Who are all these kids...

Refreshing!

2012-01-26T19:13:00.001-05:00

^{Psalm 62:5-6, 7-8, 11 (Message Bible)}

⁵^-6 God, the one and only—
I'll wait as long as he says.
Everything I hope for comes from him,
so why not?
He's solid rock under my feet,
breathing room for my soul,
An impregnable castle:
I'm set for life.

^7-8 My help and glory are in God
—granite-strength and safe-harbor-God—
So trust him absolutely, people;
lay your lives on the line for him.
God is a safe place to be.

¹¹ God said this once and for all;
how many times
Have I heard it repeated?
"Strength comes
Straight from God."

Strength comes from God to wait for:

My children!

Hmmm...

2012-01-24T15:34:00.000-05:00

God is up to something!

I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in his word I put my hope. Ps 130:5

Rom 8:25 But if we look forward to something we don't yet have, we must wait patiently and confidently.

The news gets better!

2012-01-20T17:50:00.000-05:00

According to our agency, the new Director of adoptions in Peru has make a couple of good changes. This is one of the old ways: when a family requests a child (after approval), they submit a letter. This also means more than one family could request the same child. Then all family's files go before the meeting or consejo to pick which family is in the best interest of the child.

The new way: if a family requests the file of a certain child (after approval), then the file goes on Hold for 2 weeks or more so no other family can review. This eliminates multiple families requesting same child and also kind of makes the other families think of reviewing another child. There are over 300 kids on the list. If family wants to pursue child, they send letter of request in. If not, the child's file is un-froze. If a family requests child but meeting says no, child goes back on list.

So with that confusing info out there, our agency received an email a short bit ago saying the little guy we want has gone on hold....For Us! Now it is NOT a referral. We still need approval of our dossier. Then when it's approved, need to send in the "real letter of request."

So our agency is translating his whole file for us. This is huge! It means we don't have to wonder if another family has asked to adopt him!!

So stinkin' excited!!!

And It's In!

2012-01-20T15:43:00.000-05:00

Our dossier is submitted! I was also told by our agency that the rep in Peru spoke to Sna about our family and our passion for special needs kids, and more specifically, one cute little seven yr old!

It takes about a month for approval. Sometimes longer, sometimes on occasion shorter. There will be a match meeting or consejo at the end of February and we are praying, oh so praying we will be matched then! Of course the Janurary one is fine too but that would require a miracle. Oh wait, God can do it! I never rule anything out.

I have been storing away the kids clothing they grow out of. I also go yard saling and clearance rack shopping. I got the tote out with Little guy's size in it. He has a good number of outfits. He's all set!

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Phil. 4:6

Goodness...this wait....

2012-01-19T18:55:00.000-05:00

Well we are still officially waiting for translation of our dossier. Apparently when they said our dossier was thicker than most they were being extremely honest. We were told Fri that this week it should be complete. So there's tomorrow...

Then we go into another waiting period. The approval. Waiting to find out if they accept our dossier and if there are any corrections needed. I am going into this phase with knowing most need revisions but also know that God can do all things.

Just knowing there's a certain little guy who has no idea a family is going to request to adopt him makes the wait longer. I actually have not cried at all...yet. Crying at the drop of a hat does come with the territory though so I know it's building.

Isaiah 26:3 "You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!" This verse is so accurate. It's imperative. It's the only way I can make it through.

And then there's faith.

And faith purchases.

Like these:

Another EJ. I've chosen his middle name to be Judah. It means "praise." His does not have a middle name. Nor a last name. Yet...but soon:)

His name was stitched on the back...hehehe...

Heb 11:1 "Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see."

I'm reading a good book. It reminded me to constantly keep my eyes on God and not circumstances. That is when God does amazing things!!

Randomness

2012-01-16T20:14:00.000-05:00

**Today I was under the weather. I was lying on the couch and Elijah was playing on the floor. He got up and walked over, kinda antsy and stood by me. I thought he wanted a hug and kiss so I did that. I then asked him to please get my water cup. He came back with the cup. He kept standing by me, being antsy.

Then... he put his head down and prayed for me to feel better. "Dear Jesus, please hep (help) mommy to feel better and take her hut (hurt) away. In Jesus' name, Amen."

And I felt better:) As you can see, he is learning the best lessons. Jesus heals and we can go to Him whenever. He's also learning his r's and l sounds!

**On Saturday, we had a hospice nurse here to help with my gram. Without her knowing what she is doing, she keeps pulling out her catheter:( It's causing her lots of pain. The nurse was here to put it back in. My mom, the nurse, and I were in the room. Not-so-gross story, during the "putting back in part", my gram was in so much pain she yelled out, "Regina!" My mom and I looked at each other with that blank stare. My gram doesn't talk much but when she does it's only a few words that never make sense.

We were able to finish and she felt much better. She was able to relax and sleep. Well the catheter is back out and the nurse came by today to do a check up. Remembering my gram yelled out, "Regina!", I went to the internet and looked up a St. Regina. My gram is Catholic.

I came back into the room laughing. St. Regina is the patron Saint of Tortured People! Apparently, gram thought we were torturing her the day before! We started laughing and were able to get a smile out of my gram.

It's hard to take care of an Alzheimer's patient. Most patients have to go to a nursing home. I am glad my gram will spend her last days with us. We look for humor in the little things. She brings laughs to us. It fights the tears.

Abby read her a book today. Mom asked gram if Abby was boring her. I think gram said yes...

The Run and pictures

2012-01-10T13:52:00.000-05:00

We arrived home yesterday around 5:15pm. We had a blast and even though we only had 4 days to tour the "world", got a bunch of stuff done.

My 5k was on Friday morning. This was my first ever run so I really had NO idea what to expect or even what to do...other than run. I had to be on a bus to EPCOT by 5am. I asked my mom to go with me to be at the finish line because I didn't think Scott wanted to be up that early BUT my mom asked, "You don't want Scott with you?" I said, "Yes but I don't think he wants to." Then with a liver lip and pouty face I looked at Scott (think Puss n Boots on Shrek) and he said he'd go!!

We arrived at the run around 5:30am. We stood around alot, I stretched a bit, and waited for line up. Of course I had to pee right before lining up... So after the pitstop I walked over to the corral. Little did I know the corral was a fenced off area about the length of a football field! I couldn't get into it to line up nor could I get by the people who were going in the next wave (they line people up in waves by their times, I was in the first wave). Then an older man was in the same situation as me. I tucked up behind him and followed him like his kid as he slowly made his way to the end of the fence.

We almost made it and they started to sing the National Anthem...so we stopped. After the anthem, I only had to walk about 10 feet and finally made it to the corral. It took around 15 minutes to walk back there. Next time...I will know what to do:)

Just as I made it to the corral, they said GO! There were 8,000 people running and probably of 1/3 of them in the first wave. Without exaggerating, it took around 5-7 minutes to walk under the start line. When I passed the line and was finally able to run, it took about the first mile to weave in and out of the walkers. Now the walkers should have lined up (they were asked to) in the second or third wave but that didn't totally happen. Oh well.

I was extremely happy that I jogged/ran the entire 3.1 miles. I was only able to train/run 1 time since October, I thought I was going to be horrible. When I had only 2/10ths of a mile left, I sprinted. The clock said 39 minutes as I crossed the finish line but unfortunately, it was not accurate. I know by my pace my miles were around 7-9 minutes each so I am guessing I finished more around 25-28 minutes total. It really took a LONG time to weave past the walkers.

We have already decided to run it again next year. I am believing we'll have a new guy with us and he can enjoy being pushed in a stroller then.

Waiting to begin, drinking water, and stretching. One of the only places I can wear a Mickey hat and feel completely at home and not embarrassed!

Just past finish line, you can kinda see the Mickey hat and now my blue coat is around my waist. I got hot fast even though it was only around 45 degrees. I'm just above the ladies in the middle of the photo behind the fence.

As for Scott and his co-workers, Kevin and David, they did very well. None of them could run the whole thing but they did finish with a time of 3 hrs 21 minutes (13.1 miles). Scott's tendon on his right leg basically tightened up and he hobbled across the line but he finished through the pain, woohoo!

Scott's found some strange stretches that work this one tendon. He is now mad and vows to run the entire thing next yr and finish under 3 hrs. I didn't get pictures of them running. My mom, kids, and I went to the Animal Kingdom instead:)

We also found out the kids can run the 5k with us so they will next year!!

Dale chillin' in our room.

Morocco

The first day, Thursday, was chilly. These lizards found an electrical box to warm up on:)

Abby, Scott, and David

Because he's 5.

The Run Expo where we signed up and received our numbers. I think there were close to 50,000 total runners.

Disney is not afraid to wish people a Merry Christmas. They also had a Menorah and Star of David. This was our first time seeing the lights. They took them down a few days later.

Amen! Christmas!!

Perfect!

Stunning!! Picture doesn't do justice.

Breakfast at the Animal Kingdom. Goat Cheese Frittatas.

Crested Crane, Ugandan State Bird

This is a little slide/climbing area to let the kids run off some energy. I overheard a Korean father tell his wife, "Let's go, we didn't come all the way over here to go down slides!" hahahaha

David, Kevin, and Scott.

Nice fist Elijah...

Mini golf

Packing

2012-01-04T12:24:00.000-05:00

We're finishing up our packing and starting to load the van. Tomorrow morning, we'll be in Walt Disney World for the marathon weekend! I'm hoping to post at least one day from there. We realized the start/finish times and locations of both races do not allow for the family to see Scott and me cross the finish lines. Just too early! Friday morning I run the 5k and Saturday morning, Scott runs the half marathon.

We did some adoption fundraising for the run and were able to raise $650! We just donated $65 or 10% to the Peru missions boat as promised!

off to finish and get some car seats/boosters ready. It's going to be cold tonight when we leave!!!!

4.25 month Locs

2012-01-03T19:18:00.000-05:00

Look at the length over the ears!! Love it. Held out straight, they're about 2-2.5 inches long.

First day, no where near ears and only neat little coils.

Back first day.

Love it!

Tiny tiny.

They're also growing in width. The shed hair is starting to mat, woohoo!

Sorry. I just LOVE his hair:)

Just not gonna happen with me

2011-12-30T23:46:00.001-05:00

I saw this post today:
http://freerangekids.wordpress.com/2011/12/30/our-constant-worry-for-our-kids-outside-is-new/

I'm freaked out. http://www.11alive.com/rss/article/215763/3/Tips-but-no-solid-leads-in-search-for-missing-girl-7

I get the "loose the reins" thing and stop being overly protective. Let them explore. Let them be somewhat independant so when they get older and on their own, they can cope. But really? Just let them go to the store on their own, now?

Is the world not getting worse? In the 80's and 90's when I was a child, I could go all around the town on my bike. I walked home from school over 5 miles. I walked to the store by myself. But look around. Go to your local sheriff's office website: http://www.icrimewatch.net/results.php?AgencyID=54087&whichaddr=home_addr|temp_addr&SubmitAddrSearch=1&AddrStreet=+1+old+nelson+rd&AddrCity=ball%20ground&AddrState=11&AddrZip=30107&AddrZipPlus=&excludeIncarcerated=
Within 2 miles of our residence are 5 registered sex offenders. Come on!

So I am to let my 3 young kids just walk and ride wherever? Yah sure, they're 3rd degree black belts in NOTHING! I was trained as a police officer. Since I was small and a woman, I was told I could use deadly force to stop a threat sooner than a male officer because of my size if up against a male suspect. Do I really think my kids could fight off an adult? If I as a trained police officer probably couldn't fight off a male adult, how can my kids do anything?

Not to mention, there's a birth mom addicted to methamphetamines out there and I don't put anything past a drug addict.

Oh and this:
http://thehomefoundation.net/facts.html
Human Trafficking. The sick people of this world go around looking for those kids who are alone (oh but can handle anything, right?!) and will take them. Kids are trafficked daily. Some even are taken across country or to another country so no one has any chance of recognizing them or finding them. The trafficked people, mostly young girls, are put in those large shipping containers on barges and shipped throughout the world.

We have helped do work at a home that rehabilitates young girls who were trafficked. So I'm going to let Abby just wander around? Right.

We are not living in the 50's-90's or earlier. Our town is not safe. We live in a suburb of Atlanta. Atlanta is the southern hub for human trafficking if not for the whole Eastern US. Oh and 3 miles away, a man murdered his wife because he was high on meth.

We had a drunk neighbor drive down the street and take out 4 mailboxes. So I can just let the kids ride up and down the road, right? Back when I was a wee lad, people listened. They respected laws. Those kidnappers were few and far between. Your neighbors could be trusted. Now only a few of my neighbors I trust. I knew to scream as loud as possible and someone would hear me. We live in a wooded lot. There is nothing but wilderness behind our house. Who would hear if my kids screamed if I just let them explore? I scream their name to come inside and they can't hear me half the time.

Maybe I overreacted with this post. I don't freak out with my kids. I keep a watchful eye on them. I let them climb trees and explore. They do dopey things in the woods and ride their bikes like Evil Knievel. I even let them go to the mail box alone....oh I know, scary. Sometimes, they ride bikes without helmets. They've thrown rocks at each other. They've smacked each other with tree limbs. They go to the neighbors house to play.

Maybe I should give "free ranging" a try. Let's see, it's 4 miles to the nearest store. No sidewalks. No shoulders on the roads. Just a rock quarry with dump trucks that speed. Then you hit another state hwy and the speed limit is 55. Ooo, their little legs can pedal quick. Oh wait, they just passed the sex offenders house. Oh well, maybe he's not home.

Let's get out my fishing rod and reel in an adoption standpoint. I'm supposed to let my still recently adopted 5 yr old wander and free range? He doesn't know the city he's in, his address, phone number, or last name. He still thinks his middle name is Bubble. Anyone he meets is a friend. If we let him free range when he first got home, he could barely speak English and the English he spoke only Scott and I could interpret. He still didn't know his "new name" completely. Just go Elijah, wander around, you'll find your way back...
I just can't seem to justify letting them "free range" it. That's not using wisdom. Kids don't have wisdom so how can they use something they don't have?!

Isaiah 41:10

2011-12-30T21:07:00.000-05:00

"Fear thou not; for I [am] with thee: be not dismayed; for I [am] thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness." Isaiah 41:10

I read this verse back around February 14th, 1999. Valentine's Day.

The day of love.

I've written about many subjects on this blog. Some tough subjects like what my kiddos have gone through. I have been pretty open. More open then some would probably say is good. I do it for this reason: to help others. Even if it's only to help just one person, that would mean the world to me.

There's one subject I've only briefly touched on. My brother, John Francis Lawler IV. Elijah is named after him. I knew my "first born" would benamed after him . Elijah John Francis is "my first born" between Scott and me:)

On February 14th, 1999, my mom, dad, me, and the rest of our family didn't know what was going on. We didn't know how our lives would change...f.o.r.e.v.e.r.

Here's John's story.

On February 8th, 1999, John and I worked together at Schlotzsky's Deli in our town. We both got off from work around 9:15pm. I went home. John decided to stay with the closing manager and escort her to the bank with the deposit. He had a protective heart.

He and Amanda dropped off the deposit. John stopped by Bl0ckbuster's to drop off a movie. He got on the interstate to come home in his less than 1 yr old Saturn he proudly bought himself.

John headed south. A tractor trailer driver was heading north. The driver, unfamiliar with the road and carrying an unsecure load began down one of the steep hills on the interstate. The truck, just before entering one of the sharp curves, lurched sideways. The PVC pipes he was transporting buckled and started to fall off the trailer.

The collapse of the pipe bundles caused the truck to jackknife and tip over, going straight through the curve, and entering the median.

John was just north of the truck. As the truck slid on it's side through the median, the front of the trailer hit the large support leg of the green interstate sign. The sign fell....as my brother's car went under it.

From what we later found out, the roof crashed in and struck John in his head, causing severe brain trauma.

Back at home, around 11:30pm, the door bell rang.

"Does a John Lawler live here?" the deputy asked?

Yes, he's my son." my dad replied.

"Sir, your son has been in an accident and I am here to take you to the hospital."

Now I had been just getting to my bedroom door when I heard..."Your son's been in an accident." I collapsed on the floor. Your body does some uncontrollable things when stuff like this happens.

I got up, my parent's told me to get dressed and off we went. We arrived at the hospital and were taken to a waiting room. The ER Dr. came in and told us, "It looks grim to no chance of survival."

Nice.

My mom immediately starting praying, loudly.

Our pastors at the time came in. About 30 minutes later, we went into the ER to see John. He looked fine. He had a small gash on his left temple area but it wasn't bad looking. He had some superficial scratches on his arms from the windshield but not bad looking. I stood with my mom and picked the bits of windshield glass from his arm and chest hair.

They told us little. Just that he had head trauma and was going in for emergency surgery to relieve the pressure on his brain. Everything was internal.

We went up to the CCU waiting room. John had surgery. The Dr. came in and discussed with us what was the problem. John took a powerful hit on his head. It caused severe bleeding on his brain. Because of the bleeding and swelling, they had to remove some of his skull to relieve the pressure. In addition to his brain injury, John's left optic nerve was completely severed (permenantly blind), and his left cheekbone was shattered.

