...of a 36 year old on his birthday.
Happy Birthday, my strong, faithful, courageous and handsome husband!
I love you forever!!!
Project Run & Play Repeat!
9 years ago
Monday, May 25, 2009
Friday, March 27, 2009
4.5%...and other smokin' deals
We just refinanced our home and we were able to get a 30 year mortgage at 4.5%!
Woohoo!!!
This saves us a lot of money every month and in these uncertain times, we are extremely grateful. I read in the news that rates haven't been this low since right after World War II. They got down to 4.7% at that time.
Did I mention? Woohoo!!!
Also, I am now officially a 'couponer'. What is a couponer you ask? My son Michael says it means you are a coupon maniac. I have been able to get the most amazing deals this past month. My deals include...
Secret Deoderant...FREE
Frosted Flakes...50 cents a box
Colgate Toothpaste...FREE
Fruit Roll-ups and Fruit Gushers...25 cents a box
Dove Bar Soap...FREE...actually, I made $1.40 on the 8 bars I bought
2 packages of Huggies diapers and one package of Huggies wipes...$1.00 (not including tax)
I ended up with 24 packs of diapers and 8 packs of wipes...can you say another woohoo!!!?
Liquid Tide laundry detergent...FREE
$25 gift card to one of our favorite restaurants...$2.50
Redbox movies on Mondays and Wednesdays...FREE
Now you can more fully appreciate why Michael refers to me as a 'coupon maniac'. What are your smokin' deals this month? or What other cool ways have you devised to save money?
Next month Matt and I are going to cash. I've never used cash before...I will let you know how it goes.
Woohoo!!!
This saves us a lot of money every month and in these uncertain times, we are extremely grateful. I read in the news that rates haven't been this low since right after World War II. They got down to 4.7% at that time.
Did I mention? Woohoo!!!
Also, I am now officially a 'couponer'. What is a couponer you ask? My son Michael says it means you are a coupon maniac. I have been able to get the most amazing deals this past month. My deals include...
Secret Deoderant...FREE
Frosted Flakes...50 cents a box
Colgate Toothpaste...FREE
Fruit Roll-ups and Fruit Gushers...25 cents a box
Dove Bar Soap...FREE...actually, I made $1.40 on the 8 bars I bought
2 packages of Huggies diapers and one package of Huggies wipes...$1.00 (not including tax)
I ended up with 24 packs of diapers and 8 packs of wipes...can you say another woohoo!!!?
Liquid Tide laundry detergent...FREE
$25 gift card to one of our favorite restaurants...$2.50
Redbox movies on Mondays and Wednesdays...FREE
Now you can more fully appreciate why Michael refers to me as a 'coupon maniac'. What are your smokin' deals this month? or What other cool ways have you devised to save money?
Next month Matt and I are going to cash. I've never used cash before...I will let you know how it goes.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Curious?
I am a mormon.
My relationship with God, Jesus Christ, and The Holy Ghost are more important to me than I can express. I have a testimony that Jesus Christ died for me and that He was resurrected. I KNOW that He lives. I believe that families can be together forever...even after we have left this life. I believe that the temple is a place where we can be sealed together forever. I know these things because I have prayed about their truthfulness and I have received a personal witness that they are true.
I recently discovered that a dying television program will be discussing (and showing) our temples in an episode. I am saddened to hear this and realize that it is only a ploy for ratings, but I am concerned about all those people that may see it and not understand the other side of the story.
I found this video and it helps describe why we (as mormons) build temples and some of the work that we do there. I know that there are a lot of you that read my blog, but do not share my faith. I respect you and I hope that you respect me too. Please take 3 minutes out of your day to watch this. If nothing else, it will give you a better understanding of some of your neighbors and friends.
If you have any questions, please leave me a comment and I will do my best to answer them. You can even question me anonymously if that makes you more comfortable.
All my love,
Carol
Please click here to see the video.
