Yesterday was meet the teacher night after the last summer playdates. What fun the play dates were. MUST have them again! The kids were so excited to see their rooms and see their friends again. Catherine and Samuel share a bedroom and at night they sometimes squabble over who gets to decide what they listen to while they sleep. I did the "pick a # between 1 and 10" and Samuel picked closest, which sent Catherine into tears. Bottom line, she wants school to be today!
So, today was a really sweet day with the kids and I. Yesterday, Samuel made a trade with his friend- a nerf gun for heely's. Samuel has been believing for those for quite some time, but it wasn't something I thought worth spending money on. Pretty cool, until he tried to use them outside today and fell. It was nice to hold him (how much longer will he fit and want to do it) and tell him how much I loved and would miss him while he was in school.
Catherine started begging me yesterday to cut her hair off, I'm sure it was spurred by her 2 very good friends getting their hair cut. It was too late to call our hair dresser, so I did what any good mom would do and took it into my own hands, which is what she wanted. I cut off about 3 inches and she was thrilled! Part of the issue was getting rid of her curls, which she was destined to have because Buddy, his dad, my mom, dad grandma and grandpa all have some curl/wave action going on. Anyway, it was a nice time together and she was pleased with the results.
We got to go to a little b-day party with Zach and Gabriella that extended into a play date that was lots of fun, all too quickly ended.
They each got their clothes ready for tomorrow, put up all their toys (as put up as the Lego's get!) and have their back packs ready. Samuel said "I'm having a hard time waiting for it to be tomorrow!" At first he said his teacher was not the one that he prayed to have, but when I reminded him that he wouldn't be in the same class as his friends, he got his silly little smile and was ok with it.
It was a really good summer with lots of good memories, trips to Branson, time with family, trips to the library, play dates, etc. I have had moments when I'd like to send them somewhere else for a while, but for the most part, I've really enjoyed our times together. I'll miss having them around. I told Samuel I was going to miss him saying "mom" all day long!
Samuel has another loose tooth- #9! He's played Lego's every waking moment all summer long, so it'll be interesting to see how he does having homework every night and needing to do that and not play all day.
Catherine lost another tooth tonight and is now even with Samuel. We were reading Junie B Jones and there was something about farmers having nubbins for heads and she misunderstood me and said "speaking of muffins, can you make some for us?"
Caleb is 11 months today. He and C had a bath together and he was so wild! Splashing and squealing and get me wet. So funny. Earlier this week we were petting Nikki and I was saying "kitty" and he said kaykay more than once. His 7th tooth came through, which I may have already mentioned.
I love my kids!
Religion that is pure and good before God the Father is to help children who have no parents... James 1:27 NLV
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Encouragement
Yesterday we got a call from our friend John who wanted to see how Hannah is, if we knew, and to remind us that God defends the orphans and would move governments and military if needed. Very encouraging. Thanks John.
Today, I was reading Psalm 35 to the kids and ran across this verse- "All my bones shall say, "O Lord, who is like you, delivering the poor from him who is too strong for him, the poor and needy from him who robs him?"" Very appropriate.
Today, I was reading Psalm 35 to the kids and ran across this verse- "All my bones shall say, "O Lord, who is like you, delivering the poor from him who is too strong for him, the poor and needy from him who robs him?"" Very appropriate.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Got a call...
...from CBS! They are contemplating interviewing the families adopting from ROG on how this is affecting us and our concerns for our kids. It's for the Early Show and Buddy's not real thrilled about the idea. Who knows what will happen.
Please pray for Ana, our new friend from ROG- her mom is in the worst hit area.
Please pray for Ana, our new friend from ROG- her mom is in the worst hit area.
Monday, August 11, 2008
Fear NOT!
I'm sure you've all seen the news and know that major things are going on in Hannah's country. We got an email from Robin not to be worried, the children are safe. I trust the Lord to watch over her, that the angels do surround and protect her.
Robin called Friday when I was on my way to pick up some friends to go to Branson. Buddy and Samuel had gone earlier in the day with Chad, and C, C & I were picking up Heather and their daughter. First time to their house by myself (while I was hearing stories about Hannah) and got totally turned around! Anyway, the stories are that Hannah and her foster brother are very sweet together. There is a baby there, also, who is slightly younger than Caleb, and she really likes the baby alot. We don't really know about feeding or potty habits, yet, but it sounds like she's a spunky girl who will be a joy for our family.
