I can't wait to meet our little boy......
Saturday, August 30, 2014
Wednesday, August 27, 2014
I have a better plan. . . .
Did you know that you have to pray with a right heart??
Seriously if we want our prayers answered we need to come before God with a right heart. Ever heard the saying its all in how you ask...Yep I have found that to be true with God as well.
My prayers for four years sounded the same. I begged to become pregnant. I cannot tell you how many times I sobbed because the words wouldnt come out, but God knew what those sobs meant. I asked, I begged, I sobbed, I whined, but each time I asked the same thing Lord would you please allow me to get pregnant. Would you let this be the month that my dreams come true.
For four years I waited and God didnt answer. I didnt understand I was crushed, I was confused, I was ANGRY. I asked Why??!!! Why Lord are you allowing single woman to conceive, woman out of wedlock.....
Time went on and I was still praying. We then felt the call to move to Montana. While we were there I began changing. In serving the Lord I became closer to Him. I began to seek His will for my life and not my own. I begin to want to surrender to His plans for my life whatever they maybe.
I wasnt anger anymore. Then I met Mandi ( Alayahs Mom) who some of you may know is a single mom. Oops...Kinda hard to admit that you questioned why God would give single woman babies when your new friend is a single mom. Mandi told me her story one night. I wont share because its her story to tell, but I will never forget when the words come out of her mouth. I have never told her this, but It felt like after so many years God answered my question. "Alayah saved my life".
All at once I understood. I knew that my God is faithful and who are we to question His ways. He has a plan and purpose for EVERYTHING He does. Even giving single moms babies.
From that point on my prayers began to change. I still asked, I still prayed, I still sobbed, but my heart was different and the words were different. "Lord would you give Jeremy and I a family." My heart was finally right with Him. After that I didnt pray to get pregnant. I just prayed for a child to love and care for.
Then last year our family received a huge blessing when Kinlee came into this world. I cannot tell you how She has changed our family.
I cannot explain to you the way we all perk up when she is carried into the room, but I can tell you that once again my question was answered and my God reminded me not to question His ways. I know that I can speak for ALL of us when I say She is loved to the moon and back :)
So really all those years when I prayed and thought God hadnt answered He really was saying No thats not my plan for your life, I have a better plan for you.
I encourage you to seek Gods will and to strive to pray with a right heart and be able to sincerely say not my will but your will be done.
I assure you God is faithful and will answer those prayers just sometimes his answer is I have a better plan......
Seriously if we want our prayers answered we need to come before God with a right heart. Ever heard the saying its all in how you ask...Yep I have found that to be true with God as well.
My prayers for four years sounded the same. I begged to become pregnant. I cannot tell you how many times I sobbed because the words wouldnt come out, but God knew what those sobs meant. I asked, I begged, I sobbed, I whined, but each time I asked the same thing Lord would you please allow me to get pregnant. Would you let this be the month that my dreams come true.
For four years I waited and God didnt answer. I didnt understand I was crushed, I was confused, I was ANGRY. I asked Why??!!! Why Lord are you allowing single woman to conceive, woman out of wedlock.....
Time went on and I was still praying. We then felt the call to move to Montana. While we were there I began changing. In serving the Lord I became closer to Him. I began to seek His will for my life and not my own. I begin to want to surrender to His plans for my life whatever they maybe.
I wasnt anger anymore. Then I met Mandi ( Alayahs Mom) who some of you may know is a single mom. Oops...Kinda hard to admit that you questioned why God would give single woman babies when your new friend is a single mom. Mandi told me her story one night. I wont share because its her story to tell, but I will never forget when the words come out of her mouth. I have never told her this, but It felt like after so many years God answered my question. "Alayah saved my life".
From that point on my prayers began to change. I still asked, I still prayed, I still sobbed, but my heart was different and the words were different. "Lord would you give Jeremy and I a family." My heart was finally right with Him. After that I didnt pray to get pregnant. I just prayed for a child to love and care for.
Then last year our family received a huge blessing when Kinlee came into this world. I cannot tell you how She has changed our family.
I cannot explain to you the way we all perk up when she is carried into the room, but I can tell you that once again my question was answered and my God reminded me not to question His ways. I know that I can speak for ALL of us when I say She is loved to the moon and back :)
Time went by and Still I prayed and asked for a family. Next thing you know its your turn
I encourage you to seek Gods will and to strive to pray with a right heart and be able to sincerely say not my will but your will be done.
I assure you God is faithful and will answer those prayers just sometimes his answer is I have a better plan......
Thursday, August 21, 2014
I completed the ice bucket challenge!!
You have probably heard by now about the ALS Ice bucket challenge right??
The Ice Bucket Challenge, sometimes called the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge, is an activity involving dumping a bucket of ice water on one's head or donating to the ALS Association in the United States. It went viral throughout social media during the Northern Hemisphere Summer of 2014.[1][2]
The challenge dares nominated participants to be filmed having a bucket of ice water poured on their heads. A common stipulation is that nominated people have 24 hours to comply or forfeit by way of a charitable financial donation.
What is ALS??
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), often referred to as "Lou Gehrig's Disease," is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord. Motor neurons reach from the brain to the spinal cord and from the spinal cord to the muscles throughout the body. The progressive degeneration of the motor neurons in ALS eventually leads to their death. When the motor neurons die, the ability of the brain to initiate and control muscle movement is lost. With voluntary muscle action progressively affected, patients in the later stages of the disease may become totally paralyzed
You may be saying doing the challenge is awful why not just donate, but the ice bucket challenge has raised 42 Million so far. All the videos and the challenge have raised so much awareness as well as funding. If your reading this then I challenge you :)
Tuesday, August 19, 2014
Youcaring
Hey after more research we have decided to use a new fundraising site called You caring. It works much like go fund me except they do not take 10% of our donations. Here is the link to give on our you caring site.
https://www.youcaring.com/adoption-fundraiser/bringing-home-baby-c-/220667
Sorry for the confusion hopefully now we will not have to change again. We will not take down our go fund me account since we advertised it alot of places so its ok to still donate there also if you would rather. Thanks for your patience as we are just learning ourselves.
Have a happy tuesday!!!
https://www.youcaring.com/adoption-fundraiser/bringing-home-baby-c-/220667
Sorry for the confusion hopefully now we will not have to change again. We will not take down our go fund me account since we advertised it alot of places so its ok to still donate there also if you would rather. Thanks for your patience as we are just learning ourselves.
Have a happy tuesday!!!
Sunday, August 17, 2014
You are our hope. . .
Dear Baby C,
I know people are gonna tell you lots of things, obviously not when your a baby but when your older they will. They will tell you we tried for "our own" baby but could never have one so we adopted you. Well maybe not that rude, but possibly. They might say we couldnt have "our own" so God sent us you. Even though thats nicer its still not true. Baby C. you are our own. You are our son. You were always meant to be our son. No I didnt give birth to you. I wasnt there for your first cry. I didnt get the privilege of hearing your first laugh or seeing your first smile. I may or maybe not be there cheering you on as you take your first steps. I missed alot of milestones and nothing can change that. However I will be there for all the important milestones in your future. I will be there ( bawling) when your caregiver places you in my arms. I will be there the day we carry you out of the only place you have ever known as home :/ It will be the best day of mine and your Daddys life but it will hurt knowing it will be terrifying for you. I will be there for the LOOONNNNGGGG plane ride home, holding you, rocking you, playing with you, doing my best to help you understand I am here to protect you and you have nothing to fear. I will be there when we walk into the airport with our family all around. I will be there when you meet your grandparents and all your family and friends. I will be there when you enter our home for the first time. I will be there when you sleep in your room for the first time and for the first time in months ( possibly years) I will breathe a sigh of relief knowing finally we are under the same roof. On down the road ( good Lord willing) I will be there ( crying like a baby) on your first day of school. I will be there when you have your first heartbreak. I will be there when you go to prom ( Ill be the one taking 2000 pictures :) I will be there when you graduate high school. I will be there for all your future milestones.
