Brantley and I have a mutual friend, and I stumbled upon her blog a few years ago.  I followed her journey as she waited on her sweet baby girl.  And, I have loved keeping up with her little family ever since.  She was an encouragement to me while we waited, and I even emailed her my neurotic home study questions during our home study process.  She was kind enough not to judge me for it.  Her story is a little different from the stories you have heard before.  Take a moment to see why Brantley and her husband chose adoption.

My name is Brantley. I am a wife to an amazing man, who loves the Lord! I am a mother to a precious child welcomed into our family through adoption.

Richard and I married in November of 2007. It was talked about early on that we felt a tug in our hearts to adopt one day. We just didn’t realize we would start our family this way. You see, our story is not one of infertility; it’s simply a story of obedience. God gave us a deep desire that we simply couldn’t ignore. A desire that soon blossomed into a beautiful adoption!

It all started back in 2009 when my heart ached to adopt a baby. I firmly believe the Lord implanted this desire early on for a reason. I just didn’t know why at that time. I remember so vividly the conversations my husband and I had. We sat down one evening and I shared with him my desire and I truly felt the Lord was tugging for us to adopt. But what I wasn’t prepared for came out of his mouth – “baby, I love you – but I do not feel that same tug from the Lord.” My heart crushed into a million pieces as I struggled through the reality that my husband and I didn’t feel the same. Over the next several months (and yes, I mean SEVERAL)… I saw commercials about adoption, read adoption blogs and felt every time I turned around heard about someone else’s adoption or exciting news!

I spent most mornings crying, yearning for a baby. But for whatever reason, the tug to adopt a baby was more prevalent than to try and actually have one. So often I prayed in the shower, begging the Lord to please remove this burden from my heart or to change my husband’s heart. It hurt so badly. And for a while, I must confess, I truly thought the Lord was ignoring me. But one day towards the end of April, 2010, Richard came to me and told me He believed the Lord had prepared his heart over the last several months – and was eager to start our family through adoption! My mind was blown away with excitement and praise!

And wouldn’t you know – the Lord truly works in mysterious ways! That day would go down in history as a true gift from God just 9 months later.  After all, only He holds the future in His hands and His story is far greater than anything I could have ever imagined! Our journey was hard, and although from the outside seemed short – my heart was heavy as we waited for he day we would get the anticipated call!

And… on December 30, 2010 at 4:45pm (just before Bethany’s offices would close the new year) my phone rang!!!! And when your social worker calls – it only means ONE thing!! We got the call and I have never in my life been so excited to hear her voice! From then on, we waited some more for our little bundle to be born! And on January 3rd, 2011… our 7lb baby girl was born!

It wasn’t until the next day that we got to meet her and her birth mother for the very first time! Talk about nervous and excited all at once! But it was wonderful and to this day I am truly grateful for the journey we walked! The Lord never left our side… it was me who doubted. But He is faithful and He will not leave us.

My encouragement to those in the waiting phase… TRUST.

I know from personal experience the hard times, the sleepless nights, the sobbing tears and unbearable moments when all else seems to fail!

But if you lean on Him – He will bless you and He will carry you. And I promise, HIS story is far greater than anything you could ever imagine! 

And what a blessing our baby girl has been to our lives! I wouldn’t have it any other way!

MSU Homecoming

This past weekend, we made our way to Starkvegas to celebrate MSU Homecoming and cheer on our Bulldogs as we battled against Bowling Green.  It was an evening game, so we enjoyed a full day of tailgating.  This was Millie Janalee's second big tailgating day this year, and I tried to come as prepared as last time. 

She kept herself pretty occupied, and I don't think she ever tried to run away this time either.  It was a successful day!  One without whining...although she did fight her nap...and one full of more memories made.  Sadly, memories without Russ.  Again.  Such is life I suppose.

Auntie Kristin reading to Millie Janalee and "baby lime"

Millie Janalee spent some time on her blanket loving on her baby when I looked over and saw this!  I jumped straight up running for my camera.  When did my baby learn to feed her baby?!  It is so precious! And it makes me sad that she's growing up so!  Gosh, I love this little mama!

"Excuse me, Mama.  I'm trying to feed my baby."

"That's right baby.  Drink the apple juice."

As always, we enjoy our time visiting with all the friends and family members that stop by to chat, eat, watch the game, and play.  I wasn't able to get pictures of them all for fear of driving everyone crazy, but I did grab a few.  And, I may or may not have taken a short nap in the car at one point.  It was a bit of a lazy tailgating day too.  I'm pretty sure my dad was asleep in his "recliner" too.  Ha!

Cassandra and Sheila

Dustin and Kyle

Me, Anna Kate, and Seth (my nephew and his girlfriend)

Jordan and Dustin (notice Millie Janalee asleep on the quilt in the background...as we take the tailgate down around her. Ha!)

