The Christian Crew

This post goes out to ALL the HYBRID families out there!  Don't know what that means? Here's a Run down... us last May 2015   Definition of HYBRID 1 :   an offspring of two animals or plants of different races, breeds, varieties, species, or genera 2 :   a person whose background is a blend of two diverse cultures or traditions   Grandpa Max feeding Gavin on the Orchard when he was 2 SO, In HYBRID families- you have this amazing vast diversity of gene pools in your children who come from two different sets of parents!  Def. #2 is my FAV-  because My children Do have two diverse cultures- their birth family cultures/ mannerisms/ nuances/ genes and ours!     The funny way I like to tease people about how our family was created is by saying " I have 4 children by three different fathers........( long pause) and THREE different Mothers too! " It gets them every time!  ...

This book is from the Series Chicken Soup for the Soul and I have had the pleasure of reading it over the last 2 months, Thanks to the publishers for sending me a copy!  As a busy adoptive mom, I only had time to read at night or times of rest and I have 4 kids so, it could have been a quicker read. I enjoyed hearing about all the UNIQUE ways families were brought together and loved the amazing writings of the contributors. Since there is not ONE timeline or one story- its hard to review all 101 stories but, I did get a sense that each person, was HAPPY and joyous in their journey to adopt, as an adoptee and the few that placed. Some stories I wished would have gone on for a few more pages and some were a glimpse into these families lives so different from my own.  PROS and CONS on this book! PROS - you get to read MANY stories of love resolution, healing & faith Lots of International Adoption stories The writings were Fantastic and REAL, which felt relat...

  We all NEED to have courage and live each day to the fullest without FEAR of the unknown. It's easier to SAY then DO... for adoptive hopefuls-the unknown can be scary and tumultuous. The WAIT time before placement or matching can be DRAINING and full of unrest on WHAT MIGHT BE! As Birth parents the ROAD after placement can be all of the same- exhausting, scary, full of twists and turns and unknowns. As expectant parents- the thoughts of adoption and placement are ALL of those things and MORE! And everyone's support system is so VASTLY unique and different. It's SO important that we all LOVE AND SUPPORT each other as we go through these changes- even if we can't see what's ahead- WE CAN BE BRAVE enough to TRUST in GOD and our abilities- and SOAR to places we never have been before- in our lives, our hearts and minds!   We can GROW abilities and characteristics through our journeys and learn to EMBRACE the EXCITING UNKNOWN instead of ...

Let me explain exactly where we stand in regards to our status as adoptive/hopeful adoptive parents... I have to be REALLY HONEST with You ( or myself)... As hard as this is- WE aren't SEEKING or TRYING to adopt right now. In that I mean- I'm not going to PURSUE an agency or solicit our blog/profile out to people. I have done that TWICE and it had amazing success ( and of COURSE the Almighty's timing has a hand in it all!) BUT... We really do desire to adopt again - IF and ONLY IF it's RIGHT, It's Meant to be, and If the expectant parents and ourselves are totally on board with everything. I mean- come on- we have 4 kids- who is really going to consider us UNLESS they desire a large family for the child? That's a small margin of people who would actually look at our profile or even consider us. You see, we had this PLAN ( okay - everyone laugh now- b/c we all know God loves to mess plans up) to do our international adoption home study- travel down to...

We are...... SO BLESSED living up here in the Mtns of CO! The kids are growing like weeds ( Especially Brielle, our oldest!) and Its currently April and we have 2 inches of snow on the ground! But, it will melt and give moisture to some of the most gorgeous wildflowers!!! SO, Updates... DUSTIN IS GETTING MARRIED! YEP, He has found the gal for him- SARAH! She is amazing and I am so Happy for the two of them. She is a Special needs teacher who works with children from hard circumstances which makes her job even tougher but- She loves her kids and what she does. She has a heart of GOLD and Dustin is a lucky man! Between the two they own 2 homes and are very smart with the choices they are making in life! I know they will find happiness and success together. GAVIN will get to be the cutest ring bearer Ever and the girls will make some fine Flower girls too! SO, for us currently there is a bit going on... We are remodeling the home we bought and it seems like there are people...

We had such a fun time doing our first Family Costumes this year!!! We had a great FRIDAY going to school parties and our ward Trunk-or-Treat where we won most creative for my Gluten free Turkey Chili and we won BEST FAMILY COSTUMES for our CREW! Brielle refused to be be WENDY- so i got that opportunity! She made a Darling First Mate of Capt, Hooks crew! ANd who could beat this JOHN boy- those cheeks and eyes just melt your heart! OUR TINK is especially feisty too! It was such an Adventure! Now to plan for next year's costumes! seriously- BEST Gavin Costume yet- He is PERFECT for this role! the girls got heeps of treats! And we still have way too much Candy left over:)

It's Been on my mind for the past few weeks  to write a bit of wisdom and understanding concerning becoming a parent through adoption. Mainly in part, because I have so many sweet friends and associates who are still Waiting for the Miracle of a Child. These friend of mine are smart, educated, have nice homes, pets, degrees, are well-respected in the community and GIVE so much to those they serve yet, they long to be called Mommy and Daddy.  Their arms ache for a child and their hearts seem to be held together with strings of hope after such long periods of time without kids. I've Been there. Maybe in a different way and time in my life but, I've had those crummy, hard experiences. Like speaking in church on mothers day after three years of infertility and empty arms. Or days when I didn't want to try any more, like after I lost the 5th baby on my birthday one year! I want you precious and wonderful couples to know that HOPE is okay to have again!!! YEP, after 2...

