an overdue update

yes, its been forever and a day. so much has happened. so many changes...where do I begin?





we will start in february, i think that was my last blog.





Feb 2009

in an effort to go back to work, since i had been at home with the foster kids since 11/06; and my overwhelming life long dream to work in the medical field, i started school for the Certified Nursing Assistant certification, at the Tennessee Technology Center of Knoxville. Classes were 2/4-4/8; state board was 4/13.





March 2009

Jamie resigned from Rainsoft, where he had been since 11/06. Although sales were awesome during 2007 and most of 2008; they weren't so much the later part of '08 and weren't in '09. He gained wonderful experience here and we miss the people he worked with.



I interviewed for several positions with UT Hospital as well as one position, I wanted most, at Children's Hospital. Jamie, well; "yours truly", started the process of sending out resumes. ISO: professional. base salary. benefits.



April 2009

Passed the state board exam; 4/13.



Jamie & I celebrated our 8th wedding anniversary! Yes, 8 years. The past 10 years for us, have really flown by. I would do anything to go back & be able to slow time down. There are also a few things I would like to change. But those are just chalked up as lessons learned.



I was offered the position I wanted at Children's Hospital. I was beyond excited! Benefits, awesome. Pay, good. Schedule, 12-hour shifts. Which was going to be a huge adjustment, i'd never worked 12 hour shifts, more importantly hadn't worked since 11/06.



May 2009

Jamie, after having interviews with Cook's, Orkin, Terminex and Arrow; accepted a position with Orkin Pest Control, as Inspector. Benefits, awesome. Pay, fantabulous. Company, superb!! Finally, we are landing back on our feet......



I am taking 3 classes at Pellissippi State during the summer semester. At this time, I am wanting to continue to pursue my nursing degree (RN); however....I still kind of want to be a teacher. I'm a semester or so away from having to make that final decision....so we'll see.



June 2009

Jamie & I are back on our feet. A special thanks to our parents who were our main support system over the last 6-months. From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you!



& now....our journey begins:

For those close to our hearts; know our longing for children. The foster care years were wonderful. The babies we were blessed will always be our babies. Always. As humans, when faced with tragedy, we have faith to guide us through. Although we may never understand why certain things happen....we do understand that everything happens for a reason. A small reason that is part of a bigger picture, that we might not immediatly know...but will someday.

Jamie & I are moving forward with Sperm adoption & IUI. I know in earlier blogs, I discussed some other options...but after months and years of discussing how we want to move forward in our lives and our family. We have selected a sperm donor; we are so totally excited about! it is a perfect match to what we set out to find! my first ultrasound is July 16. the IUI will be performed the first cycle after that appointment.

please keep us in your prayers during this time. we are so ready. so excited. at the same time we have alot of preperation; pysically, mentally and financially. blogs going forward will contain up to date information on where we are, whats going on, etc....please comment.

love nlb.