As most of you know we have started down the road of doing another Adoption. We couldn't be more excited of what the Lord has ahead for our family.
We hoped we would have been able to do a Independent Adoption, but that just wasn't seeming to work out after over a year of not much movement or progress, and we really wanted the feeling of having the support from an Agency. That led us to calling and inquiring information from a few agencies and for our family it made most sense to go with Bethany Christian Services as we did the first time.
We filled out the "Preliminary Application" on November 5th and our Home Study was approved on December 31st! There is so much paperwork involved and our first time is took us about a year to get to the point where we are today! Pretty amazing how quickly its going this time, but that is one of the benefits with going through Bethany again.
To give an Idea of what a Home Study packet looks like:
-Background Check (Birth Certificates, Finger prints)
-Discipline Policy
-Privacy Practices
-Marriage History
-Questionnaire (30 pages)
-Family History Data
-Financial Worksheet
-Insurance Information
-Pet Safety & Vaccination Documents
-Physicals, including a TB and Drug test
-Adoptive Parent training log (10 hours each of Adoption training & written essays.)
-References: Pastor, 4 friends
-Adoption Release & Consent Form
-Statement of Understanding
-Openness Covenant
Still to do:
-Profile books
Our case worker has been wonderful and we had the opportunity to work with her a little last time which made us feel very comfortable when we had our actual Home Study.
This time around we said we are doing the "Dual Track". This means that you can be on board to be placed with a baby through the agency, as well as be placed with a child through the Foster System that is ready to be Adopted. We are open to New Born- 2 years old, and gender does not matter.... if it was Maryellis' choice we would get one of each, and that is very well possible. On the Dual Track you can get a baby/child from both. How fun and crazy would that be?!
The cost for Adoption has gone up nearly $3,000 since the last time we Adopted (which I expected, everything has gone up in the last 3 years.) and that is a scary thing, but also very exciting to see how the Lord will provide for our family. I have the saying "Maryellis was worth every penny!" God is good and he always provides.
This is my latest update and I will share more along the way. Please be praying for our family and the baby or child out there that will be joining our family someday, that the Lord will provide for us financially in a way that glorifies him, and please pray for the hearts of the future Birth Mom and Birth Father, that they will feel at peace in their decision to place a child through the gift of Adoption.
A verse that has been shared with me as an encouragement and one that I will be clinging to throughout this process is: "Delight yourselves in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart." Psalm 37:4
Monday, January 4, 2016
Monday, June 22, 2015
Meet the Imlach Family
I decided it would be wise idea to share about my family, in hopes that someone will see our family Adoption post card and be interested in choosing to place their child into our family.... they might want to know a little more about us!
Matthew:
There is no perfect way to describe my husband to you, he is the love of my life, my best friend, and the one who I look up to. A verse that reminds me of him is: But the wisdom that comes from Heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. James 3:17 His heart is so kind, he cares for the Lord more then anything else and how to serve Him first. Matthew works harder more then anyone that I know, being sure to provide for him family, but always being willing to lend a helping hand to others.
He loves adventures, always wanting to experience new things and he is never afraid to try anything. When you are in conversation with him, you are given his full attention and genuine, thoughtful interaction. Matthew loves to learn, and create continually challenging himself. He is a man of many talents and strengths, one who is not afraid to humble himself.
Matthew is well respected at his place of work and in our community of friends. He is the one that people will call when they need help with something, building, moving, projects, advice, etc. he is always there to help.
Matthew enjoys building furniture and wood working, any sort of household project, tri-athalon training, softball, basketball, hiking, camping, fishing and gardening. He is very involved at our church, he helps in the children's class as well as the teachings in them.
Matthew is an amazing father to our daughter we adopted as a baby 2 years ago. His heart for our little girl is huge, the way he's bonded with Maryellis is absolutely beautiful. It blesses him daily when he is greeted with the biggest greeting from our daughter at the door. He is so gentle with her, but also helpful in encouraging her to be brave and learn.
Matthew is an incredible man of God and leader of our family, he is just perfect for us!