So when people say hurtful things hold your head high and know that You are our son. You are not here by chance or because we couldnt get what we actually wanted, you are here because Gods plan for all three of our lives. You are here because you are OUR SON. You are loved, you are wanted, you are ours. :) We love you Baby C. We are all waiting for you, we are all excited, we are all praying, We are all in love with you....You are our hope little man :) You are what we want.....You are ours :)
I know people are gonna tell you lots of things, obviously not when your a baby but when your older they will. They will tell you we tried for "our own" baby but could never have one so we adopted you. Well maybe not that rude, but possibly. They might say we couldnt have "our own" so God sent us you. Even though thats nicer its still not true. Baby C. you are our own. You are our son. You were always meant to be our son. No I didnt give birth to you. I wasnt there for your first cry. I didnt get the privilege of hearing your first laugh or seeing your first smile. I may or maybe not be there cheering you on as you take your first steps. I missed alot of milestones and nothing can change that. However I will be there for all the important milestones in your future. I will be there ( bawling) when your caregiver places you in my arms. I will be there the day we carry you out of the only place you have ever known as home :/ It will be the best day of mine and your Daddys life but it will hurt knowing it will be terrifying for you. I will be there for the LOOONNNNGGGG plane ride home, holding you, rocking you, playing with you, doing my best to help you understand I am here to protect you and you have nothing to fear. I will be there when we walk into the airport with our family all around. I will be there when you meet your grandparents and all your family and friends. I will be there when you enter our home for the first time. I will be there when you sleep in your room for the first time and for the first time in months ( possibly years) I will breathe a sigh of relief knowing finally we are under the same roof. On down the road ( good Lord willing) I will be there ( crying like a baby) on your first day of school. I will be there when you have your first heartbreak. I will be there when you go to prom ( Ill be the one taking 2000 pictures :) I will be there when you graduate high school. I will be there for all your future milestones.
So when people say hurtful things hold your head high and know that You are our son. You are not here by chance or because we couldnt get what we actually wanted, you are here because Gods plan for all three of our lives. You are here because you are OUR SON. You are loved, you are wanted, you are ours. :) We love you Baby C. We are all waiting for you, we are all excited, we are all praying, We are all in love with you....You are our hope little man :) You are what we want.....You are ours :)
Thursday, August 14, 2014
A challenge. . . .
We are challenging all of our friends and family to give $35 to raise funding for our adoption. If everyone would we could exceed that $5000 and see Jeremy cut his hair and beard!!!! The hair and beard getting cut is just for fun but the money is a need. The next step will cost $4650.
You can donate at this link http://www.gofundme.com/8q2v58
I know $5000 seems unreachable trust me I really do,but $35 doesnt seem that bad?? Cant give the whole $35 no problem, any amount will help us reach this next goal. Cant give at all? We absolutely understand, but please pray for our funding. We know that God has a plan and will supply for this need.
My God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19
You can donate at this link http://www.gofundme.com/8q2v58
I know $5000 seems unreachable trust me I really do,but $35 doesnt seem that bad?? Cant give the whole $35 no problem, any amount will help us reach this next goal. Cant give at all? We absolutely understand, but please pray for our funding. We know that God has a plan and will supply for this need.
My God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19
Tuesday, August 12, 2014
Bye Bye Hair
If we can raise $5000 Jeremy has agreed to cut his hair and beard!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We all know how much needed this is.....
All the money raised will go towards our adoption. The next step is almost $5000 alone, so yes this fundraiser may be funny but the money is not just for fun its NEEDED.
If you would like to donate and say bye bye hair you can do so a couple different ways.
To donate online you can use our paypal account jeremymalone@gmail.com
You can also donate online at our go fund me account http://www.gofundme.com/8q2v58.
If you would like to write a check or send cash you can send me a email at stephaniehmalone@gmail.com and I will send you our mailing address.
Please write bye bye hair in the memo.
Thank you for all that you do. Please remember our adoption in your prayers
If you would like to donate and say bye bye hair you can do so a couple different ways.
To donate online you can use our paypal account jeremymalone@gmail.com
You can also donate online at our go fund me account http://www.gofundme.com/8q2v58.
If you would like to write a check or send cash you can send me a email at stephaniehmalone@gmail.com and I will send you our mailing address.
Please write bye bye hair in the memo.
Thank you for all that you do. Please remember our adoption in your prayers
Sunday, August 10, 2014
I want to be His mother.....
I know its hard to understand when your not in our shoes hearing God whisper adoption and point us in that direction day after day. Thats ok its our calling to answer we know everyone wont agree with it. I want people to know that I want to be his mother. I know you think im talking crazy and you think what I mean is I want to get pregnant, but nope I want to be "His" mother. God has changed my heart in so many ways that sometimes I feel like im a different person, and I now understand so many things that never made sense before. Others will say that we adopted because we had tried so long to have our own to no avail. I however 100% believe we never got pregnant because we were suppose to adopt. Im not saying that no one adopts who has biological children we have several friends who have, and oh what a blessing ALL of their children are. I know this is how God has chosen to grow our family. Will we have biological children in the future?? Only God knows the answer to that, I know that if we do others will say that we gave up to soon. Nope wrong again. Baby C was meant to be our first child I believe that with all thats within me. Seriously I am meant to be His mother. And I love Him. How do you love someone you have never met and know nothing about?? I dont know ya'll I cant explain it. I dont know why all I wanna do is protect him and keep him safe. I cant tell you how I long to read him bedtime stories and tuck him in each night. I cant understand myself the feeling that its time for me to grow up and put myself second. I dont comprehend the way my heart flutters when I simply open the door to the room that will one day be his. All I know is God has placed a desire in my heart to be " His" mother. Not a mother like before, but "His" mother.
I can remember while leaving in Montana feeling God speak to me about adoption. I remember around the same time everytime I turned around someone was preaching about psalm 37:4 (Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.) I thought to myself God is gonna allow me to be a mother I just knew it. Of course at the time I assumed that would mean conceiving . All along I had it all wrong. God wants us to desire what He desires. He wants us to surrender our lives and desire his will for us. Then He will give us those wonderful blessings that end up being exactly the desires of our heart even if we didnt always realize it. He has placed a desire in my heart to love, protect, and care for a little boy in Hong Kong, China. I dont know his age, I dont know his birth given name, I dont know his medical needs, but I know one thing for absolute certain......I want to be His mother.
I can remember while leaving in Montana feeling God speak to me about adoption. I remember around the same time everytime I turned around someone was preaching about psalm 37:4 (Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.) I thought to myself God is gonna allow me to be a mother I just knew it. Of course at the time I assumed that would mean conceiving . All along I had it all wrong. God wants us to desire what He desires. He wants us to surrender our lives and desire his will for us. Then He will give us those wonderful blessings that end up being exactly the desires of our heart even if we didnt always realize it. He has placed a desire in my heart to love, protect, and care for a little boy in Hong Kong, China. I dont know his age, I dont know his birth given name, I dont know his medical needs, but I know one thing for absolute certain......I want to be His mother.
Tuesday, August 5, 2014
A update and some answered questions.
Hey guys just a little update to let you know all is well. We are still waiting to hear back from our home study so no new news there. We had an amazing photo shoot and cannot wait to share the pictures with you!!! Ivy did a fantastic job and She absolutely captured the joy we feel in knowing that God chose us to be our little mans parents. The joy in knowing that our prayers have been answered and although the process will be long and we will have struggles and hurts and in no way will it be easy at the end of this journey is a precious baby boy. Our precious baby boy. How overwhelming is that?!?!?
