Can I just say that I hate waiting?!?! Today marks the first day of school for many kiddos in Arkansas. I loved seeing everyone's pictures on facebook today. However, it left me thinking about our kiddos. Were they starting a new school today? How did they do? Were their names written on every single crayon- so they wouldn't lose them? Did they have a new outfit to wear, and a big breakfast to start their day off right?
It's hard to know that our kids are out there- with someone else for now. We pray every night for them, that they are safe and loved. Right now, Luke and I are in the waiting period of this whole process. Actually- it's been that way from the beginning. We waited for the informational meeting, waited for our home study, waited to hear back from our adoption specialist....all this waiting. I can't help but wonder when it will all end- when we can meet our kiddos and be a family with them. Not a day goes by that Luke and I don't talk about our kiddos- or wonder what they are doing and where they are at.
All we know is someday, we'll have the kids the Lord wants us to have and hold. We'll be a forever family! We can take them to the zoo, Silver Dollar City, and anywhere else we want to go! And honestly, I cannot WAIT for that day!!!! What a happy day it will be in the Williams household. Whether it's 3 kids or 2, we'll finally be a family!!! I can't wait! So for now, I'll try to find joy in the waiting.
The song verse comes to mind- "Strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord..." Sometimes I feel like I'm gonna be one strong woman when we finally do get kids- and I think I'll need all the strength from Him when that time does come!
Monday, August 19, 2013
Thursday, August 15, 2013
Our Final Home Study Visit
Yesterday morning, we had our final home study visit. To say I'm glad that part is over is an understatement. To have a stranger look through your home is a little nerve wrecking. In the back of my mind, I always wonder- "Did we pass this test?" "Are we qualified yet? Because we've sure done a whole lot for this!" The questions they ask you, or make your write down is ridiculous and so personal. But, as my friend Russ reminded me- they have to ask those questions because somewhere down the road, some crazy person tried to adopt kids...makes total sense!
Hopefully by the end of next week, we'll be considered "open" in the system. That means we can be eligible to become matches with kids. Who knows how long it will take- it's all part of a waiting game. After the lady left yesterday, I really couldn't describe what I was feeling. I was overwhelmed at the whole process all over again. I kept thinking- we've done this much...gone through a lot of personal questions...and what if we don't get what we want in the end?
Then, Luke answered my question. He told me when we got all 5 dogs- we didn't know what we were getting into. We've gone through a LOT with them all. They are all special needs, and they aren't purebreds by any means. We didn't know what we wanted then- and we don't know what we want now. However, the Lord knows. He knew we could handle the craziness that comes with having 5 special needs dogs. He also has provided for their every need. So, if He can do that with our four legged babies, why would He not do that with our kids?
So for now, we'll continue to wait on Him. I'm excited right now, but reserved. It's all so much to put into words. Thankfully, the Lord knows my heart, and He loves me no matter what!
Hopefully by the end of next week, we'll be considered "open" in the system. That means we can be eligible to become matches with kids. Who knows how long it will take- it's all part of a waiting game. After the lady left yesterday, I really couldn't describe what I was feeling. I was overwhelmed at the whole process all over again. I kept thinking- we've done this much...gone through a lot of personal questions...and what if we don't get what we want in the end?
Then, Luke answered my question. He told me when we got all 5 dogs- we didn't know what we were getting into. We've gone through a LOT with them all. They are all special needs, and they aren't purebreds by any means. We didn't know what we wanted then- and we don't know what we want now. However, the Lord knows. He knew we could handle the craziness that comes with having 5 special needs dogs. He also has provided for their every need. So, if He can do that with our four legged babies, why would He not do that with our kids?
So for now, we'll continue to wait on Him. I'm excited right now, but reserved. It's all so much to put into words. Thankfully, the Lord knows my heart, and He loves me no matter what!
Monday, August 5, 2013
Monthly Menu Planning....
I've been asked by several people how I go about shopping for a whole month! It's really easy- takes a little time and thought- but so worth it when it saves you money in the long run.
I start each month by labeling a blank calendar with meals for every night of the week- yes, that's 7 nights a week. Then, I add up how many proteins, veggies, starch, etc. it is for the month.
For example: Here's my menu for August:
When I make a menu for the month, I pick things that we love to eat every month! Meatloaf is a favorite as well as Sweet and Sour chicken. I also try and pick several crockpot recipes- because we all need those for busy nights. I then tally up how many chicken breast that is, meat- either beef or ground turkey, veggies, rice, etc.
I will then make a grocery list from this menu. I tend to buy frozen chicken breast cutlets- they are thinner and less expensive than breasts. Also, if a meal calls for shredded chicken- I have that separate in baggies. I will buy usually every other month a whole chicken. I boil it and pick it clean. Then, I divide that meat into baggies- I can usually get 4-5 meals of shredded chicken off of a whole chicken. It's not a ton of meat per meal, but it's enough to usually use for any recipe.
