2008 is coming to an end...

2008 is almost over and tonight I've been thinking back over the year. Last year at this time, our goal for 2008 was to move. We did move this year but not back to Indiana like we hoped and that is ok. God has his plan for us and he will guide us to where we are supposed to be. I think some of the ups and downs of the year has really made Andy and I even closer. We have had lots of long discussions about the future and what we see for us as a family. I am so thankful to have Andy in my life. He is an amazing husband, my best friend, and really brings out the best in me.

We have a lot to be thankful for and 2008 was a good year for us. Andy did have several interviews with police departments in Indiana. The interviewing experience will definitely help him in the future and he has learned a lot through the processes even though he didn't get hired. I completed one of the biggest cases in my career and learned alot from the people I was fortunate enough to work with on it. It was a huge challenge but was very rewarding. We both are thankful that our families have been safe and in good health throughout 2008. We both have great jobs that we know that we are lucky to have. We have great friends that we can't imagine our lives without...some are just a little closer in distance to us than others. We have started the foster to adopt process and our excited to see what little one might be headed our way in 2009. We were able to spend some time with family and friends that visited Colorado through out the year...my cousin(Julie), Andy's mom and her husband, my sister(Laura) and her hubby(Phillip), and my cousin(Gretchen) and her family at her daughter's volleyball tournament in Denver. We were very happy that Mike and Matt, Andy's brother, were able to celebrate Thanksgiving with us. Lastly, Laura and Phillip received some exciting news mid-December and have started a new adventure. Phillip was accepted into med school and they moved to St. Maarten's yesterday! They made it there safely and are now in the process of getting things set up there.

Each year we have a tradition with our friend, Mike, of discussing how the next year is going to be and what our hope are for the year. So this year, I'm going to put just a few of our hopes for 2009 on here so that at the end of the year, we are able to look back and see how they turned out.
*We hope our friends and family continue to have good health and prosper this next year.

*We hope that we have a "little one" join our home.

* We hope that we continue to have jobs that make us happy..either here or somewhere closer to our families.

* We hope that we are able to spend more time with family..either here or at their homes.

As Mike says "2009 will be a great year". I hope everyone has a Happy New Year and wish you a wonderful 2009. I think 2009 is going to be a year that is full of promise and hope.

It's beginning to feel a lot like Christmas

I can't believe Christmas is only 10 days away!! The weather is definitely feeling Christmasy...snow and cold. Very cold actually...-15 last night. EEKS! We went to the outdoor mall that is very close to our house on Saturday. It was fun to walk down the sidewalks, listening to Christmas songs, see the gleaming Christmas lights, and see the kids ice skating. All we needed was some hot apple cider! Last year at this time I was dreading Christmas. We didn't put up any decorations or a tree since we were in the apartment. It just didn't feel like Christmas or "the happiest time of the year". I remember telling my parents that I didn't know what I'd do if I had to spend another Christmas in Colorado. It's amazing what can change in a year. Don't get me wrong, we still want to move and really wish we could celebrate Christmas with our families. Unfortunately Andy still is too low in seniority to take Christmas off. This year we put up decorations and the tree and it really feels like Christmas. We are also in a much better place with us still being in Colorado...we have good things here and are very thankful for them. Good jobs, good friends, good health, and plans for our future if we should end up staying here.

Last week when I was reading the paper, I saw a picture of our instructor for our foster to adopt classes. First thing I thought was "oh she must be receiving an award"...nope, she was crossing the street and was hit by a car. The driver took off and she later died. I was floored and all I could say was oh my gosh, oh my gosh. Kathy was an amazing woman and very inspirational. She established a family center in an area of Denver that desperately needed it. They had programs for girls to help build self esteem, tutoring programs, foster parent classes, job training, etc. Kathy used to be a caseworker, she taught social work classes at the college level and was a woman who just loved to help others. We were supposed to go to our make up class this past Saturday but they bumped the class back a week due to her funeral being that day. I'm so sad for her family, the community, and all those who never got a chance to learn from her. Her son, Steve, was also one of our instructors...I hope he is able to carry on his mom's teachings.

