tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88083726489921969852024-02-19T12:21:23.025-05:00All in God's Miraculous Plan, Born in our HeartsFor he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. Ephesians 1:4-6Molli and Tyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08231526175456201693noreply@blogger.comBlogger38125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8808372648992196985.post-86904851800067582172013-07-21T22:42:00.000-04:002013-07-21T22:42:02.075-04:00I'm finally back----I have no idea what happened....Molli and Tyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08231526175456201693noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8808372648992196985.post-41201793261320458842013-02-14T22:14:00.002-05:002013-02-14T22:23:13.567-05:00Melt my withering heart<span style="color: black;">I have to start off by saying that these past few weeks have been very difficult for me. I know it is because I am really trying to focus on my relationship with Christ, which in turn makes Satan jealous...so he attacks harder. </span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span><span style="color: black;">Last Friday while at the Wee Runs consignment sale, I was sitting in the floor with my aunt sorting clothes. We were talking about Miracle and she over heard our conversation. She had a friend with her who I started talking to and she is a labor/delivery nurse in Lexington. The other woman was a speech teacher in Davidson County. After talking to her she wanted to have her Sunday school class pray for us...yes! We were all teary eyed about the conversation that we had. </span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span><span style="color: black;">Yesterday, I got our quarterly update from Bethany. It mentioned the they placed 21 infants last year, over half were transrationl, birthparent pass through expenses averaged $1,837, many open adoptions, and lots had to have TPR (terminated parental rights)extra court cases because of unsure birthfathers.So needless to say, we have be seen a little down lately.</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span><span style="color: black;">Mehya (a special friend mentioned way back) who is adopted with special needs from Korea is now in the third grade. I rarely see her now and I passed her in the hallway. I just said "hi, Mehya"</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span><span style="color: black;">This is how my heart melted: </span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span><span style="color: black;">She stopped to ask: "you got your baby yet?"</span><br />
<span style="color: black;">Me~ "no-remeber that it is growing in my heart".</span><br />
<span style="color: black;">Mehya~ "can I feel it?") </span><br />
<span style="color: black;">Me~I put her hand on my heart.</span><br />
<span style="color: black;">Mehya~"It's growing in your heart?"</span><br />
<span style="color: black;">Me~Yes.</span><br />
<span style="color: black;">Meyha~"It takes a long time?"</span><br />
<span style="color: black;">Me~"oh yes, a very long time."</span><br />
<span style="color: black;">Mehya~"that's not good"</span><br />
<span style="color: black;">Me~"yea, all we can do is pray."</span><br />
<span style="color: black;">Mehya~squatted in the hallway, folded her hands and said "oh that baby is so darling"</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span><span style="color: black;">Oh. My. Word.</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span><span style="color: black;">Tears were straming down my face, and when I was able I went to her mom's room to share that little story. Thank you so much Mehya for making my day. Hopefully it won't take much longer. </span>Molli and Tyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08231526175456201693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8808372648992196985.post-41187566914659002482012-12-29T22:03:00.001-05:002012-12-29T22:03:36.890-05:00Christmas 2012<span style="color: black;">We are so blessed! </span><br />
<span style="color: black;"></span><br />
<span style="color: black;">Here are "Miracle's" gifts from the families this year.</span><br />
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Molli and Tyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08231526175456201693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8808372648992196985.post-40845089857372559272012-12-24T16:50:00.000-05:002012-12-29T22:03:49.625-05:00One Year<span style="color: black;">Today is the anniversary of us starting our adoption paperwork!! It was on this day last year that we mailed off our preliminary packet to be initially approved for adoption through Bethany. What a year we have been through. So much has happened, both good and bad. If I had to pick a top in both category it would be: 1-GOOD. We are so much stronger and we both feel that we are being prepared for things to come. God has stretched, molded, flattened, filled up our hearts this past year and we are headed to the mountaintop! 1-BAD. We haven't been selected by a birth<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);"> parent yet.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);"><br /></span><span style="color: black;">
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);"><span style="color: black;">As the new Third Day song says: "I need a miracle"</span> </span>Molli and Tyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08231526175456201693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8808372648992196985.post-25640547273499069672012-11-29T21:02:00.001-05:002012-11-29T21:15:05.468-05:003/5 of FAITH is WAIT<span style="color: black;">Another part of our story, who knows what chapter we are on:</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"></span><br />
<span style="color: black;">Back on the 13th, we got a message on our web portal about a potential birthparent placement that they were asking waiting families to pray about and consider if we wanted to be shown to this couple. It caught my eye because they don't let us know about being shown to a couple. As I read the case, I was taken back as I noted each sentence and planted it into my heart. Out of respect, I won't go into a lot of details, but basically the first paragraph was the "ideal" baby. Two parents who were supportive of adoption, healthy, under prenatal care, no drug/alcohol/tobacco use, a girl :), Caucasian....I could go on. Oh, and she is due at the end of January! When I read the second paragraph, that is where the case got interesting. Apparently their was going to be a big sum of birthparent pass through expenses...about $20,000. WOW~and this would be in addition to the amount already due at placement. Cha-Ching. I mean, CHA-CHING! Such a blow. They were asking us (waiting faimilies) to prayerfully consider if we want to be shown to this couple and to let our case worker know by 11/26. Ty and I discussed it and we were so torn because we wanted to go for it, but the dollar signs are soemthing that we don't have. I don't even know who has that kind of cash. (If you do, please consider helping me out!)</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"></span><br />
<span style="color: black;">After much prayer and even getting some prayer warriors involved, we wanted to go for it, and I really bad. I understood Ty's point because he said that he didn't want to go in debt, but I just couldn't think about passing up this "free" to at least go for it mind set. If we weren't selected, then that would be a closed door for sure. You see, we are children of God and serve a mighty, powerful Father who can move mountains and make miracles happen. Over the weekend we had prayerfully decided to go for this couple and have our profile book shown. </span><br />
