A Little Update on Life... Im sure you are sick of the Coconut Recipe :)

It's hard to believe that it is already the middle of August!  This summer has flown by just as the last 6 years have.  

Cale started 1st grade this year and is really enjoying school.  He is also playing his second season of 5/6 football.  Boy do I love watching him play.  He is really "getting it" this year.  

We are still "patiently" waiting on the call from the adoption agency with good news.  We have officially been on the waiting list for almost 2 years.  I never thought it would take this long, but I know God's timing is always perfect... not a minute early nor a minute late.  What a  comforting thought to know He has it in His hands.  I look back at things that have happened this year and I realize why it hasn't happened yet.  I will admit some days patience is hard to come by. :)

We realized that Cale needed someone to play with, so for his birthday he got a new puppy.  After about 5 days she finally had a name, Gracie.  Some days I think to myself... "What was I thinking getting a puppy????"  But then seeing how happy Cale is makes it all worth it.  Don't get me wrong, I still have those times where I could scream.  Since we got her, she has manged to put holes in 8 pair of Cale's undies... we laugh and tell him she must like biting stinky things :)  Every night he holds her and tells her goodnight and then the words "Give brother a kiss" are spoken... then I feel like gagging as she licks his cute little lips.  A boy and his dog... what else can I say.  

God sure has been good to us.  We have had so many prayers answered, for that we are thankful.  Now we wait for the others prayers to be answered in His time.  

Show Us Your Life... Desserts!

Coconut Poke Cake

• 1 (18.25 ounce) package white cake mix
• 1 (14 ounce) can cream of coconut
• 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 (16 ounce) package frozen whipped topping, thawed

1. Prepare and bake white cake mix according to package directions. Remove cake from oven. While still hot, using a utility fork, poke holes all over the top of the cake.
2. Mix cream of coconut and sweetened condensed milk together. Pour over the top of the still hot cake. Let cake cool completely then frost with the whipped topping. Keep cake refrigerated.

You can also top with flake coconut!

Things Are Looking Up!!

Well... the past few months have been interesting to say the least! Im pretty much writing this past summer off! We had a busy summer even with everything that was going on with me. I will say being able to spend time with Cale this summer was awesome. We went to Arkansas, Mississppi and Tybee Island. We were so excited that we had family in town to celebrate Cale's 4th birthday. We had to cancel his party due to my health issues, but it ended up being a great party! I cant believe Cale is 4!!!

Here are a few pictures from our Summer!!

I LOVE this picture!

This was about all the water he wanted to play in... he did not like the ocean!

He sure loves his Mawmaw and Pawpaw in Mississippi!

I love this saying... its so true!

The Birthday boy!!

having fun at Grandma and Grandpas house in Arkansas!

We sure miss them! :(

Cale started Pre-K this year. We had a really hard time putting him in public school this year. We LOVED the school he attended the past 2 years, but we knew with the upcoming adoption cost we just couldnt afford it. He has done great adjusting. I will say I miss him coming home with Jesus on his mind... one of the major downfalls of public schools! But we talk to him about Jesus at home and he has great teachers at church! Cale is also riding the bus! I didnt cry the first day of school like I thought I would... but the first morning he rode the bus... I bawled!!! Seeing that bus drive away with my baby in it was hard! I was able to go eat lunch with him last week, I was amazed at how big he was. I love being able to pick him up from school 2 days a week.
First Day of Pre-K

On the Big Yellow Bus... he was so excited! :)

We were able to finish up our adoption meetings this week!! What a relief that was! We should have our book out to be seen in 3-4 weeks... then all we can do is wait and pray!! We are looking forward to welcoming a new baby into our family. :)

Spring... at last!!

Well it feels more like summer, but it sure beats the cold!! There is just something about beautiful weather that makes you happy!Cale had his first t-ball game this past weekend! We had the best time watching them play! It's going to be fun watching them get better and better! But at 3 years old... just holding their attention is a challenge!! Here are a couple of pictures from his first game.
We went to church Easter morning then went to Clint's parents for lunch and egg hunt! I really miss the days when I got to hunt eggs. I tried to talk mama into doing one for me with money in the eggs, she didnt go for it! :( Maybe next year! Here are a couple of pictures from Easter Sunday.
love,
Kimberly

Cale's First T-ball Practice

Well Cale's first practice was interesting to say the least! He did pretty good... hopefully next week the coaches will be a little more helpful! Here is a couple of pictures of Cale!

Who's the king of the jungle? WHO WHO WHO!

