Merry Christmas to All Our Family and Friends From Afar and Near!
As we prepare for Christmas, we find ourselves feeling ever grateful for having such supportive, encouraging and loving family and friends in our lives. Our adoption journey over the past year(s) has included many ups and downs, but we have always felt comforted and encouraged knowing that so many of you are out there thinking and praying for us. We truly cannot thank you enough and tell you how much you mean to us.
We are still praying and focusing our efforts on a Christmas miracle, but also know that it will all come together in God's timing. We received some encouraging news about a potential opportunity in the recent weeks so, we are just hoping and praying that it will all work out.
The below verse is one that we find ourselves resting in throughout this journey. We hope it brings comfort and encouragement to all of you as well, especially needed during these difficult economic times.
Psalm 32: "I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you .... the Lord's unfailing love surrounds the man who trusts him."
Aside from adoption efforts this year, we have been busy on other fronts. I cannot say that we have been to any exotic destinations or done anything out of the ordinary. However, as you all know us, it seems like we are constantly in the midst of change. Malcolm seems to thrive during times of change or at least adapts better than I do at times. Although, I am learning to "go with the flow" more now. To my point, Malcolm has taken on a new work opportunity requiring a company transition. He has been working hard, but enjoying the new challenge. I am still working in the biotech industry and continue to enjoy this line of work. However, our current economic situation has brought some uncertainity and struggles in the industry along with many other industries.
For the third year, we were a part of the Richmond Marathon Training Team. While it requires a good bit of time to train and can seem like a chore at times, we always look back at the end of the season fondly. We have made some good friends and lots of good memories.
Our families are doing well and we have had several new additions during the year. Malcolm's brother, James and our sister-in-law had a baby girl last Spring, Elisa. She is adorable! My brother, Chip and his wife (our sister-in-law, Mandy) had a beautiful, healthy baby boy just a few days ago. His name is Samuel August and they are going to call him, Sam. (I just love that name.). We can't wait to get out to TN to see them and love on our new nephew. Also, our niece, Hannah (Sam's sister) turned 2 this past February. She is the most precious girl and looks like her momma - gorgeous! Malcolm's other brother, Clark and our sister-in-law, Suzy had a little girl last Fall and she turned 1 this year! She is quite a ham and we love her dearly! We so wish we could see our nieces and nephews more often than we do! We hope that will happen more often in time.
To that point, we so wish we had gotten to see more of our friends and family over this past year. We are determined to make more of a point to see those dear to us in 2009. After all, we feel that relationships are what is truly important and constantly reminded of that when we get words of encouragement and support from each of you. Please know we are here for you all even if not physically close. We are here if you need to talk or need us to pray for something going on in your lives. You all mean the world to us and we are so thankful to have you in our lives.
We wish you all many blessings and happy memories this Christmas season!
Lots of love to you all,
Christy and Malcolm
lovingparents@live.com
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Sunday, December 7, 2008
December 7th - Longing for a Christmas Miracle!
Philippians 3:13-14: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
I hope this post finds everyone doing well and getting into the holiday season! It sure did come up on us quickly. I thought I would Philippians 3:13-14 with everyone for today. This verse was what our sermon was centered on today. I know it is one I have shared previously, but so applicable during this time of year whether you are experiencing a particular life journey such as we are or just reflecting on the past year. It is easy to focus on the "behind" or what we should or could have done, but this verse reminds me/us that we can forget the past and focus forward. Good things are to come!
We continue to pray and stay focused on a baby to come to us - our child. We are hoping for a Christmas miracle, but trusting too that it will all happen in his time. Thank you for your continued support, encouragement and prayers! We hope you all are having a wonderful holiday so far!
In closing, I thought I would share a delicious cookie recipe with you all! I love to bake during this time of year. It is fairly easy, great presentation and yummy!! I am going to a cookie exchange this coming weekend and planning on bringing these cookies.
Raspberry Shortbread Cookies
1 cup butter, softened
2/3 cup granulated white sugar
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
1/3 to 1/2 cup seedless red raspberry jam
For Glaze:
1 cup powdered confectioner's sugar
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
2 to 3 teaspoons water
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
In a large bowl, cream butter with sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the almond extract. Gradually mix in the flour until the dough just comes together.
Refrigerate dough for 1 hour.
Roll dough into 1 inch balls, placing them 1 inch apart on an ungreased baking sheet.
Using your thumb or the back of a wooden spoon, gently make an indentation in the center of each dough ball. Fill with raspberry jam. Note: be careful not to over-fill, as the jam may bubble over as the cookies bake.
Bake for 14-18 minutes, until the edges of the cookies are golden. If desired, top off the filling with a bit more raspberry jam. Allow cookies to cool completely on the sheets.
Mix the powdered sugar, almond extract, and water to make the glaze. Spoon glaze over cookies, creating a zig-zag pattern. Allow glaze to set.
Enjoy!
Lots of love to you all!
Christy and Malcolm
lovingparents@live.com
I hope this post finds everyone doing well and getting into the holiday season! It sure did come up on us quickly. I thought I would Philippians 3:13-14 with everyone for today. This verse was what our sermon was centered on today. I know it is one I have shared previously, but so applicable during this time of year whether you are experiencing a particular life journey such as we are or just reflecting on the past year. It is easy to focus on the "behind" or what we should or could have done, but this verse reminds me/us that we can forget the past and focus forward. Good things are to come!
We continue to pray and stay focused on a baby to come to us - our child. We are hoping for a Christmas miracle, but trusting too that it will all happen in his time. Thank you for your continued support, encouragement and prayers! We hope you all are having a wonderful holiday so far!
In closing, I thought I would share a delicious cookie recipe with you all! I love to bake during this time of year. It is fairly easy, great presentation and yummy!! I am going to a cookie exchange this coming weekend and planning on bringing these cookies.
Raspberry Shortbread Cookies
1 cup butter, softened
2/3 cup granulated white sugar
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
1/3 to 1/2 cup seedless red raspberry jam
For Glaze:
1 cup powdered confectioner's sugar
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
2 to 3 teaspoons water
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
In a large bowl, cream butter with sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the almond extract. Gradually mix in the flour until the dough just comes together.
Refrigerate dough for 1 hour.
Roll dough into 1 inch balls, placing them 1 inch apart on an ungreased baking sheet.
Using your thumb or the back of a wooden spoon, gently make an indentation in the center of each dough ball. Fill with raspberry jam. Note: be careful not to over-fill, as the jam may bubble over as the cookies bake.
Bake for 14-18 minutes, until the edges of the cookies are golden. If desired, top off the filling with a bit more raspberry jam. Allow cookies to cool completely on the sheets.
Mix the powdered sugar, almond extract, and water to make the glaze. Spoon glaze over cookies, creating a zig-zag pattern. Allow glaze to set.
Enjoy!
Lots of love to you all!
Christy and Malcolm
lovingparents@live.com
Thursday, November 27, 2008
November 27th - Happy Thanksgiving!
Happy Thanksgiving to all!
This is my favorite holiday of the year! I love gathering with family and friends for the day and enjoying our many blessings. We are very thankful for our family and dear friends this year and every day. We are also thankful for our many blessings. We are hopeful that next year we will be celebrating our Thanksgiving with our child brought to us through adoption. We long to start holiday traditions with our child.
Due to travel schedules, we are staying in Virginia this Thanskgiving and celebrating with some good friends. This morning we are going to do the local Turkey Trot.
Later, we will be eating lots of good food. I thought I would share with you one of our (well, more my favorite) receipes. Yes, it is a brussel sprout recipe. I never used to be a big fan of brussel sprouts until I tried this recipe. It is delicious!
Brussels Sprouts Poached in Cider with Onions and Apples
1 lb Brussels sprouts2 ea Apples, halved & cored4 tb Olive oil1 ea Yellow bell pepper, chopped1 1/2 c Apple cider1/2 ts Salt1/2 ts Black pepper2 ea Star anise1/4 c Balsamic vinegar
1 lb Brussels sprouts2 ea Apples, halved & cored4 tb Olive oil1 ea Yellow bell pepper, chopped1 1/2 c Apple cider1/2 ts Salt1/2 ts Black pepper2 ea Star anise1/4 c Balsamic vinegar
Trim the sprouts & halve. Set aside. Cube the apples & set aside.
