Saturday, November 29, 2008

And the BIG NEWS IS.......

Hey there, Friends! I'm sorry to have left you hanging like that. HEHEHEHE.. well, sorta. O:-)

Before I start all the "blah, blah, blah," about our Thanksgiving... I KNOW many of you are wanting to know what the big news is??

SOOOO... my sister (Kerry) and her hubby (Shannon) are going to adopt. If you've heard me talk of my sister before, then you KNOW I'm just CRAZY about her and her family. Our children were all born in "stair-steps." Ashley (her daughter) was born in 94, Brent (our first son) was born in 95, Clay (Kerry's son) was born in 96, then Zach in 97. We had this really neat little pattern going with our first 4 (combined) but SHE had to go and mess it up. LOL!!! (Of course Gabe came along in 2000)

Seriously though, she's diabetic and because of that, Clay was a HUGE baby! (OVER 10 POUNDS) Now, my sis isn't like me... she's a LITTLE BITTY thing! Clay got stuck during his birth and it was too late to do a section. (Sorry if that's "TMI" but it's a VERY IMPORTANT part of the story). See, her doc didn't know he was so big (not sure how they missed that, but oh well) and he was practically born dead. (Due to that, his heart was TERRIBLY ENLARGED) PRAISE GOD, he DIDN'T die (or least that he didn't stay that way)! He was airlifted to Jackson, MS and his parents were told to prepare for the worst). GOD stepped in, and Clay was brought home just a week or so later. He's been healthy since.

HOWEVER, my sister & her hubby, again due to her health.. decided that 2 would be enough. (I don't know if that was the ONLY factor, but it was DEFINITELY a MAJOR one)

Well, GOD has recently shown them that HE wants to add to their family. They felt strongly that it would be a child from Russia - and GOD has MORE THAN CONFIRMED it over and over again!

They will set out to adopt 2 babies. (Two is the limit if you're not getting siblings, and very young siblings would be VERY RARE)

If you get online and research these orphanages - oh MY! It'll just BREAK your heart! (Little beds lined RIGHT NEXT to each other.. stories of children with no one to hold and love them.. it's just SO SAD)

Needless to say, I'm EXCITED BEYOND WORDS! (See, I gave you a little hint the other day.. I said the baby wasn't coming to OUR house.. what I didn't say, was where it WOULD be going) O:-)


Now... to catch up on the holidays.....

I told you I'd be fixing a turkey for Link's family dinner. It turned out REALLY WELL, I'm happy to say! I actually remembered to take out that little bag of.. I don't even CARE to KNOW what's in it.. O:-) HA!!!

See, to tell off on myself a bit... The VERY FIRST turkey I ever made......... well, I sort of didn't know there was ANYTHING inside the bird that needed to come OUT. (Sorry if this offends anyone that doesn't eat meat) ;-)

At any rate.. I was VERY PLEASED that I didn't burn it, or under cook it, or leave something inside that wasn't suppose to be there. HA!! Dinner at Link's parents was AMAZING! (They're ALL FANTASTIC cooks!!)

After lunch, we made dough ornaments. That'll be another set of pictures I'll need to load and share. (Man, am I SERIOUSLY BEHIND on pictures, or WHAT??)


We'll be doing supper with my family tonight. (If you didn't know.. my Daddy is a truck driver) HE wasn't home for turkey day so we'll be oinkin out AGAIN tonight. (Hopefully I won't.. I've started yet ANOTHER diet)

HHHMMMM... WHAT ELSE???

Well, I COULD tell you that I'm now OBSESSED with learning how to do blog makeovers! (I LOVE my Christmas one, but I always feel terrible asking the lady that's doing the makeover to keep making changes) Jennisa was VERY PATIENT with me and I think she did a GREAT job! (You can find her at onceuponablog.org)

A VERY DEAR friend of mine has been encouraging me to learn, and well, honestly, I'd REALLY LOVE to know how! I did find a spot online that gives some REALLY GOOD instructions. My biggest problem NOW is to figure out how to work my Photoshop program. (I'm SOOOO DINGY and HATE to read instructions) I suppose if I'm going to get this figured out, I'm going to HAVE to though. =-/ (Heheheh)

If any of you know of a "step by step" visual type thingy.. could you let me know? O:-)

Okay, I KNOW I'm forgetting something.. I suppose whatever it is will wait until next time?



Oh, and I've also STILL not made it around to commenting on your blogs. I'm SO VERY SORRY! I'm sure you understand.. the holidays are CRAZY, and WONDERFUL, and WONDERFULLY CRAZY! ;o)



I hope to see you soon..

Love,

45 comments:

Amie said...

You KNOW this post makes me smile BIG!!!! ;)

Happy Happy Day!

And Happy Thanksgiving to your cute fam!

Lots of Love!
:)
Amie

He & Me + 3 said...

What wonderful news. I am very excited for them! What a great way to add to their family! Have a wonderful time with your dad tonight. BTW...love your new blog look it is great!

Unknown said...

