Some Aunt Barbara Creations and some new pix of Myles in his Valentine's outfits! click here for more pix!
Monday, February 14, 2011
Saturday, February 5, 2011
OK Bear with me!
I am not the most technologically advanced----so bear with me as I try and figure out how to post pix in an album here---but below is direct from Walgreens---so click on it and see more pix! I'll get there!!! and hopefully can post video soon too!
Friday, February 4, 2011
God was certainly good to us!
It is indescribable to try and explain how happy Matthew and I are....I'd like to introduce to you the newest member of our family............ Myles Timothy Sawick! He was born Wednesday, January 26, 2011 at 2:32am weighing in at 7lbs 11oz and 20" long.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
let the countdown begin!
news,details and pix will be forthcoming Friday, Feb 4th..................................
make sure to check back!
make sure to check back!
Sunday, January 23, 2011
my apologies
it's been a while since I've posted anything---so very sorry---let's just say Matthew and I have been "preoccupied" .....we can't say much more than that--but our time and energy has been devoted to "preparations"............I am allowed to announce that we've been MATCHED!!! i can't give you any further details---but hopefully more will be coming soon!!!!! if there is a time to pray, NOW IS IT!
Monday, November 22, 2010
My Brother Peter has been working on this bridge for years----it is complete and he is interviewed
Unique Harpswell bridge to reopen Saturday The Forecaster (click here for link to paper story was published and more pix)
This pix is of Pete walking the bridge just before it opens to traffic
HARPSWELL — After more than two years, residents on Saturday will once again be able to traverse the one-of-a-kind cribstone bridge connecting Bailey and Orr's islands.
A ceremony is planned Saturday at 11 a.m. Scheduled guest speakers include Maine Department of Transportation Deputy Commissioner Bruce Van Note, Maine Historic Preservation Commission Director Earle Shettleworth and Harpswell Historical Society President David Hackett.
Following the ceremony, there will be an antique car parade across the bridge, with two rows of cars meeting each other in the middle, Town Administrator Kristi Eiane said. She said town officials are seeking older residents to attend the ceremony and ride in an antique car.
Pete Brown of the DOT said work began in July 2008. A temporary bridge parallel to the cribstone structure has been in place while reconstruction has progressed. Brown said about 200 large stones have been replaced and a new deck constructed at a cost of about $10.5 million – about $500,000 under budget to date.
Removal of the temporary bridge and a "few odds and ends" are expected to be complete next spring, well ahead of the November 2011 projected completion deadline, Brown said.
Some of the replacement stones came from the original quarry in North Yarmouth, but the majority came from a commercial quarry in Sullivan, he said. The original quarry is no longer a commercial quarry and could not produce the amount of stone needed in a timely manner.
The work was completed from the top down, with the first step being removal of the deck, then removal of stones layer-by-layer to reach broken stones, Brown said.
"It's been a joy, actually, for me," he said, adding the community has been patient and considerate during the repair work.
There were a few times a barge blocked the navigation channel while work was being done on the span over the channel, but Brown said construction crews tried to take into account busy times of day so as not to disrupt lobstermen and other ocean-going vessels that frequent the area.
"They were really good about it," he said.
While Brown said he was not nervous about working on the historic bridge, he said it had unique challenges. He said there were a few things that were "difficult to get around."
"It was interesting, but it's pretty simple from a technical standpoint," he said. "It's more stone age than space age."
Brown said community interest in the project was high.
"(The bridge) means something to the people on Orr's and Bailey, there is an affinity," he said. "The community has been very interested. It's the only one of it's kind in the world. To have an $11 million job and not have a complaint of significance is simply amazing."
CPM Constructors of Freeport performed the bridge repairs using an average crew of 25, which has since been reduced to about 15 people, Brown said.
The 1,150-foot cribstone bridge was completed in 1928 under the direction of engineer L. N. Edwards, according to a plaque on the Orr's Island side of the bridge. The unique design allows tidal seawater, boat traffic and ice floes through the bridge without washing it out. The bridge is a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark.
According to a press release from the DOT, the original stones were transported from the North Yarmouth quarry by boat to Harpswell, then placed using derricks aboard boats. The base of the bridge is supported by underwater granite ledges and spans Will's Gut.
This pix is of Pete walking the bridge just before it opens to traffic
HARPSWELL — After more than two years, residents on Saturday will once again be able to traverse the one-of-a-kind cribstone bridge connecting Bailey and Orr's islands.
