Wishing you all...

A Very Merry Christmas!

may you make lots of memories and cherish every moment
with your children and family!

And Some special time with your birth families- if you are so blessed!

Have a Happy New Year too!
Be back after the Holidays!

Balancing Vacation Plans

SO, now that we have LOTS of Birth families in our little family- visits can be tricky. Here's a few tips I've come up with when it comes to planning your visits with family and birth families...

1. ALWAYS do what is BEST for YOUR immediate family first-not your parents or extended family.
You can't please everyone all the time so, quit trying. Focus on who you can please- your spouse and kiddos!

2. Make a MAP of your trip/ Timeline but, don't make a play by play list. LEAVE your plans open and flexible when it's possible. The coolest things/ experiences happen when they are not planned!

So for us, we have one afternoon/evening in UT on our way to NV to see Gavin's Birth mom and her entire family. We will have a dinner there but otherwise the rest if the evening in unplanned. We are open to whatever:) You can overbook your hours too quickly, stress out that you are not following your plan or way behind schedule and there goes your sanity and stress levels.

3. DO plan some special time for each birth parent to snuggle/ visit with your/their child.
After dinner, i know that Gavin will be tired, ready for a bottle and such. I let J have some time with him- all she wants to do some or all of these things. It's precious time to anyone especially birth parents. And don't plan one visit backed up to the other if your birth parents aren't on speaking terms. Make each visit- it's own day if possible or at least not right after the other. You are not a referee or a therapist so, avoid situations that would stress one or the other out! We see Dustin on our way BACK through UT after Christmas- a totally different time period altogether!

4. HAVE Grandparent time with your kiddos. Let your mom and dad bond with your child/ren without you interfering. Go grocery shopping and leave the kids with your mom & dad. It's important that grandparents also, have bonding time with your children and your newly adopted children too! which leads me to my next tip...

5. GET a bit of time in for YOU- whether that's going shopping alone, taking a long undisturbed bath, a long walk through your old town, going snowboarding, getting a pedicure etc. YOU need it and deserve it and you will enjoy your vacation more!

6. ALWAYS take tons of pictures with your birth parents and family! DON'T FORGET to send them some after your vacation too!

7. BE careful of other peoples time. If you can ONLY get in at midnight b/c your husband gets off at 9pm and that's it- then fine, leave then but, if you have any sort of flexibility- leave at a time so you can arrive at a decent hour to your layovers or destinations. It's funny to me when people think driving through the night will get them their faster but, then they don't wake up till 11am and what's the diff. if they would have gotten in at 11am anyways. What you try to make up for in time is made up for in sleep, normally!

8. HAVE a mini reunion playdate. You may not be able to plan everyone schedules but, if you plan for a get together- invite all your old friends and cousins, and birth family members- you will at least be able to see some people that you were hoping to see, even if for a short time! The key is low maintenance with these activities too.

that's my 2 cents- happy travels and Merry Christmas!

Flashback Friday

To Halloween and our visit with Jessica and Daylen!

The kids loved playing with both Jessica and Daylen! You know kids are the best filters for BAD/ODD people, right? So, if they can see and feel love in your eyes- you are free to jump all over them and play till they peel you off!* Thanks for being very patient with the girls, guys!

We attended a Church Halloween Trunk-Or-Treat, went to a dance and had dinner with friends and played games and such. It was relaxing at times and stressful at times too ( way too many parties and cold).

Jessica and I handled this beast of a pumpkin carving project! Food Network Challenge- here we come! Bring it! ( okay not really- don't call i won't answer)

Gavin IS the BEST Tootsie Roll EVER!

I let the Girls PICK what they wanted to be this year- Brielle chose Sleeping Beauty!

Aria chose Ariel. Both girls got their costumes for their birthdays but, i had to severely alter Aria's and add 7 inches to Brielle's so, i got a bit creative with fabric and such!

We had a wonderful time and can't wait to see them in a few weeks!

