First, I love having a teacher workday on Mondays! Especially the ones that fall right after a holiday. I am now planned and ready to go until 2011! That seems really strange to say that.
Tommy and I did some shopping this weekend and we are almost finished with our Christmas shopping for everyone! I like to finish before I get out for Christmas break so I can use those 2 weeks to relax. His parents are really hard to buy for but his mom mentioned that they needed a new storm door. We took her to Lowe's on Saturday and let her pick out the one she wanted. I hate that we can't surprise them but at least it's something that they need. Afterward, we went to lunch with her and she was talking about some of the drama that's still going on with her brothers. She got teary eyed when she was talking about Tommy's Grandma and about Christmas Eve. We've gone there every Christmas Eve so it will be really strange this year. We're trying to do something completely different so hopefully it will be easier on her.
While we were at lunch, she mentioned that Tommy's brother's little girl (she's 6) had called to ask if Tommy's mom was going to put up a Christmas tree. She told her of course that she always does and asked why. Our niece told her that her Dad said he wasn't going to put up their tree this year because they would be down here (they live 2 hours away). She had it in her mind that Santa doesn't come to houses that don't have trees so she was clearing the bases for that :) Tommy couldn't believe that his brother wasn't putting the tree up, only a small one in each of their rooms. Tommy's Grandma used to always go up there and decorate for them. Anyways, he then looks at his mom and says, he just doesn't get it. Does he know what Trisha and I would do to be able to do those types of things for a child? Wow. It's in these situations like this that you realize and are reminded that they long for these children as much as we do, they just show it in a different way. I had to fight back tears from him saying that. It warms my heart so much and I know it's those "little" things that will make him such a great Dad!
We also went furniture shopping for new bedroom furniture. The pieces we have really don't match and they are probably older than I am :) We found a set we really liked and we thought about just using the same bed we have now. Then Tommy realized it had drawers underneath it and he was sold! It should be delivered next week. This will be our Christmas/birthday etc presents to each other. :)
When we got home I had to make 19 pairs of those Christmas earrings that I posted about; my mom sold them to some of the girls that she works with. Needless to say they loved them. I think I may try to enter some craft shows next year.
Then yesterday after church we started getting down all of the Christmas decorations. We finally got finished last night. I love the way those decorations make the house look; I guess it's that feeling of making it seem more like home!
Monday, November 29, 2010
Friday, November 26, 2010
Thanksgiving 2010
Woohoo, we survived! I have to admit, just like I said in the last post, we LOVE hosting Thanksgiving but boy it is a lot of work! My dream kitchen will have double ovens :)
We couldn't have had a better time with family and friends; there were 14 of us total. The turkey was great and Tommy did a great job with the pig. All of the sides came out perfect and everyone raved about how good the food was. Needless to say, we were wiped out last night but the time spent with those we love was well worth it.
Of course with all of the running around and cooking, I didn't even have a chance to take one single picture. My Grandma, who will be turning 79 this week, was here and we surprised her with a new digital camera. Her old one broke and she was giving my Grandpa a hard time about buying her a new one. My parents and Tommy and I went in together and bought her one last weekend and we knew she'd want something to take pictures with for Thanksgiving. She was so excited she almost cried. It was so sweet. I can't wait for our baby to meet this precious woman of God. I'm thankful she's still here!
So now, we are back on the WW wagon and exercise routine! I hope you all had a great Thanksgiving!
"May you be made strong with all the strength that comes from His glorious power,...while joyfully giving thanks to the Father." Colossians 1:11-12
We couldn't have had a better time with family and friends; there were 14 of us total. The turkey was great and Tommy did a great job with the pig. All of the sides came out perfect and everyone raved about how good the food was. Needless to say, we were wiped out last night but the time spent with those we love was well worth it.
Of course with all of the running around and cooking, I didn't even have a chance to take one single picture. My Grandma, who will be turning 79 this week, was here and we surprised her with a new digital camera. Her old one broke and she was giving my Grandpa a hard time about buying her a new one. My parents and Tommy and I went in together and bought her one last weekend and we knew she'd want something to take pictures with for Thanksgiving. She was so excited she almost cried. It was so sweet. I can't wait for our baby to meet this precious woman of God. I'm thankful she's still here!
