A little peek into how my mornings generally go:
6:30 - alarm goes off, but I need time to 'wake up', so I lay in bed, watch morning news, and check my email and Facebook.
7:00 - go wake the kids up, head downstairs, get their breakfast going. Make lunches. I make their lunches every day. I let Wyatt put some money in the hot lunch account this year, grudgingly, because those lunches are just, blech!, but I make their lunches. Today it was hot ramen, carrots, fruit and veggie strips (100% no preservatives), a fruit cup, and an Honest Kids drink pouch. I usually send water bottles with them, but I had an extra box of juice pouches from when we were snack parents.
7:30 - get the kids out the door - they have been riding their bikes to school, so they head up and move out!
7:40 - make coffee, watch morning news, or watch a DVR show or two.
But today, it went like this:
Make coffee (I have a Keurig). Throw laundry that I started this morning into dryer, add another load to washer. Decide to scoop litter box. Break out vacuum to clean up litter all over the place from the cats kicking it around. Look around and decide to vacuum the downstairs. Vacuum the kitchen (I don't sweep, it's extraneous). Decide to vacuum the couch. Put the vacuum away. Clean the table. Clean the kitchen counters. Look over and see that your coffee that you made 45 minutes ago is still sitting there. Laugh.
Isn't it funny how we just decide to 'do one thing really quick' and it turns into an hour of chores?
Such is the life of a mom!
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Sunday, May 13, 2012
Mothers Day 2012
It is amazing to me where my life is today. 17 months ago we brought home two wonderful, precious, beautiful children who needed us as much as we needed them. At the time, they were 7 and 9, and now they are 8 and 11goingon21.
They came to us scared, unsure, and cautious. Today they are brave, confident, and curious.
I've watched my baby girl spread her wings and take root in her generous spirit. She's learning how to be a good friend without being taken advantage of. She's discovering the drama that accompanies the fifth grade hormones. She's learned that she is a rock star softball player, and the confidence boost has done wonders for her self-esteem. She's learned that sometimes, things don't work out like you want them to, and you take away the lesson and move on.
I've watched my baby boy become a funny, sassy, self-assured little man. I've seen him find a way to overcome his trepidation on certain things. I've watched his anxiety level go way down. I've learned to deal with his penchant for always seeing things in black and white, constrained in a neat little box. I've worked with him on his quick anger, trying to teach him that we must be quick to think, slow to speak, and slow to Anger. He's learned that you can't always get what you want, and he has learned to graciously respond to the word 'no'.
I've seen my older son hit several milestones that I realized I was dreading. He turned 18. He went to prom. He got his first job. He got a car. He's going to graduate high school in a little over a week. I've been cautiously navigating this relationship twist. I'm still his parent, but I've taken a more advisory role, rather than a teaching role. It's been a journey for me.
As a mother who has come to motherhood both biologically and through adoption, I am so very thankful for this day. For the day that reminds me to be thankful for my blessings. To be thankful that I have a husband who loves our children, and sets an example for them by loving me. Who provides for his family without complaint, and who is someone that I can trust beyond a shadow of a doubt to be my partner in parenting. I am thankful that he is not someone that I have to ask 'to watch the kids', but rather a willing participant in their growth, learning, and life. Someone who doesn't feel that his family is 'something to be dealt with', but something he willingly helped grow.
To all of you mothers out there, happy Mother's Day. I hope you are as blessed this day as I am.
They came to us scared, unsure, and cautious. Today they are brave, confident, and curious.
I've watched my baby girl spread her wings and take root in her generous spirit. She's learning how to be a good friend without being taken advantage of. She's discovering the drama that accompanies the fifth grade hormones. She's learned that she is a rock star softball player, and the confidence boost has done wonders for her self-esteem. She's learned that sometimes, things don't work out like you want them to, and you take away the lesson and move on.
I've watched my baby boy become a funny, sassy, self-assured little man. I've seen him find a way to overcome his trepidation on certain things. I've watched his anxiety level go way down. I've learned to deal with his penchant for always seeing things in black and white, constrained in a neat little box. I've worked with him on his quick anger, trying to teach him that we must be quick to think, slow to speak, and slow to Anger. He's learned that you can't always get what you want, and he has learned to graciously respond to the word 'no'.
I've seen my older son hit several milestones that I realized I was dreading. He turned 18. He went to prom. He got his first job. He got a car. He's going to graduate high school in a little over a week. I've been cautiously navigating this relationship twist. I'm still his parent, but I've taken a more advisory role, rather than a teaching role. It's been a journey for me.
As a mother who has come to motherhood both biologically and through adoption, I am so very thankful for this day. For the day that reminds me to be thankful for my blessings. To be thankful that I have a husband who loves our children, and sets an example for them by loving me. Who provides for his family without complaint, and who is someone that I can trust beyond a shadow of a doubt to be my partner in parenting. I am thankful that he is not someone that I have to ask 'to watch the kids', but rather a willing participant in their growth, learning, and life. Someone who doesn't feel that his family is 'something to be dealt with', but something he willingly helped grow.
To all of you mothers out there, happy Mother's Day. I hope you are as blessed this day as I am.
