God Answers Prayer

As I look back on our time here in Vermont, I am reminded about the power of prayer.  When we moved to Vermont (with me kicking and screaming), I was sad in so many ways...missing my family and friend, not knowing anyone, missing Texas (and the warm weather), and so much more.  We had no idea why God was moving us so far from everything we knew.  We enjoyed our time exploring New England while it was just the two of us....Boston, Maine, New Hampshire.

     

   

We were praying about doing foster care, since we had just finished our training in Texas, but we wanted to get settled first. It wasn't until August 18, 2014 that we knew without a doubt why God brought us to Vermont.  That is the day Sidney came to live with us.  We knew when he came that we would also be getting little sister when she was born as well.....only God knew we would bring her home from the hospital 17 days later. 

We began praying again that we would be able to adopt them so we could be a forever family.  On November 20, 2015, our dream came true.  We became a forever family and flew out for Texas and Disney the following day.  

Soon after the adoption, knowing our moving was coming soon, we began praying that there would be an opening in Shreveport so we could move back home.  God answered that prayer just two days before Mother's Day.  We are now counting down to the time that we are able to move back home and see family anytime we want again.  

God has strengthened my faith and my prayer life has grown so much!

Adoption Day

It has been forever, but it has been so hard to blog with two little ones running around.  It is also hard to blog when there is so much we can't share about our babies. That being said, we are just 3 days away from our adoption day.  On Friday, November 20 at 11:15 a.m. eastern time (15 months and one day from when little man came to live with us), we will officially become Daddy and Mommy.  We have been Daddy and Mommy to them for over a year now, but we are so thankful that we will finally be able to show them off and share them with all of you.  

November is National Adoption Month and we are thrilled to be adoption on National Adoption Day.  We will also be able to celebrate at our home church with two other families that went through all the foster care training with us and have adopted.  When we first starting looking into adoption, we thought for sure we wanted to adopt so we could have a baby.  We never dreamed that going through foster care, God would give us the baby we always dreamed of, and the added bonus of her big brother.  This has been a long journey, and many times very hard, but we wouldn't trade it for the world.  We have no doubt that God brought us to Vermont because our babies were (or would be) here.  Little man was born just months before we found our we were moving here.  When they called and asked us to take him, the condition was that we were to take little miss when she was born so they could keep the siblings together.  We are so thankful we did this.  They are two peas in a pod.  She looks up to her big brother and wants to do everything that he does.  

Thank you for all your love and support during this time.  We have felt all the prayers during that past 15 months.  In a few days, I will be able to share their pictures with you.    

Foster care update

Since the last time I updated, we have gotten little man's sister as well. She was born August 30 and we were able to bring her home from the hospital six days later. She is now nearly 8 weeks old and growing so fast. I wish I could show pictures of them, but can't at this time. 

Please pray that we will get a court date soon for little man. We are waiting for the parental rights to be terminated. For little miss, pray for merits and then a court date for the parents' rights to be terminated. Her process will be a little longer so please pray for these to be soon.

New adventure

Well, we started a new adventure last night. We have our first little one in our home. He is already a joy to have. He is energetic, playful, and happy. Our first night went well so we are praying things continue to go well. Keep us in your prayers during this time.

Vermont....a year in

It has been nearly a year and a lot has happened in out lives. Steven is doing great with his job. I spent the last school year as a sub, ending the year as a full-time sub in kindergarten. I never dreamed I would be a kindergarten teacher, but I loved it!

We have been able to do a lot of traveling while living in New England. We met Mom and Dad in Boston in April. We were able to do most history tours and end the trip with the Rangers playing at Fenway. We went to Kennebunkport, Maine for the 4th of July. We took the dogs with us so they could enjoy the beach as well. We are still hoping to take more trips while here.

On to the news that has us busy right now. We have been getting ready to start foster care. The room is ready and soon we hope to have kiddos running (or crawling) around. We are very excited about this journey. We are praying for the kids that God has in store for us (both temporary and permanent). We hope to adopt from foster care. Please pray for the children God has for us. 

I will try my best to update with our foster/adoption journey. 