Pretty hard stuff to listen to.

We lived in the hospital for 8 days. On the 14th, I read the above Scripture, Is 41:10. I knew what it meant but still had hope I was misinterpreting it and John would be fine.

The Dr.'s did an EEG on John's brain on the 15th. It showed almost no brain activity.

The swelling had cut off the arteries and blood vessels to his brain. I went in his room afterward to hold his hand and pray for him. A nurse came in the room. When people are in comas, a gel is put in their eyes to keep their eyes moist. I watched as the nurse opened John's lids. I looked straight into his eyes. John was not there. This may sound bad but I truly believe he had already met Jesus. I believe our eyes show our emotions. John's eyes were dark. So goes the saying, eyes are the windows to the soul.

I left his room and told my mom about his eyes. She told me we were leaving the hospital and going to church. The pastor had called a meeting of prayer at the church.

We left John and headed to church. I really really hope everyone believes in angels. More importantly, in God. My mom and I were kneeling at the altar. Besides us, the only other woman there was the pastor's wife. About 5 men were there. The pastor and his wife started singing very softly, kind of like pray singing.

Then, the singing grew louder. The pastor, his wife and the other men (my dad stayed at the hospital) were still singing but quietly. The singing grew louder and it sounded like someone began to play some instruments...wind instruments.

I turned to my mom and said, "Do you hear that?" She said yes. We looked around and still just the few people were singing but they were being joined by what sounded like a choir.

Some people can argue all they want about God and angels. But when the Spirit of God moves, things happen. I have never heard a more beautiful sound ever than on the Feb 15, 1999, when the church sounded like angels filled it. Their voices sounded like wind instruments.

It quieted down. My mom and I had such a peace. We ventured home and I slept with my mom. Before we fell asleep, we both prayed and released John. Honestly, that had to be the hardest prayer, EVER. To say to God, please heal my brother but if it's not what Your will is, then please give us the strength.

We headed back to the hospital in the morning.They did another EEG. No. activity. at. all.

Funny/ironic how just 3 months before the wreck, my brother laughed at how he wanted to be an organ donor if anything should happen to him. He knew. He also started to give away his clothing. He knew.

On Feb 16th, around 7pm, my parents, pastors and I had a small service in John's room. We washed John's feet and prayed over him. Pinned to John's shirt was an prayer cloth. A cloth you anoint with oil and pray over. Acts 19:11-12. We removed the cloth from John's gown and kissed him good bye.

His earthly body died around 4am.

Life changed forever.

When we got home that night, I went to my bathroom. I cried. I cried for so long and so hard my throat hurt and no more tears would come. My mom had no idea. I just told her that a few months ago.

It's really strange to lose someone so close. It's strange to lose someone you think will be here with you until you're in your 70's or 80's.

He couldn't be my best man at my wedding.

Abby, Dale, Elijah, and new Peru dude never met him.

Scott never met him.

He wasn't at my college graduation.

He wasn't at my police academy graduation.

He wasn't at the airport when Elijah came home.

He won't be at the airport when new dude gets here.

A branch on the family tree grows no more.

Why?

Why do these things happen when my parents prayed every night for our safety?

Why do people make careless mistakes that hurt others?

Because.

It's life.

Bad stuff happens.

Sin abounds.

The world needs God.

Speaking for myself, God means everything to me. He gave me strength, just like the verse in Isaiah says He would. He has given me peace. He has given me hope. He has encouraged me in my darkest hours. He has comforted me when I felt like a hole was in my heart. He has shown me His mercy and grace when my grief caused me to make poor decisions.

It has taught me this.....................................................

Nothing in this world can compare to God's goodness.

He never leaves us. Going through tough stuff is like going through a refiner's fire. The tough stuff is what drew me closer to God. It's what I needed. Not what I wanted. I've dedicated my life to doing God's will. When that happens, one moves from a life of comfy/predictable to uncomfortable/adventurous.

God has shown me that He is all I needed. Nothing on this earth will ever fill the void of losing a loved one. One's best friend. One's big, protective brother. One's best teacher. When it finally clicked in me that He was all I needed, healing came.

Because of God, my parents and I were able to look into the truck driver's eyes and tell him we forgave him. Because of God, I can look into the eyes of my husband and tell him I love him and am so thankful for him. Because of God, I can hug and kiss my kids and mean it! (adoptive parents know what I mean).

Life is not easy when a loved one dies. We just can't "move on," "get over it," "stop crying," or "smile." "This too will pass" is NOT the best thing to say to the 19 yr old sister who walked out of church on Sunday morning while practicing with the music team. Yep...the pastor's wife said that to me. I played the bass and/or guitar and John played the drums. That morning was hard and I had to leave. I'm sorry but love for one's brother with NEVER pass nor will the sadness. That line isn't even in the Bible like some say it is. It may get easier but it won't ever leave....until Heaven.

My brother was/is special. He taught me how to play sports. I am a tomboy thanks to him! I'm lefthanded but thanks to him, every sport I play, every instrument I torture, or every drink I consume is done with my right hand. Little sisters copy big brothers.

I shoot guns with my right hand.

I use scissors with my right hand.

I wave with my right hand.

You see a pattern?!

My life was molded by my brother.

What is the real reason for telling you this?

I was thinking about grief and being overwhelmed this week. These past two months have been hard. Losing grandpa, gram with Alzheimer's moving in with us, 3 different funeral services during the week of Thanksgiving, adoption paperwork with a deadline, homeschooling, decorating for Christmas, getting ready for Christmas festivities, keeping the kids on a schedule that was nearly impossible, the "emotional breakdown" I had on Dec 18th, the fight with my mom on same day, family Christmas party and bringing Alzy gram with us who had to be picked up into car because she has forgotten how to walk all the while making sure her catheter doesn't get yanked out, having an allergic reaction to my acne medication since Thanksgiving which was making my nose run constantly (just figured this out and have discontinued use), kids getting a cold, Scott getting a cold, having 9 additional people over on Christmas day to add to the already 9 people in the house, having to pack up and clean my grandparent's apartment and put stuff in storage, having my Alzy gram fail rapidly due to her grieving my grandfather/her husband of 61 yrs, having my Alzy gram become bed bound and having to turn her 150 lb body every 2 hrs because she has a bed sore, and finally trying to get my digestive tract back in order because of stress.

My past two months have been stressful. Something clicked inside my brain. My kids. I have been trying to learn about grief in kids and how they handle it. I can tell you that most times I fail at recognizing it. Then it dawned on me. I get overwhelmed at things, so why do I get frustrated at the kids when they do? I started to look at the way I handle stress, even minor stress. Then I started to compare the kids reactions to stress in their lives like change in schedule, get togethers, sickness, lack of sleep, ect. Our reactions are really similar.

I know that the things we go through are preparation for something in one's future. Losing my brother was preparation. For what?

The losses in my children's lives.

God has been enabling me to empathize with Abby, Dale, and Elijah. It just takes a long time to change. It takes a long time to learn. It takes a long time to figure something out. When I do figure something out, I can slap myself. It becomes so clear.

I am finding that I am handling situations with the kids differently. I calm down quicker:) I don't freak out as much.... I was pathetic. I forgive instantly. I love them. I hate what they had to go through but I know as they heal and grow older, their situations are for their building up and for helping others. It makes them stronger...if as their mom I encourage them.

I can honestly say I'd love to have my brother back. But I look back and see the plan of God and what I would be missing. I can think I am just missing John. But if John didn't beat us to Heaven, this is what I'd be missing out on:

Scott

Abby

Dale

Elijah

Peruvian

+more kiddos to come

I joined the sheriff's office in 2001 because of what happened to John. I met Scott there.

I was lead to a Scripture passage several months ago: Isaiah 43:2.

"When thou passest through the waters, I [will be] with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee."

This was during a time I was struggling with the adoption stuff. God gives peace. He speaks through His Bible. I read down the chapter.

"Others were given in exchange for you. I traded their lives for yours because you are precious to me. You are honored, and I love you. Fear not: for I [am] with thee: I will bring thy seed from the east, and gather thee from the west; I will say to the north, Give up; and to the south, Keep not back: bring my sons from far, and my daughters from the ends of the earth."

I believe John's life was given in exchange for the plan God had for me and my family and some sweet orphans. That may sound strange but John is in Heaven so did he really lose or come out on the bottom? NOT!

Can I really question God? I don't feel I can. He's in control and I have only seen good come from the sad stuff. He really does have my best interest in mind. Stressful times come and go. But none of the bad stuff will ever compare to the pain and grief Jesus bore on the cross for US! Nothing will ever overtake us. God DOES give us more than we can handle so that through the situation, He will receive the glory and His strength will be seen, not ours. I have run out of strength several times in the past 2 months. He raised me up each time.

2 Cor 12:9, "Each time he said, "My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness." So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me."

He is all I need:) And I know that John has looked into His eyes!

Up's, Down's, and In-between's

2011-12-16T13:11:00.000-05:00

Our Up's

Christmas is 9 days away! Finally, after being a mom for 6 yrs, I have found gifts for the kids that they will use and like! For those who know how hard it is to buy gifts or toys for kids from hard pasts, this is a big deal. All 3 kiddos but mostly Abs and Dale, had no clue how to play. We had to teach them. That's not as easy as it sounds. I'm not a big gift buyer throughout the year. I would try countless things to see if they had an interest. This year, this is what I learned:

Abby loves animals and crafts
Dale loves Legos and army stuff
Elijah loves Legos

We're 3 weeks away from the Disney marathon...thankfully I am good at walking...
Our dossier is indeed in Peru and already being reviewed and translated (received email confirming today).
The weather has been awesome. Mild in the 50's and 60's. This means the kids have been ~~kicked out~~ told to play outside.
My shopping is finished without any debt or regrets.

The Down's

My grandmother moved in with us when my grandfather died. Her health has been declining rapidly. Even with Alzheimer's, it's pretty clear she misses my grandpa even though neurologically, she cannot say it. She either also had a mini-stroke or minor heart attack last week. She's on hospice in our house.
The Bubble, aka Elijah, has been having a rough time...sporadically. It seems to come at Christmas more than likely because Christmas was the time he came home to us and left behind everything he knew. Even if he hasn't thought about it, the triggers still happen. Emergency nap time was called today because of it. It seems to help him.
The feral cat we feed (for the past 4 yrs...you'd think he'd tame himself) looks as if he has a broken paw. He won't let us help him or touch him. We are thinking about getting animal control to lend us a have-a-heart cage to trap him but he is very smart and not thinking this would work.

The In-between's

The wait with Peru. I wouldn't call it a downer since we are finally to this point. But waiting is hard and it puts us in limbo. So I hit refresh a lot on my email.
After Christmas, my mom is going to start to clean out the house. Get.rid.of.stuff. This is a good thing but it's tiring and I'm sure there will be some stress involved:)
Kids are on break. Good thing is I get a break too, down thing is it messes their schedule up and it isn't always easy to get back on track.

And finally, I normally do an update on how long Elijah's hair is getting in his locs. Kinda like a picture book to show him when he's older. They are about 3 inches long now but tend to shrink as the days go. I decided to try yarn braids with his locs. It was kinda hard finding info on whether or not guys get them. I found they do but it's not nearly as common. I love them and so does Elijah. He was showing them off to everyone. Only took 5 hrs... These give a good picture as to what his real locs will look like this time next year.

I knotted and clipped the front locs and burned them. The back I just burned the tips close to the band. It'd have taken another 1+ hr to do the back. He kinda looks like a mini NFL player:) I'm going to band them back for our family Christmas party on Sunday.

Paperwork

2011-12-15T19:41:00.000-05:00

Though I haven't been officially told, I am thinking our paperwork is in to Peru and hopefully is being translated. Our letter for little guy is also on the way and should be there tomorrow!

Really really want our stuff translated before Christmas. It gets hectic down there too though:) God can do anything and praying for this to happen!!!!

The best thing to do is have faith! And thank God for whatever takes place is His special timing!

Attitude

2011-12-13T10:06:00.000-05:00

The Title.

It could be about me changing my ways of parenting

It could be about how I accept God's Will for my life

I could be about my love for my husband and kids

I could be about having joy in trials.....

..........

But

it's

not.

The 3 pictures below.

Esther.

I had just pet her, much to her hating it. If looks could kill... The only cat I know who hates to be pet. Unless you're Scott, who she is love with.

Mean eyes. mean face.

This is not the same picture. She really doesn't like me.

Can't even crack a smile.

So I continue to love my brat. Much to her hissing and scratching. There are no known cat whisperers so we're stuck with her ungreatfulness and reproach, hehehe. I am thankful for animals. They are a welcomed joy even when they are mad. Much like kids are. I have always said I want a bunch of kids and cats. Since the ratio to kids and cats are equal, we may just have to get another one when our newbie comes home. Psss...don't tell Scott:)

December 14th

2011-12-11T18:51:00.000-05:00

I am a firm believer in standing fast with others in prayer. Here's another family who needs a miracle: http://letloveguide.blogspot.com/2011/12/miracle-please.html
They are a fellow Ugandan adoptive family. For whatever reason, I don't know why, they were not given guardianship of one of their children. This was May 2011. They have a court date on Wed, the 14th, with the appellate court.
Will you please join in prayer with me for them?

Little bits of update

2011-12-10T08:50:00.000-05:00

Our agency officially mailed off our dossier to Peru yesterday. It will be delivered to our representative Monday to begin translation. Praying for a Christmas miracle for it to be done quickly!

We also are submitting a letter of request for the sweet, handsome 7 yr old boy, Z. Technically, we cannot request him until our paperwork packet is approved but we can submit of letter that states we are asking to be considered for him and if and when the dossier gets approved and he is still available, he's the one we're asking for. I know, a bit confusing but we do not want to go into this expecting/demanding Peru do anything. It's just a nice request:)

We'll hear back around Mon (12th) or Tue (13th) if our rep thinks the letter is perfect. If so and no corrections are needed, then we'll print it, notarize it if necessary, and mail it in. We found out the State Dept. gave our agency an additional apostile so if it needs to have that attached, we'll be a step ahead! I like mistakes in our favor!

I'd like to ask my friends for prayer in this and also for the N family who is in the exact same boat as we are, just about a month or bit more ahead. They also have a letter in for a child and a special request! These sweet kiddos need families and we're praying soon...with our families:)

One other friend, who happens to live a mile from us, has secured a court date for their twins in Uganda! Please pray for the B family for good travels, favor in country, and ability to secure all documents needed in a timely fashion to come home!

And!! I have another friend, the P family, who has finally received a report for their son in Uganda. This report is needed to file for a court date. So now they need prayer for a court date. Awesome news for these families!

So, we and the N family need Christmas miracles too and we believe on faith we'll get something!! Please pray and believe with us!

I've seen a lot of negative stuff circulating recently about adoptions in Peru. I don't really feel most of it is relevant. Our agency has been awesome to keep us aware of things and all have been positive! We believe in God and His hand on our process and refuse to let some not-so-good adoptions or processes snuff out our faith.

I Thess 5:24, "The One who calls you is faithful and He will do it."

Good books for teaching

2011-12-05T12:52:00.000-05:00

As I have mentioned before, teaching Elijah is interesting. It's hard and exhaustive! Not by any fault of Elijah's, he just hasn't been exposed to learning. I started him off learning the letters and how to write them. Then we transitioned to the sounds of each letter. Then we went to blends in words (only after he absolutely knew all the letter sounds) like be in bed or ho in hop.

It really took a long time to get Elijah to understand what it meant by "put the letters together." He didn't grasp sounding out. He would just choose a letter in a word and sound it out or he would start at the end of the word and read backwards.

But finally, thank you Jesus! he has figured it out. It just took 3x as long. He has been reading blends now for about a month. I decided to stay on the blends longer even though once he figured them out, he was good to go.

http://www.sonlight.com/1R16.html

The link about is for a set of books called I Can Read It (books 1-3, word list) by John Holzmann and Avyx publishing. They go in really easy to read format. For example, the first page of the first book is this,

Pat is a rat.
Pat is fat.
Pat is a fat rat.
The fat rat is Pat.
Is Pat fat?
Pat is fat.
Pat is Fat Rat Pat.

Super easy but this worked really well with Elijah. It will also incorporate sight words. He read the first 4 pages today without much help. Page 4 he had never read before and did it quite well. Not only is it teaching reading but it helps with rhyming. The books gradually get more challenging. I used these for Abby and Dale too and they flew through them.

I am so so very thankful he is starting to figure school out. It has not been easy one bit. It is strange teaching a child from Elijah's background (orphanage, no schooling, etc) because it is really easy to forget he has no clue. I just fall into the trap of thinking, "He has to know this, he's 5." I've taken many steps back (after frustration) and had to re-evaluate. It feels really good to know I have 3 out of 3 kids reading. I shall begin all over again when the new little guy gets here. Enter in a whole new challenge...Spanish...

