tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38139791162187698002023-11-16T03:20:01.595-08:00Our Journey of FaithKelly and Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08301385459898234721noreply@blogger.comBlogger37125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3813979116218769800.post-41453796008945152512017-05-03T10:57:00.000-07:002017-05-03T10:57:12.711-07:0018 Month Check-In....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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18 Month Check-In....<br />
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Since we have had a number of people lately ask us the status of our adoption, I figured it was time for an 18 month check-in. It has officially been 18 months as of April since we started waiting on the call for baby #2! Let's just say that God has taught me a lot in these past 18 months. In particular from a very sweet and special conversation with Caleb a week ago.</div>
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As Caleb was getting out of the bathtub last Monday night, April 24th, he looked at me with a question that turned into a moment of just sitting and crying and saying "I hear you God!"</div>
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<b>Caleb: </b>Mommy, when is God going to give us a baby!</div>
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<b>Me: </b>(with a lump in my throat because this is a common question he asks)....God will give us a baby when He feels the timing is perfect! We just have to be patient! I promise that you will be a big brother one day!</div>
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<b>Caleb:</b> I'm already a big brother....God just hasn't brought the baby yet!</div>
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<b>Me: </b>What do you mean?</div>
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<b>Caleb: </b>God already has the baby. It's just not here yet!</div>
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As Caleb walked away, I just sat on the bathroom floor and sobbed. God used the most innocent of moments and conversations to remind me that He already has a baby picked out for us but it's just not here yet. Now, since that moment, yes Caleb keeps asking and praying every night for God to bring us a baby and we keep repeating the same answer over and over again. But, I know that in that moment God was whispering to my heart "I already have the baby picked out for you! Just wait!"</div>
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Now, have the past 18 months been easy! HECK NO! I can't tell you how many times I have cried and prayed and hoping for answers. We have now waited almost 9 months longer than we waited for Caleb! We have actually waited the length of 2 normal pregnancies for most people! It would be like being pregnant for twice the length of a normal pregnancy and not knowing when the baby would arrive. Haha! That is pretty much our world. April was a hard month for me personally as we had to go through the process of renewing our paperwork with our adoption agency, paying a renewal fee, and scheduling a check-in home study for next Monday to update our records as they do this when families have been waiting for 18 months. I've had my moments of being frustrated and anxious and questioning when will it be our turn. It's funny because in those moments and on those bad days is when Caleb tends to ask "when will God bring us a baby" and I find myself having to listen to my own words that God will bring us a baby but we just have to be patient and keep waiting for His perfect timing!</div>
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Like I said before, this wait has not been easy at all! I truly feel that in some ways it has been harder than the wait for Caleb. BUT, I know my God is good and His plan is perfect. While I very much have my human moments with longings to be a mom for the 2nd time and waiting to see how God reveals His plan, I do know that God is weaving together a beautiful tapestry like none other to tell the story of this next angel! I don't know how this story will unfold with the next baby! I pray with everything in me that the next little one will arrive SOON but even if we never get that phone call I know God has a perfect plan for our family of 3 and we will love and cherish these moments we have together! So in case you were wondering.....we are still waiting! :)</div>
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Lindsey</div>
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Kelly and Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08301385459898234721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3813979116218769800.post-67579974790103784992016-08-31T14:10:00.000-07:002016-08-31T14:26:49.765-07:00Moments We Will Never Forget As We Wait<div style="text-align: center;">
I know sometimes people don't know what to say or ask about our adoption, so I figured I would give a quick update. We are still waiting and waiting and waiting. We have been waiting technically since October 2015, so we are almost at a year of waiting! I figured it would go by quicker and easier having Caleb this time around to help keep us distracted, but I think Caleb is just as excited about a new baby, and tired of the waiting, as we are. Who knew a 3 year old could literally ask the same question EVERYDAY for almost a year! Who knew it would be so hard to explain to a 3 year old the concept of waiting! Between going back to Disney and when will we get a new baby, I'm not sure which gets asked more by him. Oh well...we will keep waiting patiently!</div>
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Today as I was walking upstairs to my office I just felt the need to document some thoughts going through my mind as we wait. I do write periodically, in part to update family and friends all over the country on where we are, but mainly it is for Kelly and I to never forget the emotions we felt during these waiting seasons. We don't want to forget how GOOD our God is, and how in those moments when we felt like nothing was happening, that it truly was God who was working behind the scenes in ways we didn't know.</div>
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So, in our house we do have a room set up for what will be the nursery. It's hard to walk by this room everyday and sometimes I just want to shut the door, because looking into the room makes my heart hurt and makes me ask questions of God and become impatient. However, I don't want to shut the door because leaving the door open reminds me to pray for our future baby and the birthparents. Leaving the door open helps us teach Caleb the value in patience, waiting on the Lord, and trusting in Him and His plans, which brings me to my 1st picture. </div>
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This past Saturday we picked up a new rocker for the nursery. We bought this rocker because the one we had with Caleb was donated to us (thank you so much to a sweet family). While we will always treasure this rocker, and the memories we have of holding Caleb and reading to him, we also learned that my lovely 6'5" giant of a husband was not as comfortable sitting in this rocker as I was. Haha! It was one of those scenes when he put Caleb to bed where his head was hanging over the back every night! While I on the other hand was perfectly comfortable each time I sat in it. So, a big TO DO for us was buying a rocker that Kelly could enjoy this time around, too! When I look at this rocker it makes me hold on to the fact that I TRUST our God and know that in His PERFECT timing He will bring us a baby. No, we don't have everything we need for a baby, because honestly we don't know if we will have a boy or girl. However, we do have the essential furniture. We are preparing and planning because we know that God WILL provide us with a baby. We may not know when or how, but we know that He WILL, and I can put my trust and faith in Him! He brought us the perfect son in Caleb and I know He will do it again with the next baby! </div>
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You will see in the chair a blanket that says "Dream Big Little One." In our house we have established the mindset that we can dream BIG dreams and know that we have a BIG God that loves us and has BIG dreams for us, too. Plus, I bought this blanket because I just had this feeling that I needed it. There are a couple of things in the nursery that I have purchased over the past few months because my instinct tells me to buy it. As many of you remember, my instincts were not wrong at all with the time and arrival of Caleb. I know God is preparing my heart and moving in ways that I cannot see right now. So in the meantime, I will follow His leading and know that He is working on something BIGGER than I can ever imagine!</div>
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Here is the other special moment in this waiting process that I absolutely NEVER want to forget. To the average person in the picture below you will see 3 Thirty-One products. Now I know you may be thinking, you work for Thirty-One, so what does that have to do with your waiting process and adoption. It's because in these 3 items God reminded me that He is in control and He is working something out BIG for our next adoption. On July 20, 2016 I had multiple packages arrive for a recent fundraiser I did for a local Children's Home. I used the Hostess Rewards from the order to buy some more gifts for the fundraiser, but then I decided to buy for myself what we call a "Mystery Bundle" with the hostess rewards. Anyone that orders this bundle has no way of knowing what comes in the bundle until it arrives. Well when I started opening this box and I pulled out the bag with the bundle in it, which was tightly taped, so I couldn't see what was inside. I could, however, see through a tiny hole a get a glimpse of the pattern of one item. In that moment, my heart dropped and I lost my breathe for a second and dropped the bag before I opened it. In that moment I heard God lay on my heart this phrase - "Trust me. I've got this!" You see this pattern is the EXACT pattern that I have planned and purchased to go in the nursery from day one of us starting the adoption process. You see out of a warehouse of tens of thousands of products that could have been in MY Mystery Bundle God made sure that these 3 items in this pattern made its way to my house! No one else would have understood that sign, because that sign and that moment was intended just for me as a reassurance from God that He is in control and He has a plan. God is SOOOO GOOD!</div>
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So you may wonder or ask how we can wait for so long on a baby? Honestly, somedays I don't know. Somedays I just want to cry and ask God WHY is He making the wait so long. But then there are these reminders that I look at daily, which give me the strength and encouragement to make it through the next day, to know that MY God is in control and His ways and His time are always perfect! So, we will keep waiting and thanking God in advance for the plans He is working on and the baby we will one day hold in our arms!</div>
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Lindsey</div>
