HEY THERE FAMILY AND FRIENDS!!
WE WANT YOU TO KNOW ABOUT A FUNDRAISER WE ARE DOING THAT IS A GREAT DEAL AND SUPPORTS A GREAT CAUSE. AS OF TODAY WE ARE SELLING "SONIC VALUE CARDS" TO CONTINUE TO RAISE MONEY FOR OUR ADOPTION. THESE CARDS ARE VALUED UP TO $25 AND WE ARE SELLING THEM AT THE FANTASTIC PRICE OF $5 A PIECE. THERE ARE 10 COUPONS AND SOME OF THEM INCLUDE: BUY ONE BURGER GET ONE FREE, 99 CENT ROUTE 44 DRINKS, BUY ONE SMOOTHIE GET ONE FREE AND MORE! YOU CAN BUY AS MANY AS YOUR HEART DESIRES! YOU CAN REACH EITHER JARED OR I IF YOU'RE INTERESTED IN GETTING SOME.
THANK YOU FOR ALL OF YOUR SUPPORT THROUGHOUT THIS PROCESS.
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Friday, November 4, 2011
What a refreshing night!
So it's 10:30 at night and i'm not very tired which is unusual because normally by 8:30 pm I am in my pj's, kids tucked in bed and heading to my own bed to say hello to my pillow. I suspect it might be because I did not get out of bed till 8:30 am this morning. I know you're either thinking right now she is super lazy or you might even be jealous. Jared's mom is in town visiting so I have a few perks (can you blame a girl??) it does not happen on a consistent basis I assure you. Goodness I need to get back on track. So I went to this conference tonight at Bellevue Baptist Church called "Girls gone WISE in a world gone WILD" It's also tomorrow morning as well. It's going to be great I can tell just by how tonight went. After everyone gathered in the main room and there was worship and a speaker we broke off into our sessions that we picked in advance when we registered. Side note I am sharing this with three awesome friends so it makes it all the better! For tonight I picked " Discipleship in the Home Raising your kids to be GODLY not just GOOD" this seminar was wonderful and so what I needed to hear. So much truth from the word of God and practical ways to put it into your home. My mind is spinning and I am so so excited about a few things I want to incorporate into daily discipleship with my own two children.
Thank you sweet Jesus for you're daily grace you lavish out on us. I pray you would help me to see and love my kids the way you do. Its not just about training you're kids to obey and teaching them that God wants our good behavior and manners , it's about helping them see their sin, the consequences of it, the forgiveness that is there and the beautiful love story of their Savior Jesus Christ.
If anyone is at all interested in the speakers notes I will keep them on hand to pass along and even explain a little so it makes more sense =) I am starting to feel the fatigue of the day setting in so...farewell!!
Thank you sweet Jesus for you're daily grace you lavish out on us. I pray you would help me to see and love my kids the way you do. Its not just about training you're kids to obey and teaching them that God wants our good behavior and manners , it's about helping them see their sin, the consequences of it, the forgiveness that is there and the beautiful love story of their Savior Jesus Christ.
If anyone is at all interested in the speakers notes I will keep them on hand to pass along and even explain a little so it makes more sense =) I am starting to feel the fatigue of the day setting in so...farewell!!
Sunday, October 30, 2011
FINGERPRINTING IS DONE!
We went on Friday and did our "biometric fingerprinting". When we arrived there it was kind of funny because there was this huge line waiting outside in the cold windy weather. We were like "no way this can't be" Haha! So we got in line and Jared brought the chiefs blanket out and we huddled in it to avoid the cold air. After about ten minutes and no one seeming to know what's going on I decided to walk my little self in and find out what the wait was (do I get props for showing assertiveness??) ..turns out there was a ceremony going on for people getting their citizenship here in America. After talking with the officer (in a very calm and polite voice of course) and explaining our reasons for being there and that we were 15 minutes late for our appointment he said "Oh come on in you guys should not be waiting out there in the cold". And then the whole line of people outside proceeded to come in. Still not quite sure why no one had just walked in to ask someone what was going on. Jared complemented me on taking charge I guess I stood with my head lifted high that day =) not really. Anyways, It was funny to us. Once we got in the whole process was sooo fast. We were out in 20 minutes.
YAY for adoption, fingerprinting, long lines in cold weather, chief blankets, sweet police officers, family, and the food that followed at "Deli Mexicana" =)
YAY for adoption, fingerprinting, long lines in cold weather, chief blankets, sweet police officers, family, and the food that followed at "Deli Mexicana" =)
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Getting Closer....
So I know I haven't posted on here in a while. If I remember correctly it's been almost 4 months. Over those past few months though we have been finishing up with our home study which I am beyond thrilled to say that it is completely finished!!! We have a great social worker who has worked so hard for us to finish this thing and we love her for it.
