What a beautiful morning! The sun is shining and the birds are singing sweet songs. We have so much to be thankful for. As I head out into the world today, I hope to live my life in a way that honors God. He gives us so much, yet we fail to recognize all the grace that He provides. He loves us more than we can understand and He has unique plans for each of us. Today is a new day and today is another day that we can choose to live our lives for Him. Please take a few minutes to listen to the following song. I hope it speaks to your heart wherever you might be in your walk with Him.
Click HERE to listen.
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Thursday, July 28, 2011
2 More Weeks
Dear HQ,
I can't seem to sleep again tonight. It's 1:40 in the morning and I keep tossing and turning wondering how this is all going to go. I spoke with the agency again yesterday and the Director told me that the tentative court date to terminate your birthfather's rights is scheduled for August 10th. Although it's been 5 weeks since your birthfather has known about your placement in nursery care, he still has yet to file for paternity. It has been two weeks since your birthfather was served legal documents detailing what his further options are in this process. If he does not want the adoption to go through, he will need to file a motion in the courts advising of his desire to parent and gain paternal rights. As of today, nothing has been filed with the court.
I can't quite seem to wrap my head around the emotions that I'm feeling. I know that Mama Grace chose adoption for you because she knew that we could give you a more loving and stable environement to be raised in. She has told us countless times that she loves you and she knows that you would be better off in our care. We are honored by this and we are hoping that on August 11th, we will be on our way to come and get you. Forever.
We're almost there. We're almost at the finish line...but yet my heart aches for your birthparents. Although Mama Grace has told us over and over that she would like us to raise you, I can't help but feel sad for the circumstances that your birthparents are faced with. Ultimately, we all make choices that affect other people. It saddens me, however, to think that you could potentially go back into that environment if your birthfather comes forward in the next 2 weeks. Mama Grace made her decision because she knew that she didn't want you to have to grow up in the mess that has tangled their lives.
Only God knows how your story will end. Isn't it great to know that we don't have to know all of the details? He has us in His hand. He will protect us wherever we go. I know that God has some pretty big plans for you, HQ. In the next two weeks, a lot could happen. I'm praying that wherever you go, you know how much you are loved.
Love,
Mama H
XOXOXOXO
I can't seem to sleep again tonight. It's 1:40 in the morning and I keep tossing and turning wondering how this is all going to go. I spoke with the agency again yesterday and the Director told me that the tentative court date to terminate your birthfather's rights is scheduled for August 10th. Although it's been 5 weeks since your birthfather has known about your placement in nursery care, he still has yet to file for paternity. It has been two weeks since your birthfather was served legal documents detailing what his further options are in this process. If he does not want the adoption to go through, he will need to file a motion in the courts advising of his desire to parent and gain paternal rights. As of today, nothing has been filed with the court.
I can't quite seem to wrap my head around the emotions that I'm feeling. I know that Mama Grace chose adoption for you because she knew that we could give you a more loving and stable environement to be raised in. She has told us countless times that she loves you and she knows that you would be better off in our care. We are honored by this and we are hoping that on August 11th, we will be on our way to come and get you. Forever.
We're almost there. We're almost at the finish line...but yet my heart aches for your birthparents. Although Mama Grace has told us over and over that she would like us to raise you, I can't help but feel sad for the circumstances that your birthparents are faced with. Ultimately, we all make choices that affect other people. It saddens me, however, to think that you could potentially go back into that environment if your birthfather comes forward in the next 2 weeks. Mama Grace made her decision because she knew that she didn't want you to have to grow up in the mess that has tangled their lives.
Only God knows how your story will end. Isn't it great to know that we don't have to know all of the details? He has us in His hand. He will protect us wherever we go. I know that God has some pretty big plans for you, HQ. In the next two weeks, a lot could happen. I'm praying that wherever you go, you know how much you are loved.
Love,
Mama H
XOXOXOXO
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Taking the kids to Grampa H's farm!!
On Wednesday, Glory and I traveled into NH with the kids for a camping excursion at the farm. If you know me well, you know that the farm is the place where I most enjoy life. It's peaceful, it's relaxing, and there's no rules (except for the rule is that there are no rules). Grampa H and Grammy JoJo have the most amazing piece of property and we thought that the kids (aka: future rednecks) would enjoy some time away with lots of outdoor activities to fill their time.