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Kelly and Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08301385459898234721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3813979116218769800.post-15243006600889438212016-04-07T14:21:00.000-07:002016-04-07T14:21:19.360-07:00I Will Trust In You...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">I will trust in you....</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">The statement "I will trust in you" are 5 simple words that I know we have all said many times in our conversations with God, especially in moments where life just doesn't make sense. I know I have said them plenty of times. However, I find myself saying it more often in the past few weeks as we are once again in a season of waiting on God and how He will answer prayers that we have! Lately, God has answered 2 large prayers for our family that we have in a short period of time. While I begin to wonder if He is preparing the way for the BIGGEST prayer we have right now I also find myself wondering what if the wait could be a lot longer than we expected. In these moments, I will crank up the song above and belt it out with all my heart as tears stream down my face! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">I know I shouldn't be surprised by the emotions I feel or by the wait because we have been through this before but once again I find myself just wondering when God is going to answer our prayer and how He will work it all out. There are so many questions in my mind about the timeline, the specifics, the finances, the emotions, etc that I just wish I had answers to. I thought it would be easier with the wait for the 2nd child. I figured "Caleb will keep us busy enough that we won't notice the wait." However, now that we are sitting 6 months into the wait and almost a year since we started the paperwork, I am beginning to get a little antsy. Caleb is longing to be a BIG Brother and asks us everyday when will we get a baby, which breaks my heart as we try to explain what our "normal" is and why we can't have a baby as quickly as others can. Maybe it's the fact that I have had to begin to explain to him why other mommies can carry babies in their tummy but I can't, which is why we have to wait on God to bring us the most perfect baby for our family. Maybe it's the dream of having a large family seems harder to foresee happening due to the cost and process of adoption. However, if you ask Caleb, he will tell you that we are getting some where between 2 to 5 babies! Yes, you read that right! Oh the funny things kids say! Maybe it's that we haven't had a designated room for the next child so it has helped the wait go by without noticing it much. But now that we are moving into a different house (not moving cities but just down the street in case you were wondering), there will be a designated nursery for the next little one and the thought of having to pass by that room everyday without knowing when there will be a baby in it has made me a little anxious too. I don't know what it is but I think the waiting is beginning to hit. I feel like a piece of our family is missing and there is no definite timeline on when that piece will be found. In the words of every adoption family, we are "paper pregnant" with no definite due date. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">BUT.....</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Here is what I do know...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">1) God gave Kelly and I the most perfect, amazing, sweet, hilarious, caring, loving, smart little boy when He brought Caleb into our lives. His timing was absolutely perfect and Caleb's story is one that I can look back on and see how God knit everything together, even down to what will forever be called my "mother's intuition" on the day he was born and the day we got the call for him.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">2) My God is a faithful, loving, and GOOD Father and I know that He has our best interest in mind. As I have said before, as we waited on Caleb, EVEN IF God never answers our prayer for a 2nd child, I will still love Him, praise Him, and thank Him for all the other blessings in my life and most importantly for my salvation. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">3) God has given us a platform through our struggle, pain, tears, ups and down in infertility and adoption to make His name great and share how our God is faithful. We consider it our honor and blessing to be able to help comfort, cry with, talk to, and share our story with others to help them through their own struggles. But most importantly we love to share through our story how we have been forever adopted as His children into the Kingdom of God when we come to Him and commit our life to Him. If God allowed us to walk this journey to help others and point them towards Christ, then it's all worth it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">So you may be asking why am I writing all of this?!? Well honestly, when we went through our adoption journey with Caleb, writing some how seemed to help me release emotions and express what I was thinking. Today, for some reason, everything has hit me with regards to the wait and how God will complete this next chapter in our journey for a 2nd child. However, I also wanted to write this because I know there are women out there struggling and still waiting on that 1st child. Some of you I know by name, some I don't. I honestly feel bad for having these emotions since we already have adopted one child and some are still waiting on how God will make them parents for the 1st time. I just want you to know that God loves you and has an AMAZING plan for you! The most perfect child is out there and in God's sovereignty He already knows how all the details of His plan will work out to making you parents for the 1st time. But trust me when I say this, while a child is the greatest blessing I could ever imagine and has brought Kelly and I so much joy in our lives, we must always remind ourselves that our joy needs to come from God first and foremost. We need to find peace and rest in Him and Him alone. Everything else is a blessing from God but He alone needs to be our firm foundation on which we stand! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">No matter what you are going through, know that you can trust in God! He may not answer your prayers how you want or when you want but He will answer them in the most perfect way that is RIGHT for YOU! So for now.....I continue to wait AND trust in God!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Lindsey</span><br />
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Kelly and Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08301385459898234721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3813979116218769800.post-91576077702706069652013-11-02T04:37:00.000-07:002013-11-02T04:37:25.824-07:00The difference a year makes!<div style="text-align: center;">
I can't believe that today is finally here! Today is a day that we have dreamed about and prayed for over the past 3 1/2 years. Today is a day that I have been planning for over the past 9 months (I know…don't laugh!) Today is not just any old day in our household. Today is a day that we will cherish every moment, every laugh, every tear, every detail!!! Emotions will be high today with celebration, reflection, excitement, and complete awe of the faithfulness of God! </div>
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<b>TODAY we celebrate Caleb's 1st birthday!</b></div>
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As we prepare for his birthday celebration, I reflect on that special day when I got to hold my little man for the 1st time! When the day finally arrived to go get our son, I felt like the hours and minutes passed by so slowly. We spent all day making sure we had everything ready in the house. After a whirlwind of a weekend, with only 3 days notice to meet Caleb, I knew that God knew what He was doing with only giving us 3 days notice. I know I couldn't wait another minute until I met him! Finally, the time arrived where we started our drive to go pick up Caleb. I felt butterflies in my stomach the entire way there. When we finally arrived at the agency, we got there before Caleb did with his foster parents. We had to take care of all of the paperwork first, but obviously my mind was not focused on paperwork when all I wanted to do was hold my son. Once all the paper work was complete, we still had no idea that he was there. So we came out of the room where we met with the representative of the agency, walked down the hall way, and then as we turned into a room we then realized that THERE HE WAS! </div>
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This one moment will forever be frozen in time in our minds and our hearts. As they walked towards us and placed him in our arms, emotions that had been bottled up inside of us for the past 3 1/2 years, as we prayed and waited for the day to be parents came pouring out. (Side note…I knew I wanted every moment of this to be captured in pictures so I had a sweet friend, Jennifer Hambrick, come and take pictures for us.) </div>
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Here is the 1st picture ever taken of Caleb placed in my arms. If you know me well, you know that I hate having bad pictures taken of me. BUT, when I look at this picture I think it is the most perfect picture in the entire world because all I see is the absolute pure, raw emotions of this moment. This moment is a moment I will never forget!!!</div>
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Here is our 1st family picture.</div>
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Now it's time to head home and start our new life with our new addition! YAY!</div>
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Even though he may not have grown in my stomach and we may not have been there the day he was born, he grew in our hearts long before we ever knew about him. Today as we celebrate his birthday, we reflect on this special day when we became a family. One of the reasons I loved the name Caleb is because it means "faithful". Kelly and I have always called this our journey of faith, so the name Caleb is perfectly fitting for our answered prayer and God's faithfulness to us. Caleb's middle name is Mark, which is Kelly's middle name. We love our little man more than life itself and thank God everyday for him! November is National Adoption Month and I couldn't imagine any better way to celebrate than to celebrate the birth of our son this month as well! </div>
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Now, even though this is such a special day for us and for Caleb, my heart still thinks about and prays for his birthparents. Questions go through my mind about if they remember that today is his birthday and are they thinking of him. You see, I can never be angry or bitter or resentful to his birthparents because they have us the gift that we couldn't give ourself. I will be forever grateful to them and this precious blessing that they gave us. In our family, Caleb's adoption will always be an open and very common conversation. His birthparents will always hold a special place in my heart. Even though we have never met them, I will always think about them. Just like Caleb has been adopted by us, we have been adopted by Christ and both stories are ones that we should never try to hide or be embarrassed about. The perfect example of adoption is when Christ adopted us so I know as long as I follow His example then we can never go wrong in raising Caleb.</div>
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Happy 1st Birthday to our little man! Mommy and Daddy love you so very much! You will never know how much joy, love, laughter, and excitement you bring to our lives!</div>
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Kelly and Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08301385459898234721noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3813979116218769800.post-85737300735429923122013-10-21T12:25:00.000-07:002013-10-21T12:25:13.061-07:00Reflecting on a year ago...So, I know it has been a long time since I wrote my last post and I basically took a year off, but as many of you know about 2 weeks after I wrote my last post we finally received THE CALL about our little boy! Can I just say how amazing it is to see how God works and not knowing that as I wrote it, our little boy had already been born and was waiting for us!!! Feel free to go back and read what I wrote about, how as I was letting go and giving it to God, that He was already 2 steps ahead of us and had our blessing prepared for us and waiting. I don't think the timing of how everything unfolded was by coincidence, but instead by God's divine plan! God works in miraculous and wonderful ways! I can't even begin to express how in awe I am at how He guided and allowed our story to unfold. So, now fast forward one year and we are about to celebrate the 1 year birthday of our little man, Caleb. WOW! How fast this past year has gone by, but I know we get to experience all the years to come and make many more memories.<br />
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Now, I know I am not the best writer and I can't promise how often I will write any posts as I am obviously very busy between 2 jobs, my family, and my church. However, I thought I would try to write every once in awhile, since we have so many family and friends all over, not only North Carolina, but also over the country, and wow, even around the world. As we are coming up to Caleb's 1 year birthday and celebrating National Orphan Sunday in 2 weeks, I have really been reflecting on how I felt and what I was doing this time last year, when I didn't even know about Caleb, but I did know that God was stirring something in my heart for his arrival. So most of you know the story of how everything unfolded the weeks and months leading up to us getting Caleb, but if you don't know I thought I would take a moment and catch everyone up...<br />
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As most of you know I am 100% a PLANNER! I have a timeline and a schedule on how things need to be done, so obviously waiting in our adoption process was a definite test for me. However, God knew what He was doing as the timeline would unfold for the arrival of our son. Kelly and I agreed that we would only get the main furniture and a couple of key items, before we actually received a call about a placement. Thanks to some amazing friends, we did, however, agree to have only 1 baby shower in advance of an actual placement call in order to get some additional necessities!<br />
