tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12350952798515204942024-03-05T22:08:23.803-06:00Motherhood: An Adventure of the HeartRambling, thoughts, and prayers from me: wife of the most interesting man I know, mom of three boys who grow my faith daily, a women blessed with such selfless friends. Thanks for stopping in!Janahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06294746390249629715noreply@blogger.comBlogger70125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1235095279851520494.post-6430458798039130652012-06-30T15:34:00.001-05:002012-06-30T15:34:45.952-05:00Our first month of summer is finishing up and it has been busy! <br />
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We started out with a trip to Disney World/Universal Studios. Our family had a blast! It was so worth the wait and could not have been more fun. The weather was the best we could have gotten at the end of May and it really wasn't too crowded. We all agreed we need to go back!<br />
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VBS came next and was super fun. My kiddos loved it....the music, the snacks, the crafts, the message. The shirts were pretty cool this year too.<br />
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This year we had the first family reunion for my dad's mother's family. The reunion took place in one of my favorite places in Texas....Kerrville. I love the hill country and my kiddos do too. The reunion was fun and we got to see and hear some really neat family history.<br />
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Then Clay got to participate in the JDRF photo shoot again this year. Baseball is the theme for this year's walk. So we got to hang out at the San Antonio Missions field and meet with other type 1 families. I love doing this with Clay. The San Antonio JDRF team is awesome and we get a chance to talk about type 1 issues with other families.<br />
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Throw in an Astros game (they won!) and a Third Day concert with our local adoption support group and swimming, movies, story time at the library and sleeping late.<br />
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I love summer!!!Janahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06294746390249629715noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1235095279851520494.post-52070634335039862962012-05-08T09:59:00.001-05:002012-05-08T09:59:53.539-05:00Summertime!! (almost)Summer starts very soon around here! Next Thursday at noon to be exact. I was looking at the calendar for the next three months and I can't wait for the fun to start!! We have a family vacation, VBS, a family reunion, a few day camps, and Clay's first sleep away camp! We also have down time so we can sleep late, swim, stay up watching movies, and just hanging out together.
I love summer!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCC9iyhe7-2ohddFe0IK0xIe-1IjcDSH8NdiLvpdmkHl95yHigaMscIEpo4k6InrW57WV3tIgyNNyQz6Q6eCFpQe4O2ZHP41L5GnplSB1sz94L49ZP7Tt0TuFzw6mHDUkehNPJ7PUhtR8/s1600/063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCC9iyhe7-2ohddFe0IK0xIe-1IjcDSH8NdiLvpdmkHl95yHigaMscIEpo4k6InrW57WV3tIgyNNyQz6Q6eCFpQe4O2ZHP41L5GnplSB1sz94L49ZP7Tt0TuFzw6mHDUkehNPJ7PUhtR8/s320/063.JPG" /></a></div>Janahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06294746390249629715noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1235095279851520494.post-35348556335835132502012-04-06T10:57:00.003-05:002012-04-06T11:26:14.191-05:00Thoughs about Mary on this Friday<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/glrQXIl_YNs" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br /><br />I was showing the boys some videos this morning and reading scripture about Jesus' trial, beating, and death. I kept thinking about Mary. Jesus came to save us, to give us eternal life. He did that for all of us. The story of the pain, the punishment, and the torture Jesus endured is always hard to think about.<br /><br />But Jesus was her son....her baby. She knew him as the savior. But she knew what he looked like when he got up from a nap. She knew what he liked to eat for a snack. She knew when he took his first steps and when he learned to count money. She held him in her lap and sang to him. She realized one day that he had suddenly gotten taller than her. He was her boy....loud, dirty, and busy.<br /><br />I think about Mary knowing that Jesus was here for a reason but not wanting him to suffer. There is a scene that shows her wiping up his blood after he is beaten. It makes so much sense to me! I cannot imagine how helpless she felt. Knowing you can't stop the hurt, knowing you can't hold him, it is beyond painful. Feeling like you have to DO something! As a mother I could relate.<br /><br />I know that we don't have written scripture about Mary cleaning up after him or what she said while her son was being beaten. I know that the scenes are from a movie so please don't think I am taking every part not written in scripture as truth. But, I do know Mary was a mother and the pain she felt is something that can not be denied.Janahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06294746390249629715noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1235095279851520494.post-29466486287997039352012-03-26T08:17:00.004-05:002012-03-26T08:42:52.644-05:00Something I needed to put down in writing....So at our Mom's Night Out dinner this weekend we were reminiscing about our various birth stories. We talked about what we remember from delivery and how our kiddos got here. It occurred to me that I haven't written down my boys' first minutes after being born. They have heard it every year on their birthday but I need to actually write it down. What I love is how they came out in their little individual ways that were true to their personalities. <br /><br />Clay came out with his eyes wide open and his mouth shut. No breathing, just looking around. They worked on him a little while and finally got him breathing. Knowing him the way we do now I firmly believe he was afraid he wasn't going to breath perfectly so he just didn't. Literally born a perfectionist and worrier!