A little sad

2011-12-02T17:38:00.000-05:00

We got two summary files on 2 more boys from Peru. It is really hard to say no sometimes. Especially about children who so badly need homes. But for us, the special needs are too great. We are open to special needs but somethings we cannot do. The biggest thing is medical appointments and resources for those. We know God provides but wisdom must be used. That stinks:(

But.......we have been told by our agency when our dossier gets submitted, we can put in a letter to say we have a certain child off the list we are desiring. The letter has to be written in such a way that makes it clear we are not demanding the child nor are we demanding our dossier gets approved. It's not an expedition of our paperwork, just an FYI for Peru.

It's not cool to go into another country with demands or expectations. We do though want to show that there is this particular boy we would love to be parents to if they say so:) And wow, is he a cutie!

As for these 2 little boys and the little girl whose file we got 2 weeks ago, they need prayer that the perfect family God has chosen for them will answer the call and adopt them. Maybe even within Peru itself. Peru does a great job of promoting domestic adoption!

Prayer requests for our family:
1. Our dossier gets sent to Peru next week for translation
2. Our dossier gets translated in a short amount of time
3. Our dossier is approved quickly!!
4. Our letter of intent is accepted:)

Pics

2011-12-01T09:12:00.000-05:00

I took pictures of the kids in their goofy paper clothes for the adoption physicals. They wondered why. I guess to tease them when they get older, I don't know?

The Battle of Christmas land.

The kids have been asking Scott to build a tree house. They picked the tree out. Not much one can do with 2 inch trunks. But the scrap wood worked well and they love it.

We were pretty impressed with Dale's architecture. He used counterbalance well here. Not sure how he did it, must have had 4 arms.

Homeschooling

2011-11-30T16:17:00.000-05:00

Homeschooling can be difficult for some. I've heard of a lot of pressure being placed on mom's who can or do stay home that they should homeschool. I disagree. It's not right to make a mom feel bad or less of a mom if she chooses to not homeschool. It's not easy. Some days...I wish I could send my sweet youngin's off until 2:30....

As for me though, the decision to homeschool came easy. The ability to homeschool HAS NOT!!

I struggled really bad the first year. The second year was not much better...actually it was ugly.

This is my fourth year. It has been the easiest and most enjoyable so far. Not because my ability has blossomed (not one bit) but because I finally found a curriculum that fits our kids.

The first curriculum I used was Sonlight: http://www.sonlight.com/
This is Christian based (as are all the curriculums I've used, that is a must for us). I used it for Abby's K and 1st grades when she got out of pre-k 4. It was a difficult situation. Our public school system was not good. I know some are great...but ours isn't. 3/4ths through K, we pulled Abby out and put her in a private Christian school. She was unable to write her name and could barely say the alphabet. To the teacher's defense, she and we were unaware of the emotional turmoil Abby was in and thus causing her to struggle.

We had her tested at the private school and they had to place her back in pre-k4. Sad. After the school year ended, I immediately began (all summer) to teach her and Dale at home. I was rough. I had zero patience. They learned but it could have been much more enjoyable:(

Half way through Abby's K yr, she did all the Sonlight K/1st grade curriculum. I was able to get her caught up in a few months with kindergarten and she was doing 1st grade by the time August came around, which would have been her time to enter 1st grade in public school.

Sonlight requires a TON of reading to your kids. My kids didn't like it. They couldn't sit still. They wouldn't listen. No.matter.what.I.said.or.how.they.were.corrected. I decided to switch ABeka: http://www.abeka.com/
I was taught with this curriculum from grades 7-9. I like ABeka a lot but it moves pretty quick and is PACKED with info. If you have a sponge who requires/likes a ton of work and can move fairly quickly through material, this is perfect. This curriculum covers every subject. It also has all the lesson plans, tests, and quizzes all ready for you. There is little pre-planning involved. Just the schedule and days off. Dale was started in Kindergarten in ABeka at age 4. He learned how to read and write quickly. He was good in math. He struggled in English.

Abby struggled in English and Math. She excelled at spelling and Science. But for the 2 of them, I started to notice gaps in their learning process. Stuff they should have known was missing even though I know their work had already taught them it. It was too much brain overload for both of them as well. They are both smart but they need things slowed down.

Back in late spring, I started to get a bit anxious about another school year. I had already purchased all of the kids work for this new year but looking over Abby's work I just knew it was going to be too hard.

I kept thinking of another curriculum I was also taught with: ACE: http://www.aceministries.com/
Or Accelerated Christian Education. I was in 2nd through 6th grade in this. The way this curriculum works is...it's self-taught. It's very unique. ABeka required alot of teaching from me, in every subject, with all kids. That's 7 subjects x 3 kids. 21 different things to teach everyday. O.v.e.r.w.h.e.l.m.i.n.g.

What I mean by self taught is this, each child has 7 subjects: Math, English, Word Building (spelling and vocab), Literature and Creative Writing, Science, Social Studies, and Bible. Each subject has 12 books or PACE's. To complete a level (not grade), the child needs to successfully complete (with grade higher than 80% for each PACE) 12 PACE's for each subject. After they do, they move to the next level, which is in succession to the previous PACE.

ACE has a child test online to see the level they start at. Abby started all subjects at the 4th grade level: right where she should be in relation to public school. Dale tested at 3rd grade in all but English, that he placed at a 2nd grade level. The test also records learning gaps and will tell you which PACE's fill the gap. So your child may need to do 2 PACE's from the 2nd grade level and after which, will continue though 3rd level. Dale is a yr ahead.

After testing, I ordered the PACE's. There are not any teacher manuals or lesson plan books. The work the child learns is all explained in the PACE and moves at a rate (not too slow or fast) that teaches the child the new work but steadily builds on the previous skills. That is why it is self-taught. The teacher or mom stays in the room and is there to answer questions and assist. The mom doesn't give answers but re-reads the directions, goes over the examples, and prompts the child to figure it out on their own. I understand that sometimes they can't and need more help but I am amazed at how well all 3 kids can figure this work out and are learning.

These are what the PACE's look like. They are from 27-41 pages each. The top papers are the tests that go with each PACE. They must score 80% or higher in order to proceed to next PACE. If they do not, they should retake the PACE so no learning gaps occur.

The first page of each PACE has the goals of the PACE or what will be learned, a Scripture verse the child is required to memorize, and a character trait word which is reinforced in comic strips and throughout the work of the PACE. This curriculum is packed with Biblical living.

I guess I would have to say the curriculum is more based on certain denominations like Baptist, non-demoninational, or protestant. Boys are taught how to live right and to eventually provide for their households, it encourages witnessing, and being the man of the house. For girls, it teaches basic Proverbs 31 principles like running a household and joy in being a mother, and submission to her husband. It teaches about how we should treat others, missions work, tithes and offerings, witnessing, love and obedience to God and parents, respect for everyone, and manners. It has main characters like boys named Ace, Racer, Pudge, and J. Michael and girls named Becky, Sandy, Miriam, and Susie. It incorporated different people like caucasians, blacks (one of which was a domestic adoption), Asian, and Hispanics.

Each PACE has quizzes or "check-ups." The boys above are Ace, Booker, and J. Michael.

Each PACE has a self-test at the end. It also has to be passed to move onto the final test. Each teaches a child to pray before each test to ask Jesus to help.

These are our desks. This is Dale's desk. There isn't much on it: pencils, ruler, PACE holder, Bible, and colored pencils. The chart on the back is the "star chart." Every time a child successfully passes a PACE, they are given a specific colored star. It's a way for the child to see his/her progress. It's for encouragement and motivation. They also have a "goal card" on the desk. The card has their daily assignments written on it for each subject. They do from 2-6 pages a day in each PACE. It equals to around 20-25 pages a day. The Christian flag is used in place of raising their hands. It's less distracting and they can continue to work when the flag is placed in their holder.

Star chart. At Dale's rate, I will be ordering his 4th grade level books by the middle of the 3rd quarter.

Abby's star chart. You can see the different rate she is going at. Her work is more involved. But you can see that the child works at their own rate and still steadily moves on. Abby will need more books by the 4th quarter.

I found with ABeka, each day was already determined and if the child couldn't finish the work or understand the work, it set the whole schedule in an uproar when it was changed. The tests were preset on certain days of the week. It was stressful to miss a day like if an unexpected errand came up and the kids had to miss school. They would have to double up on the work or completely mess the schedule up. I had written in all the work months in advance and it was a pain to change it.

Showing you the Frankenstein book.

Elijah's desk. He is almost finished with his Kindergarten work. I have him in both ACE and ABeka work. This time in ABeka, if I choose to skip a lesson or delay it, I still have ACE so he is getting everything he needs. Elijah just read his first complete sentence unassisted yesterday. That is a huge deal. He has had a struggle with reading.

Our routine is pretty simple. After breakfast, the kids come down to their desks. Dale and Abby read a chapter in their Bibles. They started in Matthew and are around the Corinthians now. Elijah starts on his work. Not yet ready to read. Dale and Abby then start their work and go until all their goals are met for the day. If they need help, I assist. I teach Elijah all his work. Then we work on word blends, count to 100, read a bit, and go over sounds.

Our good days are starting to outweigh the trying one's. Unless the kids are really tired, they do great. They have had at times taken naps in between work. I know when they're tired, they take forever to complete their work.

I would recommend others thinking about homeschooling to pray. Give it a try. Try it during the summer break so if it won't work out, you don't have to re-enroll them in public schools. It is really not easier teaching your own kids. Maybe for some but it wasn't always for me.

I have a BS in teaching but none of that schooling has helped me:) Prayer has! Of course, it was in physical education so go figure! The biggest thing is, don't let anyone shame you or guilt you into doing homeschooling. There may be or is a very valid reason as to why you don't and others may not see it.

The biggest result of my teaching the kids at home has been the bonding. I needed that badly with my kiddos. Also, we have been able to avoid some real behavior problems that can sometimes come from poor public school systems.

As an ending note, my kids do not lack social skills because of homeschooling. I have heard some of my family members voice their opinion on this matter. I can't shut my kids up, LOL! They talk all the time! Very social. But again, my Little Miss has a delay in social skills. Not in talking but understanding social queues. This is the result of loss. It takes a long time to nurture and strengthen and simply put, our public schools could not help it. It will only come through homeschooling.

It's hard

2011-11-28T12:04:00.000-05:00

I love this quote from our pastor's (Jentezen Franklin) new book, The Fasting Edge: "Brokenness makes room for God to release His strength through our weakness in order to accomplish His plans. That is a crucial difference that we need to understand."

He also says, "Brokenness is so precious in the eyes of the Lord." "Most of us struggle with the concept that it is our own strength that draws God's attention, when our strength is the very last thing God notices."

My strength is gone today. That is a good thing. Because then, God takes over. We have had quite the last month around here. As a result if hospitalization/death of my grandfather, family visiting to help and to grieve, and the general busyness of Thanksgiving, we have all been drained. It's nothing like burying one's grandpa on Tuesday and having 19 people over for Thanksgiving on Thursday.

Yes, we're so grateful to our family but we are also grateful for quietness.

Sadly though, the one's to struggle the most are the kids. This loss has brought up their loss. They have no idea though, it is only coming out in their actions. I was messaging Scott earlier. I told him I am struggling with Abby today. Every ounce of human selfishness wants to get mad and stay mad at her for her behaviors. But that is not how it should be. I know this and I am giving it to God. The One who will strengthen me and revive and renew my love for all my children. Nope, haven't lost the love, just need a bigger dose today.

When mommy is empty, there's nothing left to go around for the little one's. I can take pleasure and gain peace in the fact that God knows this and sees my struggles. He will help me. I am not finished reading my pastor's new book. In the middle to be exact.

Fasting has become quite the norm in our house. Not bragging to anyone, just telling you that it is what heals brokenness, wounds, and emptiness. When all else fails, I smack myself in the head and commence a fast.

Scott and I have done fasts throughout our marriage. Some may not think fasts work. Some may think they are outdated. But I encourage you to take my challenge, better yet, take Jesus' words and try one. "He rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it, Deaf and dumb spirit, I command you, come out of him and enter him no more! Then the spirit cried out, convulsed him greatly, and came out of him...His disciples asked Him privately, Why could we not cast it out? So He said to them, This kind can come out by nothing but prayer and fasting." Mark 9:25-29

I'll give an example of how the Holy Spirit will impress someone to fast. When we were in Uganda, yikes-2 yrs ago, Scott felt led to fast for safe travels and for Elijah's visa. On the morning of our flight, we fought much and finally grabbed hold of Elijah's visa. Scott fasted the whole day. He was really hungry but God gave him His strength.

Not much happened significantly on the planes. Good flights and layovers. Elijah was perfect on the flights. Good drive home from the airport. Nice and relaxing sleep.

It wasn't until Christmas night around 7:30pm when we were all snuggled in bed (jet lag oy!) when the reason for the fast became clear. My mom called us and asked, "What was your flight number to Detroit yesterday and the times? I answered, " NorthWest flight 253 and it landed around 11:30am. Why?" She said, "That same flight 253 at the same time (but a day later) had a terrori3t on it and almost blew up."

Sobering.

Did the fast delay the b0mber and protect the people?!?! We think so. Prayer works. We were convinced that satan didn't want us home. He doesn't want any children redeemed or adopted. He tried everything to keep us from coming home. This happens to adoptive parents everywhere.

Struggles, heartache, loss, trials... all to keep a child from being redeemed. Then when they get home, more struggles. It could last for years the struggles. To date, Abby has been with us since July 2006. Though she is healing, we all still struggle.

Fasting puts God on our mind...non-stop! He has to be, otherwise we'd never make it. When I need more strength, I fast. When I am at my wits ends and nothing I try works, I fast.

I fasted 2 weeks ago for our adoption physicals. Wouldn't you know the day after the fast ended, I received info on the 2 boys we would like to adopt. We had a bit of difficulty with getting our paperwork squared away BUT now the paperwork has been sent off today to get sealed and apostilled by our agency. By the end of this week, it should be in Peru. Then a week or 2 for translation. Then the approval which could be from 1-3 months. I put these numbers out to say this, they don't mean anything because God is in charge.

He can make it go quicker. He can delay. But no matter what, I can bring my brokenness to God whenever and He is faithful to heal me, to fill me, and to hear me. I am calling out to Him today.

Fasting over your children works. When my two oldest wake from their naps (when a 7&9 yr old has to nap you know it's been a hard day), I will lay hands on them and pray. They're having a hard time. They can't pray for themselves. But I can. I will. God will show Himself strong again.

"Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need." Hebrews 4:16

the real wait begins

2011-11-24T21:31:00.000-05:00

I said to Scott earlier, "Now the tough waiting begins!" He said, "I'm not worried." Why is it so easy for husbands?!

To know that the boys you want can be adopted by someone else. To wait for approval in order to ask to adopt them.

The only thing that keeps me sane and comforted is knowing that if God wants us to have these 2 boys, it'll happen. Oh but it stinks... the not knowing...

Letter to our Peruvians

2011-11-24T13:02:00.000-05:00

Dear sweet ones

Mommy and daddy are sorry you can't be here right now. Another holiday has come and gone without you here. Just know this, we love you and are praying for you.

Here is our promise to you: you will be here next year. You will spend Thanksgiving and Christmas here. Hopefully even July 4th. Two of those days will be new to you. But you will love them.

We pray everyday for you! We know your names. We know your ours. But we can't say anything yet. We have not been given permission to. But we know. Your sweet faces make us smile and cry. Your special needs make us love you more. You are so very special.

We're just waiting now for all of our important papers to be translated to your language and sent to your government. They are nice people. They have made sure you have been taken care of during your sad times.

Your rooms are ready. We have bought some clothing in FAITH. Your sister and brothers are praying for you. They have your pictures in their rooms. They pray for you at every meal. They want you here soon.

We will all come get you. You will meet daddy, me, Abby, Dale, and Elijah. We will all be there one day waiting to hug you. Waiting to see where you have lived for some time. We are excited to see the country God chose for you to be born into. Peru is so pretty in pictures but I am sure it's even prettier in person. Uganda was for sure.

Abby, Dale, and Elijah all know what it is like to be abandoned. But they also have learned what it is like to now be loved. We know you will feel the same way someday. Maybe not instantly, but someday.

Try not to be scared. It is ok though if you are. Honestly, mommy is scared too! But Jesus is with us. I have learned you know who Jesus is too! We are all His!

Please remember, when you are sad, pray to Jesus. He will comfort you. He will let you know you have a family out there longing to be with you. You are loved and treasured. You are part of our family. We are honored.

Love, mommy and daddy

Thankful

2011-11-24T12:32:00.000-05:00

Thankful for goofy faces on Treasures from God! Thankful for redemption and adoption. Thankful for dreadlocks and no cavities. Thankful for dark brown eyes. Thankful for dry pants!

Thankful for the need for a large white van...and her name is Clarabelle. Thankful for Husbands. Thankful for boys. Thankful for girls. Thankful for family.

Thankful for daughters. Thankful for nice smiles. Thankful for the help and love Abby pours out. Thankful for resilience. Thankful for my oldest.

Thankful for everything Abby!

Thankful for the middle man. The goofy one. Thankful for the fake "serious" pose.

Thankful for the real Dale.

Thankful for dimples.

