Trading Spaces and more...

Well Saturday Dec. the 27th was the beginning of the transformation of the kid's bedrooms.We finally have completed the move.Adyn is now sharing a room with his big brother.Clothes have moved,toys have been moved, some discarded and so on. We have started to try to clear out and prepare to start on "Maiya's room.First we have got to clean the carpet,then paint it Pink and Brown.Then I will be getting my daybed and dresser from my parents home,and I will put it in our future daughter's room.Any ideas on the pink and brown,I am all ears? We want to take our time and enjoy this step by step.I know we still have time,but I wanna get a heads up!
We had a wonderful and blessed Christmas season. Time with family, and being thankful for all God has done and all God is gonna do in our lives.Adyn and Bailey recieved some fun presents and clothes. Adyn and Bailey have been very entertained with their things.Maiya also recieved a cute Cabbage Patch from us and her first pink and brown soft baby blanket from her Nana and Pappaw from North Carolina.The sweet letter they enclosed was very touching and inspiring.I am gonna put in in her baby book.I look forward to the day when I can read her the letter.
After this post I will be taking another break from the blog world,I hope you all have a blessed New Year.

Is it just a dream?

Well it has been a while since I dreamed about the adoption.A few months back,I had a dream about out little girl.It was just her smiling and laughing.That dream I could never forget. It was peaceful,and she was so happy.

Well early this morning,I felt myself tossing and turning,trying to wake up.I had my cell phone. All of a sudden it rang,it said Tami Davidson!! I was shocked!! I answered the phone and she began to tell me all about this little girl. She told me about a couple of minor concerns. I told her that I would need time to talk this over with Shane and that we needed to pray about this. And that was it.I was feeling slightly stressed out.All these things always seem to come to your head at once.Being after you just woke up,I was trying to get my thoughts sorted out.My brain and heart were racing.

Yes,this was my dream.I had to record it because I didn't want to forget this.I feel like I am half asleep typing in this dream. Now I am thinking "Gidget, one day this is really gonna happen". For now it may be just a dream,but later in God's time it will be for real.Tami one day will call us about our little "Maiya". I am sure you all can relate to how children dream the most sweetest Christmas dreams, maybe this is my sweet Christmas dream. Instead of sugarplums dancing in my head,Tami calling me about our referral, was dancing in mine. I wonder is this how it's gonna be,or is this just a dream? I hope u all have a very Merry Christmas with your families.Gidget

Do you really want to know?

Do you really want to know? Well I called immigration yesterday and they said they are running about 60 days processing time.They told me we should hear from them next month.So that could be a wonderful new years present.Of course I feel like a referral could come with that.But that is out of my control.
After emailing Tami today about a time frame,I now am not so excited.That is a good thing because I don't want to get my hopes up of something happening the first of the year then be dissappointed.I am just gonna expect the longer wait and trust in god for the perfect time and perfect plan.She told us to expect a long wait, and it helps with the waiting game.She said it could be 2,6,or 8 months,and that there is no way of knowing.Tami said even if they get a batch in at the first of the year there is no way she knows if one could be a possible match for us.So that is the update.I know not very uplifitng,but we all know who is in control of this plan,GOD.So we still just WAIT and PRAY,and long for the day when Maiya joins her new family.Gidget
Maggie,I finally found Maiya a cabbage patch off of ebay.I will post a picture when I get it.I want to see yours too. I am really hoping you get your referral soon.But we have got to travel together.I am anxious to see what happens next month.

Our big boy turns 8.

Well Dec. 12 was Bailey's birthday.I cannot believe he is 8 years old. He is such a good big brother to Adyn. I am so grateful that the lord blessed us with a wonderful son. Adyn tries to do everything he does. It is so cute.Can't wait till Maiya joins in on the fun. HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Bailey.
It is icey and cold here. NO School tomorrow,so I have got to come up with something for the boys and I to do.
Congrats to all the families on their good news.I hope more good news is coming.Until more news,waiting for immigration approval then the BIG REFERRAL!!

