Pre-School: Step Three, First Day!

We did it!!!

Hunter had his first day of Pre-School!

Look at my precious little boy.  I stood by his bed for a few minutes this morning before waking him up thanking God for the 5 years that I have had him home with me.  Asking Him to be by Hunter's side while he was at his very first day of Pre-School.

Graysen had a present for Bubby on his first day of school.  A new Agent P Shirt!  He was very excited about it.

Special chocolate Krispy Kreme Donuts for our special day!

G.G. stopped by before work to do the "Happy First Day of School" Dance for Hunter!  I am crying again right now thinking about how blessed we are to have her in our lives.  She is 82 years old and you sure wouldn't have known it this morning as she was jumping around my living room shaking her hips and singing a silly song for my 5 year old!

"It's my first day of Pre-School 9-1-09"  I hope to take a picture like this on the first and last day of school every year.

On his way into school.  He loved having his backpack with his initials on it!

Daddy was at work, so he wasn't able to take Hunter to school with us, but he called and checked on me a few minutes after 9, (and knew right away when I answered the phone sobbing that I wasn't doing so well) and then asked for me to have Hunter call him right after he got out.  Thanks to Cousin Nel for taking our picture!

Going into his classroom...

Hanging up his backpack...  He knew exactly which hook was his!

He ran right in and sat in his seat.  They had play dough set up for each child with a rolling pin at their seats.  

Of course Sissy had to get a little playing in!

I knelt beside him and told him that I loved him more than anything in the whole world.  I reminded him that I would be right back to get him.  He asked me to wait right outside the door.  (Trust me, I wish I could've have!)  I told him I had a few errands to run and then I would be right back.  He was okay with that.  I asked him if he remember who is ALWAYS with him and he immediately responded "God".  I started to tear up, so I have him a big kiss and Graysen and I headed out.  I didn't want him to see me cry.

We got to the car and Graysen started to freak out.  She refused to sit in her seat.  She just crawled over to Hunter's seat and sat there and cried and yelled "Hunter, Bubby!"  I tried, through my own tears to explain to her that we had to leave him at preschool, but we would be back soon to pick him up.  I finally lured her into her car seat with a tootsie roll...whew.  I'm sure that part of her scene was the fact that I was crying...but sometimes a Mommy just can't stop!  

We got home and I immediately started in doing laundry and dishes.  Surprisingly I got the dishes unloaded and reloaded, folded two baskets of laundry and got 2 more loads at least started!  I knew I had to stay busy!  Graysen and I read a few books.  I laid meat out for dinner.  About every 3-5 minutes Graysen would yell "Hunter, come here" a few times and when he didn't come running she would turn to me and say "Mommy, where Hunter?"  I just kept explaining over and and over that he was at school, but that it wouldn't be too much longer before we got to pick him up.  By the time it was time to go get Hunter she was in full melt down mode and literally sobbed the entire way to the pre-school until I said "Look Graysen, there's Brother's classroom, let's go get Bubby!"  Then she immediately dried up the tears and went running!  I hope that she'll learn that we can have some special time together while Hunter is at school...and not just miss him every time!

Here they are, reunited again!  (Graysen always closes her eyes when she smiles for the camera these days...)

Hunter had a great time.  The school sent home a little note that told us a little bit about the lesson that they were taught today.  That was nice, because if I hadn't been able to prompt him, I'm not sure he would've told me anything at all, except that he got starbursts!  They learned that God has a plan for everyone's lives, and about the story of Moses.  He told me that there was a mean king who was going to kill all the baby boys, so the Mom put her baby in a basket on the Nile River.  (I love hearing his versions of Bible Stories!)  I got out The Prince of Egypt when we got home, and I think we'll watch it as a family tonight after dinner.  He brought home a coloring page, and told me that they played a game where the boys were the grass and one person was the baby.  He said he was disappointed that they didn't get to play outside, but was had a good time and would like to go back on Thursday!

Overall, I would say that today was a success...and I think I'll have a lot easier time on Thursday!  

Hearts at Home Blogger!

Have you ever felt alone as a mom? Lost in your chosen field of mothering?

There is an organization that was created to encourage, educate and equip women in the profession of motherhood.  Hearts at Home  helps thousands of moms love their lives through their many resources including conferences, website, and books.

Recently I partnered up with this organization as a blogger. Over time I hope to share with you the many resources this ministry has to offer (old ones and new). To learn more about the Hearts at Home Blogging team go here.

In the meantime I would like to encourage you to explore their website and blog for an immediate dose of mothering encouragement!

My Public School Concerns

I haven't been shy about the fact that I have lots of concerns about sending my children to public school.  It's not St. James District, please don't believe that I have anything "against" this district.  It's ANY public school system.  Do I have some concerns with some of the curriculum that St. James is using - yes, but curriculum changes year to year, and it's nothing that can't be supplemented at home.  

I have always had a hard time putting into words what I believe I will be like as a school-aged kids' parent.  I have always thought of myself as the "pushy, annoying" one.  The one that the principals cringe when they see me walk in.  The one who all the teachers dread getting my kids because they know that I will be checking in regularly - wanting to volunteer in the classroom and asking lots of questions about the curriculum.  