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For about 3 months leading up to the arrival of Caleb, I had in me this restless feeling that something was going on, but I didn't know what it was. I told Kelly and my mom for months that I knew we were going to have a child by Christmas, and as any good husband and mom would do, they both tried to tell me to not get my hopes up in the event that it didn't happen. Needless to say, I ignored their advice because in my heart of hearts I knew this was happening. I could even begin to actually picture what our living room would look like with toys everywhere and a baby crawling on the floor, which is exactly what it looks like today. Haha! I was so certain that God was laying it on my heart that we would have a child by Christmas that we decorated the house with Christmas decorations the beginning of November, so that I knew we were ready if we got the call. Even a friend of ours, while going on a Pastor's Conference, the 2nd weekend in November, remembers me saying that I know we will have a baby by Christmas. I'm not saying I can predict the future by any means, but I am saying that God placed in me such a strong desire and longing for this child, which I can only explain as his way of preparing me for motherhood.<br />
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One of the best stories during this journey to meet our son came on the actual day Caleb was born. Remember, we didn't know of his birth until almost a month after he was born. The day he was being born I was at a Christmas fair with my mom. As we were shopping we came up to this booth that had bibs and burp cloths. Well, I fell in LOVE with this one set in a green argyle pattern with dark navy blue. I couldn't stop looking at it and wanting it. Well, as has been our agreement from the beginning, I didn't want to go crazy and by stuff, since we didn't know if we would have a boy or girl. My only reason for not getting it was I thought it looked very boyish and if we got a girl I didn't know if it would be good for a girl. So I told my mom to let's walk around and look at everything else and if it is still there when we come back around then I will get it. Well, needless to say it was in the exact place I had left it since we walked away and I couldn't get it off my mind the entire time. Who knew that at that moment that I was looking that bib and burp cloth set that my little boy was being born. I 100% believe that my longing for this set was God building that connection and longing with my son before I ever had met him. They say in adoption that our children grew in our hearts instead of our tummies, and that is exactly what God was doing for me. He was growing this love and this longing for a child that I had not even met yet.<br />
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Fast forward 3 weeks, the day before we got THE CALL I was at work and when I left work that day I was so mad because I had not gotten everything I needed to get done at work before the weekend. I had spent every weekend for the past few weeks making sure when I left on Thursday that I was 100% ready just in case we got a call. On the way home from work that day, I called Kelly and I remember saying to him "I'm so mad that I didn't get all my work done. What if we get a call this weekend and I'M NOT READY?!?!". Well guess what happened the next day, on Friday (this is when I think God has an amazing sense of humor)?!?!<br />
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Around 2 PM on Friday, I get a call from our case worker as I was driving to church. When I saw her name calling me, it didn't even register what it would be about. She started the call as calm as possible and just said she was checking on her families and then preceded to say "So Lindsey, knowing you, you probably already have your Christmas decorations up and presents bought and wrapped under the tree". Well I laughed and responded with "well of course the decorations are up and presents are bought, but not wrapped yet", which she quickly responded with "well you better go ahead and do that". Now, I will admit at this point I still had NO CLUE what this call was about and it didn't register at all with me, so I just kind of laughed off her response. Then she said the words I have been longing to hear for 3 1/2 years as we have waited to be parents..."Well you better get ready because you will be a mother on MONDAY!" That moment will forever stand still in my mind. I know where I was, what I was doing, and that feeling I will never forget. So I try to continue to drive, without going too much over the speed limit, as I race to church to get to Kelly and ask her if she can hold because I don't want to hear another detail until we are together to hear it at the same time. <br />
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Finally, as I race into the church and come into Kelly's office crying as the case worker is on mute trying to explain what is happening, we finally un-muted her and she tells us we have been selected for a beautiful little boy! Needless to say, tears are flowing in overdrive at this moment! The next few moments are filled with jumping up and down, crying, writing down all the facts as fast as we can, and then sitting in his office WAITING to get a picture of our little man. As we wait, I finally get the words out with the feelings God has been re-affirming in my heart for months and I say "I TOLD YOU WE WOULD HAVE A CHILD BY CHRISTMAS" (Kelly will never question again my mother's intuition...haha). When we finally saw his handsome face, we fell in love and God reaffirmed our love for this little one and that he was hours. Next, in order to avoid telling ANYONE before we could get to our parents, we left the church and drove down the street and just sat in our car making calls. The next hours we spent telling parents (who all SCREAMED and CRIED on the phone) as well as family and friends. The following 3 days became a whirlwind as we had to buy everything we could imagine to prepare for Caleb's arrival as well as recruiting assistance from family and friends. I didn't think Monday at 3 PM could get here soon enough.<br />
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Now I know this post is already long enough so I will wait and share more on the actual day of getting him in the next few days, so to not do information overload with you in one post. Haha! I hope for those of you that haven't heard all these details before, that this helps you see how God works absolutely everything out in His PERFECT timing and His PERFECT way! The journey was long to get to that moment, but I wouldn't trade a second of it as I know it is all a part of God's plan and design for our life and I give Him all the glory for what He has done for us!<br />
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<br />Kelly and Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08301385459898234721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3813979116218769800.post-75024359022889521362012-11-19T11:54:00.004-08:002012-11-19T11:54:28.589-08:00This Thanksgiving I am thankful for the "Even If"!<div style="text-align: center;">
Even if the healing doesn't come<br />
And life falls apart<br />
And dreams are still undone<br />
You are God You are good<br />
Forever faithful One<br />
Even if the healing<br />
Even if the healing doesn't come</div>
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~ Even If by Kutless</div>
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As many of you know we are still patiently or trying to patiently wait for a placement in our adoption. However, while we have been waiting, God has been growing us as individuals and as a couple. A month or two ago, God caused one single question to penetrate my heart and for me to really ponder my answer to the question. The question was this "Even if I don't give you children, whether through pregnancy or adoption, will you still love me?" WOW! What a question! When you have been longing for something or struggling with a problem for so long, no matter what it is, it is hard to imagine and think that there is a chance that God's ultimate plan for your life is for that problem you are facing to never be removed. I know people have the best intentions, and mean well when they say, "you will receive a placement one day," or "I know it will happen for you," and trust me, we still believe with our whole heart that God has called us to be parents, and one day that will happen. However, God has convicted me to reexamine my focus and ask the question, "do I have my identity wrapped up in being a parent or is my desire to find my identity in Christ always". He also has caused me to answer the question "will you love and trust me EVEN IF my plans for your life are not to be parents". Two hard questions that you always feel you know the answer to, but what if God chooses to not answer a prayer you have or fulfill a longing in your heart, because even though you feel it is the best thing for you, that it is not what He feels is best for you.<br />
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If you have ever seen the movie Facing The Giants, the main character and his wife are struggling with starting a family. I remember watching this movie when it first came out, which was before Kelly and I ever started dating. I had no idea that this one scene in this movie would become so real in my own life down the road. I just saw this movie for the 1st time, since that time years ago, and this one scene has so much more of a powerful meaning now then it did back then. This one clip started my process in examining this question of "even if" and how I would answer it. Here is the clip to refresh your memory:<br />
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One day while I was working, I heard this amazing song, which hit this question right on the head. It is by Kutless called "Even If". Needless to say, I cried the 1st time I heard it. I spent a lot of time in prayer and examing my heart to make sure my calling and focus in life is to serve God and to find my identity in Him and not in being a parent. God has been so good to me and provided for all of my needs! Even if He doesn't give me another blessing, I could never repay Him for all He has done for me and Kelly in our lives. So this Thanksgiving I am thankful for the "Even If" in my life because even if we never receive a placement I will still trust, love, and follow my God because He knows what is best for me and loves me beyond anything I can ever comprehend!<br />
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So this Thanksgiving I am thankful for the "even if". I hope in your own life if you are struggling with health issues, family issues, financial issues, whatever it might be, that you will examine the question "will you still love and trust God even if the healing never comes". My God if faithful, all powerful, and loving and I am thankful for that. Even if He never does another thing for me, He has already done more than I could ever comprehend by sending His son to give me eternal life. <br />
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Happy Thanksgiving!<br />LindseyKelly and Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08301385459898234721noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3813979116218769800.post-87254225233872878492012-09-09T18:26:00.001-07:002012-09-09T18:26:28.698-07:00A Long Overdue Update...I know it has been a few months since our last post. We have had a busy summer and took a break from blogging for a few months. I know many of you have been asking where we stand in the adoption process, so the answer to your question is...we are still WAITING! Haha! The word "waiting" has become a very common word in our vocabulary over the past few months. Now, I know a few people have not liked how open we have been with our adoption process and our infertility struggles, so just a heads up that the next few paragraphs to follow will be a detailed update on what has been going on with us and this process. The desire of our hearts from day one has been that if someone can learn from our adoption journey, and can find hope in it, as well as see how our amazing and wonderful God will work out all things in His timing and glory, then it is definitely worth it to share our journey. So here we go...<br />
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Since our last post, we have been very busy closing on our new house. We finally feel completely settled and at home. God has blessed us in so many ways, and we can't wait for the day, that in addition to the sound of our little dog's feet running around, we can also hear the sound of our little baby's feet. The process of building the house helped keep us busy and not focused on the waiting process with the adoption, but now that we are settled we have definitely had those moments of anxiousness where we wonder how much longer it will take. Due to our recent move to our new house, we had to update our home study to contain the most recent information on our new home and its location. During this home study we did receive some discouraging news that the waiting time now with our agency is between 1 to 3 years, instead of about 1 year as we had originally been anticipating. The extended wait is due to the slower flow of birth mothers coming to the agency in order to pursue the adoption process. We know that in God's perfect timing that He will bring the perfect child to us. Until the time of placement, we will keep on waiting and trusting. Here are a few pictures of the new nursery...<br />