Maryellis:
This daughter of ours came into our life on June 21, 2013. She was the answer to our prayers and she has made us parents. As a two year old toddler she is very busy and on the go all of the time!
She loves to be outside, in any type of water playing and creating. She has developed quite the imagination and is quite the little mamma herself. She is an animal lover and our black lab and her have the best of times playing together. Maryellis is brave when encouraged to be, but she has to get comfortable in settings that are brand new. She has several little friends she spends time with throughout the week on playdates; swimming, park going, adventuring outdoors, crafting and painting....she is not afraid to get dirty. Maryellis has enjoyed taking swimming lessons and dance class. Each day she learns more and more, she loves to read and sing songs we've learned together. She enjoys helping mamma in the kitchen, working in the garden and getting the eggs from our chickens. Whenever Matthew is working on a project of some sort, she is sure to get out her tool set to be sure she gets in on the action. I have really noticed her heart to serve others these last few months. She loves to take on the role of helping others and succeeds when shes given a task of most sorts. Its been a joy to see her become the little girl that she is, she is so kind and loving, inquisitive on how her friends are doing, and has become our little prayer warrior wanting to be sure we pray often for certain friends.
Emily:
I guess I can save myself for last.
My role, a wife and mamma. I am beyond blessed to that I get to stay at home and raise our daughter and future children. This has always been a priority for our family and am grateful for the support of my husband that we can do this. I wouldn't trade my "job" for anything else in the world. I am daily challenged and reminded how I have to look to the Lord for my strength.
Other then being a mamma I really enjoy being active and fitness, I feel its important to model this for our daughter that she knows its important how we take care of ourselves. Running and swimming are my favorite to do. I enjoy walking our dog, going on hikes, working in the garden, spending time as a family & friends and of course cooking! I too as my husband serve in our church and have a wonderful time helping in the nursery as well as a few other volunteer opportunities. I am a early riser and an early to bed, I enjoy taking advantage of the mornings to have my quite time and be productive with tasks or household chores. I feel as though that gives me more time during the day to be with our daughter and do adventures together, she keeps me busy and we have lots of fun!
I love being a mom, serving and caring for our family, they are my priority and the ones whom I enjoy being with the most.
As a family we enjoy swimming, hiking, outdoor activities, bike rides, playing at the park after getting burgers from our favorite local restuarant, tennis, family dinners, walks, playing games, going to the lake, the beach, heading to the mountains, sporting events and floats down the river. We love our town and community, it's very family friendly and allows us to continually explore and do new things. We are thankful to have our families in town and a wonderful church/friend community around us.
This is our family, we are a family of 3 hoping and praying to grow to a family of 4, 5, 6 or more! Please share our story and join us in prayer that the Lord directs us and guides us in the goal of an Independent Adoption.
Thank you and much love,
Imlach Family
Matthew:
There is no perfect way to describe my husband to you, he is the love of my life, my best friend, and the one who I look up to. A verse that reminds me of him is: But the wisdom that comes from Heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. James 3:17 His heart is so kind, he cares for the Lord more then anything else and how to serve Him first. Matthew works harder more then anyone that I know, being sure to provide for him family, but always being willing to lend a helping hand to others.
He loves adventures, always wanting to experience new things and he is never afraid to try anything. When you are in conversation with him, you are given his full attention and genuine, thoughtful interaction. Matthew loves to learn, and create continually challenging himself. He is a man of many talents and strengths, one who is not afraid to humble himself.
Matthew is well respected at his place of work and in our community of friends. He is the one that people will call when they need help with something, building, moving, projects, advice, etc. he is always there to help.
Matthew enjoys building furniture and wood working, any sort of household project, tri-athalon training, softball, basketball, hiking, camping, fishing and gardening. He is very involved at our church, he helps in the children's class as well as the teachings in them.
Matthew is an amazing father to our daughter we adopted as a baby 2 years ago. His heart for our little girl is huge, the way he's bonded with Maryellis is absolutely beautiful. It blesses him daily when he is greeted with the biggest greeting from our daughter at the door. He is so gentle with her, but also helpful in encouraging her to be brave and learn.
