What??!!

Are you kidding me? Is Jillian smokin crack? Seriously??!! Is she? He's not even nice to her.....Seriously??!! If they share a room next week, I really might puke.......Seriously??!!

Check out this blog...http://mostintenseroseceremonyever.blogspot.com/

Back to Baby Business....clear as mud

No big changes on the baby front.....still waiting. I have completed the necessary paperwork to be able to bring home siblings, ages birth to 6, if that where God leads. Most families enter adoption with a clear picture of what age and gender child they would like to join them. I have not had such clarity. Many days, I think a baby would be such fun; how great to get to raise a child from the earliest possible age, to be able to bond early in their life. Other days, I would love to bring home a 4 year old. An older child would have some memories of their life in Ethiopia. They could communicate their needs. And it would be such fun to watch him or her play with their cousin. An older child would have a personality. I flip flop the same way about siblings and medical status. Bottom line, I don't have the clear picture of what this adoption will look like for me. My first priority, however, is to be obedient to what ever God calls me to.....I just wish He would give me a little clarity.

All good things must come to an end....

Thanks to everyone who came today to celebrate Dad's retirement. Mom, as usual, you throw a great party!
We've made it to the final installment of the retirement tribute to my Dad. The demands of Dad's job had a huge impact on my family- and not just on Saturdays. It affected the way we did a lot of things:

• For many many years, we had Sunday lunch at the training table. My fondest memories are of the meals we had in the old Gibbs Hall dining room. My favorite meal, the one I hoped they served every week, was fried shrimp. Lunch was always followed by a trip to the ice cream freezer. Mr. Porter always greeted us warmly, "Coach Higman!" He loved asking diet advice from "Ms. Higman". I never saw Mr. Porter without a smile on his face. Dad's favorite though, was the occasional (and often protested) trip to Susan's Diner....I think Susan's Diner closed many years ago, as the Higdon's still go out for lunch every Sunday.
• Dad frequently had to attend meetings around the country. I never knew what they were for. One summer meeting he had was in Florida and we were able to tack it onto our summer vacation. We stayed at the Breakers....or as I have called it my whole life, the Pink Palace. I know you had to work, Dad, but thanks for letting us tag along.
• If I had a nickel for every time someone asked me, "Are you related to Bill Higdon?" ....actually, I think this was hardest on my brother as this question could be for your gain or in his case, his accountability!
• As Dad travelled to home games, he had the opportunity to observe the traditions of other schools. This birthed the great entrepreneurial effort of Dad and his buddy Robbie Franklin. Flag and Fans was the first company to bring car flags to Knoxville. The originals had an orange background and a big white T. I know at least one Saturday, several of us were given a stack to put on cars during a ballgame!
• During football season, Dad often left home early and got home late. We didn't see him much. So he decided to remedy that by taking David and I to breakfast. Each Friday morning during the season, Dad would take one of us where ever we wanted to go for breakfast and then take us to school. I'm sure he ate more Shoney's breakfast bar than his cardiologist (or his wife) would approve of. We would wait in the car to hear Coach BillyJoTomBob Parker on WIVK....that show made us both laugh.
• I spent my college years on campus at UT. I loved having Dad so close by. I love popping by his office or skipping class and hanging out with him at baseball. But I also loved his cushman. This cart can go about anywhere- roads, sidewalks, paths. Thanks Dad, for all the times you picked me up at my dorm in the cushman to take me to class on the Hill! You are the BEST!!
• Adidas.....enough said?

Well, that concludes my tribute to my Dad. I have loved sitting in all these memories. Each morning, I have called Dad to ask what his favorite part was and we would talk about it- that's been fun, too. Daddy, thanks for all you've done for our family the past 34 years. I know you have worked very hard. I hope you love retirement.....anyone need a yard man?

In other news

Deepest condolences and sympathy to the family of Farrah Fawcett. How many times have we girls made the Charlies Angel's pose? Didn't we all have Farrah hair at one time? I was so moved by her documentary about her battle with cancer, Farrah's Story. If you missed it, you can see it Friday night on NBC. She was a brave warrior and a beautiful and spirited soul. Thank you for sharing a piece of your battle with us. She fought so hard; now she can rest.