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We have always said that we would be completely honest with our adoption journey. So to be completely honest, I will say that the waiting has not always been easy. I can't tell you how many times we have spent crying and praying and seeking guidance as we go through this process. We have joked that the nursery has become an amazing prayer room during this time. We often sit in the nursery and stare at the wall over the crib where we have the verse "For this child we prayed, the Lord gave us the desire of our hearts" 1 Samuel 1:27. We know that God's ways are higher than our ways and His thoughts are higher than our thoughts and that He sees the greater picture. The positive thing is that we have had a couple of potential leads on placements during this waiting period, which shows that the process is working. However, none of these leads ended up working, which just means that it was not the right time for us to have a placement. It at least gives us hope that the process is working and some day we will receive that placement. <br />
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One piece of advice that so many couples who have adopted told us is that we need to enjoy this time together and have fun traveling and doing all the things we have always wanted to do. Kelly and I love to travel, so this was something we definitely wanted to enjoy doing right now in order to keep our minds occupied. God has blessed us in so many ways and one of those ways is with a company I work for, Thirty-One. God has allowed me to earn so many trips and do things we never thought we'd be able to do. Last year, Thirty-One afforded us a few opportunities to vacation for FREE in some amazing places. Over this summer, we have taken a couple of trips with just us, with Thirty-One and with groups from our church. We plan to take a trip with our New Beginnings group from church, as well as finally having an opportunity to take our anniversary trip for this year. Even though we have been blessed to take some wonderful trips, we have still kept our focus on continuing to save money for our adoption fund. We still have a ways to go to reach the necessary amount for our entire adoption cost, but we know that God will provide the money and help give us the wisdom as we save for adoption. Some people believe in putting their lives on hold during an adoption. For us, we realize that these days of waiting are some of the most precious that we will share as husband and wife. The memories we make during this time will be the foundation upon which the future years of our life are built. We can't wait to for our baby to join us, but until then, we'll keep moving forward together, and trusting in our Great God!<br />
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Ok...I think that covers everything in our update. I know that is a lot of information, but we have always believed in being open and honest in this entire adoption process. We hope that some how God can use the things we share about our journey to be an encouragement to someone else. We know that God is allowing us to walk this journey to grow us closer to Him and to each other. We also know that this entire journey is going to allow us to treasure and enjoy that moment when we are finally placed with our little one so much more. Here is a special song that has really spoken to Kelly and I through this process. We have the lyrics to this song printed on the last page of our adoption book in hopes that they can be an encouragement to a birthmother when looking at our profile book. I hope it can be an encouragement to you today as well. <br />
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<br />Kelly and Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08301385459898234721noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3813979116218769800.post-71504365112994859522012-05-03T19:33:00.000-07:002012-05-03T19:33:21.084-07:00And the winner is...We would like to say thanks to those of you who contributed to our most recent giveaway supporting our adoption. This was a a great success and your generosity is greatly appreciated. The lucky recipient of this giveaway is <b>Tracy Johnson from Fayetteville, NC! </b>Congrats Tracy, you'll be receiving a personally customized cornhole set!<br /><br />
Thanks again for everyone's support. This will be our last giveaway for a little while. Please keep us in your prayers as we continue to wait on God's addition to our family. We are still waiting on a placement from our agency, but we know that in God's timing it'll all happen!Kelly and Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08301385459898234721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3813979116218769800.post-29778962535308748982012-03-29T19:08:00.024-07:002012-04-22T18:24:38.732-07:00Win A Personally Designed Cornhole Set!<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: 'times new roman'; font-size: 130%;">Want to win and personally design your own cornhole set?!?!</span></b><br />
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So I know it has been awhile since we have done a drawing but we have had a lot going on and thought it would be good to take a little bit of a break from the fundraising endeavors. Now, we are back and ready to go!!!! A very sweet friend of ours works with a cornhole design company and has volunteered his time and resources to donate a cornhole set and assist the winner in personally designing their own image/logo for the boards. We are blessed to have so many wonderful friends and family that are helping our dream of bringing home our child a reality!</div>
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Your cornhole set will come with 2 boards, bags, carrying case for bags, and instructions. Here is what your cornhole set will look like before you create your own design:</div>
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<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5726611681955538066" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXMkRUUSQjM1R5Dn05ab7vX4CnoIsDQY_su4nfI6kzvJziUf7oR8rV5mhNfdBKlx9nnBRHY9_JLvhkRJjIaQsVtgWfn9fv_7GqTDsjBdRVyr8TeQpSGK4euUdH3l11q6Y5P218q9eiYrA/s200/natural+boards.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; height: 200px; width: 200px;" /></div>
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If you want to learn more about the company that our friend works with, you can go to www.carolinacustomcornhole.net to learn more and see some of the designs that have already been created. I also thought that I would include a couple of pictures of boards that the company has done to help get your mind going as you thinkabout how you would design your own set. Check out the pictures below. Just think, you could have your own personally designed cornhole set for your summer cookouts, graduation parties, and just because events!</div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">You have between Sunday, April 1st to Monday, April 30th at midnight to take part in this giveaway and be entered in for a chance to WIN your own FREE personally designed cornhole set. For every $5 you donate to our adoption giveaway, you will receive 1 entry into the drawing. See details about how to obtain more entries in the giveaway below. </span></b> Thank you in advance for your contribution and willingness to help us get one step closer in our adoption journey! We know that only by faith and trusting in God's timing will we reach our financial goal and receive our placement for our child! Thank you so much for your love and support! We couldn't do this without you!</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 85%;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725515688505268130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyeeTTYuoYKIedYqQDOexuoukpJCZhvpMLoMo5Yw-RNklZ6I9bgGIgpIE9Nu1aCEtMcGRGhug13ANqdnnCvg59Jd8jVYw-AIb4F43x1NfW1bgOof5y-ug6KEunfKATpGmt7cNdM21iHLE/s200/carolina_argyle_rz7o.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; height: 150px; width: 200px;" /> </span><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725515705980408274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyLlmUTU7aldtzm0npTspS7ZGB1D-oniskb8Fus9KoBNFDkM8kWowlWgJJINSGODhEIr6JQ_w1EnY95v1n55oxqPxkEnRxWeFyVRyYPRXIfVxoJzp8_5F45LTwoxsTmbAmh8xnMYvneW8/s200/nc_state.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 150px; width: 200px;" /> <img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725515716168258914" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2wZHUctIb4w9Lf8B5rdXKo2T7lZtWvSuxaoVK0T8cH2TkrNu4sak_1C7tblVLSpQi0E66XUxdIuL8G5Db_te8USlfKB2cHRKORbkXb0wXLhyphenhyphenjTEFK6zFV2x6mf8DHWJ9CLoBAU2SE8vI/s200/steelers_86et.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; height: 150px; width: 200px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 85%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725515693961409986" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg02PKbGKyMqUBxhEl5xUYHpf3nVtjBrKyM9Bb9V_t1AdNTAWcDFLqVusaYaldlqz5-n3IY54jMfQtX2QLUqAkfE_IYayN-JQBxaDPUoWpWADsSYveW1h5zPNaF7vLw-mhsna-N2NWURjM/s200/house_divided.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; height: 150px; width: 200px;" /> </span></span><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725515702087539602" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn1Ion2TrX-PXtY7w6ZqxIz4_awhunlFuwBvmLiw8gRFCLSIEarrbv33NEB5VOvTPtihwLVp_bv6dguuaX472GyDUtquLn_MdGVPExf40stVSgHw9xjQ60mc0MsZshNNobL469hC-kzt4/s200/little_dipper_boards_ps2a.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 112px; width: 200px;" /></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 130%;">Want to know how you can be entered for a chance to win?!?! I'm glad you asked! I would be happy to tell you!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 85%; font-style: italic; line-height: 16px;"><b>HOW YOU CAN DONATE:</b><br />You can make your donation by clicking "GIVE" on the GiveForward box on the right side of this page. You will be directed to our personal donation site where you can enter your donation amount. Remember, for every $5 donated, you will receive an entry into the giveaway.<br /><br />NOTE: When you give your donation with GiveForward, please be sure to provide your name. If you choose, you can select the box that reads,"I would like to hide the amount given." Also, at the bottom of the donation page, please make sure you check the box that reads, "I would like to share my contact information with the beneficiary." This will ensure that we receive the necessary information to enter your name in the giveaway! If you would like your donation to be made in private, please feel free to mail us your donation.<br /><br />You may also mail a check with your donation to our home address. Once we have received your check, we will make the appropriate number of entries into the giveaway. Please email us at ltbullard@yahoo.com for our mailing address.<br /><br /><b>SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE GIVEAWAY:</b><br />After you donate, post something about this on Facebook and we'll add your name again to the list. Just be sure to friend one of us (Kelly or Lindsey Bullard) in your status on Facebook. If you desire your name to be put on the list for the drawing without donating, just email ltbullard@yahoo.com. Note: GiveForward donations are not tax deductible. If you</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 85%; font-style: italic; line-height: 16px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 85%; font-style: italic; line-height: 16px;">would like to send a check</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 85%; font-style: italic; line-height: 16px;"> just email me.</span></div>Kelly and Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08301385459898234721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3813979116218769800.post-76577182092470446762012-03-21T18:52:00.005-07:002012-03-21T19:14:24.119-07:00An Update On Our Journey!