My relationship with God, Jesus Christ, and The Holy Ghost are more important to me than I can express. I have a testimony that Jesus Christ died for me and that He was resurrected. I KNOW that He lives. I believe that families can be together forever...even after we have left this life. I believe that the temple is a place where we can be sealed together forever. I know these things because I have prayed about their truthfulness and I have received a personal witness that they are true.
I recently discovered that a dying television program will be discussing (and showing) our temples in an episode. I am saddened to hear this and realize that it is only a ploy for ratings, but I am concerned about all those people that may see it and not understand the other side of the story.
I found this video and it helps describe why we (as mormons) build temples and some of the work that we do there. I know that there are a lot of you that read my blog, but do not share my faith. I respect you and I hope that you respect me too. Please take 3 minutes out of your day to watch this. If nothing else, it will give you a better understanding of some of your neighbors and friends.
If you have any questions, please leave me a comment and I will do my best to answer them. You can even question me anonymously if that makes you more comfortable.
All my love,
Carol
Please click here to see the video.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Southern Caribbean Cruise 2009
Day 1: Traveling
After a long day of connecting flights, we decided we were hungry. Dinner at midnight? Sure, why not???Day 2: San Juan
Old San Juan
Joanne, Anna, and me. I can't tell you how much I love these two women.
Fort at Old San Juan
Cheese! Joanne decided to say Queso instead of cheese since we were in San Juan and her "smile" is the result. Turns out there is a reason why you are supposed to say cheese. We laughed and laughed when we saw this photo.
Our ship wasn't ready to board and so we grabbed some lunch at a restaurant in San Juan.Day 3: At Sea
The Sanctuary...ahhh relaxation at it's best.
This day at sea was perfect.
Playing Princess
All ready for dinner.Day 4: Aruba
After our running joke about Queso we actually found a sign that said it and we had to take a picture. Joanne cracks me up.
Phase 10 anyone? Especially enjoyable on a balcony in the Caribbean.
I can't help but feel that Brian got a little SUN!Day 5: Bonaire
Matt didn't get the memo that we were being sexy. :)
On our way to snorkeling in Bonaire. Truly the best snorkeling we have ever experienced. There was a reef wall that completely dropped off into deep ocean. Very surreal feeling.
Killing time in Bonaire.Day 6: Grenada
On our way to Seven Sisters Waterfalls.
Hiking to Seven Sisters in Grenada...poor Anna had a horrible wound on her foot and the mud didn't help. Everyone was a good sport even though Mike and I were the only ones who hiked to the actual waterfalls.
Seven Sisters is a series of seven waterfalls. You have to climb up a narrow path in the jungle (by literally grabbing at roots and hauling yourself up) to access the first waterfall. Matt and I did this same hike by ourselves in 2008 and while I couldn't wait to do the big jump at the end, Matt was NOT doing that again...EVER. Mike however thought it sounded fun and so he and I made the hike to the top and jumped the previous smaller waterfalls in order to make our way to the BIG 40 foot waterfall at the end. Mike went first...
Here I go...
I screamed really loudly when I went. :)
Yahoo!!!
Hooray! We did it!!!
Matt won a free men's shave at the Spa and his skin was silky smooth.Day 7: Dominica
Check out the muscles on my man!
Hiking in Dominica...I absolutely loved this island and I can't wait to go back.
After swimming up Titou Gorge.Day 8: St. Thomas
Matt and I with the Caribbean Princess in the background. What a memorable and fun vacation we had!
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
I love my teeth!
In December of 2007, Matt and I had extra money sitting in our "Flex Spending" account at his work, and it was either use it or lose it. So, I bought all of the over-the-counter medicine I could think of and then still had additional funds sitting there. I am not one to see good money go to waste, so I called my brother-in-law (who happens to be a fabulous orthodontist) and asked him to slap some braces on my teeth.