Oh TONYA this is the MOST exciting news ever! You know our heart for adoption. Tell your sister we are praying for them each step of the way! Prepare them that it is a 100% faith journey and to trust in His timing and everything He has promised them...not to get caught up in timelines or others experiences - this is their personal journey with Him!

Oh I love your new look too!

Sending you and your precious family UBBER big hugs!

Oh, if anyone sends you step by step instructions on photoshop do share with me - OK! I'm really good at lumapix fotofusion, but still can't remember how to do things in photoshop!

Love you,
Jill

Jennifer said...

Ooh I like like it Tonya! I think I got passed up. I was supposed to respond back within 3 days of her sending the email and I think I was a little too late. I don't want to have to go all the way back to the bottom of the list, so like you, I am going to try and do some sort of makeover myself. I think adoption is an awesome blessing-for everyone! Hope you all are doing great!!

Paula V said...

That is awesome about your sister and no it was not TMI about the birth of Clay.

I love your new design.
Love,
Paula

Jennifer said...

That is so wonderful for your sister and her family! (and yours!) Congrats!! I'll be looking forward to hearing more about it!

Half Gaelic, Half Garlic! said...

Glad to hear it is official....you must be thrilled for you sis!!

Sounds like your Thanksgiving was just perfect!!

Love the new look of the blog and I also need to learn how to do it....I would change much more frequently!!

Let me know when you find a manual on Photoshop...I have it and don't use it....there are no instructions:(

Take Care,

Lisa

Melanie said...

Oh, yea... what wonderful news! I am just thrilled for your sister and her family and for you, Aunt Tonya and yours!

I love your new blog look and I think it would be great to learn more about designing blogs, too. Except, for me, I would probably spend way too much time changing things around! :O

So glad you Thanksgiving was so great!

Pam D said...

How exciting! We have friends who adopted from Russia, and they love their little blessing tremendously. I love your blog makeover, too; how beautiful! And the verse is actually the one my boy has to memorize next week for his Bible verse test... isn't it a wonderful prophecy?

Anonymous said...

Did you do your page? It looks fantastic!
Seems like there's a lot of adopting going on. I know of several who are adopting Downs Syndrome kids from overseas. Those kids have even less of a hope for a future than "regular" kids in orphanages.
Anyway, I think everyone does that to their turkeys the first time around...then you learn....
You still didn't explain your comment that YOU were going to BE a turkey...
Continuing to pray in Seattle!
Psalms 119:49-50 Remember the word unto thy servant, upon which thou hast caused me to hope. This is my comfort in my affliction: for thy word hath quickened me.
Prayer Bears

Ashley said...

how very exciting!!! so very happy for your family!

Special K said...

ADOPTION! That's great news! Congrats to the familY!!!!!!

Our Thanksgiving was great! Getting together with family is one of my fave things!

I LOVE your blog...looks great...I can't do mine either...I just use the templates...easier that way...not creative but easier! :)

Reba said...

What exciting news! Of course, adoption holds a special place in my heart. :)

Oh, and I understand about the commenting...I am SO far behind just from a few days in Mississippi...

Us said...

What amazing news! I love this post! I'm very very happy for them and the whole family! And I love the new blog look! xoxo Kel

Lakeville Vertical said...

You are so cute! I love your posts. Your enthusiasm is contagious. Best of luck to your sweet sister and her decision to adopt. Glad to hear your Thanksgiving was great. Your blog looks great! I love new blog looks. Wish I could spice mine up a little more. Hope you have a blessed Christmas season. :)

April said...

Hey Tonya!

That is so exciting for your sister and her husband to be adding to their family!!! I wish them all the best on their journey! I'll say a prayer that all goes smoothly!

I love your new blog design, by the way! It's smashing!!!

Sending hugs your way!!!

Young Creations said...

I am so glad to hear that all is well. Congrats to your sister and her family. That is so exciting. Stay well and God bless.
Lauren

Beth E. said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Beth E. said...

Awww...that is fantastic news! I'm so happy for your sister, her hubby, and their family. Praying that all details will be worked out, and that they will soon be holding their son or daughter. :o)

Don't worry about not knowing how to do things on your computer. I am NOT computer savvy at all. You're ahead of me, though. Pat yourself on the back! lol I don't know how to post pics of my family on the side bar (like you have on yours). I'll bet you're feeling smarter already, right?! :o)

Love you

Pamela (His maidservant) said...

I know it has been a while but I stopped by to refresh and let you know you have been in my thoughts, even in my busyness. Your blog site is beautiful and how awesome this adoption process seems. I do pray God is blessing you richly.

In His Graces~Pamela

Anonymous said...

Tonya, Thinking of you !! I wanted to thank you for the link on the bottom of Brent's page about "how to become a Christian".....Kara has been trying to lead a friend to Christ and that link has helped her :-)

Love, Sherri
www.caringbridge.org/oh/kara

Michelle R Photography said...

Oh Tonya, I am so happy to read this!! I just get so excited when I hear another family has made the decision to adopt. It is such a blessing. One of my best friends just started the process to adopt from Russia as a single woman and I am so excited that Leila will have a little Russian "cousin." Please say congratulations to your sister!!

