We have a date....

On January 20th 2010 Samuel's placement should become secure. The social worker told me it would be earlier but she said because of the holidays it had to be pushed back. Please continue to pray for our family. Uugghhhhhh..... it feels like forever :(

O Christmas Tree

Justin and I took Samuel on Sat. to pick out our tree. Every year Justin and I spend hours trying to find the perfect one......not this year Ha! Samuel did not like the sun in his eyes so the second one Justin "displayed" I decided looked great. We maybe spent a total of 10 minutes getting our tree. :) I will post a picture tonight of Justin and Samuel with the tree.

I am really looking forward to Thanksgiving. I DREAD packing and the car ride but I cannot wait to see everyone. Hope you have a great day!

A Sweet Surprise

This is my niece, Lauren, holding Samuel last night. Frances (sister-in-law) and Lauren came to stay with us because I did not get home until after 10:00 p.m. (ACE match) and Samuel has had a rough week sleeping. Anyway, when I got home I started complaining to Frances about how I felt stressed and our bedroom was a disaster and I had not had any time to clean. About 15 minutes later Lauren came in the room and said, "Aunt Beth close your eyes and hold my hand." She led me down the hall and to our bedroom. She CLEANED OUR BEDROOM! She made the bed, lined up my shoes, and folded some clothes. It was SO SWEET and I started crying. To think that an 8 year old heard that I felt stressed and decided to do something about it was very touching. She gave me such a sweet ending to a very stressful day! She is also GREAT with Samuel. Thank you Lauren- We love you!

Not much happened yesterday at our meeting with the social worker. She told us that she would email me with a final date next week and that it would probably be the week after Christmas or the first week of January. She gave us a complement and said that a person working with Bethany (the adoption agency) requested that they keep a copy of our scrapbook to use as an example for other families. To everyone that helped with the scrapbook- THANKS- our hard work paid off!

The song "You're Still God" (that most of you have heard a thousand times) was released right before my surgery in April of 07. I would never be able to count the times I have played this song and let the words minister to my heart and soul. It has been on my mind for the past several days because I have been thinking about Samuel and how God made a way where there seemed to be no way. I know the placement is still not secure but I do not want to fail in praising God for what he has already done. In the chorus the song says "... and I know he'll make a way somehow. He's still God and he is holding me right now" There were times when I thought that God would never make a way but I am so thankful that He held on to me when I did not have the strength to hold on to Him.
Are you carrying a heavy burden that you never dreamed you would carry? Have your eyes cried a million tears? Can you not find an answer or the reason for the trial? Remember God's ways are perfect and he has been watching all the while!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FX1745UaC-A (WARNING-very southern gospel! :) )

Have a good Thursday-

My Little Man

Thankfully, Samuel LOVES to take a bath!

I cannot believe he is already 2 months old! Time is flying by and I feel like he is changing everyday. We are going to meet the social worker tomorrow morning so I will post any updates. Pray for us as we travel. Have a great night!

Hey

I did not forget about the blog- I just have not had time to upload pictures. Last week we took Samuel for his two month shots :( I could not even look- Justin had to hold him. The Dr. said he is great. He now weighs 12 pounds! People still tell me that he looks tiny but to us he is huge! (When we got him he was only 6 pounds) He is sleeping much better at night. On Saturday night he slept for 51/2 hours without making a sound. We were shocked and excited. :) The Dr. said we should start the cry-it-out method and I did try.....but I could not stand it. I know... I know.....when I pick him up it only makes it worse. But really- he was crying so much the sheet was wet under him :( Do any moms out there have suggestions? The Dr. said that we should go on and do it because if not it will just become harder the older he gets. Justin was going to try last night and even he gave in! Our church is in revival this week but I will try to get a couple of pictures up tonight or tomorrow. Hope you have a good Monday!

Weekend Pictures

We had a big weekend in Lbg . My Dad cooked a pig and all "The Grubbs" came over Sat. afternoon. We had a great time but unfortunately Samuel was not a happy boy the whole way there and back. He does NOT like the carseat! We stopped a couple of times and as soon as we would take him out he would smile. ....So cute but frustrating :) Samuel also had his first trip to one of my favorite places on this earth.. Pages Chapel. We forgot our camera so I will have to take a picture there next time. Justin gave me a Canon Rebel for my birthday and I am debating on whether or not I should keep it or get a new computer. Any suggestions? Hope you had a good weekend.

This was my 2nd birthday cake. Thanks to Robin

Samuel and Mommy

"....and what are ya'll eating" Miss Finley was watching us taste test!

Robin and Creighton in front of their "turkey"

Taste testing

We met Leslie and crew for breakfast and Samuel and Finley had on the same boots. Sisters think alike :)

Justin's family had a birthday party for me Thurs. night. His mom cooked breakfast and we had a doughnut cake.

Happy Birthday To....

Me :) Yes, today is my 28th birthday. I still feel like I should be... um... maybe 23! Life happens so quickly and I am so thankful for the past 28 years.

It feels like yesterday when.....

Mom rocked me to sleep

All that mattered was being in Rebecca's elementary school class

I ate around my parents dinner table every night

Rebekah and Meredith came to swing, drink MD, eat Godiva and help mend my broken heart

God's amazing grace saved me

I spent my first night on the 7th floor of Lee at NCSU

Justin held my hand for the first time

I said "I Do"

Samuel was placed in my arms :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7lddv5ssloo&feature=related

We are going to Lbg for the weekend so I will try to post pictures Sunday night. Hope everyone has a great Friday!

HAPPY......

BIRTHDAY TO YOU, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU, HAPPY BIRTHDAY

AMANDA FAULK, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!

I hope you have a wonderful 28th birthday. I love you and I can't wait to see you Thanksgiving!

Pictures

Justin informed me that they were not playing "Airplane" they were playing "Super Sonic Jet" ha!
Holding his head up.

Trying on Creighton's camo hat

Samuel and Gam
Have a great night :)

Special Times

This is how I feel about the moments that are happening in my life.....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I5D-jX58Huo&feature=related
By the way- this is a great Christmas CD! I have been listening to it all year :)


I have thought about canceling the blog....I am using the blog as a "journal" to keep for myself and to share pictures of Samuel. If you find spelling, grammar, etc problems -forgive me or stop reading the blog. I do not want to have to proofread everything I write. I don't have time and if I start then I will not want to write anymore. Thanks!

I will try to post pictures tonight.