We are thankful for the time and energy my parents spend setting up, loading up, purchasing, taking down, and loading back up the tailgating supplies and food only to be unloaded at midnight when we return home.  I don't know how my dad does it every week.  I did catch him studying for his sermon once during the day. Or it could've been the funeral, discipleship training, or speaking engagement he was working on.  I would never make it as a pastor.  Just sayin'.  I barely made it as the PK!  Ha!

Kristin and Lee

"Ooooooh!  I want some of those cookies!"

Dustin and Sheila

Millie Janalee took her nearly two hour nap on the quilt, and woke up just in time for us to head toward Davis Wade Stadium.  She is such a happy girl!  God really showed out for us, didn't he?  She She kept Millie Janalee company while we loaded up the last of the tailgating paraphernalia.  Millie Janalee loves She She.  Sheila's sister also had her baby girl Saturday morning around 1:30 am!  She had an exciting day!

Once everyone loaded up their cowbells and baby snacks, it was time to walk to the stadium!

PawPaw and Millie Janalee

Millie Janalee stuck with Susu and PawPaw most of the game this week.  The sweet little girl who tailgated next to us gave her a face sticker, and she was ready to ring her cowbell by the time the game started!

"It's game time, Mama!"

The game. 

Oh, the game!  Well, we talked about wanting to see a good game, but we certainly didn't mean we wanted to nearly lose.  Our Homecoming game.  We won by one point.  And that wasn't a shoe in.  I agree with my friend, Meg.  I hate that we play up or down to our opponents.

Halftime is always fun watching the Homecoming court on the field and hearing who sponsored them.  I was proud that both the Homecoming Queen and Miss MSU were Chi Os.  The court sits just below us during the game, and we enjoyed watching all the little kids running to take pictures with them after halftime.  I came close to taking Millie Janalee down to take a picture with the Homecoming Queen but thought that was a little over the top.  Ha!  Maybe she'll ask to next year.  And if it's a Chi O, I will gladly take her down!

This picture pretty much sums up the end of our game.  Scared to look, but smiling at a victory!  A win is a win I guess.  We'll take it!

Fall Television

Let's talk for a minute.  Honestly, I've been anxiously waiting for the Fall television lineup since the summer.  I may not have all the time I used to to watch tv as it happens, but I do have DVR!  Thank goodness for DVR!  I have always been guilty of having "my shows."  It reminds me of when Nonnie used to always have to sit and watch "her shows," but her shows were those soap operas.  Ha!  She never missed them.  Never.  I'm pretty serious about  my shows, and I suppose I get that from her.

Russ has never been real big into watching a steady season of shows.  He enjoys History Channel, Discovery Channel, and all those smart stations.  And occasionally, I suck it up and learn about Hitler or the making of a roller coaster, etc.

So, I'm pretty much on my own when it comes to "my shows" after Millie Janalee goes to bed.  There are some shows that she enjoys with me though. 

Let's start with reality television.  I am a reality TV junkie.  I can't help it.  It draws me in.  I am guilty of watching most seasons of the Bachelor and the Bachelorette. (Ummm..Sean and Catherine's wedding is coming up in January.)  And I never miss an episode of Dance Moms.  Russ hates those three facts about me.  I have to do it in secret.  Does that make it wrong?

 My reality TV shows this fall are fantastic!  I do not miss them.  Ever!

The Voice is one of Millie Janalee's favorites!  She loves to stand up and dance during the performances.  She has started "singing along" too, and it is precious!  She sings all throughout the day now.  She claps after every performance as well.  I think we have a musical talent on our hands.

Dancing with the Stars is one of my longest running favorites!  And this season's cast is one of the best, in my opinion.  I actually knew all of them!  There isn't much controversy like the year Cher's son/daughter was on there.  It is just good fun, heartfelt stories, and great entertainment!  I haven't decided who I'm rooting for yet, but I have enjoyed watching Bill Engvall, Valerie Harper, and Leah Remini.  Of course, I loved that Bill Nye the Science Guy was on there at first!  It brought back junior high science memories!  Before long, I'll have a winner in mind.  Millie Janalee enjoys watching this as well. She dances along and sometimes even tries to imitate some of the arm motions.  So cute!

The X Factor.  I'm a fan.  I haven't been a faithful follower as much as I have this year, but I have really enjoyed it.  I especially like watching Kelly Roland, Simon, and Demi Lovato.  I must admit that I'm still not sure who Paulina is.

I don't watch solely reality TV.  I also have a few Fall drama favorites.