Heat oil over low heat in a skillet. When hot, increase heat to medium & add the onion & apple. Saute until the apples are soft & the onions are translucent. Add sprouts & saute, stirring, for 3 to 4 minutes. Add the rest of the ingredients, except the vinegar. Cover, reduce heat, simmer until the sprouts are tender, 10 minutes.
Remove the skillet's contents to a warmed serving dish using a slotted spoon. Discard the anise & keep the dish warm. Return all the liquids to the pan, raise heat to medium-high & cook until the juices are reduced by half. Add vinegar & cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, stirring. Pour over the sprouts & serve immediately
Heat oil over low heat in a skillet. When hot, increase heat to medium & add the onion & apple. Saute until the apples are soft & the onions are translucent. Add sprouts & saute, stirring, for 3 to 4 minutes. Add the rest of the ingredients, except the vinegar. Cover, reduce heat, simmer until the sprouts are tender, 10 minutes.
Remove the skillet's contents to a warmed serving dish using a slotted spoon. Discard the anise & keep the dish warm. Return all the liquids to the pan, raise heat to medium-high & cook until the juices are reduced by half. Add vinegar & cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, stirring. Pour over the sprouts & serve immediately
We wish you and your family a very Happy Thanksgiving!
Lots of love and blessings to you all!
Christy and Malcolm
Sunday, November 23, 2008
November 23rd - He is Mighty
I hope this post finds everyone doing well and getting into the holiday spirit.
In follow-up to our last post, we did complete the marathon last weekend (November 15th). It ended up being a very humid, hot (not by my standards though), and windy day. The winds were pounding against us from Mile 20 to Mile 26. Overall, the weather was not ideal marathon weather, but we finished....finally!! I have to say that I never truly hit that point where I felt like I was in the "clear" so to speak. It wasn't until Mile 25 that I knew I was going to finish it running. I did continue to recite songs, verses and motivation phrases through my head as I went along the course. I prayed a lot for our baby to come to us so, that also kept me going - I was on a mission. I do have to share one funny story on my account. At about Mile 13, there was some kids handing out Snickers and Twix bars (probably left over from Halloween, but I didn't care) and I took one of each as my sports beans didn't sound appealing anymore. I ate the Twix bar and decided to hang on to the Snickers bar for a bit down the road. After a few more steps down the road, I dropped the Snickers bar and kept running for a bit more. All of a sudden (you are sometime thinking very coherently at this point or maybe I was), I realized I left good chocolate behind and turned around, ran back about .25 of a mile and picked up the Snickers bar. Several other runners saw me, laughing and stated that I must not have been very concerned about my time. :) All in all, it was a good day.... best part was crossing the finish line, of course!
On the adoption front, this past week I had an awe inspiring moment in my Ladies small group. We were studying just how Mighty God is and that we at times tend to underestimate what he can do. We were sharing times in our lives where he far exceeded our expectations. I realized that we tended to do that with our adoption journey. With that said, our prayer request is that God will bring us our baby by Christmas of this year. We would so appreciate your prayers in this regard. We know he can do Mighty things - far beyond our understanding and imaginations. We also realize that if it doesn't happen .... it is all in his plan and the timing is not right. For now, our prayer is that it will happen by Christmas and that we will be holding our child at Christmas.
Below is the chorus from one of my favorite songs - Mighty to Save - I think it speaks volumes.
My Saviour, He can move the mountains,My God is Mighty to save,He is Mighty to save.Forever, Author of salvation,He rose and conquered the grave,Jesus conquered the grave. Shine your light and let the whole world see,We're singing for the glory of the risen King...Jesus.
We miss you all!! Thank you for your continued thoughts and prayers.
Lots of love,Christy and Malcolm
lovingparents@live.com
In follow-up to our last post, we did complete the marathon last weekend (November 15th). It ended up being a very humid, hot (not by my standards though), and windy day. The winds were pounding against us from Mile 20 to Mile 26. Overall, the weather was not ideal marathon weather, but we finished....finally!! I have to say that I never truly hit that point where I felt like I was in the "clear" so to speak. It wasn't until Mile 25 that I knew I was going to finish it running. I did continue to recite songs, verses and motivation phrases through my head as I went along the course. I prayed a lot for our baby to come to us so, that also kept me going - I was on a mission. I do have to share one funny story on my account. At about Mile 13, there was some kids handing out Snickers and Twix bars (probably left over from Halloween, but I didn't care) and I took one of each as my sports beans didn't sound appealing anymore. I ate the Twix bar and decided to hang on to the Snickers bar for a bit down the road. After a few more steps down the road, I dropped the Snickers bar and kept running for a bit more. All of a sudden (you are sometime thinking very coherently at this point or maybe I was), I realized I left good chocolate behind and turned around, ran back about .25 of a mile and picked up the Snickers bar. Several other runners saw me, laughing and stated that I must not have been very concerned about my time. :) All in all, it was a good day.... best part was crossing the finish line, of course!
On the adoption front, this past week I had an awe inspiring moment in my Ladies small group. We were studying just how Mighty God is and that we at times tend to underestimate what he can do. We were sharing times in our lives where he far exceeded our expectations. I realized that we tended to do that with our adoption journey. With that said, our prayer request is that God will bring us our baby by Christmas of this year. We would so appreciate your prayers in this regard. We know he can do Mighty things - far beyond our understanding and imaginations. We also realize that if it doesn't happen .... it is all in his plan and the timing is not right. For now, our prayer is that it will happen by Christmas and that we will be holding our child at Christmas.
Below is the chorus from one of my favorite songs - Mighty to Save - I think it speaks volumes.
My Saviour, He can move the mountains,My God is Mighty to save,He is Mighty to save.Forever, Author of salvation,He rose and conquered the grave,Jesus conquered the grave. Shine your light and let the whole world see,We're singing for the glory of the risen King...Jesus.
We miss you all!! Thank you for your continued thoughts and prayers.
Lots of love,Christy and Malcolm
lovingparents@live.com
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
November 12th - The Journey
"It is not the goal but the way there that matters, and the harder the way the more worthwhile the journey." - Wilfred Thesiger.
This quote is resonating with us this week as we approach November 15th - the Richmond Marathon! We have been tapering for the last couple of weeks which means less physical training and more mental training. I am filled with nervousness, anxiousness and excitement all at the same time. I also am sad that this journey is about to end. It is these times that I reminded that it is not always about the finish or the end, but the journey. The journey builds our character, strength and endurance to face the tests in life. We can translate our marathon journey to our adoption journey. Even though, the road is hard at times – even most of the time – and the end can be hard to visualize, we will be able to look back and see how our journey including the trials and disappointments have prepared us to be better parents and people. This past week we have had some opportunities to share the fact that ALL children are God’s children – no matter the sex, race and/or physical abilities or lack there of.
For now, we are going to try to relish in the journey. On Saturday at the finish line (Lord willing), I am going to reflect on my marathon journey –after a few slices of pizza (J)- and what it will be like to complete our adoption journey. I know the joy we feeling at the end of the journey will be pale in comparison to completing the marathon.
Also, I have been meaning to give a "shout out" to my dear friend JJ who completed her first 1/2 marathon! Congratulations JJ! I wish we could have been there to see you cross the finish line.
On a food note, our post-marathon meal is going to consist of a big burger, fries and dessert – Rita’s Ice – here we come!!
With the fall upon us, I wanted to share a scrumptious pumpkin dessert recipe with you all. It is so easy and absolutely yummy!! Enjoy.
Pumpkin Crunch Cake
Ingredients:
1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin puree
1 (12 fluid ounce) can evaporated milk
4 eggs
1 1/2 cups white sugar
2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
1 teaspoon salt
1 (18.25 ounce) package yellow cake mix
1 cup chopped pecans
1 cup margarine, melted
1 (8 ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed
Directions:
· Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease one 9x13 inch baking pan.
· In a large bowl, combine pumpkin, evaporated milk, eggs, sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Mix well, and spread into the prepared pan.
