Riverbank Run!

The girls and I ran the Riverbank Run here in GR on Saturday. We had so much fun! Most of us did the 10k and one of us did the 25k (Go Kimmy!). We all were pleased with our times and none of us crawled over the finish line! It was a gorgeous day and it was awesome to be part of this huge event! Our next adventure may be a 15k in Traverse City this summer and/or the 1/2 marathon here in the Fall. Does all this running sound crazy to anyone else?

Lizzy :) Thankfully we were able to get her in the car on time as we headed for the starting line - she tends to run a little bit on her own schedule (i.e. LATE!)


Kimmy and Me :) We have a skydiving date in mid-June! Yikes!


The adoption process continues - still gathering paperwork together - my hope is to submit everything within the next 2 weeks. After I submit everything, it goes over to Ethiopia for translation and the clock then officially starts :) They are saying right now at least a year wait for a referral (but could be longer) - but I figure that's a good amount of time to try and prepare myself to have my world turned upside down by this little one.

Also, I'm happy to report that my Uncle Jim is doing just great. He's back at work and is even running around the neighborhood! Thank you to everyone who has kept him in their prayers as he continues to recover!

Thanks again for all your love and support!

The Home Study ;)

Some of you who are aware of the adoption process may have heard about the infamous "home study" - which I think they really should call the "parent study"! The home study can strike fear in the heart of even the most confident would-be parent as they dig around into your most intimate thoughts, ideas, hopes and dreams! Although I certainly feel it's a necessary part of the adoption process, it certainly can make one feel really vulnerable! All that to say, my adoption worker is coming over next week of check out my home - so I'm busy preparing by making sure all is in tip top shape for her visit! Mom and Ron are coming over this weekend to install some new electrical outlets and covers, hang a door in the basement, etc - (I didn't think that having exposed outlets would be a great thing for my adoption worker to see). Also, you'll all be very happy to know that I do indeed plan to make a trip to the grocery store in anticipation for the big visit! My mom reminded me yesterday that it probably wouldn't be a bad idea to have some type of food in the house when she comes over - you know, the basics, like some milk, bread, eggs.....details, details! I'll keep you posted on how things progress!

Thanks again for your thoughts, encouragement, and prayers as I walk through this process. I can't put into the words the support and love I have felt especially from my family and dear friends. Just yesterday, my Dad told me he's going to read a book about adoption so he can learn more! How amazing! Even though I'm single, I certainly haven't felt "alone" in this process. Not only do I feel God's love and support and guidance, but also feel such love and support surrounding me from family and friends! THANK YOU!

Also, to my mom, step-mom, and sister-in-law - HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!