Just a quick post this evening...
As I opened my car door tonight after pulling into the garage, I was amazed at the noise from the birds out in the yard. It truly was a beautiful sound and I am so thankful that spring is on it's way!!
A couple of nights ago, there were so many thoughts and ideas going through my head regarding our adoption path. I just needed someone to kind of let me talk through and process everything. My MIL, Joanne listened patiently for nearly an hour as I went on and on. I am very thankful for her and know that God has really blessed me in the "in-law" department. I've heard others refer to their in-laws as "mother-in-love", etc - I think that is a much better term!
Friends who are praying for our adoption. Isn't it a comforting feeling to know that others are praying for you? Even for those of you who don't consider yourself "religious," doesn't it feel good to know that friends have you in their thoughts? Several people reminded me today that they are praying about our adoption journey. I can't even begin to express how thankful I am for those prayers!
What are you thankful for today?
Fall 2013
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Update and a little bit of a roller coaster ride
I had hoped to post an update on Monday, but it just didn't happen...
Our consultation at the international adoption clinic went very well. We took information that we had regarding several special needs kids so that we could ask questions and get input about their needs. The physician that we met with was awesome! She is a Korean adoptee so had personal insight for us as well as general information as well. I won't bore you with all of the details, but we had a LOT to talk about on the drive home.
At the end of the day, we decided that there were a couple options that we wanted to seriously consider. One of those options involved a beautiful little girl on RR. I had already made a few inquiries about her (as well as some other RR cuties) and had been waiting for our consultation before we went any further. Tuesday saw a flurry of emails flying back and forth between Andrea (at RR) and me. She had obtained some additional information for us that was very positive! I was starting to feel a little excitement that maybe we would be making a commitment to bring this precious child home. But... God has other plans for her - another family had been considering her as well and when they received this additional information yesterday, they committed to become her forever family. So... I am VERY happy that she will soon have a mommy and daddy to tuck her in at night. That is more important than anything - however, the tears are flowing and my heart is aching a little bit, too because it won't be us.
I'm in the process of making some inquiries about the other options that we are considering. I apologize for being very vague right now. Because of our schedules this week, Mark and I have not had the opportunity to really talk about next steps and it will probably be late this weekend before we get the chance to do so. If you want more specifics, feel free to contact us privately - I'm just not quite ready to share everything here on the blog yet, but yes... more will be coming - hopefully, soon!
Please continue to keep us in your prayers.
Our consultation at the international adoption clinic went very well. We took information that we had regarding several special needs kids so that we could ask questions and get input about their needs. The physician that we met with was awesome! She is a Korean adoptee so had personal insight for us as well as general information as well. I won't bore you with all of the details, but we had a LOT to talk about on the drive home.
At the end of the day, we decided that there were a couple options that we wanted to seriously consider. One of those options involved a beautiful little girl on RR. I had already made a few inquiries about her (as well as some other RR cuties) and had been waiting for our consultation before we went any further. Tuesday saw a flurry of emails flying back and forth between Andrea (at RR) and me. She had obtained some additional information for us that was very positive! I was starting to feel a little excitement that maybe we would be making a commitment to bring this precious child home. But... God has other plans for her - another family had been considering her as well and when they received this additional information yesterday, they committed to become her forever family. So... I am VERY happy that she will soon have a mommy and daddy to tuck her in at night. That is more important than anything - however, the tears are flowing and my heart is aching a little bit, too because it won't be us.
I'm in the process of making some inquiries about the other options that we are considering. I apologize for being very vague right now. Because of our schedules this week, Mark and I have not had the opportunity to really talk about next steps and it will probably be late this weekend before we get the chance to do so. If you want more specifics, feel free to contact us privately - I'm just not quite ready to share everything here on the blog yet, but yes... more will be coming - hopefully, soon!
Please continue to keep us in your prayers.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Just the weekend
We had a nice weekend. Dinner on Friday evening with Bonnie and Wally (my first in-laws) and Cheryl ( my SIL). Then yesterday, I spent much of the day working on a school project. I am going to be doing some staff education at a local nursing home later this month so I am trying to get information pulled together for that.
Today - church this morning, then lunch at our local high school - they were having a post-prom party fundraiser. Dinner tonight with Jeanne, Ken, and Tasha - we just don't get together often enough. But, hopefully that will change in the near future.
School has made friendships take a lower priority than I would like over the last couple of years. I have really missed the time with many of my friends - so I am looking forward to the near future when I can enjoy my time with friends without feeling like I am neglecting my studies.