· Sprinkle cake mix over the top of the pumpkin mixture, and pat down. Sprinkle chopped pecans evenly over the cake mix, then drizzle with melted margarine.
· Bake for 60 to 80 minutes, or until done. Top with whipped topping when ready to serve.
Thank you all for your continued support and encouragement!
Much love,
Christy and Malcolm
lovingparents@live.com
This quote is resonating with us this week as we approach November 15th - the Richmond Marathon! We have been tapering for the last couple of weeks which means less physical training and more mental training. I am filled with nervousness, anxiousness and excitement all at the same time. I also am sad that this journey is about to end. It is these times that I reminded that it is not always about the finish or the end, but the journey. The journey builds our character, strength and endurance to face the tests in life. We can translate our marathon journey to our adoption journey. Even though, the road is hard at times – even most of the time – and the end can be hard to visualize, we will be able to look back and see how our journey including the trials and disappointments have prepared us to be better parents and people. This past week we have had some opportunities to share the fact that ALL children are God’s children – no matter the sex, race and/or physical abilities or lack there of.
For now, we are going to try to relish in the journey. On Saturday at the finish line (Lord willing), I am going to reflect on my marathon journey –after a few slices of pizza (J)- and what it will be like to complete our adoption journey. I know the joy we feeling at the end of the journey will be pale in comparison to completing the marathon.
Also, I have been meaning to give a "shout out" to my dear friend JJ who completed her first 1/2 marathon! Congratulations JJ! I wish we could have been there to see you cross the finish line.
On a food note, our post-marathon meal is going to consist of a big burger, fries and dessert – Rita’s Ice – here we come!!
With the fall upon us, I wanted to share a scrumptious pumpkin dessert recipe with you all. It is so easy and absolutely yummy!! Enjoy.
Pumpkin Crunch Cake
Ingredients:
1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin puree
1 (12 fluid ounce) can evaporated milk
4 eggs
1 1/2 cups white sugar
2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
1 teaspoon salt
1 (18.25 ounce) package yellow cake mix
1 cup chopped pecans
1 cup margarine, melted
1 (8 ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed
Directions:
· Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease one 9x13 inch baking pan.
· In a large bowl, combine pumpkin, evaporated milk, eggs, sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Mix well, and spread into the prepared pan.
· Sprinkle cake mix over the top of the pumpkin mixture, and pat down. Sprinkle chopped pecans evenly over the cake mix, then drizzle with melted margarine.
· Bake for 60 to 80 minutes, or until done. Top with whipped topping when ready to serve.
Thank you all for your continued support and encouragement!
Much love,
Christy and Malcolm
lovingparents@live.com
Friday, November 7, 2008
November 7th - Praise Him in the Storm
I apologize it has been some time since we have written on our blog. The last couple weeks have been filled with several ups and downs with regards to our adoption journey. Yesterday, an opportunity came to a close thus, we are clearly disappointed. However, we are staying hopeful. We are so thankful to have the encouragement and prayers from all of our friends and family. For now, I wanted to post the words to the song - "Praise Him in the Rain" as we are really clinging to these words to get us through this time. This is one of the songs played on our blog.
We will write more later, but wanted to at least update everyone for now. We hope you all are doing well! Please email us if there is anything we can be praying for in our lives. We want to be a support to you all.
Lots of love,
Christy and Malcolm
lovingparents@live.com
Praise You in This Storm
words by Mark Hall/music by Mark Hall and Bernie Herms
I was sure by now,God, that You would have reached downand wiped our tears away,stepped in and saved the day.But once again, I say amenand it’s still rainingas the thunder rollsI barely hear You whisper through the rain,“I’m with you”and as Your mercy fallsI raise my hands and praisethe God who gives and takes away.
Chorus:
And I’ll praise you in this storm and I will lift my hands for You are who You are no matter where I am and every tear I’ve cried
You hold in your handYou never left my side and though my heart is torn I will praise You in this storm
I remember when I stumbled in the wind
You heard my cry to You and raised me up againmy strength is almost gone how can I carry onif I can’t find Youand as the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain“I’m with you”and as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praisethe God who gives and takes away
Chorus:
I lift my eyes onto the hills where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth
I lift my eyes onto the hillswhere does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth
Chorus
We will write more later, but wanted to at least update everyone for now. We hope you all are doing well! Please email us if there is anything we can be praying for in our lives. We want to be a support to you all.
Lots of love,
Christy and Malcolm
lovingparents@live.com
Praise You in This Storm
words by Mark Hall/music by Mark Hall and Bernie Herms
I was sure by now,God, that You would have reached downand wiped our tears away,stepped in and saved the day.But once again, I say amenand it’s still rainingas the thunder rollsI barely hear You whisper through the rain,“I’m with you”and as Your mercy fallsI raise my hands and praisethe God who gives and takes away.
Chorus:
And I’ll praise you in this storm and I will lift my hands for You are who You are no matter where I am and every tear I’ve cried
You hold in your handYou never left my side and though my heart is torn I will praise You in this storm
I remember when I stumbled in the wind
You heard my cry to You and raised me up againmy strength is almost gone how can I carry onif I can’t find Youand as the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain“I’m with you”and as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praisethe God who gives and takes away
Chorus:
I lift my eyes onto the hills where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth
I lift my eyes onto the hillswhere does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth
Chorus
Friday, October 24, 2008
October 23rd - Happy Friday!
This week’s verse: Phil 4:6-7 – “Don’t worry about anything; instead pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done. If you do this, you will experience God’s peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”
I keep this verse on my refrigerator to remind me not to worry but instead pray about my concerns and anxieties especially as we continue along our journey with adoption. It is definitely not a process or journey that you can control as there are so many unknowns. For someone like me (a “worry wart”), I have come to realize that there is no way I can control everything, but instead I have to just pray and have faith it will all turn out as designed.
I would like to ask you all for thoughts and prayers for a baby to be born in February 2009. Please pray for the health and protection of this little one. As I have mentioned before, we are notified of situations from time to time and always feel that each one needs thoughts and prayers even if they are not supposed to be our child. This past week has been encouraging for us and we hope to be able to share positive news with everyone soon. Please just keep us in your thoughts and prayers as we make decisions and interact with the people involved in our life story.
On another note, tomorrow is another long run and we need your positive thoughts as it is supposed to be cold and rainy. Yuck! I am already letting the running “gremlins” (as referred to by one of our coaches – code name for negative thoughts) enter my head. I am trying to stay positive and look forward to the run, but the only thing that seems to be helping is the burger and fries I plan to eat afterwards. (Five Guys – Here we come!! I love that place - you have to try one if you haven't yet! The burgers are out of this world. Can you believe I used to be a pseudo-vegetarian? Black beans are no longer a staple in my cupboard.)
We hope everyone has a great weekend!! Recipes to come – I promise!
As always, thank you for your endless support!!
Love,
Christy and Malcolm
lovingparents@live.com
I keep this verse on my refrigerator to remind me not to worry but instead pray about my concerns and anxieties especially as we continue along our journey with adoption. It is definitely not a process or journey that you can control as there are so many unknowns. For someone like me (a “worry wart”), I have come to realize that there is no way I can control everything, but instead I have to just pray and have faith it will all turn out as designed.
I would like to ask you all for thoughts and prayers for a baby to be born in February 2009. Please pray for the health and protection of this little one. As I have mentioned before, we are notified of situations from time to time and always feel that each one needs thoughts and prayers even if they are not supposed to be our child. This past week has been encouraging for us and we hope to be able to share positive news with everyone soon. Please just keep us in your thoughts and prayers as we make decisions and interact with the people involved in our life story.
On another note, tomorrow is another long run and we need your positive thoughts as it is supposed to be cold and rainy. Yuck! I am already letting the running “gremlins” (as referred to by one of our coaches – code name for negative thoughts) enter my head. I am trying to stay positive and look forward to the run, but the only thing that seems to be helping is the burger and fries I plan to eat afterwards. (Five Guys – Here we come!! I love that place - you have to try one if you haven't yet! The burgers are out of this world. Can you believe I used to be a pseudo-vegetarian? Black beans are no longer a staple in my cupboard.)
We hope everyone has a great weekend!! Recipes to come – I promise!