* at Ballet yesterday( my class) this sweet little four year old-teacher's daughter- walks right up to ME as we were entering class and smiles and throws her arms up in the air to pick her up! I spun her around and asked her ?'s and such about her mommy and her and her age. She was just so sweet and i really loved that experience b/c I LOVE KIDS- minus a few demonic children- I think it's just so natural to me to LOVE all of these innocent children. This tiny girl saw in me something good and recognized it! I saw in her the same thing!
I think it, although hard at times, it is going to be something i treasure when it's time to do foster adoption of older children( 2+). I am excited for it but, apparently, I am not living MY Plan- but, GOD's Plan for our family and I LOVE IT! Craziness and all. I'm willing to do whatever He sees fit for me to do- period.
I know that's not every adoptive parents outlook and that's okay, it's not meant to be everyone's.
I've said this before and i will say it again:
God will give you what YOU NEED not always what you WANT!
For Couples who have been waiting a significant amount of time to love and adopt a child:
It's time to look over your LIST of DEMANDS for a child! Throw it out and start over. Make a LIST of What God thinks of you- what you think of yourself and what you can improve and change while you are waiting! You will come to find that often times FEAR and lack of education on subjects has held you back from opportunities tha you weren't even considered for b/c of your special Check List.
Obviously, you need to have your Hard and Fast Deal Breakers but, all the others stuff on your list is like asking God to not only PART the SEA and Bless YOU with a Child but, BTW, Lord- can you make this Extreme Gift have purple and silver packaging and a flawless, twinkling, Irridescent Bow, while you are at it! That's all just, that! Oh, and a few Magic, Rainbow-colored unicorns! Thanks!

You get my drift! I have had more than a handful of friends who have ditched the LIST, Gave up their will to God's Will and within weeks or months, had a gorgeous child welcomed into their famiie!

Miracles...

Happen Everyday!
So, Adoption is threaded through my everyday LIFE. Not just b/c i have children who are adopted and a husband who is adopted or cousins and friends who are birth parents, But because I just seem to run into everyone who is associated with Adoption. Take the last TWO.5 weeks....

I was driving back from getting waxed and i stopped by this ladies house who was standing by some head and end boards in fabulous shape. I asked her if she was selling them, She said she was giving them away. Turns out 6 of her 7 kids are adopted!!! She got all the parts and such and later that day we got a Gorgeous Bunkbed for the girls for 0.00! Thanks a bunch, Margaret! pics to come soon- my phone won't email properly- grrr

In the store , the Checker is a birthmom and the lady in front of me is a Foster adopt mom with 3 adopted kids and one hopeful, underweight 2 year old she is helping get better.

The awesome Lady, Karel, who sewed up the quilt I designed for Gavin, is adopted!

A birthmom Friend, Jessalynn S. forwarded my info onto a person coming to CO to adopt a baby girl and we( michelle and I) are friends now. She has been visiting here with me and my fam till ICPC clears them to go back home! Here is precious pic of Abigail( yes ,she is sporting my swag!)
and Did i mention Michelle is adopted!


And This Friday, I will be speaking at Highlands Ranch HS about Adoption! I look forward to talking with Students and this is WHAT I LOVE DOING!

So many more posts to come! Rock on all you fabulous adoption Peeps!

Flash Back

to the first two days with Gavin....

Such a Tiny lil' Man!

Boys were exhausted from traveling and late nights!

Gorgeous Jessica, Gavin's First momma!

One Adopted Child kissing another adopted child! BLISS!
Love knows no Bounds!

Getting the idea of being a Big Sister now!

Gav's Aunt and her family- YES, this is where his RED comes from!

Grandpa MAX, Gavin's Birth grandpa!

Jessica and Brielle getting some Quality coloring and bonding in!

I love this head shot! It signifies the arms and life that Brought Gavin into this world before he was brought into ours! WE LOVE Our Birth Family and are so honored to have adopted again!

We often wonder what the future Holds and How long before the Lord brings another child into our family! We are in no rush at all but, we know our family is not complete yet. That may sound odd to some but, what lies in your heart and in your soul about your family, is individual and sacred to each couple. We will act upon our inspiration and follow the Plan God has For our Family, Even if It means ENDURING things unexpected or difficult. We are on the Roller Coaster and are hanging on for the ride and making the Best of every turn and bump and loving every minute of it! Adoption is such a joy and such a Heaven guided process ( in almost every instance!)!
love you all!