I had braces when I was a teenager and while my teeth are nowhere near as bad as they were when I was a kid, they had shifted and it bugged me. So, for the last 13 months I have endured braces on my teeth and while it was not fun, it definitely was not as bad as I remember them as a kid. (This may have something to do with my liberal use of Ibuprofen and my much improved dental hygiene.) :)
Matt and I had a cruise planned at the end of January and we were going with friends and my sister and brother-in-law. You guessed it...my orthodontist. So, for the last 4 or 5 months I have been giving him a hard time and telling him that he had until our trip to get my teeth straight or he was gonna have to hear me whining the entire vacation. Have you ever tried snorkeling with braces on your teeth? You can't bite down correctly on the mouthpiece and it is NOT enjoyable.
So, two days before we left on our sunny vacation, my braces were removed and I LOVE my teeth. I smiled and smiled and smiled for days on end. Thank you Mike (my handy and very kind ortho)...I am one happy customer.
This picture was taken in San Juan while we were on the aforementioned vacation. I have a lot more pics to share from this trip and also (if I can figure it out) a video of me and Mike (orthodontist extraordinaire) jumping off a 40 foot waterfall. Soooo fun!!!
I had braces when I was a teenager and while my teeth are nowhere near as bad as they were when I was a kid, they had shifted and it bugged me. So, for the last 13 months I have endured braces on my teeth and while it was not fun, it definitely was not as bad as I remember them as a kid. (This may have something to do with my liberal use of Ibuprofen and my much improved dental hygiene.) :)
Matt and I had a cruise planned at the end of January and we were going with friends and my sister and brother-in-law. You guessed it...my orthodontist. So, for the last 4 or 5 months I have been giving him a hard time and telling him that he had until our trip to get my teeth straight or he was gonna have to hear me whining the entire vacation. Have you ever tried snorkeling with braces on your teeth? You can't bite down correctly on the mouthpiece and it is NOT enjoyable.
So, two days before we left on our sunny vacation, my braces were removed and I LOVE my teeth. I smiled and smiled and smiled for days on end. Thank you Mike (my handy and very kind ortho)...I am one happy customer.
This picture was taken in San Juan while we were on the aforementioned vacation. I have a lot more pics to share from this trip and also (if I can figure it out) a video of me and Mike (orthodontist extraordinaire) jumping off a 40 foot waterfall. Soooo fun!!!
Thursday, December 11, 2008
The best photographer ever!
Ok, I may be a little biased considering the fact that the photographer is my husband, but seriously...could these pictures be any cuter???
Monday, December 8, 2008
Infected
Philip has the chickenpox.
Michael got them a week before Thanksgiving and he had to miss a week of school. He was immunized against chickenpox, but they got him anyway. His case was mild...only 60 or 70 pox...but it was still miserable.
Now, my baby is miserable. He is currently talking/crying in his crib after a whopping 30 minute nap. His morning nap was a no go. I am going to go love on him some more and count down the time till Matt gets home.
Michael got them a week before Thanksgiving and he had to miss a week of school. He was immunized against chickenpox, but they got him anyway. His case was mild...only 60 or 70 pox...but it was still miserable.
Now, my baby is miserable. He is currently talking/crying in his crib after a whopping 30 minute nap. His morning nap was a no go. I am going to go love on him some more and count down the time till Matt gets home.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Sealed
On November 8, 2008 we were sealed to Philip.
This day was the culmination of all that I have waited for.
We arrived at the temple at 8:30 and ushured our kids into the playroom. The temple had staff there waiting to help our kids during the entire process and they were very helpful and kind.
Matt and I then went over all of our family information with a temple worker to make sure that everything was correct. This process took about 20 minutes to complete and when we were finished she asked us which two men we would like to be the witnesses of the sealing. A totally unexpected wave of grief hit me then...when I realized that I wanted my dad to be there to witness this event. Matt said he wanted his father and then asked me if I wanted to have Devin, my brother, stand in for dad. I said yes and was overwhelmed with how much I missed my dad. Since the time that he died four years ago, I don't think I have longed for his presence more than I did in the temple that morning. Tears started to stream down my cheeks and Matt held my hand tightly.