We have officially switched to a new agency for the foster to adopt program. YEAH! They are amazing. They return calls, return e-mails, and are more than happy to answer questions. We have almost all the paper work ready to be sent in to them. They said our classes should carry over. Hopefully, we'll start the homestudy after the first of the year and have it completed by the end of January. This agency works with all the counties in Colorado which means we'll have way more options. They also have an international adoption program as well a domestic adoption program. If at some point we decide to switch to domestic adoption, we won't have to redo everything. YEAH! We are so excited and so ready to start the foster to adopt journey. We have picked out the convertible crib, car seat, and even found a possible child care center. We are going to start working on turning the guest room into the baby room. We really never thought we'd get to the point where we'd be buying a crib or getting a room ready for a baby. Andy is even excited to go to Babies R US!!

We had some exciting news from my sister and her husband. Phillip got into med school and they are moving to St. Maarten's. Yes, St. Maarten's..island located below Puerto Rico and it's very warm there! They are moving in two weeks and have a lot to do before then. We are excited that this journey is beginning for them. It will have it's ups and downs but it an experience that they will never forget. I'm sure it's going to be hard being a warm tropical place while the rest of us are in the cold, snowy regions. I think we'll be planning a trip there in the near future..of course some of that depends on when/if we get a placement but I'm sure we'll figure something out. Congrats Phillip! Best wishes to Laura and Phillip on a safe and speedy move!

Lazy Sunday..

We haven't done a whole lot today...watched football and unpacked a little. I've been fighting off a cold for the past two weeks. Right now it's winning..ugh! We love being in a house and the dogs are really enjoying the backyard! We had our first snow of the year on Thursday!! I love watching the big snow flakes fall. The dogs love playing in the snow and we have a hard time getting them back inside. MacInnis always comes in with his nose covered in snow. It's pretty cute. We are missing having Laura and Phillip here!!! It was so great to have them here and I really didn't want for them to leave!!

Now that we're getting settled in, we are gearing back up to finish the classes to do the foster to adopt. We have to get the paperwork in as well. Everytime I think I have it all together, I found out they need more stuff. Hopefully we'll get it sent off by the end of the week.

Work has been "normal" for once..YEAH! I'm gearing up for a trial in Dec. that will last a couple of weeks but other than that it has been pretty uneventful. Hopefully it stays that way for a while. Andy is done with training and extra work days for the year. YEAH! He is going to be working on some applications for police depts in TN and IL. We decided that Indiana would be the perfect place for us but the surrounding states are ok as well...as long as we are much closer to our families that's all that matters. The one thing that is different from a year ago, is that we want to move but we're not worrying about it as much. We both have great paying jobs and oeverall we are happy in Colorado. If it works out for us to move-great, if not-it wasn't meant for us to move right now. We'll just have to make a point to go back and visit more often!

Empty house!

Laura and Phillip left yesterday! =( I can't believe how fast the days went by! We really enjoyed having them here and had lots of fun while they were here. When I took Laura and Phillip to the airport, I tried to convince them that their flight had been canceled, that they weren't letting people named Laura and Phillip on airplanes..hey, it was worth a shot.

Quick synopsis our activities while they were here"

Friday night-their flight arrived around 10:30 pm, got to the house after 11, quick tour and we all crashed!

Saturday-SHOPPING!, dinner at the ESPN Zone, and Avalanche game. ESPN Zone has great food and lots of tv's with sports on them...the guys were in heaven!

Sunday-Garden of the Gods, Nike Outlet store #1, and game night.

Monday-Laura and Phillip went on a tour of the med school here, Nike Outlet #2, Coors Brewery, and game night #2. At Coors they have 3 free samples at the end, since I was the driver I gave my samples to Laura, Phillip, and Andy. When we left there, I had a giggly car load with me.

Tuesday-their flight left at 11 so I took them to the airport that morning. Andy had to get up at 4:30 a.m. as he had training all day.

I think Laura and I drove Andy and Phillip a little crazy with all of our stories, our silly sayings and ganging up on them. We even had to call Mom and Dad at one point to see who was right about something at one point...turned out neither of us were right. Dad actually was the one who was correct...AMAZING!

