The Truth Is...

The truth is, I'm happy a new year is beginning. I'm usually not that great with goodbye's, but I'm really ready to say "Goodbye" to 2012. For us, it has been a tough one. I don't want to relive specifics, but we've been through some battles emotionally, spiritually, physically and financially. I know these challenges have stretched me and caused my heart to be changed.  I totally realize my tough times are relatively small in comparison to what many have faced this past year. I will continue to pray for others and won't dwell on me.  Movin' on! 

I'm looking forward to a fresh start. There is excitement stirring from within to get recharged and refocused on our adoption journey. Our road hasn't looked how we thought it would, that's for sure. We can't wait to see how God leads us in this area of our lives. Keep us in your prayers as we continue to say "Yes!" with no reservations. We're blessed to have an adoption consultant and friend who has held our hands and loved us through this roller coaster ride called adoption. She's priceless. If you've considered adoption, let me tell you first hand, Tracie is the first contact you should make! Read here to see some of the beautiful families whose lives have been touched by adoption because she walked beside them on their journey. Amazing! And also, read here to see what another precious friend has to say about Tracie. 

How are you starting your New Year? Any resolutions? I've always made the cliche' ones, you know, lose weight, eat better, etc. Not going to go there this year. Do I want those things? Yes, but my focus is simply less of me, more of Him. I want to be more of His hands and His feet. That should pretty much cover everything else! I pray 2013 is truly a year of God's richest blessings for each of you and your precious loved ones.

Salt and Light

¹³ “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.

¹⁴ “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. ¹⁵ Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. ¹⁶ In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. 

Matthew 5:13-16

Wait! What? Summer is over?

I do still realize I have a blog. I haven't abandoned it completely. Really, I haven't. 

The last post I wrote was wrapping up the end of a school year. And, poof! Summer came and went. One trip to see family in North Carolina is all we squeezed in before the new school year began. We are now back in high gear with 2 college student schedules, 1 middle school, 1 elementary and 2 preschool. I now have a HUGE desk calendar and I shall do my very best attempt at keeping up with everyone. The first week was a success. I didn't forget anyone or leave anyone stranded. ;)

Our area has just dodged a major storm, but we're remaining prayerful for those in the path of Hurricane Isaac.

In adoption news, a few changes have occurred over the last couple months. The wonderful agency we've been working with has decided to close. We're getting refocused on this journey and hope to share more news soon. Our fundraising efforts are still if place and if you feel you'd like to help us, check out one of our sidebar links. 

I leave you with one of my favorite quotes. =)

"If God is calling you to take a step of faith that defies

earthly wisdom, put obedience first and let logic catch up. If

 you can't understand the why, trust the WHO." UNK

Happy Military Spouse Appreciation Day (that's a mouthful!)

If you're not military, you probably didn't know this day even existed. President Ronald Reagan thought enough of military spouses to give a little shout out to them way back in 1984 for all the support and sacrifices they make. That was awfully kind of him. 


Today, the lovely ladies of Household 6 Diva and RC of Riding the Roller Coaster are hosting a virtual "Meet & Greet" for Military Spouse Bloggers. I'm joining in on the little blog hop party. 


I little introduction to those who've linked up to the party. My husband was a Marine when we met out in California (8 years), then has been in the Army ever since. (25 years total). We live in Florida, have 5 kids, 4 grands and are in the process of domestic adoption. I blog sporadically about life in general. I look forward to meeting some of you and checking out your blogs.

Thanks for stopping by and enjoy the party!

New News!

I wish it was new news that we've received a phone call for a new adoption situation, but alas, it isn't. Yet! We're awaking each day with a new excitement and zeal as we wait for the call that will change everything. And we're happy to look forward with anticipation to God's handiwork. :)


The new news is we're ramping up our fundraising once again! We still have our tshirt and coffee fundraisers active with links on the side bar. And, >insert drum roll here< we're launching an awesome new fundraiser that anyone, anywhere can use AND help us raise the last of the funds needed. I LOVE restaurant.com and use them regularly to try out new places frugally. THIS is awesome! You donate ONLY $20, get a $50 e-certificate AND help us at the same time. It's a win/win for both of us!!! Check out the CoupAid link over there >>>> on the side bar. =) 


Have a beyond blessed, minimally stressed day!