A ceremony is planned Saturday at 11 a.m. Scheduled guest speakers include Maine Department of Transportation Deputy Commissioner Bruce Van Note, Maine Historic Preservation Commission Director Earle Shettleworth and Harpswell Historical Society President David Hackett.
Following the ceremony, there will be an antique car parade across the bridge, with two rows of cars meeting each other in the middle, Town Administrator Kristi Eiane said. She said town officials are seeking older residents to attend the ceremony and ride in an antique car.
Pete Brown of the DOT said work began in July 2008. A temporary bridge parallel to the cribstone structure has been in place while reconstruction has progressed. Brown said about 200 large stones have been replaced and a new deck constructed at a cost of about $10.5 million – about $500,000 under budget to date.
Removal of the temporary bridge and a "few odds and ends" are expected to be complete next spring, well ahead of the November 2011 projected completion deadline, Brown said.
Some of the replacement stones came from the original quarry in North Yarmouth, but the majority came from a commercial quarry in Sullivan, he said. The original quarry is no longer a commercial quarry and could not produce the amount of stone needed in a timely manner.
The work was completed from the top down, with the first step being removal of the deck, then removal of stones layer-by-layer to reach broken stones, Brown said.
"It's been a joy, actually, for me," he said, adding the community has been patient and considerate during the repair work.
There were a few times a barge blocked the navigation channel while work was being done on the span over the channel, but Brown said construction crews tried to take into account busy times of day so as not to disrupt lobstermen and other ocean-going vessels that frequent the area.
"They were really good about it," he said.
While Brown said he was not nervous about working on the historic bridge, he said it had unique challenges. He said there were a few things that were "difficult to get around."
"It was interesting, but it's pretty simple from a technical standpoint," he said. "It's more stone age than space age."
Brown said community interest in the project was high.
"(The bridge) means something to the people on Orr's and Bailey, there is an affinity," he said. "The community has been very interested. It's the only one of it's kind in the world. To have an $11 million job and not have a complaint of significance is simply amazing."
CPM Constructors of Freeport performed the bridge repairs using an average crew of 25, which has since been reduced to about 15 people, Brown said.
The 1,150-foot cribstone bridge was completed in 1928 under the direction of engineer L. N. Edwards, according to a plaque on the Orr's Island side of the bridge. The unique design allows tidal seawater, boat traffic and ice floes through the bridge without washing it out. The bridge is a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark.
According to a press release from the DOT, the original stones were transported from the North Yarmouth quarry by boat to Harpswell, then placed using derricks aboard boats. The base of the bridge is supported by underwater granite ledges and spans Will's Gut.
Sunday, November 14, 2010
God is talking, and I am finally listening
For those that have known me for a while, I have not always been the most "god believing" person---luckily for me, that has changed quite a bit over the last few years--but if there was ever a weekend that He is speaking directly to me and giving me "signs", man, is it this weekend!
We attended the Christian Adoption Services' November lunch to celebrate National Adoption Month (Nov) and to celebrate all of the families who had babies placed with them this year----they have this event every year at this great park Walter Johnson Camp run by the Salvation Army in Denton, NC (about 1 hour from Charlotte). It was so great to meet up with families who we haven't seen since the last get together in May and to meet all of the new babies. I won't lie, it was VERY HARD sitting there without a baby when we knew almost all of the families who were placed this year----but the one resounding message we heard over and over and over----the wait is hard, but it is all in God's timing as He has a plan, there is a baby out there that is perfect for Matthew and I and it will be worth every second of the wait. The message is very true, can't say it is easy to live, but it is definitely true.
One freaky story--there is a woman who is also a waiting family here in the Charlotte area that I've gotten to know recently, and she comes up to me just was we walk in and tells me about a dream she had just had earlier this week. In her dream, she met a birthmother--and the birthmother didn't know if the baby was a boy or a girl (this woman who had the dream only wants a girl)......and so the birthmom tells Sonya "if it is a girl I am giving it to you, but if it is a boy, I am giving it to Peggi and Matthew" . Sonya and I barely see each other, we are on Facebook together/etc and that is really it----so I am hoping that is God talking to us again in his own way--and then I asked her to have many many more dreams like that!!! I still have goosebumps over the freakiness of that dream.
So then, Matthew and I attend church this morning and what is the topic of the sermon?? PATIENCE and Preservance. As an example, the pastor even cited "for those longing for a baby" OK, GOD, I HEAR YOU LOUD AND CLEAR!!!!!! :)
As a side note, for those that want to support adoption and get some cool Christmas presents for your friends and family and co-workers, check out these hand-made soaps http://www.brightstarsoaps.etsy.com/
Yesterday was the official 11 month mark of "waiting". I am truly trying to be patient. I am also meeting with our agency director soon to review our paperwork.....
