Surronded with LOVE

I have a lot to catch up on, as once again I have let time slip by and not updated like I should!  We have been going about 1,000 mph trying to get our dossier completed, take down Christmas decorations, going birthday parties, completing a bathroom remodel and spending time with family. I try not to complain because there are many people out there that would give anything just to be half as busy as we are, so I shall sit here at my computer happy and content with my fast lane life right now! 

With all the running around, I was feeling like I was missing something...like I needed to connect. I needed reassurance that I was on the right track, that we were doing all the right things and that we could be great adoptive parents!  I needed a connection not only to God, but to people who have done this journey or are praying us through..people who could surround me with love and support.  I serve such a mighty God and I received that connection and more!
I have an amazing cousin Joe, who married AJ and I in 2006. It meant so much to us that he unite us in marriage because not only is he a mighty man of God, but he and his wife  adopted 7 children themselves! They are such a strong, solid example of selfless people who do an amazing job at parenting and have navigated the adoption process many times in many different ways!

My cousin Joe uniting us in marriage-what a special memory to have!

Joe called me last week to encourage both AJ and I with our process. He answered the many many questions I had, gave invaluable advice about raising a child who is adopted and spoke much from his heart.  I was so blessed by the conversation and I only hope he knows how much it meant!

A couple days later, my MIL Peggy called to see how we were doing and to provide some much needed words of love.  She an amazing woman with words and is able to provide such loving encouragement when needed. She is always able to lend an ear and listens with her whole heart.  I shared with her my frustration with the dossier process and the longing to hold my child , knowing they could very well be alone, in a crib with no one to pick them up...that just about undid me!  But Peggy has always been able to sooth the soul and she reminded me of Job.  She reminded me of all he had been through and yet he turned to and trusted God...in the end Job had more than what he started with...love it! She is so great, I mean how many people  enjoy going on vacation with their MIL...I DO!!!

Love her!

To top  off such a great week off, AJ and I celebrated with my younger brother and parents at Ninety Acres.  We celebrated all the great things that 2013 has already brought us and all that it will bring us!  The restaurant and grounds were gorgeous and the food was outstanding, but the company was the best.  It was so special being there with both my parents and younger brother to embrace all we have and are blessed with! What a great evening!

It's so great to know I serve a loving God, that knows exactly what I need, when I need it!  AJ and I are blessed with an incredible family, church family and wonderful friends-who are an extension of our family!  I can't wait to add to it!  I know are children will be blessed by an amazingly kind and loving group of people!


God is good and we are blessed!

Don’t say anything that would hurt another person. Instead, speak only what is good so that you can give help wherever it is needed. That way, what you say will help those who hear you.

Ephesians 4:29