Life in Vermont

We have been in Vermont just over two months now and things are going pretty good. Steven is doing great at his job and loves it. God is using him in great ways and he is able to share his testimony to those who come in. I am subbing in the area elementary school. This is a change for me since I have had a job since I was 16 years old.

We have been able to do a little traveling and sightseeing while here.  We have made friends at the church we have been going to. We have no doubt that God has placed these friends in our lives for a reason.

Soon we will begin our adoption journey here in Vermont. As I think about the cost of adoption, I get overwhelmed. We both have a passion for adoption and we know God will provide, I am looking into adoption fundraising ideas now. Some ideas I've thought of are t-shirts and having family and friends fill baby bottles with their loose change. If you have anymore ideas, please feel free to share.

This is just a quick update on life in Vermont. We miss our family and friends so much!

Only God Knows

When Steven and I began looking into re-enlisting to become an Air Force Recruiter, we had no idea it would be a nearly year long process. As God opened the door for the job, we were under the impression that we would be in either Shreveport or the DFW area. God had other plans....Burlington, VT to be exact. It is only three to four years but it is still definitely a shock. There are still so many emotions I feel.....excited about the journey, scared about moving somewhere totally different, sad to leave my family and friends, but most of all, I feel peace only from God and faith in Him alone. 

My Mom prayed all along that God would place us where our baby is. We did most of our Foster/Adoption training just before we found out where we would be. We are so excited about adoption and the sweet children that God will bless us with through adoption. 

Right now, Steven is training for his job and it is hard because he is in San Antonio. I miss him but have a great support system here without a doubt. 

Please continue to pray for us as we go on this journey. We will be leaving July 1st to begin the three day drive to Vermont. Pray that I am able to find a teaching job. I have applied for several jobs already. Pray that God will sell our house and we will find a home to live in. Also pray for us as we continue the adoption process when we get there. God wants us to pray specifically, and those are our specifics so far.

All things new

It has been forever since I have been on here because it was blocked by my work email account...strange.

We have had so much going on lately. Steven has gotten a job as an Air Force recruiter. We are just waiting to know when he will go to recruiter and then find out where we will be located. We are so thankful that God has provided a job for Steven. We know he will be able to minister to many young men looking at joining the Air Force. Until that starts, he is coaching track at Hallsville and a full-time substitute.

We have started the foster to adopt program through Buckner here in Longview. We sill desire children of our own and know God will vibe them to us if it is His will. We know He may also have children in foster care that will be our forever children.

This is just a little update on our lives.

End of the Year

This afternoon, my coworkers and I will go out to dinner for the last time as a team.  Earlier this week, we learned that two of our third grade teachers will be moving to different grade levels.  This has been very hard on all of us because we are such a close team and work well together.  The two teachers that are moving grade levels were my two team teachers.  I know one of the teachers that will be moving up to join our team and am ready to work with her.  We also have a new teacher joining us from another school district.  I'm excited about working with new people and getting to know them but it is also sad to see our friends go.  Because we are in the hallway with only the deaf ed department, we are all very close (including the deaf ed teachers/interpreters).  God is in control and I'm so excited to see what He has in store for next year.

Please be in prayer for Steven this weekend.  Tomorrow around 11:00, he will be taking his teacher certification test again.  He feels that this is the time that God is going to get him over that mountain.  I know how hard the test is so I'll be lifting him up constantly.  On Saturday, he will be taking his GRE.  He is taking this as a Grad School prep.  He has already been accepted into the Masters program at ETBU if he does not get a teaching job.  We are hoping and praying that he gets a teaching job, but God could have different plans.

Tomorrow is the last day of school here at Longview and on Monday Steven and I will start working at Trinity again for my mom.  It will be a fun summer again.  We will be teaching the 1st-5th grade students.  We will start Monday out with a field trip to Wet Pets and Critters and go do the zoo later in the week.

Rangers Game and Mother's Day

This past Friday, we got to go to the Rangers game with our friends, Larry and Julie.  Being that all of us are such HUGE Rangers fans, it made for a really fun time.  We started out a little worried as we traveled there because of all the storm and rain around us.  Of course, there was also a two hour rain delay during the first inning of the game.  We stuck it out and just hung out until the game resumed.  The game starting back up at 9:30 and didn't end until midnight.  After the game, they had fireworks.  We didn't get home until 3:00 in the morning, but it was worth every minute of it.  It was such a blessing to be able to spend time with Larry and Julie and get to visit with them. 