Happy Birthday, Boo!! My sweet grethound girl turns 10 today! We celebrated with some tasty treats from River Dogs Bakery. Thanks for being a fantastic girl, sweet BooBoo.

Game Day

I remember the first UT football game I attended. It was a spring Orange and White game....it was very cold....I fell asleep, in my snow suite, under the bleachers! Thus began many years of attending home football games. Dad always had to be there very early and was recently known to be there to unlock the gates for the concession vendors to get in and turn the lights out when the last folks left. Football Saturday was an all day event for Dad. Years ago, home football games was an opportunity to get dressed up. It was not unusual for mom and I to wear our church clothes to football games- pantyhose included. Thankfully, things have become markedly more casual over the years! Dad can still be seen on the side lines in a coat and tie.

In his early years, he was the 'Get Back Coach'.....his job was to keep everyone within the confines of the sidelines, avoiding a warning or penalty. Most recently, he was responsible for being sure game day ran smoothly: ushers, gate keepers, security, TV, band (his favorite- haha!) getting on and off the field on time, being sure the visiting team's needs were met. Can you imagine? Then on Monday mornings, he got to handle all the complaints from Saturday. Remember the obnoxious fan, Victoria....?

So what did game day look like for the Higdon's? Dad left early. After getting early tasks completed, there is apparently some down time, as I have heard about this most fantastic tailgate he attends. I'm still waiting for my invitation, but I'm not sure girls are allowed! Mom and I often tailgated, most recently across from the Claxton education building. What a fantastic opportunity for people watching. I was often insistent on being in my seat 30 minutes prior to game time- heading in gate 2 and finding my way to section C, row 13. Same seat, 20 years! I loved that seat because I was close enough to the field to be able to wave to Dad- I could never settle into watching the game until he and I had waved at each other. It was also close enough to be able to get an extra coat or some rain gear.....thanks, daddy! I am now thankful to be sitting in a 'more climate controlled' area.

After a game, I would meet mom at the dressing room where we would wait for Dad to come out and see us. Some times I would get to walk across the field with him. Yes, I felt special and important in these moments. I loved hearing his first post game comments and seeing what he thought of my observations. In the early years, we would wait for him to shower and the whole family would head to Peros- quick service, cheap food. Most recently, mom and I would head on home and we would have pizza when Dad joined us...and we watched the rest of college football.

Long days for sure....but I wouldn't trade them. I love that football was a family affair. It's just what the Higdon's did.

Sport Smarts

Dad's most recent job at UT was that of event manager for football, basketball, and baseball. He had to be at all home games for each sport- there to unlock the gaits and turn off the lights. Because of his role, I have spent most of my life around some wise football minds and during college, spent a lot of time at the baseball stadium. As a result, I've learned a ton and can often hold my own in conversation about football and baseball, especially with regard to UT. I love a 6-4-2 double play. I love when the quarterback completes a pass over the middle to the tight end. What else have I learned: Can the Corn, Bow your neck, Oskie. I love that I've been a Rail bird. If you've never been to a regional tournament at Lindsey Nelson Stadium, you've missed a lot of fun. I've drawn tracing around my feet during a rally to be sure I stood in the same spot for each pitch. Dad once wore the same pink shirt to every regional and then College World Series game, because well, you do your part to help get the win. Take one for the team! I loved your commentary on the radio call in show on the way home from a football game. I'm pretty sure I went to school on Monday and repeated everything you said! I learned that just because it's in the news, doesn't mean that it right!

Dad, I loved hanging out with you at the baseball stadium. I loved watching college football with you and hearing your post game comments each fall Saturday (and still do!). Thanks for teaching me! Thanks for the moments I got to (and get to) step into your world!