From the second that the kids saw Grampa H, there was a nonstop interest to DO MORE. They wanted to bounce from one outdoor activity to the next. The kids caught countless amounts of frogs in the Frog Pond and Sophie-Girl loved ever minute of it. She finally had a few friends who were just as eager to hunt down those little green jumpers. Ironically, I don't have any pictures of the kids down at the Frog Pond. Hhhhmm....sorry about that!
Back at the farm, the kids found countless things to do with their time. From catching frogs to shooting bow and arrows to fixing 4-wheelers, there never seemed to be a dull moment. The kids had a BLAST at the farm.
Blueberry season is upon us and we didn't lack berries at all. The local blueberry farm that went out of business allows people to go on their land and pick blueberries...free of charge! Grammy JoJo took Glory, Princess E, and me to the blueberry farm so we could stock up on berries. We managed to pick 16 quarts sized bags of fresh blueberries. Did I mention FREE OF CHARGE??!!!??
Trips to the farm are never complete without an evening stroll into Mr. Jones' property. At 82 years old, he owns thousands of acres. He walks his land daily (with a large walking stick in hand) and he continuously maintains the roads, ponds, and fields so that the wildlife can enjoy their stay when they visit. As A-Man mentions, Mr. Jones is like the Moses of their small town.
On Saturday evening, everyone piled into Papa H's pickup and took a stroll across the street into Mr. Jones' scenic property. We had high hopes of seeing wildlife during their nighttime feeding. Grammy JoJo served as our tourguide, detailing all of the attractions of the property. To see it is to believe it. You can't quite get your head around how beautiful it is until you actually see it with your own eyes.
On Sunday morning, the boys had a lesson in gun safety. The Glory kids were PSYCHED about the opportunity to shoot the 22 at the target. They all did a great job and they all seemed to be good at it as well. PQ, however, was not as thrilled as the Glory boys. He went back to the house to hang out with Papa H before the shooting could even begin. As much as he loves the idea of hunting, he can't seem to get past the loud noise from the rifle. He seems to be more of the bow & arrow kind of hunter...no noise. *wink*
Life at the farm is so laid back. Everything seems to go at a different speed when we're there. I had the most amazing week with our extended family and we were able to enjoy that time with some of our closest friends. I can't wait until we visit again! I miss Grampa H and Grammy JoJo already!!!
From the second that the kids saw Grampa H, there was a nonstop interest to DO MORE. They wanted to bounce from one outdoor activity to the next. The kids caught countless amounts of frogs in the Frog Pond and Sophie-Girl loved ever minute of it. She finally had a few friends who were just as eager to hunt down those little green jumpers. Ironically, I don't have any pictures of the kids down at the Frog Pond. Hhhhmm....sorry about that!
Shooting Bow & Arrows with Grampa H
Due to the INSANE heatwave that we experienced on our trip, we spent all of our days (from start to finish) at the local swimming hole. The lake was gorgeous and Glory & I often wondered what it would be like to live right there on the lake. (If you're fortunate enough to live on a lake, we hope you relish EVERY.SINGLE.MINUTE of it....it's certainly a blessing.)
Glory & A-Man were snacking it up...(You can't see the rest of us eating...hahaha)
Doing the Lazy Man Float at the lake= PRICELESS
Staying still for 10 minutes...life is good!
Future Lifeguards of America...
(PQ will need to stock up on ZINC if that's his plan...*wink)
I'm not sure if Princess E is tired or bored...or both??!!??
Back at the farm, the kids found countless things to do with their time. From catching frogs to shooting bow and arrows to fixing 4-wheelers, there never seemed to be a dull moment. The kids had a BLAST at the farm.
You might be a redneck if...
On Friday evening, our husbands joined us along with Ry-Ry. Both Glory and I were anxious for them to arrive on Friday night. Being away from our hubbies for a few days definitely made the hearts grow fonder. I really missed being away from Papa H, although I was having a blast at the farm. Being at the farm without him just seemed odd to me. I've never been to the farm without him so I was anxious to see him when they arrived.
Fishing, anyone??