Prayer can move mountains...

Hey everyone,our prayer time has been set.I have made the announcement also on the forums.I thought we should get started right away,right? This will be regarding all of our adoption processes and for other children who are waiting for families to open their hearts to adoption.

The time window will be Mon-Fri from 6-9 a.m..On the weekends,find time whenever it is best for you and your family. Atleast we will have some diligent and consistent prayer going thru the week. I hope everyone decides to participate.

Some things to focus on are: Getting the babies home safe,travel. Referrals,Immigration,NOC and more.Let's pray that this moving will stay at a steady pace,and that finances will work out for all.And last but not least,for the lord to give us strength and peace during this wait.
Also,let's remember for more people to see the need for these children all over the world,including sponsorship.

Where two or more people are gathered together and agreed,it shall be done!!Praise the lord for a avenue of communication,where hearts can be touched and where miracles can happen. Prayer is such a powerful and precious gift. HAPPY DAY,Gidget

Christmas Picture for 2008

Well this a one of our Christmas pictures that we had taken tonight.My friend recently just opened up her own studio in her home.She does a great job.Of course the picture has not been edited yet,but good enough for my blog. It is so hard to get the children to pose,be still,and so on.It was fun even after the boys had to get some snaps of them doing FLIPS!! Can't wait to see those.I can't believe how much the boys have grown.I hope we have Maiya with us next year taking our Christmas pictures. Still waiting on immigration approval then the BIG REFERRAL,but I am not stressing.

I want to enjoy this Christmas season with Christ the focus and my family all around me. All the snuggles,all the cuddles,all the christmas cookies,all the movies,all the smiles,all the laughter. Just to soak in the special moments and to be thankful of every one that god has given us. Have a wonderful weekend.

To all the families waiting for your child to come home:Just think you soon will have these special moments to share. Maybe we will have some BIG movement soon.Gidget

Cleared and 9 months,

Well 9 months ago in Feb. we started this adoption process.So we have been paper pregnant 9 months.It has been a interesting journey,and we know there is even more road to travel,but it will all be worth the journey when we have our "Maiya".

Today I had to call the I 800 office concerning our refund and I asked this guy to go ahead and check on our status of our application.Since I had some pinky troubles last week at our FP appointment.Guesswhat,our fingerprints have cleared.He also said that the 90 day timeline is decreasing and hopefully we will have approval soon. He said we were waiting on the officer to clear this case.I hope he knows what he is talking about.Anyway,just happy my pinky fingers cleared.That woman had my nerves tore up about my pinkys,GOOD GRIEF!!!Now I have got to see it on paper,right now I am just having faith that he is right and all of our approvals are coming.I hope we get our I800 A approval soon,hang in there everyone! Speaking of hang,sometimes I feel like I am hanging by a thread on this waiting buisness.I have to say I am learning quite a bit from this experience,something like this,I HAVE NO CONTROL!!! I just take it one day at a time,one step at a time,and I am just grateful for every moment.I do have my frazzled days but I guess they balance themselves out.My husband is a great balance to those days!I hope everyone has a great weekend,and try not to shop too much for Christmas!!!! I plan to do some shopping this weekend,but not very much,I hope I don't go over what I am allowing myself.HAPPY DAY,Gidget

Happy Day at Our Home

Well hello everyone.I just checked my mail and guesswhat,WE have a fingerprint appointment.It is the day before Thanksgiving.Tis the month to be thankful, for one more step closer to our little "Maiya".I am smiling from ear to ear.I no way expected it to happen this fast. Especially since we had some paperwork issues.I know we will have to wait still for approval,but how long that will be I do not know, and that is okay. My friend Janene is gonna watch our boys while we are gone. They recommend that you do not bring kids.I hope we are in and out quick. Even if we have to wait,who cares,it is just a blessing to be one more step closer.God is guiding our way to our daughter. HAPPY DAY!!!!!!!!!