Christmas Vacation

At the culmination of a successful football season, we looked forward to a great reward....a bowl trip. My first trip was in 1981 to the Garden State Bowl. 1982, the first of many trips to the Citrus Bowl. That trip we went to Disney world and the park was virtually empty...what a great way to experience the park. There were no lines....yes, you heard me, NO lines! We would get off a ride and then get right back on if we wanted to. Incredible!! On our most recent trip to the Citrus Bowl, we happened to be in the park on Christmas day- they ended up having to close the gates because the park was full. That was not my favorite trip to Disney. What about the crazy hotel at the Orange Bowl. Did you ever visit Orange Blossom Road?? Where was that? Who could forget the Cotton Bowl...it was a devastating week for the Higdon family. Mom and I were on a shopping trip, during which, I dropped a rock on her foot. There was only a small cut on the top on her foot, just at the base of her big toe. We didn't know until we got back that it had cut the tendon to her big toe.....she spent 6 weeks in a cast! That same trip, dad, trying to be the hero on the side lines, sustained a devastating injury to his left thumb. Thank goodness for disability!! HaHaHa!! I think he spent time in a cast, too. The best trip of all times- the Fiesta Bowl. Who could argue with a trip to Arizona in the winter....even better when you win the National Championship! And they served some fantastic frozen strawberry margaritas!

But the best game of all times......the 1985 Sugar Bowl...Tennessee vs. Miami....David vs. Goliath....Darryl Dickey vs Vinnie Testaverde. I have never been in a stadium so fired up and so loud. We contributed our fair share to the loud with a cheer we invented, "Bust 'em in the Testaverdes! Go Vols Go!" I sure Al and Tipper Gore, who happened to be sitting on the row in front of us, appreciated our creativity and energy.

Dad, thanks for the opportunity to go on all these fun trips! I know they were work trips for you, but I've got bunches of fun memories from them. I love hanging out with you! One day we'll go to Pasadena!

We interrupt regular programing

Ok, I have to get this off my chest....Wes on the Bachelorette is a snake! Some one needs to tell Jillian all the garbage he's spewing so he can pack his bags and go home! And what's with his hair? He's just nasty. He and his publicity "that becomes a part of me" need to go back to the rock they live under! And if I hear of anyone buying his record....well, we'll just have to take it outside.

I feel better. Thank you for allowing me this moment of digression. Now back to regular programming.

In the beginning...

My dad was hired at the University of Tennessee by head football coach Bill Battle in 1975. Dad was the recruiting coordinator for football. I will never forget exactly where his first office was...and I thought it was the coolest office. Initially, it had a HUGE chalk board, fun, right? But as technology progressed, it became dry erase boards...such fun where you're little!! I loved going down the hall to the copier to make copies of my hand- your season ticket dollars at work! One night, because he was working long hours, we took picnic dinner to his office...fried chicken. I believe a picture of this family event ended up in the news paper!

Thankfully, dad was retained when Coach Majors replaced Bill Battle. I would have no idea how many players my dad recruited from all over the country. Even today, when professional football is on TV, dad may chime in with, "I recruited him. He played at so and so high school". I remeber as a little girl thinking how HUGE the football players were- like giants. Funny now, they seem like kids. One night a long time ago (before recruiting rules) Rolan James came to our house for dinner. I remeber he was soo tall, he had to duck through the foyer door! I remeber Reggie White telling us the story of Sampson and Deliah in the airport, while waiting for our plane to New York. Later on the same trip, he came up to our room to tell us good night. I remember being scared to death of Bobby Jackson- did he really hold someone by their ankles over the stairwell? In 7th grade, I was so sad for Tony Robinson when he broke his leg. I made him a get well card and my whole class signed it....of course then he was convicted for drugs! Oh well. I loved the "Chancey Killer". Remeber when he used to give us gum at lunch on Sundays- usually Juicy Fruit. And Tim Kerin- I love how he kept everything first class and on time- discipline, right! I know there were a lot of other people that crossed our paths; this is just a short list of some of the ones that come to mind. We have met a LOT of interesting people, haven't we?! (Have a good story to add? Leave it in the comments.)

After 34 years....

How appropriate that on this Father's day, I start a week long tribute to my Dad, Bill?! As of July 1, 2009, my dad will officially be retired; that makes this week, his last full week of work. He has spent the last 34 years working in the athletic department at the University of Tennessee....that's a long time to be in one place, especially for college athletics. His job has changed a LOT over the years; he as worked with a LOT of different folks; he has seen a LOT of stuff. For the next week, I want to share some of my favorite memories of the past 34 years (I'm kind of telling my age, aren't I?)