After we completed it we received two copies in the mail and one of those we sent off in the mail to immigrations. We were waiting to hear back from them with a letter of acceptance so we could move on to step two. Seriously, I sent it in the mail and one week later I received the letter that everything checked out good. Not only did it come way sooner than I was expecting but it also came while Jared was away on his trip to Indonesia. He left October 3 through the 15th for a medical mission trip. It would have been really cool to open it together but truly I saw it as one of those "little graces" the Lord gave me on this particular day as it was a hard one and I was feeling a little down.
Then a week after that received another wonderful letter informing us that we can move on to our "biometric fingerprinting". I'm still a little unsure exactly what all this biometric fingerprinting means, but one thing I do know is it's one step closer onto that plane =) We have our scheduled fingerprinting on the 28th. This Friday. woo hoo!
After that we will get our approval letter for international adoption that we will send to our agency. Here's the bast part...after that we go on the waiting list!
There are currently 29 babies in the home that we are adopting from. 2 families are over there right now. There is a blog I was reading today of one of the families that is there now. She has pictures she posted of the home and all those precious children who fill it, who so desperately need loving forever families. Scrolling through those pics became very emotional for me. Our baby is in that home right now. One thing she said is that when her family would go in to visit the kids would swarm them pulling at their pants legs begging to be held, played with, loved and kissed on. Understandably so. A handful of workers (godly women) praise Jesus for that, can only do and give so much to 29 kids.
Isaiah we are here your parents and we are longing to have you home with us. The desire keeps growing and I'm not quite sure how long it can be contained. Mommy and daddy pray for you, your sister constantly talk about you and if we are doing something as a family she often looks up at us and says "mom and dad someone is missing you know who it is and we reply who...and she says your precious name", your brother cannot wait to play with you and show you all his toys. Hopefully having you here will keep him from wearing your sisters girly dress up shoes1 Ha! There will be so much for you to do here and unceasing love and attention. Cannot wait to cup my hands around your sweet face.
Waiting patiently, trusting in our great God
After we completed it we received two copies in the mail and one of those we sent off in the mail to immigrations. We were waiting to hear back from them with a letter of acceptance so we could move on to step two. Seriously, I sent it in the mail and one week later I received the letter that everything checked out good. Not only did it come way sooner than I was expecting but it also came while Jared was away on his trip to Indonesia. He left October 3 through the 15th for a medical mission trip. It would have been really cool to open it together but truly I saw it as one of those "little graces" the Lord gave me on this particular day as it was a hard one and I was feeling a little down.
Then a week after that received another wonderful letter informing us that we can move on to our "biometric fingerprinting". I'm still a little unsure exactly what all this biometric fingerprinting means, but one thing I do know is it's one step closer onto that plane =) We have our scheduled fingerprinting on the 28th. This Friday. woo hoo!
After that we will get our approval letter for international adoption that we will send to our agency. Here's the bast part...after that we go on the waiting list!
There are currently 29 babies in the home that we are adopting from. 2 families are over there right now. There is a blog I was reading today of one of the families that is there now. She has pictures she posted of the home and all those precious children who fill it, who so desperately need loving forever families. Scrolling through those pics became very emotional for me. Our baby is in that home right now. One thing she said is that when her family would go in to visit the kids would swarm them pulling at their pants legs begging to be held, played with, loved and kissed on. Understandably so. A handful of workers (godly women) praise Jesus for that, can only do and give so much to 29 kids.
Isaiah we are here your parents and we are longing to have you home with us. The desire keeps growing and I'm not quite sure how long it can be contained. Mommy and daddy pray for you, your sister constantly talk about you and if we are doing something as a family she often looks up at us and says "mom and dad someone is missing you know who it is and we reply who...and she says your precious name", your brother cannot wait to play with you and show you all his toys. Hopefully having you here will keep him from wearing your sisters girly dress up shoes1 Ha! There will be so much for you to do here and unceasing love and attention. Cannot wait to cup my hands around your sweet face.
Waiting patiently, trusting in our great God
Thursday, July 14, 2011
SWEET PEA ACCESSORIES!
I am thrilled to announce that soon we will have up and running "sweet pea accessories." This is a fundraiser idea that a friend suggested to me over facebook. Thanks Christa! I took the idea and ran with it! You're probably asking well what is it...
We will be selling super sweet hair clips, headbands, and beanie hats for little girls =) most of them being made right from my own home. Before you start thinking wow when did Stephanie learn to sew and such the beanie caps I will not be making from scratch those will be shipped, sent and ready to go I will just add my own unique touch to all of the accessories after they have arrived. They will be great buys for your daughters, family, and friends!
