Saturday, October 27, 2007
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Waiting for someone to love them
http://www.mnadopt.org/WaitingChildren.asp
Check out this link. This is the children in Minnesota that are currently available for adoption. When I breezed through it yesterday, Nathan is the one that caught my eye and pulled at my heartstrings, well they all did of course and I wish I could bring them all home with me but little Nathan...I don't know, he looks a bit like Jared. There is only a side glimpse of him in the photo, he seems to be a very busy little guy, much like Jared. I think they could be great pals.
Every time I look at these links my heart just breaks for each and every child that needs a home. The domestic adoption process is not easy, we've been down this road before twice already and didn't get anywhere. I'm finding that adoption here is not going to be a walk in the park either, there is very little information available and there doesn't seem to be many resources to find out anything towards getting started. I've already had the greater Grand Forks door slammed in my face yesterday when the lady said that because we live on the Minnesota side, the North Dakota office cannot help us. The only offices I've found so far in MN is located in Minneaopolis. I'm currently trying to find an agency that will help with getting a homestudy update. Also, not sure how we would finance another adoption right now.
Daycare is currently taking up a huge percentage of our income....thus the reason for not pursuing another baby at this time. I love babies, and if God blesses us with another then I know we will do fine but right now at the precarious place we are at with pre-retirement looming on the nearby horizon, we just can't afford to do the diapers and childcare routine x 2.
I'm really feeling the pull to act now. Its stronger than ever before and I pray that we can work through the hurdles before us to bring our children home.
(Match 64 of 152)
Name:Nathan (3094)
Age:5
Has Siblings:No
Nathan is very cute and likes to stay busy. Typically his a happy little guy. Nathan has severe special needs globally with his development and communication and will require intensive therapy to help him. Nathan enjoys many activities typical of children his age. He likes to ride his bike, play with trains, watch Bob the Builder, and listen to music. Nathan is improving in his social skills but struggles to communicate with spoken language. We are looking for a family that is structured and patient. Nathan really thrives on structure and routine. A family must be willing to make a long-term commitment to supporting Nathan because it is likely he will have long-term struggles.
*Does anyone know what severe special needs globally could mean?
Check out this link. This is the children in Minnesota that are currently available for adoption. When I breezed through it yesterday, Nathan is the one that caught my eye and pulled at my heartstrings, well they all did of course and I wish I could bring them all home with me but little Nathan...I don't know, he looks a bit like Jared. There is only a side glimpse of him in the photo, he seems to be a very busy little guy, much like Jared. I think they could be great pals.
Every time I look at these links my heart just breaks for each and every child that needs a home. The domestic adoption process is not easy, we've been down this road before twice already and didn't get anywhere. I'm finding that adoption here is not going to be a walk in the park either, there is very little information available and there doesn't seem to be many resources to find out anything towards getting started. I've already had the greater Grand Forks door slammed in my face yesterday when the lady said that because we live on the Minnesota side, the North Dakota office cannot help us. The only offices I've found so far in MN is located in Minneaopolis. I'm currently trying to find an agency that will help with getting a homestudy update. Also, not sure how we would finance another adoption right now.
Daycare is currently taking up a huge percentage of our income....thus the reason for not pursuing another baby at this time. I love babies, and if God blesses us with another then I know we will do fine but right now at the precarious place we are at with pre-retirement looming on the nearby horizon, we just can't afford to do the diapers and childcare routine x 2.
I'm really feeling the pull to act now. Its stronger than ever before and I pray that we can work through the hurdles before us to bring our children home.
(Match 64 of 152)
Name:Nathan (3094)
Age:5
Has Siblings:No
Nathan is very cute and likes to stay busy. Typically his a happy little guy. Nathan has severe special needs globally with his development and communication and will require intensive therapy to help him. Nathan enjoys many activities typical of children his age. He likes to ride his bike, play with trains, watch Bob the Builder, and listen to music. Nathan is improving in his social skills but struggles to communicate with spoken language. We are looking for a family that is structured and patient. Nathan really thrives on structure and routine. A family must be willing to make a long-term commitment to supporting Nathan because it is likely he will have long-term struggles.
*Does anyone know what severe special needs globally could mean?
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Thinking it over...