So now, we are back on the WW wagon and exercise routine! I hope you all had a great Thanksgiving!
"May you be made strong with all the strength that comes from His glorious power,...while joyfully giving thanks to the Father." Colossians 1:11-12
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Great intentions
I always have great intentions of coming on here and posting something but something always comes up! It has been a whirlwind of a week so far. I ended up with a stomach bug over the weekend and that put all of my plans on hold. So today is catch up day, thank goodness I don't have to work today! The one plus, the weather here has been beautiful! It was 77 yesterday!
We always have our families over for Thanksgiving. I know to some it's a huge ordeal and creates a lot of stress but we really enjoy doing it. Our families get along great so that's never an issue. We always invite people who don't have family here or who aren't traveling so they won't have to spend the holiday by themselves. I thought there would be 11 of us for tomorrow but last night we ran into some old friends we haven't talked to in a while. Then Tommy invited a couple of others so there may be 17 of us now :) I hope we have enough chairs :)
We had already planned plenty of food so that won't be an issue but getting all of the cleaning and grocery shopping completed today is the main chore! Tommy likes to cook something "different" for Thanksgiving so he's cooking a pig (for all of you non-Southerners), a pig-pickin' and then I have a turkey with all of the trimmings, mainly for my sister who doesn't like barbeque.
I leave you with some pictures of Savannah (finally) and of my newest creation (my therapy)!
Yep, Forrest Gump
Us on our 11th wedding anniversary
The Lady & Sons
My therapy away from school :) Christmas tree earrings
Snowmen
We always have our families over for Thanksgiving. I know to some it's a huge ordeal and creates a lot of stress but we really enjoy doing it. Our families get along great so that's never an issue. We always invite people who don't have family here or who aren't traveling so they won't have to spend the holiday by themselves. I thought there would be 11 of us for tomorrow but last night we ran into some old friends we haven't talked to in a while. Then Tommy invited a couple of others so there may be 17 of us now :) I hope we have enough chairs :)
We had already planned plenty of food so that won't be an issue but getting all of the cleaning and grocery shopping completed today is the main chore! Tommy likes to cook something "different" for Thanksgiving so he's cooking a pig (for all of you non-Southerners), a pig-pickin' and then I have a turkey with all of the trimmings, mainly for my sister who doesn't like barbeque.
I leave you with some pictures of Savannah (finally) and of my newest creation (my therapy)!
Tybee Island Lighthouse
Yep, Forrest Gump
Us on our 11th wedding anniversary
The Lady & Sons
My therapy away from school :) Christmas tree earrings
Snowmen
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
9 months
You know when talking about pregnancies, 9 months has a huge significance. With adoption, we know that this process can be shorter or longer than 9 months. While we don't have to go through "the pains of labor", we have our own that we face--mounds of paperwork, a complete stranger asking you intimate questions about every aspect of your life, putting yourself "out there" to expectant parents, and waiting--waiting for "the" call, waiting for placement, waiting for finalization.
On the way to Tommy's doctor's appointment yesterday, we were talking about our wait. He knows that for the most part my days are good, but he also knows that there are some bad ones too. I'm really glad that God has stepped in on those bad days and helped me to remember why I'm here and I'm trying really hard to listen to what He would have us to do and what He's trying to teach us.
In some ways it's hard to believe it's already been 9 months (officially on the list-17 months total). I'm thankful that we have busy lives because that helps me stay occupied. I also know that each day we wait, we are one day closer to welcoming home the baby God has for us. That's what continues to give me hope and gets me excited about the future.
"Failures are only temporary tests to prepare us for permanent triumphs. Start doing something that you've put off because of the risk of failure." "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." Hebrews 11:1
On the way to Tommy's doctor's appointment yesterday, we were talking about our wait. He knows that for the most part my days are good, but he also knows that there are some bad ones too. I'm really glad that God has stepped in on those bad days and helped me to remember why I'm here and I'm trying really hard to listen to what He would have us to do and what He's trying to teach us.
In some ways it's hard to believe it's already been 9 months (officially on the list-17 months total). I'm thankful that we have busy lives because that helps me stay occupied. I also know that each day we wait, we are one day closer to welcoming home the baby God has for us. That's what continues to give me hope and gets me excited about the future.