Or how about a song by the campsite?
Blueberry season is upon us and we didn't lack berries at all. The local blueberry farm that went out of business allows people to go on their land and pick blueberries...free of charge! Grammy JoJo took Glory, Princess E, and me to the blueberry farm so we could stock up on berries. We managed to pick 16 quarts sized bags of fresh blueberries. Did I mention FREE OF CHARGE??!!!??
Glory was all geeked up with her pails...
...and so was Grammy JoJo.
Trips to the farm are never complete without an evening stroll into Mr. Jones' property. At 82 years old, he owns thousands of acres. He walks his land daily (with a large walking stick in hand) and he continuously maintains the roads, ponds, and fields so that the wildlife can enjoy their stay when they visit. As A-Man mentions, Mr. Jones is like the Moses of their small town.
On Saturday evening, everyone piled into Papa H's pickup and took a stroll across the street into Mr. Jones' scenic property. We had high hopes of seeing wildlife during their nighttime feeding. Grammy JoJo served as our tourguide, detailing all of the attractions of the property. To see it is to believe it. You can't quite get your head around how beautiful it is until you actually see it with your own eyes.
FINALLY....the time had come!
Grampa H stopped so we could enjoy the scenic view of the mountainside...
After seeing 1 deer and a handful of porcupines, the boys needed to rest...
(I think A-Man is in denial that he's tired...hahaha)
On Sunday morning, the boys had a lesson in gun safety. The Glory kids were PSYCHED about the opportunity to shoot the 22 at the target. They all did a great job and they all seemed to be good at it as well. PQ, however, was not as thrilled as the Glory boys. He went back to the house to hang out with Papa H before the shooting could even begin. As much as he loves the idea of hunting, he can't seem to get past the loud noise from the rifle. He seems to be more of the bow & arrow kind of hunter...no noise. *wink*
Grampa H is a great instructor...very detailed and very calm in his approach.
Back at the house, my boys packed up our camper.
PQ got a few more shots in before it was time to leave.
And each of the boys asked WHEN THEY COULD COME BACK...
Life at the farm is so laid back. Everything seems to go at a different speed when we're there. I had the most amazing week with our extended family and we were able to enjoy that time with some of our closest friends. I can't wait until we visit again! I miss Grampa H and Grammy JoJo already!!!
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Updated Pictures of HQ
Here are some updates pictures of HQ. Not sure why they are so small...??? I tried making them larger but they got REALLY burry!!??!!
Today is Day 7 of the waiting game. Still no word from HQ's birthfather but we still have a few more weeks of waiting before we can officially call him our own...and before we can go pick him up! Oh man, I would love to think that in just a matter of a few weeks, we will be traveling to TX to get our little guy.
It's hard to believe that he's a little over a month old. His nursery family emailed us last week to tell us that he's SMILING! Genuinely smiling! I can't wait to lay my eyes on him and his preciousness!
A few more weeks, little buddy...a few more weeks!
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Let the Countdown Begin!
Today is officially DAY 2 of the 20 day waiting period! As you may recall, HQ's birthfather was being served legal papers regarding the adoption. We spoke with the agency yesterday afternoon and they advised that HQ's birthfather was served the legal papers during the evening hours on July 12th.
So, what does this mean? If HQ's birthfather does indeed want his parental rights to stay in tact, he will need to file legal documents with the court in Dallas before the end of the 20 day mark. Our agency has advised us that they have seen birthfather's get upset at the idea of an adoption plan but yet they fail to take the required legal action to stop the adoption from going through. HQ's birthfather seems to want to parent, however, he must be proactive in getting things filed with the court system.
The lawyer will be checking the files at the court throughout each week to see if anything has been filed by HQ's birthfather. If something does get filed, our agency will terminate the adoption proceedings and legal custody will go back to HQ's birthmother. Whatever the outcome is, we want HQ to be in the safest most loving environment that is possible. Mama Grace chose the adoption plan for HQ because she felt like our family was the best option for him. Only time will tell how this adoption story will unfold.
One thing is for sure. We love HQ and we want what is best for this little guy. A lot could happen within the next 20 days so please hang on and prayerfully lift us up on our journey. God is good all of the time and He certainly has all of us in the palm of His hand.