Whoa....

... Nellie! Yep, It's been very busy here with many things going on and little time to blog. So sorry if time is escaping me. It will be like that till mid-January! Here's Gav's 5 month pic from a bit ago. And We take His 6 months one in a week and a half( gees that went quick) still no finalization date due to circumstances out of our control but, whatever- it will be here before you know it!

We are so excited for the Next week off and I know we will all have fun and i will get some sewing done too! I have about 2 blankets, a quilt, a play apron, 2 dresses and possibly some small items too!
This weekend will be singing time and gingerbread decorating contest time. I had a nightmare last night about it but, thank heavens it was a dream. I woke up kind of angry!
Well, Happy Turkey Day and National Adoption Month , again! Share the love, please!

Cool side story, we got a free, designer ( good looking) bunk bed from an adoptive momma of 7 ( one bio six adopted). It is such a blessing! Pics coming soon and the full story!

Cool STUFF and more

SO, You like Birthmom blogs- Check out this new one i found. Be ready to choke back a few tears when you read Her ( Amanda) birth mother letter to her child! Just Wonderful and emotional and I'm so grateful for Birth Parents who speak out and Embrace the choice they made. You are all SO STRONG. Thanks for saying something b/c many say nothing and hide in shame when we all know adoption is NOT shameful. It's Beautiful and Blessing to All involved!

Also, on My FB page I have 13 Adoption and Birth mom onesies and tanks for sale ranging from 4-21. so, grab them while you can! Pay through paypal!Thanks so much and Keep spreading the good word of adoption to Everyone!

had to post this!

I always LOVE editing my adoptive couples with their birth parents! Right now, We are getting ready for the FSA Fireside in a few weeks and pulling photos together for a montage/slide show! It will be awesome! Here's my friend, Jessica L., with their baby and adoptive couple!

She turned ONE! I can't believe it happened so fast! Next thing you know Gavin will be ONE! Don't blink anyone, hold your breath... Time just flies by! ( now breathe if you haven't let it out, silly!)
ALSO... This awesome couple is CURRENTLY HOPING TO ADOPT AGAIN! YEP, they are eligible now that she is over 1 year! If you'd like their email, Shoot me a quick email b/c they aren't up on the IAL website quite yet!

Gift Giving!

I have posted on this before and i wish to post on it again in a different light!

I found a perfect article that sums up my feelings about gift giving! If you read my last post about this. I told you that i really don't like gifts, getting things that are meaningless, or just random stuff. I like them to be thoughtful and heartfelt or something i really needed/wanted!

I've been gearing up for the holidays and on our last FSA CENTRAL meeting call i found this article by Henry B. Eyring and He gave it the year I was born. 1982( yeah, I'm almost 30!)

And I love what he says...
"Great gift-giving involves three things: you feel what the other feels; you give freely; and you count sacrifice a bargain."

I thought about that in the context of adoption. And about Expectant Parents who choose to place. As they are looking at so many profiles of couples hoping to adopt a baby. they FEEL for US. Adoptive Couples feel for what our birth parents may be going through as well. We worry, support and pray for you constantly. Birth parents Give Freely- expecting nothing in return. No car, No condo or trip to Fiji- They just want to see their child/ren happy, loved and successful in life! And they count their Sacrifice a Bargain. Why b/c they know what they are sacrificing is worth it for the sake of this tiny human being's existence! Adoptive Couples give freely their time, sleep and love to the children they adopt and they too count the giving up of their lives a sacrifice that truly is a bargain for what we get in return!

I love open adoption for many reasons and I am so touched by those who embrace it with no hesitations( barring some limitations due to lifestyles). I know that God's Love is unconditional, as we should be with our love to others and our birth parents! We should give our love, our gifts and of ourselves freely with no expectations just as Christ, Our Savior , did for each one of Us!

