Birthmothers and Open Adoptions

What do you think about when I say Birthmother?  Come on, be honest!

Since we began our adoption journey I have heard so many negative things about birthmothers.  It usually has something to do with she doesn't want the baby, doesn't care about the baby,  just does not want to settle down and handle the responsibility of having a child.  I have heard it all!  And of course, always from people that know nothing about adoption and have no experience with it at all.

What do you think about when I say open adoption?

Most of the time it is "I could never do that", "I would not want anything to do with her".  And again, almost always negative and I have heard it all!

No one will ever understand how much I love Sara!  Most people think it is crazy but until you have been in my shoes don't judge.  Sara was part of God's plan for our lives.   She gave me the one thing I wanted most in life and could not have.  I firmly believe God worked in Sara's life and put her in our paths because He knew I was going to be Jake's momma.   Yes, she was in a bad place in her life and could not provide for a child.  But instead of aborting Jake she loved him enough to place him for adoption.  To give him a life she couldn't.  She loved him!  Have you ever thought about how much love it takes to place a child for adoption.  It is easy to say "I want to keep my baby" even though you can't provide.  In some situations, that is selfish.  Sara loved Jake more than that!  She loved him enough to give him a better life. Two parents who wanted a child more than anything, were in a stable place, and could provide.  Was it easy for her?  NO  But it was the best choice for her and for Jake.

We have had good times and bad times since Jake was born.  We have worked into a great relationship.  We are blessed to be able to talk to Sara and communicate openly and freely.  It has truly been a blessing for me!  I do not allow anyone to say anything negative about adoption or about Sara.  There is nothing negative to say!  She gave birth to Jake and I will always love her and always be grateful to her!

Me and Sara - I had been crying happy tears.

Emma (Sara's sister), Jake, and Sara

What a beautiful bride!

In my opinion, the most handsome man at the wedding.  Sorry Eric!

Eric and Sara

Jake and Emma

Sara, Emma, Jake, Lisa (Sara's Mom), and Kara (Sara's sister)

Sara got married a couple of weeks ago and we were invited to the wedding.  I am so thankful we went!  It was great to go back to the place Jake was born.  We enjoyed seeing her family we already knew and were so glad to meet so many more.  Everyone was so nice and welcoming.  I was a little nervous about how we would be received but for the most part it was awesome.  I was so happy to see Sara in a good place!  She is so happy!   It was an awesome trip!  I hope we don't have to wait as long to see them again.

Jake, me and Mackenzie (Kara's daughter)

me and Jeff with Sara's family at the rehearsal 

So the next time you hear about a birthmother or open adoption, don't automatically think negative thoughts.  Think happy, heat warming thoughts!  Adoption is a positive thing!

Living Life, One lesson at a time.

Well the Snow house has been in full swing the last couple of weeks.  There has been so much action that I haven't had time to blog.  In the last 3 weeks, I have seen a health scare, unemployment, new hair style, Jake start "big boy school, and Jeff start a new job just to name a few.  It has been interesting to say the least.

So let me catch you up!

About 3 weeks ago I started having a burning feeling under my arm.  Then is spread to my breast and down my arm a little ways.  I called the doctor and went in to check it out.  She found an abnormal lymph node and sent me to a breast surgeon.  Scared me to death!  I just knew I had breast cancer and did my best to prepare for the diagnosis I just knew I was facing.  A couple of days later, a rash broke out on my back and shoulder.  It was VERY painful but I thought it was some side effect from the cancer I knew I had in my body (now I just knew it was all over).  It was really bad!!! The pain was terrible and I could not imagine how bad the diagnosis was going to be.  My appointment with the breast surgeon finally came around and I went, nervous as I could be, but prepared.  It was the shingles! Praise the Lord!  When I went to my doctor the first time, the rash had not broken out and she had no way to know it was the shingles.  The abnormal lymph node was swollen because of the shingles but turned out fine on ultrasound and mammogram.

My thyroid is doing it own thang lately and my hair was in a terrible mess.  It looked like it had been singed about 3 inches from the root all the way down the hair.  It was a hot mess.  The only way to make it look any better was to cut it all off.  So now I am sporting a short spunky hair cut that is so not in my comfort zone but I do like it.  Jeff and Jake are not fans but at least I don't look sick.  I feel better about myself because my hair isn't in terrible shape anymore.  Here is hoping the thyroid problem will react to medicine and as my hair grows out it will look normal, or at least normal for me.