But...I just read this blog post that I feel really put my stance nicely.  I don't want to be the pushy parent...but I will be one that advocates for my children.  I am not going to blindly send them to school and believe that they are going to be taught in the best manner for them.  I am not going to just trust that they are not going to be taught things that don't mesh with our beliefs in the home.  I am not going to simply hope that their teacher will treat their little soul with the warmness and kindness that they deserve to be treated with.  I want them to receive the best education that they can get; hopefully that will be in the public school system, but how am I going to ensure that?  This blog just answered it for me.  I found it very encouraging for those of us who are preparing to send our children to school in the next few weeks!

Hope you enjoy!

ps - yes, all three links go to the same post - I REALLY want you to read it!  

Immigration Fingerprints

Immigration Fingerprints:  Our last step until our referral!  We love you baby...(and Daddy REALLY loves taking pictures!  hee hee)

"El Destructo" also known as...

Graysen!

I've written before about my daughter's obsession with dumping things all over the floor, but don't believe I've ever stopped long enough to take a picture.  Here it is, proof that Graysen will dump ANYTHING she can get her hands on!  It doesn't matter if it's the entire bag (like this), or just a small bowl...it ends up out of the original container and on the floor or table.  I wonder how long it will be before I start serving her cereal with milk...???

Pre-School: Step Two, Open House

Well, we survived Open House.  As you can see below, Hunter was NOT excited about going...

...until he saw all the other kids happily toting their backpacks and school supplies in!  He ran in WAY ahead of us and plopped down in a pew.  The director did a little introduction and then called the classes off and away the kids headed with their teacher's to their new classrooms.  

Below, Hunter is waiting with his new classmates and teacher!
After the kids left the parents stayed with the Director and talked about some of the "boring" stuff.  Early dismissals, snow days, snacks, etc.  After we were dismissed we got to join our kids in their classrooms!  

Below, is Hunter's hook for his backpack.  ps - that is not the real back pack that he is going to use this year.  His is at the embroider shop getting his initials on it...but this one worked for tonight!

We didn't get to talk to his teacher at all.  I was rather disappointed with that.  We could've stayed around and waited, but she was having some rather lengthy discussions with some parents that she obviously already knew.  One of his teacher's wasn't even there tonight...again, rather disappointed, but I'm keeping my head up.  I want to give this whole school thing a fair shot before I become judgmental!

Here is Hunter sitting in his seat at one of the two tables in the classroom.  He was excited to have a name tag at his seat!
The "theme" this year is Veggie Tales, and here are all the kids buckets...I'm assuming for their school supplies.  None of them were in there, so I'm not real sure what they did with them, but they were all gone out of his backpack, so they must've put them somewhere...  Hunter's is on the bottom row, second from the left.  

Overall, it was a good evening.  I do wish I could've at least introduced myself to his teacher and talked a little bit with her.  I do wish I could've at least seen the other teacher.  I do wish the Director had seemed more welcoming to the idea of volunteers in the school.  I do wish Hunter would tell me what they did when they got to his classroom.  

But it's going to be okay.  This is a Christian pre-school that has been around for 20+ years.  It came highly recommended.  I'm going to give it a shot.  Hunter seems excited about it.  He told us on the way home that "I was wrong about pre-school, it's going to be fun!"  As long as it's an environment that follows suit with what we believe at home, and he is having fun, I think we'll be okay!

In-Process Update

I've decided to post the updates we get from our agency on here so you all have some sort of update as well!  

8-26-2009

Dear Adoptive Family,

I had a good trip to Ethiopia and am now back in the office. The courts are now closed and the last two groups filed were actually given court hearing dates in October. We will continue to make referrals during the court closure and families whose cases have been approved in court will continue to travel.

Some cases have still not been filed in court and others need to be refiled once the courts reopen. This is primarily due to paperwork problems following rule changes. We regret the delay for these families and children.

We have in-taken many new children in August. Completed files have started arriving in our office and we have begun making referrals. I am happy to say we are now referring baby girls to families whose dossiers went in November of 2008. We have new baby boys in the nursery as well and the next referrals will go to families whose dossiers were sent in mid February.

We have a few new children with special needs. There are two deaf girls, ages 6 and 8 and a deaf boy of 8. There is a girl who had polio when she was younger. She is now 8, is beautiful and works oh so hard for her physical therapist. There is a little girl about 3 ½ who has very mild CP which causes her to limp.

There have been several more cases recently where, after the children were placed, we learned that the truth was not told about their situation when they were placed for adoption. In some cases the “aunt” turned out to be the mother or the children who were said to be siblings were actually cousins or not related at all. To combat this, the courts are now requiring the person placing the child to appear in the local court and state the circumstances. We think this will help. In addition our social workers are traveling to present training to the police and child welfare workers, the ones who intake these children, to help them understand how difficult it is for children who are told to lie and for the adoptive families when they learn the truth. 

The day I left, a holiday was being celebrated, called Buhe. I asked several people and none seemed to know the origin but the tradition is for children to wear their native costumes and go from door to door singing and asking for money. I heard that some children raise their school fees in this way. Layla kids were going from office to office to ask staff for money and they planned to use what they collected to buy music CDs. In the evening there is a bonfire and fireworks. I am always nervous about fires on the soccer field at Layla but no one was hurt.