One way or another, we will know soon. :)
Sunday, July 10, 2011
HQ~ Happy 1 Month Old!
HQ, HQ...where do we even begin??!!??
This week has been full of milestones for you, little buddy. Today is officially your first full month of life! We still can't believe that a month has already gone by! In addition to your big 1 month status, your nursery family called us earlier in the week to tell us that you rolled over (from your belly onto your back). In case you didn't know, babies don't typically roll over until they are 3 or 4 months old! To say the least, we were THRILLED to hear about how big and strong you are. From the moment we met you in the hospital, we knew that you were a tough little guy. It's nice knowing how strong you are, even in spite of all that's going on in your life. We continue to wait for all of the court documents to be processed and we will come and get you as soon as we can. We do love you, that's for sure.
We can't wait to bring you home!!!
Friday, July 8, 2011
Full Circle
There are no coincidences in life. We know that. We know that nothing happens in life without a reason. We may not always see things for what they are meant to be as we are experiencing them, but when we allow life to slow down and we allow our minds to wrap around what really has happened, it can be pretty amazing. We were reminded of God's plans once again this week...and we are extremely excited to see things unfolding before our eyes.
Papa H and I met one another over ten and a half years ago. We met through each of our roommates, who were dating at the time. Let's see...what can we call Papa H's roommate? Let's call him Callsy for short. As I look back over the years and I scroll through my memory bank, I can't help but smile as I remember the stories that Papa H told me about Callsy. Whenever Papa H told me stories about Callsy, he always mentioned a particular girl that had won over his heart many years before. Although Callsy had been dating my roommate when I met Papa H, this other girls memory continued to linger.
It wasn't until last week that I was truly able to see how God had been working in everyone's life. Of course I have always known that God brought Papa H and I together in the first place. But it wasn't until this past weekend that I finally got to see how our story was linked to Callsy's story. Aren't we all part of someone's story afterall? It's amazing. Let me explain...
The last time we spoke to Callsy was almost 6 years ago. For whatever reason, time has passed and lifestyles have changed. That is, until this past week when we got a call from Callsy asking us to attend his wedding over the weekend. Without any hesitation, we changed our plans and made our way up to the big city for the wedding. It was there that we were met with faces that we hadn't seen in years...too many years.
Although 6 years had passed since they spoke, Papa H and Callsy immediately latched on to one another. It was as if no time had passed at all. That's what I love about true friends. Time never seems to get in the way. Things always seem to pick right up exactly where you left them. Perhaps this rings true for the entire wedding story as well. You see, Callsy finally reconnected with the infamous girl that Papa H loved to share stories about. Callsy's love story that he had known all along had finally come together.
As the new bride and groom entered the reception hall for the first time as husband and wife, Papa H squeezed by hand. It was an unspoken squeeze of gratitude that we were there. We were with Callsy and Mrs. Callsy and we were able to witness this unforgettable day with them.
Papa H and I met one another over ten and a half years ago. We met through each of our roommates, who were dating at the time. Let's see...what can we call Papa H's roommate? Let's call him Callsy for short. As I look back over the years and I scroll through my memory bank, I can't help but smile as I remember the stories that Papa H told me about Callsy. Whenever Papa H told me stories about Callsy, he always mentioned a particular girl that had won over his heart many years before. Although Callsy had been dating my roommate when I met Papa H, this other girls memory continued to linger.
It wasn't until last week that I was truly able to see how God had been working in everyone's life. Of course I have always known that God brought Papa H and I together in the first place. But it wasn't until this past weekend that I finally got to see how our story was linked to Callsy's story. Aren't we all part of someone's story afterall? It's amazing. Let me explain...
The last time we spoke to Callsy was almost 6 years ago. For whatever reason, time has passed and lifestyles have changed. That is, until this past week when we got a call from Callsy asking us to attend his wedding over the weekend. Without any hesitation, we changed our plans and made our way up to the big city for the wedding. It was there that we were met with faces that we hadn't seen in years...too many years.