With Many things at the Moment. I am Potty training our son Gavin, getting the last 17 lbs off my bod, and selling again all my overstock on ETSY. Here's some of the images below. ccbabyinc.etsy.com in case you want to shop or stop by! NEED YOUR PRODUCTS SHOT? i can SHOOT anything from Florals to Filagree... buildings to beads and anything in between. 

WOW! I cant believe 6 months has flown by so quickly! Where did the time go? I am so happy to announce that i will be back blogging again with my main emphasis on family, my family, adoption and issues related to all aspects in between. You might occasionally here a few reviews on books, products and such but mainly the above stuff. So, yeah, I can back track too much ( or you'd get bore to tears of a million flash back fridays ( i will post a few) but the next bit should get you up to speed... Where are we now? Staying put in the Denver Area suburbs, raising 4 kids, swimming& lessons, workouts, walks, naps, gardening, hanging out with friends, learning to balance life, going on dates with my hubby ( we just celebrated 11 yr on the 5th of July!) and building a business. My husband is loving the real estate company  and the ownership position. Its tons of work but well worth it! The kids are growing like weeds! we tube down rivers, do gym and dance and B fly fishes and we ha...

Yep, i was overdue for sure but HE made it here finally! Our sweet boy came in at 8 lbs 14 oz. 20 inches long. It was a swift birth and not too painful ( except towards the end). About 3 ish hours in total. He is everyone's favorite and Gavin is Mr. hugs and kisses and the girls fight over who gets to hold him first. He is a great baby and good nurser and had a tongue tie just like Aria did. That got taken care of right away this time and nursing is much better now. We announce his name later today and we think it's fitting b/c He is a tough lil guy. He fought to hang in my belly, entered with a mighty force, resisted picture time and lets you know when he doesn't like something. He is spunky and stubborn for sure. It does have me wondering how Him and Gavin will create trouble though! We shall see. For now, enjoying every moment and trying to rest and heal up!

So, I spent a couple hours trying to figure out the views and studies on transracial adoption. I read this article about the Transracial Adoption Paradox In Summary of the article.... The current research literature on psychological outcome, racial/ethnic identity development, and cultural socialization suggests that transracial adoptees—both domestic and international—are psychologically well adjusted, exhibit variability in their racial/ethnic identity development, and along with their parents, engage in a variety of cultural socialization strategies to overcome the transracial adoption paradox. And this blog has a great articles and resources. Of Course the RHOUSE always does! This post on Iamablackmother has a great understanding of TA and Religion... "I believe if I do my best with parenting my children, including my transracially adopted daughter, that our Heavenly Father will help with what I am unable to do if I ask. " There is much t...

I am urging you all to search your hearts! Infants are only a fraction of the children who need a permanent home! We will venture into foster adoption this upcoming spring and everyday I wonder what sweet child/ren will teach us when this day comes. I'm not naive! I know it will be difficult but, all good things are challenging and I chose to Help Children, not forget that they are there waiting and needing families like us!

Hoping to adopt! Thane & Annie are seriously fun and silly- You will never lack for a great time when you are with them! Ask anyone! And Annie's pictures do not do her justice- Gorgeous! I just want to steal her locks of loveliness too:) Have fun figuring these 2 love birds out!

Advice for Friends of Adoptive parents Many times, well-meaning relatives, friends and co-workers do things or make comments that unintentionally cause pre-adoptive and/or adoptive parents unnecessary emotional stress. The following is a quick guide that may be copied and distributed to those people in an effort to educate them on how they can support you during the adoption process. DO... 1. DO accept our decision to adopt without question. 2. DO accept our choice of a child regardless of his/her race, heritage, age, 'social background, etc. 3. Do remain positive and enthusiastic during waiting periods. 4. DO offer to give practical help if you don't mind giving us your time. 5. DO respect our choice not to disclose details about our personal life and our decisions. DON'T... 1. DON'T tell us that if we adopt a child we will get pregnant and have a child of "our own." Adoption does not cure infertility, and our adopted child will be "our chil...

Hey Everyone- I'm looking to feature YOUR mini story in some Outreach Projects. We are collaborating with other FSA's to create an OB/GYN book that will sit in the waiting rooms of many clinics and offices that highlights the blessings of ADOPTION! So, If you have a story and can condense it to 1 page and would be willing to send me a pic of your child and you( BP's) or your family built through adoption- please email me at corrine.ccbabyinc@gmail.com We are hoping for at least 12 stories! I will feature the cover of this book very soon! Thanks for all your wonderful help advocating for this MIRACLE!

SO, Lots has happened! Gavin is just about 3 months( new pics coming soon!) We have had such a great time with all the changes in our lives. Aria is officially an awesome big sister b/c she is so helpful and Brielle is getting better at being a big sister to both of them! Gavin in 10.4 lbs and 23 inches long ( VERY TALL/LONG for his age) He has been sleeping through the night since he was about 8 weeks and now sleeps from 7:30- 6:30 or longer each night! Brielle started KINDERGARTEN last week and Aria starts Preschool in a few weeks as well as what i'm working on with her at home! Brandon's Bro- Brian came into Town and they are out fishing today! Gavin went on his first hike and to his first MLB game too! Go Rockies! He slept through most of it too! I Ran with my friends and their friends in the WARRIOR DASH! I LOVED it and would so do it AGAIN! A girl Ran into our Car causing 1400. worth in damage. Everyone is fine and she got a jaywalki...