To homeschool or not to homeschool-- that was the question just a few weeks ago.
I kind of had that answered for me in a variety of ways. First one being told that the new school my children would be going to did not have room for my kindergarten or first grader. My kindergarten teacher telling me my son was indeed the most behind in the class when asked and seeing how absolutely right she was when I first attempted to do homework with him confirmed to me that he is just not ready for kindergarten curriculum--- further supporting my need to work with him one on one. When my daughter came home telling me that one day all he wanted to do was go home I kind of felt further nudging that he was a child who not only could benefit from homeschooling but should be in a more individualized program that the regular school setting cannot provide. In evaluating one of my daughters it is obvious that she does not have the basic foundation on which to build her education and she is struggling to keep up with her peers. Top that with a deep personal conviction that she needs to have less distractions and more one on one time with me-- I am certain that I will be homeschooling her too.
So one hurdle has been jumped.
I am homeschooling a few of my children.
Awww, but the dilemma does not end. No, I actually feel my mind constantly doubting my own ability to homeschool my children. And so I cling to every opportunity to stay connected to the public school system via California Virtual Academy or a local homeschool charter.
Both seem to have their pros and cons-- but then there is that Mother knows best attitude that feels like neither is ideal for my children.
And so I have went out and bought Accelerated Christian Education gap materials for my daughter who is now plugging along through the workbooks in addition to her regular schoolwork taking her back to the basics she never learned. I am satisfied with the curriculum so far and when I came across this post, I felt so validated that I had made my first big girl step down the homeschool journey that I have been further inspired to go out on my own and build my children's curriculum based on what I feel is right for them. I don't know about all you homeschool Moms-- but this has been so fun. I have felt inspired to go out and buy a little from Costco, a little from Target, and a little from Dollar Tree. Notepads here, a drawing book there, a Thesaurus here, and three first and second grade workbooks that cover every subject. Throw in all of the online education sites like Brain Pop, Starfall, Bogglesworldesl.com, and Learning Planet and I feel like I can really get into this homeschool thing.
And yet, I know myself. I know that I can be really excited about something and then get overwhelmed and want to give up. And I can't do that to my children...
and so I freeze up.
Like I need one big pep talk.
I still have so many questions.
How will I know that my child is learning? How can I gage their progress without the help of the public school system? What about transcripts? What about diplomas? What about college? Will my choice to homeschool today affect their future in ways that I am just not thinking about today?
Why does this have to be so hard?
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Kids Can Be So Entertaining
Life is so full of surprises. So are kids. Annalyn probably takes the cake. She became a part of our family over four years ago. Boy, does that seem like a long time. We kept it no secret that times were harder with her more often then they were not. We just kept praying for that transformation.
This summer I think it finally took place. It happened right around the time John and I came back from Ukraine. As her mother, I am rejoicing. Hugs feel more like a cup of hot cocoa rather than as forced as pulling on an itchy sweater. Offers to help are as frequent as phone calls to my Mom-- not just the occasional feather that happens by in the wind. Her honesty is like a cool splash of water on a hot day instead of waiting for the air conditioner to cool down the hot car.
I am so thankful that Annalyn has chosen to enjoy her life by living out what she has been taught in the past four years... and I am so glad that we chose her.
My three youngest toe-heads are like the three musketeers. They play together so well... that is until Jonny shucks a tower of blocks into Paul's forehead. After that they are more like the three stooges.
William is fascinated with the name David. Obsessed might be a better word. He loves the way it feels just saying that name... writing that name...
Yesterday I found out that his friend's name is you guessed it.... David. Apparently David is so cool that William wishes everyone was David.
Personally, I don't think David is all that. Issues have already began happening this year. I wish William would see that Daivd is not so cool afterall.
Julia and her friend had fun stacking cups.
So did Annalyn. Great job girls!
Admittedly, more days than not, I am feeling overwhelmed with the move, like I bit off more than I can chew. After some thoughtful consideration, I realize that giving into this thought would not be of God. We did what was best for our family in deciding to move... no matter how hard it may seem at this moment. All I can do is look to God each and every moment that I am feeling overwhelmed. He is getting me through each day and slowly but surely things are coming together. I am so incredibly thankful that I have a husband that listens and understands and encourages me and I know that God placed him in my life so that we could weather these storms together. In an attempt to get my act together, I wrote a list so that I could feel like we accomplished something. As a family we checked things off the list and I kept it up for two days as a reminder that when we put God first, everything else eventually falls into place.
As part of Homecoming Week Caleb has been dressing up everyday. This day had a cowboy theme.
This summer I think it finally took place. It happened right around the time John and I came back from Ukraine. As her mother, I am rejoicing. Hugs feel more like a cup of hot cocoa rather than as forced as pulling on an itchy sweater. Offers to help are as frequent as phone calls to my Mom-- not just the occasional feather that happens by in the wind. Her honesty is like a cool splash of water on a hot day instead of waiting for the air conditioner to cool down the hot car.
I am so thankful that Annalyn has chosen to enjoy her life by living out what she has been taught in the past four years... and I am so glad that we chose her.
My three youngest toe-heads are like the three musketeers. They play together so well... that is until Jonny shucks a tower of blocks into Paul's forehead. After that they are more like the three stooges.
William is fascinated with the name David. Obsessed might be a better word. He loves the way it feels just saying that name... writing that name...
Yesterday I found out that his friend's name is you guessed it.... David. Apparently David is so cool that William wishes everyone was David.
Personally, I don't think David is all that. Issues have already began happening this year. I wish William would see that Daivd is not so cool afterall.
Julia and her friend had fun stacking cups.
So did Annalyn. Great job girls!
Admittedly, more days than not, I am feeling overwhelmed with the move, like I bit off more than I can chew. After some thoughtful consideration, I realize that giving into this thought would not be of God. We did what was best for our family in deciding to move... no matter how hard it may seem at this moment. All I can do is look to God each and every moment that I am feeling overwhelmed. He is getting me through each day and slowly but surely things are coming together. I am so incredibly thankful that I have a husband that listens and understands and encourages me and I know that God placed him in my life so that we could weather these storms together. In an attempt to get my act together, I wrote a list so that I could feel like we accomplished something. As a family we checked things off the list and I kept it up for two days as a reminder that when we put God first, everything else eventually falls into place.
As part of Homecoming Week Caleb has been dressing up everyday. This day had a cowboy theme.
Today he tried to dress as Peter Pan. I think he did a fine job!
Rachel and Annalyn dressed up for Crazy Hair Day!
Wasn't Annalyn super creative?
Dennis is a little cheese when it comes to taking pictures! He saw the camera flashing and had to get in on the action!
This cup brings Dennis so much happiness. Really, if you give him this cup, you have made his day. What makes it even better is if you fill it with milk so that Dennis can grow big and strong!
Paul is very artistic. After he draws something, the other kids try and copy it. What I loved about this particular night when Paul drew this picture was that he had no hesitation when he went and hung it up-- it was very evident that he felt right at home in doing so.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Choosing Not to See
Had to pay a plumber to remove the toilet and fetch the toilet paper holder lodged smack dab in the middle. It killed me to pay him $150 for 45 minutes worth of work. Double ugh,-- but it is fixed.
The meatball chili I made turned out o-kay-- not good enough to repeat though. William wouldn't touch it. Naturally, there are are leftovers. Good thing John will be home for lunch.
William had a rough morning because his younger brothers keep cutting in the school bus line. Actually, it was William who was cutting in line, but you can't make him see that. After going round and round, I gave him only one more talk.
"William, I know you know better. You are almost 11 years old and we have worked on releasing our frustrations and moving on for quite some time. I think you can do this. Your brothers are way younger than you and you could choose to not even care about your spot in line. I would like you stay back here with me... everyday if need be, until you can not care what your spot in line is, or where you sit, or how wrong Jonny is for getting to the bus stop first. Even if he wronged you, and Paul wronged you, you have got to remember that it shouldn't matter who gets on the bus second or third. A mature boy... an an awesome big brother like I believe you can be, would let his siblings get on first and even offer to sit with them on the bus." I massaged his eyebrows. "And please, try to relax those angry eyebrows and let go of the anger. Can you do that?"
Obviously still perturbed he responded to me sarcastically, "I can stop being angry but I won't change my eyebrows!"
Of course, Anna's little chuckle at his remark sent him into an uproar.
I hope his teacher has an extra dose of patience up her sleeve today. She is going to need it.
The meatball chili I made turned out o-kay-- not good enough to repeat though. William wouldn't touch it. Naturally, there are are leftovers. Good thing John will be home for lunch.
William had a rough morning because his younger brothers keep cutting in the school bus line. Actually, it was William who was cutting in line, but you can't make him see that. After going round and round, I gave him only one more talk.
"William, I know you know better. You are almost 11 years old and we have worked on releasing our frustrations and moving on for quite some time. I think you can do this. Your brothers are way younger than you and you could choose to not even care about your spot in line. I would like you stay back here with me... everyday if need be, until you can not care what your spot in line is, or where you sit, or how wrong Jonny is for getting to the bus stop first. Even if he wronged you, and Paul wronged you, you have got to remember that it shouldn't matter who gets on the bus second or third. A mature boy... an an awesome big brother like I believe you can be, would let his siblings get on first and even offer to sit with them on the bus." I massaged his eyebrows. "And please, try to relax those angry eyebrows and let go of the anger. Can you do that?"
Obviously still perturbed he responded to me sarcastically, "I can stop being angry but I won't change my eyebrows!"
Of course, Anna's little chuckle at his remark sent him into an uproar.
I hope his teacher has an extra dose of patience up her sleeve today. She is going to need it.