We attended the Christian Adoption Services' November lunch to celebrate National Adoption Month (Nov) and to celebrate all of the families who had babies placed with them this year----they have this event every year at this great park Walter Johnson Camp run by the Salvation Army in Denton, NC (about 1 hour from Charlotte). It was so great to meet up with families who we haven't seen since the last get together in May and to meet all of the new babies. I won't lie, it was VERY HARD sitting there without a baby when we knew almost all of the families who were placed this year----but the one resounding message we heard over and over and over----the wait is hard, but it is all in God's timing as He has a plan, there is a baby out there that is perfect for Matthew and I and it will be worth every second of the wait. The message is very true, can't say it is easy to live, but it is definitely true.
One freaky story--there is a woman who is also a waiting family here in the Charlotte area that I've gotten to know recently, and she comes up to me just was we walk in and tells me about a dream she had just had earlier this week. In her dream, she met a birthmother--and the birthmother didn't know if the baby was a boy or a girl (this woman who had the dream only wants a girl)......and so the birthmom tells Sonya "if it is a girl I am giving it to you, but if it is a boy, I am giving it to Peggi and Matthew" . Sonya and I barely see each other, we are on Facebook together/etc and that is really it----so I am hoping that is God talking to us again in his own way--and then I asked her to have many many more dreams like that!!! I still have goosebumps over the freakiness of that dream.
So then, Matthew and I attend church this morning and what is the topic of the sermon?? PATIENCE and Preservance. As an example, the pastor even cited "for those longing for a baby" OK, GOD, I HEAR YOU LOUD AND CLEAR!!!!!! :)
As a side note, for those that want to support adoption and get some cool Christmas presents for your friends and family and co-workers, check out these hand-made soaps http://www.brightstarsoaps.etsy.com/
Yesterday was the official 11 month mark of "waiting". I am truly trying to be patient. I am also meeting with our agency director soon to review our paperwork.....
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Orphan Sunday
Did you know that November is National Adoption Month?? later this month, there is one day (21st??? I think) that all across the country HUNDREDS of children from foster care will officially be adopted--there is a big deal at the courthouses/etc..great time.
Also emphasized this month are the orphans around the globe and their need to be adopted/sponsored. I had the pleasure of representing our agency at a church in Charlotte that recognized Orphan Sunday and National Adoption Month and had a little mini tradeshow of sorts with tables lined up in their hallway with companies who focus on adoption, orphan sponsorship, etc ----I actually had the chance to give real life testimony to many families who have been called upon to adopt and hopefully encourage them to join us in the adoption process.
The Church was amazing---it is not one that we attend regularly, but I still saw familiar faces! go fish....some folks I work with attend. And was also able to meet other families who have already adopted thru Christian Adoption Services and they told me their stories and I got to meet their adorable children.
I also met with a group that runs a home for teens who are faced with unplanned pregnancies and have no where to go. Here at this home, they are housed, given prenatal care, life skills, mentored, and loved during a very difficult time of their lives.
It was a great day all around. Came home smiling ear to ear after seeing so much GOOD and the new people who are praying for us.....God works in mysterious ways, I am still baffled sometimes at how He does it----but he puts me in places and introduces me to people I would never have met otherwise, and for that I am very grateful.
Also emphasized this month are the orphans around the globe and their need to be adopted/sponsored. I had the pleasure of representing our agency at a church in Charlotte that recognized Orphan Sunday and National Adoption Month and had a little mini tradeshow of sorts with tables lined up in their hallway with companies who focus on adoption, orphan sponsorship, etc ----I actually had the chance to give real life testimony to many families who have been called upon to adopt and hopefully encourage them to join us in the adoption process.
The Church was amazing---it is not one that we attend regularly, but I still saw familiar faces! go fish....some folks I work with attend. And was also able to meet other families who have already adopted thru Christian Adoption Services and they told me their stories and I got to meet their adorable children.
I also met with a group that runs a home for teens who are faced with unplanned pregnancies and have no where to go. Here at this home, they are housed, given prenatal care, life skills, mentored, and loved during a very difficult time of their lives.
