Saturday, March 26, 2011

Read for Riddle's Answer

Do you know when something wonderful begins to develop, and your first thought is to tell everyone you know? But, then you have second thoughts because you don't want to jinx it. Not that I'm superstitious at all -"just a little stitious" (Michael Scott, The Office). The past week and a half have been exactly that way for Billy and me.

On March 16th, after work I stopped by to wish my grandma "happy birthday." I accidentally left my cell in the car-something I never do. I hadn't been at her house more than 15 minutes when her phone rang. It was Billy trying to track me down-apparantly he had just received a call from our adoption facilitator that a birthmom had picked us! He told me to grab my cell and to make sure to pick it up when it rang. Shortly after that I was on the phone for about a half hour learning about our potential birthmom. I was amazed to learn that the baby was due the first part of April!

I knew I needed to square things away for work, so I began talking to my administrators about our match and my possible need to go on leave. One of the many incredible aspects of this beautifully developing situation is that I took a student teacher on this semester. In fact, she will be fully trained and will have her credential at the end of next week! It really couldn't have been more perfect timing!

Because I want to maintain confidentiality, I am not going to go into lots of detail about the situation, but I will share this: there are a number of interesting similarities between Billy, me, and our birthmom, who we had the pleasure of meeting this week! In fact, the similarities are so uncanny, that our adoption facilitator commented on them. She also stated that our meeting went so well, and that it appears that we are watching our destiny unfold. (She explained that she didn't want to sway our decision by saying this, but she said that the feeling was so strong during the meeting.) The next day we all decided to move forward with the adoption!

There are lots of details to work out as we get ready for little Liam-yes, we are expecting a boy! Please continue to pray that everything will continue to come together smoothly. A side note: I have prayed all along that God's hand would be VERY apparant, so much so that non-believers would recognize it. I've been told by several that there are too many "coincidences" that have come together for this to happen. Also, one person has told me that they have had goose bumps as they hear each development. Then there is my dear friend who had a dream about two weeks ago (which she had emailed me about before hand) that I would be in the delivery room with the birthmom. At the end of our match meeting, our birthmom asked me whether I could be in the delivery room when the baby comes! This is was one of a few times that I became emotional to say the least!

I can't thank you all enough for your love, support, encouragement, and prayers through the years. Our journey isn't ending. I know it's just beginning!

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Most Frequently Asked ?s

I woke up this a.m. itching to do some writing. However, I needed to head to Willows. Right before I dashed out the door, I scribbled on a pad of paper a quick brainstorm. Many of you have questioned Billy and I about our decision to take on a second job, and I want to address as many of these questions in one fell swoop.

1. Why have you and Billy decided to take on second jobs by becoming ACN representatives?

*We decided to become ACN representatives for a few different reasons: first, Billy is a mortgage banker, and we all know how the market has been lately. Second, ultimately Heather would love the ability to stay home with the baby at some point-though this probably won't happen for a couple of years. Third, we love the concept of the ACN home based business, and it made lots of sense to us!

2. Why ACN?

*Though we have been approached by other networking business reps, ACN is the only home based business that made sense in this economy since it is not product based. How awesome to be able to provide name telecommunication essential services (landline, cell phone, internet, satellite tv, tech support, and home security), possibly at a lower cost. It is the world's largest direct seller of telecommunications and home services. ACN is an international services provider conducting business within 23 countries, and it has been in existence since 1993.

3. Is ACN a pyramid?

*Absolutely not! Billy and I thoroughly researched this company before joining. I would hope that our friends and family realize that we never would have gotten into anything even remotely shady. We are professionals, and we make great strides to adhere to the highest standards. ACN's competitive advantage is relationship marketing is used to build the business. Network marketing is one of the oldest, effective business plans.

4. Do you have to be a tech person to join ACN?

*I laugh because anyone who knows me knows that I am the furthest thing from being tech savvy. Instead, you need a work ethic and a desire to help people. There are so many people hurting in this economy. To one person, ACN may be a perfect business opportunity. To another person, ACN may be a way for someone to save money on essential services.


5. Do you have to invest lots of time in ACN?

*Not at all! The beauty of ACN is you can fit it into the cracks of your life. If you decide to become an ACN rep, you decide how much time, effort, and energy you will invest. That's what I love about this company-the possibilities are endless!

6. Is ACN a credible company?

*Definitely! In 2006, Donald Trump offered to purchase ACN. He was highly impressed by the company's growth and technological advancements. However, ACN owners opted not to sell. Instead, Donald Trump has become a spokesperson for the company. ACN's videophone was featured on an episode of the Celebrity Apprentice in 2009. Trump is often a key speaker at ACN conferences. In fact, Donald Trump will be announcing at the ACN San Jose national conference whether he plans to run for President! Additionally, three ex-state attorney generals are considered staff of ACN, providing regular legal counsel to ensure the company adheres to the highest legal and ethical standards. A local sidenote: ever eat a local Casa Ramos? Michelle Hill is part owner of 14 of these restaraunts, and she is also a part of the ACN family. Hill and other business owners recognize the huge potential of ACN, and they find/make time for it and their other multiple business ventures.

7. What is the purpose of your Celebrity Apprentice Party on March 27?

*We have a few reasons for hosting this party. First of all, our business, ACN is making an encore appearance for two whole hours! For the first time in network history a home-based business opportunity will be presented on primetime television!!!! ( You will see how excited I am about this as I sprinkle more exclamation points into my writing. ) Companies pay big bucks to have their 2 minute long commercials air during the Celebrity Apprentice. Yet my company will be featured for two hours, endorsed by Donald J. Trump! This is definitely a reason to celebrate!!! We are throwing a party, and we are hoping that everyone can attend. In fact, we have arranged for us to watch the episode online via our big screen tv., so that we can view it at 6 p.m. opposed to 9 p.m. We have done this to accommodate everyone who works early and/or have children. Plus, we are serving dinner! In case anyone is concerned that this is going to be a high pressure, twist your arm, type of meeting- it won't be! The business opportunity and the services will be presented but in an informative, guilt-free way. Come to celebrate our new business, to learn more about it, and then decide what you think. You definitely owe it to yourself and to your loved ones! If you are able to attend, send Heather or Billy a RSVP via messaging on FB. If you are unable to attend, watch the Celebrity Apprentice on NBC at 9 p.m.