I can still remember where I was on July 23rd, I was sitting at my desk at the law firm working and received a phone call from the greene county CD's office saying that had a baby boy who was just a few days old and needed placement for him. Of course I was ready to say yes immediately. But I asked her some questions and told her I would need to speak with Boyd and call her back. One of the things the social worker told me was that his case was a very sad situation that involved homicide and that he would more than likely never go back, and their was no family that wanted him because he was born with achondroplasia (Dwafism). Again, I was psyched. So I spoke with Boyd, and he was a little concerned about a "special needs" child. I called the social worker and told her we would like to come and meet him and talk with the nurses. I met with Boyd and we headed to Springfield to meet this little guy. We walked into the nursery and saw him in his crib. OH MY WORD! I was instantly in love with this baby. LOVE at first sight. I was in tears as I held him for the first time. Then Boyd held him and even though he was incredibly nervous he fell in love too.
We had to leave for a couple of hours because we were in the middle of buying a new home and we had to go and sign some paperwork. I hated leaving our baby at the hospital while we did our errands. When we got back to the hospital, the nurse showed us how to give him a bath and sent us home with enough diapers and formula to get us through the weekend. Then she wheeled me and baby "A" down to the back of the hospital where Boyd picked us up. It was so cool. They treated me just like the birth mother. The nurse hooked his car seat in and closed the door. Boyd and I just looked at eachother. What do we do now? He hadn't really been around a baby much and had a little. But there we were on our own. We headed to his mom's house and our niece Stepfanie met us there. She is a NICU nurse, so that was AWESOME! She helped me a ton. After a few hours we headed home. HOME with a baby boy.
A week later we had to take him to Springfield for a visit with his bio mom. It was so hard dropping him off, even for just a hour. I was so confused why she was getting a visit period. I was told by the social worker that day that there was a bio aunt that might be interested in taking him. Uhhhh...what? I was told that he would be going up for adoption and that no family wanted him. Well, that apparently wasn't true. So that was the first time my heart was broken and dream was shattered.
Another couple months passed and we met up with Baby "A"'s bio sister. We didn't let her know it was her brother, but they wanted her to be able to see him to see how she reacted. She was not happy about him being there. She was a really cute girl, but it was opposite they did not need to be in the same placement. So they state started the adoption process on the sister.
A couple weeks later, we got a different social worker. She told me that the paternal family had contacted her and they were in fact interested in him. So they started the paperwork to get them interviewed. But she did give me hope that it was the "team's" decision in the end where they baby went.
Another couple weeks passed and I got another devastating phone call. It has been found that our baby was an Indian child. That meant that the tribe would take the baby and place him with foster parents within the tribe. Seriously? Heart broken, dream shattered.
We had a meeting that next week with the social worker from the tribe. I was sick to my stomach as we waited for that time to approach. Finally we met in the CD office and the social worker was there by phone. The social worker explained our situation, and told him a little bit about the baby. Once he learned that Baby "A" was speical needs, he said they did not have the means to support a medical baby and that they were ok with us keeping him until his bio family was ready to take him. That it was in their best interest that the bio family get first chance. Do you remember in the last paragraph when we were told that the "team" would get to make that decision? Well now that the tribe was involved they trumped everything that the state did. So although we were happy we got to keep him a while longer, we were sad that it would more than likely not be forever. Again, broken hearted, dream shattered.
In the next months we were just so confused and so hurt. In the mean time we got another phone call for a little 2 year old girl. We got her November. What a sweetie she was.
I got a phone call in January that his bio family wanted to come and visit him in January. I'm going to be honest, I was sick! I dreaded it so bad. We agreed to meet with them in Springfield at Chilli's. 1:00 rolled around and we saw the aunt, uncle, and cousins walk in. So away we went. But you know what... We fell in LOVE with them. They were such wonderful people. What a relief it was. We made a date to meet again in February and this time the aunt that wanted him was going to come up and visit too.
February rolled around and she came and again we fell in love with her also. She was so sweet. Even though I would be devastated for him to leave, I knew he would be loved unconditionally. We waited patiently, or maybe not so patiently for her to make a decision on what she wanted to do.
