The "Bear" Truth

Okay - I've been getting all kinds of grumblings from friends about not updating my blog. There is one very good reason - I turned into a bear. Annie and I were exhausted upon our return from Russia. It seemed like we closed our eyes and it was Thanksgiving. We host an open house at our home for Thanksgiving for anyone who doesn't have anyplace to go. We cook a traditional meal, put it on the table from 1-3 for anyone who wants to stop by. People can come anytime they want, but if it's after 3 they may have to heat up leftovers out of the fridge. Anyway, after that came a very important tradition in our family - BLACK FRIDAY SHOPPING!!! We stood in line all night for items that were for someone else - it was a blast! We met some wonderful people that night. The couple in front of us began sharing with Annie and I how they were at the beach the week before to celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary. They received a call from their son who said "don't hurry home - you don't have anything to come home to." They had lost everything they owened in a house fire. They encouraged me with their fire story, I encouraged them with our adoption story and before we knew it, we had talked for 5 hours! God blessed everyone there that night (actually, morning!), and we all left with smiling faces and warm hearts (and full buggies, of course). It seemed like we went to sleep again, and when we woke up it was Christmas! We had a wonderful Holiday season that was filled with blessing from beginning to end. Part of what made the time go so quickly was dealing with paperwork. When I was wasn't wrapping presents, I was doing paperwork for the adoption. Sleep - paperwork, sleep - paperwork,... this was our cycle. Paper comes from trees so I've been telling everybody that Annie and I are like bears hybernating in the forest, it's just the the trees are already cut and processed! lol The paperwork really has been overwhelming. The reality is that the adoption is very expensive. I have applied for several grants and am getting ready to begin some serious fundraising. I guess you could say that I'm hoping the forest turns green soon. Please don't take that wrong - I can easily support my family and I am not out to make any money. However, I need help wtih the initial adoption costs. I hate debt and my little Max has some real needs. I want to be the best parent that I can be (especially since I am both parents in one). So, anyway, that's the "bear" truth. Hmmm - If I had a picnic basket you could just call us Yogi and Boo Boo!