We also have some name reveal photos that we are so excited about. We love the name we have chosen for our son. Some are confused in how we have a name or even know its a boy when we do not yet know our son so here are the answers to those important questions :)
Obviously Jeremy always wanted a son. I absolutely did not care either way. We were asked by our social worker if we wanted to specify the gender and we both sit there silent not knowing the answer. We had always thought we would just leave it open and be surprised. Obviously knowing that we had no definite answer She told us we didnt have to tell her right then we could talk about it and let her know later. I prayed and prayed because I was dead set on not specifying that was our plan that was always the plan, but I could feel God speaking to me about a son. I dont know why , but I knew in my heart that I would have a son. We decided to specify the gender. That is how we know " its a boy" :) !!!!
We always wanted to pick a name. When we moved into the house we are renting in Sweetwater (that is a " God story" all in itself ) We moved the refrigerator and found one alphabet magnet. The letter "C" We had already been brain storming names and at the moment we both knew. So we looked at baby names and books and talked and discussed and after many weeks we picked a name. The decision to not share the name was just something we wanted to do. We wanted that one special secret that just the two of us shared. It has been so special for us to share that with only each other. Making it that much more special when we do share his name with family and friends.
Why change his name??
Its not because we "wont like His birth given name" Its just what we have chosen to do. So much will be up in the air until we know Him. Know his name, his age. Then we will be able to make actual decisions, but for now I will let you in on the plan. It all depends on so many things, but we do plan to keep his name. Will it be his first name or his middle name we cant answer that because we dont know. The name we have chosen will be in there somewhere first name, middle name we will know in time.
He will always have his birth given name in his name, I never ever wanna take that away from him. His past will always be apart of him, we never wanna hide or cover up any of it. We want to celebrate who he is and would never want to change him.I feel strongly about this and pray that I will always do my best to help him understand the beauty of adoption and the story of how God brought Him to us.
We plan to reveal his name ( the one we have chosen) sometime after we hear back from the home study.
So keep those prayers coming. Pray that all paperwork will be acceptable and that all is there and accounted for. Pray that if it be Gods will we would hear "Your home study has been approved "
Thank you for your continued prayer and support.
We also have some name reveal photos that we are so excited about. We love the name we have chosen for our son. Some are confused in how we have a name or even know its a boy when we do not yet know our son so here are the answers to those important questions :)
Obviously Jeremy always wanted a son. I absolutely did not care either way. We were asked by our social worker if we wanted to specify the gender and we both sit there silent not knowing the answer. We had always thought we would just leave it open and be surprised. Obviously knowing that we had no definite answer She told us we didnt have to tell her right then we could talk about it and let her know later. I prayed and prayed because I was dead set on not specifying that was our plan that was always the plan, but I could feel God speaking to me about a son. I dont know why , but I knew in my heart that I would have a son. We decided to specify the gender. That is how we know " its a boy" :) !!!!
We always wanted to pick a name. When we moved into the house we are renting in Sweetwater (that is a " God story" all in itself ) We moved the refrigerator and found one alphabet magnet. The letter "C" We had already been brain storming names and at the moment we both knew. So we looked at baby names and books and talked and discussed and after many weeks we picked a name. The decision to not share the name was just something we wanted to do. We wanted that one special secret that just the two of us shared. It has been so special for us to share that with only each other. Making it that much more special when we do share his name with family and friends.
Why change his name??
Its not because we "wont like His birth given name" Its just what we have chosen to do. So much will be up in the air until we know Him. Know his name, his age. Then we will be able to make actual decisions, but for now I will let you in on the plan. It all depends on so many things, but we do plan to keep his name. Will it be his first name or his middle name we cant answer that because we dont know. The name we have chosen will be in there somewhere first name, middle name we will know in time.
He will always have his birth given name in his name, I never ever wanna take that away from him. His past will always be apart of him, we never wanna hide or cover up any of it. We want to celebrate who he is and would never want to change him.I feel strongly about this and pray that I will always do my best to help him understand the beauty of adoption and the story of how God brought Him to us.
We plan to reveal his name ( the one we have chosen) sometime after we hear back from the home study.
So keep those prayers coming. Pray that all paperwork will be acceptable and that all is there and accounted for. Pray that if it be Gods will we would hear "Your home study has been approved "
Thank you for your continued prayer and support.
Wednesday, July 30, 2014
Capturing the joy we feel for our Baby "C"
Our photo shoot is tomorrow and this girl is WAY TOO EXCITED!!!!! Besides our wedding we have never had professional pictures taken, and although I know Ivy would argue that shes no professional I have seen her photos and she takes them as if she is.
I have thought and thought about wearing my hair curly or straight, what clothes to wear, etc,etc. Then this morning Jeremy said something that made so much sense, " Lets not glam up for these photos, lets just be ourselves, thats what we will like most about them, lets just be Jeremy and Stephanie." He is so right!! No need to worry about which way to do my hair or what im going to wear. Tomorrow I want it to be about us and the joy that is overflowing in our hearts for our son that we havent yet met. A Child we cried out to God for. A child that is a answered prayer.
Just like Isaiah 55:8-9 says Gods ways are not our ways, there so much better!!!!
Tomorrow we will try our best to show the world the joy we feel in our hearts about the way God has chosen to give us the baby we prayed 6 years for. Tomorrow we celebrate Baby C and our great Gods plan and the beauty of adoption.
I have thought and thought about wearing my hair curly or straight, what clothes to wear, etc,etc. Then this morning Jeremy said something that made so much sense, " Lets not glam up for these photos, lets just be ourselves, thats what we will like most about them, lets just be Jeremy and Stephanie." He is so right!! No need to worry about which way to do my hair or what im going to wear. Tomorrow I want it to be about us and the joy that is overflowing in our hearts for our son that we havent yet met. A Child we cried out to God for. A child that is a answered prayer.
Just like Isaiah 55:8-9 says Gods ways are not our ways, there so much better!!!!
Tomorrow we will try our best to show the world the joy we feel in our hearts about the way God has chosen to give us the baby we prayed 6 years for. Tomorrow we celebrate Baby C and our great Gods plan and the beauty of adoption.
Sunday, July 27, 2014
Photo shoot
We are having a photo shoot very soon and we are SO EXCITED!!!!! We could never thank our sweet friend Ivy enough for agreeing to take our photos!! We will share photos when our home study is approved and Baby Cs name will be shared then also!!!!!! Keep the prayers coming :)!!!!!!!
Tuesday, July 22, 2014
What was your first thought/ reaction when you heard we were adopting??
Sheer
JOY! My husband texts me on day saying "Have you been on Facebook?
Jeremy and Stephanie announced that they are adopting!" I just began to
cry thinking of how much joy this child will bring to you! And how loved
and cared for this baby will be! And
then when Stephanie told me that the baby will be from Hong Kong I was
so excited! What a great adventure this will be for your family! I just
can't wait to meet that sweet baby boy and tell him all about how loved
he is and was before we even knew him!
--Carrie Kersey
Praised God, to put a baby in your arms, as I watched you here in Montana, and what a mom your going to be.
God was truely blessing you, and what great parents your going to be.
--Diane Mundell
Steph and Jeremy
I think that God has smiled on you, and I couldn't be more pleased. I know in my heart what this means to you. How very awesome our Lord is, and His blessings. How wonderful it is that you have chosen to adopt a child. What an absolute beautiful thing that is on your part. I know this child will have a wonderful God filled home. Blessings to you both.