Friday, May 11, 2012
Looks Like She Made IT!!
Jordan tried out for our All-Star Tournament Ball softball team on Sunday, May 6th. We've been anxiously awaiting word on whether or not she made it, and it finally came on Wednesday night! She's ON! We're so very proud of her for trying out, for giving her all, and for making it.
She's my All Star!
She's my All Star!
Monday, May 07, 2012
Super Proud Mama!
Jordan is in our local softball league. She plays first base primarily, with her backup position being catcher. It's her first year really playing, and she's doing exceptionally well. Her team just took the playoffs and has been sent on to the championships.
Due to all of the rain we had at the beginning of the season, the girls had a lot of makeup games to play, and the playoffs and the championship games were all pushed forward. I did not know the final dates until about three weeks ago, and because of this last-minute decision, had to cancel on attending my cousin's wedding in NYC this weekend. I'm sad about that, but I'm attending my daughter's first championship game. It's caused some hurt feelings, and for that I'm sorry, but as a parent, you do what you have to do. It's just too bad that those without children can't understand that our children's schedules do not fall into neat little rows all of the time.
Moving on, this Sunday Jordan also tried out for the Travel Ball Tournament Team. We're breathlessly awaiting the results. 23 girls tried out, and I know that there were a couple of more that had asked for accommodations due to a soccer tournament, and they only take max 15 for the roster! It's nail-biting, especially since you could tell that the girls who went out gave it their all and really wanted it!
Wyatt's soccer team is plugging along. They haven't won a game yet, but they did tie one! Poor guys! I feel bad for them, they just play their little hearts out.
It's hot today, and my kids will be walking in the door any minute. They've been riding their bikes back and forth to school, saving me gas and time. I bought them little mango and cream fruit bars from Trader Joe's as an after-school snack. They'll love me for it!!
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Something to Think About
Sometimes in the hectic rush and routine of our daily lives, we often forget to stop and be thankful.
I'm a Pinterest addict, and I 'pinned' a saying the other day. It says
I'm a Pinterest addict, and I 'pinned' a saying the other day. It says
'I urge you to please notice when you are happy,
and exclaim or murmur or think at some point
"If this isn't nice, I don't know what is"' ~ Kurt Vonnegut
I read this and it really resonated with me. I AM happy. Happy with my life, happy with my husband, happy with my children. Happy that we can give them this life of carefree days, no worries, the opportunity for world travel, never needing for anything (although the wanting part - that's what gets them!), always feeling loved, and secure. I look into those faces, and I see that they are relaxed, and solid.
We've been through a lot of changes since October. Changes that, without this solid foundation of our family unit and sticking together, could have easily torn us apart. Changes that might make someone anxious, yet because we have our cocoon, we were able to endure.
And it's not over. Far be it for me to say that our lives will now continue in this same routine, no. That's not the way our family works. We enjoy the restless wanderlust that we are faced with. We enjoy that feeling of having connections all over this earth. We are secure in the fact that no matter where we go, no matter where we end up, we are together.
Our children have been bitten by that bug. They are both itching to go somewhere, especially Wy. His common question on Thursdays is now: "Are we going to go anywhere this weekend?" When I tell him no, he answers with "I love our adventures."
I'm happy. And if this isn't nice, I don't know what is.
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Summer Lovin!
I know, I know, we just left Spring Break and I'm already focused on making summer plans!!!! YAY!
Two things we have set in stone: A vacation to Puerto Vallarta in July; and the kids are going away for a week at Memaw and Papaw Camp in Arizona! Today Jordan told us that she was invited to go to Indiana with one of her BFF's for a week this summer so we're going to try and make that happen. What a great opportunity.
In addition, I want to get back to New Jersey for a week so I can show the kids where mama grew up, point out the guidos and explain to them that if they bring home a 'Snooki' or a 'Situation', there will be the mother of ALL situations at our house.
I also want to take them to the City.
I'm headed to NYC next month for my cousin Michael's wedding. It's only for a quick weekend, and Chris and the kids aren't going, so I want to go back when the kids are out of school to take them. Jordan was born in February 2001 and Wyatt in October 2003, so for all intents and purposes, they've always lived in a world without the Twin Towers. I would love to take them to Ground Zero, get them a Sabrett hot dog, and ride them around on the subway. Additionally, I want to take them to FAO Schwarz and watch their heads explode.
We're also going to try and get to St. Louis to see the family again. We all love going there, and we've been twice now, and the kids LOVE that side of the family.
However, that's not the whole entire summer. So today, I came up with an idea, after perusing some websites. I told the kids today that they have three goals for the summer:
Two things we have set in stone: A vacation to Puerto Vallarta in July; and the kids are going away for a week at Memaw and Papaw Camp in Arizona! Today Jordan told us that she was invited to go to Indiana with one of her BFF's for a week this summer so we're going to try and make that happen. What a great opportunity.
In addition, I want to get back to New Jersey for a week so I can show the kids where mama grew up, point out the guidos and explain to them that if they bring home a 'Snooki' or a 'Situation', there will be the mother of ALL situations at our house.
I also want to take them to the City.