In February we got a phone call about another little baby that needed a pre-adoptive placement. Oh my. Do we put our heart on the line again? Of course we do. So we went and picked her up. It was pretty crazy for several months with 3 kids who were 2 and under. But the Lord helped us out.
I'm going to quit here and pick it up again in a few days. I didn't realize how mentally and emotionally draining this was to re-live again. But I want to make sure I have it all down.
To Be Continued...
Thursday, June 7, 2012
Monday, March 19, 2012
Don't Count Your Chickens...
Well, we didn't get to adopt our boy on the 9th of February like we thought. I got a call earlier in the week stating that before we could adopt Jonah the Cherokee tribe wanted him to have his roll number with his birth name, then we would go ahead and change it once he was adopted. My attorney and I had both talked to the tribe social worker and he had confirmed with us we did NOT need a roll number before the adoption. Little did we know that a new social worker was assigned to this case and said we HAD to have his roll number prior to the adoption. So, my attorney, the GAL, and our social worker got all the paperwork ready and the social worker from the tribe agreed to bring all the paperwork herself up on Thursday morning. I got the call saying it was a go at school around 2:15 p.m. Just in time for my baby shower that my co-workers gave me. I got home and Boyd and I were so excited. Another obstacle the Lord got us over. We were just so thankful it was truly happening. Then...
About 9:30 p.m. (the night before our scheduled adoption) our home phone rang and it was our attorney. She was doing some research on-line and found out that the birth mom was pregnant when she got a divorce. Even though we already have a paternity test done and know who the bio father is, we now have a legal father in the picture who has to have his right terminated. Are you kidding me??? I can't even begin to tell you how I was feeling at that point. Boyd was trying to console me while dealing with his pain as well. The attorney told us she would call us first thing in the morning and let us know what the judge said. I called everyone who was going to come to court with us for this special day and told them to be on stand by and I would let them know when I found something out.
The next morning we were on our way to the hospital to drop by and visit our new great niece Camille, to visit an aunt who was having heart surgery, and to take Callie to an ENT. My phone rang and it was our social worker stating that the adoption was NOT going to take place. My heart sank. I knew it was a possibility, but still was so upsetting. I cried and cried. Boyd kept asking me questions and I couldn't even get the words out. I finally got my composure and explained everything to him. I think by that point I was just down right mad. Mad at the legal dad, mad at our attorney for finding this out, mad at the judge, and just mad at the whole system in general.
Anyway, fast forward to the present. We have gone to court and of course the legal father is MIA, so we are going to have to publish it in the paper. Another 45 days at least. BUT, I am thankful this was caught before we adopted him and would have had to set it aside. Now it's just a waiting game.
Our little girl is getting closer to be ours. Her parents rights were terminated and now we wait for our social worker to get all her paperwork together. I'm guessing it will be June before that's finalized.
I am so thankful that the Lord has walked with us every step of the way. He's never left our side. I'm also so thankful for the support our family and friends have given us. Even though times are hard, we still have SO much to be thankful for.
About 9:30 p.m. (the night before our scheduled adoption) our home phone rang and it was our attorney. She was doing some research on-line and found out that the birth mom was pregnant when she got a divorce. Even though we already have a paternity test done and know who the bio father is, we now have a legal father in the picture who has to have his right terminated. Are you kidding me??? I can't even begin to tell you how I was feeling at that point. Boyd was trying to console me while dealing with his pain as well. The attorney told us she would call us first thing in the morning and let us know what the judge said. I called everyone who was going to come to court with us for this special day and told them to be on stand by and I would let them know when I found something out.
The next morning we were on our way to the hospital to drop by and visit our new great niece Camille, to visit an aunt who was having heart surgery, and to take Callie to an ENT. My phone rang and it was our social worker stating that the adoption was NOT going to take place. My heart sank. I knew it was a possibility, but still was so upsetting. I cried and cried. Boyd kept asking me questions and I couldn't even get the words out. I finally got my composure and explained everything to him. I think by that point I was just down right mad. Mad at the legal dad, mad at our attorney for finding this out, mad at the judge, and just mad at the whole system in general.
Anyway, fast forward to the present. We have gone to court and of course the legal father is MIA, so we are going to have to publish it in the paper. Another 45 days at least. BUT, I am thankful this was caught before we adopted him and would have had to set it aside. Now it's just a waiting game.
