What a relief!

Michael & I went back to the doctor today to get our TB "site" checked out.....we're negative for TB! What a relief! :)

Only negative thing was that the doctor forgot to complete our medical forms but promised to finish them this week and mail them to us, so hopefully he won't take long. I will call on Monday to make sure that he was able to get them done.

Our biographies are done! YEAH! Now, we just have fingerprinting to do on Saturday morning and we'll have everything completed to send off.

Yeah...it's feeling good!

Crazy week so far....

It's been a busy, crazy week so far...and it's only Wednesday!

Michael & I have crossed off a few things from our ever-growing adoption checklist! We both had our physicals and TB testing done. We have to go back tomorrow to make sure that we don't have TB. So far, so good! :) No red marks yet :) Michael told the doctor that he was worried that his latest work with chickens might make him have TB ~ ha! No worries, he wasn't being serious.

I have completed my bio and feel good about it. Michael has started his and should hopefully have it done by tomorrow. Then we get our fingerprints done on Saturday morning. We still have things on the list to complete, but they don't all have to be done right away.

Sometimes it feels as if we're rushing and then at times, it feels like we're moving at a snail's pace. Please pray for us as we complete the final application process and that everything submitted will be well received at the agency.

Now, I'm off to see the results show for American Idol. For those of you who watch, my bottom 3 picks for the week are as follows: 3. Chris Sligh, 2. Haley from San Antonio & 1. Sanjaya Malakar. Now, Sanjaya shouldn't have even made it past Hollywood, so obviously he should be the one to go tonight. My gut tells me that Chris Sligh will be the one to go. Guess we'll just have to see! As for who should win the competition? Melinda Dolittle - hands down!

TTFN,
Court

Autobiography....

How do you put into words the story of your life? From childhood, through adolescence up to the present day of adulthood. How do you say what needs to be said and yet not bore them with the details or come across as being anything but sincere?

I know my life. It's who I am. How do I sum it up for strangers to read and understand my heart?

How do I put on paper all the reasons I want to become a mom and hope that they see my heart?

This is much harder than I anticipated.....I've always been a good writer....I just hope that doesn't change tonight :)

~ Court

A Relaxing Weekend....

A relaxing weekend? What's that? It's been so long since we've had one, that I was beginning to forget what that even was!

Friday night, Michael & I enjoyed some great Texas BBQ. Would you believe that we actually bought it from Pappa's BBQ and that Michael didn't grill it himself?! SHOCK! I know! However, we made one slight mistake a few weeks back...we didn't bring our grill back into the garage and then all the rain hit...now all we have is one rusted out grill. Oh well...such is life. We'll get another one soon. So, in the meantime, we chose to treat ourselves to some 2nd best BBQ. Sure was nice to not have to deal with the clean up too :)

We finally got around to hanging things up on the walls. That took a little longer than expected....with all the "discussions" that had to take place over just the right place to hang something. In the end, we still have empty walls but we're happy with how things look as of now. I will have to take some pictures and post later.

On Saturday, I watched Gabriela, Isabela & Maya while Ashley went to a friend's babyshower. One might think that this event would NOT be included in relaxing weekend, but we had a lot of fun together, as always. It was a nice day outside, so we all played in the sandbox and went for a short walk, before the rain showers hit. Then it was inside for a movie and popcorn. The hard part of having 3 little ones is that someone is always left out of things. "CC, sit by me...sit by me..." Well, there's only 2 sides of me, so that usually means that the one "left out" gets the best spot in town...my lap! At one point, we were all watching the movie GARFIELD (for the hundredth time I'm sure) on the love seat...that's right....I was laying with my legs stretched out, Isabela on my right lap, Maya on my left lap and Gabriela laying across my legs. Now that's one picture I wish I had to share with you...but alas, I was a bit too occupied to even try to attempt a photo. Here's a photo....BEFORE the girls joined me on the love seat :)