I then compare my list to what I already have on hand. Sometimes, I have meals leftover from the previous month- which is great! I can just add that to the next month- and know I already have that on hand.
We don't eat everything on here for one month. Usually, we'll go out to eat some- but for the most part, we eat on this menu. Once we finish a meal from here- I scratch it off. This way I have 30 meals for the month and don't have to follow this menu to the exact day.
I still have to buy perishable items throughout the month- like milk, bread, and eggs. But, for the most part I only go maybe 2-3 times after my big shopping event. This has really saved Luke and I over 100 bucks a month on our grocery budget. It's really worth it!
I usually have our favorite recipes memorized- because I've made them so much! However, if it's a pinterest recipe- I always write it or print it out- and attach it to my menu.
Hope that helps explain how to do monthly shopping!
I start each month by labeling a blank calendar with meals for every night of the week- yes, that's 7 nights a week. Then, I add up how many proteins, veggies, starch, etc. it is for the month.
For example: Here's my menu for August:
When I make a menu for the month, I pick things that we love to eat every month! Meatloaf is a favorite as well as Sweet and Sour chicken. I also try and pick several crockpot recipes- because we all need those for busy nights. I then tally up how many chicken breast that is, meat- either beef or ground turkey, veggies, rice, etc.
I will then make a grocery list from this menu. I tend to buy frozen chicken breast cutlets- they are thinner and less expensive than breasts. Also, if a meal calls for shredded chicken- I have that separate in baggies. I will buy usually every other month a whole chicken. I boil it and pick it clean. Then, I divide that meat into baggies- I can usually get 4-5 meals of shredded chicken off of a whole chicken. It's not a ton of meat per meal, but it's enough to usually use for any recipe.
I then compare my list to what I already have on hand. Sometimes, I have meals leftover from the previous month- which is great! I can just add that to the next month- and know I already have that on hand.
We don't eat everything on here for one month. Usually, we'll go out to eat some- but for the most part, we eat on this menu. Once we finish a meal from here- I scratch it off. This way I have 30 meals for the month and don't have to follow this menu to the exact day.
I still have to buy perishable items throughout the month- like milk, bread, and eggs. But, for the most part I only go maybe 2-3 times after my big shopping event. This has really saved Luke and I over 100 bucks a month on our grocery budget. It's really worth it!
I usually have our favorite recipes memorized- because I've made them so much! However, if it's a pinterest recipe- I always write it or print it out- and attach it to my menu.
Hope that helps explain how to do monthly shopping!
Friday, July 19, 2013
Home Study Complete
Luke and I met with our home study coordinator, Dick Powell, on Tuesday and Thursday night of this week. He was a very nice gentleman. He visited with me first, Luke and I together, and then with Luke. I was nervous about all the questions he would ask based on our home study homework. You wouldn't believe some of the personal things the paperwork wanted us to write down.
Dick, however, didn't ask anything too personal. He wanted to know all about our families, our friends, and what we do together. He asked how we worked out arguments, things we had in common, how long we had known each other, etc. I couldn't have asked for it to go any smoother.
As it stands now, he will turn in our paperwork by next Wednesday at the latest. Then, it will take our adoption specialist some time to declare us "open". After that, we will be eligible to do respite care as well as be open to look at kids.
I can't wait. It really is surreal now. We waited months to get this far! I feel like now we're on the downward slide of a roller coaster as it's picking up steam. I guess this is how a couple might feel if they found out they were pregnant...however, they might have 9 months to prepare!!
Can't wait to find out what the Lord has in store!
Dick, however, didn't ask anything too personal. He wanted to know all about our families, our friends, and what we do together. He asked how we worked out arguments, things we had in common, how long we had known each other, etc. I couldn't have asked for it to go any smoother.
As it stands now, he will turn in our paperwork by next Wednesday at the latest. Then, it will take our adoption specialist some time to declare us "open". After that, we will be eligible to do respite care as well as be open to look at kids.
I can't wait. It really is surreal now. We waited months to get this far! I feel like now we're on the downward slide of a roller coaster as it's picking up steam. I guess this is how a couple might feel if they found out they were pregnant...however, they might have 9 months to prepare!!
Can't wait to find out what the Lord has in store!
Thursday, July 11, 2013
Celebrating 10 years!!