Parenthood makes me laugh and cry every episode.  I'm in love with the show and the characters.  I cried more the last few episodes of last season than I have during any show in a long time.  The family faces real life issues as a family with interesting family dynamics.  Breast cancer, empty nest, autism, foster adoption, and more.  Always pulls my heartstrings.  This is a show I watch after Millie Janalee's bedtime.  I like to concentrate. 

Ummm...Grey's Anatomy is my longest running drama favorite.  This season has really gotten me on the edge of my seat.  Russ stopped watching this with me soon after it started.  He was in medical school, and he assured me it was ridiculous and nothing like real life.  Whatever!  It is drama-filled, and probably not the best thing I could be watching.  I'm not a fan of some of the issues brought in over the years, but I can't tear myself away.  Another after bedtime show.  Requires concentration.

I was SO EXCITED to find a drama TV show that Russ and I can watch together!  We don't miss any of Revenge.  It's full of drama and suspense and we definitely can't watch this unless we are not distracted.  Sunday nights consist of NFL football (my choice) and Revenge after bedtime.  May this show stay on the air as long as it takes to lure Russ into another one of my favorite series!

Now, there are more Fall TV shows that I love.  I am looking forward to the return of The Biggest Loser and most definitely Downton Abbey!  I am slow to watch new shows, because my plate...and my DVR...is full.  Ha!  But it always seems that most of the good shows are in the Fall.  I think we need some work on the summer months for sure.  Who can I call about that?  Ha!

What are some of your favorites?

A Visit With Aunt Y

When Russ and I got married, his Gigi (his mom's mother) and his grandfather were no longer living.  Russ and Gigi had a precious relationship as she did with all her grandchildren.  I was privileged enough to get to know her before she passed.  I will cherish that time, and I am sorry that I didn't know her better and longer.  She suffered from some dementia, and she actually thought Russ and I were already married.  So, we always smile knowing she already knew we would marry one day.  Since Russ's grandparents on his mom's side were no longer living, his mom asked if Aunt Y and her husband could stand in as "honorary grandparents" for her side of the family.  We, of course, said yes.  Aunt Y is Gigi's sister.  Russ's great aunt.

I have not seen her since the wedding.  In fact that was the first time I met her as well.  She lives far away, and is unable to make the trip alone.  Russ and his brother actually visited her this winter, and they had a delightful visit.  This past week, Russ's dad drove the 8+ hours to pick up Aunt Y and brought her back to our hometown for a weeklong visit.  She and Aunt Julie (Russ's aunt) "painted the town" all week.  Ha!  They visited old friends and family, made a trip to Tupelo, and even had an impromptu dentist visit.  Russ was away in Chicago taking his boards last week, but we made sure to visit with Aunt Y before she left.

Aunt Julie had informed us that all she talked about was meeting Millie Janalee.  Russ and I couldn't wait to introduce the two of them.  So, Sunday afternoon after church we loaded up for the day and visited Russ's childhood home.  Aunt Y and Aunt Julie came over, and we enjoyed our day together.

Millie Janalee even walked over to her and gave her a big hug around her knees.  Our sweet girl loves hugging these days, and I hope she never loses the interest!  She talked and talked and talked while walking around and playing with her toys.  Aunt Y loved just watching her. 

We also enjoyed talking with Aunt Y.  Russ's family did lots of talking about the past and remembering old family and friends.  Grace was such a sweet big cousin taking care of Millie Janalee all day.  She and Jenny stayed until we left after supper Sunday night.  Millie Janalee LOVES Grace! The first thing she did when Grace arrived was run over and laid her head in her lap for a hug.  They had the best fun!

Millie Janalee enjoyed the attention from the rest of the family as well.  Of course.

We put off her nap so that we could have a good visit with Aunt Y, so toward the end of the visit she was hinting around to a little sleepytime.  Not too fussy...but that smile was a little hidden behind those sleepy eyes...

Aunt Y began to say her goodbyes.  A few tears were shed as she and Russ's mom shared a moment together.  Aunt Y gave a few instructions to Russ's mom to help her to improve her health, and they hugged and held hands as they just looked into each other's eyes.  It was sweet moment that I couldn't help but watch.

These women are such a wonderful example of a kind, loving, meek, Christian woman...because of the examples of the women before them.  Aunt Y and Gigi being two of those. 

When you meet Aunt Y you can't help but fall in love with her sincerity and kindness.  Her love shines through her joy-filled eyes.  If you ever want to know where Russ gets his kindness, generosity, and why he is just so amazing...it's because he comes from such a wonderful family.  Filled with sweet spirits like this.

And I am honored to be a part of such beauty.  I have a lot to live up to if I am to model after these women.  I'm pretty sure it isn't even possible.  But, I can tell you that their grace and beauty inside and out has impacted my life more than they will ever know.

It was a wonderful visit with Aunt Y.  One I hope we can do again before 8 more years pass by.