<br /><br />Colin man was true to his personality as well. They popped him out and held him up for me. He was SCREAMING at the top of his lungs with his arms and feet spread wide. That child has been loud since he came out.<br /><br />Cade~Cade came out crying just like a t.v. delivery. Then after they held him up he peed on all the nurses. All boy and all ornery.Janahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06294746390249629715noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1235095279851520494.post-49233854107698226372012-03-10T10:19:00.002-06:002012-03-10T10:21:19.867-06:00If you haven't watched this....watch it now.<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Y4MnpzG5Sqc" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>Janahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06294746390249629715noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1235095279851520494.post-20131059504033107962012-02-13T09:51:00.004-06:002012-02-13T10:04:17.738-06:00Colin man turned 7<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE9cFdM0sW-97suIT2eEE-moV-zSZgWls06EBbKLYYOUgVBsXQ2im2j37ZhLbcTal7cR_vYG1YRs8oAGSsUxTZ7Kc2qSUuJ6MJ1zdUDQPDL_mx_qG4jTq5Z3625vnYfpsRv-yBCiY9Onw/s1600/096.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE9cFdM0sW-97suIT2eEE-moV-zSZgWls06EBbKLYYOUgVBsXQ2im2j37ZhLbcTal7cR_vYG1YRs8oAGSsUxTZ7Kc2qSUuJ6MJ1zdUDQPDL_mx_qG4jTq5Z3625vnYfpsRv-yBCiY9Onw/s200/096.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708648804866697250" /></a><br />So this guy turned 7 last week. I love this picture....it is so Colin. This child's passion is swords, soldiers, guns, and any kind of battle. He plays pirates, cowboys, SWAT, army, and CIA. He is also one of the most tenderhearted little boys I know. He can't stand unfair actions, wants to help all the orphans and those in slavery around the world. He wants to give and give and give. He loves his Jesus and tells me that he wants to be a man of God. <br /><br />Colin, my prayer for you is to keep all the boldness He has given you, all the loud, all the kindness, and all the compassion...use it for Him. Stick to what you know is right and help others along the way. Keep that smile and laugh forever!!Janahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06294746390249629715noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1235095279851520494.post-50367872565272585542011-12-23T13:50:00.004-06:002011-12-23T14:19:15.247-06:00Christmas thoughts<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1bzWIC939y16zR749L8p2ESinN0DoBEcupeOUPr6v6QyEYQvl4XWU0uh3Vdp-sp1WRXS9yvEaYqm9XlHcH_87VmRUezjYXE0HFWoMkpJnQoYmNkoFSc42snl9-2GmLmJckXdZFIN24mk/s1600/001.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1bzWIC939y16zR749L8p2ESinN0DoBEcupeOUPr6v6QyEYQvl4XWU0uh3Vdp-sp1WRXS9yvEaYqm9XlHcH_87VmRUezjYXE0HFWoMkpJnQoYmNkoFSc42snl9-2GmLmJckXdZFIN24mk/s200/001.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5689414426302161634" /></a><br />As we get closer to the 25th I am busy making sure I have the right food stocked for the right celebration, the gifts wrapped and ready, and planning schedules in my head. We talk about this season as a time for family, friends, and Jesus' birth. But am I really making sure that is what our Christmas is about?<br /><br />Being a parent means that I get to celebrate this time of year with little people who are super excited about all of it. I set the example of what Christmas is to my children. I wonder how I am doing? Am I showing them that all I care about is the "right" present, the "right" wrapping, and the "right" amount of gifts. Do Josh and I put way to much emphasis on being nice for Santa to come? Or are we making sure that they know the whole reason for Christmas is Jesus. Do they know that His birthday is a the ultimate celebration? This is why we give to our loved ones. Are those gifts we are giving causing debt and stress or are they from the heart and in line with what God has called us to do financially? Are my kids going to know that if we were not celebrating this birthday we would be lost eternally? <br /><br />All I know is that we are trying. We celebrate Advent and have a big party Christmas Eve for baby Jesus with cake and ice cream. Santa does come to our house Christmas morning because my kids love the story of Saint Nicolas and why he brought gifts. We have learned all about our traditions and where they came from. We have selected gifts for each other that give back and help those who are the least of these. <br /><br />We are far from getting all this right and I welcome any advice you may have to make sure that my children know what we are celebrating Christmas for. I hope you have a blessed Christmas and know His love for you this 25th.Janahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06294746390249629715noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1235095279851520494.post-15327690298038795452011-12-14T21:44:00.003-06:002011-12-14T22:03:33.254-06:00Our baby turned 3<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTf1wiZGOiu0D2GAI1-EVhrTRZ4t_Uw9VsSQaaM_9jyInvoIztAsYV4UNVhLgS7o91wKOuvqMA0VnHEpmi2qV0wn_Wp0An3pf0z0T2Yc90KB18SIfHxFO89OLru5rAS2ZaKxtWZCfpNAE/s1600/212.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTf1wiZGOiu0D2GAI1-EVhrTRZ4t_Uw9VsSQaaM_9jyInvoIztAsYV4UNVhLgS7o91wKOuvqMA0VnHEpmi2qV0wn_Wp0An3pf0z0T2Yc90KB18SIfHxFO89OLru5rAS2ZaKxtWZCfpNAE/s200/212.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5686196702184709746" /></a><br /><br />So this little guy turned 3 this week. We have had three years of this smiling, bossy, and funny boy. He is loved by his big brothers and loves them just as much. <br /><br />Cade loves to read, play "get away from dad", loves his teachers, and chips ~n~ cheese. He is smart and loud. He is silly and persistent. Our family would be very empty without him! <br /><br />God gave us the perfect little guy for our third son.Janahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06294746390249629715noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1235095279851520494.post-76626928304919530312011-12-01T08:35:00.003-06:002011-12-01T09:13:17.562-06:00Ten Years....Ten Whole Years People!!