"Failures are only temporary tests to prepare us for permanent triumphs. Start doing something that you've put off because of the risk of failure." "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." Hebrews 11:1
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
The restaurant review
At the request of joyfortheseasons (you should check out her cute soaps!), I'm going to give you the play by play of the restaurant scene in Savannah. We love to eat, probably too much, hence the reason for weight watcher meetings on Thursdays :) I was really excited about the trip because of my cooking idol, Paula Deen--all of her meals are WW friendly, right?!
I should tell you that we stayed in downtown Savannah at this place. It was really nice and has the same feel to our favorite place in Charleston, The Mills House. The other nice thing about the hotel is it is within walking distance to everything. So we parked the car and walked for the weekend.
On Friday night, we ventured out, not really sure where we were going (we got lost trying to find the hotel, thanks mapquest). We were both in jeans so we knew Ruth's Chris was going to be out of the question. We found this little restaurant called Churchill's. It's a British restaurant and upon entering we were greeted by a young British guy (love those accents). The atmosphere was great. I tried the shepherd's pie and Tommy had a dish called bangers and mash (sausage with mashed potatoes, basically). It was really good and the potatoes were very good. We then decided that we should, of course, try some dessert. We decided on the "British" donut (spelled correctly). It was basically like a huge doughnut hole with cinnamon, sugar, and drizzled with chocolate syrup. It reminded me of the churros from Mexico.
On Saturday, I had booked a tour of Savannah/all about Paula Deen. With that tour we were given a special number to call ahead and get reservations for The Lady and Sons (Paula's restaurant). Just in case you don't know, they open the hostess stand up around 9 in the morning to take names for lunch and dinner reservations. Usually by noon they are full. I made the reservations on Friday so we wouldn't have to worry about going to stand in line. The tour was pretty neat, our guide was not the best, but we still had a good time. The tour included a lunch buffet at Uncle Bubba's Oyster House. We had no idea what to expect but we were hoping to try a good assortment of seafood. We live at the beach so not liking seafood is just not acceptable :) (even oysters).... The buffet had an assortment of different sides, a shrimp boil (shrimp, potatoes, sausage, and corn on the cob), some fish, and then they brought us one of their roasted oysters (roasted on the half shell sprinkled with parmesan cheese). It was all pretty good; I think it would have been a lot better to order from the menu there. The restaurant sits on the waterway so the view was beautiful.
Then that night we went to the Lady and Sons. It's also a buffet, they do have a menu but we were told to get the buffet because the menu items weren't as good. Of course they had the staple, fried chicken and then fried catfish along with a dozen or so southern sides. It was good but man was it salty!! We don't eat a lot of salt because of Tommy's heart and we've gotten to the point when we go out, we can taste it. She has these little cornbread cakes (she calls them hoe cakes) that everyone talks about but honestly, my mom makes them better :) When we told her that she thought it was a huge complement! We had the banana pudding for dessert. Then we were stuffed and waddled our way back to the hotel!
So hopefully that will help if you are planning an eating trip to Savannah :)
Some good news--Tommy went to the doctor today for his 6 month check-up and everything looks good! This is the longest stretch we've had with him being in a normal heart rhythm so we are very thankful!
I should tell you that we stayed in downtown Savannah at this place. It was really nice and has the same feel to our favorite place in Charleston, The Mills House. The other nice thing about the hotel is it is within walking distance to everything. So we parked the car and walked for the weekend.
On Friday night, we ventured out, not really sure where we were going (we got lost trying to find the hotel, thanks mapquest). We were both in jeans so we knew Ruth's Chris was going to be out of the question. We found this little restaurant called Churchill's. It's a British restaurant and upon entering we were greeted by a young British guy (love those accents). The atmosphere was great. I tried the shepherd's pie and Tommy had a dish called bangers and mash (sausage with mashed potatoes, basically). It was really good and the potatoes were very good. We then decided that we should, of course, try some dessert. We decided on the "British" donut (spelled correctly). It was basically like a huge doughnut hole with cinnamon, sugar, and drizzled with chocolate syrup. It reminded me of the churros from Mexico.