What is the one thing that can make me smile no matter how bad of a mood I might be in??? Hearing Cale singing the songs he has learned at school. Anyone who is around Cale knows he LOVES to sing. It doesn't matter if hes in his bed going to sleep, taking a bath, playing or sitting in his classroom (when he should be listening to his teacher!), he is singing! It blesses my heart to hear him talk and sing about Jesus. I love to listen to him say (sing) his blessing and his prayers. Yesterday he started singing this one...

Who's the king of the jungle? WHO WHO WHO!
Who's the king of the sea? BUBBA BUBBA BUBBA!
Who's the king of the universe?
JESUS!!!!!!!
And He's the king of me!

We had our first home study meeting on March 3. It went great. This adoption is already proving to be much different then Cale's adoption. Its hard to believe it has been almost 5 years since we did our home study for Cale! Where has the time gone?! Things have changed alot since then, new laws, new paperwork and of course more money! This past week got the best of me. Trying to figure out how to get fingerprints done, FBI and GBI checks done and physicals! Who knew the wait for a physical would be over a month! I keep trying to remind myself that we aren't doing this on our own, the Lord has it all under control. But it is hard not to try to make things happen over night yourself! We have our next home study meeting on April 13 and then another seminar on April 23. Lots of trips to Macon... I look forward to the last trip we will make to Macon, the one where we get to bring home our precious daughter/son!

In the midst of all that we are planning a trip to Mississippi the middle of April to see our family! I cant wait to see them, it has been way too long! I think Cale is just as excited as I am! Speaking of Mr. Cale, this Tuesday he has his first t-ball practice! I am really looking forward to him playing t-ball! We all are!

Well I need to start dinner... I will end with, you guessed it... Cale singing! :)

Love,

Kimberly

A New Journey...

Well... We have officially begun the adoption process! We had our first seminar with our new agency last week. There were about 15 other families there. Out of the 15 families, there was only one other family besides us that had adopted before. Some families had biological children and felt lead to adopt, some were in the midst of fertility treatments and pursuing adoption at the same time not knowing how their baby would enter their lives. It was interesting to see how each of us had our own unique story that lead us to the same place, praying for the same outcome, a child to love.

The seminar was very informative. We left with excitement in our hearts and some of our fears eased. We have talked about requesting a girl, and since this could be our last adoption, (sigh), we decided that's what we would do. Although, we aren't completely against having another boy if that is Gods plan for us!

The paper work is a little overwhelming! Im sure we had just as much when we started the adoption process with Cale, but that has been almost 5 years ago. Wow... where has the time gone? We have our first home study visit at the agency on March 3. If all goes according to the schedule we are on, our profile book will start being shown to birthmothers in May! We have alot to before baby Callee or baby Cash get here!! Please be praying for us as we start our new journey.

What a comfort it is knowing it's all in God's hands.

Love,
Kimberly


Here are a couple of pictures from Christmas and the snow we got this past weekend!!

All the kids at Christmas!

Cale had a blast sliding down our front yard!



Buddies!

I’ve come to realize...

*I’ve come to realize that my job. . . will have its ups and downs, but I have been here for 10 years! I am thankful to have a job!

*I’ve come to realize that when I’m driving. . . I need to avoid hitting EVERY pothole! They are like a magnet!

*I’ve come to realize that I need. . .to have a pajama day every now and then!

*I’ve come to realize that I have lost. . .weight in the past and it comes back on a lot faster then it comes off!!

*I’ve come to realize that I hate it when. . . money it tight, but the Lord always provides!

*I’ve come to realize that if I’m drunk. . .something went terribly wrong, I don’t drink!

*I’ve come to realize that money… is more important than I would like it to be.

*I’ve come to realize that certain people. . .will never be nice no matter what.

*I’ve come to realize that I’ll always. . .be thankful for Cale’s birth parents.

*I’ve come to realize that my siblings. . . are too far away and need to move home.

*I’ve come to realize that my mom…is the best. I love you mama.

*I’ve come to realize that my cell phone. . .is pretty awesome.

*I’ve come to realize that when I woke up this morning. . .that I would rather stay in my warm bed and snuggle with Cale instead of getting out in the freezing weather!

*I’ve come to realize that last night before I went to sleep. . .that I totally forgot I had a doctors appt yesterday… oops!

*I’ve come to realize that right now I am thinking. . .it shouldn’t be so hard and expensive for us to have another baby!!!

*I’ve come to realize that my dad. . . SKIP!

*I’ve come to realize that when I get on Facebook. ..I realize how thankful I am for so many wonderful friends who keep me laughing!

*I’ve come to realize that today. . . that I take a lot of things for granted!

*I’ve come to realize that tonight. . . . I have nursery, ugh.

*I’ve come to realize that tomorrow. . . Its supposed to SNOW!