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcbJN2lM604uihtjaxnUGSk0zHuKRwJmYqZp6UAxv6sYgHaVoe4Lh1FiJ8y2ly-UsoMk4unADZcZaUSsXwSsbcpmhwskglOkMkStyoD601hNWa-aI3BaysWJlE2NFibDGN0IV7XQmdywg/s1600/CCF12012011_00001.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 154px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcbJN2lM604uihtjaxnUGSk0zHuKRwJmYqZp6UAxv6sYgHaVoe4Lh1FiJ8y2ly-UsoMk4unADZcZaUSsXwSsbcpmhwskglOkMkStyoD601hNWa-aI3BaysWJlE2NFibDGN0IV7XQmdywg/s200/CCF12012011_00001.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5681168789794297602" /></a><br /><br />So ten years ago I was a bride today. I got to wear a dress that made me feel like a princess complete with a tiara. I wore earrings my groom gave me and a necklace too. I carried the bible my mom carried on her wedding day. I was so ready to start this life with this man who was crazy about me.<br /><br />We did it. We said "I DO!" and kissed the best kiss I had ever had. It was our first married kiss and it was perfect. We danced, ate cake, laughed a lot, and kissed even more. And then I'm sure we kissed some more.<br /><br />There are things that I will always remember from that day:<br /><br />*Being so nervous all day because I didn't have Josh there beside me <br /> <br />*Seeing him for those few moments alone before the pcitures and ceremony and having all my nerves disappear.<br /><br />*Our first dance...not wanting it to end.<br /><br />*Feeling so grateful to all the people who came and celebrated with us.<br /><br />*Knowing this was it! I was going to be a part of a life with someone forever.<br /><br />I got our album out and showed the boys. That is a interesting experience! They are so honest. And they loved it. I did too. I loved seeing the anticipation, the smiles, the excitement. I love that we had no clue what our next ten years would look like! <br /><br />In ten years we have had three kids, are in the process of adding another one, moved five times, got introduced to type 1 diabetes, and grown a lot closer to God. We laughed about the fact that we thought we would be in Paris for our 10 year anniversary. We thought we would probably have two kids by then. We were sure we would be living overseas. God's plan was way better and much less self absorbed. <br /><br />This guy I married has changed so much and in some ways not at all! The stubborness is still there, but now with a passion for his family. The wise cracking is mixed in with silliness with the boys. The desire to lead has become a desire to lead his family. The intelligence he has always had has been used to explain the big things in life to his sons. <br /><br />I really like this guy that God picked out for me. Our ten married years (eighteen if you throw in dating!) have been loud, busy, and loving. Bring on the next ten!Janahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06294746390249629715noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1235095279851520494.post-57641981416892323572011-11-28T22:20:00.004-06:002011-11-28T22:28:04.791-06:00We are not the rescuers, we are the rescued<em>A message from David Platt who is bringing his daughter home from China:</em><br /><br /><br />I am reminded as we go into tomorrow that the initiative for adoption obviously resides with a parent, not with a child. A child does not choose to initiate adoption; instead, a parent chooses to adopt a child. The same is true in spiritual adoption, as well. The Word is clear that in our sin, we were once children of wrath (Ephesians 2:3), alienated from God (Colossians 1:21) and totally unable to save ourselves from our sin in order to become His sons. Talk about special needs. Our minds were blinded (Romans 1:21-23), our emotions were disordered (Romans 1:26-27), our bodies were defiled (Romans 1:24-25), our wills were distorted (Romans 3:10-12), and our relationships were broken (James 4:1-4). We were slaves to sin (John 8:34), lovers of darkness (John 3:20), morally evil (Genesis 8:21), and spiritually lost (Luke 19:10). And the good news of the gospel is that God saw our need and initiated our adoption:<br /><br /><em>Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth (Ephesians 1:3-10).</em><br /><br />Understanding this biblical foundation of spiritual adoption is critical for understanding the proper motivation for physical adoption. We have a tendency in our day to romanticize adoption, envisaging cute children around the world (both domestically and internationally) just waiting to be adopted. Obviously, they are all cute in their own ways, but they are also needy…and many of their needs are great.<br /><br />As a pastor of a church that is, by God’s grace, captivated by an adoptive culture, I have talked and prayed with countless parents who have fostered and/or adopted children with challenging needs. And the only sustainable motivation for these parents is the glorious reality of the gospel. What do you do when the child you adopted has fetal alcohol syndrome and can’t ever seem to sit still without throwing a tantrum? What happens when that child’s birth mother was addicted to crack cocaine and as a result, he or she has permanent brain damage that affects their behavior for the rest of their life, and in turn their teenage years turn into a living nightmare for you, for them, and for your entire family? What happens when the years that child has spent in an institutional orphanage by themselves causes them to not know how to even begin to receive love, so that every time you try to show love, they resist it? What happens when the child you adopt is dangerous?<br /><br />Mere altruism will not sustain you in situations like these. Only the gospel will. Because in the gospel, you are reminded on a daily basis that there was a day when you were a child of wrath, filled with evil desires, totally unable to control your sinfulness, and desperately in need of Savior, and God reached down His hand of mercy past the depth of your wickedness in order to adopt you as His own. When there was no initiative to draw you to Him, He initiated a relationship with you. So now, when you see a child with minor or major needs, you reach out to that child, simply because you realize you are that child.