I'm headed to NYC next month for my cousin Michael's wedding. It's only for a quick weekend, and Chris and the kids aren't going, so I want to go back when the kids are out of school to take them. Jordan was born in February 2001 and Wyatt in October 2003, so for all intents and purposes, they've always lived in a world without the Twin Towers. I would love to take them to Ground Zero, get them a Sabrett hot dog, and ride them around on the subway. Additionally, I want to take them to FAO Schwarz and watch their heads explode.
We're also going to try and get to St. Louis to see the family again. We all love going there, and we've been twice now, and the kids LOVE that side of the family.
However, that's not the whole entire summer. So today, I came up with an idea, after perusing some websites. I told the kids today that they have three goals for the summer:
1. Learn something new. This can be a new skill, a new language, or whatever.
2. Read a great book. I'm not really worried about Jordan, she's my voracious reader, but I did tell Wyatt he has to get a book that has no pictures, and he has to read the whole thing. I know this will require a trip to the bookstore as opposed to the library.
3. Complete a project. This will involve them creating, designing, and completing a project of their choosing.
I'm pretty excited about the summer, and the possibilities it holds! School's out on June 14th! We're leaving on a surprise trip for the kids on the 15th! Can't wait!
I am the mother of an adult...
Yesterday marked a major milestone in my life. My eldest son turned 18. For the last 18 years I have dreaded this day, wishing it to stay away a few more days, a few more moments.
I remember SO vividly the feeling of utter fear as my water broke 8 weeks earlier than expected. I remember the panic rising in my throat and whispering to my baby 'not yet! It's too soon, too sudden!' I remember the car ride to the hospital and praying, begging God to PLEASE, let him be ok, let my baby live through this.
36 hours later, my son made his entrance into this world, screaming to my relief, showing us that indeed, his lungs were ready for this life.
Those first 12 days were stressful, sleepless, panicked, prayerful, and hopeful. My baby made it, and he grew, and he learned, and he loved and was loved.
And now he's 18.
He's a great son. A great brother. A great friend. And a great young man. I'm so proud of the person he's become and of the things he accomplished. I know he will be successful in all that he does, and I am excited to see what the next 18 years hold for him.
I remember SO vividly the feeling of utter fear as my water broke 8 weeks earlier than expected. I remember the panic rising in my throat and whispering to my baby 'not yet! It's too soon, too sudden!' I remember the car ride to the hospital and praying, begging God to PLEASE, let him be ok, let my baby live through this.
36 hours later, my son made his entrance into this world, screaming to my relief, showing us that indeed, his lungs were ready for this life.
Those first 12 days were stressful, sleepless, panicked, prayerful, and hopeful. My baby made it, and he grew, and he learned, and he loved and was loved.
He's a great son. A great brother. A great friend. And a great young man. I'm so proud of the person he's become and of the things he accomplished. I know he will be successful in all that he does, and I am excited to see what the next 18 years hold for him.
Monday, March 26, 2012
March 26...Almost Spring Break!
Wow!! I can't believe that the first quarter of 2012 is almost over. I also can't believe how much I've 'neglected' this blog. One would think that being a SAHM leaves me tons of time to blog, but sadly, no.
So...what's happened since my last bloggity.
I have a daughter who likes to brag about her mom playing softball in high school and college, and that landed me a free guilt trip to help coach her softball team. So I'm doing that.
I signed up to volunteer at the school for an hour two days a week during the lunch period. I handle Wyatt's lunch period on Mondays and Jordan's on Thursdays. The jury is still out on which group is harder work - 2nd or 5th graders.
Wyatt is super busy with soccer on Mondays and Wednesdays, and Tae Kwon Do on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Games are about to begin and those will be on Sundays. Jordan has had a couple of games but some have been rained out.
In addition, I've gotten back on the health wagon. I've been alternating between running 1.5 miles, doing the elliptical for 4 miles, biking for 6 miles, and Zumba! I've also been using the My Fitness Pal app to keep track of my calories, fat, etc., and my cardio. I'm not doing too bad!
My eldest son turns 18 in 15 days. I'm refusing to deal with that right now, and putting it in a little corner. I'm not going to be able to do that for long, seeing as it's happening in 15 days, though. He also graduates high school in 58 days. And then can I breathe a sigh of relief? He's had a lot of support in getting to where he is today, and I couldn't be more proud of the young man he has become. He amazes me in his quiet gentleness, his thoughtful wisdom, and his sense of humor.
We're leaving Thursday evening to go to AZ for a little Spring Break visit. I'm excited to see our good friends - and they are all excited we're coming for a little visit. I wish we could stay longer, but we're saving our vacation funds for a little visit to Puerto Vallarta we have planned the first week of July.
And as I now look at the clock, it's 2:35, and I need to go pick up my children from school. I will then rush home, get them through homework, get them changed, get one to soccer practice at 4, drop the other at softball at 4:30. Wyatt has soccer practice until 5:30 and then Jordan has a game at 5:30. Looks like snack shack hot dogs for dinner! Cheap, but tasty.
How's your world?
So...what's happened since my last bloggity.
