Change in Plans

Our original plan was to do straight adoption, they told us it would be more difficult to get the age child we wanted that way, but not impossible.  Then, we got a phone call that changed things.  The lady said we could not move forward unless we were willing to do foster to adopt in emergency situations.  She said she totally understood if we did not feel comfortable with that and wanted to close our account, but that we needed to think about it and let her know.  We were shocked and taken back!

We prayed, got others to pray and then we decided that God was not telling us to close our account so forward we would move. 

Now, we are going to foster to adopt with the intent to adopt.  The primary reason we didn't want to go that route to begin with is because of Lilly.  When I had mentioned it to her before, she said it made her very sad.  Since this change of events, I have had a chance to talk with her more in depth about it and it still makes her sad that they might have to leave, she seems to like the idea of being a big sister to a child who needs a safe home.

Next step, a few more pieces of paperwork (I'm sure it is more than a few) and then a week of classes for my husband and I. 

Houston Day Trips

I read an article recently about a family who made it a goal to visit all 50 states before their children graduated from high school.  As I was reading, I was thinking that is pretty neat, we should do that.  Then, I got to thinking that I don't know that I want to visit every state.  Plus, with my husband's job he travels so much while he is working that once he comes home, he is in no mood to go anywhere (usually). 

So, I brought this idea up to my sister and she suggested that I just focus on cities in Texas.  I thought, "What a great idea!"  I mentioned that idea to a friend who suggested a book about day trips from Houston - even better! 

I have been researching some ideas and so far these are what I have come up with:

George Observatory
Shangri-La Gardens
Houston Museum of Natural Science - Sugarland
Brenham - Blue Bell Factory (we have already seen this but it is still on my list of things to do this year)
One Room Schoolhouse League City
Rusk Palestine Railroad - this looks like so much fun!
Matt Family Orchard
Kemah Boardwalk


Do you have any other ideas you would suggest?