Monday, September 27, 2010
Digest 18
cara said...
You are inspiring! Could you share a few tips on how you stretch your budget? We only have the two boys and we live pretty simply but we want to know what else we can do so we can save up for more adoptions.
May 4, 2010 11:16 AM
We had to learn the tough way. I married into debt and we climbed out together. That journey of sacrifice made not using credit cards a habit. It was hard for me to apply for a Kohl's card because I had to retrain myself to use a card but when I saw that it actually saved us money by getting numerous discounts and building up our credit score for paying it off in full each month I realized that credit could be a good thing too. I am frugal by nature-- my Mom taught me well in that department and I memorize prices and what's on sale. I plan where I will get gas, when I will stock up on toilet paper, and I have yet to buy a cell phone. Learning to stretch a budget is a hobby that replaced scrapbooking I guess. All that aside, I will honestly tell you that tithing and learning to do it with a cheerful heart-- even when I didn't think we had it all was what has changed our finances. Plain and simple. Though tithing has been a part of our lives ever since we became Christians-- I was the one who was always finding a way to short change God. Always-- it was my argument, "We don't tithe from that money. This month is a little harder than last. Blah blah blah." Fast forward five years and I see a huge difference when I allow God to be first. Knowing that, I still struggle once in a while... crazy isn't it?
Oh, that smile!!
I've wondered about Alex and hydrocephalus. It is very common in kids with Spina Bifida, often from birth.
Praise God that he does not suffer from that right now!
Blessings-
Deb
May 4, 2010 5:29 PM
Hi Deb-- nope no hydrocephalus for Alex. We are so thankful for that!
Michelle said...
so i have a question, which i am asking out of genuine curiosity. please take it as such - it is NOT criticism & i'm not trying to start a theological debate. just wondering what your view on this is. :-) in most denominations of Christianity that do "infant" baptism (or in this case, small child baptism) or "Christening" as it is more often called, there is also Confirmation. this is something the person does at around 13 to "confirm" their baptism - making the vows their parents took their own.
personally, i was Christened as a baby, then Confirmed at 13.
then we became members of an independent Baptist church... i switched because that church was more in line with my PERSONAL beliefs about Jesus & what the Bible says.
so at 17, i decided to be baptized. actually, my sister & Mom decided to as well (they'd been Christened also, although never Confirmed), and we were all baptized together - one at a time, but standing in the water in front of our church together, and submerged one by one. that same day, our family joined our church.
anyway, the reason I INSISTED on being baptized at that point is that my belief is that it's something a person chooses to do as a sign of their faith & obedience. our church doesn't even allow anyone to be baptized until they have a meeting with our most senior pastor & can not only answer questions to clarify that they know what they're doing, but they have to express a personal desire to do so & state their reasons on their own. there isn't an "age limit" as such but those are the guidelines. when a baby is born or a child adopted, there is a dedication ceremony where the parent pledges to raise them in a Christ-centered family & keep them active in the church, and a prayer is said (called a blessing) and the church prays together.
which leads me back to the question i said i had...
WHAT IS YOUR POSITION ON BAPTIZING ALEX & DENNIS AT THIS AGE? WERE YOUR OTHER CHILDREN BAPTIZED YOUNG, OR AT ALL?
i hope you'll take the time to not only read this but answer it. i know you somewhat explained that you were going to have Alex & Dennis baptized, but i don't recall there being a whole lot written about it, and would like to know more about your personal beliefs & about your other children's status with baptism.
looking forward to it! :-)
- michelle
May 9, 2010 2:38 PM
Michelle you have asked an awesome question. One I feel like I can't answer without sticking my foot in my mouth. You explained the different positions very well-- we just happened to be Baptists first. I guess my belief is that the topic of baptism is not one I am willing to get in an argument about. Now had you asked me this three years ago...
I was baptized as a believing adult and so were some of our other children. But they were first dedicated to the Lord much like what a baby Baptism is. Our ultimate hope is that our kids grow up to love the Lord and put their trust in Him. Whether that means them being baptized two times or five times-- I think the ultimate meaning of baptism is committing your life to the Lord, choosing to love Him with all your heart, and making a choice to accept His grace all by allowing him to wash away your sin.
Goodness and Mercy Mom said...
I love hearing your adventures as a big family and am taking mental notes on how you manage your home and family. We hope to have a house full some day, too. (Right now we have four and hope to adopt again in the coming year.)
Some day when you get a minute (hee hee), I'd love to hear how you do laundry, meal prep, grocery shopping/planning, homework, etc. I liked your post the other day on the changes with kitchen clean-up. It sounds like you have a good system for your sweet family.
God Bless,
Kathie
Kathie, I wish I could say I have this perfect laid out plan for everything I do-- but I don't. Off the top of my head I can say that I try and do laundry every single day-- I wash, the kids fold. I buy six gallons of milk at a time, four loaves of bread, and five dozen eggs. These essentials will always tide me over with whatever else I have in the pantry. I have alot of older kids so I expect them to help out-- many hands make for light work. Even Dennis has learned how to dry the silverware and put it away. Homework begins immediately when the kids get home. We do not hold off doing it until evening. This was they are still in the groove-- the bus ride gave them the break they needed-- and we are able to bust everything out in about an hour-- with playtime to look forward to. Now my highschoolers--- well they run their own schedule.
Mary said...
Try dipping the plantains in salt water before frying them. I went to a Haitian-Creole bilingual elementary school and I seem to remember that's the way we learned to do it, though it's been years since I last fried a plantain :-)
May 20, 2010 8:47 AM
I will remember that. :)
Marilyn said...
Nothing - and I mean nothing - is more fun that going away with a bunch of women, fun as in laughing and being crazy. Men have no idea. Isn't Balderdash the funniest game? You had a blast from the photos - love the dressing up to go for dinner. Who but a bunch of crazy women would do that? Good for you, and now you will be packing again. How exciting!!!!!
May 24, 2010 1:32 PM
Marilyn I couldn't agree more! I am already planning the next women's getaway!
Mary said...
Congrats to your kids for doing so well in school and in their extracurricular activities. I loved watching the skit (is it just me, or did Caleb leap over the shoulders of someone else about halfway in?) and thought he did an amazing job!
June 9, 2010 4:54 AM
Caleb is quite the extracurricular guy! This week he is escorting one of the Homecoming Queen nominees. Frankly-- I can't keep up. :)
Rachel E. said...
Praying for you, Christine. The "firsts" are tough, aren't they? (first birthday, first Christmas, etc.)
July 22, 2010 11:47 PM
Rachel E. thanks for the prayers. I know that they were answered. Paul and Anastasia feel like our easiest kids yet. Maybe because we are more experienced. ;)
Chiara Elena said...
oh plus tigella:
soo easy and delicious:
slices of potato, tomato and onion olive oil salt and fresh oregano, all in the oven for half an hour...
mmmhhhh
July 23, 2010 12:47 AM
Chiara Elena-- this sounds delicious! Do you eat it alone or on top of something?
Veronika said...
aw~ we don't have warm dinner in my family anymore (just at times, when mom or me myself find some time to make one which is not so usual)so I just grabbed some bread, butter and jam... do you cook dinner for your family everyday? (I'm so jealous :D )
July 23, 2010 1:23 AM
It brings me joy to be able to provide a home cooked meal for my family. This is the one time where we all come together and spend half an hour. It is very important to John and I that all of our children reconnect with us at the end of the day. Now that doesn't mean that every meal is gourmet-- sometimes dinner is simply fried potatoes topped with chili and cheese with fruit on the side.
Michelle said...
it's so great to see Anastasia smiling for real! what do you guys call her at home? does she still go by Nastia or do you call her Anastasia or something else?
also, i hope you'll take this question the right way... but i was wondering what your newest kids think if having siblings with both physical AND mental disabilities, like how they handle it. this is the first time you've adopted kids old enough to really have much of an opinion since Sveta, Dennis, and Alex have been home... and you've posted before about how sometimes kids you've just met or see in public aren't exactly accepting. obviously it hasn't been very long, so things like Sveta's FAS may not have really sunk in for them yet, but Dennis's appearance is something they'll have noticed straight away. have they accepted & seen past that yet? of course i think he is GORGEOUS and absolutely ADORABLE, so please take this the way i'm intending, i'm just wondering how they've reacted & if you discussed it all with them before coming back from Ukraine. :-)
if Julia decides to make those purses to sell, please let us know - i'll order one as soon as she does! i have to carry meds with me at all times, plus my emergency MedicAlert cards, so i have to have a purse of some sort with me every time i leave my house. literally. and it's hard to find cute purses these days! :-P
- michelle
July 16, 2010 10:20 PM
Anastasia goes by by Anastasia and only Anastasia now. Paul goes by Paul. Both of them have fully excepted Alex and Dennis. They play with them, help them, and seem to be even more secure in our love for them since they see how much we love Alex and Dennis. It has been a blessing all the way around.
Julia is still making purses although she hasn't had any orders lately. :)
Difference2This1 said...
I would love to read any advice you have about how to keep things more organized when school is in session. I DO buy early/on sale/off season/stock up as you mention...and do pretty well with that. But, I struggle with keeping up with the papers coming home; keeping bookbags/homework/projects from getting lost; getting respective lunchs/snacks out the door (and actually on the bus WITH them); keeping extra activity schedules straight. Hum...that sounds like I struggle with a big chunk. I guess so. That's 'cause I'm running things like I have 2 kids; not 4-soon-to-be-6. I've never had a chance to catch up my home management processes for this many. Help!! :) Jennifer
August 7, 2010 7:42 PM
I am in the midst of this. When I get it figured out believe me I'll be doing a post about it! I am in the process of organizing everything in preparation for the move. I will say that I am excited to have organized all of our writing tools. Pencils and pens have their own bin, as for the colored pencils and markers, and crayons take up two! I keep only a few of the kids' school things but I try to take pictures of the other things so that they can always refer back to it. I am excited about our new home. I plan to hold firm to the "no shoe rule" in the house which means buying shoe bins for the entryway. Our front closet is big enough to get hooks for each of the kids' backpacks so hopefully that will get rid of some of the piles I have around the house.