My job was eliminated and I am currently unemployed.  First time in my life!  It is a BIG change for me and again, I am NOT in my comfort zone at all.  This is the first time in my life, or since I was 16 that I haven't been working, making my own money and supporting myself and helping support my family.    I took the job I was working as a leap of faith and I do not regret it at all.  I was working for a very dear friend and his company and being healthcare, there had to be some restructure.  There are no hard feelings toward him at all and I hope to have the opportunity to work for him again.  The hardest thing has been, I found my passion while working the last month or so for him in a totally different place than I had ever looked - in long term care.  I was working in the corporate office and the company owned long term care facilities.  When the restructure was approaching, I didn't want to just sit around, so I went to the facility and started working with the admission team there.  It was an amazing job!  For the first time in my life, I looked forward to Monday and going to work to encounter new people, help new families out, and help residents transition to the facility.  I simply loved it!  I hope I can find a job doing something similar and fell like the work I do helps people.

Jeff took a new job with the same employer.  After 20+ years, he is working inside, out of the weather.  He is working 4 -10 hour shifts and is home 3 days a week.  He will be able to help with school pickup and drop duties.  Jake likes us all being here in the morning while he is getting ready for school.

And Jake started "big boy school"!  My baby is in Pre-K3.  I cant believe it.   He loves it and he has already learned so much.  In just two weeks, I am amazed at how much he has changed.  He thinks eating lunch from the cafeteria is awesome.  Of course, he still has to take his own snacks and juice.   He has fallen in love with the sand box on the playground.  I am sure they will have to add more sand in just a couple of weeks because he brings at least a bag home in his shoe each day.   He has new friends that he loves playing with.  But he does miss his friends.  He asks about his "Mrs. Candace" friends a lot.  We even had to go to the football game at school Friday night.  He was so excited!  He is just not a baby anymore and it makes my heart sad.

So through all of these events, I have learned a lot of "life lessons".  Or at least, been reminded of some!

1.  Always stop and give God control.
2.  Never doubt what was done in good faith.
3.  True friends will be there in good times and bad.
4.  Life is to short to live with regret.

I already knew these thing, but sometime you have to stop, regroup, and refocus.  I know that I am right were God wants me to be.  I just have to be patient and let God work.

Here is a picture of Jake on his first day of school.  Isn't he just a doll!  I can't imagine not being "Jake's Momma".  I am beyond blessed!

Now here is a picture of how the board was supposed to look.  He erased it just before we were ready to take the picture so I had to draw it again that afternoon and retake the picture.

My little Noonday get together

If you haven't heard me say or seen my post on Facebook, my friend McCall and her husband Lee are adopting a little girl from the Democratic Republic of Congo.  She is also a Noonday Collection Ambassador and is using Noonday to help fund their adoption.  So she asked me to have a show in July and I agreed "only if it helps in your adoption".  I used to LOVE to have home shows and party's but I have gotten to the point that I really don't like them. I just get all stressed out, is my house clean enough, are the snacks right, is anybody coming, oh no! I am running late and it is almost time to start, the stress just goes on and on.  But, when she said yes Noonday was helping fund the adoption, of course I said yes!  And I had until July!

I have known McCall for a long time.  We are friends by chance, but not really because God has a hand in everything that happens.  About 9 years ago (give or take a few) McCall was a first year teacher and had agreed to help with the junior high pom/dance team.  My cousin was on the team.  We got to know each other that year through camp, uniforms, fundraisers, etc.  That was the year she met Lee, if I remember correctly!  We have never been "close friends".  Don't talk on the phone, don't keep in touch other than Facebook and blogs.  But McCall has always been someone that inspires me!  She is a mover and a shaker!  When she sets her mind to it you better watch out because it is coming at ya!  She is crafty, smart, funny, creative, energetic! So many things I could say!  McCall's blog has been my favorite for ever!  I love it and I get to keep up with her and her sweet family.  It makes a difference when you actually know the person writing the blog.

So I had to help her out with her #bringemilyhome efforts.  Anyone that knows me knows if you mention adoption I will do what I can to help out!  So I had a Noonday Collection Show.  Yes all the normal stressors were the first guest to arrive!  But you know what, it was a great time!  I had friends and family that came and we had a great visit.  We got a little closer to getting Emily home!  And I had a chance to catch up with McCall after way to long!    I can't wait for you to hear more about their adoption and adoptions from the Congo in general.  It really spoke to my heart!  At this point, I do not think God has adopting again in store for me and Jeff but I can tell you my heart has been stirring thinking of ways I can help McCall and others even if it is just by wearing my Noonday Collection and spreading the word.    There are all different ways to help, some are called to adopt, some are called to help in other ways.  I am asking God to show me how to help make a difference, even if it is in just one life!  Go to McCall's blog and read about their story, pray for Emily, the Aldridge's and see how you can help!

Me and McCall at my Noonday Collection.

Look at our super cute jewelry!  You need to check it out!

Train up a child......

