Adam & Beth
-
Posts
5,075 -
Joined
-
Last visited
-
Days Won
2
Content Type
Profiles
Forums
Gallery
Events
Posts posted by Adam & Beth
-
-
What do you need to do, to renew your inner spirit and to catch a fresh wave of enthusiasm about your own life and your personal relationship with your Creator?
For me, it's simple: Prayer. I pray. GOD listens. GOD Speaks. I listen (well, hopefully I listening
). I may not literally hear his words, but I know his power and grace and I know that he can get me through anything. I know he speaks to my soul. It is a continuing faith journey and open communication with God that will get me over a hurdle and 'recharge' my batteries. God is good all the time. 
I don't really feel I can force the rejuvenation, I just have to let it happen. Sometimes its harder than others, but everytime it does happen.Peace,
-Adam
-
Wasn't really sure which place to put this so thought I'd try here (feel free to move it if it should go somewhere else)
I got this in an email today and thought I'd share:
A fifth grade teacher in a Christian school asked her class to look at TV commercials and see if they could use them in some way to communicate ideas about God.
GOD is likeBayer Aspirin
He works miracles
GOD is like
Coca-Cola
He's the REAL THING
GOD is like
Hallmark Cards
He cares enough to send HIS very best
GOD is like
Tide
He gets the stains out that others leave behind
GOD is like
General Electric
He brings Good Things to Life
GOD is like
Sears
He has Everything
GOD is like
Scotch Tape
You can't see Him, but you know he's there
GOD is like
Allstate
You're in Good Hands with HIM
GOD is like
Dial Soap
Aren't you glad you Have him? Don't you wish everybody did?
GOD is like
The U.S. Postal Service
Neither rain, no snow, nor sleet, nor ice will keep him from HIS appointed destination
(Hopefully he's moving faster than the delivery of AFFINITY
)GOD is like
Maxwell House
Good to the very last drop
GOD is like
Bounty Paper Towels
He's the quicker-picker-upper, can handle tough jobs, and won't fall apart on you
-
This is definitely a whirlwind, just like ours! I am so happy for you, Joe and Kim! It is 3 girls and 3 boys for the H3's. Our blessings are with you and the birthfamily.
Love, Cheers, Hugs
Rhonda, Kody, and Logan
Very cool. Would love to see three more Whirlwinds happen for our group
-
You're probably right. TMZ is most likely looking for snark rather than seriousness. And there's nothing like a bit of intelligence to ruin the troglodytes' party!
troglodytes = A person considered to be reclusive, reactionary, out of date, or brutish.
Now that I looked that up, GREAT WORD!!! I will have to remember it for further use!
When I saw it I remembered back (WAYYYY back) from my early youth a monster when we played Dungeons & Dragons called a Troglodyte.So, I go do a quick Wikipedia search and sure enough, underneath the standard definition they too have a:
Troglodyte (Dungeons & Dragons), a race of humanoid monsters in the Dungeons & Dragons roleplaying game.
how funny and retro -
HALLELUIA!
Abrazo passed its annual, unannounced Licensing inspection today with flying colors.
Thanking God for a great staff, great clients, great cases and today's perfect score!
And speaking as a client, we Too are glad everything went smoothly
(not that we ever had any doubts that you gals wouldn't have everything in order)
Congrats on passing your annual inspection.
-A
-
Feeling comfortable in your place of worship is important. Glad you found a new place that works for you.
Peace,
Adam
-
"Stamp that envelope and send in that inquiry asap!!!"
We've now done that a second time. First time is was sent on 3/31/07 via Certified mail and was never received. Second time was sent 4/25/07 and was received by Abrazo this week. Now, just anxiously awaiting approval for the next step.
Did I say ANXIOUSLY?
Okay, I'm trying to be patient. . .
Cathy Hendricks
Best of luck to you Cathy (and Brian). Hope you get that call saying (like the words of The Price is Right)
"COME ON DOWN! -- You're the next PIW for Orientation Weekend"
-A
-
Granted, there may be some who doubt in the power of prayer. But for those in Forumland who do believe and who have been sending up prayers for a certain H3 (Happy Holiday Hopefuls, 12/06) couple over these past few days, that particular couple would like to thank you with a big 'ole hug... except their arms are full of baby boy, right now!