I have a daughter who likes to brag about her mom playing softball in high school and college, and that landed me a free guilt trip to help coach her softball team. So I'm doing that.
I signed up to volunteer at the school for an hour two days a week during the lunch period. I handle Wyatt's lunch period on Mondays and Jordan's on Thursdays. The jury is still out on which group is harder work - 2nd or 5th graders.
Wyatt is super busy with soccer on Mondays and Wednesdays, and Tae Kwon Do on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Games are about to begin and those will be on Sundays. Jordan has had a couple of games but some have been rained out.
In addition, I've gotten back on the health wagon. I've been alternating between running 1.5 miles, doing the elliptical for 4 miles, biking for 6 miles, and Zumba! I've also been using the My Fitness Pal app to keep track of my calories, fat, etc., and my cardio. I'm not doing too bad!
My eldest son turns 18 in 15 days. I'm refusing to deal with that right now, and putting it in a little corner. I'm not going to be able to do that for long, seeing as it's happening in 15 days, though. He also graduates high school in 58 days. And then can I breathe a sigh of relief? He's had a lot of support in getting to where he is today, and I couldn't be more proud of the young man he has become. He amazes me in his quiet gentleness, his thoughtful wisdom, and his sense of humor.
We're leaving Thursday evening to go to AZ for a little Spring Break visit. I'm excited to see our good friends - and they are all excited we're coming for a little visit. I wish we could stay longer, but we're saving our vacation funds for a little visit to Puerto Vallarta we have planned the first week of July.
And as I now look at the clock, it's 2:35, and I need to go pick up my children from school. I will then rush home, get them through homework, get them changed, get one to soccer practice at 4, drop the other at softball at 4:30. Wyatt has soccer practice until 5:30 and then Jordan has a game at 5:30. Looks like snack shack hot dogs for dinner! Cheap, but tasty.
How's your world?
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Sports, sports, and uh, Sports. Yep.
Hello to my readers! Um, there's not much excuse for my long absence from our blog except this: It is crazy around here. I posted a picture of my planner on Facebook a bit back, and the color coding and activity is enough to make your head spin.
See you soon!
It's color-coded for my sanity. And that was February. March is shaping up to be just as crazy.
Regardless, between sports and activities and school and errands and basically generally running a household, I've been a little, shall we say, pre-occupied. Much has happened that I need to blog about, however today I just don't have the time. My purpose for posting was to dust off the cobwebs and to post on leap day. Yep, I'm posting so that I have a post on leap day!
Eh - it's the small goals that help achieve the big ones!!
See you soon!
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Reality Check Please!
We've been focusing a lot on little man lately. He's been going through some stuff and we've been getting some testing and help and so on... and throughout it all, I've checked in with my daughter to make sure she doesn't feel like she's being forgotten or pushed aside.
She assures us she doesn't feel that way, that she's fine. And I'm relatively assured that she is. Still, I can't help but feel guilty that there's so much energy being directed at one child.
It seems that, thankfully, our little man is finally getting to that light at the end of the tunnel. I've been able to take a breath and turn our focus a bit more to my daughter.
And just when I feel I've reached the tippy-top of my guilt, I get an email from her teacher that says this:
She assures us she doesn't feel that way, that she's fine. And I'm relatively assured that she is. Still, I can't help but feel guilty that there's so much energy being directed at one child.
It seems that, thankfully, our little man is finally getting to that light at the end of the tunnel. I've been able to take a breath and turn our focus a bit more to my daughter.
And just when I feel I've reached the tippy-top of my guilt, I get an email from her teacher that says this:
I wanted to let you know how wonderful Jordan is doing and what a great person she is. She knows how to have fun while still staying focused on the work. Always positive, always energetic; helping everyone. I've never seen a hint of discouragement from her. She constantly sets a great example for her classmates, because everyone loves her and falls in line with her focus on the assignment. Please have her cloned as soon as you can. Nice work!
There are times in a parent's life when your heart swells and you feel such pride at something that you had NO IDEA you were even doing. The immense pressure and guilt I've put on myself feeling like I've been pushing my daughter off in an effort to deal with the load I've had with my little one has been notably self-inflicted. Why are we so hard on ourselves as parents? Why are we so self-flagellating, questioning and scolding ourselves when we don't feel like we have made the right choices? I try very hard to be a laid-back parent, letting my kids navigate their way through choices and being there as a gently guiding hand.
And when I get to see the positive fruits of my labor, it makes my day.
Be assured, parents. You're doing a good job.
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Goodbye 2011! Hello 2012!
2011 brought us a lot of ups and downs, triumphs and trials, laughter and tears.
As our family ends the year on a high note (our home in Oregon finally closed!!!), I am taking this time to wish you all a very happy New Year, and a 2012 full of love, happiness, and peace.
As our family ends the year on a high note (our home in Oregon finally closed!!!), I am taking this time to wish you all a very happy New Year, and a 2012 full of love, happiness, and peace.
Top 10 Pros of Adopting Older Children
Sometimes something will happen in the course of our normal day together that will immediately cause Chris and I to look at each other and simultaneously blurt out 'pro!'.