*I’ve come to realize that I really want to. . . ..be closer to the Lord then ever before.

*I’ve come to realize that the person mostly likely to re-post this is. . . hmmmm.

*I’ve come to realize that life. . . is all in God's hands. His timing is perfect and His way is perfect.

*I’ve come to realize that this weekend. . . I am staying inside as much as I can!

*I’ve come to realize that my friends. . .encourage me everyday!

*I’ve come to realize that this year. . .holds great things for us!

*I’ve come to realize that my husband. . . is a hardworker and wants the best for us. I am also thankful for the heart he has. Cale and I are so lucky!

*I’ve come to realize that maybe I should. . . stop worrying so much! hahaha.

*I’ve come to realize that I love. . . my life. Its not always sunny, but the sun will come out tomorrow!

*I’ve come to realize that I don’t understand. . . that I will not always understand Gods plan.

*I’ve come to realize my past. . . is what made me who I am today.

*I’ve come to realize that parties. . .can get expensive quick!.

*I’ve come to realize that I’m totally terrified. . .of our President!

*I’ve come to realize that my life. . .is mine and that I don’t need to worry about what everybody else has. I need to be content with what I have!

Heartache and Joy

The past few weeks have been a little rough. I can honestly say that I have struggled more lately with the fact I will never be able to carry a baby than ever before. In my heart I know that the Lord knows why and that it is His will, but the flesh of me still questions WHY? Why can people who have abortions get pregnant, and what about the people who leave their babies in dumpsters? Why?!

Last Monday we had our ladies bible study at Church. The subject was Joy. Mrs. Michelle did a great job. She asked if we knew the difference between Joy and Happiness. Happiness is a emotion, but Joy is attitude of the heart. Joy is something that lasts; happiness is something that is temporary. When happiness fades away, joy remains. Joy brings us peace in the middle of a storm. I remember her asking if we could think of a time that we asked the Lord for something and He gave it to us? Do you remember the Joy that you felt? I immediately went back to the moment I saw Cale for the first time. The thoughts of all we had been through, the good times and the bad, and where it had brought us that day. That was Joy!! A Joy like I had never felt before. Knowing in my heart that this was God's will for us.

She went on to talk about how during tough times you draw closer to the Lord. I remember that as well. I remember praying all the time for Cale. I remember being on the phone with my prayer partner and both of us pouring our heart out to the Lord for this Child. I don't remember a time in my life that I was walking closer with Him. Our God is an Amazing God!

I often think back on the road that lead us to adoption. I remember month after month being disappointed. Then to doctor visit after doctor visit. It often seemed like one discouraging event lead to another and then to another. I remember the feeling of being told I would never get pregnant on my own, and then the feeling I felt when I knew I would never carry a child at all. Those were some of the darkest times in my life. Something noone could make better.

But then I remembered the day at Victory when we were teaching Children's church. We had Josh Bush in our class. That was the day the Lord began working in my heart about adoption. I remember telling mama that I felt like God was leading us to adopt. At that time we didn't know I wouldn't be able to carry a child. I remember her telling me that I didnt need to give up yet. That the Lord had a plan for us. But the feeling I got that day was always on my mind.

We had gotten to the point where we had so much weight on our shoulders with fertility treatments that we couldn't move. It was so stressful on us. Then the day we decided adoption was the path God had for us... the weight was lifted. We had new hope! We had heard how hard adoption was and how it would take years. And how it was an emotional roller coaster. Well let me tell you... with my God, nothing is impossible!! I will not say we didn't shed tears during the process and that there weren't some dark days. But we knew in our hearts that this is where God wanted us. Looking back I see the stepping stones God put in place to get us where we are today. Sometimes in my mind when something happens, I think to myself.... Is this a stepping stone to get us closer to our next child? I am so thankful that even though we cant see things right away... that the Lord sees it for us! He sees our future and He holds it in the palm of His hand! What a JOYFUL feeling that is!!

Adopting Cale is the most rewarding thing we have ever experienced. The fact that God chose him for us! I am not sure why God put it on my heart for me to write this. It could just be the fact that I needed to get it out. I cant talk about it without crying, actually I cant even type it without crying! :) But if you or someone you know is struggling with infertility, encourage them to look into adoption. You never know what you can give a child just by loving them. You never know what you may be saving that child from. You may be the only way that child will learn about our Saviour and what He did for us!!

I am so thankful for my Husband, family, and friends who have loved and accepted Cale. He is truly a blessing and an answered prayer. The Lord showed me true Joy through this experience.

The Joy of the Lord is my Strength!