One week ago, they were still grappling with the question of whether to throw in the towel on a match with a birthmother who seemed to elude all their efforts at contact. Two days ago, they were suddenly summoned to a local hospital to join her for the birth, only to be confronted by contentious birthrelatives determined to disrupt her loving plan for her child. One day ago, those birthrelatives showed up at Abrazo to launch their protest, while the "missing birthfather" was found at the hospital, of all places! Yet today, buoyed by the power of your prayers, all the pieces came together at once, the heavens moved, the birthparents completed relinquishment together, and one previously childless couple became parents, for the first time! Blessings upon this tiny guy, and all who love him.
And all the people said... Amen!
I can only imagine all the extra stress (as if a placement is not stressful (and joyous) enough). So glad to hear everything worked out. Congrats E&G!
-
It is always wonderful to hear about new families being formed.
May God Bless you all and watch over you and the birthfamily,
Adam
-
You are correct, Adam. It can be done!
Have a good day-
Rhonda
I was wondering if you might see that post
I thought you might be willing to share but I certainly didn't want to volunteer you as a reference. Thanks Rhonda. It's great to have a community of friends and resources here to learn from their experiences. -
So am I assuming if someone got a BOG call you would have to update your homestudy before running to Texas? How would that work if you had to be there right away?
Just wondering
Thank you for all the responses. It clears up alot of my questions.
Heather
I believe someone recently actually had to go to Texas for the birth, then one (or both) of them flew back to their home state for the social worker interview, then immediately flew back to Texas. So, technically, everything was done prior to placement. I imagine it was an expensive process in having to take quick flights out and back, but it Can be done.
-
Thanks Kathy. Very useful research & quote.
-
I have a question about home study updates. I have gotten so many different answers that I'm confused. We live outside Texas and in our state a home study last for 12 months. Do we have to go by the laws of our state or Texas requirements. What are the Texas requirements? For some reason I am not able to find that information here on the forum.
Could anyone help me?
Much appreciated!
Heather
I'm no legal expert, but it is my understanding (please double check with Angela @ Abrazo) that everything goes by the Texas statues because the baby is born in Texas.
I know in our case, our homestudy was good by Tennessee standards for 12 months, but we must go by Texas standards which is that it is good for 6 months and must include a homestudy visit within 30 days of placement. So, we are in the process of a homestudy update to keep things current by Texas standards. All we have pending is our final homestudy visit which will be within the next couple of weeks to ensure we make the 30 day time period.
-A
-
Congratulations Stephen, Jessica and baby Caroline
-
That gallery picture of the new happy family is just great
-
I have just gotten home from El Paso helping make a brand new set of parents dreams come true. I am truly blessed to have been a part of such a wonderful beginning for two great people and also to witness the selflessness of two other wonderful souls. This little girl is truly a miracle to all involved and she is loved by many. Congratulations to Andy and Ewa and baby girl Lilly Cate. And thinking of the wonderful birthparents that I had the privilege to get to know.
Mona
Thanks for all that you do for us PIW's Mona. We really appreciate it.
-A
-
Would I like to have it all - yes - but knowing now what we know - they are both just equally incredible!
Just one perspective
It's always good to get different perspectives. Thanks for sharing. Every experience with a child is a blessing.
-
Just lifting a praise as I learned last night that my cousin Bob, who has spent the last 4 years in Iraq (as a Marine doing special operations tours), is FINALLY HOME (US) and can now retire from the Corps, finish school, etc. He was often gone for a couple weeks at a time where he could not communicate with anyone from the field so it was very stressful for his family.
Prayers for all our soldiers, May they all stay safe
-A
-
Exactly... One of our greatest concerns with adopting a toddler is what has that child already experienced and what has he or she already been molded into........
Good post Claudia. By age 3, they have been 'molded' into a lot but are still very young and can be molded/taught into something else. In addition to being okay with having not been the one to previously teach that todler, It is a definite another dynamic to consider.
Every relationship takes time to build. Some relationships start later than others.
-
The difference is that three-year-olds can better communicate their joy and amazement, and witnessing that can indeed be a gift in itself that the baby experience doesn't offer.
Sorry Gang, long post....
This post is just my observation. I believe these toddler children are deserving of loving parents and a good home and I truly hope they find one soon.
In filling out our applications for Abrazo, there were areas regarding race, gender, age, and ethnicity of the children. Hopefully we all gave the time and consideration to each area and made the decision we were most comfortable with for ourselves.