<span ><span style="font-size: 100%;">Well, it's been a while since we've updated our blog...long over due! While we've received many questions through this process, the most common question we are asked is, "Have you heard anything about your adoption?" Our repeated answer is, "no, we're still waiting." We understand that those inquiring are excited and anxious, just as we are. Our adoption agency told us that the waiting period would be the hard part...and it is! </span></span><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><br /></div><div><span ><span style="font-size: 100%;">Every day we keep our phones close by wondering if this will be the day we get the call. We know that God is sovereign and that we'll have a baby in His perfect timing. As we've said before this process is </span>definitely<span style="font-size: 100%;"> teaching us to trust in God and lean upon Him. </span></span></div><div><span ><span style="font-size: 100%;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span ><span style="font-size: 100%;">While we wait, one of the big questions that we face and struggle with is concerning the financial side of our adoption. As you know, adoptions are very expensive. While we are so grateful for those who have supported us so far, we still have about 65% of our adoption cost that has to be paid. This remaining cost has to be paid at the placement of our baby. Not knowing when the placement will be, this can be a little nerve wrecking. </span></span></div><div><span ><span style="font-size: 100%;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span >We are in the process of completing grant applications and trying to do what we can to make the financial arrangements for placement, whenever that might be. We will still do some fundraising to help with these expenses. Please subscribe to our blog, so you can stay up to date with our journey. </span></div><div><span ><br /></span></div><div><span >Thank you for your love, support, and prayers. Your prayers are the most important thing that we need during this journey! </span></div>Kelly and Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08301385459898234721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3813979116218769800.post-61155031892576366792012-02-01T18:00:00.000-08:002012-02-02T07:52:19.367-08:00Support Adoption and Orphans Around the World!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1dX3_6fNbEJXW0iVM915XIXFJeJ1LFTV1VTjU_gUosvvXqJH11pwnLEQ3EhD1NMX2BgWao_E6mnlnU6cNa6Yvx1GK-rvoXBextnaWka21sD_Xw93o108eUigUC_NH-8lsx_UfoYEKRk8/s1600/one-orphan-at-a-time-black-ART.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1dX3_6fNbEJXW0iVM915XIXFJeJ1LFTV1VTjU_gUosvvXqJH11pwnLEQ3EhD1NMX2BgWao_E6mnlnU6cNa6Yvx1GK-rvoXBextnaWka21sD_Xw93o108eUigUC_NH-8lsx_UfoYEKRk8/s200/one-orphan-at-a-time-black-ART.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704361620546051746" /></a>Did you know that according to The Orphan Foundation there are 147 million orphans around the world? As followers of Christ we have been instructed to care for orphans. In fact, the Bible calls caring for orphans, "pure and undefiled religion" (James 1:27). Through our adoption journey we have come to learn that people adopt for a variety of reasons. However, among these reasons, one of the greatest is a sense of God's calling upon a families life to adopt. That's right, it really is a calling. <div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8VwS2oe1CCEeMl1TcJFXFPrPA8aDDbjQd6UIjHBSLVzxp88Rg5sW-hSQPBKQVx3xed5bNJX0hoCjfFRaYwzh2FJddLoKhyueQVvxtv7ZEXk2g2NQrI1hLw0J5s7EleTHwqUAa8wLxr28/s200/show-hope-pink-circle-ART.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704361784607695106" style="float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px; " /></div><div>We are so thankful that God has called many individuals and organizations to come to the aid of these children who are so precious to our Lord. One of these organizations is AdoptionBug.com. This company was started to provide assistance to families in raising financial support for their adoption. Today, not only does AdoptionBug help with the financial obligations of adoption, a portion of their proceeds go to help organizations who are on the front line of orphan care, like Show Hope, etc.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>We have created a site through AdoptionBug to help raise financial support for our own baby adoption. When you visit our site (<a href="www.adoptionbug.com/bullard">www.adoptionbug.com/bullard</a>) you'll be able to purchase adoption related t-shirts, that will not only help our adoption and the care of orphans around the world, but you'll help promote adoption and orphan awareness. There are 6 different t-shirt designs that you can choose from. In fact, the two images in this post are both t-shirt designs! The prices vary, depending on shirt style and size. A portion of the cost of the t-shirt will come to us for our adoption, and if you purchase a "Show Hope" t-shirt, a portion of the cost will go to our adoptions, as well as the ministry of Show Hope (www.showhope.org), which is affiliated with Steven Curtis Chapman. Please note: When you go to our site only the 6 shirts on the home page help support our adoption. There are other shirts on the site, but only those 6 will go to help with our personal adoption. </div><div><br /></div><div>To check out these really cool t-shirts and to order yours today, please visit our personal site at <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.adoptionbug.com/bullard">www.adoptionbug.com/bullard</a>. We are so thankful for your love, support, and prayers through this journey. While our previous fundraising efforts have helped us tremendously with our adoption expenses thus far, we are really excited about this effort, because we will be helping support adoptions and orphans around the world! </div>Kelly and Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08301385459898234721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3813979116218769800.post-90212988889018570242012-01-24T16:19:00.000-08:002012-01-24T16:24:12.456-08:00TV Winner Announced!Thank you all for your support and participation in our TV giveaway. We are excited to announce that James Davis of Lumberton, NC is the winner of this new 32" Vizio LCD HDTV! We will be delivering James' new TV just in time for the big game! <div><br /></div><div>Once again, thank you to those who participated in this giveaway. Please keep checking our blog for more adoption updates. We will be starting a new fundraising effort next week. Not only will you be able to help our adoption, but you'll have the opportunity to help orphans around the world! </div>Kelly and Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08301385459898234721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3813979116218769800.post-56565877344525373292012-01-21T08:35:00.000-08:002012-01-21T08:51:53.760-08:00We've be officially APPROVED!!!!<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">You may or may not have heard, but we received our final adoption approval this week! That's right, all the paper work, background checks, medical exams, questionnaires, reading assignments, and home studies have been completed and approved!!! The next call we receive from Bethany could be a placement call-- we are so excited! We don't know how long we'll have to wait for a placement. It could be weeks or months, but in God's perfect timing our family will be complete!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">We also wanted to let you know that there are 48 hours left in our TV giveaway. For every $5 that you donate to our adoption cost, we'll enter you into the drawing for this brand new 32" Vizio LCD HDTV.</div><div style="text-align: center;"> <img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvttdKIZ5ciLbs8lpop6owJoU_ji-Jw-_M_lT8BSl7LilUVWL-vLqh5Vi8BSkPe-UsI0yspV35S_7y90eJH3OXte8vFG24gz-C8UU0rKmF0dznhRM82jBPUd0vNz0W_1rMxinhZ6_RT38/s400/Vizio+TV.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700127965125693586" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">You can give online using the Giveforward Link on the right panel of our blog site. We will do a random drawing next Monday and someone will receive this AWESOME TV!!! Just think, you could watch all the upcoming games on this new TV! How great would that be?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Thank you so much for your love, support, and prayers. This has, and continues to be, a journey of faith. God has provided for our financial needs thus far, and we know that He'll take care of the rest! </div>Kelly and Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08301385459898234721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3813979116218769800.post-38011827317376560312012-01-16T11:35:00.000-08:002012-01-16T11:51:16.247-08:00Thank you! (Don't forget: 1 Week Left)<div><br /></div><br /><br /><div>Many of you have already mailed us checks, donated online, or given donations to us or our parents in person to be a part of this donation. We first want to thank all of you that have given so far. It means so much to us that you want to be a part of our adoption process and donate to our giveaway. Even though we know you are hoping to be the lucky one to win the tv, each of you have also told us that you just want to be a part of this special giveaway as we travel this exciting yet uncertain journey in our lives. Thank you for loving us! We really do appreciate it!<br /></div><br /><br /><div>******************************************************************************</div><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaCAKBNOchXegBppEL_UpS7-joHeXwGDM_QbhrcUNSXUVNh75De-ZTSgLdclmfFoAQfWx7Sx7DMIsOMyDoar54mtmNxtAq1Khx6J3v7HFEDKd2B628y5h6RheDY43uL-qyta-c8iZ5uU4/s1600/vizio%255B1%255D.png"><img style="WIDTH: 276px; HEIGHT: 159px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698318440965202818" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaCAKBNOchXegBppEL_UpS7-joHeXwGDM_QbhrcUNSXUVNh75De-ZTSgLdclmfFoAQfWx7Sx7DMIsOMyDoar54mtmNxtAq1Khx6J3v7HFEDKd2B628y5h6RheDY43uL-qyta-c8iZ5uU4/s400/vizio%255B1%255D.png" /></a></p><br /><br /><div>Now just a reminder to everyone....We are down to 1 week left for the NEW 32" VIZIO LCD HDTV giveaway. Just think, if you win this TV, you will have it in plenty of time to watch the Super Bowl and March Madness!<br /></div><br /><br /><div>Below is a list of a couple of ways you can be contribute to this giveaway:<br /></div><br /><br /><div>1. You can see us or our parents to pay and receive your raffle tickets.<br /></div><br /><br /><div>2. You can still pay online through our GiveForward on the right hand side of the blog and we will mail you your raffle tickets.<br /></div><br /><br /><div>3. You can mail us a check and we will then mail you your ticket stubs.<br /></div><br /><br /><div>Here are the rules on how you can be entered in for a chance to win this giveaway:<br /></div><br /><br /><div>For every $5 donated until January 22nd, we'll enter your name into the give-a-way for this 32" VIZIO LCD HDTV. (So, for $20 you will receive 4 entries and so forth.) Give the post a shot out on Facebook or Twitter (pastorkellyb) and we'll enter you in again.<br /></div><br /><br /><div>****On January 23rd, well do a random selection and someone will be watching the games on this brand new TV!!!!!****</div>Kelly and Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08301385459898234721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3813979116218769800.post-6875143463864698442012-01-09T19:11:00.000-08:002012-01-09T20:01:01.148-08:00Preparing the Nursery<div>I know it has been awhile since we had our last post about the adoption process, but between Christmas and New Years, and Lindsey being sick for a week, things have been a little crazy. So, here is where things are now....<div><br /></div><div>We have completed our adoption book and received the printed copies that the perspective birthmothers will look at to decide if we are the ones that she selects to adopt her child. It is crazy to know that just through a single book she will determine a connection that will allow her to make a decision, which will forever change our lives. We know that this connection can only be something that God designs and brings together, which creates such a special feeling and connection between us and the birthmother.</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigtQgjI3mrFKkScrQ2yZytb3rrp3o-EVGpCe76S8LKZBsx4sDNI_NxhFiUAzVdN7JpbjPNefCiDrMjkEwTuBQpC72AA6B5IZ1RiHc44MB5uRpL2_LI9hxwevZkDoJGfYR7EedaGg-rq_s/s400/Photo+Book.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695845976565169554" /></div></div><div>*** The picture on the cover was taken by a sweet friend of ours, Shawna Cox. Thanks Shawna!!! Who knew that a spur of the moment picture would turn into one of our favorite pictures!</div><div><br /></div><div>We have begun to work on the nursery. Now I know you may be thinking, "but you haven't been selected yet." However, if you know us, then you know that we are very much planners and want to be ready to the best of our ability for when we become parents. Just think...for women that are able to get pregnant, you are able to plan for 9 months for your baby's arrival. We have no idea when our little one will arrive. We may be given 6 weeks notice or we may get a call as the mother is giving birth that she selected us. For this reason, we want to be prepared as much as we can. Below you will see some pictures of the nursery in progress. We still have a lot of work to do and will add pink or blue to the room decor once we know if it is a boy or girl.</div><br /><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNXzO3j_e6dbT5FNxQDVlRVPSN2oh7hYWTygSjMY6BlFR9EOgRWktXp4m2GG3cdqYw9pZZxUTmLJDgkJSfAQKsK9R8boG4XAFiW36fRYT6OyQWRNv-XuuazjFdmWF0KBxiR7ZglKlulqY/s400/IMG_9061.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695842209404469330" /><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgp4ruuNtjX-duLEyFMFdg0eSSo_ep8O3T8F12L3miV-Oj3SsXhsnwU3dL-yniB6q6oMUtaZNQfGaWfeB-gGKVpv_lBaNBtjJltXUBVJLKsAF2GrpOPuwMCcw33p9PAb0GRmuqM-9AJ_E/s400/IMG_9065.