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Lisa, You are not crazy...just on top of things. I usually pick up on the "mysterious and cryptic" posts, but I didn't catch Tricia's. Although it could be that when I sat down to look at the forum I started with most recent posts instead of going in order like I usually do. So, some of the "hints" you mentioned I haven't read yet. Hmmmm....can't wait to hear the news! Susan

BTW Sabrina, we missed you in the Chat Room last night. Melissa and Martha were as crazy as ever!

Amy, Two words for you...plastic eggs! Ok, so I have a few more words ...you are a great mom and you have A LOT on your plate. Your posts wear me out some times just reading about all you do! Don't be so hard on yourself, let a few things go (something I too have a hard time with, but I'm getting there and it's a liberating thing!!) Hang in there! You too, Sabrina! I am in awe of you. You are a great mommy and it shows. Your boys are wonderful. Are there any men in your church who could help out with some of the projects around home. Maybe you could help start a ministry for single moms...okay, not that you need one more thing to do. Feel free to vent anytime...that's what we're here for. Susan

Jean, I LOVE IT!! Susan If you want to add an "S" to ROCK, you could say... Strangers no more, families forever Or something like that!

I remember Ashley Wilder saying Diana was without internet connection...I guess I assumed that meant her mom (Texas Leather) was without also. I'm sure Ashley could tell us more when she's over strep.

While orientation was a wonderful weekend and the beginning of an incredible journey, I remember feeling so overwhelmed. I honestly did not know if I would have the strength to do it!! I remember laying in our hotel bed Saturday night, and I was terrified with all the "what ifs." I told my husband that it was scaring me to death...that I would be okay once we were matched with the right birthmom and dealing with "known" stuff--regardless of what the stuff was--but all the possible unknowns and possibilities were overwhelming me. Praise the Lord for Larry's wisdom and support, the wonderful ladies at Abrazo, and the ever faithfullness of God that saw us through the knowns and unknowns and brought us the most precious gift ever...our son and his wonderful birthfamily!! It is a journey of faith, but faith will be rewarded with sight! It's not IF, but WHEN!

Yeah!!! Another cute Abrazo baby for the Memphis area! We're taking over!! Congratulations to the newest mom and dad! And hugs and kisses for your precious daughter! Susan Dyanna, Sorry I didn't get to meet you today at lunch, but I'm guessing you're not sorry! What a great reason to miss!

Debra, Sorry, I missed this post and therefore didn't reply...Well, my fingerprints still didn't completely scan, but the girl said they would match it up with the first ones and be able to use that???? I don't have a clue how that works, but she seemed to. Anyway, we should know in a couple of weeks. We are about 90% done with our home study. We've had the physicals and need to get a few more forms in. Then we can be approved, and they can start showing our profile. Our profile...well, first we need to update it, add pictures, etc. Although I'd rather use the ones from five years ago, I have aged slightly and don't want to be deceptive! It's going to be hard to find pictures of me and Larry together and ones without Joshua in them!! We may have to stage some! I'll keep you all posted! But I'm preparing myself to "hurry and WAIT." It'll be a pleasant surprise if things move quickly. Susan

His results were mailed directly to the local agency we are working with. Although, I'm not sure exactly when they got them, I know our social worker had them when she came for our home visit which was 13 days after he was "scanned" at Identix. I'm going tomorrow to have mine rescanned...I hope it works this time. I have been using lotion like crazy!!

triciamom, Thanks for the suggestion. I will definitely try that...sure don't want it taking 6-8 weeks!!

We live just across the state line in Mississippi now, but my husband and I went to Identix in Memphis to be fingerprinted for our current home study. My prints, however, could not be read!! My hands are so dry from always washing them, that they were too light. Bummer! I'm supposed to go and try again, but if that doesn't work, I 'll be doing it the old way which could take awhile. I too wonder why they can't just run our prints from when we adopted the first time. It's not like they've changed or anything! Good luck to all!

That one bothers me because it makes all bps sound irresponsible. It also reminds me of what Elizabeth said at orientation...a lot of birthmoms are on birth control. It's not 100%. Also, as we experience infertility, some women experience hyper-fertility, and they can get pregnant even on birth control.