I whispered to Matt, "Dad will still be there, right?"
"Of course he will be, Carol, he wouldn't miss it," Matt replied.
I am crying as I write this because I know that my dad was there to witness this miraculous event in my life. I know that he was there to support this decision Matt and I had made. I am so grateful for the knowledge that life doesn't end when we die. This is the whole purpose of the temple and the reason why we wanted Philip to be sealed to us for time and eternity. I am so grateful for His gospel that doesn't deny anyone from receiving His choicest blessings.
Anyway, after we finished the paperwork, we headed back to our designated dressing rooms so that we could get changed into our white clothing. (We wear white in the temple to symbolize our purity and equality before our Father in Heaven.) Once I was dressed, the temple worker led me to the Celestial room where Matt was waiting for me.
It reminded me so much of our wedding day. We were married in the same temple and we were able to sit alone together in the Celestial room on that day as well. The peace I felt about my decision to marry Matt was overwhelming and it has been a sustaining influence on me when times were tough.
Once again, as we sat in the room together, I was overwhelmed with peace about our decision to adopt Philip. I knew that he was our son and that Heavenly Father wanted me to be his mother. When the time came, Matt and I were led into the Sealing Room where all of our friends and family waited. When we entered, the first thing I noticed was my Michael, James and Anne, all sitting in a row in their beautiful white clothing. They were all grinning up at us as we walked into the room and Michael had big tears in his eyes. The Spirit was so strong and once again witnessed to me the truthfullness of His gospel. I then noticed my mom who was holding Philip. He was as calm as can be and absolutely darling in his white outfit.
Before the sealing ordinance was performed, our sealer chose to share a scripture that he said had come to his mind. It was 1 Corinthians 2:9 and it says,
"Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him."
For those sitting in the room with us, this scripture may not have meant much, but to me personally this scripture was a tender mercy from the Lord.
Remember this post, way back in April, about our journey to Philip? I quoted this particular scripture in that post because it described exactly how I felt about the whole process...heart altering process...that led us to Philip. And yet here I sat, with a man who was ordained of God to be with us in the temple this day and he 'thought' to share the one thing that would testify of Heavenly Father's love and awareness of me. "Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him."
Tears filled my eyes as I listened to him recite this scripture. It was as if Heavenly Father was once again telling me that He knows me...Carol...and that He loves me so much. He has known this path all along and He has been preparing me and leading me to this point. I just need to have the faith to follow His lead and I will never be left alone.
The Sealing Ordinance was then performed and Philip was as sweet as can be. Once it was over, Philip didn't want to let go of Matt and my hands...he just grinned at us and we were overwhelmed with joy and gratitude.
All of our kids were able to stand by us at that point and the sealer had us look into the large mirrors that they have hanging in the Sealing Room. The mirrors cover opposing walls and so when you look into one your image goes on forever and ever. The sealer took the opportunity to teach our kids that now that Philip was sealed to us he would be ours forever and ever, just like the images in the mirror.
I want to share the second verse of one of my favorite Primary Songs...I LOVE TO SEE THE TEMPLE
I love to see the temple.
I'll go inside someday.
I'll covenant with my Father;
I'll promise to obey.
For the temple is a holy place
Where we are sealed together.
As a child of God,
I've learned this truth;
A family is forever.
(Words and Music: Janice Kapp Perry)
I feel so blessed and so grateful. Thank you for all of your kind words and support during this process. They have meant more to me than you know and I am grateful for the positive influence and encouragement that good people have brought into my life.
All my love,
Carol
If you would like to know more about Temples and the work we do there or anything else about my religion please visit http://www.mormon.org/mormonorg/eng/
This day was the culmination of all that I have waited for.
We arrived at the temple at 8:30 and ushured our kids into the playroom. The temple had staff there waiting to help our kids during the entire process and they were very helpful and kind.