Thankful for my helper. Thankful for his job. Thankful for his attitude, work ethic, protection, love, affection, patience, strength, passion, love for God, calmness, and just because he's mine!

Thankful for our MILITARY!!!!!! and M&M hats on dark chocolate boys!

The middle child

2011-11-24T10:15:00.000-05:00

The Middle child

Dale was the youngest for a while. But then the Bubble came. Dale has a funny personality. He's very:

analytical

quiet

thoughtful

gentle

sensitive

full of inquisitive questions

sarcastic

meaningful

He's the Thinker.

The questions he asks are not the obvious ones like typical kids ask. He only asks the ones he can't figure out on his own. His problem solving skills have developed early.

A couple of weeks ago, he was playing in the fort. He came inside and laid down on the couch with his hands behind his head. I walked by and I asked what he was doing (unsure if he was not feeling well). He said, "Thinking." I said, Ok."

He laid there for a while and my mom got home from the store. She asked why he was laying there. I said, "Thinking."

Being grandma, she walked over and asked what he was thinking. He began to tell us. He said when he was playing in the fort, he was overwhelmed with thoughts of God. He said, "All these Scripture verses were running through my mind." He said he knew God was going to do some good miracles and he was excited.

We told him to keep talking. He said, "All I want to do it talk to people about God. I have all I can do to not run up on stage at Sunday school and start preaching."

We began to tell him that it seems like God was calling him to preach and God does this usually to children. He said he wanted to be a preacher in the military. We told him that's a chaplain.

We were amazed. We sometimes wonder if what were teaching the kids about God and the school work they do at home, and the words preached at church are sinking in. Now we'd say yes.

Dale also said he was going to walk up the subdivision going door-to-door to preach. I told him he could only to the houses in the cul-de-sac (safety reasons only). He got his Bible out the other day and started to read to one of our neighbor's sons. The boy said, "Can we do this on the weekend?" Hehehe, yes Dale, your first witnessing try was denied. But DON'T GET DISCOURAGED! You'll get Mr. A one day.

God places things in our spirits at an early age. He did with me with adoption. I remember wanting to adopt a "Chinese girl" or "black child" (as I called them) when I was around 8. Walking under the "L" train on Jamaica Ave. in New York City with my family. A black couple walked by us with a little boy and girl. I remember being fascinated with them. I kept thinking how cute the kids were and how I wanted one.

Now, I have my little Bubble. Dreams placed in our spirits by God may take some time to come about. Mine took 21 yrs to happen. Dale's may only take around 15 yrs depending on the path God has him take.

Needless to say, we're encouraging him. When he says something not so nice to Elijah, we remind him about his words and how "ministers" should speak. He's trying! He's thinking.

With all of the questions he asks, he never fails to ask those funny ones that his sister is too embarrassed or afraid to ask. Dale doesn't care about embarrassment. He's not afraid to ask things. He realizes the worst thing that can happen is he'll get the, "Ask that when your a bit older" or "I have no idea."

So yesterday, I get this question. I'm thinking some philosophical question was going to be asked. Wrong...

"Mommy, why do girls sit when they pee?"

Yep.

I guess pastors should know that too.

I mean, parishioners may ask it, right?!

Would you like to know the answer?

I'm sure you have no idea.

ME: "Well, boys have aimers or guns. You can point to where the pee goes. Girls don't. If they stood up, we'd pee on our legs. But Elijah still sits because he hasn't figured his gun out yet."

DALE: "Oh. Yah. I know. I've seen Elijah pee on the seat."

Now he knows....................

Military Funeral

2011-11-23T19:44:00.000-05:00

My uncle.

I love the different military branches dress blues but there is something about the Marines. A.b.s.o.l.u.t.e.l.y. s.t.u.n.n.i.n.g.

Retired Marine

Scott led the procession. He's eating:)

Flag at half mast

My grandfather's friend from their apartment complex. This man's wife died 2 weeks before. He was very nice.

Newest family member:) New life at a funeral. God is faithful!

Reflection of my gram

Flag presentation and salute to my gram

My mom and dad.

Grave marker.

At the marker

My gram

Pictures are a little out of order. My grandfather was battling cancer for 15 yrs. This Thanksgiving, we are very thankful for:

Eternal Life with Jesus

New life

Provision from God

Mercy

Grace

Redemption

Family

Our possessions which are from God and belong to God

Our soon-to-be-children

Warm houses

Clothing

Food

Scott's and my dad's jobs

Homeschooling

Friends

Gifts of the Spirit

My kids unconditional love for...me

The fireplace

Our beds

Our pets

My gardens

Chocolate

Health

Warm weather in November

and

many

but

sitting

front

the

fire

and

falling

asleep!

A journey back in pictures

2011-11-21T19:45:00.000-05:00

The luggage. This was the scene (though neater) for 6 months. 6 long months waiting to travel.

Bye bye Atlanta!

Amsterdam

Eating banana bread...didn't share.one.bite.

Waiting to meet Elijah Nov 19th, 2009

Porch

Yard

Dining Room

Kitchen

Laundry

Front of orphanage main building. The water collection tank was full and yes, the kids would turn it on and drink. Yes, Elijah had parasites. I have no idea why, LOL!

Elijah's blue crib. How ironic...a Mickey Mouse over his bunk and not anywhere else!

Second day. Already happy!

Third day. He loved his sunglasses. They were an item of much pleasure and also an item to cause temper tantrums...

View of Kampala from the orphanage. The orphanage was on one of 7 hills that make up Kampala. Each hill is huge and completely populated. Absolutely breathtaking to see a city so large.

His going away party. December 5th, 2009

Large grasshopper leg on our bathtub. Never found the grasshopper. Apparently the leg was not needed and left behind by the bug.

First meal out of orphanage right after his FIRST warm bath in 3 yrs. Always smiling!

First boat ride, on the Nile. Ok, not smiling here. Terrified.

Beginning point of Nile River.

No, I wasn't mad...just exhausted. I think this was the 4 week mark and at this point, had NO idea when we were leaving.

Mmmm...grasshoppers. Tasted like sunflower seeds to me. Crunchy. Had little black beady eyes.

Typical street scene.

Uganda red clay = Georgia red clay = always dusty.

Tea fields. By far, Uganda has the best tasting black tea I have ever had...in addition to the best bananas, pineapple, and passion juice.

Nile about a mile North of source

Phone minute shops

Goof. Eating his car.

First American meal.

I regret I didn't take more pictures. That won't happen in Peru. I wanted some pictures of the heart of Kampala with the large buildings but it was difficult. You can't take pictures of gov't buildings and it was hard for us to tell them apart.

How Elijah has changed! He has hair! He doesn't shut down when he gets corrected. We can understand his accent/language. What hasn't changed though is his appetite, yikes. What will he be like as a teen?!

This year, we didn't say anything to him about his "forever ours" or "gotcha day." It set him off last year, understandably.

He has also caught up on sleep (reference a recent previous post). He's doing much better; in school, playing, and general attitude. Yay! I don't like it when he's struggling.

Our Bubble! Forever ours December 5th, 2009. Officially a US citizen, December 24th, 2009!

Some pictures

2011-11-17T18:41:00.000-05:00

Counting onions for Grandma. 15 left. The basket was full. We like onions:) We bought them from a local organic farmer. These onions were so yummy but they would make you cry. Very strong. Not like typical store bought ones.

Cutting potatoes for homemade hash browns. Mmmmm...

My parent's fire place. Yes, it says Ryders. I didn't have 6 more pumpkins for my maiden name!

Dale wasn't in trouble. He's in the "cool guy" stage where smiling doesn't happen much.

Crazy sparrow. I thought I got him when he was on the ground. Slow camera, cool shot.

Scott and 3 co-workers escorted our National Guard through the county. The guardsmen were doing a road march from the Veteran's Cemetery in our county to Dobbins Air Reserve Base in the county south of us. They were then going to march the next day to the Atlanta Capitol. I brought the kids down to see the troops. Really cool! So thankful for our military!

Scott's on the right with the lights on.

They were fed a meal here.

In the HumVee.

Raymond...I mean Abby.

Needs to grow a bit. About 50-60 lbs. Not bad!

He's strong but not Army Strong...yet.

Fits a little better:)

Had to add the monkey. I don't remember his name. It's crazy though. And...Christmas decorations are up.

My grandpa is coming home (here) tomorrow for hospice. The house is decorated for him, early. He will be in Heaven on Christmas day.

And, the little boy we are wanting to adopt but have to wait a while, we found a picture of him on the internet. The orphanage has a website. He is cute, sweet, and muy flaco (very handsome)! A nice surprise and gift. 6 of 7 medicals picked up. Last one tomorrow!!

The change?

2011-11-17T08:29:00.000-05:00

All right.

Time to do a bit of "figuring the 5 yr old out."

The Bubble has some amazing character traits. Some of the not so fabulous ones can be cultivated into useful ones as well...over time. So like any adoption or child rearing goes, there are steps forward, frozen steps, and backward steps.

At some points, I don't see the backward steps until the steps have been going on for a while.

We try to maturely figure out triggers. Try to philosophically come up with words. Well here are my words:

Time change

The ridiculous time change. I know why it was established and up until I became mommy to Bubble, I didn't mind it. But now all has changed.

Now I have a 5 yr old waking up between 4:30am-5:30am. Yes, we have rules in the house. No getting out of the bed, unless it's for potty. No talking (if in a room with someone else) until mommy comes to get you. It would otherwise leave children on 2 different floors possibly unattended...and who's ages make them untrustworthy or AKA: mischiveous.

Since the time change, Scott and I have been getting up together at 6am. The boys bedroom door is always open and I know that said 5 yr old is awake, rolling around his bed and had already gone potty.

So like any human being who does not get enough sleep, they have these lovely things come out:

Crankiness
Anger
Irritability
Argues easily
Whinny (even with the strictly enforced "No whinning" rule, LOL)
Eating very slow
Not playing like good ole typical self
Talking way more than way more usual (and this boy loves to talk)
Figgity
Making baby sounds
Not taking naps (never figured this out but guessing he's overtired)
Generally not following rules because he quickly forgets them or is too tired to think

This has been going on since the time change. It wasn't before. It had been weeks since he was disciplined at all besides an occassional "time in." Then BOOM. The change and all these things came out within a few days.

So after some discipline measures and some good old fashion encouragement from daddy, said five yr old went back to sleep this morning at 6 am and is still asleep...8:22am. He's tired. Sometimes kids have no clue as to why they do things. This is one of those times. I don't think he's doing the lovely above list of things on purpose. I know he's 5 and is naughty at times but not this many things all at once.

Fun stuff! After a few good sleep in's this week and some long naps, he should be making progress again.

If you had been a fly on the wall Tue., you'd have heard this, "Why is everybody crying around here?" Dale was also tired then. He just burst out in loud crying after I asked him a simple question and he raised his voice. I said to not get mad. Whaaaaaaa....... Then Bubble started. What letter is this? The blank stare (too tired to remember and nervous because he forgot). Whaaaaaaaaaa....... Both boys slept soundly right after this. Only Bubble is still recovering, hehehehehe hohohoho. Kids always make amusing days even when at the time, it may not see too amusing.....

Continuing the day

2011-11-16T16:20:00.000-05:00

My aunt arrived around 9:30am to watch my gram so the kids and I could go to the pediatrician's. The kiddos are healthy! Abby is 53.5" and 60 lbs; Dale is 47.25" and 44 lbs; Elijah is 42.5" and 35 lbs. Yes, Dale is a bean pole...but Scott was too:)

After the Dr. can and checked them out, we waited a while for their TB skin tests and Elijah needed his Polio booster. The Dr., though he completely understands why the kids needed all the blood work for the adoption, was still in awe that they needed such strange ones. He said, "Is there any rampant Syphilis running around the house?" I find it funny too that it's required that the kids have Hep B and HIV tests. People can adopt children with these diseases. So then, why would it matter if we already had kids with these diseases? And, how would they get these diseases to begin with?! Anyhoo...

We then ran over to my Dr.'s office to pick up my paperwork, have my TB test read, and get copies of our labs. We got their during their lunch break so we had to wait a bit. The kids were starving. We headed over to St@rbucks to grab some veggie sandwiches for them. I didn't want them to get their labs on an empty stomach.

We then headed over to the lab place. It started to pour out. I gave the kids their sandwiches and the tornado sirens went off. Nice. Apparently I missed a call from Scott saying the tornado or cell was headed for us. Abby started to get scared. I asked her who created tornadoes? She said God. I said then ask Him to protect us and take them away. He did. Nothing happened.

We went in and the kids had their labs. Abby, much like me, got lightheaded and had to lay down. She was quite pale. She felt better after about 10 minutes and we came home.

My grandfather is still in the hospital. Not sure what is going on but he is stable as possible.

The at-home care nurse is here helping bathe my gram. What a lifesaver! The nurses are such blessings.

So now the kids are playing. Quite a day. Hoping for some peace and rest tonight:)

Prayer Requests

2011-11-16T08:18:00.000-05:00

So this morning has not been good. My mom woke us at 5am to say she was taking my grandfather to hospital cuz he couldn't breathe. I got up and as my mom started to leave the garage, he started vomiting blood and the breathing was worse. So my mom pulled back into the garage and my dad called 911. It was raining hard so my mom was fearful to drive a bit faster. My dad had to go to work (easier for him to leave work than call in sick).

The ambulance got here and took my grandfather to the hospital. My mom followed. I woke the kids up at 6:45 and fed them and Scott. Scott left for work. The kids go to start their schoolwork. I go to Dale to check on him. He says, "I have diarrhea." I said ok. Great. Thankfully he wasn't messy or anything and began to do his schoolwork.

I got my grandmother up from bed. She has Alzheimer's and is completely incontinent. My mom usually does all the bathroom care for her. She's not here. I brought my gram to the bathroom. Yes, she had both #'s in her depends. I was unable to clean her up completely. I was able to get a clean sanitary pad on her. My mom is going to be coming back home soon. I seriously could not stay in the bathroom. I have an extremely sensitive gag reflex with poo... I was gagging. It saddened me. My gram can't help it.

Just talked to my mom. The Dr. is giving my grandfather one last pint of blood and then placing on hospice, at our house. He is down to the last week or so of his earthly life. My sweet aunt is coming over to watch my grandmother until my mom gets home. I have to take the kids to their physicals for the adoption. Only God can give us strength and right now, I feel it. Later, I will need more:)

Amist happiness is sadness so please pray for our family for strength and peace. Death is sad.

So what now?

2011-11-15T18:30:00.000-05:00

So Scott has reviewed some papers. His answer agrees with mine. Now for the possible 2-3 month wait for permission to submit request to adopt. We cannot get "attached" to a photo. Yes, we did with Elijah...but the process was different.

With Peru, a child is available for adoption to anyone dossier approved by Peru. Since it is looking awesome to have our physical paperwork in by next week (our Dr. called and already received our labs back. My parents will have theirs Thursday), we are told it can take up to 3 months for dossier approval and that is if Peru doesn't ask for clarification or redoing on any paperwork. So the little dude we are really really praying about is ours...then God will keep him for us.

Then there's the other lingering question? What will Peru do? Will they approve us for more than one? God knows so our hope and faith is in Him. I have been asked, "How does Peru know you want more than one when your home study says only one?" Well the pictures that are part of the dossier show that both bedrooms have room for 2 more kids. 2 boys, 2 girls. Maybe they'll ask. Maybe not. I have found it impossible and futile to try to guess on what God will do and how He will do it. So it's in His hands.

I can't give any more info out since we are still so far away. Except that he likes soccer, I think I said that...I like soccer too:)

Guarding our hearts tonight and for awhile. Wishing it were closer but knowing God makes all things beautiful in it's time.

The day!

2011-11-15T14:34:00.000-05:00

After 11 weeks of waiting for the FBI, the checks have been received by our agency!!

And after 2 weeks of waiting, 2 of the 4 files of kiddos have been sent to us. Wow, they're so cute! Definitely praying about who God has for us. I am smitten though with one. It says he LOVES soccer! Can this be the child I have longed for, LOL? One who plays soccer?

So excited right now and we still have a bit of waiting to go. Well, more than just a bit but we're closer than when we started. My mom and dad had their physicals today and Scott and I had our yesterday. The kids go tomorrow. Busy busy week. Only the kids don't know they'll be getting needles:( Poor things.

Please lift us up in prayer that we can get our papers back by Monday of next week so my Fed Ex father can mail out the papers before Thanksgiving?!?!! Now...........

going to stare at some cute faces............................................

Happenings

2011-11-10T09:00:00.000-05:00

We've been busy. We'll be even busier next week, yay!

I have a little boy in bed who was giving me a tad bit of a hard time in school today. I heard him sneeze and sniffle. I think he's not feeling well. This same little boy has a strange way about him.

He fakes hiccups...

If he really does get them, I tell him to hold his breath. They go away when he does. Like clockwork, he starts them back up hrs later or even the next day. I guess it's his odd way of trying to get attention. Amazingly, when he's told to stop or he'll go to bed....they instantly stop. Medical miracle?!?!