When we do this, it can be during a meal at a restaurant when our kids are sitting properly and engaging and one table over is a family of spider monkeys hopped up on mountain dew. Don't get me wrong, I'm not judging, I'm thankful. It's at that very moment when I think to myself 'thankful!'.
Or when we're traveling and our kids are keeping up while we expertly navigate the airport with our perfectly packed roller bags and get caught behind a family with two toddlers with a double stroller and all the accoutrements.
So with that background in mind, I (TIC) bring you the Top 10 Pros of Adopting Older Children. Here we go:
10: There is no need to wonder if you've packed enough diapers/wipes/snacks for the 3 minute drive to Target.
9: When trying to determine where to go for dinner, the restaurant that rhymes with 'Yucky Sneezes' never, ever gets a mention.
8: A trip to the zoo does not take 4 hours of prep work, three bottles, 6 bags of snacks, and a stroller.
7: Daycare costs are minimal if at all.
6: Guess who cleans their own room?
5: Four words: sleeping through the night.
4: The willingness to let mommy sleep in sometimes while they read or play quietly in their room.
3: Although not always properly, they always dress themselves.
2: I never fear turning my back and suddenly finding a ten pound bag of flour spread hither and yon across my living room.
And the number 1 pro of adopting older children? The absolute joy we all have in knowing we're a forever family.
Ok so that last one could be for all adoptive families.
When we do this, it can be during a meal at a restaurant when our kids are sitting properly and engaging and one table over is a family of spider monkeys hopped up on mountain dew. Don't get me wrong, I'm not judging, I'm thankful. It's at that very moment when I think to myself 'thankful!'.
Or when we're traveling and our kids are keeping up while we expertly navigate the airport with our perfectly packed roller bags and get caught behind a family with two toddlers with a double stroller and all the accoutrements.
So with that background in mind, I (TIC) bring you the Top 10 Pros of Adopting Older Children. Here we go:
10: There is no need to wonder if you've packed enough diapers/wipes/snacks for the 3 minute drive to Target.
9: When trying to determine where to go for dinner, the restaurant that rhymes with 'Yucky Sneezes' never, ever gets a mention.
8: A trip to the zoo does not take 4 hours of prep work, three bottles, 6 bags of snacks, and a stroller.
7: Daycare costs are minimal if at all.
6: Guess who cleans their own room?
5: Four words: sleeping through the night.
4: The willingness to let mommy sleep in sometimes while they read or play quietly in their room.
3: Although not always properly, they always dress themselves.
2: I never fear turning my back and suddenly finding a ten pound bag of flour spread hither and yon across my living room.
And the number 1 pro of adopting older children? The absolute joy we all have in knowing we're a forever family.
Ok so that last one could be for all adoptive families.
Sunday, December 25, 2011
Merry Christmas!
From my family to you and yours. Enjoy your day and may 2012 bring you the joys and blessings you so richly desire and deserve.
Thursday, December 22, 2011
I'm Late. Shocker.
I'm late on this post. Late, late, late.
You see, my kids came home on December 19th, 2010. So one year and three days ago, our family expanded by two.
And here we are, one year (and three days) later.
We've moved to another state. We've been on a family vacation. We've been through ups, downs, and in-betweens.
I've watched two children who wanted nothing more in this world than to have the security and love of a forever family grow, thrive and spread their wings. I've learned just as much from them as I am hoping that they are learning from us. I've seen miracles in bonding, trust, and confidence.
I've watched a little girl who had so much pressure to take care of her little brother, let go, and let us handle it. She still struggles with being a bossy one, but gentle (and sometimes not-so-gentle) reminders help us through that. I've watched her learn to trust us. I've watched her watch me, to see how I do things. And I'm seeing some of the habits I want her to have come shining through. She has a great sense of responsibility - both for herself and for her actions. She's an incredible artist, a voracious reader, and a great friend.
I've watched a little boy who was so unsure, who needed a father SO much, become so enamored by his daddy. I've seen him try so hard to be just like daddy. He's got a wicked sense of humor, his laugh is infectious, and his empathy is endless. He loves lego's and Angry Birds, soccer and Taekwondo, and jumping on dad and his big brother.
I've watched a big brother so easily step into a role he was made for. Such an accepting and nonchalant attitude about these two new siblings. I've seen him guide, and cajole, and tease, as any siblings will do.
I'm so proud of all of my kids. I'm so complete with my family. And I'm so blessed by God.
My kids were recently asked to be in a video for our adoption agency highlighting the need for families for older and special needs children. The final video came out yesterday. I tear up every time I watch it, so I am giving you a Kleenex warning NOW.
Enjoy. And have a very blessed Christmas!!
Be The Difference from Videos for AGCI on Vimeo.
You see, my kids came home on December 19th, 2010. So one year and three days ago, our family expanded by two.
And here we are, one year (and three days) later.
We've moved to another state. We've been on a family vacation. We've been through ups, downs, and in-betweens.
I've watched two children who wanted nothing more in this world than to have the security and love of a forever family grow, thrive and spread their wings. I've learned just as much from them as I am hoping that they are learning from us. I've seen miracles in bonding, trust, and confidence.
