Last night was our 2nd training class. The topics discussed were drug use, cultural considerations and first aid. Every week gives us a bit more insight into lives of families outside of our own. We played a men vs women Jeopardy style game to discuss types and effects of drugs. I am grateful to say we have have no experience with this personally...however, the reality is there is a good possibility that we will be caring for a child from a drug abusing family. Not only do we face the affect of drugs or other abuse on the child, but we will likely be interacting (through visits, etc) with birth parents very different from ourselves. Honestly, I think drug abuse seems to be the most "excusable" (for lack of a better way to put it) of the various reasons a child will be pulled from a home. How do you come face to face with birth parents who have physically or sexually abused a child in your care? My only thought is through GRACE.
Also, the further we get into this, the more I realize that race of the child is such a non-issue. I am grateful to have the ability to see beautiful blended families. Yesterday, Hannah and I were able to witness a court adoption hearing. Friends from our babysitting co-op welcomed their second adopted son, who came to them through the foster care system. It was beautiful to watch their joy at becoming family, legally. Although they are Caucasian, their two Hispanic son's fit very naturally into their lives. Images of Haitian children being reunited with Caucasian American adoptive parents also help me to reflect that a child is a child and a parent is a parent. However God see's fit to bring each together is in His way. Our prayer is always that WE not get in the way of His will.
So, our home study is mostly done. There is one more home visit, for the walk through, which will happen next week. We still need to get our background checks submitted. Then, 3 more training classes and hopefully we will be approved and ready. Another week closer. Another prayer of thanksgiving. Another hopeful utterance of "Thy Will Be Done."
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Friday, January 22, 2010
Life, Unborn
On the very sad anniversary of Roe V. Wade, I pray for those whose lives have been destroyed by abortion - physically and psychologically.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
In Training: Week 1
So here is the update on our first class:
It was a little intimidating getting through security (gate check, license plate noted; then metal detector and bags scanned) to get to the meeting space.
It was an eclectic group of people, we were in the front so I didn't look too much to gauge - but there were a good number of couples.
Then there were three presenters on three topics:
1. Child Abuse - mandatory reporters, what constitutes abuse, signs they exhibit, etc - this makes me SO sad :(
2. Medical/Dental Care - Holy paperwork!! What is required to make an appointment, how many appointments, what forms are required for what visits, what permissions are required and how they are obtained for emergency care, etc
3. Disaster Preparedness - we need to establish a 3 day survival kit - 1/gallon water per person per day, plus a zillion other things...this is Paul's #1 assigned roll in getting us foster care ready.
So, first night good. We saw another couple we have seen at Church. They got started after the same couple inspired us to go with this agency. God, please continue to bless us as we prepare, open our hearts for the child you are intending to live with us and protect them and keep them safe. Amen.
It was a little intimidating getting through security (gate check, license plate noted; then metal detector and bags scanned) to get to the meeting space.
It was an eclectic group of people, we were in the front so I didn't look too much to gauge - but there were a good number of couples.
Then there were three presenters on three topics:
1. Child Abuse - mandatory reporters, what constitutes abuse, signs they exhibit, etc - this makes me SO sad :(
2. Medical/Dental Care - Holy paperwork!! What is required to make an appointment, how many appointments, what forms are required for what visits, what permissions are required and how they are obtained for emergency care, etc
3. Disaster Preparedness - we need to establish a 3 day survival kit - 1/gallon water per person per day, plus a zillion other things...this is Paul's #1 assigned roll in getting us foster care ready.
So, first night good. We saw another couple we have seen at Church. They got started after the same couple inspired us to go with this agency. God, please continue to bless us as we prepare, open our hearts for the child you are intending to live with us and protect them and keep them safe. Amen.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
An Infertility Retreat
I am so thrilled that the website is finally up!!
http://www.fertilitycarefriends.org/hoperetreat.html
THIS is the resource page for information on the Infertility Retreat that I have been working on long and hard with a dear friend and practitioner from Harrisburg.