Matthew is an incredible man of God and leader of our family, he is just perfect for us!
Maryellis:
This daughter of ours came into our life on June 21, 2013. She was the answer to our prayers and she has made us parents. As a two year old toddler she is very busy and on the go all of the time!
She loves to be outside, in any type of water playing and creating. She has developed quite the imagination and is quite the little mamma herself. She is an animal lover and our black lab and her have the best of times playing together. Maryellis is brave when encouraged to be, but she has to get comfortable in settings that are brand new. She has several little friends she spends time with throughout the week on playdates; swimming, park going, adventuring outdoors, crafting and painting....she is not afraid to get dirty. Maryellis has enjoyed taking swimming lessons and dance class. Each day she learns more and more, she loves to read and sing songs we've learned together. She enjoys helping mamma in the kitchen, working in the garden and getting the eggs from our chickens. Whenever Matthew is working on a project of some sort, she is sure to get out her tool set to be sure she gets in on the action. I have really noticed her heart to serve others these last few months. She loves to take on the role of helping others and succeeds when shes given a task of most sorts. Its been a joy to see her become the little girl that she is, she is so kind and loving, inquisitive on how her friends are doing, and has become our little prayer warrior wanting to be sure we pray often for certain friends.
Emily:
I guess I can save myself for last.
My role, a wife and mamma. I am beyond blessed to that I get to stay at home and raise our daughter and future children. This has always been a priority for our family and am grateful for the support of my husband that we can do this. I wouldn't trade my "job" for anything else in the world. I am daily challenged and reminded how I have to look to the Lord for my strength.
Other then being a mamma I really enjoy being active and fitness, I feel its important to model this for our daughter that she knows its important how we take care of ourselves. Running and swimming are my favorite to do. I enjoy walking our dog, going on hikes, working in the garden, spending time as a family & friends and of course cooking! I too as my husband serve in our church and have a wonderful time helping in the nursery as well as a few other volunteer opportunities. I am a early riser and an early to bed, I enjoy taking advantage of the mornings to have my quite time and be productive with tasks or household chores. I feel as though that gives me more time during the day to be with our daughter and do adventures together, she keeps me busy and we have lots of fun!
I love being a mom, serving and caring for our family, they are my priority and the ones whom I enjoy being with the most.
As a family we enjoy swimming, hiking, outdoor activities, bike rides, playing at the park after getting burgers from our favorite local restuarant, tennis, family dinners, walks, playing games, going to the lake, the beach, heading to the mountains, sporting events and floats down the river. We love our town and community, it's very family friendly and allows us to continually explore and do new things. We are thankful to have our families in town and a wonderful church/friend community around us.
This is our family, we are a family of 3 hoping and praying to grow to a family of 4, 5, 6 or more! Please share our story and join us in prayer that the Lord directs us and guides us in the goal of an Independent Adoption.
Thank you and much love,
Imlach Family
Monday, May 4, 2015
Mothers
Mothers Day, its comes every year and every year I am always feeling full of emotions.
I know Mothers Day is one of joy for many, but its also a day of sorrow. I will be joyful in that I am a mother, I have been chosen to love and care for Maryellis, that she forever and always will be my daughter.
But in moments to be honest it will also be hard, I'm sad that my mom is not here to celebrate, the women who brought me into this world and raised me, I don't get to honor her that day... But I will always remember her, cherishing the time we had together. My heart is tender for those who face infertility and the trials of conceiving, month after month of not getting pregnant---whether its a "sad face" on a ovulation test, or a miscarriage.... Mothers Day can be a hard and dark day, oh how I can relate. Then I think of our birth mother, she too is a mother, she gave us our daughter.... I imagine this cannot be an easy day for her at all. I pray for her, that she finds peace in the Lord and knows how much He loves her. As well that she knows how happy and full of joy we are as parents, what miracle Adoption is.
