tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-571933865511713352024-03-13T02:32:12.741-07:00One More CookWe are a family living in Western, North Carolina. We are hoping to adopt an infant of any race or ethnicity. We are not represented by an agency and hope to have an open adoption.onemorecookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05488725669382181535noreply@blogger.comBlogger16125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57193386551171335.post-6049402693638141462011-05-19T12:24:00.000-07:002011-05-19T12:24:48.446-07:00Mother's Day<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">I love being a mother. My boys give me the greatest joy and I'm thankful for them everyday. I look forward to becoming a mother again - through adoption. :) <br />
<br />
I was treated to an amazing Mother's Day meal courtesy of my awesome hubby! Surf and Turf on the front porch with beautiful weather and great company. It was a good time. :)<br />
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We have a lot to look forward to in the next couple of weeks and my excitement is getting the best of me.... I will be sure to update when I can. :)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8wCtgzMk_8lFbLmaHVdQQPeNw6RHAorIPeLvs4pg2-O-Kuwb7pVjYTuwXUUygQUszLX2F9LicPrOJuHHzudSGVARc_vAYgKOcDzKvUDdKOsEpd3NHA9xVThmXxJateGlkWbx2cjliKQ/s1600/_MG_3542.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8wCtgzMk_8lFbLmaHVdQQPeNw6RHAorIPeLvs4pg2-O-Kuwb7pVjYTuwXUUygQUszLX2F9LicPrOJuHHzudSGVARc_vAYgKOcDzKvUDdKOsEpd3NHA9xVThmXxJateGlkWbx2cjliKQ/s320/_MG_3542.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_-aKX0tt3LFQ4qhc7ni4DaLibaT8Ljpq4hfvVC6WgDQuPPyLCw6XVMCD_Y28PR6h9G_-gPUZW7ExW4IbV6dbrQVLeaJbLrNntnciYbKXaAGk5M6q6cUyVFe99NE0aMkZUngqMCAHKkA/s1600/_MG_3546.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_-aKX0tt3LFQ4qhc7ni4DaLibaT8Ljpq4hfvVC6WgDQuPPyLCw6XVMCD_Y28PR6h9G_-gPUZW7ExW4IbV6dbrQVLeaJbLrNntnciYbKXaAGk5M6q6cUyVFe99NE0aMkZUngqMCAHKkA/s320/_MG_3546.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoVVZW72mSDRV5vQn5uCYlQTaxN6yh89zYK2X3_L0XmrnwLohv4J032GqPvd4RBY9olQ-38y42M0ihaeWOXGY_AWOeMNoOKNJuXpw9LgNPhzKL37nwmIP7oeVV0VmETGuKvYC5pFMdzg/s1600/IMG_5404a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoVVZW72mSDRV5vQn5uCYlQTaxN6yh89zYK2X3_L0XmrnwLohv4J032GqPvd4RBY9olQ-38y42M0ihaeWOXGY_AWOeMNoOKNJuXpw9LgNPhzKL37nwmIP7oeVV0VmETGuKvYC5pFMdzg/s320/IMG_5404a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div></div>onemorecookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05488725669382181535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57193386551171335.post-27131451269045324782011-04-12T11:08:00.000-07:002011-04-12T11:09:22.527-07:00Let there be WHITE....<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Our home projects are going well! We've finished painting the nursery white and I'm in luv with it! It's so bright and cheerful in there... Here is the before:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0_OD-kywy_MMNbj5g9xFK8eDjDYa8y5H0khs4L3sLRdAzxsUgCaXSPlLqiVc2Cd3AaOiB-yLK0xNqC3zxxtew1jprnCKpAuirQJl9h3ShgTVwc6HIIMhA1OPSTeSU1zDAkmsKm-KPPA/s1600/HOME-30.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0_OD-kywy_MMNbj5g9xFK8eDjDYa8y5H0khs4L3sLRdAzxsUgCaXSPlLqiVc2Cd3AaOiB-yLK0xNqC3zxxtew1jprnCKpAuirQJl9h3ShgTVwc6HIIMhA1OPSTeSU1zDAkmsKm-KPPA/s320/HOME-30.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">and After:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC1uXWOMG4ocnS7ZLKR0G1m3Jd0XgtN-FYogVYibz7J7Kxoo8IR5wGdjy7Y9HMn2VTF_129_VD-2RbWr07_mPnQLQnPg2Zpa7tv379NKj5phYlIp6vEU6mQcbIo2fl7NnMLuj4CKuHzw/s1600/_MG_6426.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC1uXWOMG4ocnS7ZLKR0G1m3Jd0XgtN-FYogVYibz7J7Kxoo8IR5wGdjy7Y9HMn2VTF_129_VD-2RbWr07_mPnQLQnPg2Zpa7tv379NKj5phYlIp6vEU6mQcbIo2fl7NnMLuj4CKuHzw/s320/_MG_6426.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I also forgot to update our paneled sitting room... the after is quite a change....<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Before:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB_tPiuQj0DeQFX8s5Bpbii7499aEI0aHV5gfHajUGEm7YvA1tCdM2dt-ZZLSaXRWjvY-5K4cCGeKLYO8uU3eNTU-rHVgzogmjwc1labKTLdw-TrYzZkCaPf-Xyf-tw31xP4rhogGIog/s1600/HOME-9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB_tPiuQj0DeQFX8s5Bpbii7499aEI0aHV5gfHajUGEm7YvA1tCdM2dt-ZZLSaXRWjvY-5K4cCGeKLYO8uU3eNTU-rHVgzogmjwc1labKTLdw-TrYzZkCaPf-Xyf-tw31xP4rhogGIog/s320/HOME-9.