We are still here - breathing, working, thinking, sleeping. So bare with us as the reason for no recent posts is because:
* I have been researching Japan, as stated in many other posts, and wanted to put together a great post (or two) on my findings. So it's taking time stringing all my thoughts together. I never thought I'd actually want to write another research paper outside of college, but alas here I am doing just that.
* I am also going through an amazing spiritual journey that I definitely want to share. And just like my Japan post, it is taking time to put together.
Aside from that, all else is quiet on the Western Front. I have set up twitter and a facebook page (scroll down on the right hand side of the blog) to give quick, little updates so be sure to follow or like that!
Much love.
M. & S.
Monday, August 30, 2010
Monday, August 16, 2010
Adoption Super Mega Update
Well S. and I are *this* much closer to our family and we couldn't be more excited, frustrated, anxious, happy, etc.
Last week we met with our agency and got a lot of questions answered and even got the whole run down of how things will go once we get "the call."
We submitted our letter to the birth mother and are waiting to get the finalized version back. We are also waiting for the photo book to come in so I can send it to the agency to get approval. So, no, we're not on the waiting list yet and as soon as we are, you will all know. I'm sure those of you in the same state as us will hear our shrieks of delight.
So here's some answers to the many, many questions we have been getting:
Can you chose gender?
No. And we like it this way. We're adding to our family, not buying a car with certain "packages".
How old will the child you're adopting be?
It depends, but anywhere from 5-10 weeks old.
When will you know you've been chosen?
Also a "depends" answer. Some bio mothers know in the beginning of their pregnancy they want to adopt, so we may know sooner. Others may be in denial and not even seek the adoption agency's help until after the baby is born.
Will you ever meet the bio mom?
We technically could, but generally the bio mom doesn't want to.
Why?
Well let's take a step back and look at the differences of American and Japanese cultures. Japan is a very honorable and respectable culture. Many, if not all, of the women who go to our agency in Japan are there because of a "dishonorable" act - infidelity, out of wedlock, young mother - and the whole pregnancy would harm their reputation and their family's reputation. By adopting out the baby, they are able to remove the child from their Koseki - family registry and not be shamed. So by meeting us or keeping in touch with us, they are admitting to this and it undoes everything they are working against. (I'll be writing more extensive posts on the Japanese culture and the differences between the US and Japan throughout our wait.)
How long of a notice do you have before you travel?
We have about 2-3 weeks, generally, from the time we "get the call" to the time we need to be in Japan.
How long will you be in Japan for?
About 2 weeks, but we're thinking about staying an extra week just to account for jetlag and sightseeing.
How long after you arrive will you get your baby?
1-2 days (or it really depends on when we arrive. If we decide to come in earlier to get used to the time difference, it may be longer.
Here's some misc. questions we've been asked and the answers to go with:
How much is this costing you?
This is a personal question, thank you for playing.
Why did you decide to adopt?
S. and I want nothing more than to have a family - him, me, and little feet running around our house. When one door was closed, another was opened and God showed us the path He wanted us to take. :D
*****
I'll now open up the floor to answer any additional questions you may have of the process/adoption/etc.
We are so excited and can not wait for the totally awesome updates like 'we're on the list' or 'we got the call!'.
Much love!
Last week we met with our agency and got a lot of questions answered and even got the whole run down of how things will go once we get "the call."
We submitted our letter to the birth mother and are waiting to get the finalized version back. We are also waiting for the photo book to come in so I can send it to the agency to get approval. So, no, we're not on the waiting list yet and as soon as we are, you will all know. I'm sure those of you in the same state as us will hear our shrieks of delight.
So here's some answers to the many, many questions we have been getting:
Can you chose gender?
No. And we like it this way. We're adding to our family, not buying a car with certain "packages".
How old will the child you're adopting be?
It depends, but anywhere from 5-10 weeks old.
When will you know you've been chosen?
Also a "depends" answer. Some bio mothers know in the beginning of their pregnancy they want to adopt, so we may know sooner. Others may be in denial and not even seek the adoption agency's help until after the baby is born.
Will you ever meet the bio mom?
We technically could, but generally the bio mom doesn't want to.
Why?
Well let's take a step back and look at the differences of American and Japanese cultures. Japan is a very honorable and respectable culture. Many, if not all, of the women who go to our agency in Japan are there because of a "dishonorable" act - infidelity, out of wedlock, young mother - and the whole pregnancy would harm their reputation and their family's reputation. By adopting out the baby, they are able to remove the child from their Koseki - family registry and not be shamed. So by meeting us or keeping in touch with us, they are admitting to this and it undoes everything they are working against. (I'll be writing more extensive posts on the Japanese culture and the differences between the US and Japan throughout our wait.)
How long of a notice do you have before you travel?
