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Thursday, July 21, 2011

10 Years & a big announcement

***I apologize in advance for the heavy pics, I couldn't pick just a few and remember no judging of hair or outfits it has been a decade afterall :) - and I might ramble...but it will be worth it....read to the end :)
honeymoon....we look like babies :)

11 years ago tomorrow (corey's birthday) Corey and I met in Atlanta. It was a whirlwind romance knowing from the very beginning that this relationship was different. This one was "it." We got married one year later (today, the day before Corey's birthday). Hard to believe that was 10 years ago. We eloped to Asheville, NC which later would become our home for 4 years. After that chapter we would settle in Chattanooga and feel blessed that we have truly found our home. We have had quite the last decade. I am so proud of how strong Corey and I have become throughout our marriage. We have had deaths of family and best friends, loss of (several) adoptions, a diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis, surgeries, lost jobs, 3 moves, nursing school, but through it all we remember WE ARE IN THIS TOGETHER and have come out on the other side more in love and stronger than ever. I look around this crazy world and see so many relationships that don't make it....we are one of the lucky ones. I look forward to the next many decades with my best friend. I don't know what I did to deserve you, but Corey I thank you for loving me unconditionally - I couldn't have gone on this last 10 year journey without you. All my love....forever and ever.

*don't forget to read all the way to the end
and one last little announcement for our 10th Anniversary:

That's right last week we were OFFICIALLY accepted to adopt from Ethiopia. You can find out more details here. This will be a long journey, and it may be too early to tell our friends but honestly we need ALL the support we can get. We love you and so thankful for each of you for being a part of our world. And to my blog readers out there - thanks for reading :) My business started almost 5 years ago as an adoption fundraiser and now we pray that we will get to bring our "ivey" home.


36 comments:

Jessica I. said...

Tobi, this is so exciting! I love the reason behind why you started your business. Praying this journey is awesome and brings you your perfect little one! :)

Ivey Handcrafted said...

Oh Jessica you are SO sweet....we have been trying for 7 years and had 5 fall through :( So we are hoping and praying this is the one. Thanks for saying hello. xoox

Ayesha said...

Tobi!
I knew it before I read it. I literally felt a little fa-climpt! But I will be praying for you guys. I want to snuggle a precious one as soon as he/she arrives.

Ivey Handcrafted said...

Thanks so much Ayesha :) Love you

Chassity Pence said...

I had a feeling before I got to the end! I'm so happy for you both! God Bless you and be with you on this journey!

Ulmer Studios said...

So stoked about your anniversary and stoked to be along on this journey of the adoption! Praying for the two of you!!!

-Josh

Ivey Handcrafted said...

Chassity THANK YOU SO MUCh :) xoxo

Ivey Handcrafted said...

thank you Josh - so thankful we have you guys on this journey

Danielle said...

Happy Anniversary & Congrats (officially) on the adoption news! :-) Love you both to pieces and we are excited to see what fun the next 10 years of your marriage will bring! xoxo

Ivey Handcrafted said...

Bunny I am so glad you guys are our family....and can't wait to make many more memories together. I LOVE YOU

Jessica I. said...

I didn't know about your past tries/struggles... That must have been excruciating :(. I will pray this is the right time and the perfect child for you and your husband. Very exciting! We have been on a family-seeking journey, too, so we're supporting you in thoughts and prayers! ;)

Ivey Handcrafted said...

Thanks so much - yes it has been quite the journey of a lot of heartaches but it has made us stronger....I am excited for you too :) Look forward to hearing more

heather smith said...

Tobi, I know it has been a long and difficult road, and we will be praying for you and here for you if you need ANYTHING!!! So excited for this new journey!!! xoxo

Kelly O'Kelley said...

What a wonderful story! God really has a plan and it doesn't necessarily mesh with ours. Congrats to you both on 10 years of marriage. Will be praying for a healthy little bundle of joy to come your way.

Amber Ulmer said...

We love you guys & are so blessed by your friendship. We are so excited for you two & will be praying every step of the way! xoxo

Ivey Handcrafted said...

Heather - thank you SO much ....so glad to know we have you guys. Love you

Ivey Handcrafted said...

Thank you Kelly - that means a lot to me....and you are so right. love you

Ivey Handcrafted said...

amber I love you guys - we are SO thankful for you guys and so glad you are here on our journey. many xoxos

Anonymous said...

YES! YES! YES!

AMEN!

You and Corey have my endless support and I will pray for you EVERY SINGLE DAY until you are Mama and Daddy!

I am so proud of you and love you!

Jody

Jimmy said...

So excited for you guys! Loved all the pictures!!!

Ivey Handcrafted said...

Jody thanks so much......I am so glad you are excited. So glad I have you....I miss you and love you

Ivey Handcrafted said...

Jimmy - thanks friend :) It was hard to choose just a few so it was photo overload :)

Pleasant Vonnoh said...

Awww, best blog post I've read in a while! Adorable pictures too! Congrats on 10 years and on the adoption!

Kristi said...

AAAGHH!!!!!! YAYAYAYAYAYYAAAAYYY!!!!! WOOOOOOOOOT!!!!!

Ivey Handcrafted said...

Thanks Pleasant - you are too sweet :)

Ivey Handcrafted said...

WOO HOO Kristi - lets hope this one is "THE ONE"

Anonymous said...

Tobes, I am so happy for you and C-Note. We wish only the best for you.

Donald, Jade, & Dean

Ivey Handcrafted said...

Thanks Gibbs :) We love you

Ashley said...

Reading this made me cry! It's so sweet. Congrats on the anniversary and so happy ya'll are going to try adoption again. I'll keep you in my prayers. I know we don't know each other that well, but I'm sure you are just as wonderful a person as Corey. I consider myself lucky just to know him. He is such a great person and he made nursing school so much more bearable. Congrats again and I wish you guys all the luck in the world.

Ivey Handcrafted said...

Ashley - you are the SWEETEST thing! Thank you so much....and thanks for saying that about corey - I have to say he is pretty awesome and is so good to me. I am lucky to have him. I know he misses his nursing friends :( We appreciate you xoxo

apple said...

congrats! On your anniversary and your big news. You know my thoughts on it! Wishing you smooth sailing in the process. This little bundle will be worth the wait! Love to you and Corey!

Shea Marie said...

Praying for both of you. Love you!

Jennifer Snyder said...

Tobi, I am SO happy for the two of you. A love so sweet and so strong does not come easily. Love is hard work, but worth it! I will pray for you both and that preciou baby that is probably yet to be born! Thanks for sharing. I can't wait to see what happens...hopefully sooner than you think! Hugs to you both! I don't know Corey, but it sounds like I would like him. Praying...I really will : )

janet gwinn said...

Tobi, I am so excited for you guys! What a wonderful time for the both of you and I am certain this baby will find his/her way to you without a hitch as you have a very special angel watching over all of you! Congratulations and much love to you all!!

Candy Pearson said...

Hi! I just happened upon your blog (thanks to Pintrest) :) and was scrolling down and saw that you're adopting from Ethiopia! That is so awesome! My husband and I brought our son home from Ethiopia almost a year and a half ago. He'll be 2 in October. Congratulations!!

Ivey Handcrafted said...

Candy, thanks SO much!!! I really appreciate you finding me :) And congrats on your son. Do you have a blog? Etc? THANKS! xoxo