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">and After:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieDUzLUkr-DjJ6MYKqla9HvHWnxwEfWtDBLYaOMI2aN1GRr91x-yZvxWptt6ogPUaE9jEFP6lCMKA_7dxKXRa1-ALN7EAQ6MHgDIcX-tzkrt4cuo9lLUpEt2TL-GvNp2_XDX8JaeZ0QA/s1600/_MG_6434.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieDUzLUkr-DjJ6MYKqla9HvHWnxwEfWtDBLYaOMI2aN1GRr91x-yZvxWptt6ogPUaE9jEFP6lCMKA_7dxKXRa1-ALN7EAQ6MHgDIcX-tzkrt4cuo9lLUpEt2TL-GvNp2_XDX8JaeZ0QA/s320/_MG_6434.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5oPcv2MeGepZlkCYDqgq1MeoBLshpaxfhGETBrKqq8Bmm9PJnOdZS_gORHi5aBgpQ9Ydu6RjfWV6eZ8-SkzlWB4Hic-iGe_tSxskxNitsFNX8po9ETSurNM-7N8HW0H5JapzAFbQDWQ/s1600/_MG_6430.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5oPcv2MeGepZlkCYDqgq1MeoBLshpaxfhGETBrKqq8Bmm9PJnOdZS_gORHi5aBgpQ9Ydu6RjfWV6eZ8-SkzlWB4Hic-iGe_tSxskxNitsFNX8po9ETSurNM-7N8HW0H5JapzAFbQDWQ/s320/_MG_6430.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
</div>onemorecookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05488725669382181535noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57193386551171335.post-86719554653490908482011-04-07T11:49:00.000-07:002011-04-07T11:49:26.434-07:00Where have I been??<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">I've been a little quiet these past few weeks. Still excited and hopeful as ever, but, I think I needed a bit of a break. I've been told by so many friends that adoption is like a roller coaster ride. There will be ups and downs... and the hardest part is the wait.<br />
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Truth be told, last month was a little tough... <br />
I'm fairly certain that we've suffered an emotional adoption scammer. Someone who pretends they are pregnant and develops a relationship with you.... tells you they chose you as the adoptive parents...and then you realize it was all a lie. <br />
I just never thought it would happen to us or that I could be so naive?<br />
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Marc and I were aware that this could possibly happen when we decided to pursue adoption without an agency. I thought I knew all the warning signs... I didn't. Let me tell you... it hurt... bad.<br />
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So, YES, I needed a break. Some time to rest and pray and move forward. <br />
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And here I am. Happy and positive as ever... living by my philosophy that "things happen for reasons" and going with it.<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>It's funny how great things happen when you least expect it</i></span>..... :)</div>onemorecookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05488725669382181535noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57193386551171335.post-34405394086049076532011-02-23T05:20:00.000-08:002011-02-23T05:20:07.250-08:00Love this....<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div align="center" style="font-family: Arial,Verdana,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="color: navy; font-family: Tahoma;">I came across this poem today and I thought I'd share it here... :) </span></b></span></div><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="color: navy; font-family: Tahoma;">~ Legacy Of An Adopted Child ~</span></b></span></div><div align="center"><span style="color: navy; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: small;">Once there were two women<br />
Who never knew each other.<br />
One you do not remember,<br />
The other you call mother.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color: navy; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color: navy; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: small;">Two different lives<br />
Shaped to make yours one,</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color: navy; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: small;">One became your guiding star,<br />
The other became your sun.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color: navy; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color: navy; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: small;">The first gave you life,<br />
And the second taught you to live it.<br />