On Saturday, I had booked a tour of Savannah/all about Paula Deen. With that tour we were given a special number to call ahead and get reservations for The Lady and Sons (Paula's restaurant). Just in case you don't know, they open the hostess stand up around 9 in the morning to take names for lunch and dinner reservations. Usually by noon they are full. I made the reservations on Friday so we wouldn't have to worry about going to stand in line. The tour was pretty neat, our guide was not the best, but we still had a good time. The tour included a lunch buffet at Uncle Bubba's Oyster House. We had no idea what to expect but we were hoping to try a good assortment of seafood. We live at the beach so not liking seafood is just not acceptable :) (even oysters).... The buffet had an assortment of different sides, a shrimp boil (shrimp, potatoes, sausage, and corn on the cob), some fish, and then they brought us one of their roasted oysters (roasted on the half shell sprinkled with parmesan cheese). It was all pretty good; I think it would have been a lot better to order from the menu there. The restaurant sits on the waterway so the view was beautiful.
Then that night we went to the Lady and Sons. It's also a buffet, they do have a menu but we were told to get the buffet because the menu items weren't as good. Of course they had the staple, fried chicken and then fried catfish along with a dozen or so southern sides. It was good but man was it salty!! We don't eat a lot of salt because of Tommy's heart and we've gotten to the point when we go out, we can taste it. She has these little cornbread cakes (she calls them hoe cakes) that everyone talks about but honestly, my mom makes them better :) When we told her that she thought it was a huge complement! We had the banana pudding for dessert. Then we were stuffed and waddled our way back to the hotel!
So hopefully that will help if you are planning an eating trip to Savannah :)
Some good news--Tommy went to the doctor today for his 6 month check-up and everything looks good! This is the longest stretch we've had with him being in a normal heart rhythm so we are very thankful!
Saturday, November 13, 2010
My neglected blog :)
Well I'm back! Needless to say it has been an extremely busy week and not much time for blogging. I've been trying to read and stay caught up with everyone else and I have been praying for all of you!
We had a great time in Savannah! I didn't want to come back home :) I should say we ate our way through Savannah but we did a lot of walking too (I'm hoping the scales aren't too hard on me this week). We ate at The Lady & Sons and at Uncle Bubba's seafood as well as a little British restaurant. We did a lot of shopping and went on a tour. It was nice to getaway, just the two of us and enjoy some time together. It's hard to believe we have been married for 11 years now. When I think back at everything we've been through, from moving away from family, to Tommy's heart problems and then cardiac arrest, buying our first home, a job lay-off, moving back "home", and our infertility struggles and miscarriage, it's been a wild ride. But, I wouldn't change it for anything. When I look at where we started to where we are now, I wouldn't want it any other way. Sure I'd love to have a house full of kids but I know that God has us here for a reason. I know we've been put through the "test" more than once and God has always been there to pick us up and put the pieces back together. I also am reminded at how short life really is and can be taken from us at any moment. I am just so thankful; God truly has blessed us.
Work this week was crazy! The kids have been crazy and it's just a busy time of year. I'm glad we have a break coming soon! Thankfully this weekend we had no plans so I've been able to rest some (and do some more shopping)!
I'll be posting some pictures soon and some recipes that Pillsbury sent me that we tried out this week!
We had a great time in Savannah! I didn't want to come back home :) I should say we ate our way through Savannah but we did a lot of walking too (I'm hoping the scales aren't too hard on me this week). We ate at The Lady & Sons and at Uncle Bubba's seafood as well as a little British restaurant. We did a lot of shopping and went on a tour. It was nice to getaway, just the two of us and enjoy some time together. It's hard to believe we have been married for 11 years now. When I think back at everything we've been through, from moving away from family, to Tommy's heart problems and then cardiac arrest, buying our first home, a job lay-off, moving back "home", and our infertility struggles and miscarriage, it's been a wild ride. But, I wouldn't change it for anything. When I look at where we started to where we are now, I wouldn't want it any other way. Sure I'd love to have a house full of kids but I know that God has us here for a reason. I know we've been put through the "test" more than once and God has always been there to pick us up and put the pieces back together. I also am reminded at how short life really is and can be taken from us at any moment. I am just so thankful; God truly has blessed us.