We have about 2-3 weeks, generally, from the time we "get the call" to the time we need to be in Japan.
How long will you be in Japan for?
About 2 weeks, but we're thinking about staying an extra week just to account for jetlag and sightseeing.
How long after you arrive will you get your baby?
1-2 days (or it really depends on when we arrive. If we decide to come in earlier to get used to the time difference, it may be longer.
Here's some misc. questions we've been asked and the answers to go with:
How much is this costing you?
This is a personal question, thank you for playing.
Why did you decide to adopt?
S. and I want nothing more than to have a family - him, me, and little feet running around our house. When one door was closed, another was opened and God showed us the path He wanted us to take. :D
*****
I'll now open up the floor to answer any additional questions you may have of the process/adoption/etc.
We are so excited and can not wait for the totally awesome updates like 'we're on the list' or 'we got the call!'.
Much love!
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Searching for something deeper
I struggled for a long time to write about this because I was worried it would be upsetting to some, that I'd get the never-ending advice and comments and just not something I wanted to deal with. But I decided that talking about this is more important than me worrying about what others will think.
I was born a non-denominational Christian. We were raised to believe that God created the earth, He sent His Son, Jesus, to die on the cross for our sins, that He rose on the 3rd day, and will return again to bring us home. My God is an awesome God, He loves His children and we are taught to live as Jesus lived.
The past couple of years my heart has been telling me to live differently. Homosexuality is a sin in God's eyes, however many Christians have taken it upon themselves to be the judge and the jury and have treated them badly and not lovingly. I find it is not MY place to judge, just to love. God reserves that right.
Because of this, and many other minor differences, I've started wondering about what I truly believe and where I really belong. I have started looking outside of the known branches of Christianity to find people who love and cherish my God as much as I do and love everything and everyone He has created.
I was born a non-denominational Christian. We were raised to believe that God created the earth, He sent His Son, Jesus, to die on the cross for our sins, that He rose on the 3rd day, and will return again to bring us home. My God is an awesome God, He loves His children and we are taught to live as Jesus lived.
The past couple of years my heart has been telling me to live differently. Homosexuality is a sin in God's eyes, however many Christians have taken it upon themselves to be the judge and the jury and have treated them badly and not lovingly. I find it is not MY place to judge, just to love. God reserves that right.
Because of this, and many other minor differences, I've started wondering about what I truly believe and where I really belong. I have started looking outside of the known branches of Christianity to find people who love and cherish my God as much as I do and love everything and everyone He has created.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
We have a date!
S. and I got "the email" from our agency giving us a few dates to come up and visit them. This is basically our last thing to do before we're 100% on the waiting list. We will have nothing left to do on our end! It's very exciting as they will have a small group session to possibly go over how it will go whenever we get to head to Japan, but then we break into single sessions and ask our questions, etc.
The only date that worked for us was the first one and it's coming up QUICK! For those of you that we know in the area - we will send you a message to hopefully be able to meet up!
The only date that worked for us was the first one and it's coming up QUICK! For those of you that we know in the area - we will send you a message to hopefully be able to meet up!
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Surrendering to His plan
I've been talking with my husband a lot lately (it's so refreshing) and the one thing that has come up so much is how much of a planner I am. Everything needs to be planned - I need to get school done by a certain time, I wanted to be single for a certain time, I wanted to have my baby by a certain age, etc. etc. etc.
The more I thought about all of these plans I had made and compared them with what actually happened, the more I'm realizing that I haven't been in tune with what Jesus wants.
Let's step back so you can see what I'm talking about:
I ended an engagement at the ripe ol' age of 18 years old. We weren't together very long, but it was long enough to get together, fall in love, move in, get engaged, and have it all end. It wasn't a great relationship - actually there wasn't any part of it that was good - and so I rebounded hard.
My plan was to go to college, be single, have fun, and enjoy life without any man interrupting it. Everything started off great, I was close to graduating from community college and was accepted into Colo State Fort Collins for the Fall 2003 semester. Life was great and grand and going according to "plan".
But in the end of summer 2002, I went to a friends wedding that changed everything. I met my husband and my world flipped upside down. From then on, my life was a series of "non-planned events". Our engagement and wedding were not as planned, my education didn't go as planned, and now growing our family is not going "as planned".
I do want to clarify, that I am not not grateful for these things happening, it's just something we have noticed.
So lead back in to our conversation...S. and I are finally coming to the realization that we are not here for our own edification. We are here for a bigger purpose and that is to let people know of Jesus' love and affection for us. We may think a husband with kids and a nice house is the path to happiness, but if it isn't what God wants out of your life, then all of that means nothing. I am at peace with life and am ready to surrender to His will.
I found a great site that has online devotionals and this one rang so true to what I was talking about that I thought I'd share it:
"Full Speed Ahead in the Wrong Direction."
