Thursday, June 27, 2013

7 Quick Takes



1. I am now 26 weeks pregnant, which to some, means I'm in my 3rd trimester, and if not, I'm almost there anyway, so whatever, I'm almost 3rd trimester, or I already am, yeah. Here's a pic. 

2. It going to be 118° today. I'm done. 

3. The big girls had vbs this week. They enjoyed themselves, but came home each day super cranky. Will post pics later. 

4. The big girls are leaving this weekend on a trip with my friends. They were originally going with them because we were supposed to be in Eastern Europe, but they still offered to take them when that didn't happen. I'm so grateful for such sweet friends. My girls are going to have a blast. 

5. Our oldest turns 8 while she will be on the trip. I'm a little sad I'll miss her birthday, but glad she'll be doing something super fun to celebrate. 

6. I'm so tired...

7. I'm still on FB break, but I've been using Twitter a bit, and I still don't like it. Too much access to ignorance. I also have been lurking on some message boards on a pregnancy app, and those
people are just unbelievable. One lady tried to tell me that abortion needed to remain legal past 20 weeks because most women don't find out their babies have a disability until at least then. And also, that kids with Down syndrome are not adopted and end up living on the streets. I set her straight pretty fast. I can't handle the idiots on that app. Some day I'll do a post of some of the worst of the worst, and you will all weep for the future of this world. 

Happy weekend! If you're in Phoenix, stay inside!!!

Wednesday, June 26, 2013

118°

Pretty sure I won't live through the weekend. 

You can say your goodbyes now. 


Monday, June 24, 2013

Reassured

I went for my 25 week appointment today. Drank the bottle of room-temperature, flat and tinny tasting orange death, and listened to the sweet baby. Oh, and I've only gained 2 lbs this entire pregnancy. *pats self on back*

My doctor asked if I wanted to deliver at the hospital I delivered my last two babies at again. I told him that actually, I did not, and would rather deliver at the hospital I had the first two girls. I told him I was not happy with the way I was treated (which, he knew, I was just refreshing his memory) and I'd really like to be able to labor without having to fight with nurses trying to do things to me against my will. 

He agreed and said that it's a great hospital, but they're big on intervention, and the other hospital has a much more natural approach to childbirth, especially now that they have a lot of midwives there. Plus, it's closer to his office, and that's probably better too, since I have pretty fast births. 

So, I feel a lot more comfortable delivering at the hospital now. I'm thankful to have my mind at ease about the birth. 15 more weeks, give or take? This pregnancy is flying by. 

Quick prayer request, though: please pray I am able to go into labor on my own and have a safe and natural delivery. After my last birth experience, I'm really looking for a positive experience to make up for it.

 I am still praying for an Oct. 4th baby. :)

Thursday, June 20, 2013

7 Quick Takes


1. I am still on a Facebook break. Nothing new is really happening, and I'm enjoying the quiet. I'm not sure when I will come back yet. :)

2. Thank you to all who suggested things to watch last week. We ended up watching all of the Sherlock episodes (6), and really enjoyed them. But dang, why does the bbc insist on making all of us wait for shows for so long? Now I'm waiting on Sherlock, Downton, and Call the Midwife to come back. 
I didn't even realize Watson is Bilbo from The Hobbit until the last episode. I'm slow. And no, I do not find Benedict attractive. (Who was also in The Hobbit, but you didn't see his face in it.)

3. The 2 big girls have vbs next week. They're so excited, and I'm hoping they have a great time like they did last year! Our parish does such a great job with vbs. 

4. I am now 25 weeks pregnant and I'm struggling a bit with the idea of another hospital birth. I respect my doctor so much, and have been going to him for over 8 years, but I am not sure I can handle another hospital birth where he will likely miss it anyway, and having the possibility of getting nurses who will not listen to my wishes, and end up with yet another birth that makes me angry just to think about. So, I've been researching birth centers and have decided that I will either procede with a hospital birth, but I will put my mean girl hat on, or step out of my comfort zone and do the birth center. 

5. This heat is killing my energy level. I had just recovered from being fatigued by the first trimester, and now the heat is doing it to me again. 