Melissa, That is too precious!

How cool! I actually know this family. She is my cat's vet and a wonderful person. I think it is so wonderful how God leads, opens, and closes doors in all of our adoption journeys. He knows the plans He has for each of us and is MORE THAN ABLE to bring His plans to pass.

Not to add fuel to the fire, but I prefer to type 'birthparent' b/c it looks more appealing to the eye. I just don't care to use the abbrevations that refer to body functions...something strange but as a nurse, it wigs me out, . Also one thing to ponder is these are our children's birthparents not our birthparents. Yes, these precious souls are like angels to us b/c they have allowed us to become parents, but they are not our birthparents....does that make sense. Just something to think about..... 25429[/snapback] Amy, I agree...I always try to refer to my son's birthmom as "my son's birthmom." She isn't MY birthmom because she didn't give birth to me.. Also, I don't know if Elizabeth or a birthmom mentioned on the forum a long while back that the abbreviation BP is offensive to some birthmothers because of exactly what Laurie was thinking!!

Debra, What an inspiring post! Congratulations on such a great visit with Samantha's birthfamily. (And your little girl is walking now...watch out! ) When the four of us (me, Larry, Joshua, and J's birthmom) would go out in public in San Antonio after Joshua was born, several people commented on what a precious baby and asked whose he was. Joshua's birthmom was always quick to point to me and Larry and say, "he's theirs," which at the time I thought was so sweet and so affirming. Now I wish I had been wise and "enlightened" enough to say, "He's ours" for all three of us. Although none of us "own" Joshua, he definitely has some of me, Larry, and both of his wonderful birthparents. He would not be who he is without all of us, and that makes me so proud!! Kristal, As always, thanks for sharing...and giving us all something to think about! Hope you are doing okay. Sending a hug your way. Susan

What tragic news. My prayers are definitely with this family for their loss.

Congratulations! Can't wait to hear all about your experiences as a mom to two girls!! Happy, Happy Thanksgiving!

Yeah!!!! I have practically been holding my breath waiting to read this post! I am so excited for you guys! Sweet dreams tonight (if you sleep that is! )

Marleygirl and mom2be, You are in my prayers. Our church has begun housing evacuees. Today I talked with a precious 75 year old woman who has lived in New Orleans her entire life. She lost her home of 52 years--the place where she raised her three children--her furnishings, her cars, and all of her belongings except the clothes on her back and two additional outfits. She and her husband survived as well as her children and grandchildren. They are grateful to be alive but devastated by the loss. All I could do was listen to her story and pray with her. Their lives will never be the same, but I pray the Lord will restore to them 10-fold what they lost as he did with Job in the Bible.

Brenda, Mike, and Gabe...Congratulations and Praise the Lord! What an answer to prayer!

Amen Feeling Blessed! That was awesome...thanks for sharing! Susan P.S. It was so great to meet you and your husband and your precious girls!! See you next year!

Awesome idea! My brother, who works for FedEx and has travelled internationally a lot, gave us his miles to fly to San Antonio both for orientation and to be there when our son was born. He even upgraded us to first class to bring our son back home to Memphis...nothing but the best for his nephew! What a great uncle he was and continues to be!

Inspired by Melissa Merritt to think of ways I could save money toward our next adoption, I began praying about getting involved in a home-based business. I already work about 4-6 hours a week from home editing and writing for my church, but I wondered if there was more I could do. About two months ago I found out about a company called Noah’s Ark Animal Workshop, and I knew I had the answer to my prayer. It is a similar concept to “Build-a-Bear” in the mall, but the workshops take place in homes, at schools, corporate events, birthday parties, etc…wherever children are. The cool thing is that it comes to you instead of you having to go to the mall (with a carload or two of rambunctious children). The animals and outfits are so cute, and the children have a lot of fun stuffing and dressing them, making a wish on a “rainbow wish star” and putting it in the animal, and naming their new friend. I ordered my starter kit and some inventory and got started last week. It is so much fun!! I am so glad I found this fun and unique business opportunity to help us continue saving towards adopting again! (If anyone wants more information, feel free to PM me.)

Congratulations!! Yeah!