Just after a Rangers 10 - 3 Win

Fireworks after the game

Last night, Steven and I cooked dinner for Mom and Brittany for Mother's Day.  We had a great time hanging out with the family.  We bought Mason and Maddox a t-ball set so they spent time playing outside with that and LOVED it.  When Maddox game in, he kept saying "That's my t-ball."  Maddox is going to be the athlete we all believe...he loves to play sports.

Maddox and I in our Rangers shirts last night.  (Mason wouldn't take a picture).

Mother's Day is a very hard day for me because God has not blessed us with children yet.  I know that in His timing, I'll be able to have children.  I cried yesterday in church but thankfully I had my precious friend, Meagan, patting my back.  I got the sweetest text from Julie telling me that she was praying for me and thinking about me all day.  I'm so blessed to have so many precious friends who are constantly praying for us.  I'm also blessed that they are willing to share their sweet children with me anytime. Thank you for sharing your love and friendship with Steven and I. 

Why?

Why doesn't Steven have a full time job?
Why haven't we been able to have a baby yet?

These are questions that are on my mind so often.  I know that everything in God's timing and He is in complete control.  Knowing that God is in control does not keep me from wondering why our time hasn't come for these things.  He has provided along the way through all of this time and we are so thankful.  We are blessed with precious nephews but would love for them to have cousins.

Today has been a hard day and I've already cried twice, trying not to cry again.  I forgot my bag at home which means I don't have a lunch...cry number one.  I forgot to eat breakfast because I packed a snack to eat when I got to work...it is also in my bag...cry number two.  I haven't been in the greatest mood which I hate because I want to be a positive and uplifting person.  I just don't know what God has in store for us which is hard for someone who wants to have everything planned out.  

Please pray for me today that God will take away my bad mood.  I am sorry for this but I just needed to get that off my shoulders today.   

When it Rains it Pours

We don't always understand why things happen when they do but the great thing is...GOD DOES!  He will never bring us through anything that He hasn't already gone before us! 

Last night, we recieved a call that Steven's Nana was not doing well and was saying her goodbyes.  Well, this was totally unexpected because she was fine when we were in Colorado at Christmas.  He was able to call his aunt's phone and tell Nana he loved her and he was praying for her.  Her response was, don't pray for me because God has me in His hands.  She also asked Steven if he knew Jesus (just another sign that she wasn't herself because she knows that Steven knows Jesus and has a daily relationship with Him)...of course she was happy to hear that he does. 

Steven is taking it very hard because he just lost his Grandma a few weeks ago.  He said two things that broke my heart last night.  First, and one that I completely undersood was, "I was hoping to get to tell at least one of my grandparents that we were pregnant."  We know that God is in control of that situation but it is hard when you don't get to share it with your grandparents exciting news.  The other thing that Steven said really killed me is, "It is going to be hard to be on this earth when everyone I came from is gone."  If you don't know, Nana is Steven's last living grandparent, but also both of his parents have already passed away.   

Please keep him in your prayers!  I think last night he was just shocked to hear the news because he thought for sure she would still be here three to five more years.  We haven't received word that she has passed aways but his sister doesn't think it will be much longer.

Trusting in Him daily!!!

New York

Last Thursday, Steven and I were able to go to his grandmother's funeral in New Jersey.  Though it was a sad, hard time, it was also a time to celebrate the long, wonderful life she lived.  We know without a doubt that she is worshipping Jesus!  We spent the day with family.

While we were there, we were also able to do some sightseeing in New York.  I haven't been there since 2005 so it was great to be able to go back.  On Wednesday after we flew in, we spent most of the day walking through Central Park...5.6 miles.  Here are a few views from our walk.

We finished our walk at Times Square and had dinner at John's Pizzeria. 

On Friday, we spent most of the day with Steven's mother's cousins.  Since Anita is from New Jersey, she was able to show around most of town.  We started the day on a tour of Radio City Music Hall, complete with meeting one of the current Rockettes.  We went to the garden on Trump Tower, FAO Schwarz, and ate at Carnegie Diner.  Steven and I were able to complete the evening by seeing The Lion King on broadway...AMAZING!!!