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695842230149492706" /><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7_T5LPPXA8Plj0EUp1pEaIXDRQcDalY3cmxve3OlJGDCsRlP2NqmZJ-vNPC0oYWwVuZZkmIcOz7tXyCQb4ywOCzzX-lc9lgw24pxoKTl7v4C35w_JOSYWKtEWpA20qY8yFYghojkpf8E/s400/IMG_9063.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695842215630785042" /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyOkTGpkfwzKiH79XGVD06PQt34ldgdMIpD6p8gTKAk1Az0kb5YFs_bjX4YpUmuVgDF1JVzRBNXJVhjFiNAz8fGvz9Xni-DVAEt53G-B6AkVoAh7CGZMqNg97gEuBh9EbTn486Kq-v4kQ/s400/IMG_9074.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695842232902940178" style="cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; " /><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDJvRNqsr0r8xtLFb-rdCr0vVZVKNZdvr8fFKpdaa3iMhQX5Q6IdL3K4Q8p7CiBvTQpynaD8xr86iwjwB1oEIFSUChFvuQ8XP9be0VVtGU9kljDp1CRB5x-lrf0mjZowcxCvJtjBcR80k/s400/IMG_9080.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695842240597043122" /><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXFRo1t3v095MF985E4oqoSncln5B72U_nQs7ve3qdALOkd0Usx9wjH3Hw6OfR1p9cSXa-Uard468GaB54ywirCYfdGvtVIEbQKdATEmLug0AXc2DbQfdD2iTrQBDHvrLsAfU4x6v_VVk/s400/IMG_9083.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695843191434344610" /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLcv9zUqS3C1_Xh1Mp9hR_nTYrEAlqVtSt7Em7ItvDxBFbdbHNqjARbiKrWw6gcDr9JnPLaOP_ybMgflCnyfRI7-RBlaFdL2AeArdCRpZ48yQjotbW0leFbQiBPAujxNEB09w_WW4zbCo/s400/IMG_9090.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695843198141492562" style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZxnX3c1jEM5zoAwecJTxUmBDHYV9HzWHPqOlU-FnhpStk74opUD88O-1C01NYBjVCdWeAS5ERIGyGTh6bBe400fj7loapPel3FsnJasAQ4FSPOXQ0ulywkeJjIlCcdteie9PfWqD3BXc/s400/IMG_9089.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695843206843843730" /><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin9Vm2HKwwQHvqe2FeioSV2N586VGQOp1xIx7k7YDLSavvLNmSwo1mNUzXvtNvJV9ymF-IB_P0AZ75O3tM6z8icKOJdpACdsdh67cbtTUILCatZnJFEeA35XptuwLvE6-WaGBuYZ-KV3w/s400/IMG_9087.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695843213973660866" /><br />** A table full of sweet gifts from some of our family. The changing table was a gift from Kelly's parents for Christmas. My Dad and Stepmom gave us the 2 packs of diapers. Joan knitted the beautiful blanket laying next to the diapers. Karen Holmes gave us the book "The Very Hungry Caterpillar." We purchased the adoption baby book ourselves. My Aunt, Dianne Duke, gave us the adorable bib that says, "Spit Happens." Steve's mom, Marilyn, gave us the cute UNC baby blanket. The baby swing was donated my friends of our family in Durham. All I can say is our child will definitely be loved and spoiled by so many!<div><div><br /></div><div>Finally, we are anxiously awaiting the arrival of the letter that says we are officially on the wait list. I can't deny it...I have been rushing home from work and anxiously awaiting the arrival of our mailman each day to see if the letter arrives. Our caseworker said we would receive the letter at some point during January, but I would love for it to arrive sooner rather than later.</div><div><br /></div><div>I think that basically wraps up everything that has been going on. Of course we still have our monthly drawing going on where you can be entered for a chance to win a 32" Vizio TV. This giveaway will be open until January 22nd and then we will do the drawing on the 23rd. Don't miss out!!! It only take $5 for 1 entry into the giveaway</div></div>Kelly and Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08301385459898234721noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3813979116218769800.post-86128326949893835452011-12-31T17:25:00.000-08:002012-01-01T10:59:25.873-08:00Win Another 32" Vizio LCD HDTV!!!<img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 159px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh__7_pwL1HO9-3h4Ttrn4GpRhkir8gLkYaz0ZpOR7cPu0EEJDP7JePTnWiyRcQGfttUSVecfMVtVuUULTYkwg5CSzgzZC3cuzim3izHpmLM5Dh_NGRk8Nrabb3vHAyuWflVwAS5-Cj0x0/s400/vizio.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692478288723053314" />Well you asked for it and we are able to deliver another opportunity to win a NEW 32" VIZIO LCD HDTV! Thanks to a very generous donor, who would like to remain anonymous, we are able to provide you this opportunity just in time for you to win the TV before the Super Bowl and March Madness!<div><br /></div><div>So, we are doing this giveaway a little differently then we did the last TV giveaway. Since we have family and friends in multiple locations and not everyone wants to give online, we have also created raffle tickets that you can get when you pay for your entry into the drawing. Y<img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 158px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvI7EXEvFDB_wk4LBJFNU1pCbObsCNUGZ-DJ24IOIvzlx9xSb3l7dmSAh8MNfDjKvE6dH3vgJ2Rwn1fJzH9Qda-pfoDViwOKOYl0sFoXxn4yojGOdWbs653FCPaqQuSLXIDLxaH_CjSV4/s400/Vizio-E321VL-back.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692478380394453122" />ou can see us or our parents to pay and receive your raffle ticket or you can still pay online through our GiveForward on the right hand side of the blog or mail us a check and we will then mail you your ticket stubs. We thought this will help provide you a reminder of when the drawing will be, as well as remind you of the amazing cause that you donated to.<div><br /></div><div>By now you are probably very familiar with how you can have a chance to win this AWESOME TV. For those of you that may have forgotten or this is your 1st time to our blog, here are the rules on how you can be entered in for a chance to win this giveaway.</div><div><br /><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz8j_QcA3gDnaSH-aGUtKZGMGlScG5mW5XVWbIliypdGyPpRfsm0LVC-c05I1NcVA4qNpaYVJUEN9_goMZrrv1OzaMuIGUGSQVPUspeJz51-M609miTO0enu3ExjQePZ1MynGZbVbwLY8/s400/Vizio+TV.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692474643253058354" />For every $5 donated until January 22nd, we'll enter your name into the give-a-way for this 32" VIZIO LCD HDTV. (So, for $20 you will receive 4 entries and so forth.) Give the post a shot out on Facebook or Twitter (pastorkellyb) and we'</div><div>ll enter you in again. On January 23rd, well do a random selection and someone will be watching the games on this brand new TV!!!!!<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">We appreciate your generous gift and support as we go through this adoption.</span><br /></div><div>________________________________________________________</div><div><br /><span style="font-style:italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:78%;color:#ff0000;"><b>HOW YOU CAN DONATE:</b><br />You can make your donation by clicking "GIVE" on the GiveForward box on the right side of this page. You will be directed to our personal donation site where you can enter your donation amount. Remember, for every $5 donated, you will receive an entry into the giveaway.<br /><br />NOTE: When you give your donation with GiveForward, please be sure to provide your name. If you choose, you can select the box that reads,"I would like to hide the amount given." Also, at the bottom of the donation page, please make sure you check the box that reads, "I would like to share my contact information with the beneficiary." This will ensure that we receive the necessary information to enter your name in the giveaway! If you would like your donation to be made in private, please feel free to mail us your donation.<br /><br />You may also mail a check with your donation to our home address. Once we have received your check, we will make the appropriate number of entries into the giveaway. Please email us at ltbullard@yahoo.com for our mailing address.<br /><br /><b>SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE GIVEAWAY:</b><br />After you donate, post something about this on Facebook and we'll add your name again to the list. Just be sure to friend one of us (Kelly or Lindsey Bullard) in your status on Facebook. If you desire your name to be put on the list for the drawing without donating, just email ltbullard@yahoo.com. Note: GiveForward donations are not tax deductible. If you would like to send a check just email me.</span><br /></span></div></div></div>Kelly and Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08301385459898234721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3813979116218769800.post-4380515764372085242011-12-17T05:43:00.000-08:002011-12-17T05:47:16.667-08:00And the Winner Is...The time has come to announce the winner of our "Direct Selling Into December" giveaway. Congratulations to Shelley Gurley! Shelly has won over $370 in products from Thirty-One, Pampered Chef, Lia Sophia, Beauti Control, Tastefully Simple, and Scentsy.<br /><br />We appreciate the support of everyone who contributed to this giveaway. We hope you all have a wonderful Christmas with your family and friends!Kelly and Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08301385459898234721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3813979116218769800.post-36669814777084142642011-12-07T18:42:00.000-08:002011-12-07T18:58:16.046-08:00Final Home Study...Check!!!Today we completed our final home study! It feels like after 2 years of struggling with the longing to be parents but unable to have children that we have just taken one huge step forward in our adoption process. Now, we still have to wait to receive our "official" approval letter from Bethany but we should begin the waiting process for placement starting sometime in January. The process has been such a smooth and easy journey so far. We have the most amazing case worker who we have truly enjoyed getting to know. Here is a picture that I took today with her at our final home study.<div><br /><div> <div style="text-align: center;"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0LupXck_rBLDQ7OGzFcy6PQ0f0VDoSB0G92SP0gRjldOuNTCvuq3t3nCnZDGzVizEC1EQIJBlCim3OmepHjawqm4nEK2N2CVzjrPEo0mur7WG7tDDPbppdbYwL6KCU1F2VIbg8C6sEi4/s200/IMG_8792.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683585620266454754" /></div><div><br /></div><div>Please continue to keep us in your prayers as this is the hardest part of the process...the waiting period. We hope it goes by quickly but we know that in God's timing that He will bring us and our baby together. Also, keep checking our blog for continued updates as well as information on monthly basket giveaways that we will be having. Check out our Direct Selling Into December basket, which ends on December 15, and how you can be entered in for a chance to win this great basket for gifts for yourself or to finish up some last minute Christmas shopping. </div></div></div>Kelly and Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08301385459898234721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3813979116218769800.post-17624058446057572952011-12-01T21:12:00.000-08:002011-12-03T08:35:56.417-08:00Direct Selling Into December<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY7O7fs1PM6u4MDZYi4WbOyK36oMPJkCYXdYlOq9t_iMxseZmhLqy7DavGzi7pRbNEA4SC5o48jbiCbJUpEKiErXZr-kfU3Oh-T-qO50OBNulBxfrw_tKvwGtfYe6LkslsIm5t12fW7Iw/s1600/photo+%25285%2529.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY7O7fs1PM6u4MDZYi4WbOyK36oMPJkCYXdYlOq9t_iMxseZmhLqy7DavGzi7pRbNEA4SC5o48jbiCbJUpEKiErXZr-kfU3Oh-T-qO50OBNulBxfrw_tKvwGtfYe6LkslsIm5t12fW7Iw/s200/photo+%25285%2529.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5681733467870039330" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">We told you it would be worth the wait, so here it is! Our December giveaway is out of this world!!! Our friends with these wonderful direct selling companies have donated many items for this giveaway. Take a look at what's included in this giveaway...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u>Tastefully Simple – Nicole Berry (www.tastefullysimple.com/web/nberry2)</u></b></div><div style="text-align: center;">Onion Onion Seasoning</div><div style="text-align: center;">Perfectly Potato Cheddar Soup Mix</div><div style="text-align: center;">Chicken Tortilla Soup Mix</div><div style="text-align: center;">Pumpkin Patch Bread and Muffin Mix</div><div style="text-align: center;">Twisty Grams</div><p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijt53dsQ9ZrCijCuUvkx1fFIJO1eKEm-MMZrkW01fRqyt1bfEq8hm6vaa-HMikXr4F747jhAVNzt0fE7K00kUFpXPunZUt1peKZKcasIalhv4TbneqTCArviyvTYkK76SzXoK1Hm2UPIM/s200/photo+%25283%2529.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5681728301283545954" style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px; " /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u>Thirty-One – Linds</u></b><b><u>ey B</u></b><b><u>ullard (www.mythirtyone.com/bullard)</u></b></div><div style="text-align: center;">Large Utility Tote</div><div style="text-align: center;">Organizing Utility Tote</div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhevCpufzim791q5g9pCuqxaWVFjH9k8ZzLt8ELqMuC6ZE75MdI8dDE0Rj8XEpzjcoDpIALUTcWsjVBHbyO1xl6qF3RVOuTD5y8QiENPipLu6WwtVL9sO-3p5FBF1OwM1KR5x1Vi5Cu4R0/s200/thirtyone.