THE story...Part 2

It became evident that I was making no progress between our agency and our facilitator to reach an agreement. My heart was breaking because I knew we were stuck in the middle. I was going to be leaving my child, once again, and returning home, not knowing when we would bring her home. After much praying for help and answers, we received some news. Good news! The next morning, we found out Caroline's birth certificate was approved and ready for pick up! YAY! I still remember exactly where we were sitting in the Marriott. We were finishing up breakfast at the first table closest to the door. My back was to the breakfast buffet. Teo was sitting across from me and my mom was to my right. I began screaming and crying! We were at the end! Our birth certificate was ready to be picked up that afternoon!

As the morning went on, I started feeling better, but then a ton of rocks sat on my stomach. What did this mean? Our facilitator had told us that NO one was going to get their DNA until the money was paid by our agency. I called the agency and they told me that they would send my money to me and I could pay Teo directly. Problem solved, right? Of course not! Teo wouldn't accept my money, he only wanted it from the agency! To this day, I still am not sure why he wouldn't accept my money and why he was so adament on receiving just a check from the agency.

Back to Caroline and her illness...she was still not feeling better. She wasn't getting any worse, but not better. I spoke with Tim and my mom and we all agreed that I would stay a few more days to make sure she was better and to oversee our DNA being taken. I broke the news to Teo and he went crazy. He was very adament about me getting on that airplane and wouldn't take no for an answer. Why? Why would he not let me stay longer? I finally talked him into letting me stay an extra three days, but that was all I could extend my trip. Ummm....something's not adding up... something is wrong, but what?

On Saturday evening, my mom and I were having dinner at the restaurant in the hotel. We were sitting there talking about what we were going to do. Were we going to stay, go with my gut instinct, or were we going to get on that airplane on Tuesday morning? My mom and I prayed for an answer. We needed immediate help.

Our thoughts were interrupted by a local Guatemalan lady. She complimented Caroline on her bunny slippers and was dying to know where we had gotten them. As we began talking, she introduced herself as Susanna. I immediately recognized her name as a well known adoption lawyer. She was so kind and let me ask her a few questions on time frames regarding the length of the 2nd DNA test and who was able to take the child to have it completed. Susanna apologized for interrupting our dinner and left. Suddenly, as if someone had knocked the breath out of me, I told my mom to go and get her information. My mom sprinted out of the restaurant, briefly told her our dilemma and Susanna told her to have me call her first thing on Monday morning.

On Monday morning, I called Susanna and met with her that same morning. She did some investigating and found out that our birth certificate was NOT ready AND HAD NEVER been filed! Teo was lying to us! This would start to explain some of the craziness in his eyes. Susanna went on to explain to me that she never approaches adoptive parents and never eats at the Marriott. As she was eating dinner with her daughter, she felt a strong urge to introduce herself to us. The only way to explain how she came into our lives was by God. God had led Susanna to us. She was my answer for help.

Susanna came up with a plan to help me stay in the country. She knew of a "safe house" in a "remote" village. I wouldn't be able to go there until the next day. After telling her that Teo wouldn't let me stay past Tuesday, she called my lawyer and notary. Teo's arguments had always been that the lawyer and notary didn't want me staying. After one phone call, our notary told Susanna that he could care less if we stayed. So, we were staying. She also found out that the notary had no idea that our birth certificate wasn't submitted and was "apparently appalled" at Teo's negligence. Notice the quotation marks, because the notary who appeared to be so cooperative would later turn into a beast! My mom and I were staying with Caroline. We would get her better and oversee the end of our process, which should only take about two weeks.

I should have started feeling better, but my gut instinct said that it was about to get much worse....

I safely arrived back at the hotel to find Teo pacing back and forth. He wanted to know where I had been and what I was up to. He refused to listen to me and demanded that I get myself on that airplane the next day. He was taking back my daughter in the morning. But, he claimed that since he was so nice, he would let me come back after the DNA was taken, which should be on Friday. WHAT? FRIDAY??? For those of you who don't know, you can't have DNA taken without a birth certificate. There would be no DNA taken! My argument became, "why do I need to leave on Tuesday, if I can come back on Friday?" That made no sense! Also, I demanded to see the alleged birth certifcate. What? You don't have the birth certificate? Oh, it wasn't ready for pick up? Oh, your assistant was in the mountains and couldn't get to it? Oh, you're leaving tomorrow for the mountains and won't be back until Thursday? So, you're not going to be here tomorrow when I have to give my daughter back?