Being a mother is such a gift, I am thankful for the story the Lord has written for our family...and that we are only at the beginning. I became a Mother almost two years ago, the day Matthew and I were given the gift of our daughter, from two birth parents that loved her so much and they chose to place her in our arms for forever. What a selfless act of love they made that day, even months prior choosing to give her life.
I pray for those who are mothers, that you know how appreciated you are and your hard work doesn't go unnoticed. I pray for women facing infertility and the struggle of bearing children, cling to the Lord, let this be a time you can draw more near to Him, that he can direct your path as he grows your family. And I pray for all birth mothers out there, know how grateful we are of you and that we look up to you in so many ways. That we love you so much, and are continually blessed by the gift of life you've given us. To be Mothers.
Her children rise up and call her blessed; Her husband also, and he praises her. Proverbs 31:28
I know Mothers Day is one of joy for many, but its also a day of sorrow. I will be joyful in that I am a mother, I have been chosen to love and care for Maryellis, that she forever and always will be my daughter.
But in moments to be honest it will also be hard, I'm sad that my mom is not here to celebrate, the women who brought me into this world and raised me, I don't get to honor her that day... But I will always remember her, cherishing the time we had together. My heart is tender for those who face infertility and the trials of conceiving, month after month of not getting pregnant---whether its a "sad face" on a ovulation test, or a miscarriage.... Mothers Day can be a hard and dark day, oh how I can relate. Then I think of our birth mother, she too is a mother, she gave us our daughter.... I imagine this cannot be an easy day for her at all. I pray for her, that she finds peace in the Lord and knows how much He loves her. As well that she knows how happy and full of joy we are as parents, what miracle Adoption is.
Being a mother is such a gift, I am thankful for the story the Lord has written for our family...and that we are only at the beginning. I became a Mother almost two years ago, the day Matthew and I were given the gift of our daughter, from two birth parents that loved her so much and they chose to place her in our arms for forever. What a selfless act of love they made that day, even months prior choosing to give her life.
I pray for those who are mothers, that you know how appreciated you are and your hard work doesn't go unnoticed. I pray for women facing infertility and the struggle of bearing children, cling to the Lord, let this be a time you can draw more near to Him, that he can direct your path as he grows your family. And I pray for all birth mothers out there, know how grateful we are of you and that we look up to you in so many ways. That we love you so much, and are continually blessed by the gift of life you've given us. To be Mothers.
Her children rise up and call her blessed; Her husband also, and he praises her. Proverbs 31:28
Wednesday, April 8, 2015
A day in the life
I think often people want to know "what do you do all day?" So I think I'll take the time to share!
A typical day for me starts at 4:00 am...(?!?!?) Call me crazy, I know... but I must say I've always been a early riser, and being a mom has made me an even earlier one.
What do I do at that hour? Well I have my homemade paleo cereal, a cup of coffee and some bible time. Depending on the day I either head to the pool for a swim or I hit the road for a run and do some strength exercises. I try my best to get my fitness done before Maryellis is up & before Matt heads to work.
Maryellis is up most days between 6:15am-7:00....we try to keep her in bed until 7:00, but some days she is ready to go! We start our day with a little time with dad before he heads out the door for work, then its breakfast time! (and mom's 2nd cup of coffee!) I try to provide a well balanced diet for all Maryellis' meals. Breakfast can consist from eggs & sausage, homemade pancakes/waffles, yogurt & blueberries and mixed fruit. Along with a big cup of hemp milk to wash it all down and shes one happy girl.
-This is also a time I can do some food prep & unload the dishwasher, or hand wash dishes.
For the next hour or so we play with her toys, race in the kitchen, read some stories, work on flashcards, sing songs and enjoy one another company. Then the dog starts to get a little crazy herself and she is ready to get out for a walk! We take the dog every morning, (rain or shine) for a nice long walk. Maryellis seems to enjoy it most of the time, sometimes she tells me to run, or other times we stop and look for the ducks, geese and cows. Once we are home the dog is tuckered out and Maryellis is usually ready for a snack...perfect timing so mom can get herself "ready" for the day.
