• So, this week we took a step. It was unexpected and not the way we thought we were going, but we have felt 100% at peace about it since. • We have felt for years that we were supposed to wait on a phone call and adopt privately. Lately, though, several opportunities have arisen that we felt the need to check into. We never wanted to look back and feel like we missed steps we had been led to while waiting. After checking out one avenue, Mr. Gray and I both felt very clearly that it wasn’t the way for us. When we got home, I sent an email to an agency we had been interested in for several years. Previously, they had a waitlist for families and we took that as a sign we were not to pursue it. This time, they didn’t. They were updating some of their processes and told me they’d get back with me when the new information was ready to roll. I considered that a probably not and went on my way. Within days, I received another email from them with the new information. We took that as our go-ahead and officially submitted our information this week. • We still don’t know anything about timing or place or any details, but we know this felt right. So, here we are. One step down a different path and still waiting.
    So, this week we took a step. It was unexpected and not the way we thought we were going, but we have felt 100% at peace about it since. • We have felt for years that we were supposed to wait on a phone call and adopt privately. Lately, though, several opportunities have arisen that we felt the need to check into. We never wanted to look back and feel like we missed steps we had been led to while waiting. After checking out one avenue, Mr. Gray and I both felt very clearly that it wasn’t the way for us. When we got home, I sent an email to an agency we had been interested in for several years. Previously, they had a waitlist for families and we took that as a sign we were not to pursue it. This time, they didn’t. They were updating some of their processes and told me they’d get back with me when the new information was ready to roll. I considered that a probably not and went on my way. Within days, I received another email from them with the new information. We took that as our go-ahead and officially submitted our information this week. • We still don’t know anything about timing or place or any details, but we know this felt right. So, here we are. One step down a different path and still waiting.
  • I was listening to a podcast this morning, and the host was discussing pregnancy, waiting, and infertility with her guest. They talked a bit about how others seemed to cautiously tell them pregnancy news as they were trying to get pregnant. I have had several people express this same sentiment to me as we wait to adopt. See, the thing is, us waiting for OUR baby doesn’t mean we are not excited for YOUR baby. I can love all the babies—yours, mine, the ones in my Insta-feed, all of them. The one thing I for sure know and trust (even though it’s hard sometimes) is that God knows exactly who our baby is. He knows when she is coming. He knows that for us, so I can know that He knows that for you. Your baby is a joy and a blessing, just like ours will be when it’s time. So, please, don’t hesitate to share your joy with us—we want to celebrate with you! I love that the same sentiment was expressed by the podcast hosts. Let’s celebrate each other.
    I was listening to a podcast this morning, and the host was discussing pregnancy, waiting, and infertility with her guest. They talked a bit about how others seemed to cautiously tell them pregnancy news as they were trying to get pregnant. I have had several people express this same sentiment to me as we wait to adopt. See, the thing is, us waiting for OUR baby doesn’t mean we are not excited for YOUR baby. I can love all the babies—yours, mine, the ones in my Insta-feed, all of them. The one thing I for sure know and trust (even though it’s hard sometimes) is that God knows exactly who our baby is. He knows when she is coming. He knows that for us, so I can know that He knows that for you. Your baby is a joy and a blessing, just like ours will be when it’s time. So, please, don’t hesitate to share your joy with us—we want to celebrate with you! I love that the same sentiment was expressed by the podcast hosts. Let’s celebrate each other.
  • Somehow it’s already July and we just now made it out to our favorite river spot. We’ve been trying to be more intentional with our time and not spend it all running up and down the road, which has, apparently, led to us being slightly delayed in our inaugural @lonestarfloathouse trip for the year. It was the perfect little Friday night family spot. 💦 We’ll be back—sooner than later!
    Somehow it’s already July and we just now made it out to our favorite river spot. We’ve been trying to be more intentional with our time and not spend it all running up and down the road, which has, apparently, led to us being slightly delayed in our inaugural @lonestarfloathouse trip for the year. It was the perfect little Friday night family spot. 💦 We’ll be back—sooner than later!