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5681728753291513970" style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px; " /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><u><br /></u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u>Lia Sophia - Cathy Royal (919-418-8380)</u></b></div><div style="text-align: center;">Sterling silver twisted cuff bracelet</div><div style="text-align: center;">Necklace</div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8FY8ZZHGu07zopPQRLGeYPeMpH3BAan666LZomIaz71IW_TGylV2gIRC1mp3mVBE9RLJVzQ1aHKskjQaULf7nAnMcArrNQK7UXZvT_Taej6Qjr9WpahnVgdFcqI2gXjFYJ9M3MpJ3AGo/s200/photo+%25282%2529.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5681729039761806930" style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px; " /></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><u><br /></u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u>Pampered Chef - Leann Faircloth (www.pamperedchef.biz/leannfaircloth)</u></b></div><div style="text-align: center;">Medium Round Stone with Handles</div><div style="text-align: center;">Ultimate Mandoline</div><div style="text-align: center;">Pizza Cutter</div><div style="text-align: center;">Pizza Crust Mix with Rosemary</div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje8ezRnEs7pI08cqmDJBqquNMxBE65RkwkHBYDCfmcqBnhZlqSqdXK5mi920DTmTQq9nLTu-g17j6rEjWfuMHd8gQbi_Xmtb5n5LfY0ngNVEuS-TlQcIbfbfksbqF90UtmolpCBEA9b94/s200/photo.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5681729491402595010" style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px; " /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"></p><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u>Beauti Control – Shelley Gurley (www.beautipage.com/ShelleyEsposito)</u></b></div><div style="text-align: center;">Dark Chocolate Exfoliating Body Wash</div><div style="text-align: center;">Caramel Souffle Body Butter</div><div style="text-align: center;">Chocolate Cherry Lip Gloss</div><div style="text-align: center;">Spiced Chocolate Fragrance Mist</div><div style="text-align: center;">1 oz Extreme Repair Hand Creme (un-scented)</div><div style="text-align: center;">A Reusable Tote Bag</div><div style="text-align: center;">A Tupperware (brand) Bowl with trimmings to gift wrap (if desired)</div><div style="text-align: center;">Body Wash Pouf</div><p></p></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUrOEAyqyBP2DGE8ienG0vLcU4akP6jmRbVjY-tdA8eCT4AiYLyDzjlj3mGjh043ol1xtEoX87fMIJqibq7TwFe5rvU0MywWUmBNDkX-k3_HyISM5RtoRtkuqiJdaxTX2DsnorSucaHYM/s200/photo+%25281%2529.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5681729686705752738" style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px; " /></div><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u>Scentsy – Shawna Cox (www.shawnacox.scentsy.us)</u></b></div><div style="text-align: center;">Mid-Size Scentsy Warmer - "Hatteras"</div><div style="text-align: center;">Scentsy Bar - "Autumn Stroll"</div><div style="text-align: center;">Scentsy Bar - "Eskimo Kiss"</div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi95Xcf8WmyFJrhqAwx_sp2tUgVLDSdFS3hxnPqM9tgrNlBCL-NhlO1k1m5W5P8EIxFAtMZ8Bmm7KO-nzIbu5ConYUJY01UKumwK9D0NYH6pRjEAtL3Hp820etu1bxFQyrEuPNSExBL-wc/s200/photo+%25284%2529.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5681732262361036402" style="cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px; " /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b>Approximate Total Retail Value: $370</b></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; line-height: 21px; text-align: center; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">HERE'S HOW IT WORKS...</span></span></b></div><div style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; text-align: center; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">For every </span></span></b><u style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">$5 donated</span></u><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; "> until Dec. 15th, we'll enter your name into the giveaway for our "Direct Selling Into December" Basket. (So, for $20 you will receive 4 entries and so forth.) Give the post a shot out on Facebook or Twitter (</span></b><i style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">pastorkellyb</span></i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">) and we'll enter you in again. On Dec. 16, we will do a random selection and someone will be taking home this great Direct Sales Basket.</span></b></div><div style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; "><br /></span><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">HOW YOU CAN DONATE...</span></b></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; "><br />You can make your donation by clicking "GIVE" on the GiveForward box on the right side of this page. You will be directed to our personal donation site where you can enter your donation amount. Remember, for every $5 donated, you will receive an entry into the giveaway.<br /><br /></span><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">NOTE</span></u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">: When you give your donation with GiveForward, please be sure to provide your name. If you choose, you can select the box that reads,"I would like to hide the amount given." Also, at the bottom of the donation page, please make sure you check the box that reads, "I would like to share my contact information with the beneficiary." This will ensure that we receive the necessary information to enter your name in the give-a-way! If you would like your donation to be made in private, please feel free to mail us your donation.<br /><br />You may also mail a check with your donation to our home address. Once we have received your check, we will make the appropriate number of entries into the give-a-way. Please email us at ltbullard@yahoo.com for our mailing address.</span></div><div style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; text-align: center; "><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; "><br />SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE GIVE-A-WAY!</span></b></i></div><div style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; text-align: center; "><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">After you donate, post something about this on Facebook and we'll add your name again to the list. Just be sure to friend one of us (Kelly or Lindsey Bullard) in your status on Facebook. Just to remind you that this will be up on the blog until Dec. 15th. On Dec. 16th we will do a drawing of the giveaway and deliver or ship the basket to you.</span></i></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; "><br /></span></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">If you desire your name to be put on the list for the drawing without donating, just email ltbullard@yahoo.com. Note: GiveForward donations are not tax deductible. If you would like to send a check just email me.</span></i></div></div><p></p></div>Kelly and Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08301385459898234721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3813979116218769800.post-91194947438765954112011-12-01T08:07:00.000-08:002011-12-01T13:15:03.220-08:00December Basket...1 More Day<div align="center"><span >I know everyone is anxiously awaiting the release of our December Basket. Well, you are going to have to wait one more day to find out what it is because we are still waiting on a shipment for some of the items in the basket. We want to be able to show you an actual picture of the basket and some items have not arrived yet, but will be here today. I promise you won't want to miss this basket! Make sure you keep checking on our blog tomorrow, as well as on Facebook, to see the release of the next basket.</span></div>Kelly and Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08301385459898234721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3813979116218769800.post-59386560744553163022011-11-17T08:37:00.000-08:002011-11-17T08:41:36.022-08:00Fall Into Family Winner!Congrats to Megan Poindexter, the winner of our "Fall Into Family" Giveaway. Thanks to everyone who donated. We appreciate you're help! Here's a list of what all is included in Megan's basket...<div></div><span><span><br />$25 Gift Card To Be Used At Chilis/Maggiano's/Macaroni Grill/On The Border</span></span><div><span><span>$25 Gift Card To Fandango to purchase Movie Tickets</span></span></div><div><span><span>Zookeeper DVD</span></span></div><div><span><span>Phase 10 Twist Board Game</span></span></div><div><span><span>Scene It? Disney Board Game</span></span></div><div><span><span>Chick-Fil-A Calendar With $30 Worth Of Coupons</span></span></div><div><span><span>Chick-Fil-A Memorabilia (Reusable bag, lunch bag, 2 Chick-Fil-A stuffed animals, beach ball, mini football, 2 Chick-Fil-A thermal mugs, Chick-Fil-A Pez Dispenser, and 2 Chick-fil-a Pens)</span></span></div><div><span><span>Box Of Popcorn</span></span></div><div><span><span>Box Of Jolly Rancher Sours</span></span></div><div><span><span>Box of Jolly Rancher Gummies</span></span><div><div style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; background-color: rgb(102, 187, 51); text-align: center; "></div></div></div><div><span><span><br /></span></span></div><div><span><span>We'll be posting our December giveaway soon! It's going to be AWESOMEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!! We have several contributors, so you don't want to miss it! </span></span></div>Kelly and Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08301385459898234721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3813979116218769800.post-84682837168373780382011-11-14T18:11:00.001-08:002011-11-14T18:26:21.919-08:00Adoption UpdateSo, here's a quick update on our journey of faith. Today we had a follow-up meeting with our adoption agency, Bethany. We are so grateful to be a part of the Bethany family. God is using this agency is such a special way. They have been such an encouragement to us through this process. We have learned so much and God continues to lead and guide us every step of the way.<br /><br />Tomorrow is going to be a BIG day, as we have the first of three home assessments. We have to travel about 2 hours to meet with our case worker. We will meet with her twice over the next 2 weeks and then she will come to our home for the final assessment. After the assessments have been completed, she will make her recommendation to the Bethany State Director. Once we have final approval, we'll begin the process of waiting for a placement.<br /><br />As we go through this journey we are learning each day to trust and depend upon God. Every day we loose a little more control of all of this and have to rely completely upon Him. One area that we are learning to trust is the area of finances, especially in regards to funding the adoption. We are very appreciative to those of you who have been praying for us and for those of you who have given financially to support our adoption. We are continuing to do various fundraisers on our website. In fact, TOMORROW is the last day to get in on our "FALL INTO FAMILY" giveaway. Just scroll down a few blog postings and you can read all about this fun family giveaway. Any donation you can give will greatly help us in our adoption process. Who knows...you might be the recipient of this wonderful giveaway.<br /><br />Thank you all for your support, prayers, and love. Our journey is indeed a journey of faith...but, so is yours! Let's all trust in the Faithful One!Kelly and Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08301385459898234721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3813979116218769800.post-57362415718456560302011-11-06T11:16:00.000-08:002011-11-06T11:35:12.502-08:00Want to encourage you...Today is Orphan Sunday and I wanted to encourage everyone to take a moment and not only pray for those children out there who are without a home but to pray for those families who long to bring little ones to their home. Take a few extra minutes today and hug your children a little bit tighter. I know children can be stressful at times and no child is perfect but be thankful that you have been able to get pregnant and have children or that you have been able to successfully adopt a child and bring him/her home. I don't say this to criticize in any way but lately I have been hearing more and more parents complain about their children or their pregnancies and it just breaks my heart. I am thrilled that God has chosen for Kelly and I to walk this journey of adoption and I look forward to seeing how God's hand works every detail of this process out. God has chosen a different path for Kelly and I but, as a lot of women do, I will always wonder what it would have been like to get pregnant and go through the miracle of childbirth. However, I am blessed to know that, hopefully, one day we will be able to bring home our child and we will love him/her with unconditional love and provide it with a life and family that it may not have otherwise had. So, today, remember those children who are without a home as well as those families that long to provide home to these children. <div><br /></div><div>Below is a poem that has spoken to my heart in so many ways. I pray that God allows our infertility and adoption journey to be a way to speak to those around us. I pray that our journey will help give strength to those walking through the same struggles that we have been facing and are going through and for them to know they are not alone.