Help

We are in need of some help. Our home visit with our social worker is coming up in the next week and we are seriously unsure about what we need to do. I know all home study agencies and social workers are different;however, surely some things are the same across the board. Please let me know what to expect and any advice all of you out there have to offer.

Oh, and here is the picture of the kids' room I promised.

It is hard to see but the curtains, sheets, and duvet covers are all gingham. The curtains are covered with gingham stars. The dog picture on the wall hung in Ty's nursery. We might have to change to cribs later but we will see...

I almost forgot! We are minus one bathtub but we have a floor. Maybe Ty will write about the adventures...


Jennifer

A Day for Me

Today I took a day just for myself...and a little for our future children.

My monthly bookgroup meeting was last night in Birmingham. We had a great time. We play Dirty Santa at our Christmas gathering every year. I think I came out on top. After a bit of whining, Lorrin let me keep the apron that says "My bookgroup can beat up your bookgroup." How cool is that? Melody gets the prize for bringing the Dirty Santa present.

I used my bookgroup meeting as an excuse to spend the night with my mother-in-law and take a day off from school. I am not one to miss school. I have about 90 something sick days saved up. As all of you teachers out there know, it is harder to miss work than it is to be there. Sadly, I found out when I got home this afternoon that my sub never showed up. I hate that because I see those 17 babies as my own. It bothers me that their day was most likely quite stressful... Uncertainty to a young child is no bueno. There is no telling what they had to do.... I guess I will find out on Monday.

On a lighter note, until the BAD news, I had a GREAT day. I had entirely too much fun at Pottery Barn Kids. I lost track of how long we were there. A few weeks ago we painted the room a beautiful green called "lettuce." Then, my mother-in-law found an awesome green rug with off-white stars on it. Then, today my parents went all out for their first grandchild. They bought the cutest green gingham curtains and duvet covers, sheers with gingham stars, and blue gingham sheets. When it all arrives I will post pictures. Other than my serious lack of design talent - this is fun. Also, since I also am completely unable to make a decision on my own - thanks Jan and Mom for all the advice.

Finally, this week our social worker sent out surveys to our parents and friends who are giving us recommendations. I read the first one last night. She summed Ty up brilliantly. It is so interesting to read what other people see as your strengths and weaknesses. You all are so kind... This process has caused me to think about myself more than anything I have ever done. I wish all parents had to go through this....

Yes...We are still alive

If those of you who check our blog are still out there....
Yes, we are still here.


In the 75 degree December warmth.
All of you with the cute pictures of your children in the snow...I'm jealous.

I am not the writer in our family but he is a chef and it is DECEMBER. I haven't really seen him in weeks. I think he has worked 30 something straight days now. I am not nearly as humorous or well-spoken; however, by reading others I have begun to realize how important this blog is, so...I am going to give it a shot.

Over the past few months I have learned so much from reading all the blogs out there. Sometimes I sit and cry as I read the stories of unconditional love. Adoption is truely not for the fainthearted. God bless all of you.

We have a change to post. I know there is uncertainty in international adoption but the uncertainty in Kazakhstan is too much for us. When we originally decided to adopt we could not decide between Ethiopia and Kazakhstan. All we knew was that we want to adopt siblings. We decided on Kazakhstan but have just this week changed our minds. We have now settled on Ethiopia and are thrilled. We are still in the homestudy process so the change has not been a huge deal. Please keep us in your thoughts as you are in ours.

Jennifer