6. We will be submitted to "Colton's" country within the next couple weeks, this process is dragging on and on, but I am glad we're almost there. 

7. Man, this was a boring quick takes!! Sorry! Happy weekend! Can you believe it's almost July???

Saturday, June 15, 2013

On Catholic Community

Let me first start out by saying that I love the Catholic Church. The beauty and truth it holds will never cease to amaze me. I know I belong within the Church.

I also love the community it comes with. Amelia's school has a beautiful community, and I love it. The families I have met from our parish and the school are completely wonderful, and I value our growing friendships.

That all said, we are missing something, friends. While we have a beautiful community, it is not a strong community. Parishes know this. Pastors know this. Some of us know this. But do we do anything about it? Are we willing to put ourselves out there and take a meal to a new mother? Are we willing to come over and do laundry for a family just because? Are we willing to bend over backwards for a family trying to live God's Word and make ourselves uncomfortable in order to benefit someone else? Do we rally behind families going through a tough time, or do we just send a card or some flowers and feel done? Do we get up early on a weekend and pray outside of an abortion clinic? Do we go to a food bank on Thanksgiving and volunteer? Do we offer to watch a mother's kids so she can go to the dentist or even just go to the store alone? Do we pop in for a visit when we know a family is down and out and lend a shoulder to cry on or help with something around the house? Do we make an effort to spend time with other families to build a closer bond?

Some of these things, sure. I know many faithful Catholics that do. But I also feel like there is a limit. We do one thing and feel good about that for a month or two and don't feel the need to reach out anymore. We put ourselves in our own little comfort zone and only step out about half way and then we retreat.

We use excuses like, "I have enough on my plate with my own family," "I don't have the money to do anything of value for someone in need," "I don't have time," "I have already made a meal for a family this month," "I'm busy," "I'm tired," "I.... I.... I.... I..."

Now here's where I'm going to get controversial. The Mormon Church does not have this problem. I know some people think they are TOO involved, that they are trying to keep you in their Church by constantly involving themselves in your life... Well, yeah... they are, I assume. But is that a bad thing? Is it a horrible thing to have someone pop in and check on you, pray with you, read scripture with you, maybe wash your dishes, or something like that? Is it such a bad thing that if you are stuck in another country you know that the community would move mountains to make sure you are taken care of? If you were about to lose your house, to be provided for? If you needed a break, a lending hand? If you are struggling through an adoption and they are there to rally, listen, and work out a solution?

There is likely a happy medium between the Mormon community and what the Catholic community should be. Catholics do so much charity work, but we need to be more personal. We need to force ourselves to get to know those in our community. We need to provide for the people in our community that legitimately need us. We need to take care of our own.

We also need to look within ourselves and ask what we can do for someone else. On a weekly basis, at least. And we need to ask for help when we need it. We not only have to help people, we have to accept help.

I know many Catholics that are wonderful at this sort of thing. Many of us, including myself, are not great at it. But if we were all putting forth an effort to build a stronger community, our Church would blossom into something even more beautiful, because we have the Truth. Jesus wants us to succeed and He wants us to do his work, and I believe His work includes having a strong community.

I love our Church. But it makes me feel very alone.

Society is falling apart at the seams. But our community could flourish and grow stronger with just a few simple acts of kindness and general concern for our brothers and sisters in Christ.

Photobucket

Friday, June 14, 2013

7 Quick Takes


1. I'm doing this from my phone, because this weather has me feeling totally lazy, so excuse my lack of fancy formatting, please. 


2. I am taking a break from FB. I do this every so often, and I've really needed it for a long time. Some ridiculous drama pushed me over the edge, so I'll be back once I can wipe the permanent scowl off of my face. Ain't nobody got time for that. 


3. I accidentally deleted a ton of my blog comments yesterday. Anyone know if there's a way I can fix it? I'm really bummed they're gone. 


4. Kyle's FBI approval came yesterday. They were shipped off to DC today to be apostilled, and will head off to Colton's country with a traveling family next week! These were our last 2 pieces of paperwork, so we should be submitted by the end of the month!!


5. Let me tell you, the team that works their tails off for these babies is amazing. I am so happy to have them helping us along the way. 


