The last 6 days have changed my life. I think that it is safe to say that this will probably be the most memorable Christmas ever. Christmas eve Bryan told my uncle that a baby may be just what we needed to change our world and relationships. My uncle responded, "A baby is the only thing that really ever has." There was a ton of wisdom in that statement.
I have thought a lot about that statement. Christ came to our world as a baby, adopted by Joseph, and created to change the world. What an awesome thing that God has done in our lives. He has given us our own picture of Christ. Reese came to us as a baby, to be adopted, and to change our world. What a blessing we have been given.
After only 6 days, we already have a better idea and understanding of Christ's love for us. I had always been told that having your own children would make God's love and sacrifice more real. I would say that is true. Sure, we are in the honeymoon period right now, but we have already had a few rough spots. I know that it won't always be easy, but I know that I have been given everything that I need to love him the way God intended.
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
The Three Holder's
Reese arrived yesterday about 10:45am. Day one was pretty good. We had several visitors and we have learned three things about Reese: 1. He loves to be held 2. He loves other kids 3. He does not like riding in the car. Our best friend's son Isaac came to visit and he loved Isaac. He wouldn't stop watching Isaac and smiling at him. Isaac came bearing gifts. He brought an ornament, Reese's first Hot Wheels car, and Jeff Gordon sippy cups. (Isaac loves Jeff Gordon and said that he wanted to start Reese off right.) When the Clary's left, our neices Jordan and Gailey came by. Reese loved Gailey too. After all the visitors, we headed to a Christmas party.
After a rough ride home Reese was off to bed and he slept from 10pm until 6:30 am. This is not quite his normal 8-7, but I would say it was acceptable for day 1.
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Doubly Blessed
We met Reese yesterday and I must say he is the sweetest, cutest baby boy ever! (I guess I could be a little biased.) I would share pictures, but unfortunately, I can't. My digital camera rarely leaves my side and I document everything in photos. Everything expect meeting my child.
When I tried to turn the camera on, it did absolutely nothing! I tired my regular tricks and nothing worked. Those darn rechargeable batteries must have been recharged one too many times. Have no fear we will be purchasing more TODAY!
It is an understatement to say that we immediately fell in love. We held him, played with him, and I even got to feed him. (Bryan was a little nervous about attempting that.) He is such a happy baby and has a wonderful disposition. I can hardly wait until Monday.
Not only did we get to meet Reese yesterday, his new cousin was welcomed into our world as well. My cousin Jamie had her baby around 6 pm last night. As if all this weren't blessing enough, Brooke and Chris got good news about Dillen. Still no travel date, but encouraging news. You can follow their journey here.
God is so good! What a Christmas this is going to be!
When I tried to turn the camera on, it did absolutely nothing! I tired my regular tricks and nothing worked. Those darn rechargeable batteries must have been recharged one too many times. Have no fear we will be purchasing more TODAY!
It is an understatement to say that we immediately fell in love. We held him, played with him, and I even got to feed him. (Bryan was a little nervous about attempting that.) He is such a happy baby and has a wonderful disposition. I can hardly wait until Monday.
Not only did we get to meet Reese yesterday, his new cousin was welcomed into our world as well. My cousin Jamie had her baby around 6 pm last night. As if all this weren't blessing enough, Brooke and Chris got good news about Dillen. Still no travel date, but encouraging news. You can follow their journey here.
God is so good! What a Christmas this is going to be!
Friday, December 19, 2008
If I had a little box
A few months ago I had a car full of small children. We were headed to a tailgate party and they were singing. One of the songs they sang went something like this:
If I had a little box to put the devil in. I'd take him out and stomp his face and put him back again.
I don't know that these are the correct words to the song, but this is how the children were singing it. Right now, I want to take Satan out of that box and stomp his face.
As I shared earlier in the week, God has opened a some huge doors for us lately. It is becoming more evident that He is at work because Satan has shown up! I know that Satan doesn't bother us when there is no threat to him. Please pray for us because he is trying hard right now.
Boy, I wish I had that box. I'd give him a good stomping and send him right back to that box.
If I had a little box to put the devil in. I'd take him out and stomp his face and put him back again.
I don't know that these are the correct words to the song, but this is how the children were singing it. Right now, I want to take Satan out of that box and stomp his face.
As I shared earlier in the week, God has opened a some huge doors for us lately. It is becoming more evident that He is at work because Satan has shown up! I know that Satan doesn't bother us when there is no threat to him. Please pray for us because he is trying hard right now.
Boy, I wish I had that box. I'd give him a good stomping and send him right back to that box.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Tomorrow, tomorrow
Tomorrow, Tomorrow, we see him tomorrow. It's only a day away.
We get to go visit our Reese tomorrow for the first time. It is a little overwhelming to think that Monday we will be parents.
I am not promising pictures, though I will be taking some. We may not be able to post pictures while he is still a foster child, but trust as soon as possible, I will post them.
Pray for us. This ride is moving fast.
Tomorrow, tomorrow. It's only a day away.
We get to go visit our Reese tomorrow for the first time. It is a little overwhelming to think that Monday we will be parents.
I am not promising pictures, though I will be taking some. We may not be able to post pictures while he is still a foster child, but trust as soon as possible, I will post them.
Pray for us. This ride is moving fast.
Tomorrow, tomorrow. It's only a day away.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Out of the Box
We are getting closer everyday to bringing Reese home. I am excited and nervous. It is really hard for me to not feel like I am in control. Guess what, my little box is about to be rocked. I don't think that I feel like I'm in control for the next 18 years.
With that said, today's post will be on a much lighter note. Brooke sent me an email today with this survey attached. I thought I would post it here. I am going to change the directions a little and answer the questions about myself. I am including the original instructions in case you want to cut & paste and pass it on.