<span style="color: black;"></span><br />
<span style="color: black;">I didn't get a chance to call my Social Worker until the 21st. I emailed and sent a message to her on our portal and it kicked a message to me saying that she was out of town for Thanksgiving. Strike One. Then I called the Charlotte office and nobody answered so I left a message. Strike Two. A little while later, the precious adoption counselor called me and I loved our conversation. She said that this is part of the journey and H-U-G-E leaps of faith. Sometimes she said that you just have to jump. We were told that we couldn't ask any questions...but we did talk further about the case and she said that the BM was out of a different branch and that they didn't have a lot of profiles to show because of the extra money involved. That gave us a great hope. The counselor also said that it is possible that the cost wouldn't be that high if she was able to get things worked out. Was that a sign that God had already provided for us? She said that she would call the branch right now, done. </span><br />
<span style="color: black;"></span><br />
<span style="color: black;">Over the remainder of the week, we were hopeful, scared, excited, and nervous. I would be lying if I said that I didn't look up how many weeks the BM was, thinking about "pink" things, and finally getting to say that we were placed. Also, she would get to wear my cousin Alli's hand-me-downs, and mom is set on the fact that she is going to have one of each grandchild. (Remember that my brother and his wife are due in May~and we all think that it is a boy.) It is a really freaky feeling to know that someone was going to be digging into our lives and deciding if we were "perfect" to them to raise their child. On Monday, I got some text messages curious to know if we had heard anything. I love my prayer warriors/family/friends. </span><br />
<span style="color: black;"></span><br />
<span style="color: black;">I always keep my cell phone on my desk this year, you know, just in case. I checked my phone after lunch today and I saw that I had a message on my portal. I read that the BM looked at profiles yesterday and selected an adoptive couple, and they had already been notified. Reject, defeat, disappointment, sad. However, I had 22 first graders who need me to be on my toes and teach them to the best of my ability. One sweetheart waved her hand in front of me shortly after I read the message, because I was staring into space. Focus, Molli. I made it to the end of the day, and I was so proud because I haven't shed ONE tear! Yay, me. I called Ty and messaged a few family/friends. I love their kind words of encouragement. I stayed at school tonight until 6:10 and that helped too, I think. Ty and I went out to dinner and we talked about how we were sad, but yet glad to not have to get a loan for the pass through expenses. </span><br />
<span style="color: black;"></span><br />
<span style="color: black;">As I have been taught: "God is either protecting you, or saving you for something better." I love my mom. </span><br />
<span style="color: black;"></span><br />
<span style="color: black;">Maybe this chapter is turning into its own novel, sorry. </span><br />
<span style="color: black;"></span><br />
<span style="color: black;">Mom called and said "we didn't nickname this baby Miracle for nothing" and I totally agree. That made me totally smile from ear to ear. We have to keep waiting on our Miracle to come from above. We have already waited eight years, officially in adoption world for almost a year, and we will continually wait and be so forever grateful for His blessing to our family.</span> Molli and Tyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08231526175456201693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8808372648992196985.post-58273277703794960522012-11-12T18:48:00.002-05:002012-11-12T18:58:51.204-05:00God's little whispers of HOPE~<span style="color: black;">I wanted to let everyone know that you should clean your ears as often as you can. God will whisper things in your ear and tug at your heartstrings, which is what has happened lately.</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"></span><br />
<span style="color: black;">We are just praying and waiting for birthparent selection.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black;">A few weeks ago, we went to Louisville, KY for our nephew's wedding that was absolutely remarkable. It was by far the most spiritual wedding that I have ever been apart of. During their slide show one of the verses was whispered as a reminder of hope, because it is our adoption verse. Ephesians 3:20~it's on the cover of our profile book! Just a little touch of how our journey although on hold is still in the works.</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"></span><br />
<span style="color: black;">Last weekend I had a girls day at the Holiday Market and one of the booths we passed was for Caroline's Promise. They were selling earrings and bags and I wanted to stop and talk with them, but they were busy. That was my first little whisper to remind me that they have grants out there for adoptive couples, once their home study is complete. Caroline's Promise is a Christian organization in Kernersville actually that gives $3,000 grants to Christian couples adopting domestically in NC/SC. So here we go with more paperwork, but hopefully it will be worth it. </span><br />
<span style="color: black;"></span><br />
<span style="color: black;">The third whisper came last night at a concert at my church. The second band was called "The Sounds of Daniel Bashta" and his first song was good. I got up to go to the bathroom before the second song started. Bad mistake, or Satan one. We were sitting in the balcony and when I was getting ready to open the door, I heard the lead singer talking. I didn't want to disrupt by opening the door so I just stood in the doorway and listened as best as I could. What I missed was his testimony about their adoption journey which led to the song "Like a Lion." I only heard bits and pieces and when I sat back down, my friend was saying how cool that was, but that was all she said. After the amazing City Harmonic concert I came home and began investigating about writing the lyrics of a song. I found out they did a domestic adoption and now they are partnering with Bethany Christian Services (our agency). Then after further research, I found his wife's blog post and it totally moved me! I also found</span> <a href="http://www.iamprojectgift.com/"><span style="color: blue;">Project Gift</span></a> <span style="color: black;"> <span style="color: black;">through </span> </span><a href="http://www.christianpost.com/news/worship-pastor-bashta-spread-the-roar-and-give-the-gift-of-adoption-49362/"><span style="color: blue;">Christian Post Article</span></a><span style="color: blue;">.</span> <span style="color: black;">To me, this is a call and a cry out to promote the adoption plan for children in the US. Please download their song and think about making a donation. As I was home today from work, I decided to send the lead singer a private message on Facebook about last night and how it touched me. I hope that he will write me back!</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"></span><br />
<span style="color: black;">My sister-in-law also messaged me today and said that she dreamed that "I was holding a baby ya'll just adopted and we were standing next to you congratulating us." She said that she couldn't tell when it was...but it was a sign from above. YAY!</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"></span><br />
<span style="color: black;">Love whispers from the Great Planner!</span><br />