Andy and I hopefully will be making a trip back to Southern Indiana and Michigan sometime after the first of the year!

They're here!

Laura and Phillip are here and we are having a great time!!! Just wanted to do a quick update. We went to an Avalanche hockey game last night...they won, YEAH!!! Today we are going to the Garden of the Gods and having game night. The dogs are loving the fact they are getting even more attention than normal. Ok, time to start the day...I love having my seeester and Pheelup here!

Back from the mountains and now we're moving...

We had a great time in Keystone! The weather was amazing! It was in the high 50's and low 60's the 5 days we were up there. It was cold at night but the days were beautiful! I did kind of miss the snow but it was really nice not freezing going from the condo to the conference center. The only issue we had was some fraudulent charges on my credit card...lovely! It's now canceled and I already got the new one. A co-worker had the same issue as well. The workshops at the conference were great and I learned quite a bit that will help me be a better victim advocate.

Since we got back on Wednesday, we had to shift into moving mode. The movers come tomorrow and we are FINALLY moving out of the apartment and into a house again. YEAH! I really really really miss our house but know that we were very lucky to sell it when we did. I know that if we would have waited to list it, we would have regretted it. The house we are renting is very close to our old house and is really nice. We are renting from one of my co-workers. It works out perfectly...she got married and didn't want to list it now since she just bought it a year ago so us renting it works out for her as well as for us. YEAH!

I should be packing more right now but I just needed a small break. Andy is sleeping since he was up for about 30 hours. UGH! He had to work last night and as soon as he got home we moved some stuff to the house, packed another load and move it to the house. He really wanted to watch the Broncos game for a little while...I think he watched about 5 minutes of the game before he was snoring. I did learn something about Andy while he has been sleeping...he sleeps with his eyes partially open. It's very freaky! He's going to love that I shared that...hey, that's what blogs are for. =)

Exciting news at work this week, a co-worker who has been on the waiting list to adopt from Korea received a referral this week and they have been matched! YEAH!!! Their little boy is 5 months old and he should be here in their home in about 3-5 months. He is so cute! She has a picture of him on her office door. When I walked into the office on Thurs morning, she came and told me even before I made it to my office. We have been sharing our journeys with each other since we can understand the hopes/struggles that go along with the process. Hopefully after the first of the year, we'll be at the point that we are waiting for our placement.

One last thing to share...my sister, Laura, and her hubby, Phillip, will be here on FRIDAY!!! So in 5 days and 6 hours and 36 minutes their plane will be arriving in Denver!!!! Yes, I'm just a bit excited! It has been way too long since we had some good sister time! The last time that we saw Laura and Phillip was in July 2007. Phillip is applying to med schools...they are really hoping he gets into the one in St. Marten's. I hope that St. Marten's works out for them since that is their first choice as well as it's warm, it's the ocean and everything else that they love. I have to confess though.. the selfish part of me would love for Phillip to get into the one here. Just the thought of having them so close brings tears to my eyes...I miss going to the movies and shopping with Laura, I miss all the long late night talks we'd have(some when we were awake, some while we were sleeping) . I just miss being able to just be there...but...I just want them to be happy and if that means St. Marten's then that is where they should be. =)

Got some great news last night!

My sister, Laura, and her husband, Phillip, are coming to visit us in November-actually in 42 days! I'm so excited!!!!!!!! I really think having her and Phillip visit will help with being homesick. We are going to have to make sure to have some good sister time!! Just in case it's not obvious, I'm so excited(as is Andy) for them to be here. We'll have to make sure to take Phillip by the new Med School here so he can see how great it is. =) If we're going to be here in Colorado for awhile, it sure would be great to have some other family members here!!

The meeting I was supposed to go to last night is actually next Thursday. I also talked with another agency yesterday and we are going to go to a meeting with them as well. I know they are both great and we will be going through one of them for sure. In talking with the representative yesterday, it really gave me hope that the dream of us having a child isn't as far as way as we feared it may be.