Instructions: Okay, this one is different - this is funny. YOU fill in the blanks about ME and send it back to ME. But FIRST, send a blank one out to all your friends, including me, so we can return the favor to you. Be honest. They're really SCARY to get back. It only takes a few minutes,so just do it! First send (forward) this survey to everyone you know to see how well he or she knows you. Second, hit 'reply' and fill this survey out about the person who sent it to you and send it back to them.
Where did we meet?
Take a stab at my middle name? Drennon
Do I smoke? No
Do I have lots of friends, lots of acquaintances, or small number of close friends? a lot of acquaintances with a small number close friends
Color of my eyes? Blue
How many siblings do I have? 3 (half brother, half sister, step sister)
What's one of my favorite things to do? Shop and making crafts
What's my favorite type music? praise and worship
What's my favorite sport? Basketball
What's my favorite color? Purple and silver
Am I shy or outgoing? Shy
Am I a rebel or do I follow the rules? Rules follower all the way
Any special talents? Dancing (tap, jazz, & swing)
What is my favorite family vacation spot? Charleston
If I could take the kids anywhere on vacation, where would I choose? Southern California
If you and I were stranded on a deserted island, what is one thing I would bring? camera
With that said, today's post will be on a much lighter note. Brooke sent me an email today with this survey attached. I thought I would post it here. I am going to change the directions a little and answer the questions about myself. I am including the original instructions in case you want to cut & paste and pass it on.
Instructions: Okay, this one is different - this is funny. YOU fill in the blanks about ME and send it back to ME. But FIRST, send a blank one out to all your friends, including me, so we can return the favor to you. Be honest. They're really SCARY to get back. It only takes a few minutes,so just do it! First send (forward) this survey to everyone you know to see how well he or she knows you. Second, hit 'reply' and fill this survey out about the person who sent it to you and send it back to them.
Where did we meet?
Take a stab at my middle name? Drennon
Do I smoke? No
Do I have lots of friends, lots of acquaintances, or small number of close friends? a lot of acquaintances with a small number close friends
Color of my eyes? Blue
How many siblings do I have? 3 (half brother, half sister, step sister)
What's one of my favorite things to do? Shop and making crafts
What's my favorite type music? praise and worship
What's my favorite sport? Basketball
What's my favorite color? Purple and silver
Am I shy or outgoing? Shy
Am I a rebel or do I follow the rules? Rules follower all the way
Any special talents? Dancing (tap, jazz, & swing)
What is my favorite family vacation spot? Charleston
If I could take the kids anywhere on vacation, where would I choose? Southern California
If you and I were stranded on a deserted island, what is one thing I would bring? camera
Monday, December 15, 2008
No Coincidence Here
God never ceases to amaze me! We got the long awaited call about our Little Buddy last week and now I can see His hand in answering another prayer. Over the weekend I contacted my parents and one of my sisters to let them know about Reese. This was a big step, because we are not really close to either of my parents or my siblings.
These strained relationships have been the subject of many prayers. I long to have a loving, healthy relationship with my parents. More so than that, I long to restore my relationship with my sister. She has held a very special place in my heart since the day she was born 22 years ago. For most of her teen years we were very close. The last few years have been different though.
Sunday afternoon, my phone rang and my sister's name was on the caller id. I quickly answered and hoped for the best. She began to ask a lot of questions about the baby. She seemed to know more information than I had shared with my family. I could hear her husband talking in the background and adding to her questions. After a minute or two of discussion, she told me that her sister-in-law is the foster mother to Reese.
Her sister-in-law had been talking to them about the baby leaving and she started putting the pieces together. The social worker had told the family that the baby would be going to a youth minister's family in Anderson County. I told my sister that we would be getting a six month old baby and it all fit together. My sister has spent a lot of time with the baby and had pictures that she shared with us. She and the foster parents were excited to know where he was going.
I have prayed for a long time about how to restore this relationship and this may be God's way of doing that. My sister seems to have grown attached to him. I was very concerned about my family's reaction to him. What a comfort to know that they already know and love him. I was concerned about feeling awkward dealing with strangers during the transition time. There are no strangers involved, so there is no need to feel awkward.
God is good and He is faithful! It is not often that I clearly see His hand in the midst of a situation. Usually I see these things when I look back. I have no doubt that I have seen it here! I am so excited to see how it all unfolds!
These strained relationships have been the subject of many prayers. I long to have a loving, healthy relationship with my parents. More so than that, I long to restore my relationship with my sister. She has held a very special place in my heart since the day she was born 22 years ago. For most of her teen years we were very close. The last few years have been different though.
Sunday afternoon, my phone rang and my sister's name was on the caller id. I quickly answered and hoped for the best. She began to ask a lot of questions about the baby. She seemed to know more information than I had shared with my family. I could hear her husband talking in the background and adding to her questions. After a minute or two of discussion, she told me that her sister-in-law is the foster mother to Reese.
Her sister-in-law had been talking to them about the baby leaving and she started putting the pieces together. The social worker had told the family that the baby would be going to a youth minister's family in Anderson County. I told my sister that we would be getting a six month old baby and it all fit together. My sister has spent a lot of time with the baby and had pictures that she shared with us. She and the foster parents were excited to know where he was going.
I have prayed for a long time about how to restore this relationship and this may be God's way of doing that. My sister seems to have grown attached to him. I was very concerned about my family's reaction to him. What a comfort to know that they already know and love him. I was concerned about feeling awkward dealing with strangers during the transition time. There are no strangers involved, so there is no need to feel awkward.
God is good and He is faithful! It is not often that I clearly see His hand in the midst of a situation. Usually I see these things when I look back. I have no doubt that I have seen it here! I am so excited to see how it all unfolds!
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