So are you a believer?  We are at the Snow house and we are trying to raise Jake in an environment that will shape his future in a positive way and have him grow up loving the Lord and being a servant of His.  For me, it is really challenging.  I really don’t know why, I was raised in a Godly home with Godly parents that taught me about Jesus from as early as I can remember.  Church and church actives were something we did as a family and I loved it.  But for me, I have a hard time explaining all of Jakes questions, not only about God but about life.  He is just too dang smart for me!  He can out think me most of the time!

The Bible says in Proverbs 22:6 "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old he will not depart from it."  That has been ringing in my ears a lot lately.  God says if we train our children right they will not depart from it and become heathens.  I am trying my best to train Jake right but there aer so many things that I don't have anwers for.  Is that normal?

Here are some of the things that we try to teach Jake and the questions he asks.

Jesus Loves You.  Then he asks "where is Jesus?"  I explain that Jesus is in Heaven.  Then he wants to know where heaven is.  Then he wants to know who else is in Heaven.  I tell him family members names that I believe are in Heaven.   The questions continue with things like "where does Pop live in Heaven, does he have a house, how do you get to Heaven" And to be honest I don’t know how to answer so that a 3 year old will understand.  I try to give him the simplest answer on a 3 year old level that I can but I am not sure I am doing or saying the right things.

Is Jesus Mad?  This is usually asked when he doesn’t want to say his prayer or blessing.  I never say "yes Jesus is mad" I usually say "Jesus likes for you to pray to him and tell him what is on your mind" But is that the right answer?

To say his blessing and pray before bed every night.  I can honestly say he prays the sweetest prayers at night.  In his own little 3 year old way, he prays for his dog (and tells God what Mya has done bad that day), he tells The Lord what he has done bad, he prays for his ShuShu and his Daddy almost every night, and also prays for various other people.  Most people would hear the prayer and say it is wasted but I know the Lord understands what he means and what he is asking for.    His blessing is the old "God is good, God is great" but he has gone from everyone at the table saying it to wanting to say it by himself. 

To not judge people for who they are, what color their skin is, what the financial status is, what they have done in the past, what their sexual orientation is, etc.
Jeff and I both believe that you have to take people for who they are and what they are.  If someone is not friendly it may be because of something they are going through.  You never know what burden someone is carrying and a friendly response from someone might make all the difference in the world.  I believe most people are basically good people.  But we all struggle with different things and that makes a difference in who we are.  God made everyone equal so how can we judge based on skin color....that just doesn’t even make sense to me...Really?  I firmly believe I am not the judge.  If people don’t live like I do or believe what I believe it is not my place to pass judgment.  God is the judge of us all and I cannot be worried about someone else because there are plenty of things I will have to answer for.    Don't get me wrong, I think there are some cases when you have to be careful and protect yourself but there is never a reason to be ugly to someone or hurt their feelings just because you want to do so.   You can be nice to them, speak, treat them like you want to be treated and still protect yourself.   God don’t like ugly!  Jake does really well with this one and I hope it is something he will always embrace.  As he gets older, I am sure this one will get tougher but we are trying to lay the ground work now.

Respect   This is a tough one right now!  Jake is going through the terrible 2's at almost 4!  He just wants to do what he wants when he wants it.  He is big into hitting adults, locking doors in your face, all kinds of fun stuff.  And before you say "I'd whip his butt".  We have tried that....honestly doesn’t work!  Time out works OK but doesn’t really bother him, taking toys away - he could care less, the only thing that seems to work is not playing outside with the neighborhood kids.  So there are a lot of days that we don’t go out.   But I am praying that the basics of respect are there and it will kick back in.  We are just struggling for power now!  Of course, it is much worse with me and Jeff than any other adult.

Let me know your thoughts and how you handle all of the hard things that come with parenting!  I find myself praying a lot and just saying "Lord I don’t know what to do or what to say but help me do the right thing".

And of course, before you go you have to see a picture of my little man!  We went to get ice cream Saturday night and he did not even make it to get his...he was out like a light!  Jeff brought him the house and put him in the bed and Mya (his dog) could not find him.  She never lets him get very far and she was worried and looking everywhere.  I picked her up and showed her where he was and she had to get down.  She snuggled up next to him and went to sleep!  So Sweet! And to think I didn't really want a dog!

Help me grow my blog by sharing a link to it! 

Adoption Questions

If you have ever read my blog or if you know me at all, you know Jake is a blessing from adoption.  Jeff and I are parents to the most wonderful little gift any parent could ever ask for.  Any time someone finds out Jake is adopted I get all kinds of questions and I take time to answer them all.  I have found adoption to be part of my mission and I try to use the opportunity to talk about how wonderful Jake is of course, how blessed we are, and most importantly how we were blessed and God worked through adoption for us.  There were some really hard times before we were matched with Jake's birth mother and I would not have made it through with God pulling me along the way.

So today I am going to answer some of the most frequent questions I get about adoption.