Love, Kimberly

Halloween 2009

Well this year Cale is gonna be Glenn Beck!! A while back we noticed they favored! I think he makes an awesome Glenn Beck... don't you?!

My Little Glenn Beck!


Check out the shoes lol!


I sure love him!

Happy Fall!!

I love this time of year!! The cooler weather, the pretty leaves, thoughts of the holidays coming up and festival foods!!!

It seems like the summer came and went in the blink of an eye! What a summer it was! Cale turned 3 and we celebrated our 10th wedding anniversary! It truly amazes me how fast the time is passing.

Cale started preschool in August. He is going 4 days a week now! That is a challenge for me! I got spoiled this summer being able to take him to mamas in his pj's! Now I have to get up earlier to get myself going before I get him up! I do have to say that Cale is a morning boy!! I love the mornings with him. He is going thru this "I can do it by myself" stage. While it is really nice that he dresses himself, its really sad that this is just the first part of him not needing me as much anymore. That is hard for me to take! :) I tell him he is my baby and he replies "I'm not a baby, I am a giant boy!" LOL Well you know as well as I do he will always be my baby!!

He is learning so much in school. We love to hear him sing all the songs he is learning, and its a good thing because he sings ALL THE TIME! :) His newest song we love to hear is the weather song.



Cale is now a Cubbie in Awanas at church! He has to learn a new verse every week. He is also learning verses in Sunday School and at school. He doesn't forget ANYTHING! Sometimes that is good, other times not so good! :) For example him telling people at church last week that he has his spanking belt on today! LOL!!!

He truly is the light of our lives! I still amazes me just how many people he has in his life that love him!

We are hoping to start the adoption process soon. We found an agency out of Athens that we are looking into. We are just praying for guidance still. Its such a huge step to take, but we know Who will be holding our hands when we do take that first step. I cant help but imagine what Cale will be like with a little sister or brother! He LOVES babies!! I cant imagine loving another child like I love Cale, but I know I will. I cant wait to experience becoming a new mommy again!! As fir the sleepless nights.... not so sure!!! Would you please help us pray that the Lord will guide us in the way He wants us to go. Also if you hear of anyone looking to give their baby up for adoption, please keep us in mind!

I really cant wait to blog about our next adoption. I really wish I would have done it with Cale. Plus it will be a good way to keep everyone in the loop! :)

Well that's all for now!!!

Hopefully I will get better at blogging more than once in a blue moon!!

Kimberly

Wow... It's Been a While!

Mama has been on me to update my blog... I didnt realize it has been 2 months since my last post. Not that they are that interesting anyways! :)

The last 2 months have been jammed packed!! Here are a few new pictures!




We went to Arkansas the week before Memorial Day to visit Clints grandparents! This was the first time we have been out there in 9 years and the first time they have seen Cale!! We had such a great time!! The weather was so nice. Cale enjoyed playing outside most of the day. It was a special time for all of us! We are looking forward to going back next summer!!



We celebrated our 10th Wedding Anniversary on June 19! I cant believe it has been 10 years already. I am so thankful that the Lord sent Clint into my life. I am so blessed to say the least. We left for the beach on the 18th, without Cale, just us! This was the first time I have been away for Cale for any length of time. He was with his mawmaw... so I knew he was happy! We had such a great trip! On our anniversary we went to our favorite place to eat on Tybee Island, the Crab Shack! It was so good!! It was funny because every little boy we seen reminded us of our little man! We talked alot about the things that have happened since we got married. We both agreed that we would go through it all again to have Cale. I am not sure how many men would have been so supportive during the tough times. The Lord knew just who I needed. I look forward to many more years with Clint.


Well, when we got back from the beach we went from relaxation mode to Pirate Birthday Planning mode!! I really do not know where the last 3 years have gone!! I always find myself reminiscing around Cale's birthday. Our time in Oklahoma is by far the most special experience I think we will ever have. I love to think back and see how the Lord was working long before we knew His plan for us. We serve an awesome God!!



Cale was so excited about his Pirate birthday. I am so glad I started preparing a few months before the actual party! He had asked for a Pirate Ship Cake, so of course a Pirate Ship Cake he will have! haha He walked in and seen the cake and said, "Mommy, you bought it for me??" with the sweetest look on his face. I didnt care what happened from that point... my baby loved his cake!! He had all his little friends at his party and had a ball!!! It amazes me how different he is since turning 3!!

Cale on his new tri-cycle we got him for his b-day!

While we were at the beach mama started trying to potty train Cale... well guess what?! It worked!!! I am so proud how good he is doing!! Once again, he never fails to amaze me!! My baby is now a big boy!