I've been thinking it over...maybe it's time to start the paperchase for a brother or sister. Hubs and I have discussed this endlessly, he has known my heart is set on adopting as many children as we possibly can in this lifetime, he is the ever practical one and wants to make sure we are financially sound whatever that means....I can't see putting money before my babies. I still feel in my heart that I have more children, I just haven't met them yet. I know I could easily be a Mommy to a dozen...or more. Convincing the rest of my family of this is the hard part. I've really felt the urge to do something towards making this dream a reality lately. I'd thought that when we got our referral for Jaiden that I would want to get the paperwork going almost right away but as soon as I saw her beautiful face I felt content to wait for the moment. It's been over a year now that she's been home with us, and still I haven't been truly "moved" to do anything yet. Something just seemed to be telling me "it's not time yet"
I know that I do not really want another baby. Jaiden was actually much younger than we had expected and going through the baby stages has been priceless and I wouldn't give them up for the world, but then again if I had to choose I think I could just as easily love an older child. I know there are many, many children without a family and this just tears me apart. I know I could be the Mommy they dream of, no I am not perfect by a long shot, but my heart is full of love to give to them. I love to watch Jaiden and Jared playing together (more often than not arguing over a toy) on occasion they get along beautifully, like yesterday. We were all home sick. It was a RUFF night I tell ya! J bear has a sore throat, possible tonsil inflamation, and Jaiden has a nasty cough that keeps us all up at night. I woke with a stomach bug that had me dizzy, nauseaus, with a heachache so taking care of my sick babies and getting Teen to school was quite the challenge. All I wanted to do was sleep. So we got home and I crashed on the couch while the kiddos played hot wheel together. They actually played nicely together for hours on end yesterday and let me rest. That does a mommy's heart good in more ways than one. Sometimes Jared gets so lonely and he has not met any friends here yet so I wonder if adopting a younger brother for him would help him. He sits inside and is quickly becoming a couch potato...something I thought would never happen because he is such an active boy. He watches tv way too much in my opinion but I can't send him out alone to play or ride his bike. The street is way too busy and he doesn't like to go to the park alone. It will soon be winter here and he won't be able to get out much. I love to spend time with him and we play games and put puzzles together, but I know he feels all alone. He needs to do "boy things"
anyway, that is my random thoughts for the day...I gotta get to work now. Hope your day is GREAT! :)
*Update, got a call from Lutheran Services, the N.D. adoption agency and the only agency within an hour radious of here and they said that I need to contact someone in Minnesota because N.D cannot help me do to state requirements...I yi yi! I'm starting to think that it was soooo much easier to do this from a foreign country. What's up with American Adoption Programs? There's no wonder why there are so many orphans. There are no agencies that care. Yes I could easily find an international adoption agency and go that route again but I REALLY would like to follow my original heartstring that led me towards a domestic adoption...but the doors are closing before me and I'm not sure what to do
GRRRR, this really gets my maternal lioness in a tiff
I know that I do not really want another baby. Jaiden was actually much younger than we had expected and going through the baby stages has been priceless and I wouldn't give them up for the world, but then again if I had to choose I think I could just as easily love an older child. I know there are many, many children without a family and this just tears me apart. I know I could be the Mommy they dream of, no I am not perfect by a long shot, but my heart is full of love to give to them. I love to watch Jaiden and Jared playing together (more often than not arguing over a toy) on occasion they get along beautifully, like yesterday. We were all home sick. It was a RUFF night I tell ya! J bear has a sore throat, possible tonsil inflamation, and Jaiden has a nasty cough that keeps us all up at night. I woke with a stomach bug that had me dizzy, nauseaus, with a heachache so taking care of my sick babies and getting Teen to school was quite the challenge. All I wanted to do was sleep. So we got home and I crashed on the couch while the kiddos played hot wheel together. They actually played nicely together for hours on end yesterday and let me rest. That does a mommy's heart good in more ways than one. Sometimes Jared gets so lonely and he has not met any friends here yet so I wonder if adopting a younger brother for him would help him. He sits inside and is quickly becoming a couch potato...something I thought would never happen because he is such an active boy. He watches tv way too much in my opinion but I can't send him out alone to play or ride his bike. The street is way too busy and he doesn't like to go to the park alone. It will soon be winter here and he won't be able to get out much. I love to spend time with him and we play games and put puzzles together, but I know he feels all alone. He needs to do "boy things"
anyway, that is my random thoughts for the day...I gotta get to work now. Hope your day is GREAT! :)
*Update, got a call from Lutheran Services, the N.D. adoption agency and the only agency within an hour radious of here and they said that I need to contact someone in Minnesota because N.D cannot help me do to state requirements...I yi yi! I'm starting to think that it was soooo much easier to do this from a foreign country. What's up with American Adoption Programs? There's no wonder why there are so many orphans. There are no agencies that care. Yes I could easily find an international adoption agency and go that route again but I REALLY would like to follow my original heartstring that led me towards a domestic adoption...but the doors are closing before me and I'm not sure what to do
GRRRR, this really gets my maternal lioness in a tiff
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Ideas for a party?