As always, thank you for your endless support!!
Love,
Christy and Malcolm
lovingparents@live.com
Friday, October 17, 2008
October 17th - Happy Birthday to My Dad and Brothers!
1 Cor 2:9: "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him."
This verse has been my refuge this week. When I start to doubt or get tired of the daily disappointments and/or struggles, I focus on this verse. ("Try: is the key word here. I am definitely a work in-progress. :) ).
This week is a special week because it is my Dad's and two of my younger brothers' birthdays. (Happy Birthday Guys!!). I so wish we were closer and could celebrate all together. Growing up and still to this day if you are home for your birthday, my Mom would make it a special day. When you woke up, you got your favorite breakfast (well, maybe favorite cereal. :) We loved cereal at my house. When I go home even today, there are still about 10 to 20 boxes in the cupboard at any given time. It is just my Mom and Dad at home too. :) ). Anyway, the night of your birthday, my Mom would make your favorite dinner (your pick) and she would always serve it on the "You Are Special Today" plate. I loved that plate. We also got the plate when we made the honor roll. Then, we would have cake and ice-cream (or whatever dessert you chose - I always chose my Mom's famous brownie torte - yum!!) and open up gifts with the family. My Mom always made the day special. Malcolm bought me a "You Are Special Today" plate for my birthday one year. We can't wait to carry on the tradition with our child(ren) some day. Thanks Mom for this tradition and always making our birthdays so special!
Here is a picture of the famed plate! You can order it online. The funny thing is that every year for my birthday dinner I would pick take-out pizza. I love pizza and still do to this day. It was always humorous to see the pizza boxes and special plate with the take-out pizza on it . I think my Mom loved my birthday dinners! The clean up was the best!
We hope everyone is having a great week and enjoying the Fall so far. We are hoping to go apple picking this weekend. I have been wanting to do that for some time. It is events like picking apples that I cannot wait to share with a child some day. I can just imagine the look on their faces and excitement they would get from such outings.
Thank you all for your love and support!
Love, Christy and Malcolm
lovingparents@live.com
This verse has been my refuge this week. When I start to doubt or get tired of the daily disappointments and/or struggles, I focus on this verse. ("Try: is the key word here. I am definitely a work in-progress. :) ).
This week is a special week because it is my Dad's and two of my younger brothers' birthdays. (Happy Birthday Guys!!). I so wish we were closer and could celebrate all together. Growing up and still to this day if you are home for your birthday, my Mom would make it a special day. When you woke up, you got your favorite breakfast (well, maybe favorite cereal. :) We loved cereal at my house. When I go home even today, there are still about 10 to 20 boxes in the cupboard at any given time. It is just my Mom and Dad at home too. :) ). Anyway, the night of your birthday, my Mom would make your favorite dinner (your pick) and she would always serve it on the "You Are Special Today" plate. I loved that plate. We also got the plate when we made the honor roll. Then, we would have cake and ice-cream (or whatever dessert you chose - I always chose my Mom's famous brownie torte - yum!!) and open up gifts with the family. My Mom always made the day special. Malcolm bought me a "You Are Special Today" plate for my birthday one year. We can't wait to carry on the tradition with our child(ren) some day. Thanks Mom for this tradition and always making our birthdays so special!
Here is a picture of the famed plate! You can order it online. The funny thing is that every year for my birthday dinner I would pick take-out pizza. I love pizza and still do to this day. It was always humorous to see the pizza boxes and special plate with the take-out pizza on it . I think my Mom loved my birthday dinners! The clean up was the best!
We hope everyone is having a great week and enjoying the Fall so far. We are hoping to go apple picking this weekend. I have been wanting to do that for some time. It is events like picking apples that I cannot wait to share with a child some day. I can just imagine the look on their faces and excitement they would get from such outings.
Thank you all for your love and support!
Love, Christy and Malcolm
lovingparents@live.com
Monday, October 13, 2008
October 13th - THE JOURNEY
Quote for the week: “It is good to have an end to the journey, but it is the journey that matters in the end.” - Ursula K. L Guin.
I came across the above quote in some reading over the weekend and will make it my mantra for the week. We have to remind ourselves when we can not see how things will all work out that while the end result will be wonderful and spectacular, but what matters just as much is the journey that got us there. The journey is where we truly grow as people - develop character as you say. I remember always here that this trial or difficulty will you build character, but never fully understood the magnitude of this phrase until experiencing a long journey without knowing when the end will come. It is so easy for me to get wrapped up in wanting to know the end date and how it will turn out, but I am trying hard to just focus on the journey - experiences and people we meet along the way. We have very dear friends in Pennsylvania that used to lived a couple houses down from us and coincidentally (or not) was the Senior Pastor at the church we were attending at that time. (Quick story: A few years, we were going to the first neighborhood social (first for us and the newly developed neighborhood) in Pennsylvania and our neighbor (Senior Pastor) said to his wife prior to walking over to the gathering that he was going to really “downplay” or not mention that he was Pastor and just get to know his neighbors as a fellow neighbor rather than getting dubbed as the “Pastor” right off. No sooner had we a group of us started off across the street introducing ourselves did Malcolm turn to our friend and say “Your voice sounds so familiar”. Now, this church was very large so, it was not strange that we did not recognize him right off. Our friend just replied “really” or something of this nature. Malcolm persisted, “I know that voice”. Well, within in seconds, Malcolm had blown his “cover”. We still laugh about that to this day.). Back to my point, our good friend always said to us that we need to make sure that we do not miss the life lessons along the way - our journey. I try to really focus on this piece of advice when I get frustrated with what might seem like slow progress. (Speaking of slow progress, we had another long run in preparation for the Richmond Marathon in November this past weekend. All I can say is that slow progress up the long hills was the name of the game. At times, I felt like I was running place and wondering if I can even moved an inch. Luckily, I have an awesome coach at the top of the hill cheering me on and telling me not to let the people coming up behind me to beat me up the hill. - Thanks Nutty L!).
I wanted to update everyone on the little girl that I asked for prayers for during my last blog posting. The agency sent out an update last Friday and said that someone from the birthmother’s family decided to keep her. This change in events is a blessing and all in God’s plan. The medical outcome at this point is inconclusive. The potential damage to her brain will not be fully known until years from now most likely. I still continue to pray for complete healing for this precious girl.
In closing for now, we want to be able to pray and keep each of you - our friends and family- in our thoughts throughout our journey and beyond. Therefore, we would love for you to email us with any prayer requests you may have. We would be honored to put you on our prayer list. We feel so blessed to have each of you involved and supporting us in our journey and want to be able to be involved in your journeys, as well. Eventually, I will learn how you can post confidential comments on the blog, but for now, please email us at lovingparents@live.com with your requests.
We hope everyone has a wonderful week! Thank your for your continued support and friendship!
Love,
Christy and Malcolm
I came across the above quote in some reading over the weekend and will make it my mantra for the week. We have to remind ourselves when we can not see how things will all work out that while the end result will be wonderful and spectacular, but what matters just as much is the journey that got us there. The journey is where we truly grow as people - develop character as you say. I remember always here that this trial or difficulty will you build character, but never fully understood the magnitude of this phrase until experiencing a long journey without knowing when the end will come. It is so easy for me to get wrapped up in wanting to know the end date and how it will turn out, but I am trying hard to just focus on the journey - experiences and people we meet along the way. We have very dear friends in Pennsylvania that used to lived a couple houses down from us and coincidentally (or not) was the Senior Pastor at the church we were attending at that time. (Quick story: A few years, we were going to the first neighborhood social (first for us and the newly developed neighborhood) in Pennsylvania and our neighbor (Senior Pastor) said to his wife prior to walking over to the gathering that he was going to really “downplay” or not mention that he was Pastor and just get to know his neighbors as a fellow neighbor rather than getting dubbed as the “Pastor” right off. No sooner had we a group of us started off across the street introducing ourselves did Malcolm turn to our friend and say “Your voice sounds so familiar”. Now, this church was very large so, it was not strange that we did not recognize him right off. Our friend just replied “really” or something of this nature. Malcolm persisted, “I know that voice”. Well, within in seconds, Malcolm had blown his “cover”. We still laugh about that to this day.). Back to my point, our good friend always said to us that we need to make sure that we do not miss the life lessons along the way - our journey. I try to really focus on this piece of advice when I get frustrated with what might seem like slow progress. (Speaking of slow progress, we had another long run in preparation for the Richmond Marathon in November this past weekend. All I can say is that slow progress up the long hills was the name of the game. At times, I felt like I was running place and wondering if I can even moved an inch. Luckily, I have an awesome coach at the top of the hill cheering me on and telling me not to let the people coming up behind me to beat me up the hill. - Thanks Nutty L!).