<br />Molli and Tyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08231526175456201693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8808372648992196985.post-53918543784072943372012-10-07T17:17:00.003-04:002012-10-07T17:37:15.245-04:00So MUCH!<span style="color: black;">I am SO behind on posting on the blog, and I hate that because so much has gone on in the past month! </span><br />
<span style="color: black;"></span><br />
<span style="color: black;">First of all, on September 17th we got a very important letter from Bethany~! It was an approval letter saying that our home assessment had been approved and processed with the state director. In the letter it also mentioned that we are ready for the next step in our journey, birthparent selection :) and then hopefully placement! Just when we couldn't be any happier as we read the letter...the last sentence said that we have a bill of $3,500 due to cover the home study assessment. Man, so much of a <strike>business transaction</strike> process. </span><br />
<span style="color: black;"></span><br />
<span style="color: black;">Next, we had dinner with friends of ours who are also adopting through Bethany. They are a super sweet couple who are just behind us in the adoption journey. It is so awesome to have another couple who are feeling the same feelings, going through the same frustations and emotions. Not to mention the excitement and fun as we long to complete our families. </span><br />
<span style="color: black;"></span><br />
<span style="color: black;">Back tracking again, my "unofficial" grandmother also passed away from cancer. She was SO close to me and meant a lot to our family. It is my uncle's mother. People may think how can she be like my grandmother? Well, our family is extremly close and she would come to all of our family functions. Just a few days before she died, she told my aunt something that I will always treasure...She said that "when I get to heaven, I am going to ask God to send a baby miracle our way." Really, how priceless! I know she is sticking to her plan every day up there! </span><br />
<span style="color: black;"></span><br />
<span style="color: black;">I also mailed our profile books to the three agencies: Arden, Charlotte, and Raleigh. As I waited in line at the post office, I prayed over these books, and for the hands that would hold them and choose an adoption plan for their child. </span><br />
<span style="color: black;"></span><br />
<span style="color: black;">Lastly, on Wednesday of this past week I got an email saying that we can read over our home assessment and make any changes necessary. I read that 18 page monster the next day, made the changes, and clicked submit. On our portal, we found out that everything is good to go and ready for showing! </span><br />
<span style="color: black;"></span><br />
<span style="color: black;">So now, as people ask "Have you heard anything?" we can officially say that we are "waiting on God to bring us together with a birthparent." </span><br />
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<span style="color: black;">As always, prayers are appreciated as we await our miracle!</span>Molli and Tyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08231526175456201693noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8808372648992196985.post-82736317665066251842012-09-08T18:22:00.001-04:002012-09-08T18:22:35.547-04:00On the Way...<span style="color: black;">I bet that got your attention, huh? Well this title doesn't mean that we have a baby on the way...but that our four profile books are officially on their way from Snapfish! I was so excited to finally get the green light to order them. All we had to do was change the font to BOLD and shorten our wording on a page. I had originally ordered the first one we submitted, but I want an "official" one for Little Miracle to have as a keepsake so that when he/she is older, they can have a copy of the exact book that their birthparent used to select us. The books should be here any day...I will wait and track the shipping progress until it is at my doorstep.</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"></span><br />
<span style="color: black;">On other news, our Home Study packet is sitting in the Arden (Asheville) office being approved by the head honcho there. Once she approves it, then we will be able to put our book and info at the three branches and wait!</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"></span><br />
<span style="color: black;">A few Monday's ago, I had my heart sink to the bottom of my stomache when my case worker called about a possible placement for us!!!!! It was for a sibling pair, one 4 year old and newborn sisters. I unfortunately didn't get back to her until Thursday, but if I would have known exactly the circumstances of her call...then I would have been all over it. See, Ty and I have put in our preferences sheets that we want a Caucasian baby. However, this was for Hispanic children. I think that God is definitely tugging at our heart strings. Our case worker knew that we aren't looking for trans-racial placement, but she was told to call all of her parents...is that a sign? I mean, I don't want to accept just because it is the first opportunity...but wow. It really rocked my world! I mean this is the cultural shift in our area. I have a nursery all ready to go, but a 4 year old as well...man~</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"></span><br />
<span style="color: black;">God has the perfect plan for us, and we are anxiously awaiting becoming a forever family with a Little Miracle...or two?!</span>Molli and Tyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08231526175456201693noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8808372648992196985.post-80668642763326689812012-08-09T14:20:00.000-04:002012-08-09T14:21:31.572-04:00Profile Book~<span style="color: black;">Well, I finished up the challenging profile book and we were so happy with how it turned out! We had to order only one so that it could be approved and then we will keep that one as a keepsake. Remember that this is the book that potential birthparents will look through to select us. As people ask about how things are going, they are surprised to find out that we are birthparent selected. I love it!</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: black;">When our case worker reviewed it, she did mention that the background design we chose might be distracting. I had to be front with her...we don't want to change it. We think it tells more about our personalities. We are not solid colored people :) Of course, we will do what she says...but we will see. We are in the process of setting up a review session. We had several people read through everything and nobody mentioned the background as a distraction. </span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: black;">On another note, our Home Study assessment has been completed for several weeks and she should finish typing everything up...hopefully soon :) No rush, not!</span><br />
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<span style="color: black;">The highlight of the month so far has bee my principal asking me if I have thought about who would do my long term sub leave when Little Miracle comes. EEP! A retired teacher from my school actually mentioned to me that she would be interested...so we talked and she is a GO! I hated not to be able to tell her a tentative date...but she didn't seem to mind. I told her the other day that she has certainly become an important person in this process. Yippee~one day it will happen. Stay calm, my heart. </span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span>Molli and Tyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08231526175456201693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8808372648992196985.post-11296452645769760372012-07-17T13:08:00.002-04:002012-07-17T13:08:44.030-04:00Can't believe it...<span style="color: black;">has been so long since I last updated the blog!</span><br />