Ok, it's getting closer and closer to time to prepare for Jaiden's second birthday. It's in December and it falls on a Thursday so I am not sure what to do. I've been thinking My Little Pony tea party but not sure if that would be a little too mature for her just yet.She is just starting to like dollies. The sweetest moments come when a Mommy watches her daughter hold her "baby" for the first time and the ever so adorable way she cradles her baby in her arms and tucks her gently in with her favorite blankie. Thats when I start to think maybe, just maybe I haven't totally messed up in this job of parenting as it sometimes seems.
What are some good toys out on the market? We haven't purchased many toys since birthday and Christmas came in the same week...and we had two years to stockpile before that. Now its time to upgrade from the baby toys. We would love to get her a Power Wheels car but since it will be too cold to get outside, that isn't exactly practical. So we are looking for ideas for inside play that doesn't take up tooo much room....and something she would actually maybe play with. Any favorite recommendations?
*Update 10/24/07 I ordered Jaiden an "Emo" from Amazon. Not the talking kind, just a cuddly one since she is getting more into dollies now. She loves Jared's piggy that we got at Kohl's and I wish I'd gone back and gotten her one as she is becoming quite attached to it and so is Jared...so he doesn't like to share it very often. Thanks Dusty, I think Elmo is a great birthday idea. Can I steal from you? I think this is something Jaiden would love. Everytime she is on my lap when we "shop" Amazon and come across an Elmo, she starts clapping and bouncing with joy. There are some cute Elmo birthday items on birthdayinabox dot com.
How do you teach a toddler to share?
Jaiden is in her "Mine" phase big time now. She does NOT like sharing with her brother Jared. Anyone else in the family is ok and he shares his toys with her just fine but when he even so much as looks at her toys then she has a squeal fit. Jared is learning to read and we have been having many "read out loud" sessions together. Jaidens idea of "reading" is flipping quickly through the book and then closing it tightly...this makes reading out loud a bit challenging when you have a wiggly toddler on one side and a reader that is getting frustrated with having the pages flipped for him. This makes for a very interesting story hour. How do families with multiples teach their kids to share? I never experienced this with the boys because they were 10 years apart. They've never really been playmates and I've always wished they'd been able to find common things to share together. As a parent I know it is my responsibility to teach them how to socialize but I don't feel I am doing a very good job. When I get home from work we don't do much. Dinner and quiet time to unwind is the standard norm. We don't get out often and there's not a lot of interaction going on amost our neighbors...sure we wave, say hello and maybe even chat on occasion but it really never gets any further than that. I really miss the come on in, have a seat and lets chat kinda times. Today's society is a go go at the break neck speed of life and yet it seems we really aren't getting anywhere. When did we forget to stop and play? How can we teach our children to be children? Maybe its not for us to teach but to take the time to be still and learn.
Cute phrase of the day "Where's Elmo" She points to her elbow "MoMo" When she see's Elmo she gets really excited, squeals and claps and says "Emo!"
Cute phrase of the day "Where's Elmo" She points to her elbow "MoMo" When she see's Elmo she gets really excited, squeals and claps and says "Emo!"