I've watched a little girl who had so much pressure to take care of her little brother, let go, and let us handle it. She still struggles with being a bossy one, but gentle (and sometimes not-so-gentle) reminders help us through that. I've watched her learn to trust us. I've watched her watch me, to see how I do things. And I'm seeing some of the habits I want her to have come shining through. She has a great sense of responsibility - both for herself and for her actions. She's an incredible artist, a voracious reader, and a great friend.
I've watched a little boy who was so unsure, who needed a father SO much, become so enamored by his daddy. I've seen him try so hard to be just like daddy. He's got a wicked sense of humor, his laugh is infectious, and his empathy is endless. He loves lego's and Angry Birds, soccer and Taekwondo, and jumping on dad and his big brother.
I've watched a big brother so easily step into a role he was made for. Such an accepting and nonchalant attitude about these two new siblings. I've seen him guide, and cajole, and tease, as any siblings will do.
I'm so proud of all of my kids. I'm so complete with my family. And I'm so blessed by God.
My kids were recently asked to be in a video for our adoption agency highlighting the need for families for older and special needs children. The final video came out yesterday. I tear up every time I watch it, so I am giving you a Kleenex warning NOW.
Enjoy. And have a very blessed Christmas!!
Be The Difference from Videos for AGCI on Vimeo.
Sunday, November 27, 2011
I've Been Stalking
Our adoption agency, All God's Children International, put out a call on Facebook a few months ago to share your blog with others who had gone through or are going through adoption. I threw my blog address in there and promptly forgot about it with all the hecticness (is that a word? It's red underlined, so I'm going to say no) of us getting the house ready for sale, Chris commuting, and the move.
I routinely peruse any new followers I have, and link back to their blogs to read them and see what they are about. I love reading other adoptive mom's writing. I love immersing myself in their feelings and thoughts while they are going through what we are going through. I love getting those moments where I realize I am nodding my head and agreeing with everything they are saying. I want to reach out to them, tell them that the other side is so close, and that when they are standing where I am standing, it will all be SO incredibly worth it.
And then I feel like a stalker. Thoughts race through my head, letting in self-doubt, and insecurity. What if they think I am crazy? What if they don't like me? It's my junior high insecure self popping up and whispering in my ear and I need to give her a stern look and tell her to take stock of everything that's happened. I want to tell her to look at my beautiful children: one by birth and two by adoption, and let her decide if my insecurity has a place in this world. Let her decide if my passion for domestic adoption - especially of older children in the foster care system - is insecurity. And I am not surprised when she sits down and shuts the hell up.
I'm a 'tell it like it is' girl. Sometimes it's gotten me in trouble; other times, it's lost me friends. More often than not, I've been told it's refreshing because my friends always know where they stand with me. In the grand scheme of things, I won't change who I am. I would rather slap you with honesty than kiss you with a lie. I believe a large part of who I am comes from having to be honest. Honest with myself, and honest with others. And I won't change that now. And I won't apologize for it.
And here I stand, one year and four days after learning that I would, indeed, be a mother again. On November 23rd of 2010, we received a phone call that changed our world forever. I couldn't have been more happy for that phone call and yet honestly, at the time it scared the crap out of me.
On the other side, looking back, I can smile at how far we've come. And I just want to reach out and share that with everyone who's blogs I am now stalking who are going through the same process.
Is that weird?
I routinely peruse any new followers I have, and link back to their blogs to read them and see what they are about. I love reading other adoptive mom's writing. I love immersing myself in their feelings and thoughts while they are going through what we are going through. I love getting those moments where I realize I am nodding my head and agreeing with everything they are saying. I want to reach out to them, tell them that the other side is so close, and that when they are standing where I am standing, it will all be SO incredibly worth it.
And then I feel like a stalker. Thoughts race through my head, letting in self-doubt, and insecurity. What if they think I am crazy? What if they don't like me? It's my junior high insecure self popping up and whispering in my ear and I need to give her a stern look and tell her to take stock of everything that's happened. I want to tell her to look at my beautiful children: one by birth and two by adoption, and let her decide if my insecurity has a place in this world. Let her decide if my passion for domestic adoption - especially of older children in the foster care system - is insecurity. And I am not surprised when she sits down and shuts the hell up.
I'm a 'tell it like it is' girl. Sometimes it's gotten me in trouble; other times, it's lost me friends. More often than not, I've been told it's refreshing because my friends always know where they stand with me. In the grand scheme of things, I won't change who I am. I would rather slap you with honesty than kiss you with a lie. I believe a large part of who I am comes from having to be honest. Honest with myself, and honest with others. And I won't change that now. And I won't apologize for it.
And here I stand, one year and four days after learning that I would, indeed, be a mother again. On November 23rd of 2010, we received a phone call that changed our world forever. I couldn't have been more happy for that phone call and yet honestly, at the time it scared the crap out of me.
On the other side, looking back, I can smile at how far we've come. And I just want to reach out and share that with everyone who's blogs I am now stalking who are going through the same process.
Is that weird?
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Time keeps on slippin.....
I can't believe it's November 23rd already!