We will be working on a website so you will be able to see exactly what products we have and the cost. You will also be free to just drop by the house anytime to take a look. And I hope you will :) As of now I am still hashing out the details but the fun part is soon to come! Just wanted to give you a heads up to be thinking about.
!00% of everything we make will be put in our adoption fund. It's all to bring Isaiah home. Hopefully in a month or so everything will be ready. So stay tuned. Thank you to all those who are walking beside us in this journey!
We will be selling super sweet hair clips, headbands, and beanie hats for little girls =) most of them being made right from my own home. Before you start thinking wow when did Stephanie learn to sew and such the beanie caps I will not be making from scratch those will be shipped, sent and ready to go I will just add my own unique touch to all of the accessories after they have arrived. They will be great buys for your daughters, family, and friends!
We will be working on a website so you will be able to see exactly what products we have and the cost. You will also be free to just drop by the house anytime to take a look. And I hope you will :) As of now I am still hashing out the details but the fun part is soon to come! Just wanted to give you a heads up to be thinking about.
!00% of everything we make will be put in our adoption fund. It's all to bring Isaiah home. Hopefully in a month or so everything will be ready. So stay tuned. Thank you to all those who are walking beside us in this journey!
Update on our adoption!
Well...for a while we were kind of in a stand still with our process but seems like the ball is starting to roll again so praying the ball keeps moving :)
Let's see as of my last post we have made a few baby steps =) Jared's younger sister is going to be moving in with us for a short period of time. She is pretty awesome so we are very excited. She has never set up residence in Memphis so it will be fun and definitely a new experience for her. She has her major in psychology and a minor in social work. Jared was able to get her hooked up with a job at "youth villages." She will be coming down to check it out and see how she likes it. So we are opening up our home for her to stay with us until she is able to save up and get her own place. Her living quarters won't be great but manageable. She'll get to see Addy and Micaiah every day so how could you not love that, and we will also have a live in babysitter so it's all pretty sweet!
Because of her moving in though she is now considered part of the family according to our homestudy so she had to go through a lot of the paperwork and testing that we had to do. So lets see...fingerprinting, background check, physical, autobiography on herself, phone interview with our social worker. This was the last thing we were needing to complete so our agency could write up our homestudy and be done with this half of it. We are on the home strech. YAY!! BTW Amber you ROCK! We love you.
Just a side note. Adoption= sanctifcation. I know Christ has been teaching me to let go and trust Him. I get so anxious when things start to progress, and then I can get so discouraged when it comes to a stand still. I want to see things moving more quickly, money coming in more steadily but this just isn't how God is choosing to do it. And really it's kind of been a blessing because it's taught me to rely on Him as my provider and rock and not my circumstances. I keep reminding myself that the Lord does not work on my time schedule but his. And HIS IS ALWAYS BEST! Man that's hard to remember.
Amber will be moving in at the first of September. She will most likely be here when we bring Isaiah home. We are still thinking around the end of the year. But ultimately we yield ourselves to God's plans for our family. There are still many practical things we need to decide and work through, and online training to finish and such so please remember us in your prayers. Thank you Lord for such wonderful family and friends.
We cannot wait to hold our precious baby. We love you Isaiah!
Let's see as of my last post we have made a few baby steps =) Jared's younger sister is going to be moving in with us for a short period of time. She is pretty awesome so we are very excited. She has never set up residence in Memphis so it will be fun and definitely a new experience for her. She has her major in psychology and a minor in social work. Jared was able to get her hooked up with a job at "youth villages." She will be coming down to check it out and see how she likes it. So we are opening up our home for her to stay with us until she is able to save up and get her own place. Her living quarters won't be great but manageable. She'll get to see Addy and Micaiah every day so how could you not love that, and we will also have a live in babysitter so it's all pretty sweet!
Because of her moving in though she is now considered part of the family according to our homestudy so she had to go through a lot of the paperwork and testing that we had to do. So lets see...fingerprinting, background check, physical, autobiography on herself, phone interview with our social worker. This was the last thing we were needing to complete so our agency could write up our homestudy and be done with this half of it. We are on the home strech. YAY!! BTW Amber you ROCK! We love you.
Just a side note. Adoption= sanctifcation. I know Christ has been teaching me to let go and trust Him. I get so anxious when things start to progress, and then I can get so discouraged when it comes to a stand still. I want to see things moving more quickly, money coming in more steadily but this just isn't how God is choosing to do it. And really it's kind of been a blessing because it's taught me to rely on Him as my provider and rock and not my circumstances. I keep reminding myself that the Lord does not work on my time schedule but his. And HIS IS ALWAYS BEST! Man that's hard to remember.