I have found it easier (and the kids laugh) to just address the kids by # now instead of by name. I usually end up calling out at least one other name before getting the child's name right so now I say #1, 2 or 3.

#'s 1&2 are still doing school. I had to give them a half day today. We have house guests. My grandparents are here. It's really hectic. My mom needs help and support. We're going to try to go somewhere like a mall. To just get out.

Typically, we are already decorated for Christmas. We like having the tree up for Thanksgiving since we usually have 20+ people here. It's not up yet.

We did do the last lawn mowing until March, woohoo! Just have to rake the leaves....but not until they are finished falling.

Our winter garden is great. Tiny but yummy. The beets are looking good. We harvested 6-8 nice sized heads of broccoli. I have never had such yummy broccoli before. It's the only broccoli I've ever eaten that didn't require dressing on it. Makes me not like how our vegetables in the stores are grown even more. The brussel sprouts are still growing as are the cabbage. The carrots we don't think are too good. They never seem to root well:(

Scott's work hrs changed. He now works from 8am to 4:30pm. It was 5:30-2:30. He gets home later BUT I've been waking up with him at 6 and we're now having quiet time, praying and Bible reading together. I love it! Then a 6:30, he PT's (workout) me. I am really out of shape and tone. I don't like that. We just do body weight exercises like push-ups, crunches, jumping jacks, leg lifts, flutter kicks, and mountain climbers. All the of the exercises Scott did in basic training. I am sore! My legs feel like rubber. But that means it's working!

We're really excited about our dossier almost being complete. Still waiting for the kid's summary pages to be translated but that will be soon.

Medicals Scheduled!

2011-11-07T18:01:00.000-05:00

We have all the medicals scheduled....all 7 of them....

Scott and I Monday, mom and dad Tuesday, and the kids Wednesdays. I will be busy but be oh so very glad to be doing it, finally!

Please pray for my dad's boss though. He has a hard time getting days off using his floating holidays. Just pray for favor and understanding on his bosses part.

All of Heaven Praises

2011-11-04T23:08:00.000-04:00

Where to begin...

Death.

1 Cor 15:55-58 "O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord."

Many of us have unsaved family members. Many who have never confessed belief or love for Jesus. Even one's who have attended church since childhood but still never confess with their lips.

My grandpa.

He WAS one.

He is getting close to dying. It makes me sad. I visited him in the hospital tonight. On the way to the hospital I prayed, "Lord give me the words to say to him or the words to dad (my dad was on way to visit too). I am afraid but it's all You Lord."

I beat my dad there. Why is it that witnessing can be so scary? I was nervous. He was never open. Tonight with mortality on his mind, he talked. I started to cry when he said there isn't anything that can be done. He started crying. This was the first time in my 31 yrs I've seen him cry. I didn't see him cry when my brother died. I know he did just not by me. He was being strong.

I just hugged him. It's really hard...

Then I said this...and yes, only by God's strength could I, "Grandpa, there's only one thing dad, mom, and I want you to do. Just pray to Jesus to forgive your sins so you can go to Heaven. So you can see John (my brother) again, and then we'll all be together again one day." He nodded.

We talked briefly before my dad arrived and the nurses came in at the same time. I told my dad what I said.

After the nurses did their thing, it was my dad's turn. My dad gave a simple salvation message. Very easy. My grandfather said he would pray. He repeated after my dad as he prayed. I was crying.

It was finally happening.

I don't care that it took 84 yrs to happen. It DID!

Sometimes I think people make salvation and a relationship with God so difficult. They make it sound impossible. But it's not. If only I could say how much God loves us and longs for the day that people will love Him back. We aren't perfect. But He loves us anyway. He made us. Our sin may separate us from Him but it doesn't negate or diminish His love for us. His grace is sufficient.

Well tonight, we can rejoice! Another child of God! I'm so excited but I'm still crying as I type. Death is hard. We've been through it before. Just because one is old doesn't make it any easier.

Tonight death has no more sting for my grandpa! Please just continue to pray for him and my gram (she has Alzheimers and has no idea what is happening).

Rev 21:4 "And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away."

Medicals

2011-11-04T16:56:00.000-04:00

Phew! I feel so happy! We will be scheduling our medicals on Monday. We're going to put them out about a week to give the mailman time to bring the clearances to Columbus.

Our agency also received the 4 kiddos summary pages!!!!!!!!!!! They are being translated now and within a week or so we should have them.

Finally! Movement \
=================\
=================/
/
Forward! It's looking like by December, our dossier will be in Peru. It can take up to 2-3 months to be approved. Of course we're praying for favor but we're being realistic. I'm also nesting. I've been cleaning a lot. Dusting. Rearranging furniture. Getting the last room in the basement that is not decorated (basically a white blah room) cleaned up and decorated.

Dale asked today what his new brother and sister's names were gonna be. See, even Dale is believing we'll get more than one and he is aware we were only approved for one:) I have some names chosen to add on to the kids but all 4 kids files we are going to review, I LOVE their Peruvian names. Beautiful. The meanings of the names are beautiful too.

A great day to end the week!

Clearances

2011-11-04T14:36:00.000-04:00

I just called the FBI about our clearances. The lady behind the phone said they'll be mailed out on Monday!! I have an email into our agency asking for the go ahead to schedule our medicals. A fellow adoptive mom recommended that I call. I had no idea what the phone number was and could not find it online and she directed me to my credit card. I'm such a dork...

We call this...

2011-11-03T18:54:00.000-04:00

The Quasimoto...

Retwist

2011-11-01T19:49:00.000-04:00

I am loving Elijah's locs. They are so easy to maintain. On most days, I spritz with a bodifier and water mixture and put some Tea Tree oil on his scalp. I use coconut oil occassionally. I also recently cleansed his hair and scalp with a water and apple cider vinegar mix. Smelled bad but got his hair clean! I re-tighten with the crochet needle (figured out what it was) every 7-10 days but do not retwist. Too much twisting can cause damage. I finally retwisted tonight after about 5-6 weeks since the last twist.

It took about 30 minutes.

I spritz to wet hair and then individually twisted each loc while coating the loc in gel. I placed a clip at the base of the loc. After each loc was twisted and clipped, I used the blow drier in med-heat to set the locs again. He has a lot of frizzies and new growth that is not part of the locs. I also used a weave latch hook to get the loose hair loc'ed.

I can see a huge length change, I love it!

Clip head

Finished product!

Getting Long!!

As I wait

2011-11-01T19:02:00.000-04:00

I sit here thinking.

I remember the feelings I had on February 24, 2009.

We had just been invited by our agency, Holt International, to be one of the first families to join their Uganda Adoption Program. On Feb 19, we saw 9 faces of children from Uganda waiting for families. 9 beautiful faces. On the 20th, Scott and I chose one from the list and asked our agency to review this sweet boys file. We were denied. The sweet boy was too close in age to Dale. We were devastated.

On the 24th, I was upset and had no idea what to do~~, convinced they only had 9 children to refer and all were within 9 months of either Abby or Dale~~, I called our agency. Ms. Pat said, "Wait, I have a 2 yr old boy who was healthy and not considered a "waiting child."

I said, "Send the file!"

That's when the agonizing wait began. The wait when you know the referral is coming at any moment. The wait that causes you to hit the refresh button on your email 20x a minute. It took 4 LONG hours to receive this little boy's file. Then...

We got it. His sweet smile and face trapped us! We knew, he's the one! We contacted our agency the next day and said we'd accept his referral. Then once again, the agonizing wait began. This time, the wait was 9 months long. But at the end, we had our Elijah.

So this is what made me enter this memory: our agency has given us permission (pending Peru's okay), to review the summary pages (1st two pages of a child's file) of four unrelated children. 3 boys and 1 girl. We are waiting for the translation of these pages. We cannot see the full files until our dossier is in Peru. Hopefully within 1.5 months.

I hit the refresh button today...alot. I am not quite sure when the email will come. This week though. Can some of these kiddos be ours? That's the hardest part. Wondering if our world is about to be rocked? It was rocked on that cool February night in 09.

I know just a tidbit of info about each child. I know their ages. I know how much schooling, if any, they have. I know what special need(s) they have. That's it. They all have special needs. We've been really burdened with adopting children with special needs. Their ages range from 2-7. Nice age range. We don't want to go over Abby's age and we don't think Peru would say yes anyway. But who knows...

We're excited. We're getting close. Just waiting for the blasted FBI checks to come back. We're at the 2 month mark. Any day now. Then off to our physicals.

We have been blessed by such encouragement at church lately. So many of the sermons have renewed our faith. Our pastor encouraged us this Sunday to tell our story. For all Christians to tell their story. I've told Elijah's story. It's on this blog. I will continue to though. And also Peru. To tell of our family's triumphs and struggles. To tell of the joys and heartaches of adoption. It's not easy. It's well worth it.

Our God is faithful. He is mighty to save. He is orchestrating an awesome work. We are excited and thankful to be part of it.

There is a happy ending to this long wait. There is joy in areas that seem to be sad. The little boy who's file we tried to review before Elijah? He has a family, I met him in Uganda, and I'm going to be meeting his mom in March at the Created to Care Conference. So exciting!!

We're getting closer to Peru. Our days of waiting are shorter!

Where we're at

2011-10-24T11:09:00.000-04:00

As of right now, we have all but one thing complete for the dossier. The medicals must be done. But I cannot schedule them until the FBI checks come back. Our psych report is done and getting nortarized today, woohoo!

The FBI already has started processing the prints since our card was charged last month. I think we've been waiting around 8-9 weeks. It can take up to 13 weeks but our last one's took 10. Here's to praying they come back really soon!!

Adoption Fundraisers

2011-10-14T17:03:00.000-04:00

We are back to this again! We really are at the last bit of money needed...the flights. We'll have 5 tix there and 6-8 tix back...yikes!! (and one-ways are usually more expensive).

Scott and I are running at Walt Disney World during their January Marathon Weekend. I am running the 5k-3.1 miles and Scott the half-13.1 miles.

We are asking folks to sponsor a mile. It goes something like this:
$.50/mile = $8
$1/mile = $16
$2/mile = $32
$3/mile = $48
or whatever amount one can do.

Also, Scott and I are passionate about missions. Our church, Free Chapel-GA, supports 2 medical boats which sail up and down the Peruvian part of the Amazon River. These 2 boats (huge by the way...more like barges), give free medical/dental work for villagers. They also help build houses and wells along the Amazon. My aunt worked on the boat last year and was really blessed. She said the children were beautiful:) We are going to donate 10% of all sponsorship money to the medical boat project.

Our second fundraiser is jewelry. Who doesn't love necklaces and bracelets? This was a little project I took on. I ordered some Ugandan paperbeads from Bead For Life to make some jewelry for...me:) I quickly realized it is very enjoyable to make the jewels so now I have made several to sell. I am trying to take pictures of them but I cannot get the lighting right. My cousin is a photographer and I emailed him for help...I such a dork! So hopefully soon, I can post pics on here and FB.

If anyone is willing and would like to support us, send me an email: beccasgecko@yahoo.com
And if possible, please feel free to share this fundraiser to others. Thanks a bunch!!

Peru Update

2011-10-13T11:49:00.000-04:00

It's not really much of one. Last week, we heard back from our agency that we had to have the psychologist add a bunch of stuff to the report. Our agency's representative in Peru (who knows the process really well) reviewed the report and she was the one who gave us the list of add-ons.

To me, it's not a big deal to wait a bit longer to make sure everything is done right. We are praying that once everything gets submitted to Peru, they will not require additional paperwork.

Our psych is now working on the report is has said it will be completed tomorrow. I was getting frustrated because I felt like the psych was not understanding what we were telling her. She kept wanting to say it was ridiculous that all of this info was needed. The add-on's for the report were besically straight from the home study. It is redundant. I asked why the home study stuff needed to be in the psychological report. It is because Peru likes for the report and home study to match and they like having the psychologist confirm that the home study is accurate. That works for me.

Our psych was trying to keep the costs of the report down as well by keeping it short and to the point. I don't think that will work here. We are willing to pay whatever to get our kids home. God will meet all of our needs!

We also had to redo (a pattern here...) the FBI and GBI checks. The GBI checks are back but our agency is waiting on "form letter" from the GBI. The FBI is another story. We have been billed on our card so we know they have processed the info. Hopefully soon, our agency will have those printoffs as well.

After that, we only have our medicals. Those really shouldn't be difficult....but this is adoption so I am prepared for anything. We have files for 3 boys we are really anxious to review. Hoping we can review them soon.

Conversations...

2011-10-11T13:57:00.000-04:00

While driving to wally world...

Abby: There's a cow. It has milk in the utters.
Me: It might not. The utters don't always have to have milk in them. Ladies have boobies but they don't have to have milk in them.
Abby: You have milk in your boobies.
Me: No Abby. I don't.
Abby: Oh.
Dale: Well I have chest bumps.....

Trying

2011-10-09T19:55:00.000-04:00

I had just finished watching a movie with the kids. Scott asked Elijah what the name of the movie was.

Elijah (holding his tongue**reference previous post about the TH sound) said, "This picable Me."

He thought that saying "Dis"picable was wrong since I correct him every time he says "dis" for this. I am very happy. He is trying his hardest. This proves it. Silly boy...

School and Language

2011-10-08T11:31:00.000-04:00

We have settled back into school after vacation. It can be difficult, mostly due to tired little children. All three kids did well...all because of my bestest friend, Nap.

I have begun an intense regimen of language with Elijah. My mistake I made was thinking he would just begin speaking clearer being home a while. I should have begun at the very begininng. Now I have 5 yrs to undo.

I love langauge. I love the way it's formed, the proper pronunciation of words, special sounds, sentence structure. All of it was/is my absolute favorite subject in school. Having a child with some language delays (which is what I have come to realize) is unique. I find that I have to remind myself constantly that it is going to take a while to teach Elijah. I cannot expect him to just "change" his speech.

I am NOT trying to fix his accent or lessen it. It is completely possible to have an accent and pronounce words properly. After really thinking about how a Ugandan pronounces English words, I can understand why Elijah cannot say many of our American English sounds. They just don't exist in Ugandan English. So not only am I undoing the mispronounced sounds, I am teaching Elijah a whole new language.

I also thought that Elijah was just slow at coming away from "baby" talk. He may be a bit but he is capable of forming new sounds, he needs alot of practice though.

I found out from our psychologist who has written our report for Peru that Elijah would not qualify for ESL. Not that he couldn't go into an ESL class if he were in a public school but that it should be called something different. The psych said that when a child previously only spoke another language and then transisitions to another language, usually all at once, it's called "language subtraction." That means they have lost or taken away their birth language. ESL is for children who can remain bilingual or are adding a language to their speech. Much like our Hispanic community in the US who are raised in a Spanish speaking household and also go to an English speaking school.

We do not speak Lugandan. Nor will we ever. Now we can and are trying to learn Spanish. So with that said, Elijah is still learning to speak American English all the while having completely lost his birth language BUT having the pronounciations of his birth language carried over to English. Crazy!

These are some ways I am teaching Elijah.
1. Repetition-wow! This is how we teach our children everything but with language, it's constant. Pretty much every sentence he says I have to have him repeat.
2. Of the sounds he is having trouble pronouncing, I have him stare at my mouth/tongue.
3. I make exaggerated mouth movements so he can see what my mouth/tongue is doing. Ugandans are very soft spoken. If I didn't look right at them, I didn't understand them. Elijah does not move his mouth much. He's like a ventriloquist. He locks his jaw alot. **Try to think about the way you talk and how much you move your mouth and jaw-Elijah does not**
4. He fails to pronounce the first letter sound of many words. Since he knows his letter sounds now, I tell him, Jesus begins with "J"...he was calling him Desus.
5. The "D" is used quite often: Den-then, Dare-there, Duh-the, Dat-that, Dos-Those, Day-they...and the list goes on. He could not say the "TH" sound until I told him to hold his tongue with his fingers. Holding his tongue gets it out of his mouth and as he says the "th" sound it slides back in to say the rest of the word right.
6. Each time before he is allowed to eat, we say the "TH" words above and several others. He is now saying them right when asked but when he speaks every other time, they still have the D in front. It's going to take some time. It took 9 months for him to learn to chew with his mouth closed:)
7. He learned how to say the sound "aw" or "au" as in saw or saucer. He has to open his mouth wide to say it.
8. He still cannot say the "er, ir, or ur" as in eraser, bird, or fur. He also cannot say the "ar" as in star. This is going to take some time in that the mouth movements are less obvious. Most of his words which would use the above sounds use the "ere or err" sounds.
9. The short vowel sounds are coming along: cat, men, cot, sip, and mutt. His short a and o sounds very similar. The short a sound is not in the Lugandan language nor do English speaking Ugandans use it. He can say the sound alone but in a word it comes our more like the short o.
10. When Elijah says any word with a special sound in it (spl, tr, ch, dr, fl, sn, pl, ect.) he has to pronounce the special cound separately from the rest of the word. For example play will come our pay if he does not separate the special sound. It sounds like pull-lay. This is the only way I can seem to get him to understand the sound.
11. I have begun to teach sight words. He is also learning letter blends- ca for cat, da for dad. Its pronouncing the first letter and vowel together. This is the typical way many teachers do this. I taught Abby and Dale this way as well.