Andrew Necker said...
Hi Christine,
I am glad your family is adjusting well since adding 2 more!:) From your posts it seems this adjustment is coming along much more smoothly than typical older child adoptions and/or sibling adoptions. I say this because it seems that you have conquered, for the most part, some of the issues like appropriate behavior, attitudes, manners, them opening up to you, and getting to know some of their likes and dislikes. It has taken us 2.5 years to get to where you already are. I feel like some of these things I still don't think we have gotten a firm AND consistent grasp on. Do you think it has to do with each individual child, you having more IA experience, or possibly they are still in "honeymoon phase?" I am just curious b/c I feel like you are light years ahead of us when we got back from UA with our 2 older siblings. What I am asking, and I hope it's ok, is how would you compare this transition for your family relative to your other adoptions? I love hearing your sage wisdom!:)
Thank you, Kelly
August 3, 2010 2:15 AM
Kelly, the transition has been incredibly smooth after our rocky start. I must admit that looking back I am glad that we had that very rocky start because it got my behind in gear to stop honeymooning and get real. For a day or two things were not very fluffy and pretty around here but it was a turning point for our family after Anastasia and Paul realized that we were smart parents who really did mean what we say while all the while loving them and providing for them in every way that they need. If you can ask specifics maybe I can be of more help.
Tracy said...
I'm sad to hear this too. Helping families in need for no other reason than to help them doesn't seem like something that you should have been made to stop. If it was something that was done because it is how you felt that would have been entirely different. I love your ability to look at the situation and know that God will open up another opportunity. I also wanted to you to know that before finding your blog I never considered adoption. I now know in my heart that it is something that my family will do in the future. Thank you Christine!
P.S. I still think about the two teenage girls in the Ukraine that you bonded with. I wish the timing was right for us now.
July 30, 2010 11:33 AM
I think I will always help out families-- I am just doing it a little differently now. It seems that God just wanted me to slow down because I do not get as many people emailing me now. I am able to spend more time with that one particular family and still manage to spend time with my family-- so it turned out to be a good thing. Luda and Luba are still heavy on my heart as is little Anna and all the other children at that orphanage. Maybe mentioning them will spark a new interest.
Katie said...
Hi Christine, I live in Southern CA (in the San Fernando Valley) and if there's anything I can do to help please let me know. Praying for you and your family.
Best,
Katie
August 17, 2010 9:35 PM
Thanks Katie! I appreciate it. Likewise, let me know if there is something I can do.
mommytoalot said...
You are right..this parenting thing is hard.
I've only got six and we deal with many of the behaviours you are dealing with.
...except the slip thing..(my gosh i havent' worn a slip in years..but i'm not much of a skirt dress person) colouring on the wall, sassiness, not listening, telling tall tales etc. i would say my biggest challenge is Joe's behaviour because it totally takes over. He is 10 but is very much like a big two year old..it's weary and draining but i love him no less
xx
August 15, 2010 4:51 AM
I think these challenges help us to grow as parents, don't you? Not that I wouldn't be fine to not have them but I think it always helps to remember that we learn from our life experiences. Hope you guys have a great week!
Katy said...
I was wondering how you pronounce Anastasia's name. Is it like "an-a-STAY-zha" or "an-a-STAHS-ee-a" or something else?
August 9, 2010 3:48 PM
We pronounce it the first way.
Annie said...
Do any of your children have "issues" with birthdays? They are such a terrible stressor for Anastasia that I dread them. Her own is actually worse than other peoples' but they are all bad.
This looks like a fun day.
August 22, 2010 6:13 AM
They do have a few jealousy issues but it is not an adoption issue per say. I just remind my kids that today is that child's special day and that if they can't be happy for that sibling then they need to spend time in their room away from the thing that makes them be not so nice to be around. We also spend birthdays differently depending on the child and we explain why celebrating their birthday this particular way will actually help ensure that they have a great birthday instead of one where they will most likely act out in such a way that will get them in trouble. Afterall, what fun is it to be in trouble on your birthday?
Stephanie said...
Could you do a post on how you handle tattle tailing and bickering with so many kids...especially in the car?!
August 22, 2010 8:04 AM
I wish I could say that I had a handle on this problem. I have no words of wisdom here-- really.
savings said...
I'm glad things are working out well! Can I ask about the language issue in school though? Do they have an ESL class they take, or an interpreter? I would think that they would be completely lost in school right now. Can you explain this a bit more?
August 19, 2010 8:54 AM
They are lost in school academically but they are being immersed in the English language more than I could do here at home. They are also learning rules, how to get along with other kids, and how to communicate with someone who knows nothing of their language. It is tough and I go back and forth with how beneficial school is for them right now, but I think they are where they need to be. They are sharpening their math skills, learning the alphabet, learning cursive, and phonics. School is slowly but surely coming. They do get pulled out for ESL but they do not have a translator. Siblings on campus help out if there is a misunderstanding or one of the teachers will call home. It is going as well as to be expected. If I have learned anything over the past five years is that there is no need to get all worked up over their immediate academic needs because more than anything they need the foundation of love and nurturing from a family. Once that is accomplished the learning will come.
You are inspiring! Could you share a few tips on how you stretch your budget? We only have the two boys and we live pretty simply but we want to know what else we can do so we can save up for more adoptions.
May 4, 2010 11:16 AM
We had to learn the tough way. I married into debt and we climbed out together. That journey of sacrifice made not using credit cards a habit. It was hard for me to apply for a Kohl's card because I had to retrain myself to use a card but when I saw that it actually saved us money by getting numerous discounts and building up our credit score for paying it off in full each month I realized that credit could be a good thing too. I am frugal by nature-- my Mom taught me well in that department and I memorize prices and what's on sale. I plan where I will get gas, when I will stock up on toilet paper, and I have yet to buy a cell phone. Learning to stretch a budget is a hobby that replaced scrapbooking I guess. All that aside, I will honestly tell you that tithing and learning to do it with a cheerful heart-- even when I didn't think we had it all was what has changed our finances. Plain and simple. Though tithing has been a part of our lives ever since we became Christians-- I was the one who was always finding a way to short change God. Always-- it was my argument, "We don't tithe from that money. This month is a little harder than last. Blah blah blah." Fast forward five years and I see a huge difference when I allow God to be first. Knowing that, I still struggle once in a while... crazy isn't it?
Oh, that smile!!
I've wondered about Alex and hydrocephalus. It is very common in kids with Spina Bifida, often from birth.
Praise God that he does not suffer from that right now!
Blessings-
Deb
May 4, 2010 5:29 PM
Hi Deb-- nope no hydrocephalus for Alex. We are so thankful for that!
Michelle said...
so i have a question, which i am asking out of genuine curiosity. please take it as such - it is NOT criticism & i'm not trying to start a theological debate. just wondering what your view on this is. :-) in most denominations of Christianity that do "infant" baptism (or in this case, small child baptism) or "Christening" as it is more often called, there is also Confirmation. this is something the person does at around 13 to "confirm" their baptism - making the vows their parents took their own.
personally, i was Christened as a baby, then Confirmed at 13.
then we became members of an independent Baptist church... i switched because that church was more in line with my PERSONAL beliefs about Jesus & what the Bible says.
so at 17, i decided to be baptized. actually, my sister & Mom decided to as well (they'd been Christened also, although never Confirmed), and we were all baptized together - one at a time, but standing in the water in front of our church together, and submerged one by one. that same day, our family joined our church.
anyway, the reason I INSISTED on being baptized at that point is that my belief is that it's something a person chooses to do as a sign of their faith & obedience. our church doesn't even allow anyone to be baptized until they have a meeting with our most senior pastor & can not only answer questions to clarify that they know what they're doing, but they have to express a personal desire to do so & state their reasons on their own. there isn't an "age limit" as such but those are the guidelines. when a baby is born or a child adopted, there is a dedication ceremony where the parent pledges to raise them in a Christ-centered family & keep them active in the church, and a prayer is said (called a blessing) and the church prays together.
which leads me back to the question i said i had...
WHAT IS YOUR POSITION ON BAPTIZING ALEX & DENNIS AT THIS AGE? WERE YOUR OTHER CHILDREN BAPTIZED YOUNG, OR AT ALL?
i hope you'll take the time to not only read this but answer it. i know you somewhat explained that you were going to have Alex & Dennis baptized, but i don't recall there being a whole lot written about it, and would like to know more about your personal beliefs & about your other children's status with baptism.
looking forward to it! :-)
- michelle
May 9, 2010 2:38 PM
Michelle you have asked an awesome question. One I feel like I can't answer without sticking my foot in my mouth. You explained the different positions very well-- we just happened to be Baptists first. I guess my belief is that the topic of baptism is not one I am willing to get in an argument about. Now had you asked me this three years ago...
I was baptized as a believing adult and so were some of our other children. But they were first dedicated to the Lord much like what a baby Baptism is. Our ultimate hope is that our kids grow up to love the Lord and put their trust in Him. Whether that means them being baptized two times or five times-- I think the ultimate meaning of baptism is committing your life to the Lord, choosing to love Him with all your heart, and making a choice to accept His grace all by allowing him to wash away your sin.