Is he really adopted?
yes he is adopted,  I didn't make that up.  He is a normal little boy with 10 fingers, 10 toes, and one head  People have said to me "oh I want to see him" and I just try to laugh it off and use the opportunity to share our adoption story with them.  It is just a fear of the unknown.

Does he know he is adopted?  Will you tell him he is adopted?  Do you talk about it?
Yes, yes and yes!  Jeff and I decided before Jake was ever born that we would be open with our child.  No secrets about who he is, where he came from, or how we are his Momma and Daddy.  I did not want to sit down one day and have "the talk" and have Jake think we had been lying all the time.  Besides we did not want him to doubt us about others things like God.  We have talked about our journey openly and as much as his little 3 year old mind can understand he does.  If you ask him who's belly he grew in he says "Sara" and who's heart did you grow in "Momma's".  He will tell you he has two Mommie's... a tummy Mommie and a heart Mommie.

Do you talk to his birth mother?
yes we do!  There have been good time and tough times for everyone involved.  It has been difficult for everyone at times.  Thankfully we have worked into a great relationship and we are friends with Sara.  I tell everyone you have no idea how much I love Sara - her gift of Jake allowed me to be a mother.  Until you have that connection with someone you will never understand.  I wanted to be a Momma more that anything in the world and I could not do it myself.  Sara gave me that chance and I am forever grateful.  Sara is getting married in September and we are going to the wedding.  I am very excited to see her again and be there for this big day in her life!

  

Me, Jake, Sara, and Dusti (Sara's daughter)

August 2010

Sara and Eric.....isn't she a doll!

June 2013

How much does it cost?

This is my least favorite question.  It is not an easy one to answer and to us it was not about the cost.  We were blessed to have help from my parents and without them we would not have been able to do it.  We also lost a ton of money in a failed adoption before we met Sara.  That agency was corrupt and we lost everything.  (that will have to be another post)  And all adoptions cost different amounts depending on if you use an agency, just go through an attorney, or go through the state.  

Could you "tell them what you wanted"?

Yes but we did not.  We wanted a baby and it didn't matter if it was a boy or girl.  If I had been pregnant we would have gotten what God wanted us to have so that is exactly how we looked adoption.  And I am so thankful we were blessed with a Jake! 

Where is he from?  

Jake was born in Iowa, USA but he is straight from God!

How old was he when you got him?

brand new!  We were there the day he was born.  Sara even invited us to the ultrasound in July before he was born in October.  What a blessing!  

Would you do it again?

YES, YES, YES!!!!  There is no way to describe the blessings I have received through adoption!  Most importantly I am Jake's Momma which is the most amazing thing in the whole world!  I have learn so much about myself, my faith has grown, and I have learned how to look for the positives in every situation.  I have made wonderful friends that I would have never met unless I had adopted.  I have a wonderful friend in our social worker Gloria.   She is a blessing from God and still is a light for me in any storm.  She always knows what to say when I am struggling. 

What is your advice for me if I adopt?

Pray a lot!  Do not be force into any situation you are not totally comfortable with, you have to be able to provide for the child so know what will work with your family.  And hang on to your socks!  you are going on a wild ride but you will never experience anything so wonderful and blessing!

I cant say enough about our experience!  I am beyond blessed!  If you have any other questions or just want to "talk adoption" give me a shout!  I would LOVE to share with you!  

Before I go you have to see a picture of my sweet little man!

Bone tired after fireworks on July 4th.  

Well I am back!  I guess you could say I took a little break but that would be an understatement.  I simply got out of the habit of blogging and life got in the way.  I have always hoped my blog would be a scrapbook of sorts for Jake so he will have a little bit of a gap!  I will try to catch everyone up here!

Let it Snow 2012 and 2013

Jake is now 3 and will turn 4 in October.  Cute, sweet, smart, feisty, funny as all get out!  I can't say enough about this little man!  And he still LOVES his Mommie!

Isaac was born in May of 2012.  He is Jake's cousin and it took Jake a while to decide he liked Jenn again and it took Isaac even longer to decide he liked me.  Now we are buddies most days.  But he still mean mugs me a lot!  Isn't he a cutie!

Ben and Jane Claire are just growing so fast!  They are not little anymore!  :(  But they are great cousins and Jake loves them a ton!

Jake played t-ball!  It was a scream!  He would play a while, then sit down and refuse to move.  Most of the time he walked around the bases instead of running.  Sometimes he just decided to run to the dugout and forget running the bases BUT the snacks were great!

I changed jobs.  I left the hospital after 24 years and moved to long term care.  I love it!  I have more opportunity to be with Jake.

Jake went to 2 year old pre-school.  He loved it!  He made lots of great friends and learned a ton!  Painting was the best!  

He fell in love with TWO others girls!  First Mrs. Lisa and then Ellie!  Both are cute and sweet so I didn't mind to much.  Mrs. Lisa was his teacher (and my high school friend) and Ellie was his classmate.  