We have several needs at this time that I want to mention. There is a serious need for plastic diaper covers (plastic pants) and it is impossible to buy them there. If you are traveling and can take some they will be appreciated. We also need a small walker for a 6 to 10 year old child. 

We have had four or five babies hospitalized with pneumonia the past few days. The doctor said that if we had oxygen available at Layla the babies would not have to be sent to the hospital. He says that the cost for the equipment is about $3000. This is equipment that pulls oxygen from the atmosphere and does not require bottled oxygen. If this is something you would like to support financially, we would be grateful. 

By the end of the week we should be ready to send you some very important information about what you need to do to keep your immigration file current. This is the family’s responsibility and it is important for you to pay attention to what is happening with your file. Please watch for this.

Best wishes, 

Merrily

Hilarious!

I couldn't help but "record" this birthday card I got yesterday...I laughed so loud when I read it.  Partially because of the truth to it, and partially because this is sooo Charlie!

"So anyway, I'm standing in line to buy you a freakin' birthday card and the line is like seventeen billion people long 'cause the only thing the dumb teenage boy at the register is thinking about is the dumb teenage girl at the other register, and some dumb lady is turning her purse inside out to come up with "exact change", like she's gonna win some kind of "exact change trophy" or something, and some idiot starts up with his "This item was marking with the sale price" crap, and I just really hope you like this card...

'cause I stole it."

Isn't that the truth?!  You know you laughed...

Ballet Shoes

Graysen loves ballet shoes now!  She received some PJ's for her birthday last year that have ballet shoes all over them.  She loves to wear them and say "ballet shoes" over and over again as they points to all of the pictures of them!  She just got these new shoes that also resemble ballet shoes and she calls them that.  "Where my ballet shoes?"  So sweet...of course this Momma loves it!

Such a beautiful day

My days are all beautiful when I'm surrounded by these two precious gifts from God!

 

Thank you Lord for the two wonderful blessings in my home.  Thank you for smiles, for the laughter.  Thank you for the hugs, kisses, and cuddles.  Thank you for the struggles and the challenges.  Those times make me appreciate the others even more and make me grow into a woman and mother who learns to lean on Your help and grace.  Thank you for the awesome world around us.  Thank you for daily, giving me the opportunity to explain more about you to my children through the nature you've created around us.

Rejuvenation

I'll be totally, brutally honest.  I've been in some need of some major rejuvenation lately.  I need some time to myself without kids hanging on my neck, back, or legs.  I need some other Christian Mothers to encourage me.  I need some time with The Lord.  (What sounds perfectly delightful is a weekend away at a Hearts at Home Conference...too bad I have to wait until March!)  I need some not so gentle reminders of why I am a Stay-At-Home Mom and why it is so important to put my family and home FIRST.  I need someone to help light a fire under me and encourage me to continue to fight The Good Fight.

Tonight I got a little spark of that rejuvenation that I've been longing for.  On the Eve of my 26th birthday I was blessed to spend a few hours with my Mom.  Just the two of us.  She ran me a hot bath in her jacuzzi tub; complete with lavender bath salts and candles.  I laid in that tub thanking God for the warmth and comfort.  I think when we get to Heaven being wrapped in His arms is going to be something like that jacuzzi bath.  Deep, warm, comforting, relaxing, peaceful.  

We were able to sit on the couch and talk about this and that.  We talked about relationships, about our adoption and my kids, about death, about love, and about God.  It was so nice to have uninterrupted conversation with someone that I know loves me unconditionally.

I pray that my kids and I have that kind of relationship when they are 26 years old.  I deeply pray that they feel about me the way I feel about my mom.  I hope they respect my thoughts, knowledge, and opinions.  I hope they crave time alone with me, and feel fulfilled, loved, and complete when they get it.  I hope they think of me as the one person they can trust above all others here on in this life.  

I feel so much better after those few hours with my mom tonight.  I think I'm ready to tackle tomorrow.  Rambunctious kids, laundry, dishes, and all.  

Table Setting for THREE!

Every holiday I get the kids "themed" plates, cups, silverware sets.  I just found these Fourth of July plates and bowls on clearance at Walmart and couldn't pass them up.  I got to buy THREE sets this time - how I pray we have our newest one home by next year...!!!

Hunter wanted to show you all how excited he is to have a new brother coming!

Table Setting for THREE!

Every holiday I get the kids "themed" plates, cups, silverware sets.  I just found these Fourth of July plates and bowls on clearance at Walmart and couldn't pass them up.  I got to buy THREE sets this time - how I pray we have our newest one home by next year...!!!

Five

5 is hard. Really hard. Harder than 4, 3, 2, 1, or infancy.

Apparently it's very difficult to be 5. It's also very difficult to parent 5.

...maybe that's why it's hard to be 5. So confusing. So challenging.

I'm never sure what moments will be good, and which ones will be a struggle. Every day the same activities result in different emotions. It's a guessing game - all the time.

I'm left exhausted - mentally, emotionally, and physically at the end of every day.

Whew.

I read this on the Hearts at Home website...I imagine myself feeling these same things in a year or so...

