've never been one to sit idle and revel in boredom.
We have the diaper bag packed, the carseat by the door, and Ed & my clothes in the laundry, in preparation of packing a bag to be ready for that announcement call that labor has begun.
Whatever you're waiting for in your life ~ whether it's news on a new job; scores on a test you studied hard for; the perfect house to go up for sale so you can snatch it up; test results from a doctor's visit... no matter what phone call or letter (does anyone get those in the mail anymore?), announcement or update you might be waiting for... remember that all things worthwhile take time, and all things that are HIS plan for your life will eventually present themselves to you. They may not be what you're hoping for, or what you'd expect or what in your life, but whatever you're waiting for, let GOD's grace and love touch your heart, and refresh your spirit! Life is abundant with HIS creative blessings, and what you might see as a blow to the gut, might just be the fresh start you're waiting for!
Embrace HIS plan, and live life with GUSTO!!!!!!!!!!!!
Expecting a baby is never the same from one time to the next. I remember thinking when I was pregnant with Ben, that is seemed so different from when I was pregnant with Matt ~ just because with Matt, my entire focus was devoted to the upcoming delivery. With Ben then, my focus was somewhat split between my upcoming delivery, as well as my preschooler's excitement. THIS time, not only am I focusing on the upcoming delivery (which isn't even my, for that matter) but I'm focusing on my teenager's social life and school activities, my middle schooler's sports activities and homework monitoring, AND my awesome career and hobbies! My plate is full, so to speak. ha! But, then I've never been one to sit idle and revel in boredom.
We have the diaper bag packed, the carseat by the door, and Ed & my clothes in the laundry, in preparation of packing a bag to be ready for that announcement call that labor has begun.
Whatever you're waiting for in your life ~ whether it's news on a new job; scores on a test you studied hard for; the perfect house to go up for sale so you can snatch it up; test results from a doctor's visit... no matter what phone call or letter (does anyone get those in the mail anymore?), announcement or update you might be waiting for... remember that all things worthwhile take time, and all things that are HIS plan for your life will eventually present themselves to you. They may not be what you're hoping for, or what you'd expect or what in your life, but whatever you're waiting for, let GOD's grace and love touch your heart, and refresh your spirit! Life is abundant with HIS creative blessings, and what you might see as a blow to the gut, might just be the fresh start you're waiting for!
Embrace HIS plan, and live life with GUSTO!!!!!!!!!!!!
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
COLD HARD WINTER...
Saying that today is "cold" is an understatement, and doesn't do Mother Nature justice. It's DARN cold! That's not even strong enough, but I'm trying to scale down my use of vulgar language with a new set of innocent ears joining our family soon. ha. The wind-chill warnings today are estimated to be around -50 degrees.... and to think it was reaching close to 40 degrees ABOVE zero just a day or two ago... that's almost a 90 degree drop in temperature... only in North Dakota!
Our adoption adventure continues to progress, and with every passing day in this process, we are less and less concerned about any obstacles or trouble spots in this journey. We look forward to Noah's arrival with endless anticipation and joy of for the upcoming birth! We continue to complete the necessary paperwork and forms that both states have required of us (Both ND and MN). I almost feel compelled to plant a tree this spring, to replenish the mass amount of paper we've used up in this ongoing process. haha. I know it's all for an amazing outcome in the end, and therefore it's all worthwhile. I have learned a lot, however, during this process... a lot about our social services system, a lot about being patient, and a lot about the human spirit & endurance.
The overwhelming theme of my experience thus far, is that life is a grand adventure, and we should soak it all in as much as possible! We might miss something amazing, if we train our eyes too strictly on the goals we've set before us, and don't allow for peripheral vision to expand our opportunities and enhance our lives.
May you always be aware of your peripheral vision, and if you catch a glimpse of something breathtaking, pause your life, to gaze upon its beauty, and drink in all that is offered... you might find yourself amazed and freshly blessed.
Our adoption adventure continues to progress, and with every passing day in this process, we are less and less concerned about any obstacles or trouble spots in this journey. We look forward to Noah's arrival with endless anticipation and joy of for the upcoming birth! We continue to complete the necessary paperwork and forms that both states have required of us (Both ND and MN). I almost feel compelled to plant a tree this spring, to replenish the mass amount of paper we've used up in this ongoing process. haha. I know it's all for an amazing outcome in the end, and therefore it's all worthwhile. I have learned a lot, however, during this process... a lot about our social services system, a lot about being patient, and a lot about the human spirit & endurance.