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
A day of pinkness
Today Jaiden and I are hangin out at home because sweetie has pink eye. Her eye was a tiny bit green gunky when she woke yesterday morning but not too bad. I wiped it off with a warm cloth and watched her closely for the next hour...no green returned and the eye was not red so I sent her off to daycare. Around mid-morning I had a call from daycare saying that she indeed had pinkeye. This has happened before and turned out to be she put her finger in her eye so I was a bit skeptical of their prognosis. Both hubs and I were over our heads with work at work but he canceled his shooting and took her to the doctor whom gave her some drops for her eyes.
So we are spending the day together and Jaiden is such a little character! She is gabbing up a storm now. Still not sure what she is saying but she sure does have a lot to say! She loves books...she just brought me "Farley Mowat The boat who wouldn't float" but she tires of it after about the first sentence. Her favorite story today is "Inside, Outside, Upside Down"by Stan and Jan Berenstain...and her favorite word is "NO" for everything...even the things she really wants......like to sing and dance,which she is happily doing on my lap right now.
I've missplaced my camera battery charger so I am temporarily without photo material. So I leave you with Jaiden's latest words and antics...Up, No (Giggle) No," Clap, Clap Shake, Shake, Dance in circle, adjust sleeves, clap some more. "I wallly up" and HUh? (her newest most favorite word) Its really cute, I wish I had my camera!
So we are spending the day together and Jaiden is such a little character! She is gabbing up a storm now. Still not sure what she is saying but she sure does have a lot to say! She loves books...she just brought me "Farley Mowat The boat who wouldn't float" but she tires of it after about the first sentence. Her favorite story today is "Inside, Outside, Upside Down"by Stan and Jan Berenstain...and her favorite word is "NO" for everything...even the things she really wants......like to sing and dance,which she is happily doing on my lap right now.
I've missplaced my camera battery charger so I am temporarily without photo material. So I leave you with Jaiden's latest words and antics...Up, No (Giggle) No," Clap, Clap Shake, Shake, Dance in circle, adjust sleeves, clap some more. "I wallly up" and HUh? (her newest most favorite word) Its really cute, I wish I had my camera!
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Such a sweetie!
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Jaiden is such a crack up! This photo was taken on the night before Gotcha Day. We had just pulled out the "Gotcha Day clothing" and she was having a blast with it...mostly tossing all the layers on the floor and pouncing on them. But she loves the Minnie Mouse pjs. They are a perfect fit now so she will be wearing them often. We will put the extra layers away in her keepsake box for sharing memories down the road.
The Red Thread to Jaiden
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Our beautiful girls
Hi all! I know its been a while and I really do miss you all and appreciate the sweet comments. Its been crazy busy around here and I haven't had much time to write or keep up with blogging. I hope you all are doing well. I hope I'll be back again soon but till then I still love hearing from you so keep the comments coming!Friday, September 21, 2007
Days go by...
Haven't had much time to blog lately. I'm trying a video instead. Grab a cup of your favorite beverage and enjoy! :) Have a great weekend!!!
Thursday, September 13, 2007
One Year Ago...
Daddy brought home cake!
Has it really been a year? It has gone unbelievably fast. The days spent with Jaiden are the best days ever. She is such a doll and fills our lives with her abundant personality. She has many moods and layers and we are just beginning to learn them all. She is a dynamo toddler with a big attitude and a comical disposition. Drama is her forte baby...watch out world here she comes!!! 
*This cake is Yummy!
What we did tonight:
To celebrate Jaiden's one year anniversary of being our baby girl, we went out to eat at our favorite Chinese restaurant then came home for cake. Simple and quiet but we will never forget the magnitude and wonder that this day holds for our family. We are so blessed to have Jaiden in our lives and thank God every day for the gifts He has given us in our children.
(Gotcha Clothes) *Jaiden was so excited to see the Minnie Mouse outfit again but the shoes she looked at and tossed on the floor...guess they weren't right for the outfit in her opinion.
*This cake is Yummy!
Thursday, September 06, 2007
Thursday Thoughts
Hi Ya!
How's everyone doing? I've been a bit distracted by things so I apoligise for not visiting your blogs or updating ours. The boys started school this week and so far it's going ok. Not great, and after only 2 days that is not such a good sign but hopefully things get better.
I'm still pursuing a heathier lifestyle...not going to call it the big D word because on day 2 I went into a major fit of tiredness and grumps like you wouldn't believe...and I've been eating every 5 minutes. So far I am not seeing much change but the last day or so I've noticed the painful bloatedness slowly going away. So I'm feeling not so much like a beached whale (huge relief!)