*image of Russ & Kylee with Son Caden, Newly adopted Son, Chase and his Birth parents!

Visit With Dustin and Tammy

I'm going to be a little lagging in posts for a week or so b/c i have to finish all my clients work but, have no worries. Things are GOOD here! So, Here's some pics of our visit with Gavin's Birth father and Birth grandma, Tammy!

Tammy had to Spoil the girls and get fun cookies to decorate and pumpkins to carry their Halloween Candy in! She is such a Sweet lady and we are so grateful for her enthusiasm and desire to be a part of our fun and crazy family!

Brielle was very meticulous too!
We played at the park on a couple occasions and enjoyed getting to know one another.

The girls love Dustin and He learned how to handle Tiny Girls who like to crawl or rough house with anyone who will let them!

Aria was sort of confused at first when we told her that Dustin and Tammy were coming b/c she thought it was Tami, Jessica's Step mom( lovingly called Grandma Tami). So, Aria asked her this: " Can i call you Grandma Tammy too?" She was sweet and obliged! So, we now have 2 Grandma Tammys!

They were so sweet and Tammy took me and the girls to Red Lobster for lunch the day they had to leave. Now the girls ask to go there every week! I was able to squeeze in a few more pics before they had to leave.

Tammy is sweet, generous, and such a loving woman with a heart of Gold. Dustin is like a little brother and friend, funny,serious and has a huge heart. He is a great guy!

We are all blessed by Open Adoption Relationships!

Haiku?

Just for FUN!

for waiting adoptive hopefuls

Praying,Waiting
Anticipating
one tiny babe.


For placed couples


Loosing Sleep
Gaining
A Forever Family


For Finalization Day

Courtroom
No Drama
Peace fills our
ever growing hearts


For Sealing Day

All in White
Waiting Over
Precious child
Your Ours Eternally


OPEN ADOPTION

You found Us
We Said Yes
Hearts Knit Together
Forever

Overseas Adoption

Boarding flight
landing, waiting
Breathe,
holding you
tears of Joy!

Foster Adoption

Broken you came
time and love
healed both
our hearts forever


* these are my friends kids both whom are adopted!

PLEASE feel free to leave a comment with your own Haiku- on your adoption experience. I'm looking for Birth parent Haiku's( 17 or less syllables) as well. These will go in an Adoption Poetry Collection Book! No need to be a pro writer- just from the heart or your experiences!

hoping to adopt in CO!

These are my friends Jessica & Tarik! They are Christian and wonderful and hoping to adopt a bi-racial baby boy! Check out their profile ( i took many of the pictures:)

They are working through Lifetime adoptions , which i hear is great!

I know this sweet family will be fabulous with any adoption situation too! Jessica has 4 adopted siblings and her and Tarik have twin girls and he is a pediatrician and she stays at home. Both have degrees and stay active and fit! Just love these too!

Visit w/ Phil & Dawn

We had such a fantastic visit! When Phil and Dawn got into town we went out to one of our fav. restaurants, Los Dos Portrillos, for some fab. Mexican cuisine! The Next day we went Up to Evergreen area to a stocked Fishing pond and Had tons of fun catching BIG trout!

Phil, Brandon and I helped Brielle & Aria reel them in while Dawn helped out with Gavin and putting bait on and such.

We cranked in tons with this awesome bait too!

Mini Man slept the majority of the time :)

Brielle had the biggest catch of the day 18.5 inches and 3.5 lbs!

This is not the biggest one but, it was a good sized one!

Our Lovely Grandma Dawn!

Here's one of the bigger one! aria squirmed a bit when it wiggled and flopped around!

We had fun cleaning them and then Phil and Brandon cooked them up well that night!

P & D were able to come through on the way back too! We already miss them!

Rob & Jess

are hoping for an adoption miracle! These two are sweet and fun and Jess is a terrific lady that i love! You couldn't find a better gal around! Check them out here!

Oh and check out all the new families that have been added on the side bar! Maybe you will find your match there! ( p.s. If you personally know me, please shoot me an email and i will feature your link there and spotlight you!)