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; "><b><span style="font-size:130%;">You and I By </span></b><br /><i>Katherine R. Cottle </i><br /><br /><b>You</b> talk with other women and complain about your children.<br /><br /><b>I</b> have just come from the doctor’s office where I have been poked, prodded, and injected trying to find out why I can’t have what is causing your pain.<br /><br /><b>I</b> know that children are a blessing from God.<br /><br /><b>Yo</b>u have been blessed with children and not I. Why?<br /><br /><b>You</b> talk about how easy it is for you to get pregnant. In fact, all your husband has to do is “throw his pants over the bedpost.” You have the birth of your children all planned out.<br /><br /><b>I</b> have just miscarried again.<br /><br /><b>You</b> complain about never really wanting children and how inconvenient it has been to deny yourself for someone else.<br /><br /><b>I</b> have just finished crying myself to sleep because God said “No” again.<br /><br /><b>You</b> count the days before you go back to work and leave your child with someone else to raise him.<br /><br /><b>I</b> wake up on an operating table, praying that this time the procedure will work.<br /><br /><b>You</b> wake up one morning and you are pregnant<br /><br /><b>I</b> wake up wondering, How far is too far to go with medical science?<br /><br /><b>You </b>say, “Just adopt.”<br /><br /><b>I</b> say, “Do you really think it is that easy?”<br /><br /><b>You</b> say, “Just forget about it. Relax! It will happen when you least expect it.”<br /><br /><b>I</b> say, “How can I forget about it? I have had to chart and plan lovemaking and take my temperature for the past six years because ‘timing is everything.’” </span></div>Kelly and Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08301385459898234721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3813979116218769800.post-11719512958835750902011-10-31T10:53:00.000-07:002011-11-01T18:35:16.578-07:00Fall Into Family<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'times new roman';"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">Fall Into Family With Our</span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">November National Adoption Month Basket</span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><br /></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'times new roman';"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwaYA_EVq4gJUiAgVBoIsBikUd8-EibkM5nCDlJDCPgopKaA7qGNu9Px-fu8JY9M6Tv9-x5WihPenh3IPfRNpnb-C7tpnkEgX04jmf8dy0X4jtNHPtnpmL1rkSG9D-bhxeUUkI8zWLkM4/s400/IMG_8746.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670190862720625634" /><br /></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">The temperatures are beginning to drop and the leaves are starting to fall, so what better time to get together with those you love as you "Fall Into Family" with our November Basket. You can have the perfect Family Night, or a fun night with your friends, with some of the great essentials in this basket. As you enjoy these products, we hope you think about and pray for all of the families across the world that are adopting children. Below is a list of everything included in the "Fall Into Family" Basket. Our goal for this basket is $500.00.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">$25 Gift Card To Be Used At Chilis/Maggiano's/Macaroni Grill/On The Border</div><div style="text-align: center;">$25 Gift Card To Fandango to purchase Movie Tickets</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Zookeeper</i> DVD</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Phase 10 Twist</i> Board Game</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Scene It? Disney</i> Board Game</div><div style="text-align: center;">Chick-Fil-A Calendar With $30 Worth Of Coupons</div><div style="text-align: center;">Chick-Fil-A Memorabilia (Reusable bag, lunch bag, 2 Chick-Fil-A stuffed animals, beach ball, mini football, 2 Chick-Fil-A thermal mugs, Chick-Fil-A Pez Dispenser, and 2 Chick-fil-a Pens)</div><div style="text-align: center;">Box Of Popcorn</div><div style="text-align: center;">Box Of Jolly Rancher Sours</div><div style="text-align: center;">Box of Jolly Rancher Gummies</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">If you don't have a need for every item in the basket, think about who you could give it to as a Christmas or Birthday gift. For just a $5 minimum donation, you could receive all of this and take care of some of your shopping list. Don't miss out on your chance to win!!!</div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZTsAi0qTIdAmDYyc5COWcw0teXIMpd8x2-vfAMyMdIBp5oMzAR3bsixNhGeeBbfd831dRGECnYRPHadq8WbU1qhupXbGomxQ1iXK4j5_83uOqh9fUWoP9HZzXuHjO-k_Cs8e9nYqGia8/s400/IMG_8737.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670190867404350946" /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgywKGHz77Pfa67dbnxqcshQHQFLuV8R728PkcAMbCDmN3M48_dKe9MbdlpH0TbL5TVQcooAdhV2-_cJ1rT1EXEna7creTWgka-3n-BU0_KHSyfgsvluhzUuKk-0jeRJVlA36z88gdPdqs/s400/IMG_8748.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670190882735384082" /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 388px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEDtamjKm-SpGrN8c2w60m12fm02LkDE8TqtXUGfXsXD975p2RJSBaCYl9JIIfNad3RRfSpEPjz9CiDS_rQjAI1gS89u96FPl6Z-1U2jn5TVGwIGbtZBi1u9d7Vddxzw-yp2yjDI_Tu94/s400/IMG_8744.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670190916133437122" /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 326px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEHW6V2MVCAdQDDC066jX8IRQ7QxWv9zJLBMx-THKYxFRLSb8pTMRXw67naugslR8mYMbqLyx9aSaSnvphBHXDmhQqrwTFEp3GHKZTRq-px-wplyHFKp5OMh-vrHA7IojBre17shUC1dI/s400/IMG_8743.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670190890399754578" /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHuMWzNjsw90wwx9k-4YwDvwKz1CPHddXXHtOEczWhwTadXH2Z4kN06jXg1qxxyrIG9hJM07KB69_p2EeAHrw2i-UiiA5JWy1p0vysoH2toUetNypAY_xmChySmngJ3Paf7mQg9xp4cFk/s400/IMG_8745.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670193431202303570" /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKufyn8VXTQObSUfLtYFyQn_1Z29NOXfvXf06wY5XvuJchAj_leXxLA2y-nMcl7njk7bJ3f5ZtJ_KdSSiPNjl_Mjg7eBM_6XGN7Q2HQZvVYOvGJWlcgZDpN00XVlSetM5smO3EHOwZqGQ/s400/IMG_8747.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670193438310488178" /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 21px; font-family:Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif;font-size:14px;"><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">For every </span></span></b><u style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">$5 donated</span></u><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> until Nov. 15th, we'll enter your name into the give-a-way for our "Fall Into Family" Basket. (So, for $20 you will receive 4 entries and so forth.) Give the post a shot out on Facebook or Twitter (</span></b><i style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">pastorkellyb</span></i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">) and we'll enter you in again. On Nov. 16, we will do a random selection and someone will be taking home this great Family Night Basket.</span></b></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">HOW YOU CAN DONATE...</span></b></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br />You can make your donation by clicking "GIVE" on the GiveForward box on the right side of this page. You will be directed to our personal donation site where you can enter your donation amount. Remember, for every $5 donated, you will receive an entry into the give-a-way.<br /><br /></span><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">NOTE</span></u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">: When you give your donation with GiveForward, please be sure to provide your name. If you choose, you can select the box that reads,"I would like to hide the amount given." Also, at the bottom of the donation page, please make sure you check the box that reads, "I would like to share my contact information with the beneficiary." This will ensure that we receive the necessary information to enter your name in the give-a-way! If you would like your donation to be made in private, please feel free to mail us your donation.<br /><br />You may also mail a check with your donation to our home address. Once we have received your check, we will make the appropriate number of entries into the give-a-way. Please email us at ltbullard@yahoo.com for our mailing address.</span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br />SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE GIVE-A-WAY!</span></b></i></div><div><div style="text-align: center; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">After you donate, post something about this on Facebook and we'll add your name again to the list. Just be sure to friend one of us (Kelly or Lindsey Bullard) in your status on Facebook. Just to remind you that this will be up on the blog until Nov. 15th. On Nov. 16th we will do a video of the give-a-way and deliver or ship the basket to you.</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">If you desire your name to be put on the list for the drawing without donating, just email ltbullard@yahoo.com. Note: GiveForward donations are not tax deductible. If you would like to send a check just email me.</span></i><br /></div></div></span></div>Kelly and Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08301385459898234721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3813979116218769800.post-83538484652325744322011-10-25T20:04:00.000-07:002011-10-30T18:51:46.142-07:00Mailing in our last set of paperwork<div style="text-align: center;">I can't believe we have FINALLY finished the last set of paperwork necessary for our adoption process. We have filled out about 20 pages of personal information, education, papers to sign, financial statements, etc. We also had to individually fill out approximately 100 personal questions about our life and our points of view. We have had to get physicals done, copies of birth certificates, our marriage certificate, background checks, and so much more. We do this with joy and happiness in our hearts because we know with every step we take and every question we answer we are getting closer and closer to our child that we long to meet and finally bring home.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIqjXQaZDAVeZScOmmyyEITJ14LvcqBITO4bpIlgkwRFGetGA1pAACUdvDsiZZgEEOYcMNDvPBM122K3ewoDz_eecbhprolK1PqWng2q0TfkMsQscMS8WYMlU3p1CKNhmGKp6sq6UoiK8/s400/Application+Paper+Work.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669467082791756642" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">On Friday, October 20th, we had our 1st informational meeting with Bethany Christian Services in Charlotte, NC from 9 AM to 4 PM. What a special day it was filled with laughter and tears. We felt that for the first time this was really happening as we finally got to see the face of Bethany and meet our Social Worker. We were able to hear powerful testimonies from adoptive parents as well as a birthmother. God touched our heart in so many ways and opened our eyes in new ways. The picture below was taken right after we got done with our informational meeting. This picture cannot even begin to express the joy we felt at that moment knowing that we ARE going to be parents one day.</div><div style="text-align: center;"> <img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEUlDzBL_E097LvyDjEZSUeW9U9HjRuvY7LwDiLzlmdxCRaVsKPQs2cr0IsVM9h_dVJd-fxa4Q4nPj8hxq4Im_xR4WhNvGZq1-QCnztnw7fBM0SvAbvVajU3JOyeU2kyKynhdb1WqtQzo/s400/IMG_8717.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667635699265940946" /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">What is next for our adoption process?!?!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Well, once our Social Worker receives all of our paperwork, she will contact us to schedule our 1st out of 3 meetings. Two of the meetings will be at her home and then the last meeting will be at our home. This will be a time for her to get to know us better and go over everything discussed in our paperwork as well as prepare us for the last few steps of our adoption process. While these 3 meetings are going on, we will work on putting together a photobook created for the perspective birthmother as well as create a web profile for Bethany's site. Once all of this is complete, we will wait for our Social Worker to finalize her recommendation for us for adoption and then we will wait until a birthmother selects us for the adoption. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">There are still a few more steps to go until we are officially ready to start waiting for our official referral but we know that in God's timing everything will happen and we will be blessed with our little one. Thank you for your continued thoughts and prayers! We love you all!</div>Kelly and Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08301385459898234721noreply@blogger.com2