I ran upstairs and my mom and I began to furiously throw our stuff in suitcases. I made arrangements for a taxi service to take us to the safe house the next morning. I called Tim who supported me in whatever I needed to do to get Caroline safe. He also had the feeling that something was terribly wrong! I called Susanna to tell her what happened and we were ready to go.

Tuesday morning came and the phone rang. Susanna wasn't able to take us to the safe house. We would have to leave on Wednesday. My heart sank. What were we going to do? I called my foster mom and told her not to come pick up Caroline. Since we were flying on buddy passes, we could use the excuse that there weren't enough seats on the plane for us. I called Teo to let him know and he WAS furious! We didn't see him on that day because remember, he was going to be in the mountains until Thursday.

Wednesday morning came and this was the day we were leaving the hotel with Caroline. We prayed all night to make us invisible and for no harm to be brought to us. I'm not sure we slept at all. (As I am typing this, my stomach is unnerved and my hands are shaking. I am reliving the scariest time of my life. My legs and feet are even shaking. When I speak of this time, I am still not able to talk about it without crying...)

The telephone rang and I answered it. On the other end of the phone was Teo! He was not in the mountains and was waiting downstairs for me. I became afraid. I told him that we weren't quite ready and would be down in a bit. I called Susanna who immediately left her office to help me. (It was going to be a 30 minute drive) My friends from California were with us and I am forever grateful for their friendship and quick moves. The phone kept ringing and I kept delaying Teo. Scott (my friend's husband) was downstairs in the lobby waiting on Susanna and packed up our VERY EARLY taxi. God was once again showing that He was in control of the situation. He sent my taxi driver 1 hour early to get us!

Susanna arrived and the situation went bad very quickly. Teo and her were in a heated argument, to the point where the security guards began closing in on them. I will not publish what was said, but know that it was strong! The phone rang in my room. It was Teo. I had my mom pretend to be me because my strength was quickly fading. I was too scared. (I am having to pause while typing because my hands are shaking too badly and my eyes are welling up with tears. My heart is beating so fast that it feels like it is going to pop out of my chest.) Teo began yelling at me and telling me, "You have truly messed up now. You have gotten the worst person in the world involved. What do you think Bethany, is Susanna going to save you now? I am going to call your birth mother and she is going to take back your child. She is no longer yours. I PROMISE YOU WILL NEVER SEE HER AGAIN!!"

At this moment, I fell down to the floor. This was the only thing that scared me, the birth mother taking my child back. He hit the only nerve that I hadn't prayed over. My body crumbled into a heap and I hit the floor. My world became black around me and I couldn't function. I never heard Scott come back in the room and say "It's time. Susanna is ready for you." My mother picked me up and slapped me across my face. "Wake up Bethany! Snap out of it. This is YOUR child and you are going to fight for her. Now get up and become the mother that I know you are..."

I snapped out of it and Scott took Caroline from me and we headed to the elevator. We stepped out of the elevator and walked out of the front door. We walked past a pacing Teo and his assistant. We were never seen. God blinded them and made us invisible....

Free Arby's!

Now through March 9th, you can get a FREE Roast Beef Burger when you purchase a drink (any size)! Click here to print the coupon!

I hope you guys enjoy it! Thanks to Jenny at Southern Savers for the tip!!! I know what we will be eating some for lunch!!!

More Gatlinburg Pics...

We woke up to snow on Sunday morning!
Caroline was so excited to be standing on the ledge!

Savannah and Caroline

Our future Arizona Wildcat Fast Pitcher!

The Village Water Fountain in Gatlinburg

Our Favorite German Restaurant

Wow...these pink roses smell great!

I'll take some more pie!

At the Apple Barn

Caroline and Daddy checking out the river

Throwing sticks in the water

Just pure sweetness!

The DARE....

Tim: "Hey B, look over there. Do you know who it is?"
Bethany: "Of course, it's Philip Fulmer."
Tim: "How much money would it take for you to go up and ask him 'how does it feel to be fired?'"
Bethany: "Are you crazy??? You do it!"
Tim: "I'm not, but I do dare you to go ask to take your picture with him."
Bethany: "Okay, but you have to go with me."

Bethany: "Excuse me Coach...Can we take our picture with you?"
Coach: "Why yes..."

Click...

Tim: "Excuse my wife...She's wearing a UK shirt."
Coach: "No problem!" (of course not...we only killed them for 15 straight years!!)

Shake hands...
Bethany: "Thank you so much...we are BIG fans!"