Matt and I then went over all of our family information with a temple worker to make sure that everything was correct. This process took about 20 minutes to complete and when we were finished she asked us which two men we would like to be the witnesses of the sealing. A totally unexpected wave of grief hit me then...when I realized that I wanted my dad to be there to witness this event. Matt said he wanted his father and then asked me if I wanted to have Devin, my brother, stand in for dad. I said yes and was overwhelmed with how much I missed my dad. Since the time that he died four years ago, I don't think I have longed for his presence more than I did in the temple that morning. Tears started to stream down my cheeks and Matt held my hand tightly.
I whispered to Matt, "Dad will still be there, right?"
"Of course he will be, Carol, he wouldn't miss it," Matt replied.
I am crying as I write this because I know that my dad was there to witness this miraculous event in my life. I know that he was there to support this decision Matt and I had made. I am so grateful for the knowledge that life doesn't end when we die. This is the whole purpose of the temple and the reason why we wanted Philip to be sealed to us for time and eternity. I am so grateful for His gospel that doesn't deny anyone from receiving His choicest blessings.
Anyway, after we finished the paperwork, we headed back to our designated dressing rooms so that we could get changed into our white clothing. (We wear white in the temple to symbolize our purity and equality before our Father in Heaven.) Once I was dressed, the temple worker led me to the Celestial room where Matt was waiting for me.
It reminded me so much of our wedding day. We were married in the same temple and we were able to sit alone together in the Celestial room on that day as well. The peace I felt about my decision to marry Matt was overwhelming and it has been a sustaining influence on me when times were tough.
Once again, as we sat in the room together, I was overwhelmed with peace about our decision to adopt Philip. I knew that he was our son and that Heavenly Father wanted me to be his mother. When the time came, Matt and I were led into the Sealing Room where all of our friends and family waited. When we entered, the first thing I noticed was my Michael, James and Anne, all sitting in a row in their beautiful white clothing. They were all grinning up at us as we walked into the room and Michael had big tears in his eyes. The Spirit was so strong and once again witnessed to me the truthfullness of His gospel. I then noticed my mom who was holding Philip. He was as calm as can be and absolutely darling in his white outfit.
Before the sealing ordinance was performed, our sealer chose to share a scripture that he said had come to his mind. It was 1 Corinthians 2:9 and it says,
"Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him."
For those sitting in the room with us, this scripture may not have meant much, but to me personally this scripture was a tender mercy from the Lord.
Remember this post, way back in April, about our journey to Philip? I quoted this particular scripture in that post because it described exactly how I felt about the whole process...heart altering process...that led us to Philip. And yet here I sat, with a man who was ordained of God to be with us in the temple this day and he 'thought' to share the one thing that would testify of Heavenly Father's love and awareness of me. "Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him."
Tears filled my eyes as I listened to him recite this scripture. It was as if Heavenly Father was once again telling me that He knows me...Carol...and that He loves me so much. He has known this path all along and He has been preparing me and leading me to this point. I just need to have the faith to follow His lead and I will never be left alone.
The Sealing Ordinance was then performed and Philip was as sweet as can be. Once it was over, Philip didn't want to let go of Matt and my hands...he just grinned at us and we were overwhelmed with joy and gratitude.
All of our kids were able to stand by us at that point and the sealer had us look into the large mirrors that they have hanging in the Sealing Room. The mirrors cover opposing walls and so when you look into one your image goes on forever and ever. The sealer took the opportunity to teach our kids that now that Philip was sealed to us he would be ours forever and ever, just like the images in the mirror.
I want to share the second verse of one of my favorite Primary Songs...I LOVE TO SEE THE TEMPLE
I love to see the temple.
I'll go inside someday.
I'll covenant with my Father;
I'll promise to obey.
For the temple is a holy place
Where we are sealed together.
As a child of God,
I've learned this truth;
A family is forever.
(Words and Music: Janice Kapp Perry)
I feel so blessed and so grateful. Thank you for all of your kind words and support during this process. They have meant more to me than you know and I am grateful for the positive influence and encouragement that good people have brought into my life.