We know that it's pretty sad, looking at the news, but we're trusting the Lord to take care of her, as He IS the Father to the fatherless, and going on with preparation for our travels. We have our CPR class Sunday and are getting our kitchen/dining area ready to paint!!! That's a HUGE deal on my list, not because it's a big project, just been waiting a while for it to be "time."
Final thought are from Isaiah- "Fear not; for I am with you: be not dismayed: for I am your God: I will strengthen you: yes, I will help you: yes, I will uphold you with the right hand of my righteousness." "Fear not: for Iam with you: I will bring your seed from the east, and gather you from the west." It's pretty clear what my orders are and what He is doing.
Robin called Friday when I was on my way to pick up some friends to go to Branson. Buddy and Samuel had gone earlier in the day with Chad, and C, C & I were picking up Heather and their daughter. First time to their house by myself (while I was hearing stories about Hannah) and got totally turned around! Anyway, the stories are that Hannah and her foster brother are very sweet together. There is a baby there, also, who is slightly younger than Caleb, and she really likes the baby alot. We don't really know about feeding or potty habits, yet, but it sounds like she's a spunky girl who will be a joy for our family.
We know that it's pretty sad, looking at the news, but we're trusting the Lord to take care of her, as He IS the Father to the fatherless, and going on with preparation for our travels. We have our CPR class Sunday and are getting our kitchen/dining area ready to paint!!! That's a HUGE deal on my list, not because it's a big project, just been waiting a while for it to be "time."
Final thought are from Isaiah- "Fear not; for I am with you: be not dismayed: for I am your God: I will strengthen you: yes, I will help you: yes, I will uphold you with the right hand of my righteousness." "Fear not: for Iam with you: I will bring your seed from the east, and gather you from the west." It's pretty clear what my orders are and what He is doing.
Thursday, August 7, 2008
news
OK, nothing official yet. Got some more pictures yesterday that were really nice to see. She's so cute! I'm going to talk with Robin tomorrow and find out more of what Hannah's like, since she got to spend time with her recently. So exciting that we're closer every day.
Kid stuff
My kids are really great about trying new things that are healthy. Today Buddy told me he'd heard that, even though we juice several times a week, we need to eat the pulp, not just drink the juice. So, tonight I juiced bok choy, celery, pear and carrots, added most of the pulp to the juice and put it in pancakes (along with flax seed, protein powder and anything else I could think of. Just kidding.) Samuel's first response when he saw it was- "why didn't you just let me drink it?" and "I don't like it." We then got to talk about how saying you don't like it before you try is NOT ok, and how important it is to be grateful, not always saying you don't like things and about honoring daddy's wish to have this. I gave Caleb a few bites and he started crying for more! Samuel tried a piece and decided it was pretty good! After a few bites he requested anytime we have a "special" night I make it the exact same way. In typical dramatic fashion, Catherine proclaimed it "delicious, this is sooo good!"
Yesterday, both S&C had play dates that started somewhere else and ended at our house with both of them begging to have another one soon. School starts next Thursday, so we've got our days numbered. We found out who their teachers are for the year and who is in their classes, which was really exciting. S has all familiar faces and several from C's class last year will be with her, too. All summer we've been doing workbook pages, flash cards and reading and are finally down to the last 2 days of work. They each get a $ amount to spend for their hard work and know exactly what they want! They've gotten up everyday by 7:30 at the latest and been ready to go for the day. Today, C slept until 8:50. It must have taken a lot out of her to have so much excitement in one day!
Their new clothes are hung up nicely and Samuel has made a big change in his life. He has officially left the world of "tighty whiteys" and entered into the world of boxers. When was I expecting that to matter to him? Maybe in a few years, but not as an 8 year old! Catherine has a friend who is kissing boys and telling her about it and dating. Oh, my! REALLY not ready for that yet. Had a little talk about what's appropriate for her age and for a VERY long time to come!
I've really enjoyed having the kids home this summer and their friends over so much. It's really true that adding one or two more really doesn't add to your work, it lightens it! They've been helpful, willing to do projects with me, faithfully done their school work (not always so willingly) and been having fun together. Caleb will miss his siblings and they will most likely really miss their times together. It'll be a lot quieter, I'll get some much needed projects done, but I'll miss having them around the house all day.
Yesterday, both S&C had play dates that started somewhere else and ended at our house with both of them begging to have another one soon. School starts next Thursday, so we've got our days numbered. We found out who their teachers are for the year and who is in their classes, which was really exciting. S has all familiar faces and several from C's class last year will be with her, too. All summer we've been doing workbook pages, flash cards and reading and are finally down to the last 2 days of work. They each get a $ amount to spend for their hard work and know exactly what they want! They've gotten up everyday by 7:30 at the latest and been ready to go for the day. Today, C slept until 8:50. It must have taken a lot out of her to have so much excitement in one day!