Sidenote....WE HATE TENNESSEE!!!! This is why that story is funny! HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

Caroline's First Trip to the Smoky Mountains

View of the Smoky Mountains from the Car Window
Caroline's First Snow Experience
Not impressed with the new frozen tundra!

Self Portrait

This was the entertainment of the night for Caroline!

We went to Gatlinburg, TN in the Smoky Mountains for the weekend. We had a great time, but a horrible time getting to our destination. There are two ways to get there...one, is the interstate but it takes much longer and the other way is through the Smoky Mountains, windy and two laned. We went with option number 2 and WOW...Caroline experienced carsickness in a BAD way! She threw up twice! The worst was when we were on the bottom side of the mountain (30 miles of winding road) and we were in spitting distance of Gatlinburg. Luckily, I had put on her plastic bib after the first incident, so it did help. On the way home, we went with option number 2!

She had a great time playing with the little kids, running down the hall, and spending time with just family. It was an easy weekend getaway. She was NOT impressed with the snow. But, it was the frozen kind and you couldn't even walk on it without slipping because it was ice.

****Blogger is not letting me download more than these pics right now, so I'll have to download them on different posts.****

Frugal Friday (a few days late)

I had a good shopping trip this past week at Publix. I was able to do another great stockpiling trip and even bought 6 boxes of treats for the local animal shelter. The picture is missing my milk and half & half creamer.

Transaction #1:

10- Milk Bone Dog Treats- $1.85 each - (5) BOGO Q's - (5) $1.00 Target Q

2- Ken's Marinade- $1.39 each - (2) $1.00 Q

1- Publix Milk- $2.99

1- Publix Lemon Lime Soda (Mystery Item) - 1 cent

OOP Total: $3.75

Savings: $43.11

Also used $5.00/$25.00 Competitor Coupon

Transaction #2:

3- Betty Crocker Cookie Dough Mix- $1.34 each - (3) $.50 Q (doubled)

2- Quaker Oat Bars to Go- $1.59 each - 2 Q

2- Ken's Marinade- $1.39 each - (2) $1.00 Q

2- Country Crock Butter Spread- $.95 - (2) Q

1- Fresh Farms Quesadilla- $3.85- $.75 Q

2- Soft Scrub Cleaner- $1.48 each - (2) $.50 Q (doubled)

1- Half and Half Creamer- $1.75

2- Post Cereals- $1.94 each -

Garlic- $.94

Bananas- $.90

Onions- $.56

Peaches- $2.05

1- Black Beans- $1.39

1- Publix Seltzer Water (mystery item)- 1 cent

2- Aleve- $3.59 each - $4.00 PQ - (2) $1.00 Q

1- Revlon Tweezer- $2.49 - $2.50 PQ

3- Revlon Emery Board- $1.69 each - (3) $2.50 PQ

OOP Total: $14.79

Savings: $54.84

Unfortunately, I don't recall which coupons matched up with the items. The cashier had some difficulty inputting my coupons and then we both got confused, but I am sure that I came out ahead in the long run. I was also able to get overage from the emery boards which helped get the OOP total down. I also used a $5.00/$25.00 Competitor Coupon too.

Total OOP for the week: $18.54

Total Savings: $94.95

Since we were going out of town, I wasn't needing a ton of produce or milk. But, I did go to Kroger on Thursday night and buy a few more things. I didn't take a picture of it, but here's the rundown:

1- Roast- $4.24
2- Half Gallon Milk- $.99 each!
1- Bread- $.88
1- Cantaloupe- $1.69
1- Red Barron Pizza- $3.00
1- Apple and Cheese Tray- $3.49

So, I ended up using the rest of my $40/week budget on a few more things. I was very proud of myself. I stayed under my alotted amount again this week!

Sorry for the delay...

We went out of town to the Smoky Mountains this weekend and I didn't take my computer! Yes, shocking! It's late now and unfortunately Caroline is still up...yes...shocking! I am listening to Tim read her books and her laughing. I LOVE those sounds!!!

Upcoming posts....Frugal Friday (great deals at Publix), Gatlinburg Pictures, Caroline's first snow experience AND carsickness! YUCK!

Read you soon!! :)

A Year Ago...Part 1 of THE story

It was about a year ago when our world began on an adventure that we never could have truly prepared for. Here's part 1 of the story...

Wow! Where do I even begin? Do I begin with the day we found out we couldn't have natural children? Do I begin with the many visits to conferences discussing adoption, together and alone? Do I begin with how we fell in love with this tiny perfect baby dressed in pink sticking out her tongue? Or do I begin with how we found out that our facilitator was infamous (in a really bad way)? Yes, that's where we'll start...