--Bev Niffenegger
I was thrilled for you guys. There has been no greater blessing in my life than having a child, and it brings me such joy to know you will experience that soon
--Jennifer Wisz
I am very excited for you both! You two will make great parents!
--Tammy Swafford
You guys will be great parents plus who wouldn't want to have willie Robertson for a dad lol
--Justin Evans
We were thrilled and so many great emotions. We definitely know what it is to have the calling to adopt. We are very happy for you and pray for you and your son! Cant wait to see Him.
--Doug and Stacy Brown
You two will make the greatest parents ever. So happy for you
--Sarah Quillen
So awesome
--Diana LeVay
I sit here with my mouth wide open & was speechless ! Glad you called me !
--Mamaw Wilcox
Joe and I were excited about someday having a niece or nephew.
--Uncle Joe and Aunt Tiff
Awesome, I started praying in agreement right then.
--Boo Bryd-Baker
how precious
--Renee Bunch
"You're doing WHAT?!" sums it up.
--Dusty Vaughn
Excited and so happy for ya'll. And i thought how much ya'll deserve to be parents.
--Kalyn Faison
I thought it was great. I was so happy for you all I know you two would be great parents. You have a lot to give to a child and teach him all the values you two have learned.
I was very happy for you two. I felt like you would be a great mom and dad. Blood doesn't always count.
--Jennifer Humphreys
I said what are gonna call him or her?.... baby crowder??!! Lol
--Jeremy Downing
Happy and Sad. Happy you would have a baby, but sad knowing it would be along process.
-- Lao Lao
What a wonderful gift from God and what awesome parents you both will be!
--Kellie Yielding
Happy for you guys!! Wishing you the best on this new and exciting adventure. Proud of you for accepting any child that comes into your future. A child is a blessing no matter where they come from they were meant to be part of this world. That child whoever it is was meant to be yours from the start and how great it is that was always the plan.
--Ashley Goodale Grinslade
Happy for both of you.
--Lee Swafford
Shocked, excited, and scared.
--Mamaw Harmon
God is so awesome & I am so happy for you both!
--Lennis Everett
Pure Joy and Elation :)
--Whitney Reynolds
I was so excited. All I could think of is how badly you want to be parents and how extremely awesome you are going to be at it.
--Mandi Miller Branch
Excited!!! A child is a blessing no matter how they come into your life
--Eliza Pillion
I felt excited, scared, and then I thought I'm gonna be a Grammie! :) :) :)
--Grammie
Good for you guys!!
--Josh Evans
I was absolutely ecstatic for y'all! After having fertility issues I understand what it's like to want a child SO bad!! But to know that y'all didn't have fertility issues and that you guys were just following the calling on your life, it was just that more uplifting!!
--Kayla Clemons
I was excited I wanted to see baby Malone the next day if not sooner!
--Aunt Lisa
Awesome
--Elizabeth Pierce
Love it!
--Becky Calloway
When I
think about the miracle of my son I do not think of a Orphan being
rescued, I think of all those years I cried out for a child and how
faithful my God is. I do not think of myself or my husband as heroes or
want us to be praised for adopting. Until my last breath I will praise
God for this child and the miracle of how he came to be ours. God is the
hero!!
--Mama ( Steph)
After years of indecisiveness I was finally ready to be a father. I was excited, scared, and uncertain of what the road ahead would hold. The bible says with God all things are possible and it also says we are all children of God, so I felt it was my calling and my duty to take in a orphan and raise Him up in a christian home and take Him in like my God took me in. To be a courageous father and husband to my family. Oh snap!
--Daddy ( Jeremy)
--Carrie Kersey
Praised God, to put a baby in your arms, as I watched you here in Montana, and what a mom your going to be.
God was truely blessing you, and what great parents your going to be.
--Diane Mundell
Steph and Jeremy
I think that God has smiled on you, and I couldn't be more pleased. I know in my heart what this means to you. How very awesome our Lord is, and His blessings. How wonderful it is that you have chosen to adopt a child. What an absolute beautiful thing that is on your part. I know this child will have a wonderful God filled home. Blessings to you both.
--Bev Niffenegger
I was thrilled for you guys. There has been no greater blessing in my life than having a child, and it brings me such joy to know you will experience that soon
--Jennifer Wisz
I am very excited for you both! You two will make great parents!
--Tammy Swafford
You guys will be great parents plus who wouldn't want to have willie Robertson for a dad lol
--Justin Evans
We were thrilled and so many great emotions. We definitely know what it is to have the calling to adopt. We are very happy for you and pray for you and your son! Cant wait to see Him.
--Doug and Stacy Brown
You two will make the greatest parents ever. So happy for you
--Sarah Quillen
So awesome
--Diana LeVay
I sit here with my mouth wide open & was speechless ! Glad you called me !
--Mamaw Wilcox
Joe and I were excited about someday having a niece or nephew.
--Uncle Joe and Aunt Tiff
Awesome, I started praying in agreement right then.
--Boo Bryd-Baker
how precious
--Renee Bunch
"You're doing WHAT?!" sums it up.
--Dusty Vaughn
Excited and so happy for ya'll. And i thought how much ya'll deserve to be parents.
--Kalyn Faison
I thought it was great. I was so happy for you all I know you two would be great parents. You have a lot to give to a child and teach him all the values you two have learned.
I was very happy for you two. I felt like you would be a great mom and dad. Blood doesn't always count.
--Jennifer Humphreys
I said what are gonna call him or her?.... baby crowder??!! Lol
--Jeremy Downing
Happy and Sad. Happy you would have a baby, but sad knowing it would be along process.
-- Lao Lao
What a wonderful gift from God and what awesome parents you both will be!
--Kellie Yielding
Happy for you guys!! Wishing you the best on this new and exciting adventure. Proud of you for accepting any child that comes into your future. A child is a blessing no matter where they come from they were meant to be part of this world. That child whoever it is was meant to be yours from the start and how great it is that was always the plan.
--Ashley Goodale Grinslade
Happy for both of you.
--Lee Swafford
Shocked, excited, and scared.
--Mamaw Harmon
God is so awesome & I am so happy for you both!
--Lennis Everett
Pure Joy and Elation :)
--Whitney Reynolds
I was so excited. All I could think of is how badly you want to be parents and how extremely awesome you are going to be at it.
--Mandi Miller Branch
Excited!!! A child is a blessing no matter how they come into your life
--Eliza Pillion
I felt excited, scared, and then I thought I'm gonna be a Grammie! :) :) :)
--Grammie
Good for you guys!!
--Josh Evans
I was absolutely ecstatic for y'all! After having fertility issues I understand what it's like to want a child SO bad!! But to know that y'all didn't have fertility issues and that you guys were just following the calling on your life, it was just that more uplifting!!
--Kayla Clemons
I was excited I wanted to see baby Malone the next day if not sooner!
--Aunt Lisa
Awesome
--Elizabeth Pierce
Love it!
--Becky Calloway
--Mama ( Steph)
After years of indecisiveness I was finally ready to be a father. I was excited, scared, and uncertain of what the road ahead would hold. The bible says with God all things are possible and it also says we are all children of God, so I felt it was my calling and my duty to take in a orphan and raise Him up in a christian home and take Him in like my God took me in. To be a courageous father and husband to my family. Oh snap!
--Daddy ( Jeremy)
Tuesday, July 15, 2014
Jewelry Adoption Fundraiser
Hey Guys just wanted to update everyone about our next fundraiser for our adoption. I am getting orders together for a Premier Designs (Jewelry) party. If you love jewelry and would like to order please check out the new catalog. I will receive 100% of the proceeds from all sales. If any of my friends and family decide to have their own party I will receive 25% of the proceeds from their party as well. All orders must be in by August 5th. Lets raise some funds and keep working to bring my baby boy home and get some awesome jewelry in the process. Thanks in advance its a honor to know that my boy is already so loved.
http://whitney.mypremierdesigns.com/ Access code is 1611.