Their new clothes are hung up nicely and Samuel has made a big change in his life. He has officially left the world of "tighty whiteys" and entered into the world of boxers. When was I expecting that to matter to him? Maybe in a few years, but not as an 8 year old! Catherine has a friend who is kissing boys and telling her about it and dating. Oh, my! REALLY not ready for that yet. Had a little talk about what's appropriate for her age and for a VERY long time to come!
I've really enjoyed having the kids home this summer and their friends over so much. It's really true that adding one or two more really doesn't add to your work, it lightens it! They've been helpful, willing to do projects with me, faithfully done their school work (not always so willingly) and been having fun together. Caleb will miss his siblings and they will most likely really miss their times together. It'll be a lot quieter, I'll get some much needed projects done, but I'll miss having them around the house all day.
Sunday, August 3, 2008
Week in review
What a great past week we've had. Although we've heard nothing new about Hannah, we do know that Robin is now back in the states and believe her visit to ROG was a successful one and anticipate good things from it.
We are officially done with swim lessons for the summer! My car will probably want to auto-pilot its way to the pool, but I'll be happy to refrain. For Caleb's sake, I'm looking forward to a day of no running around. Wednesday, Caleb sprouted his upper left tooth, followed Thursday by his upper right. I can already see his 3rd and 4th upper teeth through his gums and know it won't be long! He's doing really well. I got a tip from a friend about teething biscuits and got some at WalMart tonight. Man, oh man, did he make a mess! But he really liked them. It was a contest to see how much he could put in his mouth at once. Buddy took it away because he was gagging and he cried because he wanted it back. Caleb has also begun crawling more on hands and knees. When he wants speed, he's back to the army crawl!
Buddy got some much needed lawn care done and took care of a hornets nest we didn't realize we had. Last week, I was weeding in front of some bushes and got stung by something. It was kind of dark and I just knew it hurt BAD!!! I was watering yesterday and a hornet flew out of the bushes. That did it! I happily abandoned any work I needed to do in that area! Now, I'll have to get back to it.
Catherine abandonded her training wheels a few weeks ago but has not really enjoyed the feeling of not having them. Yesterday, Samuel helped her as she ventured more on her own. She has a crash and scraped her arm and leg very mildly. I congratulated her on her first accident- it meant she was actually trying on her own. I remember the first time Samuel fell and got badly scraped. He's got the scars to prove it. After that, she was much bolder and had a lot of fun.
This weekend was no sales tax shopping for clothes and shoes, so after I got Caleb up from his nap, he and I hit Old Navy and Target and got some really great deals. Last year this weekend, I ended up in the hospital having contractions while I tried to get school shopping done. Funny to think that so much has changed in a 12 month period. Mom had to do my shopping for me and pants that fit Samuel in the beginning of August were too short by the end of September. So, this year I bought his pants too big in hopes they'll still be right. If not, I left the tags on and I've got 90 days to return!
It was 106 degrees today so we decided to hit the pool. We were there for about an hour and a half and had a fabulous time together. The kids all did great and had fun practicing their new skills. Buddy got to put in some time in lap lanes while Caleb and I chased him along the side of the pool.
One of the biggest and best things that happened this week was that Buddy and I went to an Upper Cervical Doctor. The steps that led us to going had to have been the Lord. He and I had both have had back pain for quite a while- I was diagnosed with scoliosis as a teen, and just the life things that happen to you add up to pesty things in different parts of your body that you come to believe are "normal." I went on Tuesday- my legs were 3/4 inch different, my hips were twisted and tilted and I was leaning to one side. Basically, all this was putting pressure all the way around my brain stem. The adjustment was so easy, I didn't realize the Dr. had done anything. When I stood up, I felt completely different. It felt like all the pressure in my neck and shoulders just evaporated. I could turn my head without pain, my right shoulder wasn't twisted forward. I actually felt calmer, more relaxed. That night I slept with no discomfort and woke up feeling refreshed, without my feet hurting. I know that sounds strange, but so true. Buddy went Friday and unlike almost every night for the past almost 11 years of marriage, fell asleep and slept all night in the same position. He had several little things here and there that were his "normal" that had disappeared, too. 2 biggies are that his digestion is better and he didn't sneeze while he was mowing yesterday, which is HUGE! We also have noticed having a lot more energy.