Thanks, Dad, for a childhood I will never forget and no kid will ever be able to beat! You're the BEST.....Enjoy retirement!! Anyone need a yard man?

Congratulations!!!

Welcome home Will Harper! Sean and Andi brought their son home from Ethiopia yesterday. By all reports, Will is doing well. I can't wait to see this cute little guy.

Congratulations to the Hamiltons who passed court this week! This summer, they will bring home 3 new family members from Ethiopia. What beautiful family additions!

I love watching what God is doing...how He is building families and connecting continents. We serve an awesome God! This is a truly amazing journey.

AHope: Time to Man (or Woman) Up

"Ethiopia is a nation that has been severely afflicted by the worldwide AIDS epidemic. An entire generation has been decimated in the child-raising years, leaving hundreds of thousands of orphans. Many of these orphaned children test positive for HIV." AHope website

For many years, America has watched as the HIV virus has devastated a continent. Now, we can Man Up! We can give back! By supporting a child of AHope, we can offer hope! Will you join me in child sponsorship: 10 people, making a one time tax deductible donation of $42, changing the life of a child. Leave me a comment or email me if you would like to participate. The future men of AHope, Ethiopia, pictured above, join me in thanking you!

Drum roll please....

Two more referrals last week, bringing our total thus far to 35. Slowly but surely, we're getting there!

A Helping hand for AHOPE

While I'm waiting for my sweet little one to come home, I am loving finding ways to support the children in Ethiopia currently waiting for a forever family. AHOPE is an awsome organization that cares for HIV+ kids; one of the few orphanges that will take children with this deadly virus. Did you know that untreated, 50% of infants in Africa infected with HIV will die before the age of 2?! This is unacceptable in the 21st century!

I would love for us to do our part to help one child! AHOPE offers child sponsorship for $35 per month or $420 per year. What if 10 of us join together to sponsor 1 child? For a one time donation of $42, we can save one child!! That's one less that will become a statistic and one more that will know that people care about him or her! You will receive a copy of any letters received from our child or communication I receive from AHOPE.

So, are you in? Leave me a note in the comments section or send me an email. Folks like us, working together, can change the world for a child!

While you are sleeping

Tonight, while we are all sleeping, a court in India will, hopefully, be declaring guardianship of Maliha (on the right) to my friend Lucy and her husband, Walt. They have waited over 9 months for this court date and need to have their guardianship approved before courts close for a month on June 12. Sweet Maliha needs to get home to her forever family. So to Lucy, Walt and your sweet girl, know that you (and the Indian courts) are covered in prayer. Your daughter will be home soon! You can follow their journey on their blog Memories for Maliah.


This adoption journey is not easy. But 'easy' is not the life the Jesus calls us to. There is no sense in my re-inventing the wheel when someone else has already described it so perfectly and beautifully. Visit a fellow adoptive mom's blog, Heidi....Thank you for your amazing post.

Counting Up?!

In adoption world, once your dossier (paper work) is received you are placed on the waiting list for a referral, or match with a child. Most agencies will put you on the list and let you know what number you are on that list. Over time, you watch that number get smaller until you are at the top of your list, numero uno, the big cheese, king of the mountain, number 1.... your referral is next! Because of the number of people waiting with my agency, CHSFS, does not keep such a list; all I know is that I started at about 200 and something. So, for the fun of keeping track, I'm going to count up! Each week, my agency will let us know how many referrals went out, so, we'll keep adding until my turn comes.......sound like fun?......remind me of that in a few months :)

So, for our first number, 23 referrals went out in May and 10 went out the first week of June......

**Special thanks to Theresa for teaching me some excellent blog tricks! I appreciate your encouragment!

Adoption Traffic

Waiting. Something most of us, including myself, aren't very good at. Who hasn't switched lines at the grocery store because another one seems faster? Ever switch lanes to get out from behind a slow car? There have absolutely been times during this wait that I have felt like I am in the very slowest lane. I've compared this adoption wait to being at a stand still in traffic, unable to see how far up in front the hold up is. You know, the kind of traffic jam where you turn your car off to get out to see what's going on and discuss with your neighbors what they may know. Adoption waiting is just like that.