<br /><br />My goal is certainly not to paint a grim picture of adoption, and many children in foster and/or adoption situations are perfectly healthy. But adoption is not easy, and children are indeed needy. It’s important to realize, then, that we adopt <strong>not</strong> <strong>because we are rescuers</strong>. No, we adopt because <strong>we are the rescued</strong>. And in this way, the gospel uniquely portrays, compels, and ultimately sustains adoption.Janahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06294746390249629715noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1235095279851520494.post-59052786751655231282011-11-19T15:06:00.001-06:002011-11-19T15:07:28.585-06:00From a birthmom<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/a_kGY3gWcKw" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>Janahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06294746390249629715noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1235095279851520494.post-31269264549175327862011-11-06T17:26:00.004-06:002011-11-06T18:59:51.230-06:00Orphan Sunday...not what I thought it would be.Today was Orphan Sunday. A day where churches are asked to bring attention to the almost 150 million orphans around the world. This plight of the orphan is not a distant problem across the ocean. The starving orphans you see on tv are not some other country's problem. Right now in the place you live there is a child with no mother or father. This may be because of death, it may be because of abuse, it may be because they simply do not have the resources to care for their child.<br /><br />Our Sunday looked a lot different than I thought it was going to be. We were supposed to bring home a little baby boy yesterday. We were planning on meeting our newest member of the Schroeder household. <br /><br />It didn't happen. Birthmom is trying to decide what she wants to do. This was not our plan. It hurts. I don't understand it. We have no idea what is going to happen with this situation.<br /><br />We only to prayer and continue to believe what God tells us. He loves, He is faithful, and He only wants good for us. He knows that there is a baby that needs a family. This baby is only an hour away from my home. A home that is filled with a mom and dad who can pray together, cry together, and watch old tv shows together. A mom and dad who are being honest with their kids and talk about being upset but knowing that God has a plan. A home that has three boys who want a new sibling. Boys who are watching a movie together and building legos.<br /><br />There is no promise that says His way will be easy, we are told that in fact it won't be. I know that we are going to add to our family and He knows how and when. I am sad tonight for us and a baby I have never met. But, I am resting in His promises.Janahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06294746390249629715noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1235095279851520494.post-57743983837948179762011-11-03T08:51:00.003-05:002011-11-03T09:19:09.149-05:00National Adoption Month<iframe width="640" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/2y9OGli2qGs?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br /><br />This month is National Adoption Month, so you will be hearing from me a lot! I might make you cry, I might make you uncomfortable, and I hope to make you think. Our family feels so strongly about adoption because God feels so strongly about adoption! This video asks the question "How can God use you?". I want everyone to really ask this question, to ask God. This is where it gets exciting because God never ask us to do the same thing. He commands ALL of us to care for the orphaned and widowed, but how he wants us to do it is so unique.<br /><br />Orphans need forever families. They need a mom and a dad. They don't need a mom and a dad with new cars, a big home, a Disney vacation every summer, or top of the line toys. They need a mom and a dad who love the Lord. Could you be that mom and dad? <br /><br />Adoption cost money. There are reasons it cost money and it doesn't matter if you are adopting privately, internationally, through an agency, or through the state. It cost money. Do you have money to give? Can you help bring a child home by giving?<br /><br />Families who adopt need help! They need help getting paperwork started, they need help if the have other children at home when there is a meeting or mandatory seminar, they need help when they get their child home and need to bond. Can you help? Can you babysit or bring a meal?<br /><br />Orphans around the world need help. Whatever country you live in, there are orphans. Find a group or ministry to support. Research and find people who are in the midst of educating, feeding, and loving orphans. Find and support groups who are tryying to PREVENT orphans. Groups who are empowering mothers and fathers to become the parent they need to be for their children.<br /><br />Ask God the question. It is scary, but ask. How can He use you?Janahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06294746390249629715noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1235095279851520494.post-63714500122118886082011-10-11T19:52:00.004-05:002011-10-11T20:13:25.517-05:00Adoption Update<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxmJnVa8DnDuP9EG3j3UXt7_Tp7_Jt-ExOBTGYD43QsKvMwmIzNJm8dtXrYBnt4qmfsaXAQ1rOzKAMt_7gZIilKUPL_mBn5qOthBjgCxFSMHfqLS7D-1QnpryTzxrXZHOVf3oovDeQra8/s1600/DSC_0439.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 133px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxmJnVa8DnDuP9EG3j3UXt7_Tp7_Jt-ExOBTGYD43QsKvMwmIzNJm8dtXrYBnt4qmfsaXAQ1rOzKAMt_7gZIilKUPL_mBn5qOthBjgCxFSMHfqLS7D-1QnpryTzxrXZHOVf3oovDeQra8/s200/DSC_0439.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5662403085078733826" /></a><br /><br />I came across this picture from the Expecting from Ethiopia blog. I love this. The knowing that their child is out there waiting on them, just like they are waiting.