Depending on the day, depends on how "ready" I get. I am a blessed women who gets to stay home to raise our daughter. But if its a day that consists of running a few errands & being at home, I will remain in some sort of athletic wear for the day. We are in a stage where I am busy chasing a toddler, playing on the ground, outside, daily chores, etc. I see no sense in ruining my "nice" clothes.
-Every morning I start a load of laundry, some days 2 loads if its a "towels day". I try my best to have it switched into the dryer before we go anywhere.
Late morning until lunch time is a different activity everyday!
Mondays we go to mom's group & Wednesdays we have "Mommy & Me" dance class.
The rest of the days can be filled with play dates, baking, running errands such as; Costco, Trader Joe's, Target. Most weeks we make a trip to the pool, art activities, park days, Bounce, playing outside (this is often!) Library, drawing, bike rides, hikes, visiting Great grandma, or just a simple day at home.
We have lunch anywhere from 11:30-12:00. I would say no every day we are at home to eat, but I always plan ahead and bring her lunch along with us. Again, another well balanced meal.
She likes quesadillas, chicken, meatballs, fish, beans, cheese and there is always sauteed mixed veggies, cucumbers & avocado. Her treat for after shes finished her main meal is a "squeezie", She has a fairly good palate and I'm thankful for the good eater she is. (for the most part)
After lunch we have more playtime, try to keep it more on the mellow side.
We read stories around 12:30-12:45 and she is usually down around 1:00.
This is where I currently get a 3 hour gap! (I know its only a season.)
During this time I take clients for hair appointments, fold the laundry, the daily sweeping of the house, (dog hair and toddler crumbs, oh-my!) make phone calls/paperwork/e-mails, work in the garden/yard, chicken care, dinner food prep, projects around the house and on a "lucky" day I take a little time to read, or take a short nap.
Nap time is over around 4:00 and I love when she wakes up because she is quite the cuddler at this time. We get cozy in the big chair, have a snack and some milk and talk. :) Depending on the day sometimes she will go outside to play other days she loves to watch a "ABC" video on the computer while I finish cooking dinner. Matt gets home most days anywhere from 5:00-6:00... she cannot wait for him to get home! Once I get the phone call of when hes on his way, were at the window waiting!
She is so so excited when daddy gets home, its the sweetest thing, she is the best greeter I know!
We enjoy a dinner together as a family, not all dinners are pleasant, we are dining with a toddler. She usually eats what we do, but some nights her meals are altered a little bit.
After dinner I do the dishes and that gives Matt and Maryellis time to be together!
Depending on the night and time of year, it seems there can be something most nights.
From family dinners, friends dinners, community group, bible studies, Matt's basketball or softball games, meetings, church events, etc. We try to have 2-3 evenings at home, and either Friday or Saturday is "family night"...just the three of us we have it a no "chore/project" night, but one that we do something together.
Then we have the end of the day of our bedtime routine! Bath time, pajamas, brushing her hair...then her favorite milk & raisins bed time snack. Matt is in charge of brushing her teeth at night, its my saving grace, by 8:00 I'm tired and its the last thing I want to ever have to battle through. We read a bible story and some other books of her choice. Then its prayer and kisses and goodnight.
Matt and I have a solid hour to spend time together, before my head hits the pillow at 9:00pm.
If you ever try to reach me after 8:00....good luck, its rare that I will respond, I need that free time from the connection to the world.
We try to keep a well balanced life, seems a though it never really slows down. We are blessed with the family we have and try to do life in a way that is honoring to the Lord.
blessings to you!
A typical day for me starts at 4:00 am...(?!?!?) Call me crazy, I know... but I must say I've always been a early riser, and being a mom has made me an even earlier one.
What do I do at that hour? Well I have my homemade paleo cereal, a cup of coffee and some bible time. Depending on the day I either head to the pool for a swim or I hit the road for a run and do some strength exercises. I try my best to get my fitness done before Maryellis is up & before Matt heads to work.
