The Christian Crew

 since I posted and DAMN- Time Flies! This is now going to transition to a spot for growth centric content and loads of love, fun, positive energy, Our adoption journeys are at an end for our family but, i still very much help where i can. It's been a bit since we've put on a birth moms retreat and i hope we can see that happening again in the future but right now- the economy is not is a great place. We are all holding onto our pennies, watching our spending habits and abstaining from things that we don't need. It's an election year and more shifts are bound to come.  What has changed since I last posted here? A TON! We moved cities, bought a newer house , my siblings ( all but one) have also left the LDS faith behind, I started coaching volleyball again, started up a grassroots pops choir in my new town and have been working on living wholeheartedly. There have been many bumps and learning curves with myself , kids and marriage and ALL OF IT FOR LEARNING! I can't ...

I have tried to write this blog post at least 7 times in the last 10 months. It's truly the hardest thing to start and really to finish. WHY? Why is it so hard ? Well, because what I'm writing, living and understanding is, that not everyone is going to like what I'm going to say.... And That's Fine with me (now). But 9/10 months ago my skin wasn't so thick and my journey was still in the exploration stages. Anyways, Here it is... I left the Mormon Church I so dearly loved. And so did my whole family. There, I said it! (sound the trumpets of judgment now) Many Outsiders ( non-mormons)  have said : " Who cares! Thank God above. We've been praying for you, It's your Journey and I wish for the best for you" ( apathy or general Love) Most Mormons generally respond with things like :  ( these are what I've actually heard) "You are going to lose your kids, your family. "You are following Satan. Your opinion is BS. You lis...

I have had a few couples reach out to me lately and ask me a few questions I didn't know the answers to. You'd think after 4 home studies, 5 adoptions, involving 3 different states, that we'd KNOW IT ALL.... But, Alas, we DON'T so, the next logical thing to do was ASK .... I'm putting the answers BELOW: Here's what Lutheran Family Services said: When thinking about adoption or foster care, many people have questions or even anxiety  about whether they are eligible.  There are a few disqualifying things such as : you must be 21  and  have no felony criminal or child abuse history. For adoption, every agency may have different requirements around religion, same sex couples, single persons or age. International adoptions have many criteria based on the country and can include age, BMI, medication for mental health issues.  The important thing for all agencies is to place children in homes that are safe and nurturing.  Agencies are not looking for ...

Jesus Has No Party Line He is not Red or Blue He does not care what flag you wave But asks you to be True Be True to those who stand in need To those without a voice He wants you to love everyone But, it must be Your Choice He does not force your hand To do His works and deeds He cares more about your soul and heart That's what the Bible reads Jesus never pointed fingers Like Pharisee of Old He dined with sinners, the sick and lowly No thought of wealth and Gold He asks us to do many things  To follow in His Walk But, most of all (and most important) Love others- Don't just Talk! Never did He say to Us Through secrets- Enter In No handshakes, symbols and no oaths Only Grace, Frees us from Sin We who call ourselves his followers Christians, disciples of the King Must exit off our Horses on high Our broken hearts We Bring And Give Our will, our hearts desire O'er to  what He's planned ...

I had the privilege of meeting Thomas and His wife and birth mother, Rayanne, and feel their love for their birth child and the parents they chose. Here's a poem that touch my heart.... The Challenge  Months of preparation are now a reality. We held him, looked into his eyes, listen to his coos, loved him And now...he is no longer with us. Yesterday was the worst day of our life, hands down. I know he is loved and will be taken cared for...but, that knowledge can not take away her pain,  dry her tears,  fill the hole in her heart. She is fractured but I will make sure she doesn't brake. She is in pain but I will find a way to comfort her. She fills alone, I will reassure her that this is not the case. She is lost, I will be her light to find her way home. With all my good intentions, I can not ease her sorrow. That fact rips my soul in two. I must be strong, be her strength. Only time will mend her wounds. All I can do is be h...

Man, I need to reformat the blog, update pics and so on. If you are following us on Facebook- you have more of an updated version of our family and adventures. Our community page is Brandon and Corrine- Party of 9.  Find us and read on. Even that needs updating too. A few things have kept me away from writing and rightfully so. These adorable little blessings are certainly worth it but, now they are 14 months and it's time to continue to open up, share and be vulnerable with ya'll who read or who are connected to us personally or through mutual friends. Adoption is HARD, life is Hard and all of us have hard things we are going through. I am often asked a few different questions to today, I will put these ?'s to rest... Are you guys going to adopt MORE? How did you get 4 birth moms/dads to pick you guys? What can I do to get chosen by an expectant mom / what advice can you give me? Q#1 Well, I think our Quiver is pretty full guys and 7 is a LOT OF KID...