And the first gave you a need for love,<br />
And the second was there to give it.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color: navy; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color: navy; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: small;">One gave you a nationality.<br />
The other gave you a name.<br />
One gave you the seeds of talent,<br />
The other gave you aim.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color: navy; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color: navy; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: small;">One gave you emotions,<br />
The other calmed your fears.<br />
One saw your first sweet smile,<br />
The other dried your tears.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color: navy; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color: navy; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: small;">One gave you life,<br />
It was all that she could do.<br />
The other prayed for a child,<br />
And God led her straight to you.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color: navy; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color: navy; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: small;">And now you ask me through your tears,<br />
The age old question through the years.<br />
Heredity or environment, Which are you a product of?<br />
Neither, my Darling, Neither,<br />
Just two different kinds of love.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color: navy; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color: navy; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: small;">Author Unknown</span></div></div>onemorecookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05488725669382181535noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57193386551171335.post-64806344679110827412011-02-20T07:13:00.000-08:002011-02-20T07:13:09.106-08:00Feeling a little lost<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">So, my usual optimistic self is feeling a little lost today. I wouldn't be a truthful person if I didn't express all my emotions on this blog, right? To be honest, I need prayers. So much has been going on lately... it's amazing what can take place in a week.<br />
<br />
I've been told that adopting can be like a pregnancy. The emotions and anticipation are constant...the waiting and not knowing, it's hard to describe. I have total faith and yet, I have this racing feeling in my heart. I'm not quite sure when that will go away...<br />
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I write this as I am getting ready for church. My boys are laughing in the bathroom and Marc is ironing upstairs. Life is good. So, why am I feeling so sad? I actually do know the reason, but, I'm not at liberty to say and it's hard... Wish I could.</div>onemorecookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05488725669382181535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57193386551171335.post-78529950837893352952011-02-14T08:01:00.000-08:002011-02-14T08:01:51.216-08:00Happy Valentine's Day....<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">So I attempted to make heart shaped pancakes for the boys this morning... and failed miserably. :) Luckily, Marc stepped in and did an awesome job. Who knew? My hubby is a potential Betty Crocker. :) What a fun start to Valentine's day. <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOd0pkbsj1Xlv3vtDmA1Nv6WwMYAL_oN5Pz_DyGuUKaxC23nhQN5S3cV_OydKy6QzUw1hxtnPfYt64AE925SiJRj_N65tE9pICz2kRiF54vvsm82HovF5xtrwVJ8WTUP9z3bu2RcXW1w/s1600/Untitledn-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOd0pkbsj1Xlv3vtDmA1Nv6WwMYAL_oN5Pz_DyGuUKaxC23nhQN5S3cV_OydKy6QzUw1hxtnPfYt64AE925SiJRj_N65tE9pICz2kRiF54vvsm82HovF5xtrwVJ8WTUP9z3bu2RcXW1w/s400/Untitledn-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizReDJRVGY7MsxXJbrybWMMn8kAjxwRwVgJn0fqNELg9-qZBsAK6ykVTpP8m1bidqWfHwl2eg7e81Qamf_3D8sf44gux_XAe4VRUxkekivpIC9IZ27yzK7AKJmvHkBPI5ZUKZnW3-vZQ/s1600/_MG_4577.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizReDJRVGY7MsxXJbrybWMMn8kAjxwRwVgJn0fqNELg9-qZBsAK6ykVTpP8m1bidqWfHwl2eg7e81Qamf_3D8sf44gux_XAe4VRUxkekivpIC9IZ27yzK7AKJmvHkBPI5ZUKZnW3-vZQ/s400/_MG_4577.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>the pancakes were a big hit with Cole!