Believe it or not, there are only 300 Dr.s in the world who practice this, but the list of things that can be treated that, from other Dr.s' reports are incurable or only treatable with meds or surgery, are amazing. It has to be wisdom from the Lord that led to discovering this treatment technique. Here's a link to the Dr. we went to. You can listen to an interview that's amazing and find someone in your area that can help. It's so worth it just in case it may work for you.
http://www.marshallspinalcare.com/
We found out that our good friends, the Urbans will be moving about 4 miles from us the end of this month! Hope and Hannah will be about the same age. Hope likes to help her sister Ava learn new things. I wonder what she'll be teaching Hannah?
We are officially done with swim lessons for the summer! My car will probably want to auto-pilot its way to the pool, but I'll be happy to refrain. For Caleb's sake, I'm looking forward to a day of no running around. Wednesday, Caleb sprouted his upper left tooth, followed Thursday by his upper right. I can already see his 3rd and 4th upper teeth through his gums and know it won't be long! He's doing really well. I got a tip from a friend about teething biscuits and got some at WalMart tonight. Man, oh man, did he make a mess! But he really liked them. It was a contest to see how much he could put in his mouth at once. Buddy took it away because he was gagging and he cried because he wanted it back. Caleb has also begun crawling more on hands and knees. When he wants speed, he's back to the army crawl!
Buddy got some much needed lawn care done and took care of a hornets nest we didn't realize we had. Last week, I was weeding in front of some bushes and got stung by something. It was kind of dark and I just knew it hurt BAD!!! I was watering yesterday and a hornet flew out of the bushes. That did it! I happily abandoned any work I needed to do in that area! Now, I'll have to get back to it.
Catherine abandonded her training wheels a few weeks ago but has not really enjoyed the feeling of not having them. Yesterday, Samuel helped her as she ventured more on her own. She has a crash and scraped her arm and leg very mildly. I congratulated her on her first accident- it meant she was actually trying on her own. I remember the first time Samuel fell and got badly scraped. He's got the scars to prove it. After that, she was much bolder and had a lot of fun.
This weekend was no sales tax shopping for clothes and shoes, so after I got Caleb up from his nap, he and I hit Old Navy and Target and got some really great deals. Last year this weekend, I ended up in the hospital having contractions while I tried to get school shopping done. Funny to think that so much has changed in a 12 month period. Mom had to do my shopping for me and pants that fit Samuel in the beginning of August were too short by the end of September. So, this year I bought his pants too big in hopes they'll still be right. If not, I left the tags on and I've got 90 days to return!
It was 106 degrees today so we decided to hit the pool. We were there for about an hour and a half and had a fabulous time together. The kids all did great and had fun practicing their new skills. Buddy got to put in some time in lap lanes while Caleb and I chased him along the side of the pool.
One of the biggest and best things that happened this week was that Buddy and I went to an Upper Cervical Doctor. The steps that led us to going had to have been the Lord. He and I had both have had back pain for quite a while- I was diagnosed with scoliosis as a teen, and just the life things that happen to you add up to pesty things in different parts of your body that you come to believe are "normal." I went on Tuesday- my legs were 3/4 inch different, my hips were twisted and tilted and I was leaning to one side. Basically, all this was putting pressure all the way around my brain stem. The adjustment was so easy, I didn't realize the Dr. had done anything. When I stood up, I felt completely different. It felt like all the pressure in my neck and shoulders just evaporated. I could turn my head without pain, my right shoulder wasn't twisted forward. I actually felt calmer, more relaxed. That night I slept with no discomfort and woke up feeling refreshed, without my feet hurting. I know that sounds strange, but so true. Buddy went Friday and unlike almost every night for the past almost 11 years of marriage, fell asleep and slept all night in the same position. He had several little things here and there that were his "normal" that had disappeared, too. 2 biggies are that his digestion is better and he didn't sneeze while he was mowing yesterday, which is HUGE! We also have noticed having a lot more energy.
Believe it or not, there are only 300 Dr.s in the world who practice this, but the list of things that can be treated that, from other Dr.s' reports are incurable or only treatable with meds or surgery, are amazing. It has to be wisdom from the Lord that led to discovering this treatment technique. Here's a link to the Dr. we went to. You can listen to an interview that's amazing and find someone in your area that can help. It's so worth it just in case it may work for you.
http://www.marshallspinalcare.com/
We found out that our good friends, the Urbans will be moving about 4 miles from us the end of this month! Hope and Hannah will be about the same age. Hope likes to help her sister Ava learn new things. I wonder what she'll be teaching Hannah?
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