I did something today that honestly, I don't think I've done in months. I read an entire book...that's right...the whole book in just under 4 hours. I'm not a big fan of Christian fiction, but I read a book by Karen Kingsbury about 5 years ago and I have become her biggest fan. She's such a talented writer. She can truly sweep you away into the story, make you feel like you're living it with the characters and there is always such a great message with each one. I wish they'd take her books and make Hallmark movies from them. I usually buy her new book the day that it's released and finish it within a day. This time was different. I'm sure that I bought the book at least 5 months ago and I just decided to read it today. I'm glad that I did. The message from her latest book was this: Love is not possible without sacrifice, and sacrifice is not possible without love. Isn't that what Jesus taught? He died on the cross as the greatest sacrifice, the greatest gift of love, and it's through His grace and salvation that we can do anything good and lasting!

One of the main story lines of this book followed a soldier into Iraq. Regardless of our differing political views, we must - as Americans - agree to pray and be grateful for the men and women who put their lives on the line so the United States can remain a free nation. The cost of freedom is great. Living in the U.S. is free to all of us, but freedom is never really free either. A cost is being paid every day by the military men and women and families in our midst. Let's not forget that. For those serving our country, I thank you, and am praying for your safety and quick return home.

Hope everyone has a great week!
~ Court

Burst of Praise!

This was in my inbox this morning and wanted to share it. I hope that this will encourage you today, as it has me.


Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. Ephesians 3:20-21


Paul is praying about Christ’s unknowable love and he bursts out in a song of praise.

God is able, for he has all power.

God is able to do, for he is active and at work in our lives.

God is able to do what we ask, for he hears and answers our prayers.

God is able to do what we ask or imagine, for he knows what we dream of that we are even afraid to ask.

God is able to do all that we ask or imagine, for there are no limits to his power and goodness.

God is able to do more than all we ask or imagine, for he is gracious and exceeds our biggest dreams.

God is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, for his power and goodness transcends all boundaries.

This is the God we come to. This is the God who hears our every prayer.

To him be the glory!

Faithfulness

As Michael & I go through the adoption process, there are days where I just don't see how it's going to happen. Fear, anxiety & fatigue (just to name a few) begin to overwhelm me. When that began to happen again this morning, I was reminded of these wonderful promises in Isaiah:

Fear not; for I am with you: be not dismayed; for I am your God: I will strengthen you; yes, I will help you; yes, I will uphold you with the right hand of my righteousness" (Isaiah 41:10).

"Fear not," God says to me. And yet I fear. "Be not dismayed." And yet I worry and become anxious over many things. God continually tells me "I am with you," yet I continue to become panic stricken by the cares of this life, not realizing just how close He really is. My eyes are so often on the problems that surround me that I cannot see the God who remains with me.

I know God is near. But if I am blinded by my problems or selfish wants, how can I see Him? And if I cannot see Him, how can I bring myself to trust Him? And if I cannot bring myself to trust Him, how shall I learn to depend on Him when I am surrounded by trouble, or burdened by the cares of this life? How will I learn to have peace when the budget is tight, the job insecure, the process is too slow or when my day to day becomes a tedious "daily grind?" The daily grind can and does get to me, as I'm sure it does to everyone.

Then I read the verse again from Isaiah 41:10...He says, "Do you feel weak? I will strengthen you. Do you need help? I'll be there--I will help you. Are you weary and feel like you cannot take another step? I will hold you up." These are not simply words but they are the promises from God. He is talking to me....He is talking to all of us. I just simply have to believe that what He said He will do, He will do. Not because of my faith--but because of His faithfulness.

But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint" (Isaiah 40:31)

I am so thankful for the Lord's faithfulness and love for me; and encouraged to know that no matter what, He is with me always, even on those days where my faith is less than perfect.

Checklist

Slowly but surely we are getting things marked off our list. We have rescheduled our fingerprinting appointments for the end of the month. We also have our physicals and TB testing scheduled. We have completed the paperwork for the fire inspection of our home; still trying to figure out who is suppose to inspect the house though.

Now that we are settled in the house, we can focus solely on the paperwork. Our goal is to have everything completed by the end of the month. Once all of our paperwork is completed and turned in to the agency, we will know in a week of our approval. Once approved, we can start our training classes.