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiLtB3ovopWLlaDAbDYy4EoN_IbFxfmZJ530kyY016Ux0__AwJrxbmoquIRNQMMxrzcb0UW7u9u-w8v9XDQmcGSVzVPx8q1e5gSSs9WSvAEH-pBup5kcAX9COcac2rZvZofkKtM0EuwA/s1600/Untitledm-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiLtB3ovopWLlaDAbDYy4EoN_IbFxfmZJ530kyY016Ux0__AwJrxbmoquIRNQMMxrzcb0UW7u9u-w8v9XDQmcGSVzVPx8q1e5gSSs9WSvAEH-pBup5kcAX9COcac2rZvZofkKtM0EuwA/s400/Untitledm-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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</div></div>onemorecookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05488725669382181535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57193386551171335.post-17270290426460595022011-02-11T13:16:00.000-08:002011-02-11T13:17:06.093-08:00And so it begins...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">The wait. We've finished up our MAPP classes, completed our homestudy, had our fire inspection and now it's just a matter of time. :) Marc and I really enjoyed our classes and we were both a bit bummed they are over. I tell ya what, MAPP classes teach you a lot about yourself. <br />
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So how am I passing the time? Hmm...have I mentioned I'm a planner? That's not an easy thing to be when you have no control... no idea when God will bless you with a baby. I feel I need to prepare in some way and I have to admit that I've started nesting. I can't help it! I love to decorate and I've been brainstorming ideas for the nursery. Some adoptive parents prefer not to get anything for the baby until the adoption is final... me on the other hand, I plan on having the room and a couple of other things ready. It helps me channel all this restless energy I get from waiting.... and... it's so fun looking a baby things again.<br />
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One thing Marc and I have agreed to start on is painting. I want a bright, white nursery. I will add in hints of color later. I'm attaching a picture below that is my inspiration... oh, and did I mention, I'm going to try and do this nursery for under $100?? We'll see how that goes. :)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdeL_KGPLgoyPJ640wyvSkUH70bQPusVk__BwGzGRTs-ytTNINHF5HnCx72o4LVBbiKb4B_OjfdlN0yIk3lMB-M5p9-qF1NlzMSk62HXYEAM5gczmqUs601iu5PFpiOvGXYzF106wowA/s1600/Turquoise+and+white+nursery.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdeL_KGPLgoyPJ640wyvSkUH70bQPusVk__BwGzGRTs-ytTNINHF5HnCx72o4LVBbiKb4B_OjfdlN0yIk3lMB-M5p9-qF1NlzMSk62HXYEAM5gczmqUs601iu5PFpiOvGXYzF106wowA/s400/Turquoise+and+white+nursery.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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</div>onemorecookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05488725669382181535noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57193386551171335.post-26316320575100984662011-02-02T11:00:00.000-08:002011-02-11T13:00:24.968-08:00Dear Birth Mother.... The Letter<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgetLF6YDb1BLGikIvvTG0Gy5t7WQNreRCh_w-dd5plvNoLJETZ0sR9w0uVuAFnLClR6lbfIZ2kabjPYO9Y3KeBknnK5QWx6_b8zC1EuH54KJ3f97eWJHouOw7pxo95UIPxa5Gua9lu6g/s1600/_MG_3921.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgetLF6YDb1BLGikIvvTG0Gy5t7WQNreRCh_w-dd5plvNoLJETZ0sR9w0uVuAFnLClR6lbfIZ2kabjPYO9Y3KeBknnK5QWx6_b8zC1EuH54KJ3f97eWJHouOw7pxo95UIPxa5Gua9lu6g/s400/_MG_3921.jpg" width="286" /></a></div>You might wonder what this is? Basically, it's a letter to the expectant mother introducing your family and why you feel you would be a good family for her to place the baby with... truthfully, it's kinda like selling yourself...</div><br />
Okay, so far, this is the hardest part I've encountered in this entire process... I am suffering from the worst kind of writer's block and have no idea how to snap out of it.<br />
I mean, there are so many things to say... and unfortunately, they are pretty generic in the adoption world. For example, I've seen a lot of...<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>"We are so honored to have you view our profile." </i>when really i want to write:<i> "Oh my goodness!!! You are reading our profile!! That is awesome! Read more.... like us please?"</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">and if I were being completely honest??? I would really like to write : <i>"Pick us, Choose us, Please! We are the coolest family ever."</i></span><br />