It was a great day all around. Came home smiling ear to ear after seeing so much GOOD and the new people who are praying for us.....God works in mysterious ways, I am still baffled sometimes at how He does it----but he puts me in places and introduces me to people I would never have met otherwise, and for that I am very grateful.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
if there is ever a time..............
that I need a little extra prayer, thought, good wish, etc ---today is it. 10-1/2 months waiting and lots of other babies being placed to wonderful families---but there is this little twinge still wondering "why not us?" "what are we doing wrong?"
I know God has a plan. I know there is the "perfect" baby out there for us. I know that we are working on His time, not ours. I KNOW the other families deserve their bundle of joy just s much as we do.....BUT it doesn't diminish the questions and feelings we are having.
ok pity party is officially over for now. I'm not looking for sympathy. I am just venting so I can sort of get myself together enough to work today.
So, please send extra prayers to the birthmother that she is healthy and at peace with her decision ---without her being at peace, He can't join us together.
I know God has a plan. I know there is the "perfect" baby out there for us. I know that we are working on His time, not ours. I KNOW the other families deserve their bundle of joy just s much as we do.....BUT it doesn't diminish the questions and feelings we are having.
ok pity party is officially over for now. I'm not looking for sympathy. I am just venting so I can sort of get myself together enough to work today.
So, please send extra prayers to the birthmother that she is healthy and at peace with her decision ---without her being at peace, He can't join us together.
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Adoptive Mommies get together
One of the many many wonderful things about the adoption agency we are working with, is the support system of other families in any of the various stages of adoption--waiting, completing paperwork, already received their child, etc. Last night a group of women--all from the CAS (Christian Adoption Services) "family" got together for some fellowship, story swapping and good general support of one another!
There were 2 others like myself in the "waiting" phase- and 3 others who have had babies placed with them already. It was great to hear the stories, the advice, the "what happens" and the expectations of events/things such as getting the call, waiting to hear if the match is truly a match, at the hospital, dealing with the birthmother/birth family after paperwork is signed as well as during the legal risk/revocation period, changes of birth mother relationships after the first year, reactions of own families, how do we keep this a secret for that first week?? etc/etc/etc we gabbed and ate and gabbed some more for over 3 hours!!
The three things I know waking up this morning: 1) we definitely chose the right agency to work with 2) there are some pretty amazing women out there either in the same boat or have been in this boat, and 3) this wait is "normal" and we must just put it all in God's hands. Thankfully I have done #3 already! As our agency's website says "waiting on god, waiting on placement" That pretty much sums it up!!!
There were 2 others like myself in the "waiting" phase- and 3 others who have had babies placed with them already. It was great to hear the stories, the advice, the "what happens" and the expectations of events/things such as getting the call, waiting to hear if the match is truly a match, at the hospital, dealing with the birthmother/birth family after paperwork is signed as well as during the legal risk/revocation period, changes of birth mother relationships after the first year, reactions of own families, how do we keep this a secret for that first week?? etc/etc/etc we gabbed and ate and gabbed some more for over 3 hours!!
The three things I know waking up this morning: 1) we definitely chose the right agency to work with 2) there are some pretty amazing women out there either in the same boat or have been in this boat, and 3) this wait is "normal" and we must just put it all in God's hands. Thankfully I have done #3 already! As our agency's website says "waiting on god, waiting on placement" That pretty much sums it up!!!
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Virginia Creeper Trail
We've been saving our vacation time from work for "when the baby comes".....and since it has been 9 months---and still no vacation, no baby---no time off can make a couple of people CRAZY! so we took Friday off from work and went to a trail we've been wanting to ride for a while. It is a 34 mile rail-to-trail biking/horsesback trail called the Virginia Creeper Trail. It is kind of split into 2---we went to the 18 mile mark. You actually take a shuttle up the mountain, then bike back down to your car in a tiny town called Demascus, VA. The ride up was enough to make ANYONE sick--all windy, hairpin turns, no guardrails, huge steep drops (Mindy, was thinking of you!). However, the scenery was breathtakingly beautiful. It was supposed to be 98 degrees in Charlotte, so we picked the perfect day to head to the mountains. It was cool and almost chilly in a few spots.
It was a great way to clear our heads, feel like human beings again, and have a vacation, even if for only one day.
The ride down takes about 2-3 hours depending on how often you stop, etc and we were riding in some of the most gorgeous scenary imaginable. Lots of moss covered rocks and trees, the trail followed a creek/stream/small river all the way down, lots of places to stop and fish, rode thru backs of some folks private land, rode over 32 trestles/foot bridges, etc...it was truly god's country. Then at the end a few cute diners for lunch and ice cream, if you wish.
It was a great way to clear our heads, feel like human beings again, and have a vacation, even if for only one day.
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