Although 6 years had passed since they spoke, Papa H and Callsy immediately latched on to one another. It was as if no time had passed at all. That's what I love about true friends. Time never seems to get in the way. Things always seem to pick right up exactly where you left them. Perhaps this rings true for the entire wedding story as well. You see, Callsy finally reconnected with the infamous girl that Papa H loved to share stories about. Callsy's love story that he had known all along had finally come together.
Before God and all of their family and friends, Callsy and Mrs. Callsy were married on July 2, 2011. It was certainly a wedding that I will never forget. The weather was beautiful and the everything was picturesque. Even the story leading up to it all will forever be music to my ears...and I will forever be grateful for it as well. If their relationship hadn't gone the way that it did over 10+ years ago, I never would have met my husband...and Papa H and I would not be working on the family legacy that we hold so dear. Without Callsy's story, I wouldn't have mine.
As the new bride and groom entered the reception hall for the first time as husband and wife, Papa H squeezed by hand. It was an unspoken squeeze of gratitude that we were there. We were with Callsy and Mrs. Callsy and we were able to witness this unforgettable day with them.
6 years later...it's almost like time never missed a beat. We are grateful for the reconnect with Callsy and I can't wait to meet this amazing woman that captured his forever heart. It's pretty amazing to think about how everyone's story came full circle. Congratulations again, Callsy!
Saturday, July 2, 2011
It's the little stuff...
I still can't believe that the 4th of July weekend is already upon us. Time really does fly by. The upcoming weekend is filled with lots of unstructured plans and we are LOVING it! We have lots of little projects around the house that need to get finished, so the holiday weekend looks like a great time to tackle some of those jobs.
Papa H is hoping to mulch the flower gardens (if we can really call them that-they're sad) and I'm hoping to make plenty of ice tea to keep him feeling refreshed. With my back the way that it is, I really can't bend and twist the way that I would like. So it looks like I will be on ice tea duty all weekend.
PQ is eager to ride his bike and run through the sprinkler. And of course, he's anxious to eat plenty of popscicles, watch the fireworks, and see the parade. I'm hoping to battle him in a super soaker battle but I'm keeping that to myself until I get a good squirt-shot at him. *wink* The Glory family is going to be coming over to spend some of the time with us and we are all anxious for that. I heard Glory was going to make raised donuts for everyone...oooh la la...did someone say it was a holiday for me?
HQ is still hanging out in Texas and I'm assuming his big plans for the weekend will be to drink plenty of bottles and going wherever his nursery family takes him. Life is tough when you're only 23 days old. We're living vicariously through emails updates and photos. He seems to be getting even more adorable, which makes my heart melt.
Mooch and Darla are planning on greeting anyone who comes to the door. They're hopeful that food will be dropped on the floor during preperation, consumption, and clean-up. Little do they know (or remember) that this is a big weekend for them! We still have matching red-white-and-blue t-shirts for them to wear to the parade.
Oh, the joys of being a wife and a mother! It's the little stuff that makes me smile...*wink*
Papa H is hoping to mulch the flower gardens (if we can really call them that-they're sad) and I'm hoping to make plenty of ice tea to keep him feeling refreshed. With my back the way that it is, I really can't bend and twist the way that I would like. So it looks like I will be on ice tea duty all weekend.
PQ is eager to ride his bike and run through the sprinkler. And of course, he's anxious to eat plenty of popscicles, watch the fireworks, and see the parade. I'm hoping to battle him in a super soaker battle but I'm keeping that to myself until I get a good squirt-shot at him. *wink* The Glory family is going to be coming over to spend some of the time with us and we are all anxious for that. I heard Glory was going to make raised donuts for everyone...oooh la la...did someone say it was a holiday for me?
HQ is still hanging out in Texas and I'm assuming his big plans for the weekend will be to drink plenty of bottles and going wherever his nursery family takes him. Life is tough when you're only 23 days old. We're living vicariously through emails updates and photos. He seems to be getting even more adorable, which makes my heart melt.
Mooch and Darla are planning on greeting anyone who comes to the door. They're hopeful that food will be dropped on the floor during preperation, consumption, and clean-up. Little do they know (or remember) that this is a big weekend for them! We still have matching red-white-and-blue t-shirts for them to wear to the parade.
Oh, the joys of being a wife and a mother! It's the little stuff that makes me smile...*wink*
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