The view from the garden on Trump Tower.

The Lego Statue of Libery

Empire State Building

On Saturday, we spent most of the day at Ground Zero.  We were able to go on a 3 hour tour where we learned so much.  The following picture is the first tower they are working on rebuilding (they currently are working on 3).  The orange netting near the top is only the halfway point.  It will be 1776 feet tall, because that is when we signed the Declaration of Independence.  It will also be called Independence Tower.

It was a blessing to be able to go to Steven's Grandma's funeral.  She had always said she wanted us to do some signtseeing in New York while we were there.   

  

 



Faith

Steven and I have truly learned what it means to walk by faith but we know without a doubt that God is in control.  Last week, he had a job interview for the job that he worked all of last semester.  We thought for sure he would get the job since he had been working there for 4 months.  God closed the door on that job but has continued to provide. 

On Monday, Steven went to all the schools in Hallsville school district and has officially filled ALL days in January and the first few in February with the exception of one day.  He is able to volunteer as a track coach at the high school and loving it.  He enjoys working with Coach McDaniel and learning to be a coach under his mentorship. 

Though we still don't know what God has in store for a full time job for Steven, we are still waiting on His perfect timing.  God knows the desires of our heart and He will continue to take care of us.  We still desire greatly to be parents and still know that we will be in God's perfect timing.

Be in prayer for our youth this weekend as we have our Disciple Now Weekend.  We are excited to see how God is going to work in the lives of all that will be involved.       

Christmas Blessings

Each Tuesday night, we have a Bible study with a small group in our neighborhood.  This small group has helped us to grow in our walk with Christ more than we ever dreamed. 

We have been involved in some service/mission projects through this group as well.  On the first Tuesday of every month, we go to the Women's Hightway 80 shelter to serve dinner to the ladies.  We serve pizza, salad and brownies (nothing too special).  Last week after serving dinner,we sang a few Christmas carols and passed out bags to the childre.  We also had a new lady at the shelter and she was such a joy to meet.  She had been at the shelter for just three days and could not stop talking about how she felt like a queen being there.  She is a strong believer.  She said many times that pizza is her favorite food.  She was so grateful that we were there and we made her feel like a queen.  Trust me when I say, she was such a blessing to meet. 

We also work with Hannah's House.  This is a Christian shelter for young ladies who are pregnant but not married.  If you don't much about it I will be more than willing to share.  They work with girls that are may chooose to keep their child or give their child up for adoption.  You can learn more about there here: http://www.plministries.org/. 

 Last night we had a Christmas party for these young ladies and the family who ministers to them.  Our job was to provide food for the party and each of us signed up to bring gifts for the girls.  We did not know girls and only had a list of what they wanted for Christmas.  Little did I know, I would take gifts for a girl that would truly touch my heart.  As she was opening her gifts, she began to cry (tears of joy).  She later shared that she has NEVER had a Christmas before and was completely overwhelmed.  She also shared that on Christmas day in 1999, she lost her Grandmother.  Tears fell from all of our eyes as she shared her story with us.  It was such a blessing to hear from some of these ladies.  Please lift up these young girls as she go through this pregnancy.  Many are not in contact with their family.  Most of the girls are this time are planning on raising their child but there is one for sure that has met the family that will adopt her child. 

Our Journey

Yes, I'm still alive but things have been crazy busy.  Working, we just had our Christmas program at church yesterday, and just getting ready for the holidays. 

 Steven and I a on a journey together.  I'm trying to lose weight (in hopes that this will help with having a baby) and he is trying to gain weight.  We've joined the Good Shepeherd Healthy Institute and love it.  We have a good time working out and spending time together.  I find that I have more energy, am not hungry as often, and don't seem to want as many sweets as I have in the past.  So far, I've lost 9 pounds and I already feel better.  Please pray that I'm able to stay strong even through the Christmas break. 

We are so excited about getting to go to Colorado next week to visit Steven's family for the first half of our Christmas break.  We will get to meet our only niece (who will be one in January) and see most of Steven's family.  What a blessing to be able to go.  Pray that we have safe travels and good weather while we are there. 