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*sigh*<br />
<br />
I sat with Marc last night and we brainstormed a few ideas. We are leaning toward just making a video about us and why we wish to adopt. Obviously, we will still have a letter for our profile... but, I love the idea of just keeping it simple with a link to our video. We'll see. <br />
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</div>onemorecookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05488725669382181535noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57193386551171335.post-6044743165713917262011-01-25T06:31:00.000-08:002011-02-11T13:00:24.969-08:00Finding vs. Waiting....<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b style="color: blue;"><span style="color: black;">Today was productive and proactive. I went to several places and passed out adoption cards and it felt good. I'm not the kind to sit around and wait kinda person... I'm a doer. I will admit that I had some funny reactions to the cards... mostly, people are just curious. It's funny, but in my area, adoption is still undiscussed to a certain extent. In fact, some consider adoption shameful and have no concept of what an open-adoption is...</span></b><br />
<b style="color: blue;"><span style="color: black;">What ya gonna do? :) I just explain it as simply as I can. Adoption is<i> love </i>- pure and simple. We have more <i>love </i>to give. </span></b><br />
<b style="color: blue;"><span style="color: black;">So I continue to research... ways of connecting with expectant mothers, etc... obviously, I am networking through my cards, but, I'm also relying on the web for outreach... It also helps me feel like I'm working toward a goal instead of waiting around... :) I found this definition of Wait vs. Find on another blog and thought I would share it here. </span></b><br />
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<b style="color: blue;">WAIT</b><br />
<span style="color: blue;"> Waiting is passive. It is being idle and is extremely unfulfilling.</span><br />
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W: WHAT IF?</b><br />
As we wait, we may stay in a constant state of "What if?" We may put off plans and not take full advantage of our present opportunities while we sit by the phone waiting for that important call.<br />
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<b>A: ANXIOUS</b><br />
As we wait we may get restless and uneasy. We may feel a lot of anxiety and worry about things over which we have no control.<br />
<b><br />
I: INSECURE</b><br />
As we wait we may feel insecure and doubt our capacity to parent. We may feel unworthy and have a sense of low self-esteem.<br />
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T: TENSE</b><br />
As we wait the tension may grow. If we are not careful, contention can easily enter the home and we may begin to blame and easily hurt other's feelings.<br />
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<b style="color: blue;">FIND</b><br />
<span style="color: blue;"> Finding is active. It is being proactive in the search for your child. It is following the principle of doing all that we can and then relying on the Lord to help all things work together for our good.</span><br />
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<b>F: FAITH</b><br />
It takes faith to search for your child: faith in prayer that Heavenly Father will guide us and place us in the right places; faith through fasting that we will encounter the birth mother carrying our child; faith that the Lord will direct our paths and help us find our children.<br />
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<b>I: INSPIRATION</b><br />
The Spirit can inspire us to talk with those around us about our desire to adopt. As we listen to the prompting of the Spirit, we can be divinely guided in our efforts.<br />
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<b>N: NETWORKING</b><br />
It is beneficial to talk to everyone. Using every possible channel to get the word out can expand our voice and can increase the likelihood of finding our child.<br />
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D: DIVINE INTERVENTION</b><br />