If you are close and interested, feel free to contact me. If you are far and interested, you are welcome!! We need lots of prayer support for a powerful weekend orchestrated by the Holy Spirit. Please join me in praying!
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Homestudy Rescheduled
So, the last couple days have been a bit of a slump, as in nothing is going on in our process of moving closer to fostering. I know this will resolve soon and I am sure the next couple of months will be gone in a flash. For now, we are just waiting.
The night before our almost homestudy, Paul and I had a wonderful talk about fostering. What will our lives be like with another child in the house? How will H react? Paul tossed around the ways he can be more present at home (while I assured him how much the 2nd job is needed right now). We are back in that "how do you prepare for the unknown" phase. At least, having had an infant a few short years ago, we are good on the gear and basic necessities.
The monthly financial commitment to fertility medications is starting to become a little much. So we face the prospect of letting go of that journey for a bit. To be honest, I am always quick to volunteer shedding the shots and pills. It is disappointing that the birth of our first child did not miraculously resolve our infertility, as many first births often do. However, we trust in God's greater plan. As of now, the difference from our first adoption attempt, is if we are so blessed to conceive in the process of fostering, we won't be forced to quit the process.
Next week we start training classes. Two weeks from that, we will prepare for the home visit again. I was blessed to speak to someone yesterday who adopted three before miraculously conceiving two. They are a beautiful family and adoption advocates. She lifted my spirits by sharing stories of several friends blessed by the foster to adopt program. My prayer is 6 to 12 months from now I will be looking back at the beginning of the year and seeing how much has changed.
The night before our almost homestudy, Paul and I had a wonderful talk about fostering. What will our lives be like with another child in the house? How will H react? Paul tossed around the ways he can be more present at home (while I assured him how much the 2nd job is needed right now). We are back in that "how do you prepare for the unknown" phase. At least, having had an infant a few short years ago, we are good on the gear and basic necessities.
The monthly financial commitment to fertility medications is starting to become a little much. So we face the prospect of letting go of that journey for a bit. To be honest, I am always quick to volunteer shedding the shots and pills. It is disappointing that the birth of our first child did not miraculously resolve our infertility, as many first births often do. However, we trust in God's greater plan. As of now, the difference from our first adoption attempt, is if we are so blessed to conceive in the process of fostering, we won't be forced to quit the process.
Next week we start training classes. Two weeks from that, we will prepare for the home visit again. I was blessed to speak to someone yesterday who adopted three before miraculously conceiving two. They are a beautiful family and adoption advocates. She lifted my spirits by sharing stories of several friends blessed by the foster to adopt program. My prayer is 6 to 12 months from now I will be looking back at the beginning of the year and seeing how much has changed.
Saturday, January 09, 2010
My Beautiful, Wonderful, CRAZY miracle
Here is a video of the most wonderful, crazy child that God could ever give us (so far :)
Thursday, January 07, 2010
Our Foster Care Timeline
Tuesday morning we had our initial visit with the social worker - she was wonderful! We scheduled our next appointment (start of home study) for this coming Tuesday. I have been working to complete the application and collect some of the necessary paperwork. We should start our 5 weeks of training Wed, Jan 20th (ending on Ash Wednesday).
I know the training and home study have to be wrapped up before we can receive a placement. I asked our social worker about typically how long before placement. She said it could be that day (she could be finishing home study paperwork for us to receive placement) or it could be a couple weeks or a couple months. We are open to any child younger than H and placement of any race (the latter which could mean an earlier placement).
It is seeming more real and crazy to think of being back in this process. I have started praying for the child that will be coming into our home, where ever they are.
I know the training and home study have to be wrapped up before we can receive a placement. I asked our social worker about typically how long before placement. She said it could be that day (she could be finishing home study paperwork for us to receive placement) or it could be a couple weeks or a couple months. We are open to any child younger than H and placement of any race (the latter which could mean an earlier placement).