Conversations about Adoption!

Well I have been substitute teaching here lately.I was teaching at preschool today,when I met a nice woman who was the assistant teacher.We hit it off good.It turns out we had some things in common with people we knew and all.She started to ask me questions about the adoption. Like a ton of questions.Some I thought were private to me,but I answered them the best way I could. I don't think she was trying to be nosey,but she just wanted to know in a interesting way.This I have to say was the first time that I was approached with such questions,but I liked it!It prepares you for more comments later and you educate someone else on adoption.

Now to the dentist part.My oldest son Bailey went to the dentist today with Shane (my husband).Shane was telling me how the hygentist was asking Bailey if he had any brothers or sisters.Bailey said,"I have a brother Adyn,and a sister on the way."And she said,"When is she coming?"Bailey said,"I don't know you will have to ask my dad."
Shane said then they got into the adoption dicussion and he told her all about it.So needless to say adoption awareness was spread around a couple times today. I am so happy about that and I hope something great comes out of it with other families.Since November is Adoption Awareness month,I thought this would be neat to share. Hope we all move in a step soon....By the way I like the ETSY website,I am gonna try and order a cute elephant for Maiya's room!! Thanks to the LABONTE family for sharing this website,I am HOOKED!!!!!Gidget

Fall Fun

Here is a sweet picture of our boys and my neice Lexie at our house.They were sure playing hard.I can't wait until Maiya will be joining the bunch.Hopefully she will be home playing with the kiddos next fall.

Update-We are now waiting on our immigration approval.We cannot recieve a referral until the process is complete.They say about 90 days or more.We will just have to wait and see. The referral will come when it is time.
Congrats to all the families who are picking up their children.Happy and safe travels to all.It is exciting to think of more children coming in,I wonder if one will be ours? Have a great weekend to everyone.Gidget

HAPPY ANNIVERSERY!!!!

Roses from my MAN,HOW SWEET!




HAPPY ANNIVERSERY TO US,OCT. 17th..Ten wonderful years!!!Can you hear the bells?

Shopping for Maiya and Honey Day Oct 17th......

I thought I would share a few of our future daughter's things we have bought.I took a couple at the wrong angle,but I am sure u get the idea of the outfits,I am too tired to change it.I have been cleaning all afternoon and I guess I will hit the bed!
Tomorrow is my husband and I's BIG 10 YEAR ANNIVERSERY,I am looking forward to us spending time together the weekend!!! Time sure does fly!!!I am so thankful for our marriage and family,and for the lord who put us together!!!HAPPY ANNIVERSERY HONEY (SHANE)!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Moving to number 6....

Well this morning we have moved to number 6, every step brings us close to our daughter.Congrats to Colleen and her family on their beautiful daughter! This is a HAPPY DAY,when another child and family has been blessed by the lord.We are waiting for our immigration approval,I hope all goes well and smooth.Our paperwork reached the CIS office last week! Let's keep the ball rolling!!!Gidget

Be still and wait

Well good morning to all.This week I have decided to take some time away from the computer!! I am trying to keep this adoption off of the forefront of my mind! I keep it still in my mind,but I need to just not think about it all the time.I need to focus my attention other places.
I need to just not be so busy,sometimes I just need to be still,mentally and physically.The adoption process can keep your mind so busy,with stress,what if's and with good thoughts also.Not counting the daily things that we deal with everyday.The latte break at the coffee shop was nice yesterday, a moment just to unwind and be still. Thats what I needed. Suprisingly,I read my devotion this morning and it was about being busy and not taking time to be still.It said what the world needs is not more coffee breaks but more prayer breaks,and that prayer is rest. I now realize that I need more spiritual rest.Isaiah 40:31 says waiting on the lord gives strength. I sure need more of that. How about you? Psalm 46:10 says,Be still and know that I am God.....this by the way is not the first time the lord has showed me this.This is about the 3rd time in the last 5 weeks....I need to get the picture,now would be a good time.It sure does take lots of strength in this waiting process and with each step,I am sure you all can relate. Let's all remember to take the time to rest,it will make all the difference....By the way we are happy and thankful this morning to have moved to lucky number 7!!!!!!Gidget