This is Cale's face when he misses "His Lana". Barry and his family have moved back to Mississippi. As hard as it is to see them go, we feel it is the Lords will for them to be there. Cale will miss them so much too! We are excited to see what God has planned for them!!

We have started getting the word out that we would like to adopt again. There are so many things that need to work out, but we have faith that God has a way for us again! We are asking if you would just remember us if you hear of someone looking to place their baby up for adoption. Our specific prayer would be a situation thru a friend of a friend with no agency fees. We are looking forward to see what the future holds for us... whether it will be a Callee or a Cash!! I think Cale would like either!! :)

Hope you have a wonderful week!

Friday Fill In...

1. On my laziest day I like to stay in my pj's all day!

2. A clean house makes me feel like I'm being productive.

3. I love little kisses and big hugs!

4. This summer I want to take Cale back to the beach!

5. Wanting to share stories of Cale is what made me start my blog.

6. Red toenails and orange flipflops.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to grilling out with family, tomorrow my plans include shopping for new clothes before we leave for Arkansas and Sunday, I want to go to church and spend the day with my boys!

Friday Fill In...

And...here we go!

1. The first rule of working in an office and getting along is TEAMWORK.

2. Why would someone eat clams.

3. When I think of carnivals I think of COTTON CANDY!

4. TUPLIP is my favorite spring flower.

5. Things on my desk include lots and lots of pictures of Cale.

6. Obama makes me wanna puke.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to speniding time with Cale and Mama, tomorrow my plans include Spring Cleaning, Shopping, Eating out and getting my trailer hitch installed and Sunday, I want to Lay on my float in our new pool and get some sun baby!

Wordless Wednesday...

I have days where I could do this at work!

Friday Fill In...

1. Apparently there's some sort of payment on a new car??? NO ONE TOLD ME THAT! :)

2. I am LOVIN this sunny day.

3. 2009 has been great so far.

4. HONEST MISTAKE, that was it.

5. For too long I've been too trusting.

6. I am not obsessed with my son; I am not!

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to pricing stuff for the yard sale, tomorrow my plans include GARAGE SALE and hopefully making $ and Sunday, I want to rest and enjoy my family!

A Good Friday... after a not so good week!

This has been a trying week to say the least. Monday I started not to feel good and by Tuesday I was at the doctor with Strep and an ear infection! That followed by finding out my best friends sister in law lost her baby at 19 weeks and another friends dad was in the hospital not doing good. Sometimes you wonder how much more bad news you can hear in one day. Please pray for my friends family as they deal with the loss of their sweet baby and that they will not lose the desire they have for a child. I cannot begin to imagine the hurt they must be feeling. But I know the Lord has plans for them, and though we may not understand it, but this was part of that plan.

Also pray for my friend, Brittany's, dad that he will turn around. Pray that Brittany will stay strong thru this and not lose faith. He amazed the doctors a few years back with a liver transplant and I pray today he will amaze them once again. I know my God can work miracles, we have seen that.

Today is Good Friday. I think of the sacrifice Christ made for us and all that I have because of him. I am thankful that after a week like this that I can look to the Lord for encouragement. I hate to see my friends hurt like they are, but know that He can to encourage them as well.

I am looking forward to being with family this weekend as we celebrate the true meaning of Easter. Its not the Easter Bunny, the egg hunts or the new clothes. (don't get me wrong, I enjoy all these things!!!) But that our Savior rose again!! I cant help but cry as I wrote that. I have SO MUCH to thank him for. And what a great feeling to know that even when my life here is over, my time with Him is just beginning. I pray that you have the same confirmation in your heart this Easter.

Happy Easter!

Thursday Thirteen...

13 things I look forward to this summer...

1. Warm weather!!!
2. Pool time!
3. Going to Arkansas to see Clints family
4. Our 10th Wedding Anniversary
5. Our Anniversary weekend away!
6. Cale will be 3!
7. Laying out!
8. Homemade Icecream
9. Kait and Jamii are both due!!
10. Our new church might be ready!
11. Vacation
12. Hopefully a beach trip at some point
13.Taking Cale to another Braves game!!!

I finally got it...

We went and picked up my new car last night!! I forgot just how nice it is to have something new!!

Friday Fill In...

1. Thinking of my new car is so exciting!
2. Strawberry fields make me itch.
3. Anything at this point sounds like it would taste delicious!
4. Why does sunny warm days make me feel so good?!
5. The babies we are praying for and have prayed for is something I've always wanted to see.
6. It's sad when my baby is sick.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to going to the GMC dealership and then to eat at Ted's Montana Grill, tomorrow my plans include enjoying the rain with nothing to do and Sunday, I want to nap after church!