We have a fun but steep road to climb with language. Dale went through a time when he sounded like he had marbles in his mouth! Elijah sounds like that now. Dale has improved dramatically with his speech, only a few words now come out silly. I have a bit of information now that should help me with our new littles coming. It's not easy by any means but the kids are so very worth it!

Last year, Abby's history book had a section about Noah Webster. This was the first time I had learned about him. For whatever reason, the only thing I knew about him was that he wrote the dictionary. This article is really interesting:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Noah_Webster We have a copy of the 1828 Dictionary and indeed it has Scripture passages and references throughout. Having learned this, I feel passionate about the kids and language. It's not about doing away with culture. It's about teaching them about it. Our American English language is amazing. 27 languages all grouped together into one big word book. That's definitely incorporating culture!

This dictionary Mr. Webster wrote was not accepted right away. Much like today when other people and their language aren't accepted in the US. I hear all the time, "If they live in America, they need to speak English!" (when talking about our Hispanic immigrants) Well folks, many of our American English words are derived from Spanish...so hush!

Loc Tightening 1.5 months in

2011-09-29T09:08:00.000-04:00

The locs have gotten longer! They will be a bit curly for a while until they start to relax again. I divided 2 locs that were too thick. It wasn't easy but at this point, it can still be done. The roots are loc'ed nicely. The tips, though they all stayed in place, were still only twisted.

This time, I didn't worry about which way the locs laid on Elijah's head. I just latchhooked until they were tight. It only took around 1 hr to tighten. He wasn't really in the mood...as seen by the look on his face. He also has breakfast on his face. Yes, such a slacker of a mom:)

Hopefully, the loose hairs start to tangle or grow into the loc. I may have to help them. I am much happier than I thought I would be with my job, LOL! Never thought I could actually do this on my own. I will retighten them again around the 5-6 week mark, depending on new growth. I think I'm past the point of them coming undone!! Stretched out, each loc is around 3-4 inches long.

Day 7 - 9/23

2011-09-26T12:24:00.000-04:00

Magic Kingdom right before opening

There's nothing better than taking pictures of grown men riding the carousel

Liberty Square with our nations Colors. The oak tree next to the flags is extremely old and was transported there when the park opened. It opened in 1971 and the tree was old then!

On the line for Thunder Mountain

Splash Mountain

Space Mountain. That was way more bumpy and rough this go around. They also updated it a bit and added "thrusts" to the track. After each turn the car rocketed forward. Fun but alas, made me a bit queasy.

Out...

Roy, Minnie, and Abby. Abby is real with eyes closed and Roy and Minnie are fake with eyes open...

Typical position of the men folk on the trip

Our resort from across the lake

I love Disney topiaries. The wheels are even plant material, peat moss. I have a frame to make a Donald topiary but have been unable to find peat moss that is not shredded and chopped.

Hollywood Studios

My favorite ride, Tower of Terror. We took Elijah on this for the first time in 2010. He was 4. We have a braveheart on our hands. He loves these kinda rides. As long as we are next to him, he is fine. He even let go of my hand this time!

On line for the Tower. Scott does smile. He does this on purpose. Normally the adults smile and the kids give a cheesy grin. Scott is opposite...

This was our last day. We did the Magic Kingdom in the morning and Hollywood Studios in the evening. We ate lunch out as well. Yummy tuna sandwich on multi-grain bread.

We enjoyed ourselves. We discussed the do's and don't's for the next vacation on the way home. We all agreed that splitting the vacation between 2 places makes for a harried time. It seemed we were rushed. I think we were just out of our normal routine and it was hard to refocus. Normally, we just stay a Disney. The kids were good but very tired this time. The beach just played them out.

It wasn't too hot. I was told it was a bit warmer than normal for late September but we're used to the heat. The parks seemed a little more crowded. Not sure why. Many, many foreigners. Maybe it was a holiday somewhere else?!

As a way to kill time on the boring ride home, we search for GA license plates with the counties on them. There are around 159 counties in GA. We saw 81 on this trip. We also search for all 50 state plates. We found 42. Even Hawaii!

So now, the kids are catching up on sleep. They just finished school for the day. Elijah and Dale are napping. Abby seems okay after yesterdays nap.

Scott and I run in the Disney marathon in January. Last night, we began our training. We slacked off over the summer...just way too hot. 90+ degrees for 50 days straight is not good for running. Back to our normal life!

Day 6 - 9/22

2011-09-26T11:53:00.000-04:00

On Thursday, we had breakfast at the resort's restaurant, Cape May. It was a character breakfast with Goofy, Donald, and Minnie. It was a buffet filled with lots of fruit, pastries, typical breakfast items, and juice. Very yummy. We cheated on our way of eating a little...pastries:)

After breakfast, we headed to EPCOT. We did all the main rides in the future world and around 11, headed over to the World showcase. I did a little shopping and bought some Mexican pottery for our downstairs family room. It's decorated in a Hispanic theme for the new Peruvians!

After eating just healthy snacks for lunch, we dropped the kids off at the Sandcastle Club. It's the children's rec area/Disney babysitter club at the resort. It was filled with games, video games, toys, coloring things, dress up stuff, kitchen stuff...basically everything your kids has always wanted and will never have all of.

We 4 adults headed back to EPCOT for an adult only meal. We have another tradition to eat in this one restaurant, The Land. It serves the vegetables and fish Disney grows in their aquaponics lab. It was also my brother's favorite restaurant. We try to go there almost every trip to honor my brother. His birthday was Sept 19th. He'd have been 35. To honor him, Scott and I made a memory book. The characters and our waitress autographed it for us:)

After dinner, we picked the kids up and had plans to watch the fireworks. It started to rain so we headed back to the hotel. Kids to bed and this time, adults too...pretty tired!

Great, a nose picker...

Our character breakfast/buffet

Some of the characters have funny personalities, others just come over for pictures. We have found that Donald, Dale, and Goofy have the best, most comical personalities.

Waiting to get into EPCOT

In the aquaponics lab. Everything is grown in sand or water. Its all organic and uses fish waste to fertilize.

Red and Green lettuce. The top part actually says EPCOT but its hard to see here.

Pepper plants and tomato tree

Pumpkins, melons, and amaranth.

Morocco.

This was so cool. They use the old guide maps to send to Bead For Life to make paper beads in Uganda. They sell $4000-$7000 a week for the villages in Uganda!

Dale. He is always funny. He took my dad's hat off. Played around with it, put it on his nose, "sneezed in it", and then rubbed his hand in the hat and my dad's head making it look like he was rubbing snot all over him. He then walked away from the table, stealing the hat. He came back but he's always funny. Last year, he tried to bite Dale's (our Dale) head, and the year before, he pretended to drink our coffee.

He also poses funny too.

Day 5 - 9/21

2011-09-25T13:43:00.000-04:00

I made it big so you could see Dale's face. I guess the sun was bright!

"Buzz! You naughty toy!"

Saratoga Springs Resort. This is the resort that my parents purchased the time share from. It's really pretty.

Ohhh to have that flower arrangement...

Not sure why Abby looks like she gonna cry...she was eating a vegan donut! So stinkin' yummy. I have a slice of vegan pumpkin loaf.

I love catching the funky eyes pictures. Apparently he had a little too much orange juice this morning!

We've been working out!

Little Peruvian's...I'll take triplets!

My serious face.

On Wed morning, my mom, kids, and I headed to Downtown Disney. It's the mall basically. This is where the kids spend their money they earned from chores. For lunch, the men folk met us here at Pollo Campero's. We had the veggie burgers. They have several vegan/vegetarian selections. It was also the same place we bought the donuts in the morning. Babycakes is the vegan bakery.

We headed back to the room after shopping cleaned up and headed to the Magic Kingdom for a bit. We only did a couple of rides: Space Mountain, Buzz Lightyear's Ranger Spin, It's a Small World, and Haunted Mansion. It seemed busier than normal.

Then back to the room for dinner and relaxing time. The kids...as usual, went in to bed around 7:30ish. We don't always put them in bed early when on vacation but it seemed they got worn out at the beach and never recouped the energy:(

Scott, my dad, and I went downstairs for ice cream. We also played a couple games in the arcade. Fireworks then bed!

Day 4 - 9/20

2011-09-25T13:19:00.000-04:00

Here's the newest elephant at the Animal Kingdom. I don't remember his name but he's about 4 weeks old. He was running to his mom, it was the cutest thing...big floppy ears and he stilled looked very awkward running!

My Uganda moms will like this. Only this one was a lot smaller than one's in UG.

Bug's Life

Mr. Lion gave us some nice photos. We don't know where the Mrs. was?!

This huge globe is in the Yacht Club lobby (Beach Club's sister resort). It was made originally in 1609. It was cool too see how much of the world that was yet to be discovered. Peru was:) Uganda was too but it wasn't named Uganda. Lake Victoria was also discovered but the shape was off. It had California as an island.

As you can see, Uganda was part of an area named, Bagamidri.

This was the beginning of the water slide at the resort's pool. You climb up a spiral staircase and enter the slide at the wrecked "mast" of the ship. At the end of the enclosed mast, you go in a series of turns, down a steeper slope under a water fall, and come out into the pool. One of the best slides I've been on. The slide was painful! The slide is in sections. At each joining section is a gap. Kinda like a cement highway. I am not sure why but Scott and I could feel the gap. It was a painfully fun slide.

How to entertain a 5 yr old...

On Tuesday morning, we headed to the Animal Kingdom. We were one of the first in the park! We started off having breakfast. After breakfast, we went on the Safari. The animals were out for the most part. I have so many animal pictures that I try to take only unique one's now. After the Safari, we went on Everest. This is a really fun roller coaster that usually makes me sick. Yet, I don't do roller coasters to well but I love them! This coaster is unique. It goes backwards, up, and in a curve at the same time. That's what gets me. The backwards thing feels so weird!! Turns my stomach:( I can recover quickly with a cracker and some water. Abby and Dale love it. Elijah is still 2 inches to short.

We then went over to the Kali River rapids. This ride will make you soaked...It's not a typical water ride where a couple splashes may hit. This sends the raft down a long hill and when it hits the bottom, a wall of water comes over the raft. Somehow, I managed to keep my bottom dry. ~~I hate walking in wet shorts...~~ It was hot so we all dried quick.

After the rapids, we did the Bug's Life 4D movie and went back to the resort. We did not do much at the Animal Kingdom this trip and Tue morning was the only time we went there. It seemed a bit more crowded.

We came back to the resort for lunch. After eating, we headed down to the pool. We swam for about an hour. Elijah napped in the stroller. The pool at this resort is amazing. It is sand bottom, free form, and has several deep areas with a stream/lazy creek. Elijah woke up and he and my mom came in. We took Elijah up to the slide. It started to rain. We swam for a bit more but our stuff started to get wet. By the time we made it back to the room, the rain was over:( Its really cold to walk through the hotel, soaking wet when the AC is cranking, yikes!

After dinner, my mom, kids and I walked over to Hollywood Studios. Scott and my dad had to drive out to meet my grandparents who were coming down until Saturday. They were lost so Scott had to help them. Scott and my dad met us at HS a bit later. In the meantime, I took the 3 kiddos on the Tower of Terror. It's very funny how Elijah loves this ride! It's dark. At the end, the "elevator" you are in drops 13 stories goes back up and does a series of falls and rises, some of which lift you off the seat. Scott had him raising his arms when he went on it on Friday. This ironically is the only "roller coaster" which doesn't make me nauseous.

Scott arrived then and we went on the Rockin' Roller Coaster. Elijah's not tall enough and Dale was finally able to go on it. He loved it! My mom said she would try it but after I got off, I told her she would freak out...it a bad way. Too intense for her. We headed over to Star Tours afterwards.

It was remodeled. This ride is a simulator, kinda like the things in the mall. You sit in a box with a screen and the box moves to the stuff on the screen. It usually makes me sick but heck, why not try it again. And again...I had a tummy ache. Am I getting old?!?! The kids love it so I can put up with it.

We walked a bit and headed back to the resort. The kids went to bed and we stayed up to watch the fireworks. They were at 9pm...too late for the kiddos...

Day 3 - 9/19

2011-09-25T11:08:00.000-04:00

The Disney welcome sign

One worn out little guy! I was laying on the bed with him. I left the room and came back in 5 minutes later...he was out.

Waiting for Scott, Abby and Dale to get off the Mission Space ride. It makes me sick:)

Geeks. Taking pictures of each other.

Resort Entrance.

Bus stop. It was nice at this resort that we only needed to take the bus to 2 parks. We walked to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios.

Pretty bridge to the bus stop.

We left Vero Beach around 7:45am. It took about 1.5 hrs to get to Disney. Just outside of Disney, we stopped at Wal-Mart to get our refrigerator groceries. We arrived at the resort around 9:30, checked in, and were off to the Magic Kingdom at 10. Our room was not ready yet. We have a family tradition in which we eat at a certain restaurant, Pecos Bill, on our first day. We normally ate hamburgers but since we don't do beef, we had the veggie burger. Very tasty and not tasteless like most veggie burgers.

After eating, we headed to Splash Mountain. While on the ride, we got the text that our room was ready! That was great since we normally have to wait until 3:30pm to get in.

The final drop on Splash Mountain.

We headed back to the room and unpacked. After unpacking and having dinner in the room, we went to EPCOT. EPCOT is by far my most favorite park. It is geared towards adults more. The different country pavilions are great. Being a landscape lover, its so much fun to meander the gardens.

After touring EPCOT and doing some rides, we headed back to the room for the night.

France

Resort rear entrance to the lobby. This resort was huge. By far the most ritzy I've ever stayed in. We liked the resort but its still not our favorite. We like the more laid back, less ritzy types.

Another cool thing out this resort is that they gave us a room with a view of the EPCOT fireworks. We couldn't see the bottom of the show, which includes fireworks/animated globe on the lake, but we still saw plenty of great lights. My mom and I sat up every night to watch. The kids did not see them, by 8pm, they couldn't stay awake. They told us they never heard the fireworks. Crazy, they sounded like cannons going off!

Rest of vacation

2011-09-23T20:48:00.000-04:00

I know I said I'd post. That didn't happen. The internet here is slow and I wanted to add pictures. I am uploading them to Flickr and will post a link when complete. We are so very tired...

But we had a great time. We leave tomorrow morning around 8am. We should be home around 3pm. The kids have done well considering they are exhausted. Only problems we had stemmed from being tired and they weren't that bad.

This whole week, we have been looking for a 2011 Disney license plate. We get one every year. I already have the nails up in the wall for it. We were so very unsuccessful finding one. All the stores said they were sold out. Last night, I prayed.

How goofy. I prayed for a license plate. When I awoke this morning, a certain store in the Magic Kingdom came to mind. When we were at the Magic Kingdom, I was about to go on the speedway with Scott and the kids. I decided to go to the certain store.

Guess what? Yep, that one store had 4 plates left. As far as we know, they were the only one's left in the parks. We have looked in all 4 parks plus the Downtown Disney (shopping mall) area. Even better? It was marked down to $2.95 from $8.95. We got an annual pass holder discount and it was $2.35!

I am well convinced that God even concerns Himself with the little things. AND since He concerns Himself with the little, special things, HOW MUCH MORE does He concern Himself with the big things...like adoption:) and the waiting!

Hopefully, the uploading doesn't take long. Maybe by Sunday, I'll have them all up:) So long from Florida!

2011-09-18T20:05:00.000-04:00

Sunset last night

Sunrise this morning

Abby's hair was in about 40 box braids. I had to take them out today because her parts got sunburned. I tried to cover them up but they still got burned a bit. It took forever to get all the sand out!

Building the sand castle...(Scott said his belly looked big here. To make him feel better, I will say his belly is really not big!)

Modified castle, still overtaken by waves

Today, we are wiped out! We were at the beach and pool all day. Elijah was the only lucky one and got a nap in. After dinner, we played mini golf and tennis. None of us can play tennis...at.all. It was amusing! Tomorrow, we leave early for Disney World. We're praying our room is ready early!!

We stayed at a Disney beach resort instead of a regular one because my parents have the Disney time share. What a huge blessing it has been. Our lodging is free every year and the only thing we pay for is food and tickets. I can't thank my parents enough for getting it:)

Day 1 of vacation

2011-09-17T19:00:00.000-04:00

As of right now, I have been awake since 6am yesterday. We left the house last night at 10:30pm. I did no go to sleep. Scott went to sleep at 5 and the kids at 7. Thankfully, Scott got 5 hrs of sleep.

We headed down the Atlanta Highway. ~~cheesy song reference but that is just what we did.~~ We stopped off in Ocala at a Starbucks, yum. We had breakfast and then continued on to the coast. We arrived in Vero Beach around 10am.

The kids barely slept. They cannot get comfy in carseats/boosters. We saw NASA at a distance and passed through Cape Canaveral. We saw only one cruise ship. We went south to Vero on the A1A. We were kinda disappointed that most of the ocean view was blocked.