Our little girl is getting closer to be ours. Her parents rights were terminated and now we wait for our social worker to get all her paperwork together. I'm guessing it will be June before that's finalized.
I am so thankful that the Lord has walked with us every step of the way. He's never left our side. I'm also so thankful for the support our family and friends have given us. Even though times are hard, we still have SO much to be thankful for.
Thursday, February 2, 2012
I'm Still Alive....
Can you believe it? I'm actually doing a blog post. I wasn't even sure if I could remember my log in information but I managed to figure it out.
The Lord is doing so many wonderful things in my life right now and I just wanted to jot it down so I can remember it. The Lord is answering so many prayers. We have 2 babies, well they are 16 months and 18 months, that have been with us most of their lives. The 18 month old we picked up from the hospital. Anyway, their cases have such an emotional rollercoaster ride. We were told we'd get to adopt them, then things would happen and we were told we'd have to give them up. It's been like this the entire time we've had them. Let me tell you, this takes a toll on you emotionally, physically, mentally, and spiritually. I was looking through my CD's the other day that I sing at church. As I was reading the titles of the ones I bought during the last year, I chuckled to myself. Let me give you some of the titles... Even in the Valley-God is Good, The Anchor Holds, Trust His Heart, Through the Fire, He Understands My Tears, etc. And let me tell you, I'm so thankful that the Lord used these songs to help me through the difficult time.
Last year I was really struggling with what was or wasn't taking place. So in February I decided to really get serious with my relationship with the Lord and put all my trust and hope in Him. I also decided to pray and fast. I have done it before and I don't know why I didn't do it sooner, but my heart wasn't where it needed to be. I decided to give up pop and let me tell you that was a perfect because even now, a year later I think of it. So it's a perfect reminder for me to pray. During the past year, I would cling to several verses. The first one is my best friend Tammy's verse, Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." What a promise!! The next one I have repeated over and over again. Even when I was single. Psalms 37:4 Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart. WOW!
I wish I would have written the ups and downs of the past year on paper. What a testimony to God's faithfulness it would be to my babies when they are old enough to understand. One of the days that was so hard was on July 12th. We were in court waiting for the termination of parental rights to take place on our baby boy. The mother and her attorney were fighting tooth and nail and making them out to seem like roses. And across town my dad was in surgery for Prostate Cancer and here I sit, not with him, trying to keep my emotions at bay. Right. I think Boyd's hand was a little numb from me squeezing it. We had to wait until September for the Judge to make a decision. He did go ahead and terminate the parents rights and we firgured the mom would appeal the decision which would put off our adoption another year at least. But God had another plan!!!!! She did NOT appeal the decision.
And now, on February 9th, we will go to the same court room where so much heartache took place, and we will adopt our little boy. Jonah Boyd Lee Combs will forever be the son of Boyd and Kayla Combs. The Lord has given us such a miracle.
Then on the next day, we will go to court and take another step forward in getting to adopt our little girl. God is so good!
So now what are the songs I sing?... Life is great and getting better, Over and over God is faithful, Mornings Coming, To God Be the Glory, etc. :) And my favorite verse is...
"For this child I prayed; and the LORD hath given me my petition which I asked of him: Therefore also I have lent him to the LORD; as long as he liveth he shall be lent to the LORD. And he worshipped the LORD there." 1 Samuel 1:27-28
AMEN!!!!!
The Lord is doing so many wonderful things in my life right now and I just wanted to jot it down so I can remember it. The Lord is answering so many prayers. We have 2 babies, well they are 16 months and 18 months, that have been with us most of their lives. The 18 month old we picked up from the hospital. Anyway, their cases have such an emotional rollercoaster ride. We were told we'd get to adopt them, then things would happen and we were told we'd have to give them up. It's been like this the entire time we've had them. Let me tell you, this takes a toll on you emotionally, physically, mentally, and spiritually. I was looking through my CD's the other day that I sing at church. As I was reading the titles of the ones I bought during the last year, I chuckled to myself. Let me give you some of the titles... Even in the Valley-God is Good, The Anchor Holds, Trust His Heart, Through the Fire, He Understands My Tears, etc. And let me tell you, I'm so thankful that the Lord used these songs to help me through the difficult time.