Monday, July 14, 2014
Participation please :)
Ok Guys I am working on a post for my blog about everyones reaction to our adoption news. A few people commented when I asked on facebook, but other than that I didnt get alot of participation. So I thought I would ask one last time. So please comment and share your thoughts :) (positive ones only please) Be honest if you were scared or had reservations thats ok share those thoughts and fears. These will also be put into Baby Cs life book so He will always know that everyone was so happy and excited long before He came home.
Thanks in advance :) :) :)
Thanks in advance :) :) :)
Saturday, July 12, 2014
Songs that remind me of Him. . . . .
So most everyone who knows me knows im crazy about music. ( We played 5 songs at our wedding!!
haha) Anyway I have alot of songs that remind me of our baby, and our
adoption. They come on the radio often and I think its God way of
reminding me not to worry that Hes in control and working all things out
for our good.
I thought I would share some of the songs with you. Enjoy..
On this journey of Adoption God has been there every step. Through the pain and trials to the joy and truimph He is there and this songs describes that beautifully.
This song is my adoption song. It was in my heart from day one. I want this to be the song playing in the background of our gotcha day video. Each time it says one step closer I am reminded that one day we will wrap up this adoption journey and a bouncing baby boy will finally be placed into his mommas arms.
I thought I would share some of the songs with you. Enjoy..
On this journey of Adoption God has been there every step. Through the pain and trials to the joy and truimph He is there and this songs describes that beautifully.
This song is my adoption song. It was in my heart from day one. I want this to be the song playing in the background of our gotcha day video. Each time it says one step closer I am reminded that one day we will wrap up this adoption journey and a bouncing baby boy will finally be placed into his mommas arms.
Thursday, July 10, 2014
Now we wait
We had our home visit today for our home study, and everything went great. I normally would have been a nervous wreck, and I was nervous but I felt so much peace. I know it was because so many were praying for us. I could feel your prayers. Now we are waiting for approval this takes about 6-8 weeks ( could possibly be sooner.) We are so excited that we have completed this first step and are that much closer to our beautiful baby boy. Please continue to pray for us, our child, and our adoption. We cannot thank you enough for all the prayers that already have been lifted up on our behalf. We are overwhelmed by what God has done and is continuing to do for us.
Now we wait. . . . . . . . . .
Now we wait. . . . . . . . . .
Sunday, July 6, 2014
Just a update and a word of appreciation
First off I would like to say that I am so thankful for second chances. Sometimes we make choices only to later realize they might not have exactly been for the best. With that being said I am excited to announce that my last day at Kmart will be July 19th and I will be starting back at Polar Freeze tomorrow. I am thankful for the opportunity to go back and am so grateful for another chance.
I know that this has been part of my downer mood lately. I just felt off and like I didnt belong where I was. The truth is I am just too tender hearted for retail and cashiering. I am thankful however for the opportunity I was given and the awesome people I met in the process. However I am excited to get back to where I belong :)
Thank you to everyone who has been praying for me. I can literally feel your prayers. I feel calm and relaxed although our home visit is this week. ( I know I still have time for the craziness, freaking out to begin). I ask that you continue to cover us in prayer as we have our home visit on thursday ( July 10th) and for our home study to be approved.
I truly appreciate everyone who is being so awesome and positive about our baby and decision to follow Gods call on our lives to adopt. I feel I am constantly having to defend our decision and its exhausting. I am blessed to have friends and family who are here for us and honestly excited and happy for us. Continue to pray as we hold our heads high and deal with negativity ( Im not always good at that).
Good Bless,
Stephanie
I know that this has been part of my downer mood lately. I just felt off and like I didnt belong where I was. The truth is I am just too tender hearted for retail and cashiering. I am thankful however for the opportunity I was given and the awesome people I met in the process. However I am excited to get back to where I belong :)
Thank you to everyone who has been praying for me. I can literally feel your prayers. I feel calm and relaxed although our home visit is this week. ( I know I still have time for the craziness, freaking out to begin). I ask that you continue to cover us in prayer as we have our home visit on thursday ( July 10th) and for our home study to be approved.
I truly appreciate everyone who is being so awesome and positive about our baby and decision to follow Gods call on our lives to adopt. I feel I am constantly having to defend our decision and its exhausting. I am blessed to have friends and family who are here for us and honestly excited and happy for us. Continue to pray as we hold our heads high and deal with negativity ( Im not always good at that).
Good Bless,
Stephanie
Tuesday, July 1, 2014
Timeline :)
I realize I have really been a downer lately with my sad and droopy post and I apologize so lets focus on the positives. Lets take a look at our adoption timeline what we have completed and whats to come.. . .
July 10th we have scheduled our home visit for our home study which is the last step. Usually the home study would not taken this long to complete but we moved and I changed jobs not to mention gathering enough funds to pay for the Application and home study which combined cost $2950. Our God is good and He has provided every step of the way.
Whats next??
After our home visit we wait to find out if our home study was approved. (WE ask that you please cover this in prayer!!)
Next we start on our dossier which is paperwork that will be sent to Hong Kong. The country fee is also due which is $4650. ( Pray for funding) At this point we can apply for grants please pray for God will and His plan for our funding.
After the dossier we wait for a referral which can take time. During this time we need to focus on the rest of our training and building our funds for the remainder of our adoption journey.
After we receive and accept a referral we wait to find out when we can travel. Meanwhile we complete 10 more training hours. We get all our things together for travel ( passports, etc.) and get house ready for baby.
We will travel to Hong Kong and stay for 4-6 days. While there we will meet our son and go to court where if all goes well He will be pronounced a Malone. We will bring him home forever :)
After this we have post placement reports where we meet with our social worker and talk about how everything is going, any problems or hard transitions we are having.
We are so excited that God has led us down this road and has chosen adoption to grow our family. We cant wait to find our boy and bring Him home.
"Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!" LUKE 1:45
- April 3 (2014) submitted Preliminary Application.
- April 6 Submitted formal Application
- April 7 announced on facebook so that friends and family could cover us in prayer.
- April 10 Talked to International Intake Coordinator about our Country options.
- April 17 Got the call our Formal Application had been approved.
- April 17 Attended information meeting at Agency. Received homestudy paperwork.
- April 28 Couples interview for home study.
- May 12 individual interviews for home study.
July 10th we have scheduled our home visit for our home study which is the last step. Usually the home study would not taken this long to complete but we moved and I changed jobs not to mention gathering enough funds to pay for the Application and home study which combined cost $2950. Our God is good and He has provided every step of the way.
Whats next??
After our home visit we wait to find out if our home study was approved. (WE ask that you please cover this in prayer!!)
Next we start on our dossier which is paperwork that will be sent to Hong Kong. The country fee is also due which is $4650. ( Pray for funding) At this point we can apply for grants please pray for God will and His plan for our funding.
After the dossier we wait for a referral which can take time. During this time we need to focus on the rest of our training and building our funds for the remainder of our adoption journey.
After we receive and accept a referral we wait to find out when we can travel. Meanwhile we complete 10 more training hours. We get all our things together for travel ( passports, etc.) and get house ready for baby.
We will travel to Hong Kong and stay for 4-6 days. While there we will meet our son and go to court where if all goes well He will be pronounced a Malone. We will bring him home forever :)
After this we have post placement reports where we meet with our social worker and talk about how everything is going, any problems or hard transitions we are having.
We are so excited that God has led us down this road and has chosen adoption to grow our family. We cant wait to find our boy and bring Him home.
"Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!" LUKE 1:45
I wanna teach my son
Yesterday I had a coworker make a very racist comment to me about my child specifically. Her statement started out " Don't take me wrong i'm not racist" It all went down hill from there as she said you know your baby will look like this as she made a gesture with her hands. I did not get mad. I did not get upset. I just turned away and headed back to my work, when she said hey and made another awful comment. I seriously did not get upset however I want people to understand the depth of this problem. Had I went to her and said things of the same nature about her child I have no doubt that she would have fought me right there. So why is it ok? Why do people have the nerve to say awful things to others? What happen to treating others the way we want to be treated? Somewhere in life respect went away. There are so many fights and arguments because people do not realize its ok to keep your opinions to yourself.
I want to teach my son that there is so much more to life than skin color. We all have a purpose and if we are busy kicking each other while were down we are not fulfilling that purpose. I want him to know the importance of helping those in need. I want Him to know that there is a time to stand up for yourself, but there is also a time to let things go. I let her comments go yesterday, not because they were ok and not because they didnt affect me, but because it was ignorance. No I am not calling her a name, I simply mean she is uneducated about the subject. We need to keep others feelings in mind however before we speak. We need to be kind and respectful I want my son to know that.
I want to teach him that we are all different, we should rejoice in those differences and our individualiities not put each other down for them. I want him to know that love doesnt know race. Love doesnt care. I want him to understand that there are mean people in the world but he can't let those people define him.
I want to teach my son that there is so much more to life than skin color. We all have a purpose and if we are busy kicking each other while were down we are not fulfilling that purpose. I want him to know the importance of helping those in need. I want Him to know that there is a time to stand up for yourself, but there is also a time to let things go. I let her comments go yesterday, not because they were ok and not because they didnt affect me, but because it was ignorance. No I am not calling her a name, I simply mean she is uneducated about the subject. We need to keep others feelings in mind however before we speak. We need to be kind and respectful I want my son to know that.
I want to teach him that we are all different, we should rejoice in those differences and our individualiities not put each other down for them. I want him to know that love doesnt know race. Love doesnt care. I want him to understand that there are mean people in the world but he can't let those people define him.
I want him to know that I cried out for a baby and God heard my prayers. I want him to know that we love him for him. We do not wish that he is different. We love him for everything he is.
So when you say mean and hurtful things I want you to realize your talking about my baby. I do not talk negatively about your baby so why do you talk negatively about mine??
Our Gods timing is not our own, Its better!
Everyone was so right when they told us right in time the funds would arrive. God doesnt always provide them when we want Him too. I got a email saying our home study money was a month overdue, and we still only had about half of it and had no clue where the other half would come from. We prayed and prayed and I wouldnt say we gave up hope or our faith in God and His timing, but we got discouraged. We got stressed, we worried, we were overwhelmed.
Then a childhood friend of ours decided to help. Here is what She wrote
Welcome to Cupcakes for a Cause! My friends Jeremy and Stephanie Malone are adopting a baby. Some of you may know them others may not. They are currently raising funds for their home study, a vital process that will put them one step closer to meeting the child God has chosen for them. Cupcakes for a Cause is a secret fundraiser that I am starting through my bakery Sugar Branch Bakery to help them reach their goal of $1,200 so they can get their home study.I will be taking orders for the cupcakes between now and June 25th. Since I will be in Athens June 27th through June 29th anyone who lives in or around Athens will be able to get their cupcakes then. The cupcakes are $14 a dozen and 75% of the profits will be given to Jeremy and Stephanie. The other 25% will cover the cost of making the cupcakes and delivering them. I have known Jeremy and Stephanie since we were little. They are wonderful and loving people. They have dedicated their lives to God and have served as missionaries in Montana and are now active members in their home church in Sweetwater, TN. They are one of the most deserving couples I know. Jeremy and Stephanie DO NOT know about this fundraiser. Help me bless them and help them being Baby Malone home.
I accidentally found the event on facebook and I was so overwhelmed and overjoyed as I scrolled down the page and saw so many orders within hours of the event being created. In 12hours 26orders had already been placed!! It was amazing to watch God work. It was amazing to have someone take it upon themself to help us and to watch as we literally did nothing and God provide day after day.
As the weeks went on and it was almost time for Cupcakes for a Cause to end we had some friends and family donate and I still cant understand how because I can never get it to add up but God provided the 1100 more we needed for our homestudy.
Mandi who lives in West Virginia brought most of those cupcakes to Tennessee to deliver. I am still so thankful and amazed at all the work She did for us. I wanna tell you the grand total not to brag on us, but to brag on our God and how He provided $717!!!!!!
So yesterday we paid for our home study and we still have the cupcake money to go towards the next cost of our adoption .My question is why do we doubt our God?? Why do we become anxious when He doesnt provide the second we want Him to, when we know the funds will come right on time! Why do we questions His goodness when He has proven Himself over and over throughout our lives.
Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her! Luke 1:45
I know God will continue to provide throughout our adoption. If you feel God is calling you to help provide you can send me a email at stephaniehmalone@gmail.com.
Or we have a gofundme account where you can give.
http://www.gofundme.com/8q2v58
We cannot wait until our little man is old enough to understand how friends, family, and even strangers came together to help bring Him home. Please continue to pray for us and our adoption.
God is so good!!
Then a childhood friend of ours decided to help. Here is what She wrote
Welcome to Cupcakes for a Cause! My friends Jeremy and Stephanie Malone are adopting a baby. Some of you may know them others may not. They are currently raising funds for their home study, a vital process that will put them one step closer to meeting the child God has chosen for them. Cupcakes for a Cause is a secret fundraiser that I am starting through my bakery Sugar Branch Bakery to help them reach their goal of $1,200 so they can get their home study.I will be taking orders for the cupcakes between now and June 25th. Since I will be in Athens June 27th through June 29th anyone who lives in or around Athens will be able to get their cupcakes then. The cupcakes are $14 a dozen and 75% of the profits will be given to Jeremy and Stephanie. The other 25% will cover the cost of making the cupcakes and delivering them. I have known Jeremy and Stephanie since we were little. They are wonderful and loving people. They have dedicated their lives to God and have served as missionaries in Montana and are now active members in their home church in Sweetwater, TN. They are one of the most deserving couples I know. Jeremy and Stephanie DO NOT know about this fundraiser. Help me bless them and help them being Baby Malone home.
I accidentally found the event on facebook and I was so overwhelmed and overjoyed as I scrolled down the page and saw so many orders within hours of the event being created. In 12hours 26orders had already been placed!! It was amazing to watch God work. It was amazing to have someone take it upon themself to help us and to watch as we literally did nothing and God provide day after day.
As the weeks went on and it was almost time for Cupcakes for a Cause to end we had some friends and family donate and I still cant understand how because I can never get it to add up but God provided the 1100 more we needed for our homestudy.
The total of cupcakes that were sold were 53 DOZEN!!!!!!!
So yesterday we paid for our home study and we still have the cupcake money to go towards the next cost of our adoption .My question is why do we doubt our God?? Why do we become anxious when He doesnt provide the second we want Him to, when we know the funds will come right on time! Why do we questions His goodness when He has proven Himself over and over throughout our lives.
Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her! Luke 1:45
I know God will continue to provide throughout our adoption. If you feel God is calling you to help provide you can send me a email at stephaniehmalone@gmail.com.
Or we have a gofundme account where you can give.
http://www.gofundme.com/8q2v58
We cannot wait until our little man is old enough to understand how friends, family, and even strangers came together to help bring Him home. Please continue to pray for us and our adoption.
God is so good!!