<br /><br />So....we have something to update and we don't. Make no sense? Welcome to adoption. Our profile is out there right now, in the hands of a birth mom. She has our profile and another family's. She is reading our letters, looking at our pictures, and trying to decide if she wants to pick us. She is due in about two weeks. Yup, we could have a baby in two weeks. <br /><br />Because I want to respect this woman who is trying to figure out what to do with this life that she is carrying (a life that she feels every night while trying to sleep, a life that will look like her, a life that will carry on her traits) I don't want to say much about her end of the story.<br /><br />I can tell you our end. We are wondering. Wondering if we will be a family of six sooner rather than later. Wondering what he looks like...yes it's a BOY!!! Wondering if this is it. Wondering if it is not. And we are praying.<br /><br />We are praying that she KNOWS that there is someone who loves her and is walking with her during all of this struggling. That she knows He loves her baby more than any of us. That she knows He gave up a baby too. His only son, for her.<br /><br />Pray for us as we wait to add another hand print. Pray for her as she decides what to do with the little hands she is carrying.<br /><a href="http://expecting-from-ethiopia.blogspot.com/"></a><a href="http://expecting-from-ethiopia.blogspot.com/"></a>Janahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06294746390249629715noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1235095279851520494.post-62736168319291403532011-09-15T21:31:00.004-05:002011-09-15T22:26:28.053-05:00Happy Birthday Clayton....<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZleMng07hP1JRIQRMkDc8lUkMVG2a_fgGHs73mvSwFgjgpfe13fYF1wUDR_55vSgx9_cpDzj3dSk9qc5YqC8bR2Bir5yViC_24IiYFyX8R2Y1CTRUbT56vkvzsLqkhyphenhyphenwxQnxCT6SJb3Y/s1600/CIMG0125.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZleMng07hP1JRIQRMkDc8lUkMVG2a_fgGHs73mvSwFgjgpfe13fYF1wUDR_55vSgx9_cpDzj3dSk9qc5YqC8bR2Bir5yViC_24IiYFyX8R2Y1CTRUbT56vkvzsLqkhyphenhyphenwxQnxCT6SJb3Y/s200/CIMG0125.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5652793430142207938" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYmgq0o-YApPYthp0D6Nbg_AtINfNJXQvjZL43fPfRHD_7ymSg442iil8eeUyV_gP7ot1XBk1nediI_-UFprLLXtjgJYny-Bna9ij4myD5vSBWzbJ324kAbw7DmqY8E-AC3d2FJqSKRHU/s1600/CIMG0078.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYmgq0o-YApPYthp0D6Nbg_AtINfNJXQvjZL43fPfRHD_7ymSg442iil8eeUyV_gP7ot1XBk1nediI_-UFprLLXtjgJYny-Bna9ij4myD5vSBWzbJ324kAbw7DmqY8E-AC3d2FJqSKRHU/s200/CIMG0078.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5652793419507945074" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTnLPQ7XHWiqLIYYOSZIQwnj1pqFJDkwvSQvuIAJgLVEFk0LH1dUALDnQd8NCiJj6hV8XxdmXVRGIC69B6yly2hbglcFkRM4hdBgD83mKJP3KCruLWoXlrqt4lbYjS-MB38M2aVLJzXFM/s1600/CIMG0090.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTnLPQ7XHWiqLIYYOSZIQwnj1pqFJDkwvSQvuIAJgLVEFk0LH1dUALDnQd8NCiJj6hV8XxdmXVRGIC69B6yly2hbglcFkRM4hdBgD83mKJP3KCruLWoXlrqt4lbYjS-MB38M2aVLJzXFM/s200/CIMG0090.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5652793415200124578" /></a><br /><br />Clayton you turn nine today. Wow. <br /><br />You are such an old soul. I love the talks we have about what you want to be when you grow up, your favorite Phineas and Ferb episode, or having to know what our plan is for the day.<br /><br />I love the brother you are. Always ready to give a hug or read a story to Cade. You make sure Colin feels included. <br /><br />The way you handle your disease is amazing. You have not let it slow you down one bit. You don't whine, pout, or cry over any of it.<br /><br />You make us proud Clay~Clay. Your daddy and I are so glad that God picked us to be your parents. You are the baby that made us a momy and a daddy....what a blessing!!Janahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06294746390249629715noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1235095279851520494.post-27463346234178070142011-08-25T18:11:00.006-05:002011-08-25T18:35:38.178-05:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaQpUEl5PuS_5dt-Q6ekPnHrX1KOQ5rNFE2E9MAF4gQLvxOsnz5Gi_reiV6kz__FdDHRMeHWeAG2gMixRYp3trNjsB5FbfvwtTNS-fOvrHC1uVNSvLDUdHEB4b1esdTACURlkLJ3XnRdo/s1600/CIMG0012.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaQpUEl5PuS_5dt-Q6ekPnHrX1KOQ5rNFE2E9MAF4gQLvxOsnz5Gi_reiV6kz__FdDHRMeHWeAG2gMixRYp3trNjsB5FbfvwtTNS-fOvrHC1uVNSvLDUdHEB4b1esdTACURlkLJ3XnRdo/s320/CIMG0012.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644940478543937810" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6MXiETzeKeMR2EDJCh8VjBsvmxDbX7zcorNY4_wk-gecPiFfeaJgegG-LG4a0pVT_nR-OuQJxG4x8FVRF8p-LWepEp4y4okldozGP_3y1ppYLE1FFZbWgUdYIC54s04_ogs9VY_WAG54/s1600/CIMG0020.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6MXiETzeKeMR2EDJCh8VjBsvmxDbX7zcorNY4_wk-gecPiFfeaJgegG-LG4a0pVT_nR-OuQJxG4x8FVRF8p-LWepEp4y4okldozGP_3y1ppYLE1FFZbWgUdYIC54s04_ogs9VY_WAG54/s320/CIMG0020.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644940477143895634" /></a>
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBcCruWzvbj8skYwWnU1_zNgbs3hHzLrVnLoTqJ-rhezRhyphenhyphenMjwK2pyRRUzg6UHT-f4rkvHvk3tUcY9cjW99OqLa6y-IVZeBEpPS83VKd3V1Q5j7f7jIf2HsU_g3ptYkk-R8OBdZTszhmw/s1600/CIMG0055.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBcCruWzvbj8skYwWnU1_zNgbs3hHzLrVnLoTqJ-rhezRhyphenhyphenMjwK2pyRRUzg6UHT-f4rkvHvk3tUcY9cjW99OqLa6y-IVZeBEpPS83VKd3V1Q5j7f7jIf2HsU_g3ptYkk-R8OBdZTszhmw/s320/CIMG0055.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644940471005576802" /></a>
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6gDgKptX5wOPM9LeZ8k-IJwcNt1uHWuOCXg2Q17dVQ4rtQyzB238jHq6k-zHhKOW_Q33zRFTIxgzbjbBSbNF5HFUm96wcJDIPvOopxb_vCr59DiYZinv4QaAljNswm9mbwd-1v6zFutM/s1600/CIMG0122.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6gDgKptX5wOPM9LeZ8k-IJwcNt1uHWuOCXg2Q17dVQ4rtQyzB238jHq6k-zHhKOW_Q33zRFTIxgzbjbBSbNF5HFUm96wcJDIPvOopxb_vCr59DiYZinv4QaAljNswm9mbwd-1v6zFutM/s320/CIMG0122.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644938726003444914" /></a>
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<br />This post is a little behind but that's ok!! We went back and forth this year over our summer vacation. We had not been on one since I was pregnant with Cade. So the planning took a little time because we wanted someplace fun, not that far away, and would have something for the big boys and out little guy.