"Some years ago, the night before her third birthday, I sat in the darkness, rocking my sleeping girl and praying for her. The reality of her birthday, and my absence on that original day, hit me, and I began to cry.

I told her how much I wish I had been there from the beginning.
I wish I had felt her little feet kicking my bladder, pushing on my ribs.

I wish I had been the one to feel the labor pains.

I wish I could remember and tell her about it.
So sorry I missed that precious time.
~
Then the praises started.
The same praises I'm singing now.
~
I am so very grateful to the woman who did feel the kicks, the pain; the woman who holds the memories.
So very thankful for our darling girl, who lights up our everything.
Thankful to our God for thinking I'm up to the challenge of being her mom.
Thankful He trusts us with her.
Thankful she is who she is, because of her past, her heritage, her history.
Thankful the God of all creation was there, He saw, He knows, He cares...
Thankful she has a future...

Thankful I'm her mom."

My dear child and his birth mother - I pray for you every single day. How I wish I could be there to hold your hand as you give birth to this beautiful child who I will someday call my own. I long to see your face, to touch your skin, to hear your voice. I long to have a story to tell our child. May God watch over you all the days of your life. May you feel His peace and presence in your heart. Our love is with you.

Happy Birthday Poopa!

Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday dear Charlie, Happy Birthday to YOU!

Happy birthday to a great man in our lives. We appreciate everything you have become to our family. We are so blessed to have you be a part of it! I'm excited about celebrating with the WHOLE family tonight!

Another Awesome Giveaway!

HERE is yet another awesome giveaway!!!

Go read the post...talk about a fun party - I wonder how you throw one of these?  I want all my girlfriend's opinions of which jeans fit me best!!  :0)

Totally cool!

Chance to Help

Attention everyone!

Lincoln works with a man whose house just burned down. He has three sons - sizes 18 mo, 3T and 5T...if you have any clothes or shoes in that size range, or would like to purchase something for them, please let me know...Lincoln is taking in what we had here at the house tomorrow, but could get things to him at any point during the week. I know that they are not wanting to ask for help, but would be very appreciative of anything that we could do to help them.

I realize at times like this how blessed we are to be safe, healthy, and whole. I am so glad that we can help this family out even in a little way. It's nice to be able to extend God's Love and Mercy to them in such a time of need!

Give me a call, shoot me an email, or comment here and let me know if there is any way you can help!

We are ALL adopted!

We are all adopted aren't we? WE ARE! God adopts us into His family - every single one of us who wants to join are welcome...He's willing to adopt us all! How lucky.

I read a sweet story on another family's blog tonight. One of her biological sons was looking through pictures and commented on one where she was pregnant. He said "Mom, I think you're adopting someone in your belly here". How sweet is that?

It made me think - we are really all adopted...some through our own bellies, and some through another Mommy's belly. Our children are all on loan from God...none of them are really "mine" anyway!!

I get the question fairly often (believe it or not) - "Do you think you can really love your adopted kids as much as your own?" My own?! Like our next child / children will not be our own?! Amazing people...think, think, think before you speak!

Will there be some differences in our home after our new one(s) join us? Definitely - we will be more aware of the world around us. We will try harder to help those in need. We will learn about Africa and Ethiopia. We will celebrate some of their holidays, we will eat some of their food. We will notice that some of our skin is light, and some of it is dark. We will learn to have each other's backs at all times. We will help educate others on what a family REALLY is.

So will it make a difference to me which children are biological and which are adopted? Not at all - they are all adopted into my family for our short time on earth until we're with our REAL Father in Heaven!

We are ALL adopted...

We are all adopted aren't we? WE ARE! God adopts us into His family - every single one of us who wants to are welcome...He's willing to adopt us all! How lucky.

I read a sweet story on another family's blog tonight. One of her biological sons was looking through pictures and commented on one where she was pregnant. He said "Mom, I think you're adopting someone in your belly here". How sweet is that?

It made me think - we are really all adopted...some through our own bellies, and some through another Mommy's belly. Our children are all on loan from God...none of them are really "mine" anyway!!

So will it make a difference to me which children are biological and which are adopted? Not at all - they are all adopted into my family for our short time on earth until we're with our REAL Father in Heaven!

Happy 1 Month Anniversary!

I just called for our 1 Month Check-In. There really wasn't anything new. She looked over my file to make sure that everything looked good...it all did. She said they are still on February infant boys. She said right now they are only sending out the "In-Process" email updates when there is something important to inform waiting families about (economic, court, law changes in ET, or changes with the agency). She suggested that I call every few months to check and see where they are on referrals to get a better idea of our waiting time.

I am sure that it will be after the New Year before we get our referral. I'm okay with that. I'm just waiting on God. I know that He knows which child we are going to raise. He is going to time it perfectly.

Until then we are going to continue to enjoy our lives are they are currently. We've got lots of fun things coming up with fall and the holidays! Continue to follow my other blog to keep updated with our everyday family life!

Thought #1: I feel like we're in a holding pattern. Like our life is just on hold right now. We're waiting for the living room to be done so we can start work on another room, waiting to save more money to continue the home improvement projects, waiting for dance to start, waiting for pre-school to start, waiting for basketball to start, waiting for our referral, waiting to travel and bring home the newest member of our family, waiting for soccer to start, waiting, waiting, waiting.