Maryellis is up most days between 6:15am-7:00....we try to keep her in bed until 7:00, but some days she is ready to go! We start our day with a little time with dad before he heads out the door for work, then its breakfast time! (and mom's 2nd cup of coffee!) I try to provide a well balanced diet for all Maryellis' meals. Breakfast can consist from eggs & sausage, homemade pancakes/waffles, yogurt & blueberries and mixed fruit. Along with a big cup of hemp milk to wash it all down and shes one happy girl.
-This is also a time I can do some food prep & unload the dishwasher, or hand wash dishes.
For the next hour or so we play with her toys, race in the kitchen, read some stories, work on flashcards, sing songs and enjoy one another company. Then the dog starts to get a little crazy herself and she is ready to get out for a walk! We take the dog every morning, (rain or shine) for a nice long walk. Maryellis seems to enjoy it most of the time, sometimes she tells me to run, or other times we stop and look for the ducks, geese and cows. Once we are home the dog is tuckered out and Maryellis is usually ready for a snack...perfect timing so mom can get herself "ready" for the day.
Depending on the day, depends on how "ready" I get. I am a blessed women who gets to stay home to raise our daughter. But if its a day that consists of running a few errands & being at home, I will remain in some sort of athletic wear for the day. We are in a stage where I am busy chasing a toddler, playing on the ground, outside, daily chores, etc. I see no sense in ruining my "nice" clothes.
-Every morning I start a load of laundry, some days 2 loads if its a "towels day". I try my best to have it switched into the dryer before we go anywhere.
Late morning until lunch time is a different activity everyday!
Mondays we go to mom's group & Wednesdays we have "Mommy & Me" dance class.
The rest of the days can be filled with play dates, baking, running errands such as; Costco, Trader Joe's, Target. Most weeks we make a trip to the pool, art activities, park days, Bounce, playing outside (this is often!) Library, drawing, bike rides, hikes, visiting Great grandma, or just a simple day at home.
We have lunch anywhere from 11:30-12:00. I would say no every day we are at home to eat, but I always plan ahead and bring her lunch along with us. Again, another well balanced meal.
She likes quesadillas, chicken, meatballs, fish, beans, cheese and there is always sauteed mixed veggies, cucumbers & avocado. Her treat for after shes finished her main meal is a "squeezie", She has a fairly good palate and I'm thankful for the good eater she is. (for the most part)
After lunch we have more playtime, try to keep it more on the mellow side.
We read stories around 12:30-12:45 and she is usually down around 1:00.
This is where I currently get a 3 hour gap! (I know its only a season.)
During this time I take clients for hair appointments, fold the laundry, the daily sweeping of the house, (dog hair and toddler crumbs, oh-my!) make phone calls/paperwork/e-mails, work in the garden/yard, chicken care, dinner food prep, projects around the house and on a "lucky" day I take a little time to read, or take a short nap.
Nap time is over around 4:00 and I love when she wakes up because she is quite the cuddler at this time. We get cozy in the big chair, have a snack and some milk and talk. :) Depending on the day sometimes she will go outside to play other days she loves to watch a "ABC" video on the computer while I finish cooking dinner. Matt gets home most days anywhere from 5:00-6:00... she cannot wait for him to get home! Once I get the phone call of when hes on his way, were at the window waiting!
She is so so excited when daddy gets home, its the sweetest thing, she is the best greeter I know!
We enjoy a dinner together as a family, not all dinners are pleasant, we are dining with a toddler. She usually eats what we do, but some nights her meals are altered a little bit.
After dinner I do the dishes and that gives Matt and Maryellis time to be together!
Depending on the night and time of year, it seems there can be something most nights.
From family dinners, friends dinners, community group, bible studies, Matt's basketball or softball games, meetings, church events, etc. We try to have 2-3 evenings at home, and either Friday or Saturday is "family night"...just the three of us we have it a no "chore/project" night, but one that we do something together.
Then we have the end of the day of our bedtime routine! Bath time, pajamas, brushing her hair...then her favorite milk & raisins bed time snack. Matt is in charge of brushing her teeth at night, its my saving grace, by 8:00 I'm tired and its the last thing I want to ever have to battle through. We read a bible story and some other books of her choice. Then its prayer and kisses and goodnight.
