August Update

We have been having a great summer so far! This year has been quite different from last year as I (Tessa) have not had to work any overtime like I did last year. I have been enjoying a lot of sunshine (with sunblock and protective clothing, of course) and warm weather (which is MUCH preferred over cold weather!)

In early August I attended my hometown's annual festivities, Old Settlers, and got to see many friends and family that day. Kevin had homework to do that day so he stayed home with the pets. I had a great time fellowshipping with my family and watching my dad and uncles in the parade on their class reunion floats and in the color guard. We are looking forward to another gathering with my mom's family at the end of the month to celebrate my uncle's birthday as well as the end of summer.

Last week we attended the Iowa State Fair one night and while we were there we got to go to the For King and Country/Casting Crowns concert. It is always an awesome experience to worship in such a large group in the open air.  Wee also enjoyed a few of our fair favorites-- the cheese corn brat, the walking taco, and the deep fried snickers. Thankfully, all of the walking around does tend to burn off the extra calories!

This weekend, I had the privilege of attending a baby shower for one of my friends who adopted her first baby in July. After many years of marriage and primary infertility and waiting to be chosen by a birth family they saw their dream come true and we are so happy for them. She had a lovely shower and received many great gifts. I even got a couple of good ideas from her! Instead of cards that will just get put in a box and one day probably thrown in the recycle bin they asked everyone to bring a signed children's book along with their gift. If you think about it, you'll spend about the same on a book as you would on a card but the book serves dual purposes and lasts longer.

While we rejoice with our friends as their families grow - especially those friends who have walked the paths we have walked of infertility and loss with grief and sorrow - we do still long for and hope for the day when we will be granted the privilege of parenting children here on Earth. We would again ask that if you, or someone you know, is pregnant and in a position of considering placing a child for adoption that you will consider us and reach out.

I continue my volunteer work with CASA and my first case is likely going to be ending soon so I am awaiting a new case assignment while I finish out the final steps of my first case. These cases can be so heartbreaking but the work is so rewarding at the same time.

Getting to Know Us:
If you could meet any celebrity, who would you want to meet and why?
Tessa: I would want to meet Julie Andrews. She is so classy and elegant and when she was able to still sing she had the most beautiful singing voice.
Kevin: I would want to meet Paul McCartney. I would love to hear more about what it was like being a Beatle and what it was like to know the other Beatles who have already passed away.