Once we have done all we can do, we can rely on the Lord to intervene on our behalf. It is only through Him that all things are possible. The Lord will direct our paths.<br />
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</div>onemorecookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05488725669382181535noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57193386551171335.post-35138589583176288362011-01-15T08:40:00.000-08:002011-02-11T13:00:24.970-08:00Loving Saturdays... in the winter. :)Here it is... Saturday and I'm still in my pj's at noon. I love it. Later this year, Saturdays will become my busy days...weddings and sessions to photograph, but, for now I can just enjoy being lazy. And I am.<br />
I've been on the computer all morning. Checking out blogs, researching Independent adoption, playing on facebook... life is good.<br />
Our MAPP classes are going well... we are learning so much about ourselves. We've had a few contacts from potential birth mothers, but, nothing concrete. Time will tell. :) At least we know our networking is working... And meanwhile, we just keep praying and getting our house ready for a little one...<br />
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Speaking of getting the house ready... Marc and I have been painting. This is a project I've wanted to do since we moved in to the house last year. We have this knotty wood paneling throughout the downstairs and although I can appreciate it's beauty - I just have to lighten the place up. :) We started on our first room last week. Here are some step-by-step pics... I will update with a finished pic soon!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOytOhYWbZNI6Kbg5dvpgYjgw1JDszcpDTMODDlnO3JV7sOFgRJpuDrnIYT93f35Q01JC2d8Cb9BN4crp5w2_P-yS9d4n91o_NpNOb9_xfhIrcQFZgd5Q3xYK2oG92NJE8JMuY0NiEGA/s1600/HOME-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOytOhYWbZNI6Kbg5dvpgYjgw1JDszcpDTMODDlnO3JV7sOFgRJpuDrnIYT93f35Q01JC2d8Cb9BN4crp5w2_P-yS9d4n91o_NpNOb9_xfhIrcQFZgd5Q3xYK2oG92NJE8JMuY0NiEGA/s400/HOME-6.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjua0S1VywnSqhliHH7_SU8jj7SMXYa2R9DR4fCFxuyX9KaHWKt3La1Bci-P8F3nJ7nOUnVVY0P7V5g_r-SJvSgDqgaegg01gMkJQS7MyXxLVz7OeOLUha8CkwZkFZiSppyRZwoStbbyQ/s1600/HOME-10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjua0S1VywnSqhliHH7_SU8jj7SMXYa2R9DR4fCFxuyX9KaHWKt3La1Bci-P8F3nJ7nOUnVVY0P7V5g_r-SJvSgDqgaegg01gMkJQS7MyXxLVz7OeOLUha8CkwZkFZiSppyRZwoStbbyQ/s400/HOME-10.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifBbQmbLs8Lqe8VDO149WGq8NAePc5YWxp1hPT-MRnDzyzp5pxSnizMflkK51NbKybtIF5vG93zFzn6RfX1AvgKgVGHPeLNp3WRe5fg7Vq0MqudLlj1m4_KRllbIe0FOhxXphyH9_vLA/s1600/HOME-21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifBbQmbLs8Lqe8VDO149WGq8NAePc5YWxp1hPT-MRnDzyzp5pxSnizMflkK51NbKybtIF5vG93zFzn6RfX1AvgKgVGHPeLNp3WRe5fg7Vq0MqudLlj1m4_KRllbIe0FOhxXphyH9_vLA/s400/HOME-21.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Yup. We have a long way to go... :) 3 more rooms after this.<br />
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</div>onemorecookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05488725669382181535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57193386551171335.post-30810690014682689072011-01-10T09:59:00.000-08:002011-02-11T13:00:24.970-08:00So this is fun!Marc and I have been working on our "homework" assignment from MAPP class.... we are filling out massive amounts of paper work, which is mostly questions about our life, childhood, etc...<br />
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The fun part has been the Photo Book. We are supposed to gather photos of us, our kids, family, and home. As some of you know, Marc and I dated when we were 14... and so we've been including some of those photos too! I'm posting a few...too funny!<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTN5Y9pRm23jgluhbySzU25HYBc8RRHa6CUj2SjVXnaK6cScsTVYjmrENZx4cQh3DosElqud_5zxGrZyGdyMrEOieVimACLHZ_SMov9dTyiiZYngB4EGGUXnLUMx997_GjEG9imbqXtg/s1600/_MG_9526.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTN5Y9pRm23jgluhbySzU25HYBc8RRHa6CUj2SjVXnaK6cScsTVYjmrENZx4cQh3DosElqud_5zxGrZyGdyMrEOieVimACLHZ_SMov9dTyiiZYngB4EGGUXnLUMx997_GjEG9imbqXtg/s400/_MG_9526.jpg" width="286" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Our Wedding Day - October 12th, 2002</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDHZw9aA4BM-KTuGqzisOiX-KKiPor-kKEQikZUAX6iMyPmWWl4hxxbzi8PinO7b3E9pZFZzX0gR5ikirJrVFyuL9TsAwUcnv2sEbJLvgPp9puQEIdHj1b7gm7EWKJ4y7gUVM-FIuTJw/s1600/_MG_9521.