Michael & I are so appreciative of all your support, encouragement and prayers along the way. It means more than you know.

Some new pics....

Michael & I had our first night of entertaining the whole Crews family on Saturday night. Bobby & Cierra were here for Spring Break, so it was a good time for all of us to get together. It was nice to be the ones doing the entertaining :) In the midst of everything, I only managed to get 2 pictures taken, but they couldn't have been better ones!

Who needs a kiddie table....when you have the floor?!

We had great food (thanks Honey!), plenty of room and lots of laughter.

Many of you have asked to see pics of the new house as well. So here are just a few. All of the boxes are unpacked but the walls are still barren. We're going to work on that this weekend. These pictures were taken 2 days after moving in. I just realized that I didn't take any of our bedroom...will have to do that later.

1. Dining Room 2. Kitchen from breakfast room 3. Kitchen 4. Living Room from back door 5. Guest Bedroom (feel free to come and visit!)

1. Our big purchase - a very comfy, huge couch. 2&3. Chopper's choice of comfort. 4. Another view of living room.

All moved in....

The move to High Hollow Lane really went better than expected. It reminded me of the beginning of the movie, Meet The Fockers...when everything is going right, after everything going wrong in the first movie, and just waiting for the bad stuff to start...and it doesn't! That's exactly what happened with our move.

Michael & I were able to get to bed fairly early on Wednesday night and had a good night's sleep. The movers arrived early and got us moved in less than 3 hours. The cable/internet guy called to say he was in the area, could he come over early? Sure....we don't have the tvs set up, but we can do it quickly. Of course, it would be helpful to find that one box that I packed all the cables and remotes in so that it would be so easy to find when needed (found it right after the cable guy left). Furniture was delivered before the scheduled time and looks great in the living room. My mom came over after lunch to help with the unpacking of boxes...mostly in the kitchen. It's amazing how much stuff we have!!! My mom was a great help ~ as she should be, after 20+ moves in our lifetime. Thanks Mom!

The only hiccup came when the movers tried to install our dryer and we found that the electrical outlet in the wall was different than our dryer. UGH #1! So, it was off to Lowes to hopefully find an adapter. We arrive at Lowes to be told that they don't have adapters; we'll just need to re-wire the dryer....it's easy! No problem! Um...yeah...right! So, we bought the new wiring and decided to attack it first thing Saturday morning. What a sight! As most of you probably know, the area for a washer and dryer is very tight and very difficult to do anything with. Our house is no exception. We pulled the dryer out and Michael was able to re-wire the dryer without much trouble. That's when we realized that the movers must have left the vent hose behind at the other house, because we didn't have one. UGH #2! So, I made a quick run to Lowes to get a vent. Came back to the house, put it on and realized that the package didn't come with the clamps. UGH #3! I went back to Lowes and got the clamps. Came back to the house, got the vent hooked up and then realized that I couldn't get out from behind the dryer ~ ha! UGH #4....now we have to unhook the washer, move it out of the tight space, move the dryer out, let me move out of the way, hold up the vent so that it doesn't get crushed, very carefully remove myself and push the dryer and washer back into place. Ahhhhhh...finally! So, then we test the dryer and there is this clanking noise....so I open up the dryer and what do my eyes find.....the vent hose AND clamps....UGH #5! Michael & I just looked at each other and after a little bit, were able to laugh about it!

Chopper has been adjusting to the new digs, and we have found that he's quite the guard dog....barking at EVERYTHING! For those of you who visited us at our old house, you'll remember how the house was very removed from the street and we heard almost nothing. We are now on a busy street and Chopper barks at every little noise. That will hopefully change :) One good note, we have broken Chopper of his need to get up every morning at 2:45 to go outside...we've been able to push it until 4am....which makes me very happy!

All of the boxes are unpacked! We just have to decorate the walls....lots and lots of walls!

On another note, we were not able to get the fingerprinting done this weekend. We have it scheduled for the 17th. We just weren't able to get things done in the midst of the move. We still have a lot to do with the paperwork so we will most likely start our training in April. Michael & I just keep reminding ourselves that it's all in God's timing, not our own.