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<br />So Galveston it was!
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<br />Moody Gardens was great because of the activities available and it felt like more than just a hotel. We saw fish, ate out, went on the Elissa, swam, looked for shells, danced, saw airplanes, and just got to be together.
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<br />I love summer vacation!
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<br /> Janahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06294746390249629715noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1235095279851520494.post-32817540331949059232011-06-27T22:24:00.003-05:002011-06-27T22:39:47.235-05:00Happy Diagnosis Day!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHJKMWR5IS7O1g8Y-tj0KP-YSk4pau_16-4ZGm7ty9BzkXzN9hvUT_RdAd7KCsvkRNST3Om-HabXIWZtxRkT6EGhWvHOwhdUkKQtMkXXo0vJzRjXZNy9oudNc6MTwP2L1BUcphgK00LJo/s1600/IMG_4820.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHJKMWR5IS7O1g8Y-tj0KP-YSk4pau_16-4ZGm7ty9BzkXzN9hvUT_RdAd7KCsvkRNST3Om-HabXIWZtxRkT6EGhWvHOwhdUkKQtMkXXo0vJzRjXZNy9oudNc6MTwP2L1BUcphgK00LJo/s320/IMG_4820.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623106900662452738" /></a><br />Happy Diagnosis Day Clay!!!!<br /><br /><br />Three years ago today we in the hospital ER wondering what was happening. Today we are living with your disease knowing God has carried us and continues to bless us. <br /><br />We had a much better day today than three years ago! A movie, Chick-fil-a, and a trip to Target. I am so grateful for days like this. I am so grateful that we have this disease in this day and time. I am so grateful that we are closer to a cure!!<br /><br />Clay-Clay, we love you and thank God for all the blessings we have because of you!Janahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06294746390249629715noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1235095279851520494.post-12660070602932296512011-06-22T07:21:00.003-05:002011-06-22T07:34:55.557-05:00Great video on What NOT to say to a parent of a type 1 kidI had to share this. It was a great little laugh for our family. <br /><br />We had an experience at a local restaurant right after Clay got diagnosed. This woman proceeded to tell us that a friend of her daughter had found a "cure" in Canada using cinnamon. She told us to look into it an "get Clay cured!" <br /><br />And we have had people hold up treats, <em>in front of Clay</em>, and say "Oh I guess you can't have these."<br /><br />And we have had people say, <em>right in front of Clay</em>, "He has the really bad kind." <br /><br />So just remember if you are unsure of a child's disease, learning difference, or physical issues be upfront about NOT knowing. We have wonderful people who say "I don't know anything about type 1, or what's the difference between type 1 and type 2, or what do I need to know about Clay?" We love these people.<br /><br />The other people...well see for yourself.<br /><br /><br /><iframe width="425" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/LFIVVHQod5o" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>Janahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06294746390249629715noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1235095279851520494.post-25856547173605127572011-06-19T15:16:00.002-05:002011-06-19T16:07:00.572-05:00Happy Father's Day!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLebi1l-f-1N-sA5MaCCHpK660gkNAYFtrCgA_C_4rGHZYp4TsBJ3BflDdyV7qzARmJnXZZd9XG_-GhVijC6aWc_1ym5stAxvf2lR38hdKtpzfBGVDRP11Mfiv4O5NAnQn61YtwQapkEE/s1600/232323232%25257Ffp5323%25253A%25253Enu%25253D323%25253B%25253E785%25253E9%25253A7%25253EWSNRCG%25253D34435%25253A7498327nu0mrj%255B1%255D.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLebi1l-f-1N-sA5MaCCHpK660gkNAYFtrCgA_C_4rGHZYp4TsBJ3BflDdyV7qzARmJnXZZd9XG_-GhVijC6aWc_1ym5stAxvf2lR38hdKtpzfBGVDRP11Mfiv4O5NAnQn61YtwQapkEE/s320/232323232%25257Ffp5323%25253A%25253Enu%25253D323%25253B%25253E785%25253E9%25253A7%25253EWSNRCG%25253D34435%25253A7498327nu0mrj%255B1%255D.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620032815519591362" /></a><br /><br />Happy Father's Day Josh. <br /><br />A daddy who loves our boys for who they are, for who they are becoming. A daddy who makes sure we are taken care of. A daddy who always puts us ahead of him.<br /><br />Thank you for leading this family with honesty and kindness. Thanks for praying over us, worrying about us, and most of all loving us. <br /><br />Thank you for being the man God has called you to be.Janahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06294746390249629715noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1235095279851520494.post-59723413109132894282011-06-15T08:25:00.001-05:002011-06-15T12:17:09.670-05:00Will you say yes?<object width="640" height="390"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/QOqx4ggOJWc&hl=en_US&feature=player_embedded&version=3"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/QOqx4ggOJWc&hl=en_US&feature=player_embedded&version=3" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" width="640" height="390"></embed></object>Janahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06294746390249629715noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1235095279851520494.post-91606960279919243702011-05-26T21:31:00.006-05:002011-05-26T21:54:06.962-05:00Clay got mail!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTE2LcLQxFWsPfwr6ExYZea1scN9oRg2I6OYzBD1h4hzlWIyVvbJc-jaO6wtV2wuNuBQeH3H4iZcUjBpXpqlihrtAlOFshfoeivhXovb0ql8MFOVE55oW3JIqiiXJMlWxOs8fonyQlOXM/s1600/120.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTE2LcLQxFWsPfwr6ExYZea1scN9oRg2I6OYzBD1h4hzlWIyVvbJc-jaO6wtV2wuNuBQeH3H4iZcUjBpXpqlihrtAlOFshfoeivhXovb0ql8MFOVE55oW3JIqiiXJMlWxOs8fonyQlOXM/s320/120.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611218430469444226" /></a><br /><br />Have you have ever wondered "Are there still any NICE people out there?". I mean just plain kind. Well, if you have then let me tell you that there are. I promise by the end of this post your belief that people can and still are nice will be restored.