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<span style="color: black;">Tons have been going on, but I will start with our final home study meeting. I cleaned the house and took Meredith's advice and didn't worry about cleaning out the cabinets~but I did clean out all the rest of the closets that seemed to have been neglected. Not to alarm you, but we have handguns in our house. They are Ty's toys, and I knew that we needed to have a safe for them. Well we didn't get one. My case worker messaged me and said that we also needed "all other safety devices." I immediately went frantic over what that meant. I didn't know if I needed outlet covers, door knob grippers, and all that stuff that comes when baby gets mobile. I didn't want anything to not be perfect, but I came to the conclusion that I wasn't going out and getting that stuff then. We did get a fire extinguisher though. That just seemed to push me over the edge. I was tired, done, and decided that I was washing my hands of everything that we had done to prepare for this. The meeting and inspection went really smooth. She asked us final questions that she need clarifying, discussed the interim house from previous meeting, and then the biggie preferences sheet came up. This was a CRAZY set of papers. We had to select YES/NO/WILL CONSIDER on many types of things. We like to say that we are open and we are, but we are firm on a few areas. It doesn't mean that we are picky, racists, or unwilling parents nor are we looking for the perfect child. God has the perfect child to fit into our family, perfectly, forever. We have surveyed, prayed, completed activities, and discussed all of our characteristics. Here are some of the areas that were on the sheets: multiples, gender, transracial, personality disorders in birthmom/father/extended family, blindness, hearing impairment, LD in family, mental disorders in family, rape, incest, HIV, STDS, physical impairments in child...and the list goes on and on. I mean wow, this was intense. Then we had to put on paper about how often we want birthparents to visit, have a part in naming, where visits will take place, etc. We got through it and then we showed our case worker our profile book that we (mostly I) worked on. She wanted us to change several things, about it being to "wordy." She said that people don't really read now and just are looking for a quick snapshot-something that will catch his/her eye. </span><br />
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<span style="color: black;">Our caseworker had to go out of town and we did too, and so she will be coming back by to look at our cable locks for the guns and to pick up the profile book. We made ours through Snapfish. She will take it to the CLT office and then if everything is good, then we will order three more to keep in the branches. </span><br />
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<span style="color: black;">After that, we will OFFICIALLY be able to be seen by potential birthparents!!!!! I can't believe it. </span><br />
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<span style="color: black;">The box from Snapfish can't come fast enough!</span> Molli and Tyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08231526175456201693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8808372648992196985.post-87593967678206709682012-06-24T22:53:00.000-04:002012-06-24T22:53:19.923-04:00Final this week...<span style="color: black;">I can't believe that this Thursday will be our FINAL Home Study meeting! It is so surreal to me, well to us actually. </span><br />
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<span style="color: black;">Our case worker met with our lead minister on Wednesday, and according to him it went well. Those of you who know Bill, will appreciate the funny and sarcastic emails that we exchanged regarding this meeting. I was very impressed about how prompt he was!</span><br />
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<span style="color: black;">I have been working on our profile book and it has gone very smoothly so far. So much will ride on this book created by us, printed from Snapfish. This will be what potential birthparents will look through to decide on a plan for their baby. </span><br />
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<span style="color: black;">On the way up to PA we completed our preferences sheet. This sheet will give birth counselors a "yes/no" answer to issues and concerns and what type of child we are willing to accept into our family. While I would love to just answer yes to get a child faster, I know that isn't in the plans that God has for us. </span><br />
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<span style="color: black;">He has already orchestrated so much on our journey and he has the perfect family picked out to complete our family! I have to trust Him and his timing. While on our trip, I saw the cutest wall hanging that I wanted to buy but the lettering wasn't very readable. It said: God dreams a bigger dream than you can dream for yourself. I want that to be stamped, sealed, and etched in my heart now more than ever!!!</span><br />
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<span style="color: black;">After this meeting Thursday, if our assessment is approved, we will be a waiting couple for a placement to be adoptive parents!!!!!!</span>Molli and Tyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08231526175456201693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8808372648992196985.post-5237189508042677212012-06-15T09:21:00.002-04:002012-06-15T09:21:19.817-04:00No Worries...<span style="color: black;">Yesterday was my first day of summer break and all I wanted to do was lay around in my jammies, drink coffee, watch the Today Show, and </span><span style="color: black;">veg. Instead, I <strike>cleaned</strike> scrubbed all the nook and crannies of this house to get ready for our case worker <strike>interrogation</strike> visit. </span><br />
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;">I was not actually that nervous and didn't review through the mounds of adoption books to search for the right answers to tell her. I did make one mistake...get on mtv</span>.com and watch the Teen Mom: Adoption Special. That wasn't too smart. I didn't want my mascara smeared and show that I am in Ty's words "a basket case". I have been fascinated by Katelynn and Tyler's story (I did get to chat with her on FB through Bethany earlier this year) because they used Bethany and her little one lives in Charlotte now. She is such an inspiration to other moms and have been influential into their decision to adopt, and (wink, wink) go through Bethany. </span><br />
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<span style="color: black;">When our case worker arrived, my interview was first. I was so glad that she wanted to sit on the couch and even gave her one of those lap desks to use :). You know me, the hostess with the mostest. </span><br />
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<span style="color: black;">We talked alot and the time seemed to go by quickly somewhat. When Ty got home from work, he went upstairs to pack for our trip and it was kind of weird talking about our marriage with him upstairs. I did feel kind of weird then and I began thinking about how he must feel upstairs. </span><br />
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<span style="color: black;">I was talking with her for about two and a half hours and then I decided I needed to make a trip to Target and Kohls while she met with Ty. Ty text me about 8:30 and said that he was done. Yikes!</span><br />