I wanted to update everyone on the little girl that I asked for prayers for during my last blog posting. The agency sent out an update last Friday and said that someone from the birthmother’s family decided to keep her. This change in events is a blessing and all in God’s plan. The medical outcome at this point is inconclusive. The potential damage to her brain will not be fully known until years from now most likely. I still continue to pray for complete healing for this precious girl.
In closing for now, we want to be able to pray and keep each of you - our friends and family- in our thoughts throughout our journey and beyond. Therefore, we would love for you to email us with any prayer requests you may have. We would be honored to put you on our prayer list. We feel so blessed to have each of you involved and supporting us in our journey and want to be able to be involved in your journeys, as well. Eventually, I will learn how you can post confidential comments on the blog, but for now, please email us at lovingparents@live.com with your requests.
We hope everyone has a wonderful week! Thank your for your continued support and friendship!
Love,
Christy and Malcolm
Sunday, October 5, 2008
October 5th - Prayer Request
I hope this post finds everyone well. To start, I am so thankful for a beautiful weekend! We encountered a new experience this weekend. Where have I been? Did you know that there are urgent cares or more appropriately called “Redi Clinics” inside of Wal-Marts? Am I the only person that did not know of this creative invention? Malcolm had heard of them and recommended that I go to one to get some antibiotics for a sinus infection I have been battling for weeks now. Anyway, this clinic visit was an experience in itself. I have to say that the nurse practitioner on duty was a saint. Amidst a full waiting area of disgruntled sick patients, she remained calm and collected the whole time I was there. However, she did state that she had only started her shift 30 minutes earlier. I wonder if her calm and collected state lasted for the entire shift. If so, she should receive a medal or something. Anyway, I thought I would share with you all a new experience for me. Hopefully, I will be back to my old self in a few days.
On to the topic of this posting, I wanted to write to ask for prayers for a little baby girl born 3 weeks ago. We got a call from an agency we are working with about a precious girl who was born weighing only 2 pounds. The birth mother drank throughout her pregnancy. I am assuming quite heavily, but do not know for a fact. The baby now weighs 3 pounds, but a scan has revealed some lobe impairment. She did not have a lot of details at time we spoke. The baby was undergoing further tests this week. The adoptive parents that were lined up to adopt/parent this little girl backed out when the scan revealed some potential abnormalities. Now, in writing this post, I am not saying that we are going to adopt this little girl. We told the agency we would be willing to get more information as well as other potential couples. I just feel like no matter who adopts her or what lies ahead for her, she needs prayer right now that her biological mother’s choices do not affect the rest of her life. I just pray that God will protect her and heal her if there are in fact some abnormalities. Aside from the results from the scan, she appears to be progressing normally or as normal as you can at a birth weight of 2 pounds. It just breaks our heart that a mother could make such choices even if she does not plan on keeping the child. However, we realize that a lot of birth mothers who choose an adoption plan for their child are in a state of crisis. Thus, many times they are not making the best choices for their well-being let alone their unborn child. With that said, we wanted to reach out to each of you to keep this little one in your prayers and ask for protection and healing.
We thank you all for your continued support!
Love,
Christy and Malcolm
lovingparents@live.com
On to the topic of this posting, I wanted to write to ask for prayers for a little baby girl born 3 weeks ago. We got a call from an agency we are working with about a precious girl who was born weighing only 2 pounds. The birth mother drank throughout her pregnancy. I am assuming quite heavily, but do not know for a fact. The baby now weighs 3 pounds, but a scan has revealed some lobe impairment. She did not have a lot of details at time we spoke. The baby was undergoing further tests this week. The adoptive parents that were lined up to adopt/parent this little girl backed out when the scan revealed some potential abnormalities. Now, in writing this post, I am not saying that we are going to adopt this little girl. We told the agency we would be willing to get more information as well as other potential couples. I just feel like no matter who adopts her or what lies ahead for her, she needs prayer right now that her biological mother’s choices do not affect the rest of her life. I just pray that God will protect her and heal her if there are in fact some abnormalities. Aside from the results from the scan, she appears to be progressing normally or as normal as you can at a birth weight of 2 pounds. It just breaks our heart that a mother could make such choices even if she does not plan on keeping the child. However, we realize that a lot of birth mothers who choose an adoption plan for their child are in a state of crisis. Thus, many times they are not making the best choices for their well-being let alone their unborn child. With that said, we wanted to reach out to each of you to keep this little one in your prayers and ask for protection and healing.
We thank you all for your continued support!
Love,
Christy and Malcolm
lovingparents@live.com
Friday, October 3, 2008
October 3rd - Nothing is Impossible!
Luke 1:37: “For with God, nothing shall be impossible.”
This week has been somewhat discouraging on the adoption front. It is not that any one particular event happened to result in my feelings of discouragement, but probably lack of progress or what seems like progress. Therefore, I (we) are focusing on the fact that NOTHING is impossible with God. Also, at times like today, when the well seems dry, I always reflect on what my good friend who is an awesome spin instructor always tells me – “move a muscle, change of thought” (or some variation of this saying). I think she just says this phrase to me so, I will sign up for her grueling spin classes. I digress for a minute here – I do have to admit that I think spinning for an hour is harder than running 16 miles. Malcolm has taken a few of her classes and he even admits that they are hard however, I do not know if he would admit that to her (his secret is out now.J).
One of the agencies we are working with sent a communication piece out this week stating that it has been slow …….. there are not many birthmothers/parents seeking an adoption plan at this time. I know this has been a trend for some time given the availability of alternatives to birthmothers/parents such as abortions and the morning after pill. It just breaks my heart that women (and men) that make this choice probably do not know just how many couples are out there that would do anything to adopt their unborn child. I am well aware of the various circumstances that could lead to such choices and not judging anyone for making that choice. However, my prayer and plea is that women (and men) that are considering this choice would have the opportunity to learn of the many couples and families wanting to adopt a child(ren). I feel like the politicians and lobbyists do not vocalize this downside of abortion. Adoption is another way to show the abounding grace of our Father. He blesses one mother/couple by providing an avenue to bless another couple who can’t have biological children or simply want to adopt a child. From the start, it might not seem like a blessing for the birth mothers/parents that are in a crisis situation and have to make the difficult choice to choose adoption for their child, but in the end his grace prevails and the peace and healing resulting from adoption certainly trumps the other alternative. I certainly hope this does not come across as judgmental, but I just want to get the word out that there are many waiting adoptive families!!
On another note, it is a beautiful day in Virginia and weekend to come is supposed to be just as spectacular! I absolutely love the Fall in Virginia with the changing leaves! I will have to take some pictures and share them with you all. Also, I am going to add a section for recipes – one of my stress relievers – baking! I love the fall recipes – banana and pumpkin breads, apple pies, etc. ….. I have to be careful though, because we both have a raging sweet tooth and they can get out of control. J
Thank you all for your continued support along our journey!
With much love,
Christy (and Malcolm)
lovingparents@live.com
This week has been somewhat discouraging on the adoption front. It is not that any one particular event happened to result in my feelings of discouragement, but probably lack of progress or what seems like progress. Therefore, I (we) are focusing on the fact that NOTHING is impossible with God. Also, at times like today, when the well seems dry, I always reflect on what my good friend who is an awesome spin instructor always tells me – “move a muscle, change of thought” (or some variation of this saying). I think she just says this phrase to me so, I will sign up for her grueling spin classes. I digress for a minute here – I do have to admit that I think spinning for an hour is harder than running 16 miles. Malcolm has taken a few of her classes and he even admits that they are hard however, I do not know if he would admit that to her (his secret is out now.J).