Matt and I have a solid hour to spend time together, before my head hits the pillow at 9:00pm.
If you ever try to reach me after 8:00....good luck, its rare that I will respond, I need that free time from the connection to the world.
We try to keep a well balanced life, seems a though it never really slows down. We are blessed with the family we have and try to do life in a way that is honoring to the Lord.
blessings to you!
Monday, February 2, 2015
Hero
Hero: A person noted for feats of courage or nobility of purpose, especially one who has risked or sacrificed his or her life.
Life is a miracle, one that only God creates, not all are planned, but only God can allow such a thing to take place. When a birth mother chooses to keep this life alive in her, rather then ending it, she is a hero in my book.
Adoption is such a beautiful gift a birth mother can give to her child, as well as to the family she is helping to build.
I often don't think birth parents are given enough praise for the sacrifice they have made. They could choose so easily to end the life in them through abortion, but they selflessly choose to give their child a chance. That they realize that they are not capable to care for them as they wish, but know another family can welcome that child with open arms and loving hearts, that is wisdom beyond their years.
I'm so thankful...that our daughters birth parents chose life and in that they chose us. Matthew and I have been so blessed and humbled that we get to be parents, that we've been entrusted this beautiful girl to love and raise as our own. She has brought us and others so much joy, its been wonderful to be a family.
In Oregon in 2013 there were 8,283 Abortions that took place. I am not here by any means to place judgement, but more to share the facts. Thousands of lives were lost that year, and there are thousands of families like my own whom wish to adopt again, this is how we will build our family. I wish Adoption wasn't so hard, but it is. But I get it. I couldn't imagine placing a child that I had carried for 9 months...but people do it, they make that selfless sacrifice to give life. I think we all have something to learn from a women who can do that.
To birth parents out there, I thank you, and I pray for you, that you would know the love of God and his peace would be upon you.
Please continue to share our story, the love we have to give and family we dream to make.
(http://public.health.oregon.gov/BirthDeathCertificates/VitalStatistics/abortion/Documents/abortion13.pdf)
Life is a miracle, one that only God creates, not all are planned, but only God can allow such a thing to take place. When a birth mother chooses to keep this life alive in her, rather then ending it, she is a hero in my book.
Adoption is such a beautiful gift a birth mother can give to her child, as well as to the family she is helping to build.
I often don't think birth parents are given enough praise for the sacrifice they have made. They could choose so easily to end the life in them through abortion, but they selflessly choose to give their child a chance. That they realize that they are not capable to care for them as they wish, but know another family can welcome that child with open arms and loving hearts, that is wisdom beyond their years.
I'm so thankful...that our daughters birth parents chose life and in that they chose us. Matthew and I have been so blessed and humbled that we get to be parents, that we've been entrusted this beautiful girl to love and raise as our own. She has brought us and others so much joy, its been wonderful to be a family.
In Oregon in 2013 there were 8,283 Abortions that took place. I am not here by any means to place judgement, but more to share the facts. Thousands of lives were lost that year, and there are thousands of families like my own whom wish to adopt again, this is how we will build our family. I wish Adoption wasn't so hard, but it is. But I get it. I couldn't imagine placing a child that I had carried for 9 months...but people do it, they make that selfless sacrifice to give life. I think we all have something to learn from a women who can do that.
To birth parents out there, I thank you, and I pray for you, that you would know the love of God and his peace would be upon you.
Please continue to share our story, the love we have to give and family we dream to make.
(http://public.health.oregon.gov/BirthDeathCertificates/VitalStatistics/abortion/Documents/abortion13.pdf)
Tuesday, October 21, 2014
Lets do this again!
Hey there friends and family!
After much discussion, prayer and time we feel its time again to add to our family! Adoption #2 here we go! We've done some research and have decided we'd like to attempt a Independent Adoption. Meaning that we are promoting ourselves and hoping too that family and friends can share our video and spread the word that we're looking to add another baby to our family. There are more details to it then that, but in the end it would be that we have a attorney who would make the adoption legal. This can be risky and possibly take some time, but we trust that the Lord will guide us through.