Thought #2: My kids are growing up way too quickly -

Thought #3: I am feeling consumed with my kids right now...they are all I ever talk about, think about, or do anything with. Some days I just wish I only had to worry about ME!

Thought #4: Back to thought number 2 - they are really are developing and changing faster then I can believe! I love seeing each new stage, but miss the smaller versions of my kids as well.

Thought #5: I'm very worried about Hunter starting pre-school. He's not super excited, which makes it harder for me I think. He actually told the PAT lady today that he just isn't "that into school". Yikes! I've heard all wonderful things about his school, but I think that I tend to be "harder" on educational settings than some. I just believe that we should expect and demand the best education possible for our children. I don't think parents these days are as involved with their children's education as they should be (a lot due to the fact that both parents are working and not able to be present in the classroom). I intend to be very involved with my children's schools, teachers, and classrooms. I will demand that he is challenged and taught in several different methods, as to find the one that works best for his learning style.

Thought #6: I'm super ready for it to be fall. I love the weather, I'm anxious to wear jeans, a sweater, and my boots everyday! I can't wait to pull out my North Face and scarves. I want to visit the farm, go horseback riding, go to the pumpkin patch, carve and paint pumpkins, eat carmel apples, make popcorn balls, go Trick or Treating, plan Graysen's birthday party, have Thanksgiving, decorate for Christmas, listen to Christmas music, go to the mall to see all the Christmas decorations, go sledding, and celebrate Christmas!

Thought #7: I want my living room curtains hemmed...I'm very excited to have them, but would love them TONS more if they were 12 inches shorter!

Thought #8: Why do so many women (especially) struggle with their weight? I have been trying to eat better and have been doing Zumba 2 nights a week for 7 weeks and I haven't seen a BIT of change! I probably shouldn't say that, because it makes it sound like Zumba isn't good...but trust me, it is! I just don't know why it's so hard for women to lose weight - and keep it off!

Thought #9: I am very excited about starting to teach dance again...and Zumba 3 nights a week! Yea! I can't wait! I just crave Zumba...it's very addictive I think! It's super fun, and I can't wait to pick some new music to start my fall session off with and choreograph some new moves! Fun times!

Thought #10: I'm really ready to end this post. It might just be the most random boring post I've ever done...but yet again, I'm at a loss for post topics, so this is what you get!

...and you used to wonder what was going on in my mind...you don't want to know anymore do you?!

My Halloween Debate

And, it's started...

Hunter wants to be a ghost for Halloween.  

What's wrong with that?  Not much except I always vowed that I would never let my kids be something that could be scary to younger kids, and / or wasn't real.  

Yuck.  Do I give in and let him be a nice ghost - the Casper kind?  Let's face it, it would be an easy costume for me!  Or do I stick my guns and try to persuade him to choose a different costume?  

Graysen is TERRIFIED of costumes right now.  The other day she watched Hunter put on a tiger costume and then screamed and shook the entire time he had it on.  He even took the hood down and showed her it was him.  That didn't help any.  She then proceeded to hold on to me with a death grip for the next 2 hours.  

Needless to say, I'm not sure how Halloween is going to go over this year...

Happy Birthday Mommy!

Happy Birthday to the most wonderful woman I know!  She works tirelessly for others all day at work and all evening for her family.  Thank you for being such a wonderful role model for me to follow.  I pray every night that I can become a mother just like you have always been for me.  Can't wait to celebrate with you tonight!

Love,

Ash

ps - hope this year is a bit better than sitting by your youngest daughter's hospital bed on last year's birthday!!! 

We think of you often

Our Dearest Claire,

We are so blessed to have our "Claire Rosebush" to help remind us of you daily as we come and go from the house.  We love the beautiful blooms that come so very often.  Each time a new one appears it is a reminder that life continues even after the old blooms disappear.  You are always in our hearts and on our minds.  We are all excited about the day that we will meet you in Heaven and our whole family will be re-united again. 

Love always,

Your Family

What's in a number?

My birthday is quickly approaching.  

I am going to be 26.  

I know, I know.  It's not that old.  Honestly, I know it's not that old, but it is the down slope to 30...and when you're 30, you're not 20 something anymore.  

I have felt "old" since I was about 16.  A lot of it I've brought on myself, some of it I think I was just born with.  I never went through the "wild" stage.  I never had to "sow my oats".  I think I have an old soul.  I feel very grateful for that.

So, to me, turning 26 is not really a big deal.  25 wasn't a big deal either.  I'm not sure what number I WILL think is a big deal...

There are a few things that I feel like I'm running out of time to do though by turning a year older...

1.  Having long hair.  (Sorry if I offend anyone with this statement, but I just think that once your 30 you should no longer wear your hair long.  My personal opinion.)  So, I've only got 4 more years, and I've decided to grow it out - it's probably going to take about that long, but hopefully I can keep it long for the next four years and have a "celebratory hair cutting" for my 30th birthday!