I'd Like To Share A Little Story...

Today, on the way home from a follow-up doctor's appointment, I broke down and cried. Boo hooing while driving, not so smart. But, it was a good, I'm-SO-Thankful, feeling-blessed cry. I'll back up and share the whole story.


About a year ago, I noticed a little pea-sized knot under my ear. My family doctor felt it was probably a swollen lymph node that would eventually subside. I remained aware it was there. And that it was ever so slowly growing larger. I had my doctor feel it again in early March and she agreed it had grown and referred me to a specialist.


The following week I had my appointment with the ENT specialist and within fifteen minutes, I was scheduled for surgery to have it removed. He agreed it was most likely an enlarged lymph node, but that it needed to be removed. Although some thought I should have it biopsied first, I felt at peace with the surgery decision. 


Surgery was last Friday and all went smoothly. Well, accept for the lovely reaction I had to all the anesthesia and pain medicines. Hopefully, my husband won't tell that part of the story... God bless him for helping me through it. 


When I woke up in recovery after the procedure, I was greeted by happy faces telling me wonderful news that it was benign. And that it had actually been a tumor. Don't get me wrong, I was happy to hear the news, but without details, it really didn't sink in. Until today. My doctor showed me about how large the tumor was. (almost 2 inches in diameter) And explained how deep it was. And that I was right, that it didn't belong there. And that if wasn't removed, it would've caused further problems and damage. AND that 1 in every 3 persons with a glandular tumor such as this....finds out it's malignant. 1 in 3. So, I'm 2 in 3. That's what made me cry. Tears of gratitude. Tears of relief. Tears of thankfulness. Tears of praise. Oh, how I love Jesus! =)


In my grateful state of mind, I'm healing with NO pain meds, thank you very much. And telling you, if something doesn't seem right, pray. And go see your doctor. =) 






A little side note to my story: sneezing while healing from facial surgery is not pleasant. 

Crickets Chirping

What's that you hear, crickets chirping? Around the blog, yes. But we just know God is at work on our behalf. We're trusting Him completely and are so, so excited to see what little blessing He has created to join our family. 


We still have our coffee and t-shirt fundraisers active, along with the Paypal link on the sidebar for monetary donations. We won't know our legal fees until we're matched again, but would like to raise about $2500 more to put towards legal. Thank you, again, to all who have donated and purchased from our fundraisers. I believe you've sown seeds into very fertile ground. =) 


In other news, we're keeping up with our everyday, crazy, busy schedules to best we can with a family of nine. In a few short months from now, we'll have one daughter completing a degree in graphic design and one graduating from high school. It's amazing how quickly they grow up, but yet I'm so very blessed to be their "mommy". =) 


Short and sweet for today, but I'll leave you with this. 


Unconditional love from Jesus doesn't fear what others think, doesn't fear the nationality, the kind of clothes or car or house, but only sees the heart of a brother or sister and accepts them right where they are. 


(excerpt taken from "Fields of the Fatherless" by C. Thomas Davis)

Finding Words. Finding Faith.

I've been fairly quiet via social media. I've been searching for the right words to share. Finding out just how strong my faith is at this moment in time.


There are many risks involved when you step out in faith to answer God's heart for the fatherless. But, you don't focus on the risks. You focus on the very one who is ordering your footsteps. And our focus remains there. At this time, it looks like the birth mom we were matched with has changed her mind. We may never know the reason, but that's okay. We'll continue to pray for her and baby boy. And stretch our faith a little lot more while we wait to be chosen again.


We are staying with the same agency, which is a huge blessing. We still have funds to raise for the agency and legal, so we'll continue on while we pray and wait. Thank you again to all who have helped us along this journey. We are eternally grateful. If you still would like to help, our Paypal link, coffee and t-shirt fundraisers are still available on the sidebar. 


Blessings,