I can't believe Luke and I have been married for 10 years! The time has flown by!!! To celebrate our anniversary, Luke and I went to Mountain View for the weekend. We stayed in his grandparents camper- to say it was an adventure- was an understatement! I had forgotten how small a camper bathroom really is!! OMG!!! We ate our breakfast and supper in the camper- and explored around for lunch. We arrived Saturday morning and set up the campsite. Memories of the movie RV kept rolling in my head, things like: "bring me that there hose spreader." " you got any tortilla chips?" "miles and smiles"- too funny. After getting our nest made, we set out to see what all there was to do in Mountain View. We ate lunch on the White River at Jo Jo's. The catfish was really good, and the scenery was beautiful. We then cruised around the square and stopped in all the shops. For dinner, we had spaghetti. For some reason, I could not get the water to boil for the noodles! How can you have spaghetti without any noodles- so I did what anyone would do- I called the local Pizza Inn to see if I could buy un-sauced noodles. Yep, for 4 bucks! We settled in for dinner and a movie. We watched "Here Comes the Boom" what a cute movie!
On Sunday, we had pancakes for breakfast. We decided to check out Blanchard Springs and Caverns. I hadn't been in a cave since I was a little girl. It terrified me at Silver Dollar City- I rode on Dad's shoulders and squeezed his hair. Chris, on the other hand, ran through the whole thing! So, when we arrived at the Caverns in Blanchard Springs- I was a little nervous to say the least. Especially, knowing I couldn't ride on Luke's shoulders- and well, the whole hair thing. So, looking around, I decided all these little kids can do it- so can a 31 year old woman! I will say, waiting to get on the elevator was the hardest part. I'm surprised Luke has any feeling left in his hands. As we rode down- some 245 feet- thanks to the tour guide for filling us in....I was so scared! Once we actually got in the cave, I relaxed and enjoyed the scenery. It was amazing what God made- even underground!
After the cave, we walked the short hike to see the actual Blanchard Spring Waterfall. It was really pretty. That afternoon, Luke and I ate lunch at the burger place in Mt. View. It looked on the outside like a Shorty Smalls- but it was not what we expected on the inside. However, the burger was delicious.
For supper on Sunday, we ate Frito Chili Pies. We ended up watching another movie while eating smores. Well, I had smores, while Luke ate Chocolate and Graham Crackers.
On Monday, we headed home. I started feeling sick- with a sinus infection and ear infection- so we didn't do much on the way home. However, we stopped at the Romance Post Office. I couldn't resist getting a picture of us 10 years later. That was where we mailed our wedding invitations!
It was a fun adventure to celebrate our 10 years. I can't wait to see what the next 10 years hold!
On Sunday, we had pancakes for breakfast. We decided to check out Blanchard Springs and Caverns. I hadn't been in a cave since I was a little girl. It terrified me at Silver Dollar City- I rode on Dad's shoulders and squeezed his hair. Chris, on the other hand, ran through the whole thing! So, when we arrived at the Caverns in Blanchard Springs- I was a little nervous to say the least. Especially, knowing I couldn't ride on Luke's shoulders- and well, the whole hair thing. So, looking around, I decided all these little kids can do it- so can a 31 year old woman! I will say, waiting to get on the elevator was the hardest part. I'm surprised Luke has any feeling left in his hands. As we rode down- some 245 feet- thanks to the tour guide for filling us in....I was so scared! Once we actually got in the cave, I relaxed and enjoyed the scenery. It was amazing what God made- even underground!
After the cave, we walked the short hike to see the actual Blanchard Spring Waterfall. It was really pretty. That afternoon, Luke and I ate lunch at the burger place in Mt. View. It looked on the outside like a Shorty Smalls- but it was not what we expected on the inside. However, the burger was delicious.
For supper on Sunday, we ate Frito Chili Pies. We ended up watching another movie while eating smores. Well, I had smores, while Luke ate Chocolate and Graham Crackers.
On Monday, we headed home. I started feeling sick- with a sinus infection and ear infection- so we didn't do much on the way home. However, we stopped at the Romance Post Office. I couldn't resist getting a picture of us 10 years later. That was where we mailed our wedding invitations!
It was a fun adventure to celebrate our 10 years. I can't wait to see what the next 10 years hold!
Us at Jo'Jo's fish house
Our dinner!
My Campin' Man
Our un-sauced noodles and homemade spaghetti sauce!
Smore's!!!
Notice- I don't look REAL happy!
Romance Post Office
Sunday, July 7, 2013
Happy Birthday Skelley!
The choir gathered at the ballpark to celebrate Jon's 39th birthday. When Luke and I heard about it- we couldn't resist going. Jon threw out the first pitch at the game and Jeremy sang the National Anthem. It was a fun night filled with baseball, hotdogs, and of course birthday cake. Luke and I love the choir and orchestra team at church- they are truly the real deal. It was an honor to be a part of Skelley's special day.
Luke and Reed
Some of the sweetest people- Cindy, Amy, & Herschel
Lindsey and her sweet babies!
Dean & Ken
Love this group of people!!
The Rhodes Clan
My friend from highschool- Casey and his girlfriend
Skelley Boy
Big breath- that's a lot of candles! LOL!
Me and my best friend Amanda- she's so good to me!
Lindsey & Jeremy Raines
Singing Happy Birthday
The Choir
Sunday, June 16, 2013
Father's Day
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