2.  Having children.  Lincoln and I have always said we would be done having children by the time I was 30...I don't know that we'll be done adding to our family by the age of 30, but if we're not they will be older and they would've been born before I was 30...so that counts right?!  lol  (Again, hope I don't offend anyone with these opinions, but this is just what works for our lives...we had children right away and didn't have any "couple" time when we got married, so we're aiming to have that when the children are grown and out of the house while we're still young!)

I honestly can't think of any more - so, nah, this birthday isn't going to matter to me anymore than the last few have...20 was about the last birthday that was a big deal to me!  

Advocates for Adoption

We have officially become advocates for adoption! I guess it's no coincidence that our placement agency is "Adoption Advocates International"...

Here is one of the first public things we've done to help spread the word about adoption...


Your Aunt Sissy can't wait to meet you either!


Your brother and sister are very proud of the Africa we now sport on the back of the car! (And Graysen's even wearing her Poppy Dip Dress!)



We got this idea from some of our very best friends who are adopting an African Prince from Ethiopia and ordered one for their car! I can't wait to take pictures with all of our kids!!!

Letter from Merrily

Here is an email we got from AAI's director, Merrily. Brought tears to my eyes...

Hi Everyone,

It is Sunday morning in Ethiopia, drizzly again. We have power this morning but no water. I have been invited for a shower at the home of a friend who has water which is a wonderful gift. We have not had water at the volunteer house for several days.

There were at least six families here this week to pick up their kids. Most stayed at the Ritmo and I briefly visited with them there. They seemed to enjoy each other's company comparing trips and kids. The going away party was fun with lots of singing and drumming.

This past week eight cases were heard in court, seven new ones and one old one. Seven passed, but one new case did not due to a translation problem. Gradually they are working through complying with new regulations for the older cases. We are hopeful that a couple more will pass before the court closes on Friday. Unfortunately some will not be heard till the court reopens in October. This week they plan to continue to file new cases so they can be ready to go when the court reopens.

Four new babies have come into care in August, all girls! We expect to be able to begin making referrals within a few days but these cases, of course, will not go to court till it reopens.

We are grateful for the supplies recent traveling families have brought. We continue to feed the Costco Kirkland baby formula, carried from the U.S. with traveling families, and the babies are doing well on it.

When I met with the social workers they asked me to remind folks to send their annual post-placement reports. Many times family members of departed children come to ask about the children and it is important to be able to show them current reports.

Monday I'll be visiting KM and AHOPE.

The economic situation here gets worse and worse, and there is lots of talk about food shortages. Inflation is a big concern and the cost of running Layla is going up and up. I went to the grocery store yesterday and was shocked at increases since my last trip, coffee from 24 to 36 for example and honey from 26 to 42. Here are links to two articles that came to my attention today:

http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1915544,00.html

http://en.ethiopianreporter.com/content/view/1508/1/

We are checking into possibilities for partnering with organizations that provide food. I hope to have more to share with you soon.

Merrily

A new member...

Wow!  This man has tied the knot!  Congrats Vimal...we're happy for you.  We love Purvi and are so excited that she has joined the "clan"...here's to many years of fun with our families!

ps - my camera batteries died right after this picture...hopefully I'll get some more of the four of us from them soon and add them to this post!

Fantasy Football

Dear Fantasy Football Season,

For years I despised you.  Then, last year, I had a change of heart and decided to finally give you a chance.  Not only did I enter the season with an open mind, but I created a team of my own.  

I came to realize that...I was right all along....you stink!  

You take up an endless hours of my husband's time.  He spends hours researching players stats before the season.  He is gone several full evenings doing many different drafts.  He spends money on you (although not nearly as much as some husbands I've heard of lately!).  He runs to the computer as soon as he gets home every day rather than running to me or the kids.  You compromise my computer time.  (We're not a "computer per household adult" kind of family...)  

Overall - I just don't like you.  I'm sorry it has to be this way, but unfortunately I'm not seeing our relationship change any time soon.  

You could go away forever and you wouldn't see any tears shed from me,

A Bummed Fantasy Football Wife

PS - In an attempt to make this season a bit better than last years my mom and I have decided to have a FF Draft BBQ tonight!  Wives - I think this is a good idea...while our husbands do the draft in a separate room we should all get together as well - eat, visit, play with the kids...anyone up for it?!

Pre-School: Step One, School Supply Shopping

Whew.  Here we go.  I didn't dream the day I would be blogging about one of my kids in school would be so soon.  I have pictured this day every year since Hunter was born.  School Shopping.  Every year when I see the Walmart aisle full of brightly colored markers, and binders with fun designs and matching folders and notebooks, and smell pencils I think back to our "back to school shopping" trips, and imagine what my first one with Hunter would be like.  I remember spending what seemed like hours deciding between two brands of markers, which mechanical pencils to get, and if I should get solid colored notebooks or ones with designs.

Tonight we did it.  I got his pre-school supply list (technically only wide markers, scissors, crayons, and 4 glue sticks) and off to Walmart we headed.  Grammie and Graysen went with us.  I was much more excited than he was...until we got there.