Work this week was crazy! The kids have been crazy and it's just a busy time of year. I'm glad we have a break coming soon! Thankfully this weekend we had no plans so I've been able to rest some (and do some more shopping)!
I'll be posting some pictures soon and some recipes that Pillsbury sent me that we tried out this week!
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Friday, November 5, 2010
Thursday, November 4, 2010
So excited!
Today is my last day of work for the week, yippee! Saturday is our anniversary and my wonderful husband is taking me on a little getaway to Savannah, GA. I love Paula Deen so we're going to check out her restaurant and of course we'll do some shopping. We're staying right in the middle of things in downtown Savannah. With everything that has happened over the past couple of months, I think this will be good for both of us. I love to travel so it doesn't take much to excite me :)
Tomorrow is my Dad's birthday so we'll be spending time with him tonight. Tommy bought him a new fishing pole at the charity auction/dinner we were at last week and I know he'll love it.
Today as I was walking down the hallway at school from lunch, one of the 6th grade lockers were open. I noticed on the inside of the door was a magnet that read, "Everything happens for a reason." So true, I guess I needed to see that today :)
If I can figure out how to blog from the i.phone, I'll try to post while we're away! I can't believe it's already been 11 years! (that doesn't mean I'm getting old, ha ha)
Tomorrow is my Dad's birthday so we'll be spending time with him tonight. Tommy bought him a new fishing pole at the charity auction/dinner we were at last week and I know he'll love it.
Today as I was walking down the hallway at school from lunch, one of the 6th grade lockers were open. I noticed on the inside of the door was a magnet that read, "Everything happens for a reason." So true, I guess I needed to see that today :)
If I can figure out how to blog from the i.phone, I'll try to post while we're away! I can't believe it's already been 11 years! (that doesn't mean I'm getting old, ha ha)
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
I need your help!
We received an email from our social worker today giving us a little bit of encouragement. She said they have had quite a few placements lately so that's good news. Hopefully we'll hear something soon.
I need your help though! The more I get into all of this, the more I see how many people hold fundraisers to help with their adoption costs. So, my questions....for those of you not doing this (even if you aren't adopting) what do you think about it? For those of you fundraising now, what do you think about it? What are some of the best ones to do? How did you get involved doing it?
We both have super supportive family and friends so I'm pretty sure most would back us. I guess I just wonder if people will question us for doing it.
I'd love to have your thoughts about it though.
I need your help though! The more I get into all of this, the more I see how many people hold fundraisers to help with their adoption costs. So, my questions....for those of you not doing this (even if you aren't adopting) what do you think about it? For those of you fundraising now, what do you think about it? What are some of the best ones to do? How did you get involved doing it?
We both have super supportive family and friends so I'm pretty sure most would back us. I guess I just wonder if people will question us for doing it.
I'd love to have your thoughts about it though.
Monday, November 1, 2010
Awesome testament!
I just finished typing this email but thought it would serve as an encouragement to some here.
You all know our dear friends in Florida, K&D. Many of you also know that they are in the waiting stages of adoption. They've had 2 failed adoptions and were chosen last weekend by another birthfamily. They were really nervous after the meeting on Saturday because the birthmom made several references to things and it happened to be some of the same things that one of the birthmoms from the failed adoptions had told them. We talked Saturday evening and I could tell K was really worried about jumping in again and taking the risk but she said there are always risks with adoptions, you either have to take it or get out. So they accepted and were waiting to hear ultrasound results from today.
She called this afternoon to tell me a little story. An older couple at their church had seen them after baby dedication in May and told them that they seemed sad. The lady told K that they wanted to pray for them. K was appreciative of this act from this lady. She said as time has passed, every time they see them, the lady tells her-we're still praying and we're praying that God will bless you double.
Well they found out today that the birthmother is pregnant with TWINS! A boy and a girl, due in January. My words fall inadequate when I say how in awe I am of this and how awesome our God is. Of course, nothing is final yet and I told them that we would be praying for them and I would ask all of you to pray as well. I told her to also tell the lady at their church to pray for us :)
Thanks for praying for them (and for us)!
Our God is awesome!
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