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Adoption – The Paperwork Mountain
The paperwork! As I said in the first installment Getting Started, the paperwork mountain was the most daunting part of the process for us. What made it so additionally difficult was collecting all the paperwork. It seemed like every time we had everything together, we needed one more form, address, or certificate. Each state or agency will have its own list, but this list will get you started. Pet vaccinations and statements of health. You need to provide copies of all pet records Personal statements of health from your physician and lists of any medical conditions or medications. For private or agency adoptions any kind of major illness might be…
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Dear Birthmom, an Honest Letter from my Side of Adoption
I wrote this to our birthmom many years ago, but the years have brought a few changes to my perspective and unfortunately tragic changes to our circumstances. Have you ever had a letter you wanted to write, but knew you could never send it? It would be too real, too raw, too vulnerable? stir up too much drama? What about talk to someone who is out of your life? Sometimes, I have so many things I’d like to say specifically to our daughter’s birthmom due to our unique circumstances. This is not a letter to any birthmom. That would be easier to write. Birthmothers make a tremendously bold choice to…
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Adoption – Getting Started
If you’re considering adoption, getting started doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Here are a few tips based on our family’s journey. Adoption – Getting Started Decide your time frame for really starting the adoption process. We spent 2-3 months researching before taking the first step. During the research process, decide on a budget and financing. Start saving money at first glimmer of choosing adoption to build your family. Most agency adoptions cost between $20,000-40,000, you may be able to find the agency’s basic costs outlined online which will help you formulate a budget and choose an agency. You can raise funds, get a loan, and expect a tax rebate. Research…
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Master Weaver – Trusting God in Chaos
I’ve had lots of messy, hurtful times in my life: my husband’s combat tours, gossiping neighbors, financial struggles, marital tensions, infertility, health crises, times that felt like they were breaking me apart. During those moments that felt like my world was breaking in two, I’ve held tightly to this promise. Romans 8:28 ESV “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” Because sometimes in the middle of it, I couldn’t see how. I’ve sat in the mess holding my heart in my hands wondering how God could possibly being doing any good. And then…
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Seriously Harvard!? How I reset my parenting expectations
My parenting expectations were WAY out of whack. I realized this after a harmless Facebook post almost sent me into a tizzy. A mom friend posted on Facebook. “My 6 yo daughter is so smart! Harvard should get ready.” She was being quippy. (Heaven not Harvard is as a participant in affiliate programs including the Amazon Associates Program. As an affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.) But my mommy radar sounded an alarm, seeking some measuring stick by which to gauge if my daughter might also be in this very elite kindergarten predestined for Harvard group. I began to type a long comment, but paused. She was being funny. Her…