It is seeming more real and crazy to think of being back in this process. I have started praying for the child that will be coming into our home, where ever they are.
Friday, December 25, 2009
what lies ahead
First, Merry Christmas!! We are so grateful to have Paul's family up from FL and have had a lovely, relaxing visit. I wish all a wonderful Christmas season!
Infertility round 2. I can't say this was unexpected. Yet that fact does not make it easier. We long to grow our family and month after month we face the reality of our infertility. We are fast approaching 6 months past our surgery date. It does not take long for me to grow weary or pills and shots and blood work and consults.
Fortunately, our previous adoption experience has make it significantly easier to fast track back into the process. This time, we are choosing the foster to adopt program. In reality...we are choosing foster care (with the hope of adoption as an end goal). We have submitted our application. Our initial interview is in January and soon thereafter we hope to begin the 5 week course of training.
It is a little scary and a lot of unknown. I am re-entering the blogging world for the same reason I created the blog in the first place...to keep family and friends updated in our hopes to expand our family. Please keep us in your prayers.
Infertility round 2. I can't say this was unexpected. Yet that fact does not make it easier. We long to grow our family and month after month we face the reality of our infertility. We are fast approaching 6 months past our surgery date. It does not take long for me to grow weary or pills and shots and blood work and consults.
Fortunately, our previous adoption experience has make it significantly easier to fast track back into the process. This time, we are choosing the foster to adopt program. In reality...we are choosing foster care (with the hope of adoption as an end goal). We have submitted our application. Our initial interview is in January and soon thereafter we hope to begin the 5 week course of training.
It is a little scary and a lot of unknown. I am re-entering the blogging world for the same reason I created the blog in the first place...to keep family and friends updated in our hopes to expand our family. Please keep us in your prayers.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Tis the Season for Squash!!
I am having a wonderful fall of dining on local yummy squash (and some from our garden).
Tonight we made Acorn Squash soup, using this recipe. Delicious! A lovely warm soup, almost reminiscent of a light pea soup (but worth trying for pea soup haters), with just a touch of heat - depending on how much cayenne you use.
With the flesh from a fairytale pumpkin I made pumpkin biscotti following this recipe, plus added some pecans. This was my first attempt at biscotti. I made it for a party I was attending that evening. My only wish is that I had more time to allow them to dry to the perfect crunch. But even fresh, still very yummy!
Of course we had several batches of spaghetti squash, buttered with Parmesan cheese, after growing them in our garden.
I tried a few things from a new cookbook, Deceptively Delicious. Baked Egg Puffs with pumpkin (from the can). Someone else already blogged about them. At the same time we had Oatmeal with pumpkin, which fortunately again, someone else has blogged the recipe. Paul preferred the oatmeal...it was a little too pumpkin-y for me. I preferred the egg puffs. Next time I try the egg puffs I will probably use the recommended yellow or butternut squash puree. For the oatmeal, I would try that with sweet potato (the recommended alternative to pumpkin).
AND, my favorite so far in this Squashy Season, Butternut Lentil Soup using this as my base recipe. Unfortunately, I did modify it a bit and have no memory of what I did. But I am sure the original recipe is still very good. :)
Hope this helps at least one person have some....good eats, yuk yuk yuk. And to my buddy Scott, I will never forget your famous butternut squash soup with cheese ravioli (which I have made several times since PFL). One of my first introductions to squash dining.
Tonight we made Acorn Squash soup, using this recipe. Delicious! A lovely warm soup, almost reminiscent of a light pea soup (but worth trying for pea soup haters), with just a touch of heat - depending on how much cayenne you use.
With the flesh from a fairytale pumpkin I made pumpkin biscotti following this recipe, plus added some pecans. This was my first attempt at biscotti. I made it for a party I was attending that evening. My only wish is that I had more time to allow them to dry to the perfect crunch. But even fresh, still very yummy!
Of course we had several batches of spaghetti squash, buttered with Parmesan cheese, after growing them in our garden.