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDHZw9aA4BM-KTuGqzisOiX-KKiPor-kKEQikZUAX6iMyPmWWl4hxxbzi8PinO7b3E9pZFZzX0gR5ikirJrVFyuL9TsAwUcnv2sEbJLvgPp9puQEIdHj1b7gm7EWKJ4y7gUVM-FIuTJw/s400/_MG_9521.jpg" width="286" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">the boy's playroom... hopefully a baby room soon!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSs3MM_YSppFIFOCIDGoFrz1zpvnjOveVcK43WMymUjV2PT9mDrP2SjuZvY2iK5fucueI7XtgYPA0DZ0vUvJyha-RQijUNNPSFeM9qcBijVJbKFqPm0hkMfEZGGEwV8LSDqrnnPqmy8A/s1600/HOME-30.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSs3MM_YSppFIFOCIDGoFrz1zpvnjOveVcK43WMymUjV2PT9mDrP2SjuZvY2iK5fucueI7XtgYPA0DZ0vUvJyha-RQijUNNPSFeM9qcBijVJbKFqPm0hkMfEZGGEwV8LSDqrnnPqmy8A/s400/HOME-30.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>onemorecookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05488725669382181535noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57193386551171335.post-86782657462758641892011-01-04T09:21:00.000-08:002011-02-11T13:00:24.971-08:00MAPP ClassesMarc and I took our first MAPP class last night to become certified as Foster - to - Adopt parents. We really enjoyed the experience. :) Marc was so talkative... I was laughing at him. He had so much to contribute and several of our questions were answered. I can't believe that we will be home study ready and certified by Feb! We can officially welcome an infant in to our home sooner than expected. Hoping and praying our birth mother is out there...onemorecookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05488725669382181535noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57193386551171335.post-26395836510286327942010-12-30T13:01:00.000-08:002011-02-11T13:00:24.971-08:00Networking... here we go!Okay, so I understand that it is better to network and tell everyone you know... "hey, we are hoping to adopt"... that's what we are doing. Recently, I read about pass along cards. Basically, you create a card to distribute - with your information. The hope is that it gets in the right hands... you just never know? :)<br />
Anyway, I took a few minutes and designed these quickly. I've ordered them and they should be here tomorrow (oh - the perk of being a photographer) so, we shall see how it goes?<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1s-IOXTwfWep_Tlm4FewBKGMdAdXxnVotbbRadR8ZMkIY8OQQU8MfxHAJ9LM4-2MegAMewLhKMTbQHWTrS9wsEF5j4HeSFvAxPmsKVS1YFE6VspGXencmfFTlATVBtwvuK1Pkm-uSiw/s1600/cardfront.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1s-IOXTwfWep_Tlm4FewBKGMdAdXxnVotbbRadR8ZMkIY8OQQU8MfxHAJ9LM4-2MegAMewLhKMTbQHWTrS9wsEF5j4HeSFvAxPmsKVS1YFE6VspGXencmfFTlATVBtwvuK1Pkm-uSiw/s400/cardfront.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>onemorecookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05488725669382181535noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57193386551171335.post-33393584508391781712010-12-22T14:31:00.000-08:002011-02-11T13:00:24.971-08:00Intuition- do you follow it?I do. Sometimes with a blind faith that baffles those closest to me. Letting go and following my gut (for lack of a better term) has always brought me where I need to be, where I'm supposed to be...<br />
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I've practiced this so many times in my life and I truly feel it is God leading me... I just have to pay attention. Here lately the "adoption" <u>feeling</u> has taken over... Now, let me preface by saying that I've always known I would adopt and luckily my husband felt the same way. I just figured we would when we were ready... but, when are you ever ready for a baby? I mean really? The <u>feeling</u> has taken over. That and the constant nudges from God in the form of... <span style="background-color: white; color: blue;">people</span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span>coming in to my life that I was meant to meet... leading me in the direction I am taking now... they know who they are and I'm grateful for them.<br />
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So, why would I bring this up? Truthfully, I think it's because I know that our baby is out there. I am 100% sure of this... it's the <u>feeling</u> and I'm going with it. :)<br />
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I read a great blog recently. The r house : <br />