Goodness and Mercy Mom said...
I love hearing your adventures as a big family and am taking mental notes on how you manage your home and family. We hope to have a house full some day, too. (Right now we have four and hope to adopt again in the coming year.)
Some day when you get a minute (hee hee), I'd love to hear how you do laundry, meal prep, grocery shopping/planning, homework, etc. I liked your post the other day on the changes with kitchen clean-up. It sounds like you have a good system for your sweet family.
God Bless,
Kathie
Kathie, I wish I could say I have this perfect laid out plan for everything I do-- but I don't. Off the top of my head I can say that I try and do laundry every single day-- I wash, the kids fold. I buy six gallons of milk at a time, four loaves of bread, and five dozen eggs. These essentials will always tide me over with whatever else I have in the pantry. I have alot of older kids so I expect them to help out-- many hands make for light work. Even Dennis has learned how to dry the silverware and put it away. Homework begins immediately when the kids get home. We do not hold off doing it until evening. This was they are still in the groove-- the bus ride gave them the break they needed-- and we are able to bust everything out in about an hour-- with playtime to look forward to. Now my highschoolers--- well they run their own schedule.
Mary said...
Try dipping the plantains in salt water before frying them. I went to a Haitian-Creole bilingual elementary school and I seem to remember that's the way we learned to do it, though it's been years since I last fried a plantain :-)
May 20, 2010 8:47 AM
I will remember that. :)
Marilyn said...
Nothing - and I mean nothing - is more fun that going away with a bunch of women, fun as in laughing and being crazy. Men have no idea. Isn't Balderdash the funniest game? You had a blast from the photos - love the dressing up to go for dinner. Who but a bunch of crazy women would do that? Good for you, and now you will be packing again. How exciting!!!!!
May 24, 2010 1:32 PM
Marilyn I couldn't agree more! I am already planning the next women's getaway!
Mary said...
Congrats to your kids for doing so well in school and in their extracurricular activities. I loved watching the skit (is it just me, or did Caleb leap over the shoulders of someone else about halfway in?) and thought he did an amazing job!
June 9, 2010 4:54 AM
Caleb is quite the extracurricular guy! This week he is escorting one of the Homecoming Queen nominees. Frankly-- I can't keep up. :)
Rachel E. said...
Praying for you, Christine. The "firsts" are tough, aren't they? (first birthday, first Christmas, etc.)
July 22, 2010 11:47 PM
Rachel E. thanks for the prayers. I know that they were answered. Paul and Anastasia feel like our easiest kids yet. Maybe because we are more experienced. ;)
Chiara Elena said...
oh plus tigella:
soo easy and delicious:
slices of potato, tomato and onion olive oil salt and fresh oregano, all in the oven for half an hour...
mmmhhhh
July 23, 2010 12:47 AM
Chiara Elena-- this sounds delicious! Do you eat it alone or on top of something?
Veronika said...
aw~ we don't have warm dinner in my family anymore (just at times, when mom or me myself find some time to make one which is not so usual)so I just grabbed some bread, butter and jam... do you cook dinner for your family everyday? (I'm so jealous :D )
July 23, 2010 1:23 AM
It brings me joy to be able to provide a home cooked meal for my family. This is the one time where we all come together and spend half an hour. It is very important to John and I that all of our children reconnect with us at the end of the day. Now that doesn't mean that every meal is gourmet-- sometimes dinner is simply fried potatoes topped with chili and cheese with fruit on the side.
Michelle said...
it's so great to see Anastasia smiling for real! what do you guys call her at home? does she still go by Nastia or do you call her Anastasia or something else?
also, i hope you'll take this question the right way... but i was wondering what your newest kids think if having siblings with both physical AND mental disabilities, like how they handle it. this is the first time you've adopted kids old enough to really have much of an opinion since Sveta, Dennis, and Alex have been home... and you've posted before about how sometimes kids you've just met or see in public aren't exactly accepting. obviously it hasn't been very long, so things like Sveta's FAS may not have really sunk in for them yet, but Dennis's appearance is something they'll have noticed straight away. have they accepted & seen past that yet? of course i think he is GORGEOUS and absolutely ADORABLE, so please take this the way i'm intending, i'm just wondering how they've reacted & if you discussed it all with them before coming back from Ukraine. :-)
if Julia decides to make those purses to sell, please let us know - i'll order one as soon as she does! i have to carry meds with me at all times, plus my emergency MedicAlert cards, so i have to have a purse of some sort with me every time i leave my house. literally. and it's hard to find cute purses these days! :-P
- michelle
July 16, 2010 10:20 PM
Anastasia goes by by Anastasia and only Anastasia now. Paul goes by Paul. Both of them have fully excepted Alex and Dennis. They play with them, help them, and seem to be even more secure in our love for them since they see how much we love Alex and Dennis. It has been a blessing all the way around.
Julia is still making purses although she hasn't had any orders lately. :)
Difference2This1 said...
I would love to read any advice you have about how to keep things more organized when school is in session. I DO buy early/on sale/off season/stock up as you mention...and do pretty well with that. But, I struggle with keeping up with the papers coming home; keeping bookbags/homework/projects from getting lost; getting respective lunchs/snacks out the door (and actually on the bus WITH them); keeping extra activity schedules straight. Hum...that sounds like I struggle with a big chunk. I guess so. That's 'cause I'm running things like I have 2 kids; not 4-soon-to-be-6. I've never had a chance to catch up my home management processes for this many. Help!! :) Jennifer
August 7, 2010 7:42 PM
I am in the midst of this. When I get it figured out believe me I'll be doing a post about it! I am in the process of organizing everything in preparation for the move. I will say that I am excited to have organized all of our writing tools. Pencils and pens have their own bin, as for the colored pencils and markers, and crayons take up two! I keep only a few of the kids' school things but I try to take pictures of the other things so that they can always refer back to it. I am excited about our new home. I plan to hold firm to the "no shoe rule" in the house which means buying shoe bins for the entryway. Our front closet is big enough to get hooks for each of the kids' backpacks so hopefully that will get rid of some of the piles I have around the house.
Andrew Necker said...
Hi Christine,
I am glad your family is adjusting well since adding 2 more!:) From your posts it seems this adjustment is coming along much more smoothly than typical older child adoptions and/or sibling adoptions. I say this because it seems that you have conquered, for the most part, some of the issues like appropriate behavior, attitudes, manners, them opening up to you, and getting to know some of their likes and dislikes. It has taken us 2.5 years to get to where you already are. I feel like some of these things I still don't think we have gotten a firm AND consistent grasp on. Do you think it has to do with each individual child, you having more IA experience, or possibly they are still in "honeymoon phase?" I am just curious b/c I feel like you are light years ahead of us when we got back from UA with our 2 older siblings. What I am asking, and I hope it's ok, is how would you compare this transition for your family relative to your other adoptions? I love hearing your sage wisdom!:)
Thank you, Kelly
August 3, 2010 2:15 AM
Kelly, the transition has been incredibly smooth after our rocky start. I must admit that looking back I am glad that we had that very rocky start because it got my behind in gear to stop honeymooning and get real. For a day or two things were not very fluffy and pretty around here but it was a turning point for our family after Anastasia and Paul realized that we were smart parents who really did mean what we say while all the while loving them and providing for them in every way that they need. If you can ask specifics maybe I can be of more help.
Tracy said...
I'm sad to hear this too. Helping families in need for no other reason than to help them doesn't seem like something that you should have been made to stop. If it was something that was done because it is how you felt that would have been entirely different. I love your ability to look at the situation and know that God will open up another opportunity. I also wanted to you to know that before finding your blog I never considered adoption. I now know in my heart that it is something that my family will do in the future. Thank you Christine!
P.S. I still think about the two teenage girls in the Ukraine that you bonded with. I wish the timing was right for us now.
July 30, 2010 11:33 AM
I think I will always help out families-- I am just doing it a little differently now. It seems that God just wanted me to slow down because I do not get as many people emailing me now. I am able to spend more time with that one particular family and still manage to spend time with my family-- so it turned out to be a good thing. Luda and Luba are still heavy on my heart as is little Anna and all the other children at that orphanage. Maybe mentioning them will spark a new interest.
Katie said...
Hi Christine, I live in Southern CA (in the San Fernando Valley) and if there's anything I can do to help please let me know. Praying for you and your family.
Best,
Katie
August 17, 2010 9:35 PM
Thanks Katie! I appreciate it. Likewise, let me know if there is something I can do.
mommytoalot said...
You are right..this parenting thing is hard.
I've only got six and we deal with many of the behaviours you are dealing with.
...except the slip thing..(my gosh i havent' worn a slip in years..but i'm not much of a skirt dress person) colouring on the wall, sassiness, not listening, telling tall tales etc. i would say my biggest challenge is Joe's behaviour because it totally takes over. He is 10 but is very much like a big two year old..it's weary and draining but i love him no less
xx
August 15, 2010 4:51 AM
I think these challenges help us to grow as parents, don't you? Not that I wouldn't be fine to not have them but I think it always helps to remember that we learn from our life experiences. Hope you guys have a great week!
Katy said...
I was wondering how you pronounce Anastasia's name. Is it like "an-a-STAY-zha" or "an-a-STAHS-ee-a" or something else?
August 9, 2010 3:48 PM
We pronounce it the first way.
Annie said...
Do any of your children have "issues" with birthdays? They are such a terrible stressor for Anastasia that I dread them. Her own is actually worse than other peoples' but they are all bad.
This looks like a fun day.