Now, you have to realize that you are missing out on several key factors...the LIES! Lies that we were constantly told about where we were in the adoption process and the fact that our social worker/contact person was changed three times.

Okay, enough bitterness and on with the story. On January 20, 2008, our world began to crumble beyond belief. Dateline NBC did a news report on Guatemalan Adoptions and it was brutal. Our beloved facilitator was "acused" of being a baby broker! How can that be true? We had been to Guatemala four times and even celebrated Thanksgiving with him and his family! Weren't we like family?? Wouldn't we know if this was true?

With a shadow of now doubt, even though we refused to believe it, we kept trucking on. I suppose there was more than a "shadow" of doubt. One of our dear friends did some major investigating for us in Guatemala and we knew that there were TONS of lies that were hidden....We ended up getting of the blackhole called PGN on Thursday, February 7th. The end was near! My mom offered to take me to Guatemala in February for a week visit to see our now not so little Caroline.

My mom and I arrived in Guatemala on February 15th, with me being sick with the flu, but on the mend. I had gone to the doctor and received three shots and antibiotics. But, I wasn't the only one sick, poor Caroline was very sick. She had a fever, a deep cough, and was severely constipated. Her foster mother gave us medicine that had been prescribed by a doctor. Now to make a long story a bit shorter, the medicine was prescribed by a doctor that foster moms use when they are short on cash or not given their money from their facilitator or when the doctor refused to see them because of lack of payment.

The following was an excerpt from one of my blog entries in February..."When we got Caroline we were told that she had been to the doctor for a fever and chest congestion. We should give her a certain type of medicine 3 times a day until Tuesday. We also were told that she should get another set of medicine 2 times a day indefinitely for teething. We didn't feel like she was getting any better and she was severely constipated. She managed to get out a rock with some blood on it for us. I was really worried so I tagged along to the doctor's office with another friend. It turns out that Caroline did not go to see the right doctor, but was taken to a "cheapy" clinic down the street. The doctor gave her medicine and such. BUT...the medicine that she was getting for the chest cold turned out to be a bad medicine and they pulled it from the shelf. It's the equivalent of an adult breathing treatment and races their hearts too much. In other words, a heart attack. The teething medicine turned out to be MUCH stronger than adult tylenol or motrin and was also banned. The doctor was so upset with my fostermom and he threw the medicine away. The medicines have bad side effects such as SEVERE constipation, crankiness, fidgety, nervous ticks, etc.... It started make sense as to why she was feeling so rotten! The doctor said that she was overmedicated and still needed to be on antibiotics, but because she had so much in her system, he didn't want her to have anything. We have some herbal medicine that we can start giving to her on Friday morning if needed. Also, if she isn't getting any better, I have to go back in with her. After hearing all of this, I started crying when I got out of the clinic. I was so relieved that she was okay, but so angry that she was taking bad medicine. My heart is torn as to whether to yell at her fostermom or kindly but sternly, remind her of the seriousness of her action."

So, Caroline was extremely sick and could have suffered from a heart attack had we not intervened.

During our visit, we were also experiencing HUGE agency drama. Our agency wouldn't pay our facilitator and our facilitator had refused to proceed with our adoptions. Our adoptions were put on hold. My saving grace was the fact that the owner of our agency would accept my phone calls and I was able to become the messenger between two very greedy men. As Tim has repeatedly said I was in the middle of a "pissing match" between two grown men. On one occasion, I was able to talk the agency into giving our facilitator a very large down payment, to which our facilitator refused. It was all or nothing. I sat helplessly by and watched my child become a pawn. I honestly didn't think I could have prayed so hard in my life, who would have known that prayer would become almost a 24 hour prayer vigil for weeks....

Fun Outside with Sidewalk Chalk

When Caroline runs...she twists her little behind...it's so funny!
You can kind of see it here!

No, Mommy...I am NOT climbing on the table!

Just a cutie!

Caroline and Peaches playing ball

Note to self, take slide off of pavement...

1...2...3!!!!

Let's do it again!

Sidewalk Chalk fun!

I'm a little artist...short and stout!

Gathering chalk

One more time down the slide...