Monday, June 30, 2014
Forgetyou 2014
Forget you 2014 was a trip our youth group went on. I didnt get to go, but Jeremy went. I had a horrible week the week before the trip and the week of was worse with Jeremy gone I have just been so depressed, overwhelmed and just blah. However I am thankful that Jeremy went because his desire is to work with the youth but because of his work schedule is unable to. He really got to connect with the youth and I am so happy for that. Sunday everyone who went on the trip got up and spoke, they filled us in on what Forget you meant and what touched them most. It was a awesome service and I cannot even explain how it changed me.
Forget you means to put Christ first . He must increase, but I must decrease. John 3:30
I have not being doing that. I have been selfish. Everyone has gifts, I know that mine is working with children. However when asked I have said no numerous times to helping with Children at TFC. I have thought about myself, and I think to get my attention God has in a sense allowed me to bury myself. Don't get me wrong I dont mean He has left me, He NEVER leaves us. I think He allows us to make choices and when we dont follow his will and calling He allows us to be sad, and overwhelmed to get our attention.
Its not about me, its about Him. I realize that now and I will now be helping wherever I can at church, and I hope this helps others to see the big picture and to do the same. There at jobs that need done, but so often we are so comfortable doing our own thing or convincing ourselves its not the job for us ,But its not about us.
I am so thankful that the youth went on this trip because I NEEDED this message. I am thankful for my church and all those who are a part of it. I am sorry that I let a whole year go by without using my talent in a area where we desperately need more helpers. I am sorry that I have been so selfish.
Remember Its not about us, its about HIM <><
Forget you means to put Christ first . He must increase, but I must decrease. John 3:30
I have not being doing that. I have been selfish. Everyone has gifts, I know that mine is working with children. However when asked I have said no numerous times to helping with Children at TFC. I have thought about myself, and I think to get my attention God has in a sense allowed me to bury myself. Don't get me wrong I dont mean He has left me, He NEVER leaves us. I think He allows us to make choices and when we dont follow his will and calling He allows us to be sad, and overwhelmed to get our attention.
Its not about me, its about Him. I realize that now and I will now be helping wherever I can at church, and I hope this helps others to see the big picture and to do the same. There at jobs that need done, but so often we are so comfortable doing our own thing or convincing ourselves its not the job for us ,But its not about us.
I am so thankful that the youth went on this trip because I NEEDED this message. I am thankful for my church and all those who are a part of it. I am sorry that I let a whole year go by without using my talent in a area where we desperately need more helpers. I am sorry that I have been so selfish.
Remember Its not about us, its about HIM <><
Friday, June 27, 2014
A time of rest. . . . .A break from social media
Ok guys heres a update. I have had a rough week. Jeremy went to beach camp with our youth group and youth leaders, and for the first time ever I was the one home alone. I cried daily, but what everyone doesnt know is that has been going on since last week.
I know everyone assumes I have been upset because Jeremy was gone and I have missed him and not known what to do with myself, but there is more to it then that. As you know from my last post I had a little break down last week. The truth is I didnt just cry it all out and poof im good now.
I think its all still from going as hard and as fast as I can for 4 months straight. I think its from emotions being up and down and up and down. I need rest. I feel so distracted from the world and yet I feel so connected to it, but cant focus on real life. The best way to describe it is I feel like im drowning. I feel overwhelmed. I feel like its all too much, but when asked what is all to much? I couldnt tell you. Its everything and its nothing. I know that everyone thinks Jeremy was gone and I got sad and mopey, and yes thats partly true. The whole truth is this started long before he left. Last week was my breaking point and this week with my best friend and the person in whom I confide everything gone and unavailable that made it worse yes, but him going is not the reason all these emotions surfaced. I just wanted to clear that up.
That being said I am taking a break from facebook, twitter, and instagram. I feel as though they are too much right now. I feel like I have lost touch of "real" life. ( I may not blog as often either, but I will update you when i can). My focus is gonna be on my relationship with Jesus Christ. Being a better friend, wife and future mother. I need less distractions in order to accomplish these things. I wanna be a better person. I wanna be closer to God more so than before. I need this break in order to focus on Him. Im tired physically and emotionally. Im just exhausted with everything and nothing all at once. I want to make sure everyone knows im taking a break from facebook, instagram, and twitter in the attempt to connect better with the relationships around me. This is something I feel convicted to do. Our facebook will not disappear Jeremy will still have it. I just want everyone to know whats going on since my last post was open and honest I didnt wanna go mia and anyone worry. Im fine and everythings gonna be fine. I will still be working on our adoption I will just be going slower and not trying to accomplish everything so fast or all at once like I have been
.
Again I wanna stress that im fine.I have had a really rough few weeks and I am just overworked, overstressed, and overwhelmed, so im gonna focus on resting and my relationships with those God has placed in my life and leave out social media, and everything else that doesnt matter.
My hope is that I can put my focus back on what actually matters and in turn all my relationships will be on key. The overwhelming feelings will begin to go away and I can be right where God wants me to be. If you need me you can call me. If you dont have my number you can email me stephaniehmalone@gmail.com.
Please remember us in prayers and especially lift up our home visit for our home study which is July 10th and our adoption in general.
I did miss Jeremy like crazy!!!! Who says that after 6 years of marriage your heart can't think your still a newlywed!!! :)
I know everyone assumes I have been upset because Jeremy was gone and I have missed him and not known what to do with myself, but there is more to it then that. As you know from my last post I had a little break down last week. The truth is I didnt just cry it all out and poof im good now.
I think its all still from going as hard and as fast as I can for 4 months straight. I think its from emotions being up and down and up and down. I need rest. I feel so distracted from the world and yet I feel so connected to it, but cant focus on real life. The best way to describe it is I feel like im drowning. I feel overwhelmed. I feel like its all too much, but when asked what is all to much? I couldnt tell you. Its everything and its nothing. I know that everyone thinks Jeremy was gone and I got sad and mopey, and yes thats partly true. The whole truth is this started long before he left. Last week was my breaking point and this week with my best friend and the person in whom I confide everything gone and unavailable that made it worse yes, but him going is not the reason all these emotions surfaced. I just wanted to clear that up.
That being said I am taking a break from facebook, twitter, and instagram. I feel as though they are too much right now. I feel like I have lost touch of "real" life. ( I may not blog as often either, but I will update you when i can). My focus is gonna be on my relationship with Jesus Christ. Being a better friend, wife and future mother. I need less distractions in order to accomplish these things. I wanna be a better person. I wanna be closer to God more so than before. I need this break in order to focus on Him. Im tired physically and emotionally. Im just exhausted with everything and nothing all at once. I want to make sure everyone knows im taking a break from facebook, instagram, and twitter in the attempt to connect better with the relationships around me. This is something I feel convicted to do. Our facebook will not disappear Jeremy will still have it. I just want everyone to know whats going on since my last post was open and honest I didnt wanna go mia and anyone worry. Im fine and everythings gonna be fine. I will still be working on our adoption I will just be going slower and not trying to accomplish everything so fast or all at once like I have been
.
Again I wanna stress that im fine.I have had a really rough few weeks and I am just overworked, overstressed, and overwhelmed, so im gonna focus on resting and my relationships with those God has placed in my life and leave out social media, and everything else that doesnt matter.
My hope is that I can put my focus back on what actually matters and in turn all my relationships will be on key. The overwhelming feelings will begin to go away and I can be right where God wants me to be. If you need me you can call me. If you dont have my number you can email me stephaniehmalone@gmail.com.
Please remember us in prayers and especially lift up our home visit for our home study which is July 10th and our adoption in general.