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<span style="color: black;">We have our last meeting scheduled for the 25th, but I would like to move it to the 28th because our profile book has to be approved by her before we print it. At that meeting she will inspect the house, go over our preference sheet, and finalize any questions she has before she writes up our assessment. Then WE WILL WAIT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!</span><br />
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<span style="color: black;">Over our vacation with Ty's family I am going to have to work on our profile book through Snapfish. I like doing that kind of thing, so it should be fun. However, this book will be SUPER important because our birthmother will select us based on this book. No pressure.</span><br />
<br />Molli and Tyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08231526175456201693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8808372648992196985.post-45651414574309469212012-06-11T19:54:00.000-04:002012-06-11T19:55:25.984-04:00Second one is coming...<span style="color: black;">This Thursday is going to be our second Home Study assessment meeting. Our case worker will meet with me at 1:00 at our house and then she will meet with Ty at 3:00.</span><br />
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<span style="color: black;">I am very curious about what we will discuss and how we will do.</span><br />
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<span style="color: black;">I am going to be honest, myself, and keep an open mind. That is all I can do.</span><br />
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<span style="color: black;">EEK! We are getting closer. I must remember that nothing worth it is ever easy. </span><br />
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<span style="color: black;">Thanks for your continued prayers and support.</span>Molli and Tyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08231526175456201693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8808372648992196985.post-79646561631249601992012-06-04T22:13:00.001-04:002012-06-04T22:13:11.163-04:00One is done...<span style="color: black;">We survived our first Home Assessment meeting. We had to be at the meeting at 3:00 and as I left school, many co-workers were saying that they were praying for us. I so needed that!</span><br />
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<span style="color: black;">I stopped on my way to get my adoption file because our case worker needed a certain paper, although our file was complete. That began to freak me out a bit.</span><br />
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<span style="color: black;">The interview started with Ty and I reading some scripture and prayer~Colossians 1:9, Psalm 21:6, and Isaiah 12:2-3. What a perfect way to start the meeting.</span><br />
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<span style="color: black;">I was somewhat nervous at first and we had to start with our journey that led us to adoption. That certainly took a while. It was very detailed and personal, but they already know so much. When we were discussing that, it brought back a lot of memories and recounted more of our journey that we so safely tucked away in our minds and hearts. We also talked about what we understand about adoption, the birth mother, and how we are going to discuss adoption with our child. Our case worker did say that Ty needed to answer some of the questions first because I was so extroverted. Hee, hee. We did joke and laugh and we all got along great. Ty and I did disagree or have different opinions about one thing...but that's okay, just something that we have to discuss.</span><br />
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<span style="color: black;">I honestly didn't really know what we could talk about for right at three hours, but we managed to do it. I did feel my armpits get sweaty, well, because I was sweating bullets the entire time. I think they set the thermostat hot to sweat it out of you like in an interrogation.</span><br />
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<span style="color: black;">We tentatively set up the remaining meetings. I am hoping that we can meet on the 14th and then finish up on the 25th. If not, then we will have to go into July. I really want to be done before then. </span><br />
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<span style="color: black;">The next meeting we will be doing the preferences sheet and then come to our house for separate interviews with each of us, yikes. Then we have the official home visit....and then after she gets everything typed up, we WAIT!</span><br />
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<span style="color: black;">Thanks for your prayers, I felt them today.</span> Molli and Tyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08231526175456201693noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8808372648992196985.post-65658566177029209872012-05-30T21:28:00.000-04:002012-05-30T21:28:17.899-04:00Here we go...<span style="color: black;">We were supposed to have our first two Home Assessment meetings on the 24th and the 31st. God sure does have an amazing plan...their is NO way that we could have done that these past two weeks. My baby brother is getting married this Saturday and with all the things that I have to do for the wedding, I don't think that it would have gone well. </span><br />
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<span style="color: black;">These meetings are so very important to our adoption journey, and I know that we need to be fully focused on these three hour meetings...</span><br />
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<span style="color: black;">Someone in our case worker's family had to have surgery, so now our first meeting is this Monday, June 4th. Please pray for us as we start this last leg before the waiting game of being matched with a birthmother!</span>Molli and Tyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08231526175456201693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8808372648992196985.post-67872459370573241892012-05-12T12:16:00.002-04:002012-05-12T12:16:26.793-04:00A Mother for Choco<span style="color: black;">Many of you know that I teach first grade. In honor of Mother's Day, I decided to have my Guided Reading groups read the story <u>A Mother for Choco</u> which is a sweet story about a bird who doesn't have a mother and he searches for her. After visiting several animals, Choco finds a bear. Mrs. Bear hears Choco crying and asks him to tell her his story. She asks what his mother would do if he had a mother. Choco goes on to say that she would hold him (and Mrs. Bear does), kiss him (and she does), and sing and dance with him (which she does). She invites him to come home with her to meet her other children and have some apple pie. When they arrive, her other children greet him and to Choco's surprise, her children are a: pig, hippo, and an alligator. Choco goes in and plays with the children and is happy. On the very last page of the story, Choco says how happy he is with his new mother, no matter what she looks like. When we read the story, I asked one group of students how that could happen...and not one understood adoption. Once I told them about adoption, they got it. During the next group, one of my students immediately knew that the animals were adopted. When I asked what that meant she replied: "when someone buys a kid because they don't have any." Needless to say, we had LOTS of good conversations. They were curious why Choco didn't have a mom, if his mom comes back can she have him back, and why people adopt. It took all that I had in me not to just bust out and tell them all about how I was adopting. See, we switch classes for Guided Reading, and I didn't feel that it was appropriate, even though I do have some of my own students in my class. I just loved this, and it made me feel so special to make them aware of what adoption means and how it was important for them to know that when you are adopted you are really loved and that it isn't that your mother didn't love you.</span><br />