Cirque de Soleil...Anniversary Date

On Thursday, February 12th, Tim and I celebrated our 9th wedding anniversary. He surprised me by taking me to Cirque de Soleil downtown! It was awesome! We were in Vegas several years ago, but didn't make one of the shows, now we are totally regretting it! If you get the opportunity and you live in the area, GO! We were running late because we had some issues with Caroline's sitting arrangements, so we weren't able to go out to eat. When we got there, we were STARVING! Lucky for us, they had a gourmet food stand and we ordered the BEST portabello mushroom panini and a grilled chicken club panini. I swear the mushrooms tasted just like steak! YUM! It was a bit odd because we shared "our table" with a couple of sets of strangers, so it wasn't an intimate dinner. GO!!!!
I only have a few pics because they wouldn't allow cameras in the tent. So, it definitely leaves you wanting more! The Atlanta Skyline at dusk

Tim standing in front of one of the ads

Happy 9th Anniversary!

The Longing for Geese

I love her great smile!
"Why won't they come see me?""Peaches, I am not going to play ball...I'm trying to get us a new pet!"

The other day, we were hanging out in the backyard when Caroline spotted the geese on the other side of the fence. She was so upset because the geese would not come up to her. She cried and cried. Caroline would stick her hand between the slats and just beg for the geese to come to her. I was secretly praying they would not because these geese are MEAN! Needless to say, Caroline was disappointed in her new pets!

Yesterday, I had a tennis match where the courts overlooked a small pond on a golf course. This course had resident ducks, swans, and geese and were NOT afraid of Caroline. Tim took her down to the landing and they just loved on her and begged her to feed them. Now, how do you explain to your 1 year old that these geese are different? :)

Upcoming Posts

We have been really busy around here lately. I am also behind on posting some new pictures of Caroline. Sometime today or tomorrow, I will be posting on....our anniversary date to Cirque de Soleil, the longing for geese, sidewalk chalk, and random photos.

We have a busy day as we will be going to Publix (of course), picking up a friend at the airport, possibly tutoring (not sure since it's winter break here), and tennis practice tonight. Tim's out of town again, so Caroline will be staying with the babysitter for a few hours.

I'll leave you with a few cute pics of the princess!

I've Been Tagged

I have been tagged by my blogging friend and now real world friend Laura Beth.
Here we go...THE RULES:Step 1: respond and rework—answer the questions on your own blog, replace one question that you dislike with a question of your own invention, add one more question of your own.Step 2: tag—eight other untagged people. (or however many...)

Make a list of things you can see without getting up: I'm in the breakfast room, and I see the dirty breakfast dishes on the stove, a shapes puzzle on my lap, my coffee cup on the table, beautiful artwork created by the wonderful Caroline, weeds in the backyard, a peaceful lake with geese swimming, and Caroline's baby dolls wearing diapers.
Favorite football team: University of Kentucky Wildcats!
What are you wearing now? flannel pajama pants and a Kentucky long sleeved t-shirt
What color is your bedroom? Churchhill Downs Chocolate
What’s the last thing you read/are currently reading? Oh, how I love to read, but just never seem to have the time anymore....the last thing I read was a free Parent's magazine yesterday
Do you nap a lot? I wish!
Who was the last person you hugged? Caroline
What’s your current obsession/addiction? tennis and winning, coupons, and Caroline!
What was the last thing you said aloud? I just read aloud Caroline's new book from Valentine's Day
What Web sites do you always visit when you go online? yahoo mail, my blog, and lots of others
What was the last thing you bought? birthday present at Target
What are you listening to right now? Handy Manny
What is something you wish you could do more? I wish that I could travel more. Before Caroline, we would just pack up and GO, without a thought or care in the world. Now, it's much different...
What gives you hope? Knowing that the sun will rise tomorrow and that God has amazing plans for Caroline
What is your favorite weather, and why? Spring- the new flowers and colors, the world just seems to come alive and I like planting flowers (even though I am no good at it!)
What time do you usually get up? 8:30ish...Caroline most of the time sleeps in until 9:00.
What is your most challenging goal right now? balancing my life...it seems a bit out of wack right now and I feel like I am downward spiraling some days.
Say something to the person who tagged you: Laura Beth, I am glad that our world is so small and we were able to become friends! Who would have thought that a blogging friend lived down the road from you and we would have SO much in common! I can't wait to get to know you guys even better and look forward to Ada and Caroline having a great friendship!
If you could have a house–totally paid for, fully furnished–anywhere in the world, where would you want it to be? I picture my house on a square with a large wrap around porch, probably in Savannah or Charleston. I would love to be near the beach, but not on the beach, because I have to have my "square"! :)
Favorite vacation spot? No place in particular, but it must be on the ocean with a gentle breeze!
What is your favorite children’s book? Goodnight Moon (because I read it on tape for Caroline and sent it to Guatemala. She still recognizes the book!!)
Name one thing you just can’t resist no matter how bad it is for you: Caramel and my mom's chess cake!
If you could meet anyone famous - dead or alive - who would it be? Teddy Roosevelt
Have you ever met anyone famous? If so who? I met President Bill Clinton (not sure if that counts). I met Phil Knight (founder of Nike) and carried on a long conversation with him. Because of my hubby's love of sports, I have also met tons of athletes (basketball, baseball, football) and I had a personal trainer that was a pro-wrestler (Bryan Clark from the Kronic). AND, I taught another wrestler's child in school. I have also met Chris Tucker.
If you could have any job in the world , what would it be? Not really sure what it would be...
Who is your hero? My mom is my hero. She stuck by me in Guatemala and even "slapped" me into reality when the toughest times hit. She never left my side, even when I begged her to go home for her own safety. She never faltered and I only hope to have her motherly strength one day.
Who is the last person you talked to? Caroline
I tag: Kristy, Ruthanne, Jessica, Leah and Kelli

