The water's fine.

Not much to report since I last updated but I figure I better tell you all what little we know. 

We had our water tested on Wednesday of last week. We receive the results today in the mail however Miss Rita was kind enough to call us on Friday and let us know that our water is safe. That's another check off the list. I go to get my background check completed and submitted on Friday. Those go directly to the agency which is nice. We don't have to worry about another form. 

I began our required reading. "Dear Birthmother" was extremely insightful and opened my eyes up to some misconceptions about adoption. Very interesting and quick read if you have nothing to do and are interested in the journey we are taking. 

I'm currently a couple chapters into the next read "The Spirit of Adoption" this one is not holding my attention like the other so I'm finding it difficult to read and am easily distracted. It could just be the first couple chapters. Time to put my teacher advice to work and push through. 

Other than that it has been pretty quiet around our house. The social worker comes back on Friday to talk to all of us individually. We have a few things to schedule this week that I would normally just go ahead and do however Rob's schedule is filling up so I don't want to schedule audits without him being available. We'll talk tonight- before he heads back into work for his second shift of the day. 

Have an amazing week and God Bless! 

❤️

Friday was smooth sailing.

Friday took forever to get here- which was good and bad but I'm sitting here in a clean organized house which is nice!

Our social worker showed up and we immediately got to work. Handed over copies of our drivers licenses, Auto and health insurance, social security cards for all of us, birth and death certificates and our financial report. Then we started answering questions that when not filled in-is a 12 page report.  We had to explain our house, our relationship, our religion, our families and more. We didn't get finished that's for sure. Next visit she's going to interview us separately. 

Once we found a stopping point she took a tour of the house. All is well. We have two more visits after this then we'll be able to wrap things up. Our next visit is scheduled for October 3. She wanted to meet this Friday and we could have but Rob's brother is coming in town with his wife and we wanted to make time for them.

Tuesday our required reading arrives from amazon-3 books and Wednesday the health department comes to test our water. Rob will be calling a fire safety inspector to run the fire audit. Rob, the kids and I need to get health physicals done, I have to get the animal records, Rob and I have state and FBI background checks to complete, and we have to attend a half day class taught by Job and Family services. That may be it but I'm sure I forgot something. 

Have an amazing week!

Sunday Mornings are the Best Mornings!

I had a post almost completed however I x'd out to find a picture and came back to find it gone so I will try my best to recreate:

This morning started a 30 week walk through the Bible using the book study, "The Story". The youth in the church are following along too. So amazing! I've never experienced anything like this before. To have talks with my kids and study right along with them. We're starting in Genesis and I'll be honest, I didn't do my homework which was to read the first chapter of "The Story" but let me tell you this week I want to! It was a moving and intense service. He shared of the creation of this earth- the size of our universe, Craig also spoke of the serpent and how it tempted Eve to the fruit which led to her sharing with Adam and our ability to experience and see sin. 

If I can find the clip from this morning I will be sharing it on here for it was interesting and thought provoking. I can't wait for next week and neither can my kids.

I am going some where with this is after a moving sermon came the song. The one song that breaks me to pieces when I hear it, you know the one, the one for which our daughter is named: 

By the "Grace" of God, I made it through without sobbing like a baby just a couple tears. It was an amazing morning and like I said before I can't wait until next week. I always feel so happy and stress free when I leave that building. A fresh start to the week. 

After church we headed downtown for Choosing Hope's open house which was awesome! We got to see many people and meet our social worker. We also received our daunting next packet containing what the social worker will be checking during our audits. Yes. There's more than one. We also set a date. Our first meeting with the social worker coming to explore, evaluate and chat is at 6 on Friday evening. Prayers appreciated. 

The social worker and her husband have adopted many times so she knows our fears and concerns as we start our journey. I guess you wouldn't say we were starting our journey anymore, we're kind of in the thick of things. I'll be working hard this week along with my mom and dad who have answered our cries for help this week to prepare for Friday. 

Anyone-- feel free to stop by and pick up some trimmers or a broom. Just don't judge. No judging. As for our house we work to keep a judgment free zone- I need that as a sign!!!!

Moving right along- I'm loving this! (and this man!)

Blessings for a wonderful week! Find the positive in what you're going through and be thankful because there are many more in this world who are in far worse situations. 

Love- 

It's a Good Morning

Sometime this week we will get a phone call! Time to really kick it into gear. Rob, my mom, dad, myself and even the kids have been working around the house- enjoying the weather. We've been clearing the fences and working in the yard mostly for ourselves yet we know in the back of our heads the social worker would be calling soon. 

Rob and I have been told we aren't going to be under a white glove inspection however aside from that we're not sure what to expect. 

Panic is setting in a little because of the judgement time is coming up and most of you know I'm very type A personality like to know what's expected and here we go into the unexpected. Prayers are welcomed to help calm anxiety. Yes I'm using my Young Living Essential Oils and they are helping to keep me calm. 

Here's a snapshot of the email we received this morning: 

Waiting- waiting- Patience- Waiting- waiting. Dear Lord give me some patience because we're only just beginning.

Baby woes. This is the longest we've gone without hearing from the agency. I know they have jobs and lives too but sometimes there's  construction or a detour. We've hit that mark in the road. Time to wait and check my email 50 or more times a day. Now folks I will admit- we have not had to wait. The first wait was a month for the adoption agency to be approved and receive a signature from Job and Family services. The second is now. Waiting for the social worker to call so we can set up our first meeting.

This waiting is nothing compared to a pregnancy because you are at the mercy of another person through out this entire process and obviously with a pregnancy you know once 40 weeks is up- the kid gets evicted.

So the waiting begins. I'm really ok with it the more I think about it. I just keep reminding myself, all in His time. 

If you're interested our agency is having an open house this Sunday. Below is the flyer.