Last year I was really struggling with what was or wasn't taking place. So in February I decided to really get serious with my relationship with the Lord and put all my trust and hope in Him. I also decided to pray and fast. I have done it before and I don't know why I didn't do it sooner, but my heart wasn't where it needed to be. I decided to give up pop and let me tell you that was a perfect because even now, a year later I think of it. So it's a perfect reminder for me to pray. During the past year, I would cling to several verses. The first one is my best friend Tammy's verse, Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." What a promise!! The next one I have repeated over and over again. Even when I was single. Psalms 37:4 Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart. WOW!
I wish I would have written the ups and downs of the past year on paper. What a testimony to God's faithfulness it would be to my babies when they are old enough to understand. One of the days that was so hard was on July 12th. We were in court waiting for the termination of parental rights to take place on our baby boy. The mother and her attorney were fighting tooth and nail and making them out to seem like roses. And across town my dad was in surgery for Prostate Cancer and here I sit, not with him, trying to keep my emotions at bay. Right. I think Boyd's hand was a little numb from me squeezing it. We had to wait until September for the Judge to make a decision. He did go ahead and terminate the parents rights and we firgured the mom would appeal the decision which would put off our adoption another year at least. But God had another plan!!!!! She did NOT appeal the decision.
And now, on February 9th, we will go to the same court room where so much heartache took place, and we will adopt our little boy. Jonah Boyd Lee Combs will forever be the son of Boyd and Kayla Combs. The Lord has given us such a miracle.
Then on the next day, we will go to court and take another step forward in getting to adopt our little girl. God is so good!
So now what are the songs I sing?... Life is great and getting better, Over and over God is faithful, Mornings Coming, To God Be the Glory, etc. :) And my favorite verse is...
"For this child I prayed; and the LORD hath given me my petition which I asked of him: Therefore also I have lent him to the LORD; as long as he liveth he shall be lent to the LORD. And he worshipped the LORD there." 1 Samuel 1:27-28
AMEN!!!!!
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Out with the old...In with the new
This is a picture of our old 1967 home. Goodbye! I will (kind of) miss you. Seriously though, I do have a lot of good memories in that old trailer. But it was in really bad shape. So bad, that the company who took it as a trade-in is actually giving it away! ha!
Next post will be the messy inside as we were trying to move things in. Coming soon...
Thursday, August 26, 2010
COMING SOON IN SEPTEMBER...A NEW HOME
We are so excited to be welcoming this beauty into our home in September. We were hoping for a double wide, but that isn't what God had planned for us. This is a 2011. Much nicer than the 1967 we live in now! ha! It has 3 bedrooms, and 2 full baths. I can't wait to move into it and start decorating. Guess, I better start packing up our old trailer. Nah, I work better under pressure.
Here is the kitchen. I'm so excited about all the cabinet space. I don't have any room in the one we are in now, so this excites me so much. And, all the appliances come with it, so that will be fun. I'm especially excited to have a dishwasher. All the decorations and other furniture do not come with the house, but that ok, I've got all my decorations ready to go and themes ready for each of them. I'm excited.
This little beauty is in the master bathroom. I am looking forward to lighting some candles, laying on a bath pillow, adding some bubbles, and relaxing some evenings in this. That is if Boyd will watch "Jonah" for me. ha!So here are my ideas for each of the rooms of our home...
Master Bedroom: Log Cabin feel. I'm trying to find a reasonably priced Cedar bed. Bears, Antlers, Moose, etc. Dark/Navy Blue and a Dark/Forrest Green
Master Bath: Not really sure
Kitchen: Red/Green and Farm Animals
Livingroom: Horses Duh!!! ha!
Small Bedroom: Spill over horse stuff probably
Main Bathroom: Not sure really
Guest Room: Americana
Will post picture hopefully as everything is being done. Should be pretty fun. I'm ready to get it going and get all packed up. Having a newborn could make that more of a challenge. But I love a good challenge!
Blessings!
Trust His Heart...
God is too wise to be mistaken
God is too good to be unkind
So when you don't understand
When you don't see His plan
When you can't trace His hand
Trust His heart
Being a part of the foster care system, I have to lean heavily on Jesus. And there are a lot of times that I don't understand His plan for some of these kids. But I just have to trust Him. Let me tell you, that is easier said than done.