One of the agencies we are working with sent a communication piece out this week stating that it has been slow …….. there are not many birthmothers/parents seeking an adoption plan at this time. I know this has been a trend for some time given the availability of alternatives to birthmothers/parents such as abortions and the morning after pill. It just breaks my heart that women (and men) that make this choice probably do not know just how many couples are out there that would do anything to adopt their unborn child. I am well aware of the various circumstances that could lead to such choices and not judging anyone for making that choice. However, my prayer and plea is that women (and men) that are considering this choice would have the opportunity to learn of the many couples and families wanting to adopt a child(ren). I feel like the politicians and lobbyists do not vocalize this downside of abortion. Adoption is another way to show the abounding grace of our Father. He blesses one mother/couple by providing an avenue to bless another couple who can’t have biological children or simply want to adopt a child. From the start, it might not seem like a blessing for the birth mothers/parents that are in a crisis situation and have to make the difficult choice to choose adoption for their child, but in the end his grace prevails and the peace and healing resulting from adoption certainly trumps the other alternative. I certainly hope this does not come across as judgmental, but I just want to get the word out that there are many waiting adoptive families!!
On another note, it is a beautiful day in Virginia and weekend to come is supposed to be just as spectacular! I absolutely love the Fall in Virginia with the changing leaves! I will have to take some pictures and share them with you all. Also, I am going to add a section for recipes – one of my stress relievers – baking! I love the fall recipes – banana and pumpkin breads, apple pies, etc. ….. I have to be careful though, because we both have a raging sweet tooth and they can get out of control. J
Thank you all for your continued support along our journey!
With much love,
Christy (and Malcolm)
lovingparents@live.com
Monday, September 29, 2008
September 29th - Finish the Race
Monday has arrived again and I can not believe that October will be upon us this week. I am still wondering where the summer went? The weekend went by fast as well. We did complete our mileage on Saturday in very humid weather. It ended up being a good time of reflection for me and gave me a renewed sense of perserverance as we continue down the adoption path. After our run and several bagels (and candy corns - my favorite!) later, I met with a mother of three adopted children. She shared with me their adoption story and we discussed some of the "ins and outs" of adoption. Her family is a tapestry and she was sharing with me some of the questions she gets on a daily basis. It is funny what people think and ask or assumptions they make. Initially, we were very apprehensive about adoption and what people might think, but after time and prayer we realized that all children are gifts from God and we would be blessed to parent and love any child. I know it will take time for us to adjust to questions if our children do not "look" like us, but I also think it will open doors to make friends and reach out to people we might have never had the opportunity to prior to adoption - that is my prayer. We also want our child to draw strength from the fact that they are adopted rather than view it as a disadvantage.
I want to thank friends that have pasted along names of physicians that we could reach out to and send our family profile. We feel that this outreach is a worthy one and appreciate anyone you think might come across potential birthmothers/parents. We will simply send a letter explaining that we are wanting to adopt a child along with our profile telling them more about us. We have heard through others that this avenue can be very fruitful.
Additionally, we are trying to decide whether we are going to pursue some other agencies and would appreciate prayers that we make the right decisions. It is an expensive endeavor and we want to make sure we are making the best decision in this regard.
We hope that everyone is doing well! We plan on posting more pictures soon!
Thank you all for your continued support!
Love,
Christy and Malcolm
lovingparents@live.com
I want to thank friends that have pasted along names of physicians that we could reach out to and send our family profile. We feel that this outreach is a worthy one and appreciate anyone you think might come across potential birthmothers/parents. We will simply send a letter explaining that we are wanting to adopt a child along with our profile telling them more about us. We have heard through others that this avenue can be very fruitful.
Additionally, we are trying to decide whether we are going to pursue some other agencies and would appreciate prayers that we make the right decisions. It is an expensive endeavor and we want to make sure we are making the best decision in this regard.
We hope that everyone is doing well! We plan on posting more pictures soon!
Thank you all for your continued support!
Love,
Christy and Malcolm
lovingparents@live.com
Friday, September 26, 2008
September 26th - Praise Him in the Rain
The title definitely describes how I feel today - to remember to praise HIM in the rain (as well as the sunshine). It has been rainy, windy and cold here (cold at least for my standards) for the past couple of days. It is so easy to complain about the yucky weather, but I try to make an effort to look at the positive side. The winter is my least favorite season. I love summers - bring on the heat any day! However, I have learned that seasons like winter have upsides too and help us to appreciate the other seasons even more. That is how I (we) try to look at our adoption/infertility journey. It has been/is a difficult season right now, but it will make us appreciate our bundle of joy even more some day. I do not think we will take any day with our child for granted and will cherish every moment. (I am realistic in that I know it will not always be easy, but I hope that when we are faced with the hard times in raising a child that I always remember the "season" we went through to get him/her.).
Last night, I had dinner with some dear friends of mine - running buddies. They are such an encouragement to me (us). We all became friends through a common goal - training for the Richmond Marathon. We have met some of the most wonderful people through our training team. ("Nutty L" - what would we do without you?!) Tomorrow, I am supposed to run 16 miles and Malcolm is running 20 miles. It is supposed to be raining tomorrow which will add to the "fun" and determination needed to finish this feat. During the long runs, I have ALOT of time to think, pray, think and pray some more. I am very slow so, there is a lot of time to cover a lot of territory in this regard. Recently, I have tried to really use this time to pray for our child. Now, I have to admit I start down this road and tend to drift off to thinking about how big of a cheeseburger I am going to have when I am done or what toppings I want on my pizza. However, I have used this physical goal of mine as a way to focus on our adoption prayers. (Did I mention how much time I have during these runs?). I also feel like a have a team of fellow runners who are supporting us along the way. There is a lot of time to "share" as we embark upon these longer runs. :) Tomorrow will be a feat for me, but I am hoping that I will finish the run with a renewed sense of hope and peace about the gift that God will provide us when the time is right.
Thank you all for your continued support and encouragement.
Love,
Christy and Malcolm
lovingparents@live.com
Last night, I had dinner with some dear friends of mine - running buddies. They are such an encouragement to me (us). We all became friends through a common goal - training for the Richmond Marathon. We have met some of the most wonderful people through our training team. ("Nutty L" - what would we do without you?!) Tomorrow, I am supposed to run 16 miles and Malcolm is running 20 miles. It is supposed to be raining tomorrow which will add to the "fun" and determination needed to finish this feat. During the long runs, I have ALOT of time to think, pray, think and pray some more. I am very slow so, there is a lot of time to cover a lot of territory in this regard. Recently, I have tried to really use this time to pray for our child. Now, I have to admit I start down this road and tend to drift off to thinking about how big of a cheeseburger I am going to have when I am done or what toppings I want on my pizza. However, I have used this physical goal of mine as a way to focus on our adoption prayers. (Did I mention how much time I have during these runs?). I also feel like a have a team of fellow runners who are supporting us along the way. There is a lot of time to "share" as we embark upon these longer runs. :) Tomorrow will be a feat for me, but I am hoping that I will finish the run with a renewed sense of hope and peace about the gift that God will provide us when the time is right.
Thank you all for your continued support and encouragement.
Love,
Christy and Malcolm
lovingparents@live.com
Sunday, September 21, 2008
September 21st - Amazing Grace
The title fits the sermon and my sentiment today. I am so thankful for HIS amazing, unending grace. Also, I am thankful for my husband. He is so life giving to me and I know with all my heart that he will be an amazing father some day - hopefully, sooner rather than later. I think that is one of the more difficult aspects of infertility (whatever the reason) and long journey to adopt a child - watching your spouse (my husband) want to have a child more than anything and not being able to make it happen. However, this adoption journey has already brought about many reasons to be thankful. One of those being that it has drawn us closer together as a couple. It is amazing when I am discouraged and down, he is upbeat, positive and full of encouragement. Whereas, at times he is down (although, not very often), I am able to be the encourager and positive one.