After the hurry up of getting paper work gathered, filled out, notarized and authenticated so you can finally be added to the waiting list......you stop. Indefinitely. Sure, there may be moments that you need to update a form or something, but those are just moments. After your done, you return to the wait.

So how do I pass the time? Because, truth be told, I'd love to have my children now! Well, I figure I have time for 2 more 1/2 marathons before my life totally changes, so, I train. I keep up with the latest adoption information on our agency forum. I've met some great folks who are on the same journey. Sometimes we whine together, many times we celebrate as others move through the 'traffic'. It's just great to know I'm not alone. I blog and love reading everyone else's blogs...it seems to be one of the adoption things to do. I play with the dogs. I do some things to get ready for my little one. And, I wait.

Praise God that He is in control, His timing is perfect, and He gives me the patience I need for today. If all that wasn't the true, I'd have a serious case of road rage!

Where has this been all my life?!

I have discovered the greatest invention ever! Let me offer a little background before I reveal this fantastic tool: I live in a place where the summer humidity often equals the summer temperatures. I have hair that likes to be curly but definitely needs taming....in the winter. So today, as I watched it get bigger and frizzier by the hour, I decided to take back the power and tame what a few weeks ago was a really cute hair cut. Me and my crazy hair took a giant step into the 21st century and bought...a flat iron!!! Where has this invention been all my life? I could have survived middle school pictures with much less shame and embarrassment had I had one of these. I just finished my first attempt and must say, you can't fail at flat iron! It's fool proof and totally fantastic! I may have to get a bigger purse so I can carry it around with me! I love that I am back in charge of my locks!!

OK, Back again

Together for Adoption is one of my favorite organizations. They not only promote horizontal adoption but also discuss how that relates to our adoption, through Jesus Christ, into the the family of God. Following is from their blog:

"Why are adoption’s joys so deep and wonderful? Because through adoption we are invited to follow Jesus, who chose to enter our brokenness and works passionately to reverse it. His redemption is gradual but unstoppable, and we’re invited to join in. A birthmother chooses to give her baby into the hands of parents who will raise him - redemption. A family decides to take the risk of embracing someone whose life has started with deprivation - redemption. A hurt child gradually moves towards trusting love - redemption. The joy of adoption is the joy of the healing of the world, brought by Jesus."

Time Goes by.....and other random thoughts

We had a great time Saturday at the Picnic for Ethiopia families. How sweet to see little ones grow who have been home for a while, bigger ones home for only a few weeks and pictures of kiddos waiting to come home. It's so nice to be around other folks who know what the waiting is like. Everyone gets how tough it is. They are all such great folks.....Thanks ya'll, for a great afternoon.

It's been 9 months, to the day, since I filled out my first piece of paperwork- the initial application for Children's Home Society and Family Services, my adoption agency. It feel like I've been doing this adoption thing for so much longer. In fact, I hardly remember not having adoption and my children on my mind....and I love it!!

As for other random thoughts:

WELCOME HOME !

My co-worker, Katie, is returning home tonight with her new daughter, ML, from China. They have been in China for 18 days, completing the final stage of an adoption they have anticipated for a long long time. I have loved following your journey and can't wait to meet your beautiful girl.

SAFE TRAVEL!

Best wishes for a safe trip and an amazing 'gotcha moment' for Sean and Andi. They are travelling to ET to pick up their son, WT. He is so adorable and I can't wait to meet him. I will eagerly anticipate hearing all about your trip. Your adoption adventure has been an amazing testimony of God's work. Thanks for sharing it!

BEST WISHES!

OK, I realize this is really random, but best wishes for a quick recovery to Susan Boyle- you know, the amazing lady from Britain's Got Talent. Can't imagine the stress she must have been under. Hope she's back on her feet soon. I may buy her CD just to support her!

BACK ON THE WAGON!

After 5 weeks off since my last 1/2 marathon, it felt GREAT to work out again tonight. And as a special bonus, I got to hang out with my friend. Thanks, Julie!

I tried really hard to download some pictures, but no luck...I'll keep trying!