Adopting todlers in comparison to adopting infants adds some complexity to the situation. It may be right for some and not for others. No judging here. Everyone has to decide for themselves what they want. In an adoption journey it is important to keep your mind open and yourself 'flexible' for various types of situations, but likewise it is important that you make the 'right' decision for yourself as to what will make you happy.
As you may have read in some of my other posts, we have a 3yr old niece, Lily, who has lived with us for a good portion of her life. She is truly a joy (yeah, even when she "acts three"
). We have been blessed to play such an active role in her life. As with any particular age group, there are general characteristics to associate with that age such as ability to walk, talk, communicate, learning patterns, socialization traits,etc. It has been wonderful seeing her grow and learn through the years. It will be wonderful seeing her grow and learn in the years to come as well as seeing the joy she brings to her mother and family.But, something to keep in mind as a PIW is the that as a first time parent, if one was to adopt a toddler instead of an infant, is that there are things that we would miss. There is a lifetime of love and discovery still to come but nevertheless, there are somethings we would not get to experience firsthand. So, that's something to consider when making a big decision such as this.
The PIW has missed the opportunity to carry a biological child. Now they must ask themselves if they are okay in missing many of the "firsts". First smile, first sleepless night, first feedings, first crawling, first walking, first talking, etc.. Relatively speaking, 3 years is such a small percentage of the child's life, but in that small time, a lot does happen.
So, it can be a difficult choice for PIWs who may have already felt 'cheated' by not getting to experience some things in building their family. It can be a difficult decision, when given a choice, to decide if they wish to possibly give up even some more of those very early childhood (aka "baby") experiences.
I think it has been said well here though that a toddler too can bring such joy to a family just waiting for that special someone. Looking at all the good things to come will easily outnumber the things 'missed', but it doesn't mean that you might not wish to have the opportunity to experience those with your child. So, I likewise understand why it could become harder to make the choice to adopt children as they become older.
There is not a single right or wrong in this situation. As stated above, it is a personal choice and you have every right to make that choice. Just be sure you consider all angles/issues.
Whatever one chooses, I just hope that God blesses you and guides you and your family throughout your life together.
-A
-
meaning the baby will be young enough to have been a grandchild... confusing enough for you?!
Not really. I am older than Catherine's birthgrandmother.
Should I be confused??
I have a couple of friends who were born so much later than their their older siblings that they have Nieces/Nephews that are as old & even older than they are.
-
I took Lily to help Beth set up for a retreat about a 2 weeks ago. On stage, she saw a cross and smiled. We asked her if she knew what it was.
She said "Uh Huh, it's a cross."
We said "do you know who was on the cross?"
She said: "Uh Huh. Jesus!"
We asked why Jesus was on the cross... "Because He LOVES us!"
For a 3 1/2 year old, she's coming along just fine
She's really enjoying children's choir too though we'll just say the tone & pitch still need a little work
(of course coming from me, I have NO room to talk about singing abilities )-A
-
It really is wonderful to see families being put together
Congratulations to this and all families that have been joined through adoption.
-A
-
GOOD FRIDAY (literally) Everyone!
This thread seems too quiet. Perhpas we just don't have many Catholics on the forum or perhaps they wish to keep their religious thoughts to themselves (which of course is perfectly fine).
I am Catholic though since being married, I primarily go to Methodist church with Beth. I believe the most important thing overall (for us) is to raise the child in a Christian environment and to go to church as a family.
Our child will be shown the Catholic faith, but will likely grow up in the Methodist church. So, I guess he or she won't officially be "raised Catholic".
I love the rich traditions of the Catholic Church and stable format of Mass. Our church family & friends though are where we have been attending church for the last 10 years (or in Beth's case, her whole life)--it's also where Beth works full time.
My nephew is going through the sacrament of First Communion and Reconciliation soon. His mother is Presbyterian and that is where is primary exposure has been. It will likely be difficult for him before long to decide which path he wishes to take (confirmation through the Catholic church or to become a member of the Presbyterian church).
I can tell you that my Priest back home, Father Tommy, is pulling and praying for us in our Adoption pursuit.
Wishing Everyone a Very Happy Easter!
-A
Baby Announcements 2007
in New Arrivals
Posted
Congratulations Lisa to you & all your family, and may the birthmother of your child find much peace in her decision