I was reading a blog today that belongs to my cousin's cousin. Her and her husband had their second child in July 2008. They learned in the beginning of September that she has some health issues that are pretty serious. Earlier this week, the doctor told them that L "is a miracle baby" as some of the issues seem to be correcting themselves. Please keep their family in your thoughts and prayers. I truly believe that prayers can go a long way and "miracles" can really happen.

Happy Birthday...

On August 23, 1981, my little sister, Laura, was born. I would have to say this day would rank in the top 5 happiest days in my life. I was finally getting the little sister I had always dreamed of having. I was at my Grandpa and Grandma's house when my dad called to say that Laura was born. I danced around their living room when my Grandma told me. The next day, Dad drove me to the hospital so I could see her. I stood on an upside down metal trash can so I could see in the window to see her. I remember after a few minutes one of the nurses said ok, that's enough you can go sit down. I refused! That's my baby sister in there and I'm not moving until my dad says I have to go home.

My parents were told that they wouldn't be able to have kids. They adopted me and 7 years later they got a suprise. My mom was pregnant! I loved taking pictures of her and her "baby belly" with the polaroid camera.

I started first grade either the next day or the day after, I was so proud to be able to say that the highlight of my summer was my new baby sister. The day they brought Laura home, I ran around our neighborhood telling all of our neighbors to come over as MY baby sister was coming home. I think I drove my Grandpa and Grandma nuts while we waited for my mom, dad, and Laura to get our house. It seemed like it took forever!

Growing up, we had our arguements and rough patches..my dad would always say you shouldn't argue, you're sisters. We'd both say but Dad, we're sisters, that is why we argue. One thing was for sure, I could pick on my sister but no one else could.
As we got older, we became much closer and that is one thing that I cherish the most. Laura has been there through all my ups and downs, the good times and the times that brought me to my knees. Living 17 hours away is hard as we don't see each other but once or twice a year. Thank goodness for the internet!

Happy birthday Laura!!

Having a sister is like having a best friend you can't get rid of. You know whatever you do, they'll still be there. ~Amy Li

A sister is a little bit of childhood that can never be lost. ~Marion C. Garretty

When mom and dad don't understand, a sister always will. ~Author Unknown

No good news but no bad news either which is good news!

I think Andy and I are finally starting to settle into the routine of waiting and it's becoming "normal" for us. I am starting not to think about the whole moving thing as much which is good! We have also been busy doing "stuff". Last Saturday, we went to the Rockies game with Matt, Andy's brother, and Mike, our good friend. It was a lot of fun even though the Rockies lost. I had the best ice cold beer and ball park hot dog...well probably the best since it's been forever since I've had one. Sad part, I was feeling really happy after just one. =) Of course the guys had to tease me about it. While I was taking the fertility drugs as well as the few months leading up to taking the drugs, I decided no more alochol(not that I drank much before then). Yesterday, I got an early birthday present...a new bike! YEAH!!!! I'm trying to get back into the routine of working out, eating better, etc. Andy is getting his bike fixed this week and then we're going to start riding 3 or 4 times a week. I am so excited!!!

We have had a "situation" present itself in the past few weeks which has been kind of exciting. It is a possible adoption lead. YEAH! We're not getting our hopes up as it is way too soon. I have been think alot about Em and can't even imagine how hard this decision is for her. I have talked with my sister, Laura, a lot about this and how much respect I have for Em or anyone else that makes this decision. She is making a decision that will not only effect her and the baby she is having but also change the lives of a couple who can't have children on their own. I hope Em realizes how strong and brave she is to make such a tough choice. I hope that she has friends and family that are there to be able to support her. All of this has made us think alot more about adopting and helped us to realize that this really is the best choice for us. I have to admit, I'm nervous about the homestudy as I don't think that I'm the best at explaing myself sometimes, especially when I'm nervous! Andy says that he is the same way...hopefully we don't come off as two bumbling idiots. Eeks! Thankfully, I'm on a message board that has a lot of great women who have been through the process and are wonderful about answering questions and being supportive. It's amazing how people you've never met in real life can make such a huge impact even through the computer.