<br /><br />My oldest child received a package in the mail today. A big brown box with his name on it. I looked at the return address (don't worry, I do have good mom moments....I wasn't just gonna give it to him until I knew it was safe). I knew the sender and let him open it. There were two letters, one to Clay and one to Josh and I. There was also a gift. Clay unwrapped a camo hat. Now this would have been cool enough for him. <br /><br />But it gets better, way better.<br /><br />He started reading the letter and learned that this wasn't a hat. It was a "cover". The sender who went to high school with us had also gone to A&M with us. He was in the band and this was his cover. So now we had an Aggie hat. Even cooler for Clay. <br /><br />But it gets even better.<br /><br />There were two bars on the cover that were explained to Clay. It stood for the rank of Captain. See, told you it got better. We had loud exclamations of "Cool!" and "Wow!". This child has worn this cap nonstop and even to bed. His brothers think he so cool. <br /><br />The best part was what was said in the letter. Clay got to hear from someone else that he was brave because he was handling his disease so well. He was told that Clay's Commandos needed a Captain Clay. He was beaming after reading that letter.<br /><br />His dad and I were crying. We were floored. Do people really do this??? This gift made an eight year old boy stand a little taller, have a hop in his step, and just feel important.<br /><br />Phillip Hadley you have no idea what a blessing your gift was. You are a blessing to this family and we will never forget this day.Janahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06294746390249629715noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1235095279851520494.post-10589461395599780252011-05-02T14:29:00.005-05:002011-05-02T16:26:56.355-05:00Bonding<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Iw8kjresnq8_lsxp8QntO02dnQCCBUMB_HFXZjJ42GQX9jOEedyxuAeszqgYZqfmXo1HWlQQ7jcd-ilWL42mIOQufCCP-qdEnqsptLBRjmSbxdYALHoF6OSZrYI41NnLog1Okz44XlM/s1600/Easter+2005b+036.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Iw8kjresnq8_lsxp8QntO02dnQCCBUMB_HFXZjJ42GQX9jOEedyxuAeszqgYZqfmXo1HWlQQ7jcd-ilWL42mIOQufCCP-qdEnqsptLBRjmSbxdYALHoF6OSZrYI41NnLog1Okz44XlM/s320/Easter+2005b+036.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602232523648751826" /></a><br />One of the requirements from our adoption agency is a reading list. There are books that we read and write a quick review on. It makes me feel like I'm back in high school English again! There are different topics and discussions in these books, one being bonding.<br /><br />We who have had children in the past ten years know this term. It is in all the parent magazines and "What to Expect" books. (Did those make you feel guilty? I always did.) Bond between a mother and child. How to have a great one. If you don't bond your kid is screwed up forever. Ways to bond. There are so many different articles and tips.<br /><br />Here's the thing. We know, thanks to super smart scientists, that babies form their bonds IN the mother's womb. They hear her voice, hear her laugh, hear her music. The constant beating of her heart is the sound that her baby knows. God designed this. He designed it so that when the baby enters this world it's momma is the first thing it smells. When that happens all sorts of good stuff is released in both the baby's brain and the Mommy's.<br /><br />Our baby will be different. Our baby will hear all these wonderful things and smell it's sweet mother at birth. Then *BAM* no more momma smells. No more of her voice. This baby will be going through a full on grief process. It was hard for me to imagine that something so intense could happen on such a primal level. <br /><br />So what do we do? How do you heal that hurt? Can you heal that hurt?<br /><br />We become knowledgeable on bonding. We know that the first weeks home with this baby will be a little different. I will not be nursing this baby, but I will be the primary feeder. So this means lots of skin contact. Lots of snuggling. Doesn't sound so bad to me!!! Another way to help the transition is with a small stuffed animal that sleeps in between Josh and I for a few weeks. We seal it up in a baggie and this gets put next to our baby in the hospital so our smell becomes familiar.<br /><br />Adoption is so different in some ways. But what I love is that throughout this process God is showing me how big He is and how He has it all under control.Janahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06294746390249629715noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1235095279851520494.post-1364677932066934822011-04-26T20:12:00.004-05:002011-04-26T20:29:20.333-05:00Home Visit: Check<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguVOdJhth4uJRbxQTVoMAM0cLDkhfcFGsRe2u2zHB8EON_LW9AfzRC12qNp7e38_2A1U6IJjKhz-Og-UsxoRn-6Seq65U6xFWXqucxa20Fu5WYNtRMyB6F_q7kqvFuFjEbVH8ksyFkzzg/s1600/114.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguVOdJhth4uJRbxQTVoMAM0cLDkhfcFGsRe2u2zHB8EON_LW9AfzRC12qNp7e38_2A1U6IJjKhz-Og-UsxoRn-6Seq65U6xFWXqucxa20Fu5WYNtRMyB6F_q7kqvFuFjEbVH8ksyFkzzg/s320/114.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600066289888899186" /></a><br /><br />Today was our home visit. This is the part of our home study where our social worker comes to our home and talks to all of our family. Yep, even the two year old. See why I was nervous?