August 22, 2010 6:13 AM
They do have a few jealousy issues but it is not an adoption issue per say. I just remind my kids that today is that child's special day and that if they can't be happy for that sibling then they need to spend time in their room away from the thing that makes them be not so nice to be around. We also spend birthdays differently depending on the child and we explain why celebrating their birthday this particular way will actually help ensure that they have a great birthday instead of one where they will most likely act out in such a way that will get them in trouble. Afterall, what fun is it to be in trouble on your birthday?
Stephanie said...
Could you do a post on how you handle tattle tailing and bickering with so many kids...especially in the car?!
August 22, 2010 8:04 AM
I wish I could say that I had a handle on this problem. I have no words of wisdom here-- really.
savings said...
I'm glad things are working out well! Can I ask about the language issue in school though? Do they have an ESL class they take, or an interpreter? I would think that they would be completely lost in school right now. Can you explain this a bit more?
August 19, 2010 8:54 AM
They are lost in school academically but they are being immersed in the English language more than I could do here at home. They are also learning rules, how to get along with other kids, and how to communicate with someone who knows nothing of their language. It is tough and I go back and forth with how beneficial school is for them right now, but I think they are where they need to be. They are sharpening their math skills, learning the alphabet, learning cursive, and phonics. School is slowly but surely coming. They do get pulled out for ESL but they do not have a translator. Siblings on campus help out if there is a misunderstanding or one of the teachers will call home. It is going as well as to be expected. If I have learned anything over the past five years is that there is no need to get all worked up over their immediate academic needs because more than anything they need the foundation of love and nurturing from a family. Once that is accomplished the learning will come.
Sunday, September 26, 2010
A Tough One
The weekend came and went way too fast. We visited with my Mom, had dinner at my in-laws house, and watched the movie Nell. Oh how I enjoyed that movie. I wish I could leave it at that but then I would not be entirely honest. This weekend was a hard one with one particular daughter and at times I really felt that she might not ever listen to reason. It felt like I was hitting my head against a brick wall. It wasn't until later this afternoon that I finally got through to her. I wish I was brave enough to share because the story is awesome and reflecting back on it I am filled with hope all over again. Still we have a long way to go to mend what has been broken but I know that we came out of this situation stronger than when we went in.
After writing more about this situation, I decided to hold off posting it for now. I am in a quandary as to whether or not sharing will encourage others or if sharing will make others feel guilty. Honestly, I don't know the right answer-- I just know what is right for our family.
Hope you all had a good weekend.
After writing more about this situation, I decided to hold off posting it for now. I am in a quandary as to whether or not sharing will encourage others or if sharing will make others feel guilty. Honestly, I don't know the right answer-- I just know what is right for our family.
Hope you all had a good weekend.
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Friday, September 24, 2010
Share Five Things About You Day
1. More times than not, I go back and change my mind about things-- it's like I go through a period of buyer's remorse. Just yesterday I was telling John that I felt like we shouldn't be doing the loft construction because of the state of our current economy and the fact that a house on our cu-de-sac just went up for short sale further crushing our chances of selling our old home at a decent price. I guess reading the book "Radical," by David Platt has really got me thinking about how we live, what we spend money on, and our lifestyle in general-- all luxuriously extravagent compared to the majority of the world. But John sweetly reminded me that without the extra space how could we help out respite needing families, host kids or foreign exchange students, and or have the ability to open up our home to friends and family who may need a place to stay-- especially if the economy continues to get worse.
He doesn't know it-- but I could've kissed him!
2. It was pointed out to me that I need to update my email address since it still references us having only six kids. Yes I could do that, but I would rather keep it so that I do not lose touch with people who have always known us to have that email. I have lost touch with so many people who have changed their email-- I figured why add to the problem.
3. The study of Isaiah is interesting after all. When I first began reading the notes of BSF I had trouble staying awake. Learning about all the kings just wasn't as interesting to me as learning about Jesus' life. Yet as I moved onto the study questions referring to Isaiah 1:16-17, I began to get excited. Did you know those verses refer to caring for orphans and widows too? I am amazed how intertwined all the books of the bible are.
4. I have began cutting Dennis's hair in the bathtub right after his first bath. His hair is already wet and after picking up most of the hair, I can just rinse him off!
5. Thank God for friends-- especially the one who inspired me to go out and buy a fresh pineapple and taught me that it is perfectly ripe when the bottom center begins to show a light, furry mold on it. I know it sounds gross, but you cut that part off anyway and what you have inside is pure, sweet, golden, deliciousness!
**********
Okay, now it is your turn. Go ahead and share 5 "new" things about you.
He doesn't know it-- but I could've kissed him!
2. It was pointed out to me that I need to update my email address since it still references us having only six kids. Yes I could do that, but I would rather keep it so that I do not lose touch with people who have always known us to have that email. I have lost touch with so many people who have changed their email-- I figured why add to the problem.
3. The study of Isaiah is interesting after all. When I first began reading the notes of BSF I had trouble staying awake. Learning about all the kings just wasn't as interesting to me as learning about Jesus' life. Yet as I moved onto the study questions referring to Isaiah 1:16-17, I began to get excited. Did you know those verses refer to caring for orphans and widows too? I am amazed how intertwined all the books of the bible are.
4. I have began cutting Dennis's hair in the bathtub right after his first bath. His hair is already wet and after picking up most of the hair, I can just rinse him off!
5. Thank God for friends-- especially the one who inspired me to go out and buy a fresh pineapple and taught me that it is perfectly ripe when the bottom center begins to show a light, furry mold on it. I know it sounds gross, but you cut that part off anyway and what you have inside is pure, sweet, golden, deliciousness!
**********
Okay, now it is your turn. Go ahead and share 5 "new" things about you.
It's A Mixed Bag
As parents John and I are always looking at ways we can better provide for our children.
Recently that meant me purchasing Omega-3 gummy vitamins. The packaging promised there would be no fishy taste but they more than made up for it with a fishy smell.
Blach!
However, I was not about to waste $5.00 so I insisted my kids try them. That was one full day worth of entertainment in the Reed home. Most of the kids couldn't stand the smell let alone the taste and yet a few thought they are absolutely, "Coos-na!" Watching them watch each other as the ones who couldn't stand them watched the ones who loved them devour two instantly had me on the floor laughing.
You should've been there.
And yes I know-- bad me. Getting a good laugh at my children's expense is horrible. But I can live with that. :)
Recently that meant me purchasing Omega-3 gummy vitamins. The packaging promised there would be no fishy taste but they more than made up for it with a fishy smell.
Blach!
However, I was not about to waste $5.00 so I insisted my kids try them. That was one full day worth of entertainment in the Reed home. Most of the kids couldn't stand the smell let alone the taste and yet a few thought they are absolutely, "Coos-na!" Watching them watch each other as the ones who couldn't stand them watched the ones who loved them devour two instantly had me on the floor laughing.
You should've been there.
And yes I know-- bad me. Getting a good laugh at my children's expense is horrible. But I can live with that. :)
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Those Blueberry Muffins Will Have to Wait
William is growing up so fast and I am amazed how much he reminds me of Adam in this picture.
Dennis is active and wild and animated and crazy all rolled into one Tornado of a child! Here he is practicing standing on his head on the tile-- No No Dennis go do that on the carpet.
The kids got out the Halloween costumes already and boy has Paul enjoyed dressing up. One day he was Hulk-- today he was Batman!
Alex and Julia seem to have a bond that goes back to those first few weeks in Ukraine together.
Here he is watching her play a game.
Dennis is active and wild and animated and crazy all rolled into one Tornado of a child! Here he is practicing standing on his head on the tile-- No No Dennis go do that on the carpet.
The kids got out the Halloween costumes already and boy has Paul enjoyed dressing up. One day he was Hulk-- today he was Batman!
Alex and Julia seem to have a bond that goes back to those first few weeks in Ukraine together.
Here he is watching her play a game.
P.S. Today I had jury duty. It was the first time I actually went to the courthouse for a summons. It was interesting to say the least-- but I'm glad I don't have to worry about it for at least another year.
P.S.S. I bought buttermilk and frozen blueberries to make homemade muffins for the kids' breakfast tomorrow morning. My plan was to make them tonight so they could heat them in the morning alongside fresh fruit and yogurt. Plans changed. Oh well, Saturday is a good day for blueberry muffins too!
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Still Walking the Path
Once upon a time a Mom and her many children went to the hospital so that their littlest brother could see a special doctor who might be able to help him. Because the Mom and her little boy had previously received a thoughtful and encouraging card from a blogging friend who out of the blue dropped by to deliver the gift she naively figured the note tucked under her window wiper was also from a friend who knew that her and all her children were back at the hospital for another visit. Emotionally exhausted by the news from the doctor of the numerous surgeries that lay ahead, she slowly got the kids in the van then walked around to the driver's side to fetch the anticipated words of encouragement most certainly wrote on that note.
To her horror, the letter contained sentiments that had her fearing for her family's safety. She quickly began inspecting her car for slashed tires and possible keying of the paint job as her kids watched her peculiar behavior through the windows.
"What's wrong Mom? Tell us. What did that note say?"
"Nothing kids. Nothing." As the Mom drove home, eyes mostly glued to the rearview mirror she thought to herself, "What in the world have I done?"
******************************
This woman was me. But notice the word was. I came home and continued to let the words dance in my head and allowed few people to know. The hate mail was an attack that forced me to reevaluate who I am, what I stand for, and what is important to me.
At the time, I despised that note, worse yet, I despised the person who wrote it, but now nearly two years later....
I can say thank you. Thank you for being an instrumental key in helping me learn what real life is all about. Thank you for helping me to confront my enemy head on and reevaluate how I look at people who might be different than I am. Thank you for helping me to realize that my children are no more different than other children unless you count them being more valued, more loved, and more appreciated-- different.