Tomorrow is our meeting with the international adoption specialist. Looking forward to learning as much as possible!
Today - church this morning, then lunch at our local high school - they were having a post-prom party fundraiser. Dinner tonight with Jeanne, Ken, and Tasha - we just don't get together often enough. But, hopefully that will change in the near future.
School has made friendships take a lower priority than I would like over the last couple of years. I have really missed the time with many of my friends - so I am looking forward to the near future when I can enjoy my time with friends without feeling like I am neglecting my studies.
Tomorrow is our meeting with the international adoption specialist. Looking forward to learning as much as possible!
Saturday
A few years ago we had some water backup in the basement. That got high enough to get into the electronics of the water heater. I was able to keep it running for a few years, but it was getting worse. So I put in a new one. The problem in doing this was we have a powervent water heater. That means the vent for this gas water heater goes out the side if the house and that needs a fan to push the exaust out. Not a problem to do but it makes the price of the water heater around $800. Oh well easy come easy go.
Mark
Mark
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Our high school talk
As I mentioned in my last post, Mark and I were asked to speak to a high school class yesterday about our adoption. I prayed yesterday morning that God would guide our talk with the class in whatever way He felt was right. So... we arrived at the school and Shelby took us to her classroom. We met her teacher who was very nice and were introduced to the students. There were about 25 kids, about 75% boys. At first, it seemed like time was going pretty slow. Although there was no minimum time, we'd been told we could have the whole period (about 50 minutes) if we needed it and I was wondering if 15 minutes was going to be too much - lol!
As with any high school group, there were definitely kids with that glazed over look in their eyes. But, we had a few kids who were definitely engaged, asking questions, nodding their heads, etc. All of a sudden, the teacher said "We've only got 2 minutes left." We had to finish questions after the class. One sweet girl came up and told us that if she was pregnant, she would ask us to raise her baby. What a special moment that was - it touched my heart deeply!
We may never know the impact (if any) of our talk, but I believe and trust that there was a purpose in us being in that classroom yesterday to speak with that specific group of kids. If nothing else, I enjoyed it immensely and would do it again if I had the chance.
As with any high school group, there were definitely kids with that glazed over look in their eyes. But, we had a few kids who were definitely engaged, asking questions, nodding their heads, etc. All of a sudden, the teacher said "We've only got 2 minutes left." We had to finish questions after the class. One sweet girl came up and told us that if she was pregnant, she would ask us to raise her baby. What a special moment that was - it touched my heart deeply!
We may never know the impact (if any) of our talk, but I believe and trust that there was a purpose in us being in that classroom yesterday to speak with that specific group of kids. If nothing else, I enjoyed it immensely and would do it again if I had the chance.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Great Giveaway
My friend Sarah has an awesome "give-a-away" blog! I'm almost reluctant to tell you about today's give-a-way because I would really like to win it myself, but check this out!
Thankful Thursday - Opportunities
Good morning, everyone!
I'm going to try to get this done early today... I am here at my clinical site and have a late start to the morning so I will use a few minutes to share what I am grateful for.
#1 - This morning, I had a perfect drive. There was no fog for a change, it was warm enough that I didn't have to be concerned about slippery roads. The sky started to get light about 45 minutes into my drive. I was able to set the cruise and spend some time in prayer.
#2 - Tomorrow, Mark and I are speaking to a high school class about our adoption journey. The daughter of one of his friends asked if we would be willing to do this. What a great opportunity to share our story and perhaps impact the lives of some of the kids we interact with. I believe that God has a purpose in this and am excited! I don't have expectations for it impacting our adoption, but hope that we can bless someone's life.
#3 - As I've shared recently, Mark and I have been kind of rethinking how our adoption journey might look. We've decided that we want to explore our options. So... on Monday, we are meeting with a physician who specializes in international adoption for a consultation. She will explain medical terms used in other countries, challenges specific to different countries, and basically provide information that may help us decide if we want to consider international adoption. I am thankful that we live close to an international adoption clinic and have this resource available to us, both as we consider this option and then if we choose to take that path.
What does your day find you thankful for??
I'm going to try to get this done early today... I am here at my clinical site and have a late start to the morning so I will use a few minutes to share what I am grateful for.
#1 - This morning, I had a perfect drive. There was no fog for a change, it was warm enough that I didn't have to be concerned about slippery roads. The sky started to get light about 45 minutes into my drive. I was able to set the cruise and spend some time in prayer.