<br /><br />So we had to get the baby's space ready. Cade and the baby will be sharing a room, which meant Cade got moved to a big boy bed. He is so excited about it and now the crib is for "de baby". I love how the room turned out. Since we don't know what gender we are getting I had to do something that would work for two boys or a boy and a girl. So we went "vintage schoolhouse". Navy, red, and khaki. Letters, Dick and Jane books, and even an old school desk. <br /><br />Today was spent cleaning and telling the boys "don't touch that" and "keep the toilet clean". So our case worker came and was gone in about thirty minutes. I'm not sure why it is so stressful but it is. Good thing we love our case worker. She is so sweet and very down to earth. Plus she liked my boys. The boys were hyper of course but didn't say anything crazy like "dad makes us sleep outside". <br /><br />The best part of the day?? I came home from getting pictures of our house printed and found a fun pot of flowers on my porch. The card wasn't signed but it came at the perfect time. I was about to get frazzled but the card made me stop and realize God has this. He has a plan for this journey and I need to let Him take it.<br /><br />And now my house is clean.Janahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06294746390249629715noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1235095279851520494.post-35680988432362392392011-04-08T08:52:00.003-05:002011-04-08T09:33:26.210-05:00preparing to add another lego brick to the group<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjofUD9sJEboABw4wBN26avQGReXt-7AVfCYg5t_DuBEvybxYnbW-fqKn1PE3w9xhSrp4SjXeltqz15CW3sq80Zg_3pQloAO8dxpdWcUd5GDRgD-jgaUSH6EzYnDMspk-FEdudQx_Of3Sc/s1600/IMG_5568.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjofUD9sJEboABw4wBN26avQGReXt-7AVfCYg5t_DuBEvybxYnbW-fqKn1PE3w9xhSrp4SjXeltqz15CW3sq80Zg_3pQloAO8dxpdWcUd5GDRgD-jgaUSH6EzYnDMspk-FEdudQx_Of3Sc/s320/IMG_5568.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5593210969916377970" /></a><br />This Monday I received a phone call that brought about a huge change to our week. On Monday our case worker from New Life called. To set up an appointment to start our home study.<br /><br />If you look at my previous post we came home from our pre-adoption conference with a stack of papers to be filled out, books to read, and classes to be taken. After that was done we were to be placed on the home study list. So Josh and I looked at the paperwork and figured it would take us about 3 months to get it all in, get our book prepared for the birth mothers to view, and get on the list.<br /><br />Nope. God had a different plan.<br /><br />His plan is now. We are meeting on Monday to have our first home study interviews. Those letters and pictures needed for our book? They need to be ready for Monday.<br /><br />MONDAY! (that's how I feel when I say it.)<br /><br />We are so excited and completely in shock at this development. I have never had to rush to the hospital for my deliveries. But I think that this is sort of what that feels like. It's really happening and we are excited and a little frantic and we can't stop smiling at each other.<br /><br />We had an emergency photo session last night. Have you ever heard of a thing??? A dear sweet friend from bible study fit us in to her crazy schedule of being a mom with a new baby and little boy and spent an hour with us. I can't wait to see my guys pictures....they looked so handsome!<br /><br />*DISCLAIMER* If you are a grandparent in our family or can faint easily you may want to skip this part!*<br /><br />So are you wondering why we went from months out to "hey we need your book in here now to show these moms"? On our initial paperwork we are to specify what sort of child we are open to adopt. This agency mainly deals with infant adoptions, but sometimes there are exceptions. Josh and I felt like keeping the birth order in our family was important to us, so we have listed our age max at a one year old. We don't pick gender with this agency so it's a toss up! We also said we were open to twins (see the need for the disclaimer!). But the main reason they need us now is that we are also open to any ethnicity. There are simply children that will not be easily adopted because of their race. Sad but true....and the topic of another post to come.<br /><br />Oh how crazy this journey is. If you see us in the next few days don't be surprised if it takes us minute to register your face or carry on a conversation. We have a glazed look in our eyes, smiles on our faces, and go between laughing and thanking God to crying and thanking God.<br /><br />It is a really good place to be!Janahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06294746390249629715noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1235095279851520494.post-39237456176715530442011-03-12T08:18:00.002-06:002011-03-12T09:24:46.916-06:00Pre Adoption Conference Update!!!Yesterday Josh and I headed to Houston to have our Pre Adoption Conference with New Life. Basically this was a meeting to find out their policies, beliefs, etc. A sort of information rich meeting.<br /><br />It was also the whole adoption process condensed into two hours. The birth mother's journey, our journey, the child's journey in a couple of hours. We sat in the car afterwards just emotionally drained. Knowing that this is a journey of heartache mixed with excitement mixed with loss mixed with joy is like the ultimate emotional roller coaster. <br /><br />With all of that being said we know that this is where we are supposed to be. The Lord calls ALL of us to care for the orphaned, to love adoption. How can you not since He adopted us?! Every one's role in orphan care is different. This is how Josh and I are being called. We know that because this is where God wants us we will get to see His blessings and He will receive all the glory. <br /><br />So now what?<br /><br />Now we start the paperwork process: Physicals, fire inspections, financial statements, books to read, CPR classes, adoption seminars. <br /><br />And lots of prayer!<br /><br />Our family is so excited about this!!! We are excited that God has asked us to take this walk. When you let go of the fear, of the uncertainty and fully trust Him, that's when the goosebumps come!Janahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06294746390249629715noreply@blogger.com1