I did miss Jeremy like crazy!!!! Who says that after 6 years of marriage your heart can't think your still a newlywed!!! :)
Thursday, June 26, 2014
My Sons Birth Mother
*** Keep in Mind that I dont even know my son yet and so I know nothing about his birth mother.**
My Son has a birth mom. I know thats obvious but I want others to know that i'm not pretending that He doesn't. I wanna make it clear that I dont know her and even once I find out who my son is I may have some information about her and I could also have none, but either way I still wont know her. If we do however receive some information about her , I will never share that information. Except with my Son of course that is His story to tell not mine. I know so many will hold harsh feelings deep inside toward her because they assume she just abandoned her baby. I want others to know that for one they are assuming that and I want them to know that even if that was the way it happened they dont understand. I cannot speak from experience because I have never been to another Country, but I know that all the stories in the world cannot help us to even catch a glimpse of what its really like in some countries ( im not speaking of Hong Kong, i just mean in general). Everyone has a story and so often we want to fill in the blanks and become anger and bitter when they arent our blanks to fill in and we more than likely have it all wrong. I am not trying to paint a pretty picture of my childs past because I dont have the knowledge to fill in his blanks, and I may never know what his past held. But I want others to understand and acknowledge that they dont know either.
I will forever be grateful for my sons birth mother. I will forever rejoice for the tough decision she made. She is the reason He is alive. She made choices and one of those choices was to carry him and allow him to live. She didnt have to choose that but Praise the Lord she did. She also made the choice to give him up for whatever reason and on one hand you feel happiness in knowing that because of that choice you now have a son, but on the other hand as a woman my heart breaks for her.
Whatever her circumstance I lift her up in prayer daily. She carried my son, She could be carrying him right now, how could I not care deeply for the woman who gave life to my child. I know that others will never understand this, but thats ok because its my story and they dont have to understand.
I just hope that others wont try to fill in the blanks of her story and judge her when they have no clue of the choices that She has made and will live with daily. I hope that others will choose to rejoice in the fact that because of her choice we now have a son and not focus on why and how that came to be.
I know im not the only one who believes God trades our ashes for beauty and this is just another example.
She is in my prayers.
She gave me a gift I cannot repay.
She is my Sons Birth Mother.
My Son has a birth mom. I know thats obvious but I want others to know that i'm not pretending that He doesn't. I wanna make it clear that I dont know her and even once I find out who my son is I may have some information about her and I could also have none, but either way I still wont know her. If we do however receive some information about her , I will never share that information. Except with my Son of course that is His story to tell not mine. I know so many will hold harsh feelings deep inside toward her because they assume she just abandoned her baby. I want others to know that for one they are assuming that and I want them to know that even if that was the way it happened they dont understand. I cannot speak from experience because I have never been to another Country, but I know that all the stories in the world cannot help us to even catch a glimpse of what its really like in some countries ( im not speaking of Hong Kong, i just mean in general). Everyone has a story and so often we want to fill in the blanks and become anger and bitter when they arent our blanks to fill in and we more than likely have it all wrong. I am not trying to paint a pretty picture of my childs past because I dont have the knowledge to fill in his blanks, and I may never know what his past held. But I want others to understand and acknowledge that they dont know either.
I will forever be grateful for my sons birth mother. I will forever rejoice for the tough decision she made. She is the reason He is alive. She made choices and one of those choices was to carry him and allow him to live. She didnt have to choose that but Praise the Lord she did. She also made the choice to give him up for whatever reason and on one hand you feel happiness in knowing that because of that choice you now have a son, but on the other hand as a woman my heart breaks for her.
Whatever her circumstance I lift her up in prayer daily. She carried my son, She could be carrying him right now, how could I not care deeply for the woman who gave life to my child. I know that others will never understand this, but thats ok because its my story and they dont have to understand.
I just hope that others wont try to fill in the blanks of her story and judge her when they have no clue of the choices that She has made and will live with daily. I hope that others will choose to rejoice in the fact that because of her choice we now have a son and not focus on why and how that came to be.
I know im not the only one who believes God trades our ashes for beauty and this is just another example.
She gave me a gift I cannot repay.
She is my Sons Birth Mother.
Saturday, June 21, 2014
Defeated and in need of prayers
On Thursday I had a horrible day. I am constantly working and feel like im getting no where. My days off consist of my working HARD and when the days over I never get anywhere. Thursday I hit my limit. I reach my breaking point. After crying at the post office. I went home and cried for a solid hour and off and on the rest of the evening. When asked what was wrong I sobbed the best I could im tired. I was. I am. Im absolutely exhausted, Mentally, physically. I am tired of being strong. I am tired of pretending to have it all together. I have worked, pushed, and smiled for almost 4 months now. I feel for everything we have needed to do locally we have had to jump through hoops. For starters we were given the run around by doctors offices. Im talking RUN AROUND. Some said they wouldnt sign our paperwork, some said they wouldnt do the 7 panel drug test we were required to have. Some wouldnt take our insurance. When we finally found one we had to apply to be a patient there and wait. We were approved PTL. Then they automatically scheduled us appointments. Of course we had to cancel them because they were at times we were working. We rescheduled which was way too much confusion since we got accepted by two different people. Apparently mine never got canceled so I showed up for the rescheduled visit and was told that I didnt have a appointment and that I had been a no call no show for my actual appointment. ( I cried that day also) I rescheduled that day and was told that if I didnt come to that appointment I couldnt be seen because you can only reschedule twice. ( I didnt even respond). Finally got a appointment and loved the doctor. Got paperwork signed only to realize She is actually a nurse practitioner. Meaning my paperwork is probably not even valid and will have to be done again. Next is my passport. I went to walgreens to have my passport picture taken. They had their photo lab closed for construction. So over to Walmart i went. I had my picture taken and I smiled. As I am walking out of walmart Jeremy says they wont use that because you smiled. I turn around and go back on and they told me if it doesnt work you can bring it back. This was my day off last week.
My day off this week.I had a dr appointment in athens afterward we went to the aim mail center ( they did our fingerprints and we really liked them) well they dont do passports ( even thought they have a big sign apparently they only expedit passports. We headed home, I then find out that you can fill out the paperwork online and print it out and take it to the post office which saves time. So I did. Three different times because I kept finding errors. Then on the third time it stopped in the middle and announced the printer was out of black ink. So to the church I headed. Printed it out and headed to the post office. All paperwork in hand my drivers license, the photos, and my birth certificate. Oh we dont do that here was what I heard. So fighting back tears I asked where can I get it done?? Athens or Madisonville post office. I had just been in Athens that morning for a doctor appointment.
Those are just a few examples of me working all day on my day off to get a particular task done and at the end of the day still no where near it being done.
I am tired, I am frustrated, I am sad, I am overwhelmed, I feel defeated, I need your prayers.
2 Corinthians 4: 17-18 “For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever. So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever
My day off this week.I had a dr appointment in athens afterward we went to the aim mail center ( they did our fingerprints and we really liked them) well they dont do passports ( even thought they have a big sign apparently they only expedit passports. We headed home, I then find out that you can fill out the paperwork online and print it out and take it to the post office which saves time. So I did. Three different times because I kept finding errors. Then on the third time it stopped in the middle and announced the printer was out of black ink. So to the church I headed. Printed it out and headed to the post office. All paperwork in hand my drivers license, the photos, and my birth certificate. Oh we dont do that here was what I heard. So fighting back tears I asked where can I get it done?? Athens or Madisonville post office. I had just been in Athens that morning for a doctor appointment.
Those are just a few examples of me working all day on my day off to get a particular task done and at the end of the day still no where near it being done.
I am tired, I am frustrated, I am sad, I am overwhelmed, I feel defeated, I need your prayers.
2 Corinthians 4: 17-18 “For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever. So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever
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