Since my last post, "Big Brother" went home on a Thursday in July. It was hard to see him go, but we didn't have long to be sad because the night before we got a call for another 2 year old boy and we will call him "Bug". We only had him a week and he was able to be placed with some of his family. We were happy for him, and I actually get to see him still every day. So that's an extra treat.
We got a call in July to take a baby who was still at the hospital. We will call him "Jonah". His situation is more severe than anything we have ever dealt with. We also have never had a "new" baby. (Bless you moms of newborns!) But Jesus has been with us every step of the way. We have been lied to so much with this case and it is heart breaking. Telling us that we will be able to adopt him, there won't be any visits with parents, no family wants him, etc. Well all of those are lies. I guess she needed a place for him on a Friday night. So upsetting. But we wouldn't trade our time with him for anything. He is such a good baby. I know that the "plan" is for him to be with family, but it doesn't hurt any less. I have enjoyed having him and he is helping to fill that hole in my heart right now. You see, right now I know of 14 people who are pregnant and I must say I'm a tad bitter about it. But again, I don't see HIS plan, but I'm trusting Him.
There are days that I'm ready to throw the towel in and give up our foster care license. But then I get that phone call about a baby, or a toddler that needs love and protection and I just can't say No! But how many more times am I going to have to say goodbye before I can welcome one into my home forever! Don't see HIS plan, but trusting Him. Are you seeing a pattern here?
If you are reading this post, prayers would be much appreciated. We just want God's will for "Jonah". Even if it means taking a piece of our hearts with him to a different home. And please pray for "Jonah" specifically. He is going to have a long road ahead of him.
Much Love,
Kayla
Heavenly Father. Thank you for "Jonah". Thank you for giving him life and for keeping him safe through all of this mess. Thank you for allowing us to be a part of his life, even if it's for a short time. We don't understand Your plan yet for him, but help us to keep trusting You and looking to You for the answers. We want Your will done in his life Father. Please help me to have patience during this time that You are finding the right child for me to be their "special" mommy. Thank You for walking with us through these trials. I love You Jesus!
Thursday, May 13, 2010
This Thing Called Life
I don't know about ya'll but I could use a bit of a breather. I can't believe we are halfway through May and that Boyd gets out of school in 1 week. I thought things might slow down, but it's not looking that way!
We got a call last Thursday afternoon for a 2 year old boy and his 24 day old brother. We said we would take them and that baby brother was just getting out of the hospital. So I picked them up and they were SO cute. Baby brother had some health issues and by Thursday night we were rushing him back to the hospital. We are waiting on him to get better before he comes back to our house. In the mean time, on Friday we headed to Oklahoma to surprise my mom for Mother's Day. We got to their house about 9:00 p.m. and they were still gone. My dad called me to let me know the ETA and so we sat in their living room in the dark and told Big Brother that when Granny walked in we were going to yell surprise. As dad was unlocking the door, Big Brother yelled "Prise". It was so cute. We definitely surprised her.
Saturday we went yard selling. It was a lot of fun and we needed some clothes for Big Brother so that worked out well. Then we swung by the Christian Gift Store and picked out a song for Mother's Day. My mom did it with me this year and I think it was really cute.
Saturday night mom and dad received a surprise... Ron and his family came walking in. Love surprising the old people!!
We had a great time and Big Brother enjoyed showing off for the family. Drove foster mommy crazy, but oh well.
Sunday we had a great service and I must say it was a lot of fun being able to stand up with dad asked all the moms to stand. My heart overflowed with joy. Thanks to Big Brother for making that possible this year. It was very enjoyable to be able to attend church with my momma on Mother's Day. She is such a blessing to me and I thank God for her and for our relationship that we have. I'm very blessed.
After church all the restaurants were full, so we went back to mom and dad's and packed up to head home. Ron and Sheila decided they were going to stay one more night. Thankful they did! (read ahead to find out why) We went from OK to Clara's that evening and took her out to eat for Mother's Day. Big Brother had a great time and seemed to not get full. He ate everything that was in sight.