Now--- as a precautionary measure, I rarely share the exact time that we have an appointment up at Children's hospital. But we had one yesterday. A nice long visit at the Cranio-Facial clinic to get an update on Dennis. It was another eye opening, learning moment for me.
Dennis is doing awesome! Just awesome! Everyone is amazed at his transformation, the doctors kept telling me how great I was for being Dennis' mother, and yet all I could think was for them to stop fussing over us-- yes, Dennis is doing great but not solely because of his surgeries, not solely because of anything I have done, but all because he has always been an amazing little boy--- all to the glory of God! Don't forget to give glory to God!
To have that little light bulb go off was such a release for me. It has so much more to do with than just the special needs. It has everything to do with trusting that no matter what my kids are doing today, they were first made in His image just like every other child and that no matter what anyone else thinks about my kids or your kids or other kids still sitting alone in cribs tucked away in a dark corner of an orphanage-- they are adored by God. I just happen to adore my kids too.
It was reiterated that Dennis has cleft lip and palate repaired, amniotic band syndrome around the face and knee, Poland Syndrome of a mild degree, and Torticollis-- quite a long list of special needs that I would have politely pushed away and said, "I am sure these kids are wonderful, but I really do not think I am cut out for raising a child with special needs. It takes a truly patient and special person to raise these children."
Well, I broke that cookie mold. I am not really very patient, and I am not all that special. And yet, God took me and all my insecurities and all my pride to follow my own directions for my life and promised to be my GPS system as long as I would let him.
And wow has He taken me down a rocky, winding, life changing path.-- not one I would have eagerly chosen a few years ago. And yet now, I see how He is continually my stepping stone, my outstretched arm, and things that I once was afraid of, I am no longer.
Including the note left on my windshield.
Isaiah 41:10 So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Dennis has been one of the beautiful flowers that pushed up between the crevices of two rocks. Sure, I may have given him the love and security of a family but as my blogging friend Kathy shared, "I truly believe that adoption is 50% for the orphaned child and 50% for the family that is opening its arms wide. The Lord is asking both to trust and lean on Him with all their might."
P.S. Dennis has no surgeries scheduled in the immediate future. His Torticollis will be treated with mild physical therapy which includes having him lean his head to the other side to stretch his muscle-- something we can do at home. His Poland syndrome means he will not be a pro-body builder, but I think he will get over it. His cleft lip and palate will require future surgeries but I think we will cross that bridge when we get there. For now, we are going to enjoy the life that God has gifted us with.
To her horror, the letter contained sentiments that had her fearing for her family's safety. She quickly began inspecting her car for slashed tires and possible keying of the paint job as her kids watched her peculiar behavior through the windows.
"What's wrong Mom? Tell us. What did that note say?"
"Nothing kids. Nothing." As the Mom drove home, eyes mostly glued to the rearview mirror she thought to herself, "What in the world have I done?"
******************************
This woman was me. But notice the word was. I came home and continued to let the words dance in my head and allowed few people to know. The hate mail was an attack that forced me to reevaluate who I am, what I stand for, and what is important to me.
At the time, I despised that note, worse yet, I despised the person who wrote it, but now nearly two years later....
I can say thank you. Thank you for being an instrumental key in helping me learn what real life is all about. Thank you for helping me to confront my enemy head on and reevaluate how I look at people who might be different than I am. Thank you for helping me to realize that my children are no more different than other children unless you count them being more valued, more loved, and more appreciated-- different.
Now--- as a precautionary measure, I rarely share the exact time that we have an appointment up at Children's hospital. But we had one yesterday. A nice long visit at the Cranio-Facial clinic to get an update on Dennis. It was another eye opening, learning moment for me.
Dennis is doing awesome! Just awesome! Everyone is amazed at his transformation, the doctors kept telling me how great I was for being Dennis' mother, and yet all I could think was for them to stop fussing over us-- yes, Dennis is doing great but not solely because of his surgeries, not solely because of anything I have done, but all because he has always been an amazing little boy--- all to the glory of God! Don't forget to give glory to God!
To have that little light bulb go off was such a release for me. It has so much more to do with than just the special needs. It has everything to do with trusting that no matter what my kids are doing today, they were first made in His image just like every other child and that no matter what anyone else thinks about my kids or your kids or other kids still sitting alone in cribs tucked away in a dark corner of an orphanage-- they are adored by God. I just happen to adore my kids too.
It was reiterated that Dennis has cleft lip and palate repaired, amniotic band syndrome around the face and knee, Poland Syndrome of a mild degree, and Torticollis-- quite a long list of special needs that I would have politely pushed away and said, "I am sure these kids are wonderful, but I really do not think I am cut out for raising a child with special needs. It takes a truly patient and special person to raise these children."
Well, I broke that cookie mold. I am not really very patient, and I am not all that special. And yet, God took me and all my insecurities and all my pride to follow my own directions for my life and promised to be my GPS system as long as I would let him.
And wow has He taken me down a rocky, winding, life changing path.-- not one I would have eagerly chosen a few years ago. And yet now, I see how He is continually my stepping stone, my outstretched arm, and things that I once was afraid of, I am no longer.
Including the note left on my windshield.
Isaiah 41:10 So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Dennis has been one of the beautiful flowers that pushed up between the crevices of two rocks. Sure, I may have given him the love and security of a family but as my blogging friend Kathy shared, "I truly believe that adoption is 50% for the orphaned child and 50% for the family that is opening its arms wide. The Lord is asking both to trust and lean on Him with all their might."
P.S. Dennis has no surgeries scheduled in the immediate future. His Torticollis will be treated with mild physical therapy which includes having him lean his head to the other side to stretch his muscle-- something we can do at home. His Poland syndrome means he will not be a pro-body builder, but I think he will get over it. His cleft lip and palate will require future surgeries but I think we will cross that bridge when we get there. For now, we are going to enjoy the life that God has gifted us with.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
In the Kitchen
Good friends last a lifetime. These wonderful three ladies-- Marge, Kathleen, and Pat took me under their wings back when I was in my early twenties and we have stayed in touch ever since. When I led a mother's group much like MOPS, Marge led up the childcare part of it and Kathleen and Pat were regular helpers. We attended an evening women's group together too, and they still occasionally ask me to come back and share what is happening with our family. It has been a blessing to have such wonderful role models in my life-- and my kids have been blessed by the extra grandma's that pray for them, send cards and bring goodies.
When they came over for a visit yesterday, I was in the midst of making meatballs. I had to rush off to pick up Adam and Dennis from school-- so they all made the meatballs for me. That is why I think they turned out so darn yummy!
Here is the recipe: So Good Meatballs-- enough to feed an army or freeze them after they are cooked for a quick and easy dinner on the go.
8 lbs ground beef
6 medium eggs
1 1/2 cup bread crumbs
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. pepper
3 tbsp. parsley
1 tsp. Poultry seasoning
2 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp oregano
Mix all together and measure out with an ice-cream scoop. Lay out on a wire cooling rack placed inside a cookie sheet to catch the drippings. Bake at 360 degrees for one hour.
Drop into spaghetti sauce for a great Italian meal, or dump brown gravy on them next to a heap of mashed potatoes, or serve them on toasted french bread topped with spaghetti sauce and Mozzarella cheese.
As a side to the meatball sandwiches, we had strawberry jello mixed with bananas and cool whip.
Ever since I overloaded Adam on bananas as a baby, he has had an aversion to them-- so I let him scoop out some jello before I mixed in the bananas.
This salad/dessert is so easy yet it seems to satisfy all palates with its creamy, fruity, yet no too sweet balance of flavors.
P.S. Do you have a favorite jello recipe? Do you have any special ladies that have been inspirational in your life?
Ever since I overloaded Adam on bananas as a baby, he has had an aversion to them-- so I let him scoop out some jello before I mixed in the bananas.
This salad/dessert is so easy yet it seems to satisfy all palates with its creamy, fruity, yet no too sweet balance of flavors.
P.S. Do you have a favorite jello recipe? Do you have any special ladies that have been inspirational in your life?
Monday, September 20, 2010
It feels like I have accomplished a few things since last week. At one point I was feeling really overwhelmed as I was trying to decide on a washer and dryer. How silly is that? As I talked to my sister, she flat out told me not to kill myself over trying to decide on something that is merely going to wash my clothes. How simple is that? She was so right-- something I don't say too often. ;)
So as soon as I got off the phone with her, I went on the Costco website and ordered the Maytag Bravos. There. Done. They will be delivered this week.
And I am content with the price, the capacity, the reviews, and the fact that I am no longer stressing about something that is merely going to wash my clothes.
Another thing that John and I have decided on is doing the loft. He met with our contractor tonight that is currently doing the bedroom conversion and after learning the cost and time it will take to complete it, we are 99% certain that we are moving forward with adding another bedroom and living space to our home. It may be a little inconvenient now, but in the long run, we both know that we will be happy that we did it.
The interested buyer for our old home did not work out so we are back to the drawing board. Home sales are down again this month but we are trusting that it will all work out in His timing.
It always does.
Finally I got two calls back from different charter schools that serve the area that we are moving too. I had so many questions that I probably talked both of their ears off. Thinking that I would definitely prefer the charter school route if I chose to home school, being on my own seems a little more appealing. On one hand, I feel like I need someone to walk me through this decision, yet on the other hand I like the idea of catering my children's lesson plan to the level they are at. Some of you gave great ideas for curriculum-- none of which I found on either of the approved vendor lists through the charter school. Yet through a charter school, my child would get an allotted amount of money to spend on anything from social studies programs, to math curriculum, to horseback riding lessons, to karate, to creative writing, to even a computer-- and the kids would be tested just like they are now so that John and I can see how they are doing according to state standards. As of now, our new school district tells me that there is no room in kindergarten or first grade and that there is a waiting list for those grades. That means that Alex and Jonny would have to go to a separate school away from all their siblings-- something I am not interested in doing. Unless the school all of a sudden has spots open in those grades come time we move, I will embrace the challenge of homeschooling my two boys.