#2 - Tomorrow, Mark and I are speaking to a high school class about our adoption journey. The daughter of one of his friends asked if we would be willing to do this. What a great opportunity to share our story and perhaps impact the lives of some of the kids we interact with. I believe that God has a purpose in this and am excited! I don't have expectations for it impacting our adoption, but hope that we can bless someone's life.
#3 - As I've shared recently, Mark and I have been kind of rethinking how our adoption journey might look. We've decided that we want to explore our options. So... on Monday, we are meeting with a physician who specializes in international adoption for a consultation. She will explain medical terms used in other countries, challenges specific to different countries, and basically provide information that may help us decide if we want to consider international adoption. I am thankful that we live close to an international adoption clinic and have this resource available to us, both as we consider this option and then if we choose to take that path.
What does your day find you thankful for??
Monday, March 15, 2010
Tom Hanks
I was watching a bio on Tom Hanks, he said he was the luckiest man on earth. I beg to differ. I am, I have a great wife who will put up with me and I have used up most of my good luck allotted to me for my life. I have had a few accidents, some should have killed me. One was a motorcycle crash, I hit a car as he pulled across the road when I was driving on Hwy 61 in Redwing. I also has a head on crash when my left front wheel bearing locked up. But here I am, healthy and able to work. I need to work to pay my taxes and keep all the welfare people living at a good lifestyle. OK Melanie will tell me not to talk politics on here so that's all I have to say about that.
mark
mark
weekend is over
The weekend is over. I had a good weekend, Saturday night we went to the McLane safety banquet. It was at the Redwing casino. I got a new dimond in my belt buckel for not having an accedent in 2009.Sunday we went to church and Melanie did homework. I took a nap. Good weekend for me, Melanie is wishing school was over
mark
mark
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Thankful Thursday
Just a very quick post so that I can be "on-time" for Thankful Thursday this week...
1 - I am thankful for another week of safe travels between home and Fairmont. Although there haven't been any snow/ice storms, the fog and rain have made driving difficult. Each week that goes by brings me one step closer to finishing my residency hours and one week closer to being finished with the long commute.
2 - I know I have commented about this before, but I'm going to say it again... I have a pretty wonderful husband. I am so thankful for his patience and understanding as I have worked on this master's degree - he has never complained about the messy house, lack of food in the fridge (because I haven't had time to buy groceries), how stressed I am, etc. I could not have done this without his support!
3 - Being this close to finishing school makes me believe that we are that much closer to our adoption. I think God knew I wouldn't be able to handle them both at the same time so I am thankful that His timing is perfect.
4 - My comfy bed - yep, that's where I'm headed right now!!
What are you thankful for today?
1 - I am thankful for another week of safe travels between home and Fairmont. Although there haven't been any snow/ice storms, the fog and rain have made driving difficult. Each week that goes by brings me one step closer to finishing my residency hours and one week closer to being finished with the long commute.
2 - I know I have commented about this before, but I'm going to say it again... I have a pretty wonderful husband. I am so thankful for his patience and understanding as I have worked on this master's degree - he has never complained about the messy house, lack of food in the fridge (because I haven't had time to buy groceries), how stressed I am, etc. I could not have done this without his support!
3 - Being this close to finishing school makes me believe that we are that much closer to our adoption. I think God knew I wouldn't be able to handle them both at the same time so I am thankful that His timing is perfect.
4 - My comfy bed - yep, that's where I'm headed right now!!
What are you thankful for today?
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Control issues and adoption
We all have our weaknesses, don't we? I am going to be very honest about one of my weaknesses (ok, we all know that I have a food weakness, but that's not the one I am talking about - lol!).
I think I have shared about this before, but I have control issues... I feel like I can deal with just about anything as long as I have an idea of where I am going and what to expect. So... as you can imagine, the uncertainty associated with the adoption process is very difficult for me. Depending on the path one chooses, there is only so much that is within our control.
I do trust that God sees the big picture and that He is in control. He knows the path far better than I do. It's not that I doubt that. There are times when I pray for some glimpse of what the future holds for Mark and I (and our family). I do feel like it is maybe different than we planned when we first started this journey last year. I also realize that I am not very good at being quiet and listening for God to speak to me. I really need to work on that - maybe I would have a clearer picture of what lies ahead if I would stop for a minute (or hour or day) to really hear what He is saying. Some day, I'm sure I will look back and say, "Aha - I can see how God was connecting the dots when I couldn't see it."