  • Lots of fun adventures and only one awkward family photo to show for it. 🇺🇸🇺🇸 Grateful for this country and our freedom. Being able to worship, share, and enjoy this life is absolutely priceless. (And of course, “You look like the Fourth of July. Makes me want a hot dog real bad. 🇺🇸💥🌭)
    Lots of fun adventures and only one awkward family photo to show for it. 🇺🇸🇺🇸 Grateful for this country and our freedom. Being able to worship, share, and enjoy this life is absolutely priceless. (And of course, “You look like the Fourth of July. Makes me want a hot dog real bad. 🇺🇸💥🌭)
  • The journey to parenthood is such a personal one. It’s different for everyone, and no matter the route you’re on, some parts are easier than others. As we continue down the road toward an adoption, it’s so easy to get lost in the time spent waiting. Sometimes it’s tempting to feel sorry for ourselves or wish the time away. We are at such a sweet place right now with this guy. He is strong and independent. We are able to travel {with or without him} and go on adventures. All three of us are sure ready for our newest family member, though. We don’t know if it’ll be 5 days, 5 months, or 5 years from now, but we know God already knows our child. We don’t know how old she’ll be or what she’ll look like, but God does. He already knows and sees our family as complete. I can’t wait until we can see that as well. | Would you consider sharing or story? Maybe it’s on social media, maybe it’s in a private message, maybe it’s to a friend who might have a connection somewhere through work or church. We don’t know the details, but God does. ❤️ #adoption #TGMadopts #whilewewait
    The journey to parenthood is such a personal one. It’s different for everyone, and no matter the route you’re on, some parts are easier than others. As we continue down the road toward an adoption, it’s so easy to get lost in the time spent waiting. Sometimes it’s tempting to feel sorry for ourselves or wish the time away. We are at such a sweet place right now with this guy. He is strong and independent. We are able to travel {with or without him} and go on adventures. All three of us are sure ready for our newest family member, though. We don’t know if it’ll be 5 days, 5 months, or 5 years from now, but we know God already knows our child. We don’t know how old she’ll be or what she’ll look like, but God does. He already knows and sees our family as complete. I can’t wait until we can see that as well. | Would you consider sharing or story? Maybe it’s on social media, maybe it’s in a private message, maybe it’s to a friend who might have a connection somewhere through work or church. We don’t know the details, but God does. ❤️ #adoption #TGMadopts #whilewewait
  • This was supposed to be a cute photo of us waking to breakfast Sunday. He darted out before I could catch him. 😉 | Today we attended a memorial service for a close family friend. Death always gets me thinking, and today was no different. As one of his friends got up and spoke, he shared some amazing memories and insights. Once again, I was reflecting on legacy, and then he rounded out what he had to say with a comment on seeing your true friends at their best and at their worst; being a friend with no filter. Goodness, I am grateful for that kind of friendship. Friends with no bounds who are right down in the trenches with you. It made me do a little self-check to be sure I am being that kind of friend as well. No filters, no masks, just good friends, muddling through our messes together clinging to hope that only Jesus can provide. God created us to crave community and do life together. Let’s hold each other up and walk through it side by side.
    This was supposed to be a cute photo of us waking to breakfast Sunday. He darted out before I could catch him. 😉 | Today we attended a memorial service for a close family friend. Death always gets me thinking, and today was no different. As one of his friends got up and spoke, he shared some amazing memories and insights. Once again, I was reflecting on legacy, and then he rounded out what he had to say with a comment on seeing your true friends at their best and at their worst; being a friend with no filter. Goodness, I am grateful for that kind of friendship. Friends with no bounds who are right down in the trenches with you. It made me do a little self-check to be sure I am being that kind of friend as well. No filters, no masks, just good friends, muddling through our messes together clinging to hope that only Jesus can provide. God created us to crave community and do life together. Let’s hold each other up and walk through it side by side.