There. I said it.
So as soon as I got off the phone with her, I went on the Costco website and ordered the Maytag Bravos. There. Done. They will be delivered this week.
And I am content with the price, the capacity, the reviews, and the fact that I am no longer stressing about something that is merely going to wash my clothes.
Another thing that John and I have decided on is doing the loft. He met with our contractor tonight that is currently doing the bedroom conversion and after learning the cost and time it will take to complete it, we are 99% certain that we are moving forward with adding another bedroom and living space to our home. It may be a little inconvenient now, but in the long run, we both know that we will be happy that we did it.
The interested buyer for our old home did not work out so we are back to the drawing board. Home sales are down again this month but we are trusting that it will all work out in His timing.
It always does.
Finally I got two calls back from different charter schools that serve the area that we are moving too. I had so many questions that I probably talked both of their ears off. Thinking that I would definitely prefer the charter school route if I chose to home school, being on my own seems a little more appealing. On one hand, I feel like I need someone to walk me through this decision, yet on the other hand I like the idea of catering my children's lesson plan to the level they are at. Some of you gave great ideas for curriculum-- none of which I found on either of the approved vendor lists through the charter school. Yet through a charter school, my child would get an allotted amount of money to spend on anything from social studies programs, to math curriculum, to horseback riding lessons, to karate, to creative writing, to even a computer-- and the kids would be tested just like they are now so that John and I can see how they are doing according to state standards. As of now, our new school district tells me that there is no room in kindergarten or first grade and that there is a waiting list for those grades. That means that Alex and Jonny would have to go to a separate school away from all their siblings-- something I am not interested in doing. Unless the school all of a sudden has spots open in those grades come time we move, I will embrace the challenge of homeschooling my two boys.
There. I said it.
Update to New Yahoo Group
I'm trying I promise. So excited for those who have already requested to join. I tried sending out a questionnaire-- I hope you guys got it. If not, I will just email all of you when I get the chance. Thanks for your patience.
New Yahoo Group
I think this might be the solution.
I have never claimed to be an expert on adoption-- but if I have, I recant what I said.
I do not have all the answers. But I do have a heart to help. And I do feel led to help. And I do want to be supportive to adoption families especially those who are struggling. Adoption dissolution is a part of our family and it has been a blessing to be able to confide in a close knit group of families who can relate.
That is why I have started a yahoo group for adoptive families that are either struggling or are in a position to come beside and help out those struggling families. Because I want this to be a safe place-- hence the name, I will be screening members and moderating comments until I get used to this whole "List Owner" thing. Whether you come looking for support, respite for your adopted child, or answers to your questions regarding disruption, dissolution, or how you can make things work, this is the place for you. If you have disrupted in the past and can be of support to another family going through the same thing, then consider joining. If you feel led to be part of the solution for struggling families, then consider joining too.
If you are interested in joining you can go here. My hope is that this group will become an active, comfortable, and safe place where fellowship can thrive!
I have never claimed to be an expert on adoption-- but if I have, I recant what I said.
I do not have all the answers. But I do have a heart to help. And I do feel led to help. And I do want to be supportive to adoption families especially those who are struggling. Adoption dissolution is a part of our family and it has been a blessing to be able to confide in a close knit group of families who can relate.
That is why I have started a yahoo group for adoptive families that are either struggling or are in a position to come beside and help out those struggling families. Because I want this to be a safe place-- hence the name, I will be screening members and moderating comments until I get used to this whole "List Owner" thing. Whether you come looking for support, respite for your adopted child, or answers to your questions regarding disruption, dissolution, or how you can make things work, this is the place for you. If you have disrupted in the past and can be of support to another family going through the same thing, then consider joining. If you feel led to be part of the solution for struggling families, then consider joining too.
If you are interested in joining you can go here. My hope is that this group will become an active, comfortable, and safe place where fellowship can thrive!
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Bold Color-- Even John Likes It
John got the keys to our new home on Friday. We began painting and construction on Saturday. The painting is already done and John is camping out at our new home now. No more hotels, but I can tell he is lonely--- he calls me only six or seven times in the evening. :) I asked him to take some pictures for me-- "Pretty please," I begged. Frustrated that he could not get them sent to me, he went to bed sniffling.
No he wasn't crying.-- lol. John thinks he has a cold.
To my surprise and his, I found these pictures in my email. He praised the color choices but warned that since it was dark and the camera was the one on his phone, the colors would look different to me. Still, I am excited that I actually went bold and allowed color to be splashed on the walls! Thanks to all who helped choose paint colors!
Here is our laundry room painted in "Cricket".
Our kitchen is painted mostly Pale Wheat with one wall Macchiato. The colors match the granite counter tops.
The wall on the right is actually the office painted in "Macchiato"-- next to the "French Lilac" I can't believe how much it looks like a deep burgundy instead of brown.
I chose the same color for the 1/2 bathroom downstairs as the laundry room.
The contractor is still converting the playroom into the 6th bedroom, and we are exploring the loft option before we move in. The loft with a few of our changes would add an additional 400+ square feet including another bedroom and living space. If we decide to go ahead and do the loft, we will not move in until it is finished. If we have a choice we will not live in a construction zone again. Been there, done that, not practical, not fun. So the question is, are we moving this weekend or in a month?
No he wasn't crying.-- lol. John thinks he has a cold.
To my surprise and his, I found these pictures in my email. He praised the color choices but warned that since it was dark and the camera was the one on his phone, the colors would look different to me. Still, I am excited that I actually went bold and allowed color to be splashed on the walls! Thanks to all who helped choose paint colors!
Here is our laundry room painted in "Cricket".
Our kitchen is painted mostly Pale Wheat with one wall Macchiato. The colors match the granite counter tops.
Here is the "French Lilac." I was most hesitant to go with this color so I chose only one accent wall and the girl's bathroom.
The wall on the right is actually the office painted in "Macchiato"-- next to the "French Lilac" I can't believe how much it looks like a deep burgundy instead of brown.
I chose the same color for the 1/2 bathroom downstairs as the laundry room.
The contractor is still converting the playroom into the 6th bedroom, and we are exploring the loft option before we move in. The loft with a few of our changes would add an additional 400+ square feet including another bedroom and living space. If we decide to go ahead and do the loft, we will not move in until it is finished. If we have a choice we will not live in a construction zone again. Been there, done that, not practical, not fun. So the question is, are we moving this weekend or in a month?
"I Can Do It Too!"
Paul, Andrew, and Jonny have become these hardcore drawers. I have never seen a couple of kids go through a 12 inch stack of paper so fast!
Paul has began to really throw himself into life that is going on around him. He is now copying what his brothers write where as he used to write strictly using the Cyrillic alphabet. He has also started playing the Wii-- a challenge he is quickly mastering. He is even beginning to show signs that he dislikes certain foods-- something I know he picked up from his brothers.
Don't Annalyn and Rachel look too cool for school?
Not! They still have to go tomorrow.
Paul has began to really throw himself into life that is going on around him. He is now copying what his brothers write where as he used to write strictly using the Cyrillic alphabet. He has also started playing the Wii-- a challenge he is quickly mastering. He is even beginning to show signs that he dislikes certain foods-- something I know he picked up from his brothers.
Don't Annalyn and Rachel look too cool for school?
Not! They still have to go tomorrow.
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Good Friends... Good Food
It is no secret around here how much I enjoy cooking. I get excited to try new recipes and change things up a bit to make them my own-- tonight was no exception...
I added milk and an extra egg to the recipe and measured them out with an ice-cream scooper. I baked them instead of frying them which made things even simpler.
And let me tell you-- they came out so good that my kids ranted and raved and even came back for thirds.
They didn't even mind that I didn't have baked buttered bread to serve alongside the spaghetti.
Annalyn is playing clarinet this year-- just two weeks into it. She sounds great for not playing very long. I guess the couple of months she played two years ago made it easy for her to pick right back up.
This evening we went over to our friends' home for dinner.
Here is one of their dogs.
Our kids love to go over to the Lindeque's because there is just so much outside fun!
The older kids were not thrilled about coming, and I almost said they didn't have to, but John insisted. I was glad that he reminded me that we are a family and unless there is a really good reason, we go places as a family even if the older kids don't feel like it.
William was in heaven up in a tree. He absolutely loves to climb and begged repeatedly if we would let him jump out. Sorry William-- no broken legs for you.
Dennis and Lehman are the same age. Aren't they cute?
Dinner was simple, the company made it special.
We are going to miss our South African friends so much!
We came home just in time for the kids to watch Fred the Movie.
I passed.
I had a big package of ground beef and thought hmmm... meatballs would be nice. I searched on the internet for a few recipes and shortcuts when it comes to making them and voila I had meatballs!
I added milk and an extra egg to the recipe and measured them out with an ice-cream scooper. I baked them instead of frying them which made things even simpler.
And let me tell you-- they came out so good that my kids ranted and raved and even came back for thirds.
They didn't even mind that I didn't have baked buttered bread to serve alongside the spaghetti.
Annalyn is playing clarinet this year-- just two weeks into it. She sounds great for not playing very long. I guess the couple of months she played two years ago made it easy for her to pick right back up.