Susan said...

Just checking in to see if you updated.

Sending lots of love your way, and praying for you especially now.

I'm here...

crispy said...

Fantastic on the adoption news. I love how God is laying this on so many hearts.

Beth E. said...

Missing you! Hope to see a post from you soon...no pressure, Girlfriend! haha

Blessings...
P.S. Bill is having back surgery tomorrow afternoon. Check out my blog for details. Please keep him in your prayers.

Alexzillasmama said...

Tonya,
Your blog looks AMAZING! I love it and I think it is wonderful that you are wanting to learn how to do the makeovers yourself. I would also like to learn, but I have a list of things I would like to master(guitar), so that will have to wait.

I haven't been blogging lately b/c I am WAYYYY too committed to some church ministries, but it has been a blast. So, I have missed you, my friend!

Sounds like you will have even more sweet baby cheeks to kiss. That is awesome! Amazing about Clay and how far he has come. Your family has certainly had its share of trials, but you always seem to hang on to your faith! YOU GO, GIRL!

Well, I better wrap up this novella.
Love to you,
Stephanie

Stephanie said...

OOPS! I forgot to sign in as Sugarplum instead of Alexzillasmama. You might not have recognized that name!
Stephanie

Beth E. said...

Tonya,
Good morning, my friend! I've had you on my mind since I woke up today. I just wanted to let you know that I'm thinking of you, praying for you, and missing you! :o)

Love you

Anonymous said...

Thinking of you this Christmas season. Oh, wait, thats right, I'm always thinking of and praying for you.... LOL

Praying for peace and strenght as you remember Brent, and the light he brought to your life.

Lakeville Vertical said...

What's new Tonya?
Haven't heard from you in a while. Hoping all is well for your family. I know this time of year is bittersweet for you. Hang in there. Praying for you. :)
-A

Dawn said...

Hey Lady,
I see you update as about as often as me! But I wanted to let you know that I was thinkin bou cha!!!

Have a GREAT weekend!

I do not if you need reminding sometimes...like I do...but we are only a heartbeat away, and this is NOT IT!!! Yaaay God!

Love,
Dawn

Sound Man "G" said...

Prayers for your sister and the addition to the family.

Also, just wanted to drop a note to say I don't know what happened, but I never received a notification via email saying I had something on my blog site... I signed into my blog last night and found I had several comments that needed to be approved. Apparently I had something set wrong to where I wouldn't get notifications, but that is now fixed and I should be getting the notifications when someone posts...

God Bless my sister in Christ...

George

Special K said...

Tag...you're it!

Jennifer said...

Tonya,

Missing ya! I'm sure you guys are busy, but just wanted to stop by and say "hey".

Pamela (His maidservant) said...

I thought of you tonight. You are in my prayers. How exciting about this adoption!
Keep us posted on the progress!!
Have a blessed holiday!!!!!!!

In His Graces~Pamela

Dawn said...

Hiya Chickie,

Hoping & Praying for a wonderful day and weekend for ya!

Love,
Dawn

April said...

Hi Tonya,

We're missing you a lot here in Blogland! Please know I'm thinking of you and praying for you at this Christmas season! Take good care!

Beth E. said...

Just checking in to say hello and to wish you a Merry Christmas! I know you are probably busy with baking, wrapping, etc. as the holiday gets closer.

Looking forward to reading an update from you soon. Bill is recovering from his back surgery...please continue to keep him in your prayers.

Love you...miss you, too! :o)

Greg P. said...

Tonya:

I almost forgot. I'm a day late, but, tell Gabe Happy 8th Birthday from Chicago!

God bless him.

Greg P. said...

It's been a rough day. I guess I'm a day early, not a day late.

Happy 8th Birthday Gabe, a day early!!!!

God bless young fella.

Anonymous said...

Long time no update either site...hope all's well there!
Praying in cold, snowy Seattle right now!
Psalms 57:1 Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me: for my soul trusteth in thee: yea, in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge, until these calamities be overpast.
Prayer Bears
My email address

He & Me + 3 said...

Good Gravy Tonya! Where are you? I have been missing you. I hope everything is going ok and that you are just busy. please come back soon...we miss you!
XO,
Mimi

Faithful Froggers said...

Oh, Tonya, what wonderful news!! I have been so behind on e-mails and blogs and am just now catching up. I am so excited for your family - adoption (as you know with Allie Grace) is such a beautiful thing. We would adopt again in a heartbeat!

Know that I am praying for you all as you begin the process. May God be with all of you during this time.

I hope you and your family have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New year! I know it is such a bittersweet time. Praying for you, my friend.

Pam D said...

Just wanted to drop in to wish you a wonderfully joyful Christmas and a New Year that's overflowing with blessings! I know you're crazy busy having fun with your boys and family, and that's the way it should be. I'm off to do the same myself! "See ya" next year!
((((hugs)))) and xoxoxox....!

Madison Sanders said...

Do you mind telling me the name of the site that gives instructions for blog makeovers? Alao, could I just use a regular picture, or do I have to have Photoshop to do it?