Amber will be moving in at the first of September. She will most likely be here when we bring Isaiah home. We are still thinking around the end of the year. But ultimately we yield ourselves to God's plans for our family. There are still many practical things we need to decide and work through, and online training to finish and such so please remember us in your prayers. Thank you Lord for such wonderful family and friends.
We cannot wait to hold our precious baby. We love you Isaiah!
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Our Comedy Dinner Extravaganza!!!!
Last night April 15th was our comedy dinner fundraiser that we put on at our church for the three families who are adopting from Uganda right now. The night was wonderful! It exceeded our expectations. Thank you to all that came!
I'm gonna do my best to try to give a run through of the night. I really wished I had pictures to post it was a beautiful set-up. The evening started at six. Central BBQ donated all the food for the night...Barbeque, buns, beans, coleslaw, and chips. Chick-fil-a donated all the drinks. McAlisters donated dessert, and Starbucks donated coffee, cream, and sugar. We had a silent auction table set up in the back where not only businesses around the area gave gifts, but we also had people in our church offer up things to give as well.
Some of the items were: Sephora gift basket filled with make-up and other beauty products, 2 gift certificates for an hour long massage donated by our Chiropractor, 4 rounds of golf at Colonial golf course, Starbucks coffee mug, coffee cup, 1lb coffee, and tea, and many other awesome things. The whole night people could make bids and at the end of the night I gathered them all up and announced the winners.
Probably the best part of the night though was the comedy. It was definitely a funny night. Allison and myself opened up the night with a short comedic skit impersonating our husbands. We dressed as them and bantered back and forth on things that they poke fun about each other on like: the fantasy football season they shared in together, Jared's singing and the way he says "totally awesomeeeee" Mike's vegan diet, and the whole prostate/prostrate thing. We thought it was hilarious even though i"m confident we looked absolutely ridiculous!
Jared did a skit called the "schizophrenic preacher" I was laughing SO hard. He is the funniest person I know. He was Louis Brenton (our pastor), Joel Osteen, and Beth Moore. He wore a awful blonde wig for her, a suit for Joel, and a hockey jersey for Louis. His skit he put together was amazing!!! You just had to of been there to get the fullness of what i'm trying to so poorly explain.
We played some videos, got some crowd participation to do impersonations/ jokes etc.
Each family shared on their adoption story. And we played some videos on orphan/adoption. While we ate dinner we had Ugandan music playing..love some Uganda music :) and pictures rolling on the screen of children over there.
We had about 70 people maybe a little more come to our fundraiser. We raised over 2000 dollars. God blessed it and he is deserving of all the praise. Thank you Lord! You are so good to us!
I'm gonna do my best to try to give a run through of the night. I really wished I had pictures to post it was a beautiful set-up. The evening started at six. Central BBQ donated all the food for the night...Barbeque, buns, beans, coleslaw, and chips. Chick-fil-a donated all the drinks. McAlisters donated dessert, and Starbucks donated coffee, cream, and sugar. We had a silent auction table set up in the back where not only businesses around the area gave gifts, but we also had people in our church offer up things to give as well.
Some of the items were: Sephora gift basket filled with make-up and other beauty products, 2 gift certificates for an hour long massage donated by our Chiropractor, 4 rounds of golf at Colonial golf course, Starbucks coffee mug, coffee cup, 1lb coffee, and tea, and many other awesome things. The whole night people could make bids and at the end of the night I gathered them all up and announced the winners.
Probably the best part of the night though was the comedy. It was definitely a funny night. Allison and myself opened up the night with a short comedic skit impersonating our husbands. We dressed as them and bantered back and forth on things that they poke fun about each other on like: the fantasy football season they shared in together, Jared's singing and the way he says "totally awesomeeeee" Mike's vegan diet, and the whole prostate/prostrate thing. We thought it was hilarious even though i"m confident we looked absolutely ridiculous!
Jared did a skit called the "schizophrenic preacher" I was laughing SO hard. He is the funniest person I know. He was Louis Brenton (our pastor), Joel Osteen, and Beth Moore. He wore a awful blonde wig for her, a suit for Joel, and a hockey jersey for Louis. His skit he put together was amazing!!! You just had to of been there to get the fullness of what i'm trying to so poorly explain.
We played some videos, got some crowd participation to do impersonations/ jokes etc.
Each family shared on their adoption story. And we played some videos on orphan/adoption. While we ate dinner we had Ugandan music playing..love some Uganda music :) and pictures rolling on the screen of children over there.
We had about 70 people maybe a little more come to our fundraiser. We raised over 2000 dollars. God blessed it and he is deserving of all the praise. Thank you Lord! You are so good to us!
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