One step closer,

Hey everyone.First of all,congrats to Candace and her family for their referral.Congrats to all families that will be traveling soon.
Today we are now to the number 8,how great!Every step is a big milestone in the adoption process.Tomorrow we send off our immigration paperwork,I hope all goes well.
It's late and everyone is sleeping and I am baking fall cupcakes!!! A way to top off the beginning of fall.This weekened we are going to a benefit dinner for our friends,a birthday and a hayride and cookout,WOW all in one weekend.Sounds like a way to start off fall of the year!! I can't wait till Maiya will be making cupcakes with us,maybe next fall? Well just a thought. I have lots of those here lately.I will try and post some pictures of our fall weekend asap.I just got to find my camera cord, oops!!Until more news,Gidget

Two Letters

Hey everyone! We are excited and happy to have recieved 2 letters from our sponsored child Shaba from India this week.I just got the second one out of the mailbox just about thirty minutes ago.I am smiling from ear to ear.It is great to hear that her and her family are doing well. She goes to school and has a pet goat. She is very good at drawing.
We are very blessed to be a sponsor for her.This has truly been a positive experience thus far.A eye opener and life changing toward so many things. We can't do everything but we can do something,I am so glad we as a family looked into our hearts to find how we could make a difference.I asked god to show us how we could make a difference and then we discovered Children International. I seen her picture and then I looked thru a little more.Something just drew me back to her picture,and it was like "You need to sponser her".So I made the decision,no doubts,and here we are in the sponsorhip program changing a life for the better. It is also changing our life for the better.I am so looking forward to meeting our sponsored child and her family,along with getting our precious "Maiya".I cannot imagine the feeling.
Congrats to the Werre family and all the others who will be leaving soon to get their children,best wishes and all things are possible with God. Until more news,Happy Day!!

Do you ever Wonder?

Wondering if she has been born,or if her birth mother is near the end of her pregnancy,maybe Maiya just came into the world recently,I wonder.How does her birth mother feel?
What has her birth mother told her,how many tears has she cried.How she has prayed,does she feel peace about giving her child to a place that can care for her?Does she know that she is doing a brave,wonderful thing? Will we pass her on the streets in India? I wonder. I wonder. Does she wonder about her daughter's future life? It is not a worry wonder,but a peaceful if that makes sense.
We ask the lord to watch over "Maiya" and her mother.For the lord to touch her birth mothers heart and to give her peace.What the birthmothers go thru is beyond words.They are doing a brave and unselfish thing.They are showing their love by giving their child a chance and so much more. I can't imagine what it takes,such a sacrifice,just as the lord made a sacrifice for us.
I know some things we will never have answers to,but that is the way it is meant to be.The lord knows exactly how much we need to know.Some things we just can't handle.I am glad there is one who watches over us and our daughter.So I guess some things will just stay in the wondering part of my heart.I will be so glad one day when we don't have to wonder when we will see our precious star,we one day will be holding her. Do you ever wonder? Gidget

MOVING TO # 9

Well hello everyone,there has been a referral gone thru,a BIG congrats to Amy and her husband!!! I guess we now are at the big number (9). Nine is great,that is the day of Adyn's birthday which was yesterday Sept.9, 9-9, how odd! It has been a little over a week since my surgery,and good news then we move! How great!
Shane was saying last week how I have had a surgery with every child we have had. He said "This one is for "Maiya"! Wouldn't it be something if our daughter was born on that day! 9-2 Oh well, it is just a thought..I wonder quite often when she will be born.Thanks lord for giving Amy and her husband a beautiful son, and for leading us one more move closer to "Maiya",now were moving!!! Until more good news,HAPPY DAY !!!! Gidget

Birthday Time and Updates on us...