To provide a little insight to the father my husband will be someday, I was talking with a friend earlier and she shared with me this story. We met her, her husband and daughter (and soon to arrive son) about a month or so ago. We have been over to their house and seen them a handful of times. One of the places we first saw them was at our favorite bagel shop - Einstein Brothers. Now, every time they go to the bagel shop on Saturday mornings, their daughter asks where we are and they have to explain that we don't live there (although, we practically do - coffee and bagels - that combination screams my name. :) ). This past Saturday, they went to get bagels and we weren't there, but they happened to see me running on the way back. Their daughter proceeded to ask "Where was Malcolm"? She then went on to say that while she really liked me (she is 3 1/2 years old), Malcolm was her favorite. She said that Malcolm was her best friend and she was really sad that she didn't get to see him. When my friend told me this story, my heart just melted. Malcolm has such a way with kids and they just love him. (It might be the fact that he is a kid at heart - just kidding, honey! :) ). Anyway, it reiterated to me once again that he is going to make an awesome father!! I can not wait for the day when he can call himself a "Dad".
On the marketing front (for lack of a better word), we are working to update our profile and are planning to send it out to physicians (OB-GYNs primarily). Ideally, we would like to send our profile out to physicians that are personally recommended by friends or family members. We have found that if there is some type of connection, the physician might feel more comfortable passing along our profile to a birthmother or birthparents that are choosing an adoption plan for their child. With that said, if anyone can recommend a physician(s) that we could send along our profile, please let us know. (You can contact us at lovingparents@live.com).
We can't thank you enough for your continued support throughout our adoption journey.
Love,
Christy (and Malcolm)
lovingparents@live.com
To provide a little insight to the father my husband will be someday, I was talking with a friend earlier and she shared with me this story. We met her, her husband and daughter (and soon to arrive son) about a month or so ago. We have been over to their house and seen them a handful of times. One of the places we first saw them was at our favorite bagel shop - Einstein Brothers. Now, every time they go to the bagel shop on Saturday mornings, their daughter asks where we are and they have to explain that we don't live there (although, we practically do - coffee and bagels - that combination screams my name. :) ). This past Saturday, they went to get bagels and we weren't there, but they happened to see me running on the way back. Their daughter proceeded to ask "Where was Malcolm"? She then went on to say that while she really liked me (she is 3 1/2 years old), Malcolm was her favorite. She said that Malcolm was her best friend and she was really sad that she didn't get to see him. When my friend told me this story, my heart just melted. Malcolm has such a way with kids and they just love him. (It might be the fact that he is a kid at heart - just kidding, honey! :) ). Anyway, it reiterated to me once again that he is going to make an awesome father!! I can not wait for the day when he can call himself a "Dad".
On the marketing front (for lack of a better word), we are working to update our profile and are planning to send it out to physicians (OB-GYNs primarily). Ideally, we would like to send our profile out to physicians that are personally recommended by friends or family members. We have found that if there is some type of connection, the physician might feel more comfortable passing along our profile to a birthmother or birthparents that are choosing an adoption plan for their child. With that said, if anyone can recommend a physician(s) that we could send along our profile, please let us know. (You can contact us at lovingparents@live.com).
We can't thank you enough for your continued support throughout our adoption journey.
Love,
Christy (and Malcolm)
lovingparents@live.com
Friday, September 19, 2008
September 19th - Where does the time go?
Once again, this week has flown by and I am just sitting down to right a few words. It has been busy with work and I have not had the time to devote to some of our adoption endeavors and goals. Weeks like this tend to discourage me as I would like to be able to fully devote my time to the pursuit of finding our little one. However, I do think that balance and realizing that I can not control every aspect of the adoption process is important. To update, I mentioned in a previous posting that we had submitted our profile for a potential opportunity however, this opportunity did not pan out as many do not. There were several complications with the birthmother that would not have made it a good situation. Additionally, it was a very expensive situation. With domestic adoption, the costs can vary significantly so, unfortunately this aspect has to be taken into consideration. Nonetheless, we are still pressing toward the goal and staying encouraged.
I will write more in the day next or two, but for now, I wanted to at least provide a quick update.
Thank you for continued support along our journey!
Love,
Christy and Malcolm
lovingparents@live.com
I will write more in the day next or two, but for now, I wanted to at least provide a quick update.
Thank you for continued support along our journey!
Love,
Christy and Malcolm
lovingparents@live.com
Sunday, September 14, 2008
September 14th - Pressing Toward The Goal
Phil 3:13: .....I am focusing all my energies on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead.
This verse really applies to all aspects of my life, but especially applies as we are looking forward to the day when we will be parents. Today, I have found solitude in this verse in more ways than one. Sundays tend to be a day of reflection for obvious reasons, but also because we all tend to slow down a bit and have time to reflect on the past week and the week ahead of us. I can tend to get weary and impatient about the thorns in my life right now - one of those being the adoption process not happening fast enough. Today, I came upon this verse and feel that it really speaks to me (both of us). We are making the decision to "Press Toward the Goal" - focus our energies not on the past, but what lies ahead. God has good things planned for us and we are choosing to focus on this promise.
We have posted a slideshow of sorts and/or our profile under the category named Favorite Websites and Pictures so, please feel free to take a look at it. The pictures are older so, we need to update them. (I wish my friends that are photographers lived closer so, they could help in this area. :) ). Also, I was remiss in mentioning earlier, but please feel free to pass along this blog to anyone that you may know that would be interested in our journey and/or could potentially come in contact with potential birthmothers or parents. We are hoping this blog will not only help us stay connected with family and friends, but also connect us with the birthmother/parents that will choose us to parent their child.
Thank you all for supporting us along our journey.
Love,
Christy and Malcolm
lovingparents@live.com
www.longingtobeparents.shutterfly.com
This verse really applies to all aspects of my life, but especially applies as we are looking forward to the day when we will be parents. Today, I have found solitude in this verse in more ways than one. Sundays tend to be a day of reflection for obvious reasons, but also because we all tend to slow down a bit and have time to reflect on the past week and the week ahead of us. I can tend to get weary and impatient about the thorns in my life right now - one of those being the adoption process not happening fast enough. Today, I came upon this verse and feel that it really speaks to me (both of us). We are making the decision to "Press Toward the Goal" - focus our energies not on the past, but what lies ahead. God has good things planned for us and we are choosing to focus on this promise.
We have posted a slideshow of sorts and/or our profile under the category named Favorite Websites and Pictures so, please feel free to take a look at it. The pictures are older so, we need to update them. (I wish my friends that are photographers lived closer so, they could help in this area. :) ). Also, I was remiss in mentioning earlier, but please feel free to pass along this blog to anyone that you may know that would be interested in our journey and/or could potentially come in contact with potential birthmothers or parents. We are hoping this blog will not only help us stay connected with family and friends, but also connect us with the birthmother/parents that will choose us to parent their child.
Thank you all for supporting us along our journey.
Love,
Christy and Malcolm
lovingparents@live.com
www.longingtobeparents.shutterfly.com
Thursday, September 11, 2008
September 11th - A Day of Remembrance
Boy, this week has flown by as this is the first opportunity I have had to sit down and post. Once again, I had wanted to make more progress on the blog display this week than I have done. However, this project will happen in due time. We have definitely learned the art of patience in going through the adoption process. It is all in HIS time and we have had to learn to rest in that reassurance. We have heard from so many of you that have encouraged us and reminded us of that. Before I forget, we thank you all for your support, encouragement and prayers. It means more to us than words can express.
Typically, I do not have to travel for work, but today of all days I flew to Kansas City with a lay over in Detroit. I found myself reflecting on the horrific events that occurred 7 years ago today. I am so thankful to all those heros on that day. My prayer today has been for all those who were directly affected by the events of that sad day. Although, I know every one of us was affected, but I find myself grieving all over for the families and friends that lost loved ones. I also pray that God continues to watch over and protect our country. As we so want to start a family and raise a child or children in this world, I feel myself praying more and more for our country. I want our child/children to grow up in a country that provides a safe haven for them.
