suziandben

Congratulations to the new family and prayers of healing for this baby's first family. Suzi and Ben

We met a gal who is a distant relative recently. She is a newlywed and her husband has two very young children from a prior marriage. They showed us their "unity sand" from their wedding. It's a pretty glass lidded vase with 4 colors of sand in it. As part of their wedding ceremony the bride, groom and two kids each had a different color of sand which they poured into the vase. Once poured in of course the colors run together and cannot be separated (very easily) and make a very pretty kaleidascope (? spelling). She said this had a big impact on the children - that they've commented after the fact about the unity sand and what it means. I thought this would make for a great adoption idea. Thought I'd share it in case others might like the idea. This gal indicated that the vase and sand all came from Michaels craft store. Suzi

I for one love seeing your updates - so keep em coming. Suzi

So glad to hear you've got one more behind you, Rebecca - I'm sure you look gorgeous - wig / hat / commando Still Cheering you on in your journey, Suzi & Ben

Glenn, We send our love and prayers your way, hoping you find peace and comfort through this difficult time. Suzi & Ben

And we were almost Baldies. We are accountants and it took precious time (of which we had none) during March to get our application done (fortunately in this case we started our adoption journey 5 years ago so we are seasoned form filler outers) and then we had only 10 days notice to get travel arrangements made to get to stickyback orientation. But I think it all worked out as it should. Perhaps if you had gone to orientation sooner, you would have gone to the dr sooner and they would not have found the lump in your tummy. And from someone who has experienced some speed bumps along the road (see last paragraph about the whole 5 year thing) I'm so glad to get to know you since we missed each other at orientation. I'll be cheering you on in your journey so definitely keep us posted. And actually now that I see you are in St Louis. We should get together!!!! Ben flies to St Louis for work 2 to 3 times a year. He is going in October. I may be going with him in January. OOOOO I've been so jealous of all the abrazo aps that get to meet up and we are all the way out here by our lonesome in <Beautiful> Oregon. This is very exciting to think we might be able to meet up. Hugs, Suzi

Rebecca, I'm getting chills (the good kind). That is amazing. I think you're right - without the adoption physical, who knows. You surely have some extra special angel(s) watching over you and helping you to be totally healthy for when your family grows someday. Sending prayers your way. I'm sure it's totally frustrating. Thanks for posting and letting us be there for you. Lots of love, Suzi & Ben

"Get on your knees as though it's all up to the Lord, get off your knees as though it's all up to you." and "When life gets too hard to stand, kneel"

Congratulations to the newest family and prayers for the first family. (where's the placement photo?) Suzi and Ben

Congratulations and blessings to all! Suzi and Ben

I think you're probably best to ask Angela regarding the application. In terms of home study - get going as soon as you can - its a huge process and as soon as you are done with orientation if you have your home study done you can start talking to birth parents right away rather than waiting (sometimes months) for your home study to get done. Best wishes in relocating and as you continue to move forward. Suzi

Jessika you are truly AMAZING! Our prayers are with you today and always. congratulations to the whole new family. Suzi and Ben

I agree that was a fun week - the abrazo chicks must be exhausted - but what a fun week for the rest of us spectators. Suzi

Congratulations and prayers to all including the wonderful first families.

Wow I was just reading posts the other night...thinking we sure need a "forum for dummies" book that would answer those questions such as: was the missing merritt ever found etc? so glad that i stumbled onto these postings today. YEAH!! CONGRATULATIONS MERRITT FAMILY and sending lots of love to a very special birthmama. ben & suzi

My heart is full of praise today for a great friend. I asked my friend to climb Mt shasta with me and she was such a huge champion and support. then I found out that this week was the 5th anniversary of her first day clean and sober. WOW is all I can say that she would spend her "anniversary" celebrating with me. She shared with me reservations that many have about her because of her "past" - I look at her, her wonderful personality, her goodness and all that she is today and thank my heavenly father for the gift of her friendship.