Hello everyone,first let me say that we are happy for the movement that has been taking place,we hope that all goes well and fast for those patiently waiting to go get their children.It has been a week since my surgery and I am feeling better as each day goes.I am glad it does not take a hour to get in and out of bed,LOL that's how I know I am getting better! I got a sweet little gift from Shane and the boys after my surgery.It was a package of sweet little brown and pink onesies for "Maiya". They wanted to make me feel better,how sweet!! I am so blessed.

Adyn turns the BIG #3 today! Shane turns 30 tomorrow,I can't believe it.Where does time go?

In this adoption journey I sometimes think, Where is the next step? Is it anywhere? It doesn't feel like we are moving closer,but deep down in my heart I know we are. We are taking a journey and we all know journey's do not happen over night!The lord is leading and guiding us for I know,I feel so inpatient at times,but I am working on this! Please remind me kindly!Until more news on us, Happy blogging...

Thirsty?

Hello everyone,today is Tuesday,my surgery day. I haven't had anything to drink since about 10 p.m. last night when I took some medicine. Adyn and I was watching Bailey catch the bus this morning. This thought came into my mind,I was thinking how thirsty I was and how it would be so nice to have something to drink,just a sip of water would be nice , but I can't!
Then another thought, think of how children and families in other country's are so thirsty and they have to wait sometimes for days.Then another thought on a spiritual level,how people in other country's do not know who the lord is, and they are bound by things and wickedness,or simply just do not know.I think of how spiritually thirsty these people may be. How they thirst for a drink,thirst for food,thirst for family,thirst for love,thirst for peace,thirst for hope,thirst for health??? I think sometimes we forget, including myself the little blessings in life. Like WATER.
At the first of our adoption journey,I thought,we are adopting a child,the lord will let us be a family to her,give her love,teach her of the lord and how great that is. But, this morning I realized so much more.The lord is opening my eyes that this is more then a adoption.The lord wants us to see beyond adoption. It wasn't until now in this process that we are seeing so much more.As I was setting in the car watching the Bailey, I was also thinking of how people and children in other places are suffering from what I was at the time and that is thirst. The burden felt so heavy. Thank you lord for opening my heart this morning and showing me this.I have to say this is where my mind is this morning,I am not concerned with the surgery,the anxiety is gone.Thanks lord. What is your thirst level today?What are you thirsty for? I will talk to you all soon...Have a great day.Gidget

Flowers and Ours forever

This thought came to me yesterday as I was cleaning out my flower bed,I was kinda down since we had a not so good thing that happened yesterday on my dad's side of the family.I now realize after the lord give me this parable comparing the flowers and weeds to our lives and relation with god.
Comparing this to our relations with life and god,we all have to clean the weeds out daily so that our focus and relation with god can be clear.If we let our relationship go then weeds creep in and grow and get stronger,and we wonder sometimes why we don't see clear.It was after god revealed this to me that I had so much joy,peace and understanding. As I set this morning,it came to me that this revelation can go further. The children are the flowers just as we are.And the orphanage caretakers are plucking out the weeds as we wait to get our rosebuds. The weeds are things that the world causes: homelessness,lonliness,poverty,fatherless,motherless.But we as the families as we go on the journey of adoption, and as we go get each child we are cleaning and plucking out weeds of the child's life so they can grow in full bloom and have love ,and have a fulfilling life. The child will grow to be someone beautiful. I have never thought about it this way before,but I believe god wants us to know that we are clearing out the weeds that the world itself puts there,and we can only do this through his love,and guidance.
I can't wait till I see our picture of our little rose bud? I can't wait till we will plant wonderful memories in her life and what she will plant in ours!!!It is so exciting,isn't it?
Thank you god for speaking to my soul yesterday,for lifting me when I needed lifting and bringing this revelation in, more then 1 way.Praise the Lord.