I was rather disappointed; it seems that there are not NEARLY as many choices as there were when I was a child.  Which, I suppose is a good thing for parents these days.  There was only one brand of markers, one brand of crayons.  There were no fun backpacks, so we decided to search somewhere else for that.  Hunter demanded that he didn't want to choose between the money, dot, or star kleenex boxes...that he would just wipe his nose on his shirt!  Whew.  Apparently I've got some work to do in the next few weeks still!  ha ha.  (I chose the monkey box...)

We did dig through the scissors and choose between orange, green, or red...but let's face it.  That wasn't a very hard decision!  Red ALWAYS wins in this house!  (Go Tigers!)

He had to wear his new backpack out of JC Penney.  Out of all the designs they had, (Cardinals, Batman, etc.) he chose the one he could sling over his shoulder.  That was his only requirement...that and it helped that it had RED on it!  

Back at home showing all his new supplies to Daddy.  I HONESTLY can't believe I'm sending him to Pre-School.  This whole letting go of the control of his raising is killing more than I think it's supposed to...

Coming soon...Pre-School:  Step Two, Open House!

Surgery Day!

I quickly came to realize that this surgery will not be a terrible memory for my son, but a badge of honor.  He asked Grammie almost immediately after he woke up from anesthesia if she wanted to see his scars!

I can not say enough for Children's Hospital.  They were beyond amazing...that sad thing is - every nurse and hospital employee COULD be trained to interact with their patients in the way that they did.  Lincoln and I were treated with the utmost respect.  Every single person we came in contact with - the lady behind the check in desk, our escort to the Same Day Surgery floor, the man who checked us in there, our nurse, the anesthesiologist, the surgeon, and his resident - they were ALL AWESOME with Hunter.  They spoke to him as the patient, not just to us.  They made sure he understood and was comfortable with everything.  

Can I also say how wonderful it was to have just one nurse all day?  I despise the way you have several nurses during your stay at Rolla hospital.  I know there are shift changes, but one nurse a day makes for a much better relationship!  Hunter was able to become comfortable with her and we were able to gain a trust in her knowledge and professionalism.  

The experience made me want to grow up and work at Children's Hospital!  No, really though, we will never take our kids anywhere else for something other than a regular apt. with their Pediatrician.  Never.  (I've already scoped out their International Adoption Unit!)

Let's go on a picture journey of our day!

This was the hardest part of the day.  Hunter did NOT want to get the gown on.  He was afraid that other people would make fun of him (thanks a lot honey for passing on those genes!)  Once he got it on we went straight down to the play room with all the other kids who had theirs on and he never thought about it again!  

Here we are post surgery!  (Everything in between these two times were just us, sitting around, and then directly post surgery me laying in bed with Hunter while he slept.)  I requested a grape popsicle with a stick, and then we decided to take silly pictures together - I was so happy to have my boy back!!

Hunter calling Aunt Sissy...it was such a blessing to have her stay home with Graysen during the day, but Hunter was very excited to hear her voice after he woke up!

Back in the play room just a few hours post surgery!!!  I couldn't believe he was up and walking - just living proof that kids do recover so much faster than adults!  

The play room wore him out pretty quickly.  He refused to sit in a wheelchair to go to the car, so this AWESOME hospital had a wagon available for just this kind of situation!  

We're doing awesome so far.  We've been blessed with tons of friends and family coming over to visit and bring "get well soon" gifts to help keep him busy over the next few weeks.  Thank you all very much for all of your thoughts, prayers, visits, and gifts.  We are very grateful!

Props to the Hubby!!

My husband rocks!

Okay, now that I have that out of my system...  He truly is awesome!  Over the last few days he has accomplished the following (with VERY little help from me...my job was to entertain the kids!)

• Unhooked the Entertainment Center and moved all furniture into the middle of the room
• Put 2 coats of primer on the living room walls (had to cover up that DARK red!)
• Painted the living room walls 
• Measured the window and bought all the wood to trim out the window and more trim for several corners that I wanted it on.
• (With the help of his dad) trimmed out the window and put the corner trim up.
• (With the help of his dad) cut Gray's boxes in half and stacked them.
• Got the entertainment center back and all hooked up again!
• Demoed the mantel and frame around the fireplace

Now...don't tell me he isn't "da' bomb"!!  

Thank you honey for doing so much work this week - and all while still being completely helpful with Hunter's surgery and recovery!  I love my "new" living room...and I won't want to turn on the lights nearly as often!  ;0)  

(for those who are interested - pictures will be on my adoption blog soon...)

Why I cheat

on my diet that is...

My friend Chrissy recently wrote a blog about how she is struggling with her weight loss.  She has determined that she is an emotional eater...

It has been in the last month that I have discovered that that is also the truth about my life.  If you had asked me before if I would consider myself an emotional eater I would have adamantly denied it.  I really didn't view myself like that.  I thought that was for weak people.  Kind of like people who use alcohol to "escape" their problems.  I've always said that I don't understand it because the problems will still be there after they sober up; as with eating...the problems will still be there after the bowl of ice cream!  

Since we have made the switch in our home from eating cheap, quick food, to more expensive healthy food I have taken note as to when I really want that bowl of ice cream, or to eat that Big Mac.  After I cave in and stop at Dairy Queen for a Moolate', I think about why I just found myself in the drive thru.  