Upon arrival, we went straight to the beach. My mom and I held the kids hands as they splashed in the water. The currents/waves are really strong. I've been in the ocean before but never experienced they hard waves. I love them. The kids...I get nervous with.

We ate some lunch and let the kids swim in the pool. Abby and Dale went down the water slide no less than 40 times. Elijah played in the toddler pool area for a bit but he was exhausted so I mostly had him sit with us on the chairs.

We finally got into our room at 3:30. After unpacking, Scott, my dad, and I took Abby and Dale back to the beach to go into the water a bit deeper. Scott held Dale and my dad Abby. I didn't think I was strong enough to have a good grip on Abby. My dad didn't last long with Abby, they became separated briefly after a big wave and he had her play in the sand. Scared them both:) Scott held Dale for a while but Dale didn't like getting the water in his mouth. He joined Abby in the sand. Scott and I continued to fight the waves but the waves won. What a blast but we are tired!

We ate dinner and I put Elijah down for the count. He feel asleep in 5 minutes. Dale asked to go to bed 20 minutes later. Abby right now is still up and wanting to watch the sunset with us. 35 minutes and counting. Here's some pics of our first day!

What a bored 5 yr old does...

Dale's wrinkled feet.

Help

2011-09-15T08:26:00.000-04:00

Hide not thy face [far] from me; put not thy servant away in anger: thou hast been my help; leave me not, neither forsake me, O God of my salvation. Ps 27:9

This Scripture verse sums up for me how on so many nights I felt after having a bad day parenting. When I failed to do something right or I just completely messed up, this verse helped.

Never did I think parenting would be so difficult. Ever.

The path that our lives have taken have been so very worth it but oh so hard. As a family, we have had so many more downs than ups that it seemed foggy and hopeless as times. I have gone thought months of discouragement, possible/probable post-adoption depression, and was quite a crabby appleton.

There were times when it seemed that the kids only took steps back. I have raised my hands in frustration and said, "I'm putting them in public school!" I've withheld love/time because I was physically too drained to do anything else.

But things get better. God promises He never leaves us. Things have gotten much better or us. Its been 5.5 yrs since becoming a mom. I was rough, wow! Going into parenting a complete novice with traumatized kids was hard. I know others who have done the same thing. I can't say anything to them but that I understand just a little bit of what they are going through. I can't usually help them because all kids are different. What I can say in confidence is that God will see you through. Lean on Him. Pray without ceasing for you kids.

The Bible says you can pray for wisdom. It works! "And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man." Luke 2:52 My mom prayed this verse over me since birth. I feel sometimes I don't give enough glory to God. Not that I don't want to but words just don't do justice.

Our kids are doing so much better. We still have yucky days. In comparison to 3+ yrs ago though, it's a miracle. Our LCSW we visited yesterday was extremely happy over the transformation the kids have done. That is all God!

The psychologist also told us we are doing things right. Wow! Really?? Come to our house on any given day and would that still be your opinion?? Those little nuggets both ladies told us are an encouragement. Not that everything we do is right, goodness, it's not. But to know that we aren't as bad as we feel, that's awesome.

Our biggest belief as parents is to raise the kids to fear and love and follow God. To not be part of the world and follow the world's ideologies. It means many days we say no to new toys, clothing, watching any TV, hanging out with not so nice neighborhood kids, talking back, fighting, ect...

Our kids are sheltered. They have to be. If not, their rocky foundation we are reinforcing and making stronger would crumble. I am so very thankful that we have God. A Savior to help us when we fail, to give us peace when we fear, to supply our needs, and to love us at all times.

"And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes. And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates." Deu 6:5-9

Psych Update

2011-09-14T13:40:00.000-04:00

Today, I took the kids and my mom to visit our psychologist. It took about an hour. Painless. My dad will also head over to her office later today so that means everyone will be complete!!

The psych did say the report was written with the exception of the small paragraphs about the kids and my parents. So hopefully in a day or so, she will email me the report and I will then forward it to our agency for approval. When accepted, our psychological will notarize and send it to the agency! It really looks like we'll be doing all our medicals shortly after returning from vacation!!

Our credit card has not been charged yet for the FBI clearances but I suspect in a few weeks it will be. We are also going to visit the social worker who we did some counseling with in 2007. She will write the report to say Abby is good to go and the counseling was a success. We are not required to do this but was recommended as a precaution in case Peru was curious it indeed the kids were counseled at all for their early childhood experiences.

We are getting a bit closer now! Very very excited! I have once again checked and rechecked the waiting child list. We have now narrowed it down to 10 files we are willing to request. Boys and girls ranging from ages 2-11. There is a chance that any of the 10 kids will get matched with a family next week so it may make our requesting easier:)

Vacation tips

2011-09-12T11:41:00.001-04:00

I have found it difficult to find ideas and tips when taking an adoptive child (recently adopted or home for a while) on vacation. I have found this one link: http://allears.net/pl/dis_aut.htm It deals with taking a child with Autism to Walt Disney World.

Your adopted child may not be autistic but in many ways, the stimulation and crowds and noise, can be a factor in how your child reacts and may be similar.

When we were waiting to travel to get Elijah, we had our annual vacation planned for Sept 2009. In July, we canceled it and moved the trip to January 2010. Our agency thought we could travel in Sept. Well, we could have gone on vacation in Sept since we didn't travel until November.

As a result of the normal/long in country process of Uganda, we finally arrived home on December 24, 2009. Our family vacation was 2 weeks away.

We all loaded up the van and drove to Disney on the 9th of January. Let's see, we had:

1) 2 grandparents who were extremely happy we were home

2) 2 children who were extremely glad we were home and starved for attention and going through the sibling rivalry/jealousy thing of a newly adoptive family

3) 2 parents (Scott and me) who were completely jetlagged and oddly enough, ready for a vacation

4) 1 three yr old little boy, jetlagged, scared, culture shocked, and the easiest one to handle!

We arrived in Disney during a 2 week long cold front which left most of northern and central Florida under frost and some ice. It sleeted in Ocala on the way down!

Let's see again, we had:

1) 1 grandpa used to the cold weather since he works in it

2) 1 grandma who lost over 100 lbs over the past yr and ould not handle any cold weather (no more insulation)

3) 2 children who were used to the cold and loved it

4) 2 parents who are normally used to the cold but since they lived on the equator for 5.5 weeks, were not acclimated to it yet

5) 1 three yr old boy who has never felt anything so cold since he always lived on the equator (and since arriving home has had a constantly runny nose from the cold...)

We arrived at our resort, The Animal Kingdom Lodge. We have never stayed there before and since we didn't see too many African wild animals in Africa, we wanted to see them in Florida. Like Scott said, we traveled 7000 miles to Africa and back and had to go to Florida to see some African animals. We didn't do a safari...regrets yes...

We bundled up the kids and went to the Magic Kingdom. We began our visit in Adventure land and went to the Pirates of the Caribbean. Elijah did better than Dale on this ride. I'm not sure why but Dale cried a bit when he saw a skeleton. He recovered though:) I just believe Elijah had no idea what he was looking at so why should he be scared? Or he was so scared he was silent?! I don't know...

We ate lunch and went on a few more rides. Elijah did well and only truly seemed scared on Snow White. But that ride gets alot of toddlers so he wasn't the only 3 yr old crying that day. It's dark and creepy at parts.

The whole week was surprisingly really good. Abby and Dale had some rough moments. We were still getting them back on a schedule and they both had aquired some not so great behaviors when we were gone.

Elijah was completely dry (no bedwetting) the whole week! It started to warm up the last two days. Elijah's nose continued to run but it runs from Sept-Apr every year. If its under 75 degrees, it will run. I guess he'll eventually acclimate but for now, he is our thermometer. Oh look, Elijah's nose is running, it must be mild out today. Finding humor in these things helps.

There are so many circumstances and situations to take into account when traveling (anywhere) but more when going to Disney. There are so many sounds, sights, smells, and PEOPLE everywhere. You cannot escape them. Unless you locked yourself in the room, then you're good there.

We tried to prepare Elijah (and Abby and Dale when they first went) but talking to him. Disney has a free vacation planning DVD (English and Spanish). It shows all the resorts (good if you are staying on property) and the parks. It will show just how big the characters are.

Some children get terrified by the characters because on TV, they look small. I do not and never will force any of my kids to get a photo-op with the characters. They look scary sometimes. It's not a big deal to not have pictures of them with Mickey. If your child will get a picture taken with them but asks/demands/screams to have you with them, then a friendly relative or stranger will help with the camera.

There are a bunch of books on Disney which describe each ride and how scary it is. Since we travel there alot, I had a good idea which one's would be good for Elijah. We had a good test run with Elijah when we took him on his first boat ride on the Nile River. He was very quiet, wide-eyed, and apprehensive. He took it all in but that ride showed him daddy and mommy where there and protected him. He did really well on the Disney boat rides.

Some children are more adventureous than others. We have found when Elijah tries something scary for the first time, the second time is a breeze. Not all kids are like this. Abby is not. It takes a lot of encouragement and tries to help her through the scary. With Abby, when she successfully completes something scary (with some tears of course) we make a joke or start laughing and she in turn does the same and asks to do the scary thing again. Dale is the middle man. He could go both ways. He is getting older so he tends to be more brave now. Not many tears anymore.

Some things you can ask yourself/family when thinking about going to Disney with your newly or fairly recently adopted child:

1. Is the child afraid of loud noises, strong smells, or crowds? (all 3 are non-stop there)

2. Does the child gravatate to strangers? (all 3 of ours did at one time)

3. As a parent, are you willing to just head back to the hotel if your child is having difficulties or will you force the child to trudge through? (I have seen countless kids dragged through the park because the parent had the mentality, "Darn it, I paid a lot of money for this trip and you will like it and do everything without complaining!"

4. Do you have a plan on how to calm an overly exhausted/agitated/frustrated child in a public place? (just letting them work through the temper tantrum won't work here...or I've never seen it work)

5. What do you do when your child "wants" something and you say no and you don't agree? (the parks are full of toys and things a child wants, at every corner, attraction, ride...) Think of Wal-Mart and multiply it by 100%

6. Is your child a go-with-the-flow kid or still in the needs-to-be-in-control mode?

7. What happens when your child is off his/her schedule?

8. Are daily naps a necessity or can they miss a few?

9. What happens when your child cannot eat the same way they are used to at home?

10. Is your child physically fit to walk long distances (if not in a stroller)? You can pre-train them a few months in advance but walking your neighborhood a few nights a week.

11. Think about what kind of resort to stay in; busy, noisy, laid back, colorful, spread out?

12. As a parent, are you willing to make the vacation a little bit more about your children and their wishes (not all, the kids aren't in control but a little or few decisions??) and not so much only what you want to do? We have found when we let the kids pick a few of their want-to's, they readily go with ours. That may sound harsh but I have seen it. We people watch:) Some people seem to think that its all about the adult. Adult Disney vacations are great but when the kids come too, make it for them.

13. Would it bother you to not be able to go on a ride because your child doesn't want to? It'll be out of fear if they don't want to.

These are really only a few of the many questions to consider. And this list may not entail all the special needs kiddos out there that may have mobility concerns or others. Disney is very handicap accessible but it still makes it a bit more challenging. Disney seems to love special needs kids and adults. They go out of their way to accomodate people with special needs and make their vacation very memorable.

There's no right or wrong answer to when and where you take your child on vacation. Every family is unique. Even well-behaved, no trauma expericenced home grown kids can have severe meltdowns at Disney. Being open-minded, empathetic, flexible, and having a sense of humor goes a long way at Disney.

None of this has stopped us from enjoying Disney! We have a blast each time, even with some meltdowns or frustrations. That happens on a daily basis at home, why should we think it won't happen on vacation...it'll probably be a bit worse:) Would I recommend taking a newly adopted child to Disney? Yes/No. It all depends on the child. I would lean more towards the no side though. I think at least 6 months is a good time frame but again, as a parent, you will know. You may need upwards of 1-3 yrs of adjustment time.

Some people will say yes, some will be adamant about saying no! Look at where the info is coming from. Is the yes or no coming from an adoptive or non-adoptive parent? I don't take much if any advice from a non-adoptive parent (not one who is in the process but one who has never adopted at all or even considered it...they just don't understand). I know some people value non-adoptive parents advice but in my situation, I haven't found one who is helpful:(

As newly adoptive family, try to go on short trips if possible first. We didn't have the short trip possibility in the US but in Uganda, we had a really good adjustment/bonding period. I think that is what made our first vacation successful. Try an overnight stay somewhere. Try a long day out with sightseeing. Those short trips will give you a good idea on how your child can handle longer vacations or if you need some more time.

As we prepare to leave in a few days, I have let the kids pick out some toys to bring. We have also been saying, "This time next week, we'll be at the Magic Kingdom." I have backed off with schooling. Just less pages than normal. They have helped us pack and we are talking about the vacation a bunch. It's all preparing their minds. It takes much of the unknown out. The unknown is what causes so many meltdowns, fear.

I am going to try to post on vacation. I can usually do a few days. We hope to get a good picture of the sunrise on Sunday!

**A little thing that makes me feel good is that Elijah has been talking about going to Peru. He walks around with his cellphone talking about Peru and daddy. I hope he's prophesying!**

Waiting

2011-09-09T22:21:00.000-04:00

I was thinking today...once again...that waiting stinks.

I also know that there is a purpose in waiting.

"To every [thing there is] a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven." Ecc 3:1

Here's the definition to purpose from the Bible (Hebrew):

a) delight

b) desire, longing

c) the good pleasure

d) that in which one takes delight

"He hath made every [thing] beautiful in His time: also He hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end." Ecc 3:11 (I added bold)

I know what God has placed in our hearts...the orphan.

I know God has a predetermined child(ren) and time to pick up our child(ren). Yes, I still have faith in that we could get siblings. We have learned with God, nothing is set in stone until its complete...and then sometimes what looks complete isn't always finished either!

"For since the beginning of the world [men] have not heard, nor perceived by the ear, neither hath the eye seen, O God, beside thee, [what] he hath prepared for him that waiteth for him." Isa 64:4

"Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD ." Ps 27:14

"And now, Lord, what wait I for? my hope [is] in thee." Ps 39:7

"I will give You thanks forever, because You have done it, And I will wait on Your name, for it is good, in the presence of Your godly ones." Ps 52:9 (NASB)

"My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation [is] from him." Ps 62:5

"I wait for the LORD, my soul doth wait, and in his word do I hope." Ps 130:5

"But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew [their] strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; [and] they shall walk, and not faint." Is 40:31

"But if we hope for that we see not, [then] do we with patience wait for [it]." Rom 8:25

I have to go back and read these verses every so often. The wait gets long. Tiresome. Sad. We are learning things through this wait. Knowing God is orchestrating something great and it's all behind-the-scenes. We can't see it yet but we know it's happening. Our little brown eyed, dark haired child(ren) are waiting. I think about their wait.

Often adoptive parents think of their own wait. How hard it is. How sad it is. We should be thinking of how the children feel. What is it like to be alone? To pray and dream of having parents. The kids imagine a time when their parents come to them. If we as parents daydream of meeting our kids, don't the kids do the same?

I thought of meeting Elijah countless times and each time I imagined something different. Then when the time came, it was nothing like I imagined. It was better! For the kids, the dream may be better. It has to be scary walking up to your "new" parents for the first time.

These daydreams I have found, help me have empathy for my kids. To get on their level. To try to understand them and give them patience and time.

This wait is hard. We don't even know who our child(ren) are. At least we had Elijah's referral early on. We had a picture. Someone we could pray for and call by name.

After this wait is over, another will begin.

The wait for our child(ren) to adjust. To start becoming comfortable. To start learning. To start loving and becoming dependant on us.

I take this wait seriously, no matter how NOT fun it is I know I am being prepared. I'm still learning.

"But now, O LORD, thou [art] our father; we [are] the clay, and thou our potter; and we all [are] the work of thy hand." Is 64:8

I take pleasure in knowing I have a God Who loves us and gives us peace and comfort during the wait.

Getting ready for vacation

2011-09-08T15:02:00.000-04:00

Yeah! Our annual family vacation is 8 days away!! I am going to try to post a bit. I did last year so hopefully I can again. Our first stop (split vacation) is Disney's Vero Beach Resort. We wanted to try the beach out for a few days before heading to our non-stop moving adventure of the parks.

The biggest reason to be going to the beach though is...all 3 kiddos haven't never seen the ocean...such sheltered children:)

After 2 days, we'll head to Disney World and stay at the Beach Club Villas! This resort is between (within walking distance) to the Hollywood Studios and EPCOT. We have never stayed at this resort and saying we're excited is an understatement!

Going on vacation, whether its a quick overnight stay or a week long always brings my memories back of a sweet little orphan boy, 4000 miles away:)

Our referral picture. Feb 2009

Jan 2010

Sept 2010

I will be getting another picture of the kids in the same spot. Hoping, praying, believing...our little Peruvian(s) will be in this picture next September. It brings me to tears knowing of all the kids out there who don't have families. No, going on vacation doesn't make a family great, but being together is. I cherish the memories we make every year we go.