On our way home I was visiting my friend Tammy when my brother kept calling me. I had Boyd call him while I was visiting and he gave me the phone and he was trying to get a hold of me to tell me that Dad and Mom had just been T-Boned by a drunk driver and were on their way to the hospital by ambulance. SCARY!!!
They hit right behind my dad's door. He could see them coming and tried to speed up, thankfully he did that or else they would've hit him right in the driver side. Anyway, dad's neck started swelling so they needed to get him checked out. THANKFULLY there were no broken bones for either of them. They both are just really banged up and bruised and sore from the impact. The drunk driver and his passenger are both sitting in jail. They tried to run after they hit mom and dad but were found shortly. PUNKS!
Anyway, they are home and safe and that is just the way I like them. Their suburban is totaled, but they are not and that is what's important.
I'm sorry, it seems like the past couple of blogs have been kind of depressing, but this if MY scrapbook/diary of things I want to remember. Hopefully next time I blog I will have more pictures and happier things to write about!! ha!!
Cute things I want to remember that Big Brother said...
"Hey, where you husband at?" meaning Boyd
Me: "Who's that" Big Brother: "You dad" "You Mom"
One morning on the way to work he kept trying to tell me things and I couldn't understand him so he finally put up both hands and said, "Fordit It".
While feeding the animals one night I called him Buddy and he said "You can call me (insert name) if you want"
In the morning I hear, "KK, I waked up"
Another one of his favorite sayings is, "No I Yain't"
We got a call last Thursday afternoon for a 2 year old boy and his 24 day old brother. We said we would take them and that baby brother was just getting out of the hospital. So I picked them up and they were SO cute. Baby brother had some health issues and by Thursday night we were rushing him back to the hospital. We are waiting on him to get better before he comes back to our house. In the mean time, on Friday we headed to Oklahoma to surprise my mom for Mother's Day. We got to their house about 9:00 p.m. and they were still gone. My dad called me to let me know the ETA and so we sat in their living room in the dark and told Big Brother that when Granny walked in we were going to yell surprise. As dad was unlocking the door, Big Brother yelled "Prise". It was so cute. We definitely surprised her.
Saturday we went yard selling. It was a lot of fun and we needed some clothes for Big Brother so that worked out well. Then we swung by the Christian Gift Store and picked out a song for Mother's Day. My mom did it with me this year and I think it was really cute.
Saturday night mom and dad received a surprise... Ron and his family came walking in. Love surprising the old people!!
We had a great time and Big Brother enjoyed showing off for the family. Drove foster mommy crazy, but oh well.
Sunday we had a great service and I must say it was a lot of fun being able to stand up with dad asked all the moms to stand. My heart overflowed with joy. Thanks to Big Brother for making that possible this year. It was very enjoyable to be able to attend church with my momma on Mother's Day. She is such a blessing to me and I thank God for her and for our relationship that we have. I'm very blessed.
After church all the restaurants were full, so we went back to mom and dad's and packed up to head home. Ron and Sheila decided they were going to stay one more night. Thankful they did! (read ahead to find out why) We went from OK to Clara's that evening and took her out to eat for Mother's Day. Big Brother had a great time and seemed to not get full. He ate everything that was in sight.
On our way home I was visiting my friend Tammy when my brother kept calling me. I had Boyd call him while I was visiting and he gave me the phone and he was trying to get a hold of me to tell me that Dad and Mom had just been T-Boned by a drunk driver and were on their way to the hospital by ambulance. SCARY!!!
Anyway, they are home and safe and that is just the way I like them. Their suburban is totaled, but they are not and that is what's important.
I'm sorry, it seems like the past couple of blogs have been kind of depressing, but this if MY scrapbook/diary of things I want to remember. Hopefully next time I blog I will have more pictures and happier things to write about!! ha!!
Cute things I want to remember that Big Brother said...
"Hey, where you husband at?" meaning Boyd
Me: "Who's that" Big Brother: "You dad" "You Mom"
One morning on the way to work he kept trying to tell me things and I couldn't understand him so he finally put up both hands and said, "Fordit It".
While feeding the animals one night I called him Buddy and he said "You can call me (insert name) if you want"
In the morning I hear, "KK, I waked up"
Another one of his favorite sayings is, "No I Yain't"
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