<a href="http://therhouse.blogspot.com/2009/04/open-your-mouth.html">http://therhouse.blogspot.com/2009/04/open-your-mouth.html</a><br />
She gets it. Going with a feeling and telling everyone. I don't know why I felt so afraid to vocalize my desire to adopt in the past? Maybe, I was just waiting for the right <u>feeling</u>? :)onemorecookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05488725669382181535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57193386551171335.post-37245858398811403042010-12-15T14:02:00.000-08:002010-12-15T14:04:38.421-08:00PAPERWORK...I'm feeling flighty today! I have so many things to do and I'm feeling anxious! :) I was up last night finishing up taxes - I know yuck.... but, we need to have this all finished in order to complete our home-study. What is a home-study??? Basically, it's a lot of paperwork and meetings with a social worker to determine your eligibility as adoptive parents. The process <u>typically</u> takes 3 months and we are hoping to start at the New Year and be baby ready by March. (fingers crossed) :)<br />
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All this paperwork got me thinking.... What if everyone had to go through this before having a baby?<br />
A brief checklist would look something like this:<br />
1) Are you financially secure?<br />
2) Do you have room for a baby?<br />
3) Do you have a criminal background - and if so, why?<br />
4) Marriage Certificate<br />
5) Fingerprints and Background Check<br />
6) Reference Letters<br />
7) Photographs...........<i>and the list goes on</i><br />
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Well, I can check the photography off my list! lol. Thank goodness I'm going in to my slow season...I'm gonna need the time! ;) Here is one of many I plan to include...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaz-1A-_pZ4fYF1N-gck58RqyFodY2hrn672WQGTRGS1c-NZCL4u-4WYqyOjPlb9fV5520daei-m8On448-Rv4NvmMm6dbdjtCEqXxuk1EXk7KdNYhmDYPdLlWtvxqOVL9h02WUZoZvA/s1600/house.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaz-1A-_pZ4fYF1N-gck58RqyFodY2hrn672WQGTRGS1c-NZCL4u-4WYqyOjPlb9fV5520daei-m8On448-Rv4NvmMm6dbdjtCEqXxuk1EXk7KdNYhmDYPdLlWtvxqOVL9h02WUZoZvA/s320/house.jpg" width="228" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">OUR HAPPY HOME.</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: left;">I love our home. We bought this 1906 Bungalow last year and it truly is my "dream" house. Cozy and warm with room to spare for another little one! I can't wait! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>onemorecookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05488725669382181535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57193386551171335.post-12209362092849215742010-12-12T13:23:00.000-08:002010-12-15T14:05:34.727-08:00Mother's First Post...I'll be the first to post... I'm sure I will do most of the posting, however, expect to hear thoughts from my husband and my boys from time to time. :)<br />
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So, this is it. We've made the official step toward adopting our third child. I write this with absolute joy in my heart! Before Marc and I were married, we always felt called to adopt. Fast forward 8 wonderful years of marriage and two beautiful boys later... and here we are. This is a huge leap of faith for us, but, one we embrace.<br />
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<i style="background-color: #d5a6bd; color: white;">We are hoping to use this blog as part of our connection with our new child</i>. I should admit though, I'm not going to try and make us seem perfect. We are so not perfect. We are just a real family, full of laughter, tears, triumphs, mistakes, and love.<br />
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I would love to invite you on our journey. I'm not sure what is ahead for us, but, I feel optimistic about the future. I know that there is a baby waiting for us and I have faith that we are doing the right thing. There is so much to learn in the adoption process.... better get started. <span style="background-color: white;"></span>Wish us luck!<br />
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Katyonemorecookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05488725669382181535noreply@blogger.com3