The overwhelming theme of my experience thus far, is that life is a grand adventure, and we should soak it all in as much as possible! We might miss something amazing, if we train our eyes too strictly on the goals we've set before us, and don't allow for peripheral vision to expand our opportunities and enhance our lives.
May you always be aware of your peripheral vision, and if you catch a glimpse of something breathtaking, pause your life, to gaze upon its beauty, and drink in all that is offered... you might find yourself amazed and freshly blessed.
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Heightened Anticipation
We are beside ourselves with our excitement and anticipation! We can't wait for our little new angel to arrive, and to gaze down upon him (or her, if ultra-sounds are inaccurate) with love and adoration! Noah will join our family in just three short weeks, if timing and predictions are correct. However, if modern technology isn't quite right, we'll just as happily welcome Emily into our family. So, there you have it, if it's a boy, Noah will join our crew. If it's a girl, it'll be Emily that we'll bring home from the hospital.
As for our preparation and our preparedness, we're almost there. We have some of the main items already... some borrowed, some bought, some waiting in Minneapolis for us. We did the baby registry at Target, so that's been fun to buy things and check them off the list.
As for our mountain(s) of paperwork and the bureaucratic red tape that is involved in this process, we're mostly done with what we need to submit. We are merely waiting on the background checks to come back clear and approved, as well as waiting for the birth parents to sign off on their portion of paperwork. As for our financial input in this process, it's been interesting. Seems every time we journey to the mailbox, or have a phone call with the agencies involved, there are additional fees and costs that attach themselves to the whole adventure. We are keeping our sights on the final countdown, though. We can practically feel the baby in our arms now.... innocent, beautiful, precious, and loved! We can't wait!!!!!!!! We will be traveling to the cities this next weekend to continue with some of the paperwork processes, and work some of the details out with the birth parents. Ahhhh, another step closer in this GRAND ADVENTURE!
I look forward to updating you on the progress and the amazing birth of our newly expected child we're adopting.
Blessings to you and your families, and I hope you are touched with the magical and awesome joy that this wonderful life offers!!!
As for our preparation and our preparedness, we're almost there. We have some of the main items already... some borrowed, some bought, some waiting in Minneapolis for us. We did the baby registry at Target, so that's been fun to buy things and check them off the list.
As for our mountain(s) of paperwork and the bureaucratic red tape that is involved in this process, we're mostly done with what we need to submit. We are merely waiting on the background checks to come back clear and approved, as well as waiting for the birth parents to sign off on their portion of paperwork. As for our financial input in this process, it's been interesting. Seems every time we journey to the mailbox, or have a phone call with the agencies involved, there are additional fees and costs that attach themselves to the whole adventure. We are keeping our sights on the final countdown, though. We can practically feel the baby in our arms now.... innocent, beautiful, precious, and loved! We can't wait!!!!!!!! We will be traveling to the cities this next weekend to continue with some of the paperwork processes, and work some of the details out with the birth parents. Ahhhh, another step closer in this GRAND ADVENTURE!
I look forward to updating you on the progress and the amazing birth of our newly expected child we're adopting.
Blessings to you and your families, and I hope you are touched with the magical and awesome joy that this wonderful life offers!!!
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Endurance and Persistance
This has been an exceedingly interesting and trying week! So much so, that I had to browse back through my own blog entries, and remind myself of something I wrote many months ago...
[ Strength... we either make ourselves miserable, or we make ourselves strong. The amount of work is the same. Wow, that's deep! How true though... I mean, when life throws a wrench into your perfect life, you can either chuck it at someone and moan about it's existence, or you can pick it up, use it to tighten whatever loose screws exist, and add it to your toolbox of life lessons.]
This time, the wrench isn't rusty or undesirable, it's actually quite useful and essential, but still requires work to be done with it. In our quest to adopt our niece's baby, we've found ourselves knee-deep in paperwork, background checks, and fees! Of course we knew these things were coming, and we know this process wouldn't be smooth or painless... but we are also reminding ourselves that the outcome will erase any stress or worry we might endure throughout the journey.
We are looking forward to embracing baby Noah in roughly 4 weeks, and gazing upon our new little blessing. I will make a prediction, though... I probably won't choose to hand-write as much paperwork in the next year, as I have found myself filling out in the past 7 days. My hands are aching, my head is pounding, and my eyes are burning, just thinking of the pen-to-paper moments I've logged recently. But, as I said, we are trying to remind ourselves that IT'S ALL GOING TO BE WORTH IT!!!!! Little Noah, I assure you you're VERY MUCH loved, wanted, and looked forward to! Bless you little prince, and may your next few weeks be restful, blessed, and may you come into our arms easily and without further complications!!!