6. We went to a splash pad the other day and 2 of the kids didn't even want to play in the water! It was so hot, but I wore jeans, as usual, so I can't complain much. We still had fun. 


7. Any suggestions on shows or movies to watch on Netflix or amazon? I've pretty much run out. I tried watching a random movie the other day and it was so tacky and vulgar, I felt like I wasted my evening. I've already watched Downton Abbey, Call the Midwife, Castle, and I'm watching the Bachelorette (I know, I know). Maybe I should force myself to read a book. Lol. 

Happy Father's Day weekend. Kiss those daddies and thank them for all the hard work they do!

Friday, June 7, 2013

7 Quick Takes Friday




--- 1 ---

We had a great week up in here!! We got our USCIS approval and my FBI clearance. We are waiting on Kyle's' FBI clearance, and then we will be DONE. HEAR THAT??? DONE with our dossier. OMG I can't believe this is happening and that it's almost done.


--- 2 ---

Today is our Charlotte's 2nd birthday. She is a spitfire, for sure. She demands what she wants, and she is a total momma's girl. But she is my snuggle bug, and our life would be pretty boring without her. Love my crazy girl! :)



--- 3 ---

I have had to switch my list making to winter gear, instead of summer, since that's when we will travel, and it is HARD for this desert girl, let me tell you! I did pick out some boots that I think will be perfect, and I already have a coat, so, a few more necessities, like a hat and a scarf and I should be good to go. I also need to figure out what to get for "Colton" and the new baby, to keep them warm enough too. It's going to be COLD when we are there!

I wanted to get something like this for "Colton," but I'm assuming that his country may not think it's as hilarious as I do...



--- 4 ---

Today is National Donut Day, or something, so I took all the girls to Krispy Kreme and we got 5 free donuts! Yummy!



--- 5 ---

If anyone is looking for an infant carseat, I have an adorable one for sale. I can't seem to sell ANYTHING on Craig's List lately, and it's really frustrating!


--- 6 ---

Please pray for sweet Dwija, who is going through something very difficult. I love this girl so much, even though I haven't met her in person, and I am so saddened that she is going through something so scary with her pregnancy.

--- 7 ---

Iris is an amazing girl with an amazing grant who NEEDS an amazing family to step up and bring her home!!

Happy weekend!
For more Quick Takes, visit Conversion Diary!
Photobucket

Tuesday, June 4, 2013

Today!

Today was such a great day for our adoption progress!!!

I woke up this morning and checked our fsp. The check we were waiting on posted and we are officially fully funded!!!


Then, I got a call from our awesome stateside coordinator saying we were USCIS approved!!!

Then, I checked the mail and my FBI clearance had come!!!!

But, Kyle's didn't. That's ok, I'm hoping it comes this week. Then we have the apostilles to get and we can send it off to be submitted!!! 

I can't believe how this has all gone down. This process has been a series of miracles. Nothing else can explain it all. 

It was hard getting this far. And it'll be hard from here on, too. But, I know I can trust that The Lord will bless us as long as we are following Him. 

I am so grateful for all of you. 

Emotional support. 
Friendship.
Yard sales. 
Prayers. 
Fundraisers. 
Strangers. 
Donors. 

We love all of you, from the bottom of our hearts. We thank you for blessing us on this journey.  

Disney Winners!!!

The time has come, my lovely friends, to draw the winners of our Happiest Place Giveaway!!!!

I will be drawing the names by using Random.org.

Out of 637 entries, the winner of the...


iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiis.......... Hansina!!

The winner of the...


iiiiiiis.... The Sheffield Family!!

The winner of the...

iiiiiiiiiis... Kelly Lee!!!

And, the moment we've all been waiting for!!

The grand prize winner of the...

is...... Cathy O'Grady!!!!



Congratulations! I am so grateful not only to all of you that donated, but those of you who put out an effort to share our story! We were blessed with these prizes by a wonderfully generous donor, and we couldn't be more thankful for all of you!

Thank you for being a part of bringing "Colton" home!!


*Winners have 1 week to contact me before I will draw new winners.*



Photobucket