Jake and Ellie!

Jake and Mrs. Lisa

Anyway, we have lots of changes, lots of first, and FUN, FUN, FUN!

I promise to be more current with my blog!  Check back often to see more about Life with Jake's Mommie!

And stop by my friend McCall's blog to learn all about her adoption for the Democratic Republic of Congo and #helpbringemilyhome!

Are you a carrier or sender?

October 2011 Family Portrait

Are you a carrier or a sender? 

I have been thinking alot lately about being involved in Jake's life and his activities.  The Christmas party at his baby sitters house is this Friday and I want to be there soooooo bad.  But I am trying to decide if going to the party will be a bad idea because he will want to leave with me after the party and I will have to go back to work.  Truth is,  I can't stand the thought of him having a party and me not being there.  I want to enjoy every part of his life and I want to be involved with him and all the fun he has. 

My Mom (and Dad when he could be) was a carrier.  She always went with me and was involved in the activities that I was involved in.  I loved it!  I wanted her there.  We have great memories of things we did together when I was growing up.  Yes there was a time when I didn't want her to go to everything but I did want her (and still want her) to be there for the big things in my life.

Some Moms are senders.  They send their child with other people or just send them by themselves to birthdays,  school programs, ball games, etc.  I am not talking about working mothers that literally can't go but I am talking about mothers (or fathers for that matter) that don't go because they don't want to or they want to spend that time for themselves. 

So I am a carrier!  I hope Jake grows up to LOVE the fact that I go places, make memories, and that I actually "like" him and being around him.  I am proud of the fact that I am a carrier!

But what am I gonna do about the Christmas party Friday??

Speaking of Christmas party...here is one of his pictures with Santa.  No smile BUT not crying either!  Isn't he just the cutest little fella you have ever seen?  Jake not Santa.......

Meet Ms. Maci.....

This is Maci.  Her Mom and I grew up in the same church together and have known each other all of our lives.  Maci was born November 19th at 35 weeks via emergency c-section.  God is an awesome God!  Jima did not feel Maci move most of the day on the 19th but wasn't worried because they heard the heartbeat.  FaceBook posts saved Maci's life.  Jima posted that Maci was not moving but they heard the heartbeat and a couple of her friends said they had lost babies and that Jima needed to call the doctor.  Well Maci was here in just a few short minutes after Jima and Rick got to the hospital.  Praise the Lord everything worked in Maci's favor!

Maci had several obstacles to overcome.   She aspirated (inhaled) meconium, her placenta had torn and Maci lost more than half of her blood volume. Maci was on a ventilator for almost 4 full days, had 3 blood transfusions, lots of tests and had a UAC (IV line directly into an artery via her umbilical cord) and it prevented Jima and Rick from holding her for 11 days.  Can you imagine not holding your baby for 11 days?  Everything turned around for Maci with the exception of her kidney function.  She has been diagnosed with Intrinsic Renal Failure.  She is on dialysis and the long term medical  plan is for her to continue dialysis until she is at least 22 pounds and can receive a kidney transplant which will be about the time she is a year old. 

BUT we know our God can heal Maci!  We are praying for God to heal her little sweet body, for guidance for the doctors and nurses that are caring for her, and for strength for Jima and Rick.  PLEASE join me in praying for Maci!  This little sweetie is a fighter and God has an awesome plan for her life! 

Read more about Maci and keep up with her daily progress at Day by Day with Maci Moo.

And spread the word!  You can not have to many people praying! 

Jake Turned Two!

Can you believe it?  My little super hero turned TWO on October 22!  It is true, time really does fly!  I am usually very certain to make sure we celebrate (and document) his birthdays ON THE DAY.  For example, his first birthday portraits HAD to be taken on Oct 22, his 18 month portraits HAD to be taken on April 22, etc.  Yes a little OCD but I want to remember him exactly the way he was on that day!  Thankfully our photographer understands my "on the date" hang up and works with me!  Well this year ON THE DATE was not possible.  You see Jake has an obsession with Thomas the Tank Engine.  The local kids farm and petting zoo has a Thomas train so we had to have the party there...no questions about it!  He had to ride Thomas!  When I called to book the party Thomas was all booked up on Saturday for local festivals so we could have the party on the 22nd BUT Thomas would not be available.  Another plain ole train would be there but not Thomas.  Well this MaMom got her priorities straight real quick and decided that Thomas it would be.  So we partied on the 23rd!

We had a great time!  Most of Jake's friends were there and they had a ball! They fed sheep, goats, pigs, and rabbits.  They rode the pony cart and horses.  Milked a goat.  And rode Thomas!  Jake got to drive so it was the highlight of his day!  Then they played in the hay maze and on the playground.  I don't think any of them ate much at all.  They were just to busy!  But we served chili dogs, chips and dip, and the most awesome cake you have ever seen (thanks to Veronica Hayes).  The adults had a great time too!  It was a little chilly but you never know about the weather in these parts this time of year.  Maybe next year I will look for an indoor location.

