Last week was full of adoption info for this girl. It was amazing to connect with a social worker who has 6 years of experience with adoption. Also, she is adopted and her 2 children are as well, so it was amazingly enlightening and informative to get her multi-perspective view on adoption. We were able to sit and have coffee and chat and it was great. I am so thankful for the connections I am making and know that everyone who is sharing their stories and offering guidance will help us along this journey!
I also attended an adoption panel that my company put together. It was great to hear stories from people who have adopted and really network and find people to mentor Jason and I as we enter this journey. So, I am going to keep educating myself and networking in each and every way possible to be prepared for this journey, which although beautiful, I am aware there will be bumps, bruises and possible heartache along the way. But, do you know what I say to that?! 2 things actually: 1. BRING IT ON!!!! & 2. CHALLENGE ACCEPTED! #capthat I don't know why I said that and used a hash tag, but I saw it on Twitter once and thought it was cool. How's that working for me?!
On another note, Jason and I decided that we definitely want to end the life of being renters and try to be in a home, our home, when our lease is up in May. We have started the process and it is so exciting! As soon as we are settled in, then we can start the home study and really make the adoption process official! In the meantime, we plan to shop around for adoption agencies. I asked the question, "How do you decide what agency is best for you?", at the adoption panel last week and got the same answer from many who have adopted. They said that you just know and need to follow your gut. That made me hopeful, because the research process can be overwhelming and confusing. So, we will continue to read about local agencies, do our homework, make our list of questions and hopefully find one that is the right fit for us.
How exciting, huh?! Sometimes I just sit and smile and revel in all of my blessings. I think back to almost 3 years ago (cannot believe it has been almost 3 years) since my dad passed away and how far I have come emotionally in dealing with the effects of that loss and moving along in my grief journey. Loosing a parent is so hard and traumatic. I went through a rough patch after that. My dad and I were so close and that loss effected each and every aspect of my life. I am now able to focus on the positive things, for example, our last words to each other were I love you, we spoke on the phone everyday and I had 30 years with the most amazing dad ever. He may be gone, but I have a lifetime of memories that nothing can take away. He would be so proud of me and the decisions I am making. He would love Jason and be so happy that his little girl found someone to share her life with. He would also be the best grandpa EVER. Talk about spoiling! He would be ridiculous! And I would love every single second of it! I know he is smiling down at me and I can't wait to tell future baby Glassburn all about Grandpa Loren. Life is precious, people. My dad went to sleep and never woke up. I have changed my perspective so much because of this. You can never say I love you too many times. Always smile at strangers and be kind. Spend time with the people you care about. Don't hold grudges and learn to forgive. Holding hate in your heart takes up room where there could be precious love. Be grateful. Be graceful. And give lots of hugs. And high-fives. Because the world can always use more high-fives.
Jason and I start our 6 week finance classes this week! Wish us luck! We started a little early by trying to save money in the grocery department. We want to try to cut out eating out and what not. But there is something I don't know if I can give up. Movie theatre popcorn with extra butter. I dream about that delicious goodness. And we received 10 free movie tickets recently so it evens out, right?! I am sure I will be told no in finance class. Bummer. Goodbye, sweet movie theatre buttery popcorn goodness. (Moment of silence while I grieve, please...okay I'm over it!) We signed up for something called emeals, which is an affordable weekly meal planning service.( https://emeals.com/) It is even endorsed by Dave Ramsey, and that is the finance classes we are taking, so we should get the approval. Oh man, I just realized starting that early may make me a bit of a suck up! Oh well, I will deal with it! We signed up for the clean eating meal plan and the lunch meal plan. They email you your menu and a detailed shopping list every Sunday. They also have an iphone app so you can access everything on your phone! Awesome and convenient! So, I changed out of my Sunday sweat pants, had my coupons and weekly adds paired with my new meal plan grocery list and headed to the store! As I was shopping I kept thinking this is a bit much food for 2 Glassburns, but I rolled with it! Turns out I accidentally signed up for family plan and not the plan for 2. Uhhhh, my bad. But, I switched it so we are all set now. I spent about 3 hours prepping meals last night and was able to freeze the extras that I accidentally purchased. So to sum it up, we are on a plan and committed to sticking with it! This is all part of saving for the Glassburn residence and future baby Glassburn! Get excited, ya'll! I know we are!!
I will leave you with these glorious pictures...
Have a super awesome week! And remember, don't be mean and give lots of hugs.
Brooke
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