Protection

2011-09-08T13:50:00.000-04:00

Funny how on Sunday night, I asked Scott, "Do these tropical storms produce tornadoes?" We have had several tropical storms come through over the past few years but it only rained and left us with a beautiful warm breeze.

Monday, it seemed like our county was hit pretty bad. Most damage to structures was in the southern part of county. We were at the tail end of the tornado. We found some insulation in our yard. The tornado had a pretty big debris field.

I was cleaning up yesterday. I love my yard and gardening is my favorite "mommy only thing" to do. I kept thinking about how the bad spring storms in the south and midwest were. I thought of how blessed by God we were to only have to cut one small tree down. To rake up leaves and branches. How the big trees that did fall, fell in the woods or between neighbors houses and left minimal damage to everyone's house/property. The worst thing in our neighborhood was a limb fell on my neighbor's car. The car is already being repaired.

As I raked, I thought of people needing bulldozers to clean up in the spring. Taking things for granted is not done on purpose. We just don't really know how blessed we are until the bad ALMOST touches us.

When the tv said the tornado was coming and the sirens kept going off, I had the kids go into the basement and play a game in the middle room. My parents were upstairs getting the birds (4 very noisy pets) under cover. Scott and I went to the basement to watch out the windows. My dad was then trying to get my grandmother from next door. Then it hit. I grabbed the kids and told them to get in the corner. Like a pro...Abby began to pray as loud as she could... never doubt a child's ability to pray, they come alive in true fear:) I went back to look by the window (yes, yes, not the best but I was going to Scott). Just like that it was over. My mom yelled down, "Your willow tree is gone."

I ran upstairs and that's where the pictures start. I let the kids go back to playing, leaving them in the basement since the storms were still coming. Apparently, the lights kept going on and off in the basement and Abby said Elijah was terrified. Nice, I had no idea. He was fine when I left him. ~~They didn't have tornadoes in Uganda!~~ I did learn something though, Elijah wet the bed that night. I have now come to realize that his occasional bedwetting is a fear thing. I though he was just in a sound sleep.

As of today, our yard is cleaned up. It doesn't look lke anything happened. Another praise! It could have been worse if it wasn't for God's mercy and protection on us...and Abby's prayers:)

Good bye weeping willow!

Leaves stuck all over GG's house

So very thankful the arbor stayed strong!

Kids fort did not make it

Pool area and pool were covered in leaves but thankfully that was it.

All sides of the houses look like this, leaves everywhere.

The mind of a child

2011-09-03T15:52:00.000-04:00

Yesterday, I sent Dale out to get the mail. He came back and said he couldn't open the mailbox door. I replied jokingly, "Wow Dale, you need to go downstairs and lift weights."

10 minutes later, he comes up to me and says, "I need your help, I can't find anything downstairs I can lift."

Our psych meeting

2011-09-01T17:36:00.000-04:00

The meeting went well. The psychologist is great and knowledgeable. It seems like the time frame for completion is around 2-3 weeks. Scott and I both took the written and oral evals.

Never a dull moment taking the written eval. Such crazy questions like: Are you fascinated by fire? Do you sometimes feel like swearing? Do you occasionally get excited for no specific reason? Do you tease animals? Are you afraid of the dark?

We did find out that much of the S. American countries who are Hague-Treaty countries, have been requiring redo's or additions to psych reports, even one's they originally accepted. She is hoping that since she has had to redo some already, she knows what needs to be included.

We will have to bring the kids to her in a week as well as my parents. That meeting shouldn't be long. It looks like its going well. I also sent in 90% of the dossier to our agency. Hopefully, all the documents are correct. So after our vacation, we'll be able to schedule the Dr.'s appointments! We're getting there...

Pictures

2011-08-30T12:56:00.001-04:00

Ooooo.....tomorrow is our psych evals. I'm so excited to be this far!! Sending in more than half of the dossier end of this week too!!

So here's some recent pictures of the chitlins:

No matter how much you sun, you will never get a tan. You are like mommy! Now if I tried sitting on the lounge that high, I'd flip over.

Now you, you tan very well and we're jealous!

Learning how to ride the 80. You did very well and only fell twice!

Can never be too careful on a bike. I still think the helmet was overkill.

Finally all loc'd up

2011-08-27T16:07:00.000-04:00

Even though Elijah's hair looks like it always does when I put twists in, the difference is...the roots. Much to many's dismay, I had to use a wax to start the locs.

http://www.knottyboy.com/shop/product/dread_wax/

This is the wax I used. All natural and filled with essential oils. It isn't wet as some loc butters. It is almost difficult to get out of the container. This is what I did:

1. Thoroughly washed his hair but did NOT add conditioner

2. Blow dried his hair...medium heat (has to be completely dry to use this wax or mold can grow under wax, gross!)

3. Finger detangled

4. When hair was completely dry, I began with the front middle/hairline. I sectioned off small amount of hair, combed the hair out, slightly backcombed (not totally necessary), applied small amount of wax, and finger twisted until same thickness.

5. Taking a yarn? needle (long, plastic needle with round, angled tip and large eye), I slid the needle halfway through the twist just slightly above the "root", pulled the twist 1/4 way through eye, and pulled the needle all the way out from the twist (similar to latch hook method but different tool used). I did this 3-4 times on each loc. I alternated going in diagonal directions, i.e., NE-SW-NW-SW. I had to make sure I ended the last pull through in the direction I wanted the loc to lay.

6. Repeated step 5 over 3 sessions. 1.5 hrs on day and two 1 hr sessions next day.

I had to separate one loc into two a few days later when I noticed it was too large and would not look right. Wow, it was not easy separating. That's a good sign.

Today, I tightened the locs doing the needle method. Some locs only took one pass through. I took the pictures just after tightening them.

I washed his hair this morning and the wax and needle method kept every one of the locs together. I did not reapply any wax today but a lighter, clear loc gel. I used the wax only to start the locs. I waited until the hair completely air dried. The locs are starting to become frizzy and a bit wider. Yay, they are starting to form! I noticed today a few locs had knots at the bottom (happens if the hair doesn't get pulled through all the way). I gently slid the knot down with my nails.

Why am I locing Elijah's hair?!?!

1. Less maintainance. I still have to moisturize and groom but the time spent is much less.

2. I love long hair on boys...I'm a rebel.

3. After having his hair shaved off since a yr old, I think Elijah should show off his beautiful, natural curls/hair. I want him to be proud of his hair.

4. Elijah likes his hair and enjoys hair time. Yes, he has said so:)

5. I am not sure how he'll want his hair as an older child so now I have the say so and want to give him my favorite style. It'll be his choice in his teen years.

In about a month or after vacation, I will soak his hair in a warm water/apple cider vinegar mix. It is a really good natural way to cleanse the hair and scalp. This is necessary with locs. Elijah also sleeps with a du-rag on. If not, his hair would be starting to obtain fuzzies and dirt as he slept. Once the fuzzies are in the hair, its really hard to get out.

Under Cover

2011-08-26T12:42:00.000-04:00

We are in a Bible study at my grandmother's church. The pastor has selected the above book as the curriculum. I totally recommend everyone in reading this book.

http://www2.messengerinternational.org/product.asp?id=ENGBKSJ009A

The book explains (all by Scripture) about authority. When a Christian fails to understand/obey earthly authority, they are in fact disobeying God. It also points out that every person in power, i.e. government, jobs, home; have been God ordained. Yes, even the one's people call lousy.

It is an eye opener. I hear people complaining every day (I have too) about our president, senate, congress, local leaders, bosses, law enforcement... What I believe Christians don't always realize is that God places all of them in their position. Whether or not they are good at what they do does NOT override God's sovereign plan or choice.

There are some many other things this book has brought out that I cannot do justice to so just.read.it! It also discusses how Christians are commanded by God to do their best at their job, whatever it may be, because we are supposed to be doing for God and no.one.else. If we all had that mindset, I believe we could truly change the hearts of so many...including ourselves.

It has given me a new way of looking at our current gov't. No, some I did not vote for some but it is still my job to pray for each and everyone, no matter how opposite my beliefs may be from that person/people.

The book's main Scripture passage is from Romans 13. This just happens to be the chapter that gives not only gov't the authority but law enforcement their authority, and we just happen to be a law enforcement family:)

Redo's

2011-08-25T18:04:00.000-04:00

We had our FBI checks completed last October not only for this adoption but for Elijah's re-adoption. Our agency and we were and still are expecting to have our paperwork in before late October...before the checks expire. To be on the safe side, our agency just told me to go ahead and have them run again. The website is saying 8 weeks. The first checks took over 10 weeks. So off they go tomorrow, thankfully I had extra sets of our print cards so we didn't have to redo those!!

I am really confident now God has some special child/children planned for us since we are having to redo several things or delay others. Our new Ryder must be amazing!

Psychological Appointment

2011-08-25T10:22:00.000-04:00

Yay, we finally have an appointment!! We switched psych's and this new one is available next week. Scott and I go on Wednesday. The psych did say this evaluation was collaborative meaning we help with what goes in it. And our agency will have a say as well. It's not a cold, standard format at all!

I am super excited! I am seeing now that God was wanting us to go somewhere else and was using the other psych's failure to call as a sign to switch. I'm a little slow:)

We really really could have the dossier in before vacation now!

Sometimes...

2011-08-24T14:49:00.000-04:00

I have no idea what to do. I have learned many times over than God is in control and some things don't happen when we want them to. With that being said, it's hard to figure out if I should be doing something to get things done or to just wait.

So we are waiting and waiting and waiting for the psychologist to get back to us regarding an appointment. Its been about a month now since we were told to get the evals complete. This.is.crazy.

So praying for the appointment to be set is not working. I asked some friends and my mom what I should do. So now I am looking for another psychologist. I have one email in and another call in. Two ladies I am now waiting on. Torture...

I thought this step would be easy. Adoption easy?!?! Just learned that lesson again.

We go on vacation in 23 days. We would really like the dossier to be in before then. It is completely possible. Just the evals and med appointments. Easy stuff, right?!

So maybe this change in psychs will bring with it a reduced price?! I can hope! Either way, I'd pay a higher fee just to get them done!

Mom

2011-08-18T21:38:00.000-04:00

I don't remember the age I was when I stopped calling my mother, "Mommy" and went to "Mom." Elijah walked uo to me yesterday and asked, "Can I call you mom?" I said yes. I thought that was goofy and never thought he was serious.

He has continued to call me mom. I always thought Abby would be the first to transition from the "mommy" because of her being the oldest and closest to her teen years. Elijah beat her. I wonder why? I'm thinking he wanted a name Abby and Dale don't call me. A name that is special for just him and me.

I think he's adjusting well:)

Before and After

2011-08-15T17:15:00.000-04:00

I've posted a bunch of before and after pictures of Elijah but never of Abby and Dale. Yes, there can be before and after pictures of your husband's kids:) Having gone through yucky stuff, I think Abby and Dale are doing awesome and its all in thanks to God!

Abby Easter 2006

Dale Easter 2006

May 2006

July 2006. He came to us this day with a very ugly bruise on his shin that did not match the description of the injury. When asked about the booboo, the kids froze in fear.

Thanksgiving 2005, a month before our wedding.

Thanksgiving 2006

Look at her eyes. So sad:( Kids eyes tell stories. This is one scared little girl.

Christmas 2005, 2 days after our wedding.


Nov 2005. The band aid on Dale's head came from a suspicious injury, more or less neglect and failure to supervise (court terms). They ate non-stop for months.

Happy eyes:) And a real smile!!

No smile here. He's in that stage. Abby never hit the cheesy smile or no smile stage... Most of Dale's smiles are with squinty eyes. I think I need to figure our photography so I stop taking pictures with the sun in their eyes!

What a difference 5 years makes. Healing hurt children is does not happen overnight. It takes years. We are still healing but we are growing so much that the bad stuff seems so long ago.
More breakthroughs have happened recently. Abby is beginning to express emotions through words. She is learning how to talk about her feelings. She is growing in Jesus. She gets convicted and readily prays for forgivness. Dale is doing the same now. They understand God's love for them. Elijah is still learning but doing great in that area. My hope for my kids is that they know God loves them, that they follow God passionately, and come to realize their lives are for God!

Approval!

2011-08-15T16:33:00.000-04:00

We got our immigration approval today! I have a call into our agency to let them know. So what happens next? Not sure but we should be getting our psychological interviews next week. When the reports for that are written, I will schedule all of the medical exams, woohoo! That will be it then for paperwork. The dossier will be officially complete once the psych and med reports are in!

I am still waiting on a word about when to request a child's file. It may be when the med reports are complete. That's fine. It usually takes around a month (at minimum) to have the dossier approved by Peru. So the time line possibly looks like (bearing in mind adoption really has no relevant time line...): dossier in by end of Aug/beginning of Sept.; approval of dossier (if no corrections) by end of Oct/beginning of Nov. Requesting a child to adopt?...hopefully before the November adoption meeting (consejo).

Only God truly knows but we are hoping and praying the file of a particular boy on the waiting child list is ours:)

Crazy?

2011-08-01T13:47:00.000-04:00

We were given the go ahead to schedule our psychological exam for the adoption. I think everyone willing to adopt is crazy...in a good way! Doing something for God is not always easy. Some people have told us we are crazy to adopt...again.

I think they feel our process in Uganda was hard and stressful and with doing another adoption, it'll be the same way. Maybe so but God is in control. We saw such miracles in Uganda that I know impossible things happen when God's hand is on the work. Fearful, no. Excited, yes. What happens if something stressful happens? Pray and meditate on the Bible. It comforted, strengthened, and built us up when wave after difficult wave was tossed at us.

On the other side of our lives (kinda non-adoption related):
1. Received letter today from IRS saying they approved our adoption tax credit and should have refund 6-8 weeks from now.
2. Completed fingerprints portion of immigration, just waiting on approval...ok that was adoption related...
3. Kids started school today. A new curriculum and they did well! Easier to teach, easier for them to understand, and way more Biblically based than our previous one.
4. 46 days left until vacation...excited!
5. Dale has lost his 2 front teeth. Very silly looking.
6. Elijah's 6 yr molars are coming in and causing his bottom teeth to be crooked, yikes!
7. Elijah has also grown 1/4 inch in 3 weeks. Wish we could stretch him out so he could go on the 44" rides at Disney but I think a thick soled sandal may be safer.
8. We have been very blessed with lots of rain this summer...unlike rest of GA. Our grass is super green when normally this time of year it's dying back...I love gardening:)
9. Still loving our "vegan" way of eating.
10. My parents bought a composter and it stinks but the soil will be awesome in the garden next yr!
11. Our garden is almost gone...getting ready to plant winter garden. Tons of tomatoes, pole beans, and cucumbers. Some patty pan squash and beets. 5 ears of corn...yes, 5. But they were tasty.
12. Painted and decorated one room in basement, Disney/Latin theme. Cute:) Will be getting some painted pottery at EPCOT's Mexico pavilion in Sept.
13. Have realized cats and kids are the same...and would someday like an orphanage/house filled with both! Cats: follow you to the bathroom, come when you call them, want to eat constantly, fight, make messes, wake you up in the night, and touch things they shouldn't.

Curls

2011-07-29T21:28:00.000-04:00

Have I ever mentioned before that I love Elijah's curls? Well I do! It's been an experience learning these new techniques in caring for his hair. I have straight hair with some cowlicks and a couple strange hair patterns. Abby and Dale have straight hair. Dale's was curly when he was younger. Now its just wavy if I let it grow. Dale still likes it all off. A really show buzz cut. Almost bald. He said he wanted to have daddy's cut (shaving cream and razor but I had to draw the line at just the shortest setting on the trimmer).

Thinking about Elijah's hair, it was shaved every month in the orphanage. Orphanages do this I am guessing for easy care, hygiene (lice prevention), and because of a lack of resources for conditioners and stuff. As his hair began to grow, I loved it more. Back last Sept, I cut it all off. I felt like I stressed it too much with twisting and caused a lot of breakage. I wanted to start over. I continued to keep it short until this past January. Now its about 2.5-3 inches. If it is not in a style, it shrinks back to 1/2 inch. I have been wanting to "loc" it up for some time and even tried it in March.

It was still too short in March. Now it is just long enough. I did the above style 2 weeks ago. For just twists, its been in too long. I have decided to try locs. A stylist gave me some points. I am tentatively planning on getting the locs tightened before our Sept vacation. I have tried to tighten them but I don't have the right sized latch hook and the roots are being persnickety.

Elijah's hair is in single strand twists. Tonight, I experimented with a braid loc. I braided 2 twists without gel. They looked good and held. In a few days, I think I will begin to braid loc them. The braids may hold the roots better. Any ideas on how to loc the roots or tighten the locs without using a latch hook?

I also "dry shampooed" his hair tonight. It cleaned his scalp and freshened the locs. If I wet it, the twists will undue. I am new to locs so this is going to be trial and error. Anyone have any internet resources on beginning locs on shorter hair? I'd love to hear:)

New motor officer

2011-07-18T14:32:00.000-04:00

Daddy got some new police motor boots...I couldn't resist putting Elijah in the them...Daddy has bigger feet than I thought:)