I've come to the realization that I eat when I'm stressed.  I eat when I'm sad or scared.  I am an emotional eater.  Dang it!  

When I've had a long day at home with the kids, I turn on the TV and eat a bowl of ice cream before going to bed.  When I am challenged by the sermon on Sunday morning, I drive through Dairy Queen on the way home.  When I'm sad about being away from my family all night when I head to work I drive through McDonalds on the way and get a XL sweet tea.  

So, Chrissy, we're in the same boat.  I'm not sure what to do about this problem...maybe we can split the next chocolate shake rather than each eating a whole one?!  ha ha

Dinner Poll for my readers

I would like to know how many nights a week you readers actually cook a meal and sit down for a family dinner at your table.  

I'm starting to feel guilty that we don't do it enough.  Yes, I work 3 nights a week (over the dinner hour), and Lincoln has basketball games 2 nights a week.  I still somehow feel like we should be finding a way to eat more sit down meals together as a full family.

So, let's hear it...and be honest!  

(if you don't want your comment published because you're ashamed like me, just let me know!)

Sometimes I wish that I sent my kids to daycare.

So that I could get out of the house?  No. 

So that I could have a job and we would have more money?  No.

Sometimes I wish I sent my kids to a daycare so that they would be used to being around strangers.  So that they would be more confident in going with someone that they don't know.  So that they weren't so attached to me.  

wait.  that's not what I mean.  I LOVE the attachment that my kids and I have to each other...

...but with surgery day coming up I'm totally dreading sending him into the OR with a nurse that he doesn't know.  I can only imagine the trauma that this is going to cause both him and I.  Let's be honest, I started crying on the phone with the nurse today as she was explaining the process of surgery day to me.  He will get some liquid meds that will make him "drunk" before he leaves me, so let's hope that it won't be as traumatizing to him as it will be to me.  

As I'm crying on the phone this afternoon the nurse says "just think of it this way.  If he is crying really hard he will only have to breathe like twice before the anesthesia will put him to sleep!"  Great.  Nice mental picture.  

No, really, I can't say a single bad thing about Children's Hospital thus far.  This poor nurse today spent a solid 30 minutes on the phone with me going over and over my questions.  Explaining the schedule of the day to me several times.  She was never short, cross, or ill-tempered.  She was very reassuring, very encouraging.  

Anyway - that was off topic - like I was saying...  Being a stay at home mom is the most rewarding, best thing I could ever do.  But when times like this come up, it's very, very hard to give up the reigns and let someone else take care of my baby.  That's my job...that's why God gave him to me.  I do it every day, all day...and on Wednesday I won't be able to.  

It's killing me.  Like acid eating my stomach, not going to be able to eat until after surgery on Wednesday killing me...or maybe I need a HUGE Big Mac and a bowl of ice cream.  I'm not sure...but I'll keep you informed.  

Do I really wish I sent my kids to daycare?  Not a single day in my life have I ever wanted to do it.  I'm glad that it's me that they're attached to.  I'm glad it's me that they copy.  I'm glad it's me they hang onto when they're sad, scared, or mad.  

Lord, please prepare Hunter and my hearts for Wednesday.  I know that you are in ultimate control.  I know that you can give us both a peace that comes from no other.  Please fill our hearts, minds, and bodies with that blessing.  I pray that you guide the surgeon's hands and that you cover Hunter with your love while he is in surgery.  You'll be hearing from me again on the subject on Wednesday...for several hours straight...I hope you're ready!  :0)

Bows, Bows, Bows!

I never know what to expect out of my kids when they are quiet!  Here is one of our recent adventures...Hunter playing hair stylist!  

She was very proud of her new hair do!  After she came in to show me they headed back into her room where I overheard Hunter saying "Do you want another bow?"  "Yeah!" was always Graysen's response.  

Gray has over 55 hair bows - that does not count the clips, which she has in every color under the rainbow, or the rubberbands to match any outfit, or the headbands.  You might say I'm obsessed, but I don't know if I would go that far...

You and Me Goin' Fishin'

I tried to get Lincoln do a "guest post", but he refused, so I'll do my best...

Hunter got a new fishing pole and tackle box for his birthday.  He's been very interested in Dad's this summer, so we thought that would make a great new Father / Son activity for them!

Here he is getting ready to leave.  Dad explained the importance of wearing a hat when you're a new fisherman because of the hooks that are flying around!

 He had the time of his life!  They went out to Curt's lake, so there was no one else out there.  Lincoln said it would be a great place to fish...and boy was he right! 

 Here is Hunter with one of the first fish he caught.  I think they said he caught 8 in all!  That is also a turkey feather sticking out of his hat.  I think he thought that was as good a find as any of the fish!

I was so proud of the boys for taking pictures!  I think fishing will become a regular occurrence and I am so happy about it!  I think it's so important for sons to have something that they can share with their fathers for the rest of their lives.  Some common ground, some joint activity that they can turn to during those awkward teenage years when spending time together is at an all time high.  

Lincoln,  you make such an awesome father.  I'm so proud of the job that you have done.  You have made spending time with our kids a priority.  You have proved to them that you are not going anywhere...and that you will be a constant, loving, supportive figure in their lives.  Thank you for that.  Love,  Your wife