Letter to our child

Our child,

We have waited for you for years. We can't wait to hold your hand and your amazing perfect body next to our hearts. You are an amazing gift to us from the most unselfish woman that wanted to give you opportunities she thought you would never have. You and your birth mom are the best gift from God. We promise to care for you until the end of time! You will always be considered our miracle child/ren and our gift/s! Your hopes and dreams feel our hearts with exploding joy for your future as we pray that God will always remain close to your heart.  He has blessed us with your life and crossed your birth mother's life and ours together. The Lord knows exactly what your dad and I need to make our lives complete. He knows the time, day, hour, second and year. We know that you will be curious and want to know more about your birth parents. We understand your desires and pray you will know their gift to us, makes them a hero in our eyes. You are our joy! We are so blessed and can't wait to me you in the near future. We know God knows where you are now, who the birth parents might be, but know we pray for you as your journey to us becomes closer for our empty hearts to be complete.  You are the best thing we have ever waited for and we continue to be excited for we know the Lord provides us with more love for you each day as we wait on you, our miracle.  

Blessings,
Mommy and Daddy

GOOD NEWS on Easter Day!!!

Mommy and Daddy are officially approved! Now they wait for me

This is the sign that was sitting in the crib on Easter! My mother was shocked. I knew I placed it in there, but not telling her for several days (when I was with her every day) was surprise to so many and myself. How I kept my BIG mouth shut?  I guess because I had told a dear friend's mother when she came over one day to make a card, we thought we had official be approved, but were waiting on the official letter. This poor woman had to see my mother every Monday morning for prayer group. She never said a word! She is a true angel. I know she was so elated when she knew my mom knew!

Tears filled my eyes as my mother, came running into the kitchen and said in her Texan draw...."When did you find out?" For my mom, hollering wasn't usually a typical thing,,even her voice cracked and her hand flopped like a chicken!I was so relieved I had forgotten to tell her, that tears started streaming down my face, I turned my head so the rest of the family couldn't see them..I was still preparing for our Easter Feast!


When I was a junior in college I had written a movie scripts for a class and the couple announced their engagement at Easter with the family. So this was my dream to tell my parents something so joyous on such a blessing of a day. I hated I was missing my God daughter first Easter Egg hunt at church, but I knew deep in my heart I could see that experience next year when she is older and enjoys it even more.

The memories you make with your family are lasting. I only wish my sister and her family were here, but soon we will be able to travel to see them! and who knows? Our child could be born right there in LUBBOCK, TX of all places.  I also hated that Derek's mom and dad weren't here! But we sent them this picture to make their Easter a brighter day! Destiny was here to share the day with us, and we are so thankful for her being so close to us! She is the best.
PURE JOY!

Being on the Expecting Prayer List

I was so excited and nervous when I asked our ministers to place us on the expecting prayer list in our hearts we have always been expecting. I remember hearing those names during a prayer and squeezing Derek's hand in hope to be able one day share our joyous news of a new arrival. So the Sunday finally came in which we too were listed in the prayer list "Mindy and Derek". The sound of our names poked at my heart, knowing it may not be in 9 months, it could be later or sooner. You never know what the Lord has in store, and he does have perfect timing. As I walked out of church, I was greeted with the most lovely words, "I'm so happy you are on the expecting prayer list because you are expecting," It warmed my heart coming from a mother and father of 5 lovely children.  When I wrote the ministers about the prayer list, I had told them they could place "adopting" by our names so that others would know my bulging tummy is me eating for one rather than 2! But I guess they decided it didn't matter, and they probably didn't want us to be treated any differently than other parents. Then I realized we are going to be parents, adoption is nothing different,,,well is some ways, but parents are parents. Love is love and your child will always be your child, no mater how the child was placed in your life!

Actions Speak Volumes

 Day by day I have my moments, when I want to call the adoption agency and ask, "Well?" I know it is all in "due time" As we eagerly wait and fill my time with cleaning, trying to work on the house, think of baby stuff we might need, and write. I haven't been doing the best at blogging, but that is because after I write I let it set in the waiting Zone! I always try to sit on something before I publish it, unless it's a easy write like today's blog. My heart has be saddened for those in need by recent events in West and Boston. Thinking I often feel emotions of deep sympathy for those who have lost loved ones. Then I remember those helping and it make me proud to be a Texan. Many friends' loved ones have gone to help and that fills my heart with a different emotions. It also reminds me that time is precious and to never forget to share the love of the Lord with all, not just by words but actions. Words are great, but when you show and become an example it speaks volumes not just an introduction.  These recent horrific events remind me, to be patient, to be still and listen to his words.  I hope one day when my child is in my arms I can be an example and my goal is to show them that kindness in society does matter. Just when you turn on the t.v to see another dark episode of the latest criminal show on t.v, remember there are moments in our world when a man who just ran 26.2 miles keeps running to save others at the hospital or the first fireman on the scene that went to put out a fire, only for it to be a huge explosion that took out half a town.  The town of West is sticking together and sharing with Americans all over that helping your neighbor is far important than saving your personal belongings. Donation chains flooded Facebook immediately after this tragic explosion. I'm blessed beyond words that people all over the state are reaching out. we will continue to pray for the communities of West and Boston. May their grace be shared by all as they get through the future days.

Our NEW CAR DECAL

Here is our new decal for our car. This was one of the outreach methods we decided on! It was fun making this sign. Can't wait to make more. Blessings,
Mindy and Derek

Check Out This Design At BuildASign.com!

Prenatal Appointment??? WHAT?

Mothers normally know what Dr. they are going to have come to the hospital to see the baby. Well when you are adopting, it can be a bit different. I called the pediatrician's office today to figure out what exactly I needed us to do for our adoption. We had been told to try to go ahead and pick a pediatrician so you can be ready for any situations or baby health checks. When I called, I was pleasantly surprised the person answering the phone didn't exactly know to say, "Would you like to meet our Dr?" So I went ahead and braved that ultimate question...and she transferred me to the "real receptionist" and she was very helpful. She explained that they would like to see the baby 48 hours after discharge from the hospital and I politely explained we would try our best, but didn't know what location we would be during the delivery. Then I asked if they ever had appointments to meet the Dr.s she was delightful and said yes, "Those are prenatal appointments" but yours will be a "Meet and Greet." I was so excited that she actually had a title for this meeting and in my head I was dying thinking I may look like I need that prenatal appointment, but that is my laziness- not a baby!

 I'm fascinated, yet eager to do these things a birth mother would be preparing as she gets ready to have her precious baby. I can't wait to hold the child God has for us. These tasks of making appointments and preparation are excited and joyous to know our child with be taken care of the best way we know how! I'm really thankful for my friend that recommended this group of pediatricians. These Dr.s are close and I don't have to get on any major interstates to visit them!  And if you are familiar with DFW, TX you know the metropolitan traffic is pure H-e double hockey sticks!!!! One more major thing down and several more to get done.