Adoption Process is Started

Last night, Luke and I attended our first CALL meeting.  It was a lot of information to absorb in several hours.  We got our red packet folder which contains a lot of paperwork.  One long form described several child characteristics.  You had to choose if it would be acceptable, willing to discuss, or unacceptable for each topic.  That was so hard to do.  We felt like anything would be willing to discuss regarding a circumstance.  However, we did choose to put unacceptable on a few items.  To me, that felt like putting an F on a report card.  At the end of that form, we had to sign under- Prospective Mother or Prospective Father.  When I saw those words late last night, it really hit me.  We're really doing this.  We are laying it all out there, being vulnerable to total strangers, and doing this thing.  I wish I could have Grandma and PaPa to talk too.  I'm sure there wasn't this kind of paperwork back then when they adopted Mom.  I would love to have known how they felt, what they thought, and of course I know the blessing they got in the end.

I pray for our unknown children.  We don't know how long this process will take, what we will go through, or what is beyond the paperwork.  However, we know that the Lord is in control.  He has this all worked out, and it will only be to and for His Glory.  I just can't wait to see how He blows our socks off!

Lily at Wye Mountain

Today, Christylee and I took Lily out to Wye Mountain.  It was a very quick photo shoot as it was FREEZING and so windy!  I was able to get a lot of good pictures of her.  We started the day with a Hardee's breakfast, and ended it with Starbucks.  Can't beat that! 

Kingston at Wye Mountain

 What Kingston does when he "smiles"

Mom and I took Kingston this morning to Wye Mountain.  We had a blast.  I love the pics I was able to get of him.  Mom got him a car at the craft show and he won't hardly put it down.  Enjoy!

Releasing the Bunnies

 The bunnies in the Edge waiting to be released

 Feeding the older one- and yes, I have tears on my cheeks!

 The middle one- the runt was too ready to go for a picture

Saturday morning, Luke and I got up around 6:30 and immediately went to release the bunnies.  We took them to the designated place I had picked out.  To say they were ready to go, was an understatement.  The little runt barely ate.  I tried feeding the other two before we released them- they ate just a little bit.  Luke and I found an overturned log which would provide good shelter for them.  We put them inside and left lots of grass and alfalfa inside the log.  Then we turned around and went to the car.  To say that was hard for me, would be an understatement.  I bawled my eyes out.  I could no longer protect them and they were on their own.  I know I did my best, but I'll always wonder if I could have done more for them.  Releasing something you've fed 3 times a day for 2 weeks is extremely hard.  I just pray that they are safe and happy.  Raising baby bunnies is not something I want to do again anytime soon.  I still get teary eyed thinking about it! 

Baby Bunnies

Monday morning, I was in the laundry room folding clothes.  The dogs were barking- which is nothing out of the normal for our house and our neighbors.  Then, I noticed Samson's bark had changed.  I went outside expecting to find nothing- only I found a real surprise!  Madison had a baby bunny in her mouth!  I hollered for Luke to come and help.  He was getting ready and ran out in his underwear to see what the deal was.  I discovered another bunny about to make a bad decision and enter Samson's pen.  I rescued both of them while Luke brought me a box.  I had no idea how to raise baby wild bunnies.  I've raised my fair share of birds- but never bunnies.

Madison was due for her shots, so I loaded her up and the bunnies and went to Dr. Mike's.  He told me the best thing was for me to find the Momma.  Well, I can't just go out in the woods and holler for the Momma.  So, instead he gave me kitten powdered formula.  He told me to feed it through a syringe and wished me the best.  He said, "Well, they sure know which house to go to!"  When we got home, Madison found another one in the rosemary bush!! 

So I've had these precious little things since Monday.  I'm feeding them 3x a day.  Just yesterday (Wednesday) all 3 of them showed interest in eating.  This afternoon (Thursday), the biggest one jumped from the shoe box I put him in.  I have to separate them as I feed them- so I know whose eaten and who hasn't.  They all look alike....only 2 are smaller and 1 is fairly older.

I'm sure hoping they make it.  Looks like about another 3 weeks according to Dr. Mike on when I can release them.  That will sure be hard, but they are meant to be in the wild.  For now, they'll hang out in my old guinea pig cage with their towels, leaves, and alfalfa. 

Playing with Kingston

This weekend, Luke and I had the opportunity to keep Kingston all weekend.  We set up our "blue" room with the pack and play, a changing station, toys, and his clothes and things.  We had a blast!  Friday afternoon Kingston and I played outside with his new soccer ball.  He's not afraid of the dogs at all.  He goes up to each pen and pets them through the fence.  I was worried about Madison being around him- since she's so old- but I didn't have to worry at all.  She loves the little fella.  She gives him a kiss and followed him all over the house.  George, the cat, slept outside his door every night.  Aly, however, didn't share any enthusiasm for him- she basically hid in our closet all weekend! 

On Friday night, I made meatballs, mac and cheese, and english peas.  He loved the mac and cheese, peas, and peaches I gave him.  He didn't really care for the meatballs though.  Saturday, we spent the day playing inside with Uncle Luke, watching Handy Manny &  Mickey Mouse, and playing with blocks.  He was worn out by Saturday night. 

He did however share his germs with Aunt Melissa.  I have a sinus infection, ear infection, and possibly strep throat now. I wouldn't change anything though, we had a blast keeping him.  It just makes me want our house full of kids someday- no matter their age!

Snow 2012

Wow were we shocked to wake up to all the snow! I think we got probably 10 inches here.  We lost power Christmas Day at 6:30pm and didn't get it back til Friday, December 28th at about 3.  That was a LONG time without power.  I can honestly say I wasn't the easiest person to deal with.  Mom and Dad saved our freezer food by bringing us a generator.  It was great to have just one light at night and the fridge working.  We slept on our sleeper sofa- which I will NEVER subject a guest in this house to- SO uncomfortable.  The fireplace worked and provided a little warmth.  I cooked dinner by candlelight and lantern.  I'm so happy we have a gas stove and hot water heater.  At one time, the house was 55 degrees inside- insane!!! 

On Thursday, I had about had it.  So, Luke and I went to Chili's for dinner.  I think that was the best meal I have ever had.  It was in the heat, with lights, and hot food.  Wonderful!!!  Luke even rigged up a huge battery to the TV- so one night, we could watch the news.  I never watch the new, but it was so good to see Ed Buckner and Craig on THV...it's the little things.

 Old Snoopers- not too fond of the snow!

 Stormy was actually smart and walked where there wasn't snow!

 BJ would have been a great sled dog- he loved the snow!!!

 Samson couldn't figure it out!

 Our Street

 Cooking spaghetti