The more I thought about all of these plans I had made and compared them with what actually happened, the more I'm realizing that I haven't been in tune with what Jesus wants.
Let's step back so you can see what I'm talking about:
I ended an engagement at the ripe ol' age of 18 years old. We weren't together very long, but it was long enough to get together, fall in love, move in, get engaged, and have it all end. It wasn't a great relationship - actually there wasn't any part of it that was good - and so I rebounded hard.
My plan was to go to college, be single, have fun, and enjoy life without any man interrupting it. Everything started off great, I was close to graduating from community college and was accepted into Colo State Fort Collins for the Fall 2003 semester. Life was great and grand and going according to "plan".
But in the end of summer 2002, I went to a friends wedding that changed everything. I met my husband and my world flipped upside down. From then on, my life was a series of "non-planned events". Our engagement and wedding were not as planned, my education didn't go as planned, and now growing our family is not going "as planned".
I do want to clarify, that I am not not grateful for these things happening, it's just something we have noticed.
So lead back in to our conversation...S. and I are finally coming to the realization that we are not here for our own edification. We are here for a bigger purpose and that is to let people know of Jesus' love and affection for us. We may think a husband with kids and a nice house is the path to happiness, but if it isn't what God wants out of your life, then all of that means nothing. I am at peace with life and am ready to surrender to His will.
I found a great site that has online devotionals and this one rang so true to what I was talking about that I thought I'd share it:
"Full Speed Ahead in the Wrong Direction."
Monday, July 26, 2010
MOMS for the 21st Century Act
The bill: http://www.thomas.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c111:H.R.5807:
The video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZtcQ2BOa8jY&feature=youtube_gdata
Track its progress: http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd?bill=h111-5807
Contact: ACNM asks for your support of the MOMS for the 21st Century Act. If you would
like more information, or to sign on as an original cosponsor, please contact
Debbie Jessup (debbie.jessup@mail.house.gov) in Rep. Roybal-Allard’s office. (From midwife.org)
more info: http://www.birthcenters.org/news/breaking-news/?id=95
The video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZtcQ2BOa8jY&feature=youtube_gdata
Track its progress: http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd?bill=h111-5807
Contact: ACNM asks for your support of the MOMS for the 21st Century Act. If you would
like more information, or to sign on as an original cosponsor, please contact
Debbie Jessup (debbie.jessup@mail.house.gov) in Rep. Roybal-Allard’s office. (From midwife.org)
more info: http://www.birthcenters.org/news/breaking-news/?id=95
Sunday, July 25, 2010
M.'s One-Too-Many Turkey Meatloaf
As many of you loyal readers know, S. and I have gone super healthy with our eating and have been planning out our meals. I've been keeping a photo log, if you will, of what we've made and eaten on facebook, but want to bring the meals and the recipes here where they belong!
Now, as the name of this one suggests, I made this after having one-too-many drinks, so I unfortunately do not have pictures, but trust me this turkey meatloaf is legit.
Here's the recipe to M.'s One-Too-Many Turkey Meatloaf (keep in mind I didn't measure ANYTHING and just threw it all in a bowl...):
1 lb of ground turkey
2 farm fresh eggs
about 1/4 cup of panko (Japanese bread crumbs)
about 2-3 tbsp of minced onion
salt to taste
and lots of fresh ground pepper (I did like 8-10 grinds)
couple dashes of dried thyme
a few pinches of dried basil
1. Heat oven to about 375 deg.
2. Dump everything into a mixing bowl and mix ingredients with your fingers - it's fun!
3. Put everything into a bread loaf pan.
4. Drizzle a little bit of extra vir. olive oil, some salt/pepper and then lightly top with more panko.
5. Put in oven and bake at about 45 min. but check on it around the 35-40 min mark just in case.
6. Take out and enjoy!
Now, as the name of this one suggests, I made this after having one-too-many drinks, so I unfortunately do not have pictures, but trust me this turkey meatloaf is legit.
Here's the recipe to M.'s One-Too-Many Turkey Meatloaf (keep in mind I didn't measure ANYTHING and just threw it all in a bowl...):
1 lb of ground turkey
2 farm fresh eggs
about 1/4 cup of panko (Japanese bread crumbs)
about 2-3 tbsp of minced onion
salt to taste
and lots of fresh ground pepper (I did like 8-10 grinds)
couple dashes of dried thyme
a few pinches of dried basil
1. Heat oven to about 375 deg.
2. Dump everything into a mixing bowl and mix ingredients with your fingers - it's fun!
3. Put everything into a bread loaf pan.
4. Drizzle a little bit of extra vir. olive oil, some salt/pepper and then lightly top with more panko.
5. Put in oven and bake at about 45 min. but check on it around the 35-40 min mark just in case.
6. Take out and enjoy!
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