I also can't believe how busy I am being a temporary SAHM. I told my husband the other day that I needed to get a job, because I'm way busier now than I was when I went to work every day, which to me is unexplainable. He laughed. I think secretly he would like me to stay home. The house is clean, laundry is done, errands are run, kids are taken care of, and dinner is on the table most nights when he gets home. (Sometimes he pushes me out of the kitchen, because he likes to cook as well).
This morning after I took the kids to school, I ran to Starbucks for a Caramel Brulee latte (YUM) and then off to the grocery store. What. A. Nightmare. I'm just thankful that I was able to get out of there in under an hour. Came home, straightened up the house, did a few chores, got laundry done, made a few phone calls, and sat down for a minute and remembered I hadn't posted here in quite some time.
Things are going very well for us here in Northern California. We all love it: the weather is mild, the people are genuine, and the community we live in is amazing.
Wyatt is settling in with his Tae Kwon Do classes. Master Herb Perez, who owns the gym he attends, is the only American to ever bring home a gold medal in TKD from the Olympics! He's a Gold Medal Olympian. It's very inspiring. He's also a no-nonsense guy who commands - and receives - respect from his students. The other teachers are also very good. It's a fun environment, and I like the philosophy that they have of partnering with parents to help teach life skills.
Jordan is registered for Spring softball and can't wait! She's made a couple of close friends, and they are good girls from good families. She's enjoying school; her teacher is amazing.
Today my kids are being filmed to be featured in a video for our adoption agency. The video will focus on the need for families that are willing to adopt older children. So many stigmas exist that older children are a 'lost cause', when in fact they want what any child wants: a good, nurturing, loving home. Our children have acclimated wonderfully, and I like to think that it is because they have an amazing support system. They have grandparents that love them to pieces, aunts and uncles and cousins who all made them feel so welcome when we took them to Alton to introduce them. They have an older brother who thinks that they are awesome. And they have parents who love them fiercely, and who keep them in line.
This is not to say that every day in our house is puppies and rainbows. Oh no. Sometimes I joke that I wouldn't trade them for the world, but would sell them for a dollar. There are trials, and there are moments. At the end of the day, however, I look at those faces, and I know that they love us as much as we love them. I hear it in their prayers to God, I see it in their responses to us, and I feel it in the death-grip hugs and face-smooshing kisses that we receive.
Last night Wyatt said grace, and his prayer to God was 'thank you for my family, I love my family'.
Melt my heart why don't ya?? Happy Thanksgiving y'all!!
I also can't believe how busy I am being a temporary SAHM. I told my husband the other day that I needed to get a job, because I'm way busier now than I was when I went to work every day, which to me is unexplainable. He laughed. I think secretly he would like me to stay home. The house is clean, laundry is done, errands are run, kids are taken care of, and dinner is on the table most nights when he gets home. (Sometimes he pushes me out of the kitchen, because he likes to cook as well).
This morning after I took the kids to school, I ran to Starbucks for a Caramel Brulee latte (YUM) and then off to the grocery store. What. A. Nightmare. I'm just thankful that I was able to get out of there in under an hour. Came home, straightened up the house, did a few chores, got laundry done, made a few phone calls, and sat down for a minute and remembered I hadn't posted here in quite some time.
Things are going very well for us here in Northern California. We all love it: the weather is mild, the people are genuine, and the community we live in is amazing.
Wyatt is settling in with his Tae Kwon Do classes. Master Herb Perez, who owns the gym he attends, is the only American to ever bring home a gold medal in TKD from the Olympics! He's a Gold Medal Olympian. It's very inspiring. He's also a no-nonsense guy who commands - and receives - respect from his students. The other teachers are also very good. It's a fun environment, and I like the philosophy that they have of partnering with parents to help teach life skills.
Jordan is registered for Spring softball and can't wait! She's made a couple of close friends, and they are good girls from good families. She's enjoying school; her teacher is amazing.
Today my kids are being filmed to be featured in a video for our adoption agency. The video will focus on the need for families that are willing to adopt older children. So many stigmas exist that older children are a 'lost cause', when in fact they want what any child wants: a good, nurturing, loving home. Our children have acclimated wonderfully, and I like to think that it is because they have an amazing support system. They have grandparents that love them to pieces, aunts and uncles and cousins who all made them feel so welcome when we took them to Alton to introduce them. They have an older brother who thinks that they are awesome. And they have parents who love them fiercely, and who keep them in line.
This is not to say that every day in our house is puppies and rainbows. Oh no. Sometimes I joke that I wouldn't trade them for the world, but would sell them for a dollar. There are trials, and there are moments. At the end of the day, however, I look at those faces, and I know that they love us as much as we love them. I hear it in their prayers to God, I see it in their responses to us, and I feel it in the death-grip hugs and face-smooshing kisses that we receive.
Last night Wyatt said grace, and his prayer to God was 'thank you for my family, I love my family'.
Melt my heart why don't ya?? Happy Thanksgiving y'all!!
Monday, November 07, 2011
Outdoor Ed
Today my baby girl left for Outdoor Ed along with 90 or so of her classmates! She is headed to the mountains for four days of learning about the environment, ecosystems, organisms, and the way life around her works. It's a great program, and I'm so excited for her, I can't wait to hear all about her experience.
