jerseyhousewife

I updated my blog last August.  The topic was about us being "paper pregnant".  We received an adoption referral of an adorable little boy.  We've been receiving monthly updates on him, including pictures, for the past three months.  We've been preparing a room for him.  We've been sharing his picture with close friends and family.  We've been dreaming about him and imagining him in our family.  We've been waiting for a court date so we can go meet him and obtain legal guardianship of him. We finally received a phone call...but not the phone call we were expecting.  We have an update, and it's not good news.  I guess the easiest way to put this is that we've had a "paper miscarriage", aka failed adoption. I don't feel free to share the reasons we were told, but "C" (as we'll call him) has been taken off the international adoption list.  And that's that.  End of story.  The end.  Finis. To be completely honest

"Mommy's getting preg-a-nant!  Mommy's getting preg-a-nant!"  My 5-year-old is running around the house chanting this ridiculous phrase.  I have to correct her.  The last thing I want is for her to say something like that in public. "I am NOT getting pregnant." "Yes you are." "Why would you say that?" "Because we're going to have a baby." "Honey, there are other ways to have a baby." "How?  Do you buy one?" Wow.  To clear matters up, we are NOT getting pregnant and we are NOT buying a baby.  I've been so-called "paper pregnant" for about 21 months now.  Twenty-one months of meetings, paperwork, classes and books.  And still no baby in my arms. King of the Castle with Adoption Dossier  BUT, we do have some good news to share.  Four weeks ago, we were driving through Kansas (of all places) and my phone rang.  It was our adoption worker and she was telling me about a little

Confession:  I snicker every time I see somebody post "Be careful!" under a status update on Facebook.  The "Be careful!" people are everywhere.  For example: Jill Jones Getting ready to run my first marathon today!      Bill Jones      Be Careful! or: Janet Smith Excited about spending the day in New York City!      Jane Nelson      Be Careful! or: Jerry Burk At the airport waiting for the boarding call.  Can't wait to see my kids in a few hours.      Donna Johnson      Be Careful!    You get my point, right?  I love the "Be careful!" people.  Somebody's gotta warn others of potential danger.  I find myself being the "Be careful!" mom at times.  I'll admit I'm tempted to bubble-wrap my kids on occasion.  I have a "Be careful!" daughter who likes to warn me of potential dangers.  But, I've decided I don't want "Be careful!" to be my life's motto.  I've

I am a Tebow hater.   I was given that label during a Facebook interaction on the topic of the Christ-following football player.  I said nothing negative about the guy, I just admitted that I don't have a school-girl crush on him.  He doesn't capture my heart...or my attention span.  Apparently, I'm not a good Christian...because the new rule is that people who love Jesus should also love Tim Tebow. Personally, I don't know the guy.  I've never met him.  I've heard great things about him.  I've heard he builds orphanages.  I've heard he feeds hungry people and visits the sick.  I've heard he respects women.  I've heard he can throw a football.  What's not to like about the guy? I've heard some jabs about him in the media.  Songs have been written about him.  Poses have been named after him.  His virginity is questioned. Here's what I see happening.  Christians see Tebow run.  They see Tebow pray.  They see Tebow ridiculed.  The

The King of the Castle and I have talked about adopting a child (or children) since before Miss Mini Boss was born.  But, we didn't think the timing was right until recently.  I've been talking with other adoptive parents, doing internet research and last night we went to our first informational meeting.  My head is spinning with so many questions.  International or domestic?  Are we open to special needs?  Do we want a baby, or are we ok with older children?  It feels really strange to look at a list of special needs and say yes to some and reject others...knowing that there are children who need homes.  They need their basic needs met.  This is going to take a lot of wisdom and prayer.  But, I believe there is a child (or children) out there who belong in our home. Our castle isn't huge, but we have an empty bedroom.  We have three empty seats in the mini-van.  We have access to medical care, education, food and clothing.  We even have instant siblings and a puppy who l

So, I jumped the food truck craze...and I'm so glad I did.  It's like a crazy addiction.  I'll try food from one truck, and then I find I'm consumed with others I haven't tried, yet.  I get most of my research done at New York Street Food .  You want info about food trucks around the tri-state region?  Go to the website first.  If you're left insatiated after reading the latest food truck news on the blog then follow them on twitter, download their app and stalk the trucks yourself. My first food truck culinary experience was with the Gorilla Cheese .  I smartly ordered the Triple Cream Brie with Prosciutto di Parma & Strawberry Preserves.  The flavor combo was to die for.  All my favorites together.  I found the bread to be a bit soggy, but that's my only complaint.  I'll order a thicker bread next time.   Hint:  Long lines = good food worth waiting for Food Truck Experience #2)  Kelvin Slush .  I found this truck on a hot day near