Let me brag a spell

Actually, I don't know if "brag" is the right word. For what I am about to share with you has nothing to do with me (and isn't that what bragging is all about), it's about the man I love the most. Who is in fact an intricate part of me. So regardless if it is the right word or not, here I go.

Earlier this week Todd (the man I was talking about earlier), was recognized by the Larimer County Sheriff's office for an act that he carried out with his fellow Bomb Squad members earlier this year. The Bomb Squad received a Unit Commendation from the Sheriff's Office. At the Awards Ceremony, a wonderful video was shown that made me swell with pride, brought tears to my eyes, and made me want to run on stage and hug and kiss this man that I love so much. When we get a copy of the video, I will post it for you. You will want to hug and kiss Todd too, I am sure!

As it always seems to be at these events, Todd's recognition came at the very end of the awards ceremony. This left me with plenty of time to day dream, stare off into space, and read the ceremony program countless times. On the back of the program was a list of charter qualities and their given definitions. The list was long, and I saw Todd in so many of them. I wanted to share some of them with you. If you know Todd well, nothing I am about to say will surprise you. If you don't know Todd, this will help. I am only taking these traits from the back of a program, if I gave them to you from my heart, the list may be endless. Here they are:

Availability: Making my own schedule and priorities secondary to the wishes of those I serve.

Boldness: Confidence that what I say and do is true, right, and just.

Compassion: Investing whatever is necessary to heal the hurts of others.

Dependability: Fulfilling what I consented to do, even if it means unexpected sacrifice.

Endurance: The inward strength to withstand stress and do my best.

Enthusiasm: Expressing joy in each task as I give it my best effort.

Generosity: Carefully managing my resources so I can give freely to those in need.

Hospitality: Cheerfully sharing food, shelter, or conversation to benefit others

Joyfulness: Maintaining a good attitude, even when faced with unpleasant conditions.

I am so proud of this man, and all that he is. I couldn't help but share with you. If I could rent out a banquet hall, and have an awards ceremony for just him alone, I would.

A Little Self Advertising...

Did you know that you can link to our Kodak Site by clicking on "Pictures of us" to the left of this post?

You can!

Check it out!

Weekend in Review

Todd and I had a great long weekend together. I participated in a birthday party for two very sweet girls from my preschool. We both celebrated Linda's birthday with an afternoon out. And we spent some time with my step father Chuck, on his birthday. I love birthdays!

We went to TWO wonderful movies over the weekend. This is VERY unusual for us! We hadn't seen a movie since last Easter weekend! Mostly because I never can seem to stay awake. We joined Donn and Linda and Rick and Claudia Sunday afternoon, and saw Gran Torino. Excellent movie!! I must confess, I thought this movie was going to be about war...I didn't even know that a Gran Torino was a CAR!!

Last night we went to a fun little movie theater, that offers coffee and beer and small snacks, to see Slumdog Millionaire. I now understand why it is winning awards. It is a wonderful movie! You must see it!! Be sure to stay and watch the ending credits...they are fun, and will make you happy.

We spent a good part of yesterday doing "chores." I thought it would be dreadful, but it wasn't too bad. We made a few trips to Goodwill and cleaned and organized the basement and garage. It felt great to get a jump start on our Spring Cleaning!!

We hope you had a great weekend!

No Wimps Here

A couple months ago Todd and I attended an adoption fair at our church. As we were leaving the fair, I was given a t-shirt by one of the vendors. I took it home, threw it in my t-shirt drawer, and promptly forgot about it. Today, as I often do, I opened that drawer to grab one of my favorite black v-neck T's. Through the process of time, that free t-shirt had made its way to the top of the pile.

This t-shirt greeted me:

"Adoption Isn't For Wimps"

Ah, point well taken! This simple t-shirt reminded me of a very basic and honest fact...no one promised that our adoption would be without trials. In fact we have been cautioned and educated on all the ins and outs, yet we are committed to this beautiful process of adoption. We are eager to continue on this journey.

Funny how a t-shirt shoved in a drawer can totally ground you, and speak such strong truth in just four simple words!!

Sailing On

New Years Eve was a somber day for Todd and I. Mid afternoon we learned that our adoption had fallen through. We were informed that the birth father (whom had been on board with the adoption up to date) decided that he wanted to parent this child.

We have cried, I have yelled, we are heartbroken and grieving. But we are hopeful. We are confident that we will be selected by a new birth family again soon.

While at this exact moment it feels as though the wind has been knocked out of our sails, we will sail on. We rest in the fact that God has mapped out our course, He is in control. We know that He will bless us through this time.

Fa..la..la..la..la..!

Todd and I had our picture taken with Santa yesterday. We braved the FREEZING cold weather and headed downtown. We were pleased that we didn't even have to wait in line! And as an added bonus (like seeing Santa wasn't enough) we witnessed Santa playing his accordion and singing in Spanish! Unfortunately, I don't know Spanish, but it sure sounded festive!!

Santa was looking good (if not a little thin), but our picture turned out terrible! Darn!! Maybe we will catch a picture with him when he slides his big rump down our chimney this year?? And we know he is coming to our house, because we have been VERY good this year...especially me!

But enough about Santa. Merry CHRISTmas!! What a joyous time of year! We hope you are enjoying this holiday season as much as we are. Our calendar seems to be packed with holiday parties, family visits, church outings, and more! We love it!! XOXO

The Meeting

Phew! What a week!! It has been exactly one week since we got the call that we had been selected by a birth mother. This quite possibly has been the most emotionally charged and sleepless week we have yet to experience.

On Friday night, Todd and I, along with our case worker, drove down to Denver to meet our birth mother. The gathering around the table at Applebee's was unlike anything I have ever known, and impossible to explain. But, I will say, it was wonderful! The hours flew by, and a very unique relationship was established. There was laughter, there was tears. There was questions asked, and stories told. Our birth mom is a beautiful and strong young lady to whom we fell in love with immediately.

We are already looking forward to our next visit.