Fall has made it's way to Northern California. The temps have been milder, chilly at night. The leaves are a beautiful red and yellow shade. People are bundled up more. The sun still shines most of the time, however, and that makes it quite bearable. Even when it rained the other day, it was still a beautiful day.
I'm learning my way around the peninsula. I've ventured further and further out, but there have been several days when I don't leave. There's no reason to! Foster City has the nickname of 'Wisteria Lane' for a reason. Everything is close, convenient, and safe. The longer I'm here, the more I like it!
Thanksgiving is approaching and I am so excited!! We're going to have a full house, and I can't wait!
The kids and I are going to make a countdown chain for our trip to Cabo in...33 days! We're all so excited and if there's anything we need, it's a vacation!! We're really excited to see some friends that are joining us as well. It should be a fantastic time.
Fall has made it's way to Northern California. The temps have been milder, chilly at night. The leaves are a beautiful red and yellow shade. People are bundled up more. The sun still shines most of the time, however, and that makes it quite bearable. Even when it rained the other day, it was still a beautiful day.
I'm learning my way around the peninsula. I've ventured further and further out, but there have been several days when I don't leave. There's no reason to! Foster City has the nickname of 'Wisteria Lane' for a reason. Everything is close, convenient, and safe. The longer I'm here, the more I like it!
Thanksgiving is approaching and I am so excited!! We're going to have a full house, and I can't wait!
The kids and I are going to make a countdown chain for our trip to Cabo in...33 days! We're all so excited and if there's anything we need, it's a vacation!! We're really excited to see some friends that are joining us as well. It should be a fantastic time.
Thursday, October 27, 2011
What a Difference a Week Makes
Last Tuesday, we were watching some able-bodied men load all of our earthly possessions onto a moving trailer. Attached to a very large truck that was driven by a super nice guy named Dennis. Last Friday, he arrived in Foster City, CA to deliver our earthly possessions. We lost track of a TV for a minute, but we found it. Thank goodness.
The weather is beautiful, the neighborhood is friendly, and the schools are fantastic. I'm so very impressed with the caliber of the school the kids are in here compared to what they were forced to attend in Oregon. I see homework every day for my second grader. I was lucky to pry out of him what he learned in Oregon. I see vocabulary words from my 5th grader. That didn't happen in Oregon. They have PE three days a week! Hello?!! I see the reason our school has an over 900 API score.
I've unpacked, managed to get a few things accomplished, and casually started looking for a job. I'm not in a huge hurry, but if something comes along that I can't pass up, I am for sure going to jump on it.
And that's my update for now!
The weather is beautiful, the neighborhood is friendly, and the schools are fantastic. I'm so very impressed with the caliber of the school the kids are in here compared to what they were forced to attend in Oregon. I see homework every day for my second grader. I was lucky to pry out of him what he learned in Oregon. I see vocabulary words from my 5th grader. That didn't happen in Oregon. They have PE three days a week! Hello?!! I see the reason our school has an over 900 API score.
I've unpacked, managed to get a few things accomplished, and casually started looking for a job. I'm not in a huge hurry, but if something comes along that I can't pass up, I am for sure going to jump on it.
And that's my update for now!
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Winding Down
We got the kid's birth certificates in the mail and promptly headed off to City Hall to apply for their passports. They've cashed my check, so hopefully that means the passports are on their way!
In other news - we've decided on a date to move - October 18th! My last day of work will be October 14th. We've recruited and hired someone to replace me and she starts tomorrow. We leave Thursday for the annual family reunion in Illinois and we're all very excited to introduce the kids to the rest of the family! We'll be back late Monday.
We're having a small going away gathering on the 14th, Wyatt's 8th birthday party on the 15th, the packers come on the 17th and they load on the 18th. Once that last box/piece is loaded, we're on the road! We've found a fantastic townhome on the lake in Foster City to rent, and the school system is top-rated. The kids are excited to be finally all together with daddy again.
As is standard with a Type A personality, I have checklists and timelines of things that need to be done before we leave. I sometimes wish I could just hire someone to handle all of this; it seems so daunting at times. But it will get done, no matter what.
Almost home!
In other news - we've decided on a date to move - October 18th! My last day of work will be October 14th. We've recruited and hired someone to replace me and she starts tomorrow. We leave Thursday for the annual family reunion in Illinois and we're all very excited to introduce the kids to the rest of the family! We'll be back late Monday.
We're having a small going away gathering on the 14th, Wyatt's 8th birthday party on the 15th, the packers come on the 17th and they load on the 18th. Once that last box/piece is loaded, we're on the road! We've found a fantastic townhome on the lake in Foster City to rent, and the school system is top-rated. The kids are excited to be finally all together with daddy again.
As is standard with a Type A personality, I have checklists and timelines of things that need to be done before we leave. I sometimes wish I could just hire someone to handle all of this; it seems so daunting at times. But it will get done, no matter what.
Almost home!
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Birth Certificates!!
Our birth certificates are finally on their way!! Our attorney emailed me a scanned copy and I'll be honest - they are the most beautiful pieces of paper I've seen since August 12th. ;-)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)