[ Strength... we either make ourselves miserable, or we make ourselves strong. The amount of work is the same. Wow, that's deep! How true though... I mean, when life throws a wrench into your perfect life, you can either chuck it at someone and moan about it's existence, or you can pick it up, use it to tighten whatever loose screws exist, and add it to your toolbox of life lessons.]
This time, the wrench isn't rusty or undesirable, it's actually quite useful and essential, but still requires work to be done with it. In our quest to adopt our niece's baby, we've found ourselves knee-deep in paperwork, background checks, and fees! Of course we knew these things were coming, and we know this process wouldn't be smooth or painless... but we are also reminding ourselves that the outcome will erase any stress or worry we might endure throughout the journey.
We are looking forward to embracing baby Noah in roughly 4 weeks, and gazing upon our new little blessing. I will make a prediction, though... I probably won't choose to hand-write as much paperwork in the next year, as I have found myself filling out in the past 7 days. My hands are aching, my head is pounding, and my eyes are burning, just thinking of the pen-to-paper moments I've logged recently. But, as I said, we are trying to remind ourselves that IT'S ALL GOING TO BE WORTH IT!!!!! Little Noah, I assure you you're VERY MUCH loved, wanted, and looked forward to! Bless you little prince, and may your next few weeks be restful, blessed, and may you come into our arms easily and without further complications!!!
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Paperwork, Procedures and Policies...
The "3 P's" to me could mean so many thing....
"popcorn, pizza, pop", "Pride, Personality, Power", but "Paperwork, Procedures, and Policies" isn't my idea of joy and bliss. ha. But, I suppose it's all part of the necessary steps in completing this amazing journey of adoption and welcoming our new little family member into our family, into our hearts, and into our home.
We have been meeting with Lutheran Social Services and have started delving into the endless paper trail that will become our "file", which will eventually solidify our adoption of baby Noah. I don't know where my naive vision of the adoption process came from, but I certainly didn't realize there would be so much paperwork so many forms, and so much waiting involved. We will be completing background check authorizations, fingerprinting, personality test (to see if Ed and I are compatible... go figure), as well as opening up our lives to the scrutiny of the agency's watchful eye ~ I wonder if my childhood training in the finer qualities of being "Lysol Lucy" will be called into action to the standard found acceptable by the state?
We are moving forward through the paperwork maze, and inching ever closer to the completion of the steps required to call Noah our son. There will be paper cuts and bent corners I'm sure, but hopefully we'll all come out of this a lot stronger, more prepared, and undoubtedly more aware of the intricacies of the adoption process and our find court systems. (ok, don't choke on your coffee... I'm trying to stay positive here). 5 weeks from now Noah will be our son (at least in our arms... the paperwork will most likely take time to finalize). I'll be sharing our joy with you when we meet our miracle.
"popcorn, pizza, pop", "Pride, Personality, Power", but "Paperwork, Procedures, and Policies" isn't my idea of joy and bliss. ha. But, I suppose it's all part of the necessary steps in completing this amazing journey of adoption and welcoming our new little family member into our family, into our hearts, and into our home.
We have been meeting with Lutheran Social Services and have started delving into the endless paper trail that will become our "file", which will eventually solidify our adoption of baby Noah. I don't know where my naive vision of the adoption process came from, but I certainly didn't realize there would be so much paperwork so many forms, and so much waiting involved. We will be completing background check authorizations, fingerprinting, personality test (to see if Ed and I are compatible... go figure), as well as opening up our lives to the scrutiny of the agency's watchful eye ~ I wonder if my childhood training in the finer qualities of being "Lysol Lucy" will be called into action to the standard found acceptable by the state?
We are moving forward through the paperwork maze, and inching ever closer to the completion of the steps required to call Noah our son. There will be paper cuts and bent corners I'm sure, but hopefully we'll all come out of this a lot stronger, more prepared, and undoubtedly more aware of the intricacies of the adoption process and our find court systems. (ok, don't choke on your coffee... I'm trying to stay positive here). 5 weeks from now Noah will be our son (at least in our arms... the paperwork will most likely take time to finalize). I'll be sharing our joy with you when we meet our miracle.
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