Here are some of the highlights from the day!


Just Jake.  He is not into smiling for the camera these days.




With Thomas



Feeding the Sheep



Look at that Cake...Awesome even from the back





Is this a cutie pootie or what?  Just an absolute doll!





His latest thing...both fingers up his nose. 
I think it is just to see if MaMom will
say "stop it" one more time!




The Thinker...with dirty knees.




Blowing out the candles with Chloe

Check out Jenn's Blog Post to read more about Jake.  Also, read about there little surprise coming in May!

Did you see this........

Did you see my guest blog on lee, Me, and the Girls?

I am so thankful to my friend McCall for the opportunity! Check out my "I am that Mommy" post here here!

Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow.........

What a week it has been!

Last week was my birthday!  That's right; I turned 43...yea for me!  I love birthdays because it is another blessing from God and I am thankful to be here to start another year!  My family went to dinner to help me celebrate and I chose Osaka Japanese Restaurant.  It was wonderful!  The sushi was wonderful and the company was even better!  I got this awesome picture frame from Mikey and Jenn.  Read more about Mikey and Jenn  here and here.

This is not a very good picture but it says "We may not have it all together, but together we have it all!  Let it Snow" and has a picture of most of the McCrory's.  I LOVE IT!  It is awesome and I have it hanging proudly in our living room.  It is handmade by the Mikey/Jenn duo I might add!

Jeff, Jake, my Mom, and I decided to get away for a long weekend to relax and unwind a little after all the recent stress.  We headed to Hot Springs Friday.  We had a wonderful weekend overall!  Anyone that knows anything about me know that I always have a camera at the ready...especially since Jake came along!  Well while unpacking my camera bag fell out of the car and this happened.....

So needless to say, I had no camera all weekend!  Panic nearly took over but I decided to let it go and just have fun.  My Mom had her camera and we did get some pictures with it so the whole was not a total loss and I am sure Jake enjoyed the weekend off from Mommie Paparazzi!  We were disappointed with several of our food choices.... BIG disappointments at several highly recommended restaurants but then we found The Fisherman's Warf.  It was fabulous and made all the bad choices worth it!

We came home Monday after a brief stop in Little Rock at the River Walk.  The weather was great and we enjoyed checking out the shops and restaurants in the area.  Then on home and back to reality!

When we got home our kitchen and living room was flooded!  The ice maker line had busted and we were in for a mess!  We had to call in Serve Pro recovery systems.  Our house is a disaster, all of the flooring in the kitchen and living room has been pulled up, we have several air movers and a dehumidifier in our kitchen, all of the furniture is piled up either in a corner or in the garage, and we have had no TV, internet, or home phone service until last night because our AT&T equipment all got wet and would not work.  A 22 month old does not understand why you can't just turn on SpongeBob!  It has been an interesting week to say the least!

So let's recap -

Birthday = wonderful
Camera = broken
House = flooded
Lifestyle = "Let it Snow"

Have a good weekend!  We will spend the weekend recovering from the great flood but tonight we get to spend time with the Gill family.  My friend Rita Gill Barnett's youngest son Sgt Ben Barnett, USMC married Katie Barnett on Tuesday and we are attending the reception tonight.  Can't wait to unwind and have fun with lifelong friends and meet the new Mrs. Barnett!  She joins a great, fun family and I know they are glad to have her!  Hopefully I will have a camera and pictures will follow!

Thankful Thursday.......

It's Thursday again and it is time for me to tell you something that I am thankful for!

These are my parents, DE and Charlotte.  My dad passed away last July but had he lived they would have been married 50 years today.  That is right - September 1, 1961 is their wedding date.  They were married 48 years and 10 months and 8 days!  That is a long time!  I know they had hard times and they had great times as well.  I am beyond blessed to have grown up with parents that loved Jesus, love me, taught me right from wrong, punished me when I needed it (although Momma seemed to always get this job - bless her), loved me when I needed it most, and were just all around great, awesome parents! 

Today on this Thankful Thursday and I most thankful for my parents - they showed me that a strong, loving marriage can last a lifetime!  For that I am thankful!

Check this out....

So if you read this blog any at all you know that I am very close to my family!  I have told you how outrageous, insane, funny, loud, obnoxious, etc we can be BUT we do have big hearts and will give you the shirt off our backs to help you out. 


See these two..................

Mikey and Jenn



They are my cousins....technically he is my cousin and he just got lucky enough to marry her (I guess you could say we all got lucky).  They are part of a new non-profit organization that raises money for people in need.  They pick one person and donate any money raised over a period of time to that person.  AWESOME idea!  They are doing great with the group...the group consist of young people that just want to help out.  It is a great idea and a great group of people!  I am very proud of Mikey and Jenn! 