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<span style="color: black;">Yesterday, we had our 8th annual Mother's Day Tea party in my classroom, and as always it brought tears to my eyes. Last year, I didn't think that I would get to experience "Mother's Day" in my child's classroom, and so on. Well as we did our program, I found myself touching my mommy necklace and smiling on the inside knowing that I am going to be a mother and get to experience all the joys of this day!</span><br />
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<span style="color: black;">Happy Mother's Day weekend!</span>Molli and Tyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08231526175456201693noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8808372648992196985.post-89241598329883696502012-05-03T22:04:00.001-04:002012-05-06T11:45:16.094-04:00Sit on a TACK!<span style="color: black;">Oh man~this is a very hard post to type. I wouldn't by any means say that I am a "holier-than-thou" girl, but I do try to live my life daily for my King. I have been actively involved in the Women's Ministry at my church for many years, and joined the Leadership Team about four years ago. I have loved being on the team and helping to fascilitate God's will through this ministry. The bible studies that I have attended and taught, have changed me. This Spring, we planned to start a new study on the book of Nehemiah by Kelly Minter. I loved teaching her study on Ruth, and was excited about this study. I got my book...and we are now on week 5~and I went to my first Wednesday night class since before the study started. I have done absolutely zilch! I am being completely vulnerable here by saying that I have put it on the WAY back burner. I have missed it, hated not being apart of my group, but we have had a lot going on. I am not making our adoption journey an excuse, but we have had full plates. Honestly, I would forfeit a baby over my relationship with my Jesus. He comes first and I want Little Miracle to feel the same way. I am not saying that I have lived life on the wild side and gone nuts, but I haven't been as active with a daily bible study. I know that it is SO important for every aspect of my life. The amazing thing is that my Jesus is a loving and forgiving~and in His arms is the only place that I go and don't have to feel judged. Thank you, Father! When I went to our team meeting last night, one of the leaders and dear friend said that she kept thinking of me. Another sweet friend said that tonight's video was about adoption and asked if I was staying for bible study. I had planned on it and turning in my book since I haven't done any of the homework with the study...however I went and got my book out and said that I wanted to do the study! When it was time for church to start I came with an open mind and heart. This past week's lessons were on the joy of the Lord. We sang the oldie vacation bible school song, "I've got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart...if the devil doesn't like it he can sit on a tack" song. Well as far as I am concerned...he can sit on a tack. Another sister, Ramona, heard me talking about this attack that Satan has had on my heart. After the evening was over, just after an interview about a mother who adopted from China on the video, Ramona said that she feels led to pray with me. I said of course and agreed that I was comfortable having all the women pray over me. All the women in the study gathered around me a prayed a beautiful, tear-jerking prayer. I love my church, women's ministry, and how God works purposefully in everyone. Needless to say, I am going to get back on track, and borrow the sessions that I have missed to get caught up. </span><br />
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<span style="color: black;">Thanks for hearing me and maybe you will be encouraged by this post~</span>Molli and Tyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08231526175456201693noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8808372648992196985.post-33253471416021362412012-04-20T20:31:00.001-04:002012-04-20T20:31:19.412-04:00Adoption Meeting<span style="color: black;">Yesterday we went to Charlotte for a follow-up meeting with our agency. There was only five couples, so it was a lot more intimate although I don't have trouble speaking and asking questions in front of others. I mean to me, these meetings are SO valuable and an opportunity to be clear on everything. We learned more about what will be happening during the home assessment part...which can't come fast enough. We are just waiting on our case worker to contact us to setup our first interview. One of my questions/comments was: "No pressure, but when should we expect to hear from our case worker?-Cause we are more than ready." We also learned about when to tell our child about adoption. I mean I knew that we should talk to Little Miracle right away through trade books, etc. One thing that I really loved was what Angela, the Charlotte case worker, said in regards to telling about adoption. She said, "When do you tell your child about Jesus?" Well, duh! Done, enough said! We got to look through profile books of other couples, and got a lot of ideas of how to create ours. I am going to get started soon, since this is more my cup of tea than Ty's. He will be in charge of the video we make to go along with our book. In a nutshell....we are waiting to complete our home assessment and profile book/video, then we will be a waiting family~</span>Molli and Tyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08231526175456201693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8808372648992196985.post-71218090398418437272012-04-14T23:24:00.004-04:002012-04-16T21:04:51.082-04:00Easter basket<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxXVU49aSrwNsnY5Se-YLkYd9-gt8Y5CJ1PU0-zl_ct93vF96n2rEobL-Y4bXMd6nJLY9c0RE_9CauBmtshzn0mOqwijfx30qpNOCelyaADPhqPaWe9CoevGnSBsy-wljZyzXqDMfWZQo/s1600/easter+2012+004.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 267px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5731464359017155090" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxXVU49aSrwNsnY5Se-YLkYd9-gt8Y5CJ1PU0-zl_ct93vF96n2rEobL-Y4bXMd6nJLY9c0RE_9CauBmtshzn0mOqwijfx30qpNOCelyaADPhqPaWe9CoevGnSBsy-wljZyzXqDMfWZQo/s400/easter+2012+004.JPG" /></a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"></span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">This past weekend was Easter, and Little Miracle got an Easter basket from the Bunny. It was filled with the goods below. </span><div><div><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"></span> </div><div><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">All of Little Miracle's clothes pretty much have "yellow ducks" on them. Mom said that she isn't going to know what to do if I buy something else with a yellow duck on it. (I just can't resist a good price.)</span></div><div><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"></span> </div><div><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Here is what Little Miracle got for it's first Easter even thought he/she isn't even born yet. :) Owl for the nursery, Gymboree caterpillar set (outfit, booties, blanket), frog lovie, sleeper.