In the midst of my travels today, I spoke with a Christian agency about a potential opportunity. I know the word "opportunity" sounds so trivial or inappropriate to describe a baby. I stop myself many times when I use this term to describe a precious life. However, we have come to grips with the fact that each child that becomes available for adoption is not always meant for us. We have submitted our profile approximately a dozen or more times and each situation or "opportunity" do not always end up moving forward. Obviously, the situations that did move forward with a birthmother or parent choosing us did not end up in a child for us, but we know it is in God's time. Back to my point, there is an opportunity that has come up through an out-of-state agency. The next step is to submit our profile along with many other potential adoptive parents and the birthmother (in this case) will choose an adoptive couple that she feels would be best suited to parent her child. As you might guess, we do get our hopes up each time and say alot of prayers, but know it will work out when it is "our" child.
Again, many thanks to each of you for your support during our journey. It has been so wonderful to hear from friends and family we have not had the opportunity to speak with in some time.
I plan on posting our adoption profile soon (....once I figure out how to perform that function :) ). Please feel free to pass it along to anyone that may come in contact with birthmothers and/or parents who may choose an adoption plan for their child.
Love,
Christy (and Malcolm)
Typically, I do not have to travel for work, but today of all days I flew to Kansas City with a lay over in Detroit. I found myself reflecting on the horrific events that occurred 7 years ago today. I am so thankful to all those heros on that day. My prayer today has been for all those who were directly affected by the events of that sad day. Although, I know every one of us was affected, but I find myself grieving all over for the families and friends that lost loved ones. I also pray that God continues to watch over and protect our country. As we so want to start a family and raise a child or children in this world, I feel myself praying more and more for our country. I want our child/children to grow up in a country that provides a safe haven for them.
In the midst of my travels today, I spoke with a Christian agency about a potential opportunity. I know the word "opportunity" sounds so trivial or inappropriate to describe a baby. I stop myself many times when I use this term to describe a precious life. However, we have come to grips with the fact that each child that becomes available for adoption is not always meant for us. We have submitted our profile approximately a dozen or more times and each situation or "opportunity" do not always end up moving forward. Obviously, the situations that did move forward with a birthmother or parent choosing us did not end up in a child for us, but we know it is in God's time. Back to my point, there is an opportunity that has come up through an out-of-state agency. The next step is to submit our profile along with many other potential adoptive parents and the birthmother (in this case) will choose an adoptive couple that she feels would be best suited to parent her child. As you might guess, we do get our hopes up each time and say alot of prayers, but know it will work out when it is "our" child.
Again, many thanks to each of you for your support during our journey. It has been so wonderful to hear from friends and family we have not had the opportunity to speak with in some time.
I plan on posting our adoption profile soon (....once I figure out how to perform that function :) ). Please feel free to pass it along to anyone that may come in contact with birthmothers and/or parents who may choose an adoption plan for their child.
Love,
Christy (and Malcolm)
Sunday, September 7, 2008
September 7th - Gratitude
It is a beautiful Sunday in Virginia and we find ourselves feeling so blessed to have such good friends and family supporting us as we venture down this unknown road in our lives. The days are mixed with feelings of hope, encouragement, anticipation, peace, frustration, impatience, prayers, praises, upsets and more prayers. However, at the end of the day, we do have a peace that God has a plan for us and is in control. We are so thankful to be able to rest in that fact. We are also thankful that we have such a supportive church family. Today, we were having some planning and prayer time together at our favorite coffee establishment. (You all know how much I love coffee! :) ). It ended up being such an uplifting time as we ran into friend after friend from church. (I must add that it was kind of humorous in a sense because we were participating in "bedside church" as Malcolm calls it. Our running group met this morning instead of yesterday due to the tropical storm that came through on Saturday.) After a good laugh with everyone about our church service at the coffee shop, we left with such gratitude that we have so many people supporting and praying for us.
Today, our prayer requests are for a speedy adoption process and a healthy child. I always felt selfish asking for a healthy child, but I have come to realize that it is okay to ask for the desires of our hearts. However, if he provides a child that has some health issues, we will feel just as blessed and know it is all in his plan. We cannot wait to be parents! I thought I would close with a note to our little one. I know that might sound weird, but we look forward to the day when he or she can read about how we longed for them to come into our lives.
Love, Christy (and Malcolm)
To our precious child,
We cannot wait to meet you and hold you for the first time. We dream about that day. I pray today for God's protection over you whether you are not yet conceived, in the womb or already in this world. We love you even though we have never met you. I already have a friend who said she would take a picture of us when we first lay eyes on you. I can't wait for that moment. It is going to be magical! Please know you were loved before we ever met you. We know you will be a light in this world.
All our love,
Your Mom and Dad
lovingparents@live.com
Today, our prayer requests are for a speedy adoption process and a healthy child. I always felt selfish asking for a healthy child, but I have come to realize that it is okay to ask for the desires of our hearts. However, if he provides a child that has some health issues, we will feel just as blessed and know it is all in his plan. We cannot wait to be parents! I thought I would close with a note to our little one. I know that might sound weird, but we look forward to the day when he or she can read about how we longed for them to come into our lives.
Love, Christy (and Malcolm)
To our precious child,
We cannot wait to meet you and hold you for the first time. We dream about that day. I pray today for God's protection over you whether you are not yet conceived, in the womb or already in this world. We love you even though we have never met you. I already have a friend who said she would take a picture of us when we first lay eyes on you. I can't wait for that moment. It is going to be magical! Please know you were loved before we ever met you. We know you will be a light in this world.
All our love,
Your Mom and Dad
lovingparents@live.com
Saturday, September 6, 2008
September 6th - Renewed Hope
Our intent was to "announce" or distribute our blog to our family and friends earlier this week, but I was determined to try and improve upon the appearance and features. I am coming to realize that it has to be a "work-in-progress" and it won't be perfect from the get go.
Since my last (and first) post, it has been a week of encouragement and renewed hope for us. We are continually reminded of God's love for us and his sustaining grace. Earlier this week, we reached out to our Pastor and asked him for guidance as to how we could reach the greater church family about our desire to adopt in our attempt to reach as many people as possible. He graciously connected us with a couple who just adopted a baby boy last week. They went through some trying and difficult times during their adoption journey, but now are blessed with a beautiful baby boy. I just got off the phone with her and she was such an encouragement to me/us. We feel so blessed that God has placed people like this couple and our Pastor in our lives. We are encouraged that it will happen for us as well. We just need to continue to perservere and pray for direction.
In closing, we hope this posting finds everyone well. Please know you all are in our thoughts often and we so wish we could spend time with each of you. Please feel free to email or call us anytime. Our adoption/family email is lovingparents@live.com.
Love,
Christy and Malcolm
Sunday, August 31, 2008
August 31, 2008
As of today (August 31, 2008), we are finally taking "action" and officially stepping out of our comfort zone. In an effort to get everyone up to speed as we realize that we have not been the best about keeping in touch with all of you that are dear to us, we are launching our adoption "marketing campaign" for a lack of a better word. We are hoping this blog along with other avenues will help us to find the child that God has prepared for us. Let me preface this by saying that we firmly believe that God is in control at all times, but we also believe that we have to step forward in faith that he will guide us along this path. We are both apprehensive about putting ourselves out there, but trust that he will protect and give us peace along the way. We are also excited as to how he might use us along this journey. To give some background, Malcolm and I just celebrated our 8th wedding anniversary! I could not have married a better man. I truly feel that he is a gift from God. I love him more and more each and every day we have been married. We met in college - Clemson University - Go Tigers! We have know for some time (years) that we could not have children biologically. After dealing with this pain, we decided to pursue adoption. We have both always been open to adoption and feel it is God's plan for our life. However, we started the process over 3 years ago and have had no success. We have tried domestic, international, domestic, embryo adoption, and domestic again. We finally have realized that we need to take a more proactive approach hence this blog. We are hoping that this blog will become a source of finding our child as well as serve as a support for others going down this path. Additionally, we want to be able to connect with all our family and friends and keep them updated on our journey and lives. We hope that everyone that reads our blog will draw strength, encouragement and love from our lives and journey. I pray that the words I write will be all of these things to each of you. Thank you all for your love and support as we continue to embark upon this journey. Stay tuned....... With love, Malcolm and Christy
Our blog: http://longingtobeparents.blogspot.com
Email: lovingparents@live.com
Our blog: http://longingtobeparents.blogspot.com
Email: lovingparents@live.com
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