I tried a few things from a new cookbook, Deceptively Delicious. Baked Egg Puffs with pumpkin (from the can). Someone else already blogged about them. At the same time we had Oatmeal with pumpkin, which fortunately again, someone else has blogged the recipe. Paul preferred the oatmeal...it was a little too pumpkin-y for me. I preferred the egg puffs. Next time I try the egg puffs I will probably use the recommended yellow or butternut squash puree. For the oatmeal, I would try that with sweet potato (the recommended alternative to pumpkin).
AND, my favorite so far in this Squashy Season, Butternut Lentil Soup using this as my base recipe. Unfortunately, I did modify it a bit and have no memory of what I did. But I am sure the original recipe is still very good. :)
Hope this helps at least one person have some....good eats, yuk yuk yuk. And to my buddy Scott, I will never forget your famous butternut squash soup with cheese ravioli (which I have made several times since PFL). One of my first introductions to squash dining.
Friday, October 09, 2009
Seriously? On Obama's Peace Prize award
Alright, here is the thing. I just have to remind myself that the Nobel awards are given by a foundation of worldy people. Obviously our world today has quite a screwed up definition of Peace.
From LifeSite News
In his will, Swedish industrialist and inventor Alfred Nobel said the Peace Prize is meant to be awarded "to the person who shall have done the most or the best work for fraternity between nations, for the abolition or reduction of standing armies and for the holding and promotion of peace congresses."
Unfortunately, our world doesn't quite "get" many things. The Peace prize of course was given to Al Gore two years ago for his "work" on Climate Change. Until we correct our screwed up priorities and recognize every conceived human life as sacred and full of every hope for the future, I will likely continue to curse the Nobel foundation.
From LifeSite News
In his will, Swedish industrialist and inventor Alfred Nobel said the Peace Prize is meant to be awarded "to the person who shall have done the most or the best work for fraternity between nations, for the abolition or reduction of standing armies and for the holding and promotion of peace congresses."
Yet, at the time (of his nomination) the only bridge building Obama had done with other countries is to take tens of millions of taxpayer funds and give them to abortion businesses like Planned Parenthood and Marie Stopes International.
Those groups would use the funds to not only perform abortions but lobby the pro-life governments of nations in places like South America and Africa to overturn their laws.
Mother Theresa has stated "The greatest threat to world peace is abortion." Also, Pope Benedict released a very similar statement on the World Day of Peace in 2006. “Respect for people promotes peace,” the pope said in the statement as he stressed “the duty to respect the dignity of each and every person."Unfortunately, our world doesn't quite "get" many things. The Peace prize of course was given to Al Gore two years ago for his "work" on Climate Change. Until we correct our screwed up priorities and recognize every conceived human life as sacred and full of every hope for the future, I will likely continue to curse the Nobel foundation.
Sunday, September 06, 2009
Happy Birthday Baby!!
It is so hard to believe our beautiful girl is two. I read her birth story the other night at dinner. Sniff Sniff. She has grown so fast!
Tuesday, September 01, 2009
My Nephew
SR arrived by c-section on August 30th. Mom, Dad and S are doing well (after quite a laboring ordeal). 
H spent the day singing happy birthday to Simon and cheering for him and Aunt Meagan. 
H spent the day singing happy birthday to Simon and cheering for him and Aunt Meagan. 
Monday, August 24, 2009
Summer Fun
Here are a few pictures of our summer fun - just in time for Fall!
I tried hard and long, but still can't get the captions to work out.
1. Pool time with Papa and Uncle Keith
2. A sprinkler playdate
3 & 4 - Backyard fun with cousin K
5. Potty training together with cousin G
6. Puzzels with god-sister C
7. My big girl who still thinks she can take a bath in the sink. :)
I tried hard and long, but still can't get the captions to work out.