</span></div><div> </div><div> <img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 267px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5731464353729377922" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC-zXexhXQMKY_g1yN5hFGvfMTu13EBRicRK04WxbXQBCj5diB5i5zaGBhy7tyEHssdlsDUg4NI4CmdOvjW_ePLAg4nmlelGIZO2oIIPoWuAKrByW6KJufOPoxRDKVksjwXG7b3ODFiZM/s400/easter+2012+002.JPG" /></div></div>Molli and Tyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08231526175456201693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8808372648992196985.post-35805556558953928402012-04-11T21:48:00.003-04:002012-04-11T22:02:14.655-04:00Sneak Peek....<div><div><span style="color:#000000;">Here is a glimpse of our nursery fabric~bedding. I love it! </span></div><div><span style="color:#000000;"></span><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 267px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5730328492816725346" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjroyo5Ces6kuIw2RuXm1jtAFR6v2BP_fxwoKzqR3lDoz2EgKqrqNkT1b0czoMxjX6fpbuN1eF4KKY47Z9CQfPdUHcHuq0Ao72nIbEAxlGYJ-fnmJYgooXo-psJRihanvlmRliUq9Ay3gQ/s400/nursery+012.JPG" /> <span style="color:#000000;">I am waiting on something to come in the mail and then I will be able to post pictures of the nursery. </span></div><div><span style="color:#000000;"></span> </div><div><span style="color:#000000;">Until then, I hope you like what you see.</span></div><div> <img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 267px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5730328485112679474" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAk7hKOe55DGldAdt8GbCLS39_Lxngh817QMVVxg0hIGp4w_KYzubQgWWCpVW2GI1CpLccHK92pawgaCq50GweyWP3aDNC1tInYnNQSY-b7hTcUFO4YWVWMLCTDokaLZr4Sl1yTrYuRWg/s400/nursery+013.JPG" /></div><div> </div></div>Molli and Tyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08231526175456201693noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8808372648992196985.post-85261087566842061212012-04-08T10:00:00.004-04:002012-04-08T10:07:59.702-04:00It's green alright...and a beautiful sight!<div><div><div><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">This past week we had some painting done including the nursery. We chose "Afternoon Delight" which is a light lime green. It appeared soft enough for a nursery yet bright enough for the modern non-traditional nursery feel I am going for in the space. Well...it is bright green! After the painters started the trim I began to worry. I kept telling myself that once the furniture went in, it would change the color and soften it. I was right...I love it!</span></div><div> <img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 267px; height: 400px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5729030887077549234" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg36YL31v1F35VpCAQTSbuyh7Rycdo01DYuhOH6bKZ48HjLJsAhikNH4zngInCci4B6vl__PexV0RXG-JD6hd0pS_m4xmh-UDbRwJNbaEq5F3FxYw8LaiMf3dgYNgxY-gJ49e6hvF-BIiE/s400/nursery+005.JPG" /></div><div><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">We needed to put up new light fixtures in the master bath and afterwards we planned on putting together the nursery furniture. Ty isn't really big on home improvement projects...but my begging worked because we began to put the furniture together at like 7:30 that night because I wanted to spend the rest of the week getting the nursery put together.</span></div><div> <img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 267px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5729030876332809138" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCxibs5-OYyNMIjON3g3jP2HDt3V3nwu7-eczVB-CeeLg-IfEWw5RPODk5CTpXzbLxgpBhGmI0-vgDF1VoMVDLmkUU7Go6OIi8rgzy8jz0LyKOIoC5XUOVbFd2kKhbVk5gCH0C2lWTGqE/s400/nursery+004.JPG" /></div><div><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">We have never seen so much styrofoam, cardboard, and HUGE boxes. (The recycling guys are going to love us!) We got everything together rather quickly and we were so pleased how it all turned out. I did get a little teary eyed at one point. I mean I have waited eight years to do this...and it just melted my heart.</span> </div><div> <img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 267px; height: 400px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5729030867949896802" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkhSF9guVcCZsg8JTkfmd4_Kyu95DJk9cSFEpQceiJmqA7YgvCQ6JeKxD-ASNY6YdpzpvqP0Z_gP4JA5GE3LIgMyRw7ZMPi1UVYg0EujFQjqdaWJjxRTUy4zl9uVTa7DTs8IKurLwvdE4/s400/nursery+003.JPG" /></div><div><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">I am not ready for the big reveal yet. Remember patience is a virtue. </span></div></div></div>Molli and Tyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08231526175456201693noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8808372648992196985.post-67531449501806291712012-04-06T21:16:00.010-04:002012-04-08T09:45:52.339-04:00been so long...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxvfpspFSLgIOQojTmlCkUQzvgamxI976wUXZwYvn38b-B4-fi0-LgkPwbfoNXg9dFVi9IdztrEVfA4V5q4ukMhFD1mj7pm8unJwYJ903wMRosRe0k4b3oN_LlBOgnT5zUq-hWzgwnRrc/s1600/nursery+008.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 267px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5728464215303386658" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxvfpspFSLgIOQojTmlCkUQzvgamxI976wUXZwYvn38b-B4-fi0-LgkPwbfoNXg9dFVi9IdztrEVfA4V5q4ukMhFD1mj7pm8unJwYJ903wMRosRe0k4b3oN_LlBOgnT5zUq-hWzgwnRrc/s400/nursery+008.JPG" /></a>***Click on the image to make it bigger and see the details.<br /><br />It has been so long since my last blog post, but lots have been going on. I received the most special gift from my mom and dad Sunday at church. They gave me a "mommy necklace". It was so special. I have seen them online at differenct Etsy shops...hinted to Ty for Valentine's Day, but no such luck. The top circle says: "born in my heart" which is from the adoption creed and has two pearls that represent Ty and I. The bottom circle says: "lil miracle". How sweet. The seller said that she would replace the bottom circle with the Little Miracle's actual name when he/she arrives. I fell in love and I wear it everyday. When I see it or touch it, I say a prayer for our future birthmother. We have turned our prayers to her and for her decision to let us be the parents of her child. I am so blessed to be going through this adoption journey to gain a forever family. Another proud moment was sharing my gift with Mehya's mom. She was so excited to see such a special piece of jewelry and wanted one of her own~<br /><br />Thanks mom and dad for such a special piece of jewelry!!!<br /><br />When you see me (and my necklace) say a prayer for our birthmother and us as we continue on this journey~Molli and Tyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08231526175456201693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8808372648992196985.post-85893832329526795822012-03-18T21:16:00.003-04:002012-03-18T22:03:45.733-04:00Adoption Meeting<span style="color:#000000;">Last Friday, we had our first of two adoption meetings. We decided to go to Raleigh the night before to eliminate any traffic issues, and well to spend some time together away from home. We love to go on little getaways, and we know that we may not have as many once Little Miracle comes, which is fine with us. </span><br /><span style="color:#000000;">We had such a great day on Friday! I have to admit that I was a little nervous and apprehensive meeting other couples in the same place as us, wanting the same thing. I didn't want to feel like it was a competition, but these will be the ones whose profiles will be out at the same time as ours. It is so wrong to feel that way, but I am just being vulnerable.