Here is our video, please share it and pass it on...we'd love for as many people to know as possible.
Can you help us everyone?
We also ask you continue to pray over our family and the future baby God already has planned for us.
Thank you again for joining along this journey, can you believe it?!?!! So exciting!
Blessings to you,
The Imlach family
After much discussion, prayer and time we feel its time again to add to our family! Adoption #2 here we go! We've done some research and have decided we'd like to attempt a Independent Adoption. Meaning that we are promoting ourselves and hoping too that family and friends can share our video and spread the word that we're looking to add another baby to our family. There are more details to it then that, but in the end it would be that we have a attorney who would make the adoption legal. This can be risky and possibly take some time, but we trust that the Lord will guide us through.
Here is our video, please share it and pass it on...we'd love for as many people to know as possible.
Can you help us everyone?
We also ask you continue to pray over our family and the future baby God already has planned for us.
Thank you again for joining along this journey, can you believe it?!?!! So exciting!
Blessings to you,
The Imlach family
Wednesday, September 17, 2014
Summer has come and gone!
Oh hello there!
Here I am four months since my last post…. I must admit this
blog is for me to share about my family and our life together, we’ve just been
having too much fun this summer and I haven’t wanted to sit down and write. In
saying that, I’m shocked it’s September, how time flies, thankful we get to
enjoy our extended summer we have here in the PNW.
This summer consisted of several weddings, lots of time
outdoors playing and exploring, swimming, river rock throwing, berry picking,
animal visiting at various farms, going to the park, play dates, sprinklers,
bubble blowing & chalk drawing. Lots of Matthew’s softball games,
gardening, hiking, walks with our dog, barbeques with friends and family, a
trip to the zoo and beach! We had a visit with some of Maryellis’ birth family
up in Portland, she got to meet her half sister. It was a really wonderful time
for us to all be together and get to know one another more. I would say that we
all left that day with peace in our hearts, thankful for the time we got to
visit and become more comfortable. Other then that we stayed in town a lot this
summer, we were very occupied with lots of house projects, and I have still had
several appointments pertaining to the healing of my body. I wouldn’t have
changed this summer for anything, learning to take advantage of all the many
things our town offers.
Maryellis is now 15 months old and very busy, continually
keeping me on my toes.
Its hard for me to really pinpoint her personality---happy,
easy going but not afraid to say “no”, she isn’t really shy- but takes in her
surrounding before really letting her guard down. I enjoy seeing her as she
learns more and more each day, she is quite the little explorer. She is no
longer a baby, becoming more and more of a little girl. I love to watch her
when she discovers something new, or accomplishes a task all by herself, she
lights up! She loves to dance and the water, planning on singing up for
swimming lessons soon and dance in the near future. Sign language has been a wonderful
way for us to communicate, not to mention it has been helping with her verbal
communication skills.
I have just been reflecting lately about how the Lord has
grown our family, through Adoption. In my dark days of infertility I remember
the scriptures that would come to mind,
“Delight
yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” Psalm
37:4
“For everyone who asks receivers; the one who seeks finds;
and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.”
Praying and meditating over these scriptures, even arguing
with God “You know the desires of my heart, to be a mother, why isn’t it
happening?”
Well I have to remember that God’s plans and his way is
better then mine. He knew the heartache and breaking that I needed to go through.
How blessed I am that he took me on that journey, he has given me the desire of
my heart, our daughter- he knew that from the day she was conceived that she
would be our little girl. I cannot imagine that my plans would have ever
compared to what God has already done. I am so thankful that we got to choose
her, yet how her birth parents choose us, they gave us the gift we’ve always
dreamed of.
God will give us the desires of our hearts, we have to be
willing to ask, pray, and give it up to Him, trusting that he will---and likely
it won’t go the path we thought it would.
Our family grows and expands through Adoption, just has he
adopted us, we too will adopt and love as He first loved us.
Blessings.