Steven is still searching for a full time job.  This semester, he took classes at LeTourneau and was a full time sub at  the middle school in Hallsville.  Since the lady he's been subbing for quit, he will find out tomorrow if the position will still be available next semester.  If so, he will be able to apply for the job.  We know that God has a job for Steven but things can be hard and stressful waiting for His timing for that job. 

We continue to desire to be parents and know that God has something big in store.  We know that we will probably have to do some form of fertility.  That costs money and we have to wait until Steven has a job.  Until then, we will keep loving on our nephews and friends' kiddos. 

If I don't get to write again, I am praying that each of you has a Merry Christmas.  Remember that true love came in a stable many years ago.  Jesus loves you and desires a relationship with each and every one of us.  He is the reason we celelbrate this season.

Delicious Recipes

Not my normal blog but I have made a few "must make" recipes today (dinner and snack for Bible Study tomorrow) I wanted to share.

Creamy Crock Pot Chicken

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (thawed)
1 can Cream of Chicken soup
1 can Cream of Mushroom soup
1 cup Sour Cream
1 package Onion Soup mix
Nature's Seasoning (to taste)

Mix all ingredients together in the Crock Pot.  Push chicken breast down into the mixture to cover them well. Sprinkle Nature's Seasoning across the top. Cook on low for 8 hours.  I served it over rice. Delicious

Pumpkin Muffins

1 can Pumpkin
1 box yellow cake mix
Cinnamon

Blend Pumpkin and cake mix with hand mixer until well blended. Sprinkle Cinnamon across the top and stir together well.  Cook at 350 degrees for about 20 minutes (depends on the oven).  Makes 24 regular muffins or I did 48 mini muffins.

Enjoy!

God Provides

Well who knew the first of school would be so crazy busy?  It has been a great year so far and God has blessed me with three great classes. It has been fun getting to know my students and getting used to my new schedule.  The last time I posted, we were praying like crazy for God to provide Steven a job.

At this time, Steven is taking classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays at LeTourneau.  Because he has 8 months left on the GI bill, he is getting paid for this.  Just after he was official registered, he got a call from Hallsville.  He is subbing at the Middle School Monday, Wednesday, Friday every week until further notice.  It has been awesome to watch God work.  He is providing for our every need and more.

Last night, we started Financial Peace University by Dave Ramsey.  I'm excited to see how quickly God will work as we follow our budget and trust Him.

We continue to desire to be parents and know that it will all work (one way or another) in Go'd perfect timing.  He's ways are perfect and He knows what is best for us. 

The Big Day

I may sound like a nerd but I'm really excited about the first day of school.  The night before the first day, I'm always excited.  I've already packed my lunch and made sure my clothes are ironed. 

As the year starts, I pray that I will be able to be a light in my classroom, the hallways, and teachers' workroom.  I am very excited about this year.  I've been teaching 3rd grade starting my 9th year.  This year, I am only going to be teaching Science, Writing, and Social Studies.  I'm excited to see what God has in store and can't wait to get to know my students. 

I ask that you continue to pray as the year begins.  We are still waiting to see what God has in store for Steven.  He's applied to sub in Hallsville, as a parole officer, and is applying at Eastman.  We know God has a job in store.

God Hears Our Prayers

As I write today, I'm reminded how much God truly does hear our prayers.  Steven likes to listen to the sermans of his pastor from Florida.  This is a great way to start our day if we have an hour to listen.  Today, Steven left his office door open so I was able to listen as well to the serman. Man, does God hear our prayers.  The message today at the beginning spoke specifically to people who are searching for a job.  In fact, the pastor stopped his message and asked those searching for a job to stand.  He then prayed for this people that God would continue to be with them as they search, that God would open the right door for a job, and that they would be able to keep their heads high as they continue to search and trust God for the perfect job.  Wow, that was the perfect way to start the day as Steven continues to search and pray for where God would have him to be.
He had another interview in Marshall yesterday but they called and chose someone else for the job.  The job would have been for an aide position and would not have paid much (Steven would have also had to go to school full time to make enough money). Today he is going to been with a parole officer about a possible position.  We know without a doubt that God has the perfect job for Steven, but the waiting is not always easy.
Constantly praying and seeking His Kingdom!