All my love,
Carol
If you would like to know more about Temples and the work we do there or anything else about my religion please visit http://www.mormon.org/mormonorg/eng/
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
November 7, 2008
On November 7, 2008 Philip was declared our son in every legal sense. Words cannot adequately describe how I felt this day, but I will do my best.
Our court time was set for 2:00pm and the kids were out of school due to Parent/Teacher Conferences and so it was perfect. Grandma decided to join us at the courthouse to show her support. As she said, "I wouldn't miss it." It was an absolutely beautiful fall day. The sun was shining and it was crisp without being too cold. We loaded into our van and headed down to the courthouse. We arrived extra early and after sitting in the wrong hallway for 20 minutes, I realized my mistake and we found our way to the correct room. Luckily, we still had five minutes to spare. Our caseworker and our lawyer were there waiting for us and we filed into the courtroom. It was the first time I had ever been in a courtroom and I was very grateful it was under such happy circumstances. Matt and I were asked to hold Philip and then sit at the Plaintiff's desk. Our lawyer and caseworker sat at the Defendant's desk, while Michael, James, Anne and Grandma Charlotte sat behind us in the general seating area. Our lawyer explained how the process would work and brought the adoption papers over for us to review.
Our judge entered the room shortly thereafter and Matt and I were sworn in "to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help you God." The whole experience was a little surreal. We stated our names for the court and when it came time for Anne to say her name she absolutely froze and looked at me with pure terror in her eyes and said, "I don't know..." (Later, she told Grandma that she couldn't remember her middle name and she didn't know what to do.) While I didn't want her to feel afraid, her response was rather cute.
The judge then turned the time over to our lawyer who asked us some basic questions about our identity and then asked us how we felt about Philip. Matt went first and told the court how much we loved him and considered him to be our son. Then it was my turn, and I tried to express how much love and devotion I felt toward this little boy. I told the judge that I knew that God had led us to him and what joy and love he had brought into our home. I told her how much I loved him and how much my other kids loved him as well.
Our attorney asked Matt, and then me, if we understood that we would be Philip's parents with all of the rights and responsibilities pertaining to parenthood and we said yes. The judge then informed us that she had reviewed Philip's entire case as well as our home study and she thought that it was in his best interest to be our son.
A wave of gratitude washed over me and I started to cry at the realization that he was finally ours. I looked over at Matt and realized that he was crying too. We both felt so happy and peaceful. Our kids were absolutely beaming out of their seats and they couldn't wait to come and give Philip a hug. James said, "Now you are really my brother for ever and ever." It was so sweet.
After we signed the adoption documents we took a picture with the judge that declared us a family. Hooray!!!
"Oh no, I'm stuck with these guys forever..."
This post wouldn't be complete without me expressing my gratitude to my mom. We are so grateful for the consistent love and support she has shown us since the day Philip was placed in our home. It is amazing really, considering how much she had to open her heart (and risk it being broken), but she has loved Philip unconditionally. Her love for him has been a gift from Heavenly Father and I am blessed to have witnessed it. Consequently, Philip is drawn to Grandma Charlotte as much as she is drawn to him. What a blessing Grandma's can be.
Also, I must acknowledge my Heavenly Father's hand in this entire process. Matt and I are consistently amazed at how we were carefully led to this little boy. This heart changing process took us years to complete, but I know that Heavenly Father was the driving force behind it. He loves me, He loves Matt, and He loves Philip. He is accutely aware of my strengths and my weaknesses and I am grateful for His patience with me. I cannot adequately express the gratitude and love I feel for Him.