We are making a few inquiries and I hope to share with everyone soon - just to keep you all in suspense! :)
I think I have shared about this before, but I have control issues... I feel like I can deal with just about anything as long as I have an idea of where I am going and what to expect. So... as you can imagine, the uncertainty associated with the adoption process is very difficult for me. Depending on the path one chooses, there is only so much that is within our control.
I do trust that God sees the big picture and that He is in control. He knows the path far better than I do. It's not that I doubt that. There are times when I pray for some glimpse of what the future holds for Mark and I (and our family). I do feel like it is maybe different than we planned when we first started this journey last year. I also realize that I am not very good at being quiet and listening for God to speak to me. I really need to work on that - maybe I would have a clearer picture of what lies ahead if I would stop for a minute (or hour or day) to really hear what He is saying. Some day, I'm sure I will look back and say, "Aha - I can see how God was connecting the dots when I couldn't see it."
We are making a few inquiries and I hope to share with everyone soon - just to keep you all in suspense! :)
Friday, March 5, 2010
Friendly Friday
Today is Friendly Friendly Friday. I will be having dinner with some of my flying friends. We have plans to go to Zumbro Falls. I have not seen these people for a while. It will be nice to see them again.
Mark
Mark
Thankful Friday??
I had intended to make a Thankful Thursday post, but time got away from my last night and I was just too pooped to blog. However, my interuptions did give me two additional things to be thankful for, so here we go...
#1 - One of my closest friends had a breast cancer scare this week. The area that was found is still a concern and she will need to decide between surgery to remove or medication - as well as close monitoring for a while. But, it was't cancer and I am so thankful for that!!
#2 - I was able to spend some time catching up with another close friend Lynn last night. She lives in Utah so it's not like we can just get together for a gab session. It's been too long since we had talked and I was literally just reaching for the phone to call her when my phone rang - yep, it was Lynn! We had a good, long chat and I needed that!
#3 - An upcoming appointment - I don't want to get too excited in case the appointment does not turn out the way I hope. No - I am sorry to say that it doesn't have to do with our adoption. I'm not ready to go into the specifics right now, but after many years of issues related to "female troubles" - finally... a very kind doctor listened to me, told me that I had "put up with much more than any woman should have to" and agreed that it was time to take care of the problem. I could have hugged her!
What are you thankful for today?
#1 - One of my closest friends had a breast cancer scare this week. The area that was found is still a concern and she will need to decide between surgery to remove or medication - as well as close monitoring for a while. But, it was't cancer and I am so thankful for that!!
#2 - I was able to spend some time catching up with another close friend Lynn last night. She lives in Utah so it's not like we can just get together for a gab session. It's been too long since we had talked and I was literally just reaching for the phone to call her when my phone rang - yep, it was Lynn! We had a good, long chat and I needed that!
#3 - An upcoming appointment - I don't want to get too excited in case the appointment does not turn out the way I hope. No - I am sorry to say that it doesn't have to do with our adoption. I'm not ready to go into the specifics right now, but after many years of issues related to "female troubles" - finally... a very kind doctor listened to me, told me that I had "put up with much more than any woman should have to" and agreed that it was time to take care of the problem. I could have hugged her!
What are you thankful for today?
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Thankful Thursday
Today is only Wednesday but we have been doing thankful Thursday late the past few times. I am thankful that I have a good job. I work as a truck driver for McLane out of Northfield MN. I work very hard at this job, but it pays well and we need that right now. Melanie is going to school, lots of insurance for cars, home, 4 wheelers are all coming up at the same time. And now it looks like we need to have some work done on the water heater. Well that's life. So I'm glad I have a good job that pays well.
Mark
Mark
Monday, March 1, 2010
The Weekend
I know this is a blog about "Finding Baby Hansen" but right now things are moving slow on that point. So here is my weekend. Saturday I spent most of the day at the Dodge Co. Republican Convention. We picked delagats for the state convention and decided what our platform would be. That means we have thoughts that we would like to bring to the District convention and hope they get to the state convention.
Now Melanie had a review course on her Nurse Practioner program. She made it a few hours and then got sick. She spent the rest of Saturday in her hotel room. Sunday we came home and she spent most of the day in bed.
I was able to see some friends Saturday night. I had a good weekend but I wish Melane could have been there to have a good time too.
Mark
Now Melanie had a review course on her Nurse Practioner program. She made it a few hours and then got sick. She spent the rest of Saturday in her hotel room. Sunday we came home and she spent most of the day in bed.
I was able to see some friends Saturday night. I had a good weekend but I wish Melane could have been there to have a good time too.
Mark
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