Frugal Friday

I think that I am going to post my shopping trips on Fridays. I kinda like the sound of 'Frugal Friday' and it allows my readers who come to check in on my savings know when to expect it.
I had an exceptional week of savings at Publix. I didn't need many groceries (thank you stockpile) but was in need of diapers. So, in order to stay under my $40/week budget, I needed to figure out an amazing plan...

Transaction Details
1- Huggies Diapers- $21.99 - $5 Publix Baby club Q-$3 Kimberly Clark Q-$2 MQ
1- Huggies Wipes-$2.99 - $2.99 FREE wipes wyb diapers
1- Fresh Pineapple- $1.85
2- Land O'Lakes Butter $.89 each - $.55 Qx2
7- Pillsbury Cake Mixes $.85 - $.40 Q (doubled to $.80)x 7
1- Golden Grahams Cereal $2.00 - $1.00 MQ
1- Frosted Mini Wheats Cereal- $2.10 - $1.00 MQ
2- Yo-Plait Yogurt Plus- $2.00 each - $1.50 MQx2
1- Half & Half Creamer- $1.75
4- Grands Biscuits- $1.00 each - $.40/2- $.40-$.50
2- Cupcake Liners- $.95 each

Used $5.00/$25.00 Competitor Q

Total OOP= $20.10

Total Saved= $47.19

MQ-Manufacturer Coupon

PQ- Publix Coupon

I feel like I did a great job, but I totally forgot about the blueberries on sale at Kroger yesterday! I had meant to take some of my extra money and buy several cartons of these and freeze them for smoothies! Oh, well.. next time... I didn't have to buy milk this week because Kroger had the half gallons on sale last week for a special sale. I bought milk then and still managed to stay under budget.

How did you do this week?

Life is AMAZING!

I am sitting outside on the patio watching Caroline run around the backyard, draw with her sidewalk chalk, and chase the dogs. The geese are "talking" over the lake, I am watching hawks fly overhead, the sky is the perfect shade of blue, and there is a calm breeze in the air. I am utterly amazed! Why you ask? I am so overwhelmed with the fact that God has such amazing things planned for my daughter. He protected her from harm in Guatemala and allowed me and many others to see the work of only His hand. What amazing things is God doing in your life?

"Be still and know that I am God" ~Psalm 46:10

Jogging Stroller Adoration

Over the last few weeks, I have decided that I would like a new jogging stroller for Caroline. We bought one for her in May of 2007 (yes, WAAAAY before she was here) and I got an incredible deal on it. However, without putting much thought into it, I soon discovered the importance of a free rotating wheel on the front. SO.....I decided to start looking for a new one. I found this adorable one on E-bay and was amazed at how low the starting bid was. I put in what I thought was a great price on the stroller and kept the highest bid for quite some time. I received an email telling me that I am no longer the highest bidder and if I wanted the item, I needed to increase my bid. Oh, well, okay....NOT! Check this out....4 days left...$815! And...yes, I realize that it doesn't exactly qualify as a jogging stroller, but it was adorable! Now, onto finding a real jogging stroller! Any ideas?

Imagine It! Atlanta Children's Museum

Tim and I took Caroline to the children's museum on Thursday. We had such a great time! She loved playing with the balls, fishing in the water, painting on the wall, and the moon sand area. I'm not sure exactly what her favorite spot was! She loved them all! We will definitely going back in the near future!!!!