This evening we went over to our friends' home for dinner.
Here is one of their dogs.
Our kids love to go over to the Lindeque's because there is just so much outside fun!
The older kids were not thrilled about coming, and I almost said they didn't have to, but John insisted. I was glad that he reminded me that we are a family and unless there is a really good reason, we go places as a family even if the older kids don't feel like it.
William was in heaven up in a tree. He absolutely loves to climb and begged repeatedly if we would let him jump out. Sorry William-- no broken legs for you.
Dennis and Lehman are the same age. Aren't they cute?
Dinner was simple, the company made it special.
We are going to miss our South African friends so much!
We came home just in time for the kids to watch Fred the Movie.
I passed.
Friday, September 17, 2010
New HomeOwners We Are!
The house is officially ours! Oh my! I can hardly believe it. I am so excited-- but wow there are so many things to do. I love that someone suggested writing a list-- it feels good to check something off it.
Ain't that the truth. So here is my list. If they are only half crossed out, that means I'm not done with the task.
Sign loan docs
Reorder Alex's 2 prescriptions
Straighten out catheter prescription with new insurance-- Why does this have to be such a pain? We have the prescription, we have the insurance-- so what is the problem?
Pick out paint colors
Choose contractor(s)
Set up Utilities
Look into new home/car insurance
Look into homeschooling charter schools-- How do even begin to choose curriculum if you were to homeschool let's say a first grader?
Order A.C.E. curriculum to fill in the gaps
Sort through 6 kitchen junk drawers-- so proud of myself
Fill out school registration forms-- this one is scary.
Figure out whether or not busses run for new school district
Gather transcripts, and IEPS
Narrow down cellphone/plan-- don't think it will be Verizon (not very nice on phone) or Virgin Mobile (lack of coverage) Looking into T-Mobile family plan with my Aunt, Sister, and Mom. Can't decide on a phone at this moment.
Research washers and dryers-- I think/hope I narrowed it down to a Kenmore front loader, LG front loader, Maytag Bravo, or Whirlpool Cabrio-- Can't stack anything with cupboards above... besides I can't see paying for two sets at this time anyway. Is there such a think as an affordable, large capacity top loader that doesn't have bad reviews?
Pack 3 boxes a day
Make Sweet Iced Tea (ever since I tried McDonalds $1 sweet tea--I'm hooked!)
Organize desk
Remind John of all the things that he has to do as a huge favor to me
Ain't that the truth. So here is my list. If they are only half crossed out, that means I'm not done with the task.
Order A.C.E. curriculum to fill in the gaps
Fill out school registration forms-- this one is scary.
Pack 3 boxes a day
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Complete Healing is Taking Place
Since we are moving soon, I've been trying to tie up loose ends which includes saying our good-byes to family and friends that we are leaving. Tonight we had some very special company. Rachel's two biological brothers came over with their family for a visit. They also brought a foreign exchange student from Western Ukraine. It was an awesome awesome visit-- though way too short!
Max who speaks fluent Ukrainian, Russian , and English was able to talk to Anastasia and Paul who at first seemed very shy speaking to him. They quickly opened up and told him all about us and their new lives. He reassured me that they are very happy here-- and do not miss the orphanage one bit. He was able to clarify a few things for me, but the kids said that they already knew what I was trying to say. I guess my Russian isn't too bad afterall. ;)
It was incredible to watch Rachel sit and visit with her older brother. It was incredible to sit and watch him enjoy her company right back. The progress our two families have made separately has allowed this sibling group to heal, learn to love, and forgive, and move forward. It was not an easy road, nor did it happen overnight-- but it did happen, mostly because we just never gave up.
Adoption is such a beautiful thing to me. So is friendship. So is forgiveness.
Tonight was wonderful.
Max who speaks fluent Ukrainian, Russian , and English was able to talk to Anastasia and Paul who at first seemed very shy speaking to him. They quickly opened up and told him all about us and their new lives. He reassured me that they are very happy here-- and do not miss the orphanage one bit. He was able to clarify a few things for me, but the kids said that they already knew what I was trying to say. I guess my Russian isn't too bad afterall. ;)
It was incredible to watch Rachel sit and visit with her older brother. It was incredible to sit and watch him enjoy her company right back. The progress our two families have made separately has allowed this sibling group to heal, learn to love, and forgive, and move forward. It was not an easy road, nor did it happen overnight-- but it did happen, mostly because we just never gave up.
God's grace is so apparent in the smiles of these three beautiful kids.
Adoption is such a beautiful thing to me. So is friendship. So is forgiveness.
Tonight was wonderful.
P.S. I choose four colors-- Pale Wheat, Macchiato, French Lilac, and Cricket. I told you I couldn't decide!
I'm Procrastinating Big Time
Okay, so I have narrowed my paint choices down to Pale Wheat for the whole house color and Macchiato on a few of the accent walls. Both Behr colors. Still, I want to choose one more accent color--- but I can't decide if it should be a lighter, eggplanty, with grayish undertones kind of purple, or an earthy-toned green or even a darker mustardy yellow.
I need to make my choice by the end of today and I am leaning towards nothing unless someone knows of a great color!
Help! Please!
I need to make my choice by the end of today and I am leaning towards nothing unless someone knows of a great color!
Help! Please!
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Double the Fun
We celebrated not one-- but two birthdays today! Anna turned 12 and Dennis turned 4!
The girls painted their toes and fingernails with the wind blowing in their hair. How exotic and fun! No not really, but we don't like the fumes in the house-- so they did it outside. Paul enjoyed watching.
I love this picture. It is very simple-- just girls hanging out.
This has got to be about the cheesiest picture I have ever seen these two little guys take!
I love it! Quick story. Fast forward to after the party when it was time to give them a bath. I threw Dennis in the tub while I took care of Alex's potty needs when I realized that Alex was going to take a little longer than expected. Dennis immediately got sad and began crying. "You mean Mom. Alex no go poo-poo. You mean Mom." Dennis knew that this delay meant that their bath time would not end up being at the same time and he had planned on playing with Alex-- and I went and ruined it. :( I sorry Dennis.
As for me- I would take Chinese anyday!
Since all of us were so full after dinner, we changed things a bit by opening presents up before doing the cakes.
Dennis loves this blanket. So does Jonny. I know because he asked John if he could get one for his birthday. :)
Dennis was so cute opening presents. After each one he folded his hands quietly and patiently waited while Anna opened one of hers. It sure was neat to see how much Dennis has evolved with his present opening skills over the last two years!
Dennis is my big boy! His kisses are just precious. He can now close his lips and make a little pucker when he kisses. And I bet he would give you one too!
This is my friend Claudette. I am going to miss her and her family so much when we move! But I trust that God will keep us close and help make the moments that we do get to spend together all the more precious.
The kids had fun playing horse shoes in the backyard!
Dennis had been waiting for this moment all day! He seemed mesmerized by the candles and our singing. If only I knew what he was thinking.
I can't believe my little Anna is twelve! We first met her when she was just a tiny thing at six years old. She has grown into such a beautiful girl-- we love you Miss Anna!
This picture has got to make you smile. See Dennis blowing out his candles? He was very proud of himself!
When John offered to run to the store earlier this morning, I told him to get a tub of chocolate and a tub of vanilla. Since he works and does not get the chance to plan much of the parties that we have he figured he was going to have fun and go a little overboard this time with four tubs of ice-cream!
The girls painted their toes and fingernails with the wind blowing in their hair. How exotic and fun! No not really, but we don't like the fumes in the house-- so they did it outside. Paul enjoyed watching.
I love this picture. It is very simple-- just girls hanging out.
This has got to be about the cheesiest picture I have ever seen these two little guys take!
I love it! Quick story. Fast forward to after the party when it was time to give them a bath. I threw Dennis in the tub while I took care of Alex's potty needs when I realized that Alex was going to take a little longer than expected. Dennis immediately got sad and began crying. "You mean Mom. Alex no go poo-poo. You mean Mom." Dennis knew that this delay meant that their bath time would not end up being at the same time and he had planned on playing with Alex-- and I went and ruined it. :( I sorry Dennis.
We had Chinese food for a nice change from the regular pizza routine. I baked a pizza on the side for those who would have a fit otherwise.
As for me- I would take Chinese anyday!
Since all of us were so full after dinner, we changed things a bit by opening presents up before doing the cakes.
Dennis loves this blanket. So does Jonny. I know because he asked John if he could get one for his birthday. :)
Dennis was so cute opening presents. After each one he folded his hands quietly and patiently waited while Anna opened one of hers. It sure was neat to see how much Dennis has evolved with his present opening skills over the last two years!
Dennis is my big boy! His kisses are just precious. He can now close his lips and make a little pucker when he kisses. And I bet he would give you one too!
This is my friend Claudette. I am going to miss her and her family so much when we move! But I trust that God will keep us close and help make the moments that we do get to spend together all the more precious.
Alex really wanted to help feed the baby. Aren't they cute?
The kids had fun playing horse shoes in the backyard!
Dennis had been waiting for this moment all day! He seemed mesmerized by the candles and our singing. If only I knew what he was thinking.
I can't believe my little Anna is twelve! We first met her when she was just a tiny thing at six years old. She has grown into such a beautiful girl-- we love you Miss Anna!
This picture has got to make you smile. See Dennis blowing out his candles? He was very proud of himself!
When John offered to run to the store earlier this morning, I told him to get a tub of chocolate and a tub of vanilla. Since he works and does not get the chance to plan much of the parties that we have he figured he was going to have fun and go a little overboard this time with four tubs of ice-cream!
Thanks honey for adding your special little touch to Dennis and Anna's birthday!
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