Something that came to my husband last week was another revelation:
The lord has adopted us,he is our heavenly father,after we take on his name.And the sin was the orphanage,but we left it and now we have his name and we are his forever.Just as we are adopting a child,they are taking on our name and they are forever ours....how beautiful,the lord dropped this to my husband as we were driving down the road.We went to a couples house and he told our friends what god had showed him,the way he decribed it was so wonderful,I had tears in my eyes....I just had to share this with all of you and I hope it fills all of you with so much joy and peace as we all are patiently waiting,and also for those who have adopted,may the lord bless you all.....Happy Day!!!!!!

Up a notch to terrific #10!

Well another family has accepted a child,so now we are bumped up to #10!!! Every step we are closer to our precious "Maiya". It is so exciting when things progress. I guess we do need to get to filing for our fingerprints through the CIS, then all we need is a picture of our baby girl, then off to India. How exciting. I can't imagine what the other families our feeling who now have referrals! I hope those children are united with their families soon.
It is hot where we live today,it is 105 and humid,but still a pretty day. I have bought "Maiya" some cute dresses already, and other things. We buy something every now and then,so we won't have to get everything all at once. I think I am gonna do her room in pink and brown,any suggestions? My oldest son is off at a bible quiz tournamnent,he will be back Wed. or Thurs. I sure miss him. Our family is so excited that we have moved up, I hope things keep on making progress at a steady pace,until more news,just praying and waiting....Gidget

Moving to # 11

Well GREAT NEWS,moving right along at number 11. Things happen the way they do because there is a purpose behind it. Ecclesiastes 3:1. I was feeling a little anxious but I was reminded of Phillipians 4:6,7. I guess that anxiousness has dimmed down a little. It will all work according to his plan,the timing will be right.
The joy,faith,love,hope,peace,patience,longsuffering is what we definate practice while going through this wonderful experience. I hope all the children get to be united with there waiting families soon. Until more news and updates.... HAPPY HAPPY DAY to us all Shane,Gidget and the boys..

Influence?

Influence? A word that has so much meaning and can make such a impact whether it be positive or negative. How do others influence us? How do we influence our children,family,and friends and community and even strangers? Who has influenced you in your life? In what ways? This is really something to sink in and think about.I have to say that God,my parents, and a couple of families that me and my husband our close too. They go to our church.They are like family. That is what I was thinking,when we got asked this question in sunday school.
Then you think how do I influence my children and people all around me? How will we influence our adopted child on God and family life,what will they see so special about us as a family? What will she carry on as she grows up? We as parents deep inside wonder ,How will she or he adapt to us and what changes will we need to make?That is normal,and as long as we know that it will have some adjustments,but in a postive way. Afterall the plan is in god's hand and not everyone's plan is the same. I think it is meant for us to have different experiences so we have different influences. It would be pretty boring if we all did and acted the same and if we all had the same path of life. How would we learn?
How could we influence someone elses decision to adopt a needy orphan child? Sometimes adoptions may not always go as smooth as we want, sometimes life doesn't always go as planned. I think it is important for us as a family to try and keep a positive attitude about the process, we never know when we may have a influence on someone's decision or actions.
I hope that you find our page to be a positive influence in your life. There are bumpy roads at times but we are sure in the end it will be worth every piece of paperwork and waiting. I know that our boys have made a positive impact in our life and vise versa, it is exciting to think of the influence that our daughter will have on our family and many others that walk into her life and the influence that we will have. I hope that someday our story and our lives might be a positive influence in anothers life. While we are here on earth,god is writing our story.I want our story and lives to be a wonderful influence. Since we have begun the adoption process,I feel that now another chapter is being written.
Our circle of love is already growing,the love for her is here now all we need is our special daughter,until more news we are just praying and of course WAITING......

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ON THE LIST

Hello everyone,we just found out today that we are @ # 16 on the list! How wonderful. Shane and I and the boys are so happy. Have a great day.............................