</span><br /><span style="color:#000000;">When we got there and chose our seats, I wanted to introduce myself. I began talking to the couple beside us, and what do you know...they are from Winston too! It was so awesome! We hit it offright away and planned on going to lunch. During lunch, we had a great time getting to know each other and plan on getting together in the future. </span><br /><span style="color:#000000;">It was great to meet all of the Bethany staff in person but what was so special was to see God first in there life and mission. They talked about our motivation to adopt. I love this that they said: "Bethany is not finding families for children, but children for families." We learned about the risk factors of the babies and even as a newborn, they face loss. We have to try and make sense of the past and become realistic of the future. This is our journey, but more importantly, God is on our journey with us. </span><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Another powerful point was in discussing God's perfect plan: "Did God say okay fish, flop around for a few days, I haven't created water yet? No, God created water first for the fish to swim in." love it!</span><br /><span style="color:#000000;">When a birthmother goes through her counseling and then birth, they get a basket from Bethany that includes a journal, devotion book, Bible, and personal needs. They told us that most of them come during their third tri-mester and that they are with them when they make their adoption plan and decisions. The staff told us that we will meet atleast once with the birthmom and then at the hospital. It is so hard to go from theory to reality.</span><br /><span style="color:#000000;">It was most powerful to hear about the open adoption process. Ty and I had many myths and wonders about open vs. semi and even closed. We decided that we want an open adoption...to build trust, have a long term relationship, enable us to keep in touch for the future, and allow our child to know their mother and maybe even father. We thought that an open adoption meant that they had to come to Thanksgiving, etc. It is not the case at all. We have an adoption covenant that we set up together.</span><br /><span style="color:#000000;">I asked lots of questions, especially when four sets of adoptive couples came in, along with a birthmom. It was very touching to see their babies and get to get some answers. </span><br /><span style="color:#000000;">We learned so much about what was coming up next...which is that we should get our financial contract and then our social worker will contact us for the home study interviews. We got to meet them, and we don't know which one will be ours though. Leah (our adoption specialist) complimented us on how fast we have gotten everything done and good all of our paperwork looks so far. She is a hoot I tell ya! </span><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Home Study looks like: 1. joint meeting interview 2. separate interviews 3. home visit 4. pastor visit (usually same day as home visit). They will have thirty days to write up the assessment...then we can show our profile online and at the agencies :) followed by the dreaded wait.</span><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Many of the couples there were doing the domestic newborn program, but a few were pursuing international or older sibling adoption. It seemed as though many of the people there were behind us in the process. The next meeting will be the first of April where we will learn about our profiles and how to make the book/video. I am hoping to get started before then.</span><br /><span style="color:#000000;">We both left and felt that God confirmed our hearts and the perfect plan for builiding our family through adoption. We are so excited about moving forward with this journey. After a long discussion on the ride home, we decided to shift our prayers to praying for our future birthmom. We have been SO blessed this far with our paperwork and now we need to begin praying harder for our birthparents. We covet your prayers for our birthparents too.</span><br />When we got home, our financial contract was already in our mailbox! God is good, real good.Molli and Tyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08231526175456201693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8808372648992196985.post-17140279713774524942012-03-06T22:09:00.006-05:002012-03-06T22:29:33.836-05:00Intense but exciting...<span style="color:#000000;">Yesterday, mom and I went to register Little Miracle at Bed, Bath, and Beyond. I chose to register there because they have a great baby section and a lot of the things that I want, they carry...and Babies 'R Us doesn't. It was a lot of fun, but yet so intense. I have researched and read reviews of tons of categories/products but I still felt unprepared with some things.<br /></span><br /><br /><br /><div><span style="color:#000000;">I am very excited about registering here because they have free shipping when you purchase something from a registry! That works out great for out of town family and friends. </span></div><br /><br /><br /><div><span style="color:#000000;">One really neat thing was that when I filled out the paper to get started, I had to put my "due date" which obviously we don't know. So I randomly picked June 21st. Wouldn't it be SO crazy if the baby was actually born that day? Cool, huh? I hope it is before then, but Summer would be an awesome time.</span></div><br /><br /><br /><div><span style="color:#000000;">Here is a picture of me registering for bottles. <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 299px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5716991452561609410" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxCT_Cg_0iPg5xF9VBk4ycNTYVRxR9r97EI6KUFP02R1z6wZzizST9fUJrGggD8GQhjjD7vn068bgskExFVmXuuJA1_A7CTUYGFr0pYx9QDD42pJYmdlEOqSPvERtZUWPETXhq0nCN2Gk/s400/registry.jpg" /></span></div>Molli and Tyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08231526175456201693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8808372648992196985.post-30598147778203746832012-02-18T13:36:00.004-05:002012-02-18T13:44:00.726-05:00Here comes the nursery!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbKvd1Z7JYNRXAsg1bMuQ2mgtnxX4egmCvCrA0CfjlkV9A4KiCKw22Sw5CzPUxPEJAOOwf74kDJU-FouE8q5ddUSZjKuHwPQflDg4rPXLvGs70yWvYm7FPFo8QHPbB8t1OZCEi0X9yMYs/s1600/nursery.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 299px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5710546750987498258" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbKvd1Z7JYNRXAsg1bMuQ2mgtnxX4egmCvCrA0CfjlkV9A4KiCKw22Sw5CzPUxPEJAOOwf74kDJU-FouE8q5ddUSZjKuHwPQflDg4rPXLvGs70yWvYm7FPFo8QHPbB8t1OZCEi0X9yMYs/s400/nursery.jpg" /></a><span style="color:#000000;">Today, family came over to get my "big girl" bedroom suit from the extra bedroom. Last night, Ty and I worked really hard to get everything ready. While I was at a student's basketball game, Ty moved all the furniture from the nursery to the new extra bedroom. I was so proud! Here is the blank slate that we are starting with, and a picture of the closet. I finalized the nursery bedding that I am having custom made from Etsy, and we LOVE it!!! When I get the fabric swatches in the mail, we will select the paint colors and get that step done. This week we will also pick up the furniture :)<br /></span><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJHyihhv6Pwo4XyE4k2HUhjB6N-na7aGghGgnY3EOd2_4liXjYjKjM6atnhKAevlMCVoLdHgS80OCcAq-21xbt5XvHTAaxsNLkFsen8UAWPf3JK2pLqKUrJGY4als6pAPD43FdRWu3rdU/s1600/nursery+2.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 299px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5710546740516041394" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJHyihhv6Pwo4XyE4k2HUhjB6N-na7aGghGgnY3EOd2_4liXjYjKjM6atnhKAevlMCVoLdHgS80OCcAq-21xbt5XvHTAaxsNLkFsen8UAWPf3JK2pLqKUrJGY4als6pAPD43FdRWu3rdU/s400/nursery+2.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div>Molli and Tyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08231526175456201693noreply@blogger.com0