Our court time was set for 2:00pm and the kids were out of school due to Parent/Teacher Conferences and so it was perfect. Grandma decided to join us at the courthouse to show her support. As she said, "I wouldn't miss it." It was an absolutely beautiful fall day. The sun was shining and it was crisp without being too cold. We loaded into our van and headed down to the courthouse. We arrived extra early and after sitting in the wrong hallway for 20 minutes, I realized my mistake and we found our way to the correct room. Luckily, we still had five minutes to spare. Our caseworker and our lawyer were there waiting for us and we filed into the courtroom. It was the first time I had ever been in a courtroom and I was very grateful it was under such happy circumstances. Matt and I were asked to hold Philip and then sit at the Plaintiff's desk. Our lawyer and caseworker sat at the Defendant's desk, while Michael, James, Anne and Grandma Charlotte sat behind us in the general seating area. Our lawyer explained how the process would work and brought the adoption papers over for us to review.
Our judge entered the room shortly thereafter and Matt and I were sworn in "to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help you God." The whole experience was a little surreal. We stated our names for the court and when it came time for Anne to say her name she absolutely froze and looked at me with pure terror in her eyes and said, "I don't know..." (Later, she told Grandma that she couldn't remember her middle name and she didn't know what to do.) While I didn't want her to feel afraid, her response was rather cute.
The judge then turned the time over to our lawyer who asked us some basic questions about our identity and then asked us how we felt about Philip. Matt went first and told the court how much we loved him and considered him to be our son. Then it was my turn, and I tried to express how much love and devotion I felt toward this little boy. I told the judge that I knew that God had led us to him and what joy and love he had brought into our home. I told her how much I loved him and how much my other kids loved him as well.
Our attorney asked Matt, and then me, if we understood that we would be Philip's parents with all of the rights and responsibilities pertaining to parenthood and we said yes. The judge then informed us that she had reviewed Philip's entire case as well as our home study and she thought that it was in his best interest to be our son.
A wave of gratitude washed over me and I started to cry at the realization that he was finally ours. I looked over at Matt and realized that he was crying too. We both felt so happy and peaceful. Our kids were absolutely beaming out of their seats and they couldn't wait to come and give Philip a hug. James said, "Now you are really my brother for ever and ever." It was so sweet.
After we signed the adoption documents we took a picture with the judge that declared us a family. Hooray!!!
"Oh no, I'm stuck with these guys forever..."
This post wouldn't be complete without me expressing my gratitude to my mom. We are so grateful for the consistent love and support she has shown us since the day Philip was placed in our home. It is amazing really, considering how much she had to open her heart (and risk it being broken), but she has loved Philip unconditionally. Her love for him has been a gift from Heavenly Father and I am blessed to have witnessed it. Consequently, Philip is drawn to Grandma Charlotte as much as she is drawn to him. What a blessing Grandma's can be.
Also, I must acknowledge my Heavenly Father's hand in this entire process. Matt and I are consistently amazed at how we were carefully led to this little boy. This heart changing process took us years to complete, but I know that Heavenly Father was the driving force behind it. He loves me, He loves Matt, and He loves Philip. He is accutely aware of my strengths and my weaknesses and I am grateful for His patience with me. I cannot adequately express the gratitude and love I feel for Him.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
He's Ours...Forever!!!
For with God nothing shall be impossible.
St. Luke 1:37
After many months of praying and waiting,
we feel blessed to announce the adoption of
our son and brother,
Philip Bennett
Born: June 18, 2007
7 lbs. 4 oz.
19 inches
Forever placed in our arms: June 25, 2007
Adoption Finalized: November 7, 2008
Love,
Matt, Carol, Michael, James, and Anne
I have so much more to say, but I haven't been able to get my thoughts down on paper. I will post again soon so that you can know all of the details.
St. Luke 1:37
After many months of praying and waiting,
we feel blessed to announce the adoption of
our son and brother,
Philip Bennett
Born: June 18, 2007
7 lbs. 4 oz.
19 inches
Forever placed in our arms: June 25, 2007
Adoption Finalized: November 7, 2008
Love,
Matt, Carol, Michael, James, and Anne
I have so much more to say, but I haven't been able to get my thoughts down on paper. I will post again soon so that you can know all of the details.
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