Go Give the Guy a Dollar to check out the organization and donate!  After all, it is just a dollar!  You can also buy a really cool t-shirt designed by "the guy" Shawn Butrum.    Read his story and donate!

Can you give the guy a dollar?

Jenn also writes a very interesting blog.  McCrory by Marriage will keep you entertained and make you laugh!  She is a hoot!  Enjoy!

Thankful Thursday

So I haven't been the best blogger in the world lately!  It has been a long time since I gave you a piece of my mind (and I am sure there HAS to be someone out there that wants to know what I have been thinking) but there is NO WAY to tell you all that has been going on in our lives.  Some good things, some very bad, sad things!  Life has just been incredibly busy at The Snow House lately!  So I haven't been blogging but I think about it every day and I have a list of things I want to share with you and tell you about!  I promise to do better and get you all up to speed very soon!

Today's topic is Thankful Thursday.  A chance to stop and reflect and think about what I am thankful for.  As I said before, life has been a little crazy for us and I am ALWAYS thankful for my family.  Life would be so different with out my extended family.  We are crazy, loud, loving. protective, annoying, loyal, and honest just to name a few.  I always tell Jeff "thank you for marrying us" because believe me, he married US!  Both my Mom's and my Dad's families are awesome and I am beyond blessed to be part of two wonderful groups (that blend well together I might add).

I am also thankful for my friends.  I have tons of friends - some life long friends, some new friends, some that just happened along the way.  Each one of them plays an important part in my life and I am beyond thankful for each and every one! 

Today I am especially thankful for my friend Amy!

This is Amy and her cutie pootie Brayden!  (isn't he a doll?)

Amy is one of those friends that just happened along the way!  One of those people that when you meet them you have no idea how important they will become to you and how much your lives will mirror each others.  Amy and I have been friends for about 6 years now and I never knew how much she would mean to me but I know that God knew and that is why He made our lives intersect.  Amy and I share a lot of things in common but the #1 thing in my book is that we are both Mommy to awesome little boys that came to us through the miracle of adoption.  Amy has been there for me through all of the hard times and uncertainties of the adoption process.  Amy is the first person I contacted when we hit a bump in the road and I thought our adoption was going to fail when we were still in Iowa.  Amy called out her prayer warriors and they helped pray Jake home.  That was a time when I simply could not pray anymore!  I needed backup and Amy (and her friends) had my back.  Since then, I have prayed with Amy over several adoption situations and I can tell you first hand that you can feel the power of prayer when a group of people that have been in your shoes are praying for you!  Most of the time you don't even know the person but you know how they feel!  That is what friends are for right?

I am a master of quilty feelings.  I beat myself up all the time over things that I can't change or things that have happened that I just can't help.  Some of the things that have happened both in our adoption and in life lately I did not see coming and certainly did not plan for.  Things have worked out differently than I had hoped AND I feel quilty.  I have found myself in a position where I can't keep all of the promises I made and it breaks my heart.  I was talking to Amy about that the other day and she gave me the best words that I have received lately.  It was like God spoke directly to me through Amy!  Without thinking and totally off the cuff she said "God gave you Jake and he is your responsibility and you have to protect him".  WOW!!!  Common sense I know but it put everything into perspective for me!  I can't help the things that didn't work out like I wish they had....I have to put Jake before everyone else and protect him.  It is my duty and my responsibility not only to Jake but to God and to Jeff.  All of the sudden, the quilt that I have struggled with for a year was eased.  I will always wish things were different and I pray that someday they will be!  But right now, I have to protect Jake and give him a good, stable life!

So today I am thankful for AMY!!!!!!  Thank you Amy for being my friend and helping me along the way!  I pray that someday I will be able to help you as much as you have helped me!  Love ya girl!

And by the way.....

This is David with Brayden.  David is Amy's first born cutie pootie!  He is one of the best big brothers I know!  Amy is blessed with two healthy, happy little guys....and of course she has a great husband, Jay,  too!



Happy Fouth of July!

Well I am a day late but like everything else in our lives yesterday did not go as planned and I did not get a chance to blog.  I will tell you more about that later in the week!  But all I can say is "Let it Snow"!

Today I am send out my Fourth of July greetings!  Even though it is July 5th I want to say thank you to all men and women who serve in our armed forces.  Our freedom is not free!  People have fought and died for your freedom and the rights you enjoy today!  Take time to say thank you!  When you see someone in uniform say "Thank you for your service".  It only takes a second, you don't even have to slow down.  They are very appreciative of your "thanks".   This is something I am trying to teach Jake to do and most of the time he wont say anything but hopefully he is learning and he will grow up appreciating our service men and women. 

Now a shout out to the military men in my life! 



