case closed

We got a letter in the mail that from the Department of Human Services that they had closed our adoption case. It was a sad moment and oh so disappointing. Unfortunately though, I know that it is for the best for now. I don't have the energy required to deal with another child. The ones I have are relatively drama-free except on a few days, and we like it that way.

It is so disappointing, though. Luke especially was bummed as he was still holding out hope of us getting him a little sister. I told him he'd just have to wait until he could have his own kids.........YEARS from now!

However, we know that God knows best.

I go back to the dr. in Charleston on Tuesday. I had some lab work done, and things look a little worse which probably rules out lupus, but still leaves us in the dark as to what is wrong. So, I'll keep you posted.

our parade

Steve calls these guys "the little band that did" because we did make it to state and then we did come in 7th amongst 55 others in our class and now because we did make it to Epcot to march in a parade. The are now honorary Disney cast members....and they got swag for their efforts. A cool bag that can only be gotten if you perform there, an "oscar" featuring Mickey, and a pin for their lanyards or to put on their bag--a nice pin, too. We are so proud of them and all that they accomplished this year.

beauty and the beast

I do believe that this was my favorite Disney activity (besides the band, of course!). The costuming was beautiful and the music was great. I love live productions, and this one, while short, did not disappoint!

more of day 1 Disney

I had planned to post everyday while there, but then our laptop decided that the hard drive wanted to crash sooooooooooooo, here's the rest of day 1! We had a great time.....

This is where we stayed....All-Star Music Resort

one of MANY speeches we were forced to endure

yeah! we finally escaped the many speeches

Kendall.......her "duh" face

Kevin is having a blast, dontcha' think?

three of our favorite girls....Kassie, Kendall and Kayla

one of the few pics Luke let us take!

Is Robin praying that the Pirates ride won't be too scary?

Disney: Day 1

V-day

I totally missed posting yesterday, I was just too busy with our band meeting about our upcoming Disney trip! Yeah!! tomorrow we leave, and the band follows the next day. So excited to be taking a vacation and that I actually feel good. Here's hoping that the prednisone that I've been taking will last through the trip. I haven't felt this good in a long time. Unfortunately, I took the last pill today.......mind over matter is what I'm thinking.

So, Steve and I went out Saturday for V-day. We knew we wouldn't have time once the week started. I tricked (haha) into going to Handpicked (one of my new favorite stores!) and I hand picked me out a gift. It's a beautiful silver love knot necklace with earrings to match. We don't usually buy stuff like that, but I combined it for my birthday.....and didn't feel guilty one bit.

He and Stevie surprised me at work yesterday with a balloon, rose, candy, and lunch. So, so sweet! What did he get, you ask? nothing.....he got me....poor thing~HA

Seriously, though. When you are married to the right person, V-day should be everyday! Steve shows me how he loves me in so many ways every single day. Sometimes, I wonder if I do enough for him, but I know that doing for me and kids brings him pleasure. I feel so blessed to have him.

My dad use to tell me that he prayed for my spouse before we ever knew who he was (I do this for my kids, too). I can tell that God answered dad's prayers. He sent me the perfect person for me and while I wish I had been patient and waited on God's timing; He turned my mistakes into good in spite of my impatience.

I'm so blessed to have a man who loves me. Our marriage is stronger today than ever, and we are cemented together because of our mutual love of God and our want to do His will. I love you, Steve. Words are not adequate, and I'm happy that you don't need them to know that I trust you with my heart because I could never do justice to the man you are.

lady in waiting

I have never read any of Susan Meissner's books, so when I saw this one on Waterbrook's Blogging for Books page, I chose it. I had heard good things, and boy were they right!
A Lady in Waiting tells the story of two Janes. One in modern day and one during the reign of the Tudors. They are intertwined when modern day Jane, an antiques dealer, finds a ring and is determined to get the history behind it. Her husband has left her and she is alone for the first time which allows her the freedom to search out the true owner of the ring, and she finds much more instead.

I loved how Susan intertwined the two stories without confusion. I am not generally a fan of this style, but her ability to keep me interested in both at the same time was excellent. Both stories are told from the heart of the characters involved giving the reader a glimpse into the heartache of each. The stories are seamless, and soar to the end with grace and clarity. I loved it!!

gaffney/limestone

We spent last weekend in Gaffney, SC. Luke was selected to participate in Limestone College's honor band, so off we went. Anytime that he can play next to people who are better than him is a chance we just can't pass up. Being with those who are better, only serves to make us better! I think he may have been the only freshman in attendance.

He was really impressed with the school and their music department as were we. The school is small as is the town, and seemed to be a good fit for him. However, we have three more years before that decision has to be made, and who knows? a career choice may change between now and then. They do offer a hefty scholarship during this weekend to all seniors in attendance who wish to try-out. This year, Luke's friend and drum major for NCH, Dylan, won the scholarship! We were so excited for him as he is so deserving.

Before the final concert on Saturday we decided to have lunch with Dylan and his parents. While riding through Gaffney's downtown area, we had seen a HUGE sign on a restaurant window that said, "Featured on Food Network". We figured it was one of those places that Guy Fieri goes on his show:  Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives. We were right, and asked the waitress what he had come to taste. She told us the chili-dogs and chili hamburgers. So, okay, I ordered a chili-dog and Dylan's dad got the chili-burger. YUCK! The hot dog was boiled with chili on top. Steve makes a better chili-dog and a better chili! The chili burger was basically a sloppy joe with one meatball (albeit small) on it. We were sorely disappointed. My advice is, if you ever go through Gaffney, don't bother to stop at Harold's.

All-in-all though, the weekend was full of fun and bargains (Belk was having a killer sale where I found Luke some jeans for $8).  The concert was great.....of course! Luke enjoyed himself, and we did too!

another appointment

and still no diagnosis. I went to see the rhuemotologist yesterday. He was great, and we really liked him. However, he wasn't able to find a definitive problem as of yet. For now, I am on a two week regimen of prednisone, which I am not that happy about. He took some x-rays and some blood, and we will discuss the blood work when I return on March 1. I have an increased ANA which is an antibody that basically makes your body fight against itself. Yea! So, right now, while certainly far from sure he is considering that it might be lupus. We will have to wait and see what the blood work shows and what the prednisone does for me.

I know that I haven't been blogging much. Whatever this illness is that I have, it is at this time, manifesting itself in exhaustion. I am just tired all the darn time. So, I stay away from the blogging world because I feel so guilty for not posting anything, but I honestly just don't have the energy to type most of the time.