1. Pool time with Papa and Uncle Keith
2. A sprinkler playdate
3 & 4 - Backyard fun with cousin K
5. Potty training together with cousin G
6. Puzzels with god-sister C
7. My big girl who still thinks she can take a bath in the sink. :)
Friday, August 14, 2009
NaPro Surgery #3
Just a quick update,
surgery lasted 4.5 hours. Grade 2 endo, adhesions, some kind of stem thing?? He removed 95% of it. Recovery lasted 4 more hours than I was expecting (5 total hours) and they didn't do as good a job managing my anesthesia nausea - that I warned them about.
Dr Stegman is amazing. As a surgeon, I adore him. He prayed with me a quite extensive prayer before surgery, entrusting me to Mary, praying for St Gerard's intercession. Very moving. I also asked/begged him to please get whatever you can get as I don't think I could do the laparotomy again. I am grateful he did because it would be shear misery waking up after a 20 min surgery again.
Dr Hilgers had put a gortex sheath on my uterus which didn't stay in place to do it's job. Therefore I have a crumpled piece of gortex that remains around the bottom of my uterus (Dr S couln't do anything laprascopically about it).
Recovery is much rougher than I was expecting. I am so grateful for friends that have stepped in (with no warning) to watch H and provide meals. I was not anticipating being "under the knife" again so soon (3 years). I will try to provide more thoughts at a future (non drug induced) blog. :)
surgery lasted 4.5 hours. Grade 2 endo, adhesions, some kind of stem thing?? He removed 95% of it. Recovery lasted 4 more hours than I was expecting (5 total hours) and they didn't do as good a job managing my anesthesia nausea - that I warned them about.
Dr Stegman is amazing. As a surgeon, I adore him. He prayed with me a quite extensive prayer before surgery, entrusting me to Mary, praying for St Gerard's intercession. Very moving. I also asked/begged him to please get whatever you can get as I don't think I could do the laparotomy again. I am grateful he did because it would be shear misery waking up after a 20 min surgery again.
Dr Hilgers had put a gortex sheath on my uterus which didn't stay in place to do it's job. Therefore I have a crumpled piece of gortex that remains around the bottom of my uterus (Dr S couln't do anything laprascopically about it).
Recovery is much rougher than I was expecting. I am so grateful for friends that have stepped in (with no warning) to watch H and provide meals. I was not anticipating being "under the knife" again so soon (3 years). I will try to provide more thoughts at a future (non drug induced) blog. :)
Sunday, August 09, 2009
More Coffee equals more blogging
So it is 11:47pm as I start this. Tomorrow, our family schedule says 8am Daily Mass. I need to go to bed, but I started perusing blogs. It reminded me, I should start sending a little more love out to the blogworld.
We had my cousin (goddaughter) and her family over for dinner tonight. It was a baptism anniversary dinner (thanks Steve & Becky for the idea). Time flies and I can't believe it has been 12 years since I first became a godmother. We were also blessed to have her stay with us for two days as a live in babysitter. I highly recommend 12 year old's for stressed out moms!
So tomorrow is 2 days till B day. I joked on facebook that my autobiography should be called "Inside My Bellybutton." This is my 3rd reconstructive bellybutton surgery. I hope they get it right this time! :)
We had my cousin (goddaughter) and her family over for dinner tonight. It was a baptism anniversary dinner (thanks Steve & Becky for the idea). Time flies and I can't believe it has been 12 years since I first became a godmother. We were also blessed to have her stay with us for two days as a live in babysitter. I highly recommend 12 year old's for stressed out moms!
So tomorrow is 2 days till B day. I joked on facebook that my autobiography should be called "Inside My Bellybutton." This is my 3rd reconstructive bellybutton surgery. I hope they get it right this time! :)
Saturday, August 01, 2009
Is anyone still reading?? :)
I am sorry my blogging has slowed down quite dramatically. As H grows (and no thanks to face book) my updates have been very infrequent.