My Dad and his brother Roy served in the Air Force.  Their brother Henry served in the National Guard.  My mothers brother Bubba served in the Air Force as well...I just don't have a picture of him.

Currently my life long friend Rita has a son Ben serving in the Marines.  Ben is stateside right now but will be deploying again soon.  He has already done several tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. 

Thank you to everyone who serves or has served our country!  And remember their families as well, they sacrifice for our freedom also!

I met Gail Pittman

While we were in Ridgeland for the State Baseball tournament last weekend I met Gail Pittman.  As luck would have it, I was giving Jeff directions and he could not exit the interstate quick enough so we had to take the next exit.  BINGO...we drive past the Gail Pittman Studio in Old Town Ridgeland.  Well, I quickly put that on my "to do list".  I LOVE Gail Pittman Pottery!  I have Garden View in my kitchen and I love it!  I love all of the patterns and would own every piece that is made in Garden View if I could afford it.  Did you know that Oprah, Faith Hill, Katie Couric, and ME all have Gail Pittman Designs?  Of course theirs were all custom designs and mine is Garden View but that is some AWESOME company wouldn't you say?  Anyway, we had some downtime Friday afternoon so we stopped by the Studio.  I was browsing around and telling my Mom and Jennifer how much I LOVED everything I saw when I looked up and at a little drawing table there sat the pottery master herself!  OH MY!  She was so nice and sweet.  I asked what she was working on...just trying to start a conversation with her.  She showed me the new designs she is working on and chatted about baseball and of course Jake.  Oh... even if I never liked her before...I am in love now!  She was down to earth and so friendly!  So I bought the new cross in the new Endless pattern.  It is awesome and matching my new living room colors just perfect!  Mrs. Pittman signed it for me and I got my picture made with her!  LOVE IT!  It was a great visit and such a surprise to actually meet her AND like her. 

Gail Pittman and me

Check out The Anderson Crew to see others "Embracing the Camera" this week!

And if you want to check out the latest and greatest pottery available check out Gail Pittman's Website.  You will love it!  It is a Southern thang!

The Cult had a Convention!

I am blessed to have a very close family on both my Mom and Dad's side of the family.  On my Mom's side we have been labeled a "cult".  It happened during a very bad divorce and there was testimony in court that was something like this..."that family is horrible...they are just like a cult.  They brainwash babies."  Well we found it to be HILARIOUS!  If loving each other unconditionally and sticking together through thick and thin is a Cult then we are it!  Rest assured it is something we are proud of.  It has become a joke among us and our friends that really know us.  Funny thing...people are always asking to join the cult or talking about how much they love the cult. So we made a huge joke out of the Cult and now we have chapters.  Everywhere someone lives is a chapter.  So this past weekend Ben played in the state baseball tournament and several chapters of the cult were together so we decided that instead of having a meeting we were having a convention.  See my cousin Jenn's blog for a much more frank and funnier take on the cult.  She will crack you up!

Anyway, there wasn't much happening on the baseball field for the Mustangs this weekend so I decided to share pictures of the Cult Convention.  I hope you can see from these pictures that even though we are labeled a Cult is it a good thing!  LOL

Jenn and Jake swapping admission bracelets and eating candy in the hotel.

Jenn (and Mikey claims to have helped) made these adorable door signs for all of the team members.  She made Jake one too that says "Future Mustang" on the sides.  SO CUTE!

Headed for the pool!

I am loving the hat!

Is that cute or what??

Me and Jake ready to swim!

Jake and Jenn playing in the pool.

Jeff and Jake fake napping.  Neither one was asleep!

Just cuteness!

Eating Turnip Greens at Cock of the Walk

Playing baseball with Ben and Benji

Ben and Jake playing on Jake's iPad

Lovin' oranges at the ball field

 Jake got to join the "big boys" for their pizza by the pool.  Thanks Coach Bill for letting him be part of the Mustangs!

Jake and Jane Claire in the pool.  Not sure what that expression is but he is having a BLAST!

Reed and Jake in the pool

This is his "put the camera away Momma" look!

The next generation playing in the hotel room.

Riding on the luggage cart was big fun!

Members of the Southaven and Ridgeland Chapters and the ball field.

On the way home we were able to stop and see the part of the Durant Chapter of the Cult.

This is "Ugly".  That is what Jake calls him.  Our Uncle uses him when he takes his cars to car shows.  Jake is not really fond of him but they finally warmed up to each other!

Jake feeding Abby and JR his snack.  They are Uncle Bubba's dogs and Jake loves them!

This is a close as we could get Jake to "Ugly".  Even then he had to have support from his ShuShu.

Jake and Uncle Bubba

Members of the Durant and Southaven Chapters of the Cult.

Before we were on the interstate Jake was passed out and slept all the way home. 



So you see....we had a great long weekend.