So here is an update:
H is a big girl in training! She has been using her little potty quite successfully for the last two weeks. We started by eliminating pants and diapers a few weeks ago (a benefit of having hardwood floors). She figured it out pretty quickly and especially loves her m&m reward. We have started to incorporate big girl panties and pull ups...and the last couple days she is doing really well staying dry! I love the decrease in diaper laundry. It is great!
In the pursuit of #2....we have surgery scheduled in two weeks. This will be my 4th (but 1st in round 2). Secondary infertility stinks. I was amazed how fast all the infertility feelings flooded back. BUT, having H in our lives is an INCREDIBLE blessing. While I go up and down on the IF roller coaster (again) knowing we have H makes everything a little bit easier.
St Gerard, St Gianna, John Paul II - pray for us!
So here is an update:
H is a big girl in training! She has been using her little potty quite successfully for the last two weeks. We started by eliminating pants and diapers a few weeks ago (a benefit of having hardwood floors). She figured it out pretty quickly and especially loves her m&m reward. We have started to incorporate big girl panties and pull ups...and the last couple days she is doing really well staying dry! I love the decrease in diaper laundry. It is great!
In the pursuit of #2....we have surgery scheduled in two weeks. This will be my 4th (but 1st in round 2). Secondary infertility stinks. I was amazed how fast all the infertility feelings flooded back. BUT, having H in our lives is an INCREDIBLE blessing. While I go up and down on the IF roller coaster (again) knowing we have H makes everything a little bit easier.
St Gerard, St Gianna, John Paul II - pray for us!
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Powerful Story of an Abortion Survivor
I urge everyone to watch this phenomenal testimony of abortion survivor, Gianna Jessen.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Camping in Deleware
Paul's request for Father's day was to go camping in Deleware. We went to Cape Henlopen....a wonderful place. I only managed to get about 10 minutes of good beach time (when we first arrived) but we still had a great time. The taste of yummy blue crabs still lingers! 
Thursday, May 07, 2009
Our Square Foot Garden!
So we have finally built and planted our square foot garden! 
Here are the basic plans (though they have changed slightly because I had forgotten a few additions. Within our 2 4'X12' beds we have 96 squares; In which we are growing:
4 tomato plants
48 Onions
16 Garlic
2 Cucumber plants
32 Sugar Snap Peas
32 Shell Peas
32 Bush Beans
8 Pole Beans
1 Zucchini
1 Yellow Squash
1 Accorn suash
1 Spaghetti squash
3 Butternut
32 Scallions
2 Green Pepper plants
2 green/red pepper plants
1 banana pepper plant
4 Broccoli
64 Carrots
4 Edamame (soy bean plants)
4 Cabbage
16 Mesculin Lettuce Mix
16 Romaine Lettuce
16 Kale
16 Spinach
and I think we are still adding 3 cantaloupe in there too.
We also planted an herb garden and strawberry/melon patch on our back patio!
Here are the basic plans (though they have changed slightly because I had forgotten a few additions. Within our 2 4'X12' beds we have 96 squares; In which we are growing:4 tomato plants
48 Onions
16 Garlic
2 Cucumber plants
32 Sugar Snap Peas
32 Shell Peas
32 Bush Beans
8 Pole Beans
1 Zucchini
1 Yellow Squash
1 Accorn suash
1 Spaghetti squash
3 Butternut
32 Scallions
2 Green Pepper plants
2 green/red pepper plants
1 banana pepper plant
4 Broccoli
64 Carrots
4 Edamame (soy bean plants)
4 Cabbage
16 Mesculin Lettuce Mix
16 Romaine Lettuce
16 Kale
16 Spinach
and I think we are still adding 3 cantaloupe in there too.
We also planted an herb garden and strawberry/melon patch on our back patio!
Saturday, May 02, 2009
Ave Maria, and goosebumps
I just recalled this awesome youtube video on a friend's blog. I thought I would post it here in case any one hasn't seen yet. This is Bobby McFerrin (Don't Worry, Be Happy).
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