Hubs has been super busy. He installed the window, took time out on Sat to go cross town biking with me (what a sweetie) and then we started on painting. First we did our bathroom. It is a sage ish green. Not sure if it's "the one" if you know what I mean. It dried a seafoam or pistachio green. We were aiming for more of a neutral warm tone green...if there is such a thing. Then after that we started painting the kitchen. Chocolate. Yummy! It looked so much like hershey's syrup in the paint can that I almost licked it. Then when it got on the walls I almost licked them. Aaaah! I am surrounded by chocolate when I am in my kitchen. Makes me hungry :) Gotta work that self control muscle. Next we are going to paint the living room/dining area and hallway a light beige (khaki) which I like to call coffee w/cream because when it's done I will be surrounded by my favorite flavors, Chocolate and coffee!
On Saturday (during our bike ride) my mom called and gave me some very devestating news. My cousin Faye, whom was also my best friend growing up, her little boy Dakota aged 12, died from a gunshot wound to the stomach Friday night. We are still in shock I think. I know Faye is beyond devestation, she is not talking to anyone right now and I can't say as I blame her but I feel so far away and wish there were some way to show her I care and wish there were some way I could ease her pain. I just met Dakota for a short moment in March. He was just the sweetest little boy and we shared a good laugh together. He thought it was pretty funny that I lived in North Dakota. I know things happen for a reason and life goes on but we will miss him every day. Life is so fragile.
I have been reading a lot on health issues this week. When I take interest in a subject I tend to research it to death and this weeks topic has been water. After noticing the cellulite forming on my upper abs (normally pretty flat) I did some research and learned that the cellulite deposits are caused by toxins and the only way to get rid of them is to drink lots of water...which led me to researching water and toxins and I found out about PH balances. This is a very interesting subject and I've learned a tremendous amount about things I didn't know and may never have known. diet books and doctors don't usually mention the one thing that cures many problems....PH balance. I'd never heard of it, have you? I did some research on it and there are a lot of good articles available if you are interested. One quick on to start with is this one http://www.relfe.com/health_natural/pH_human_body_balance_health_level_1.html It's a good read if you are interested in possibly creating a healthier eating plan for your family. Let me know what you think, I'm always interested in your thoughts and ideas.
How's everyone doing? I've been a bit distracted by things so I apoligise for not visiting your blogs or updating ours. The boys started school this week and so far it's going ok. Not great, and after only 2 days that is not such a good sign but hopefully things get better.
I'm still pursuing a heathier lifestyle...not going to call it the big D word because on day 2 I went into a major fit of tiredness and grumps like you wouldn't believe...and I've been eating every 5 minutes. So far I am not seeing much change but the last day or so I've noticed the painful bloatedness slowly going away. So I'm feeling not so much like a beached whale (huge relief!)
Hubs has been super busy. He installed the window, took time out on Sat to go cross town biking with me (what a sweetie) and then we started on painting. First we did our bathroom. It is a sage ish green. Not sure if it's "the one" if you know what I mean. It dried a seafoam or pistachio green. We were aiming for more of a neutral warm tone green...if there is such a thing. Then after that we started painting the kitchen. Chocolate. Yummy! It looked so much like hershey's syrup in the paint can that I almost licked it. Then when it got on the walls I almost licked them. Aaaah! I am surrounded by chocolate when I am in my kitchen. Makes me hungry :) Gotta work that self control muscle. Next we are going to paint the living room/dining area and hallway a light beige (khaki) which I like to call coffee w/cream because when it's done I will be surrounded by my favorite flavors, Chocolate and coffee!
On Saturday (during our bike ride) my mom called and gave me some very devestating news. My cousin Faye, whom was also my best friend growing up, her little boy Dakota aged 12, died from a gunshot wound to the stomach Friday night. We are still in shock I think. I know Faye is beyond devestation, she is not talking to anyone right now and I can't say as I blame her but I feel so far away and wish there were some way to show her I care and wish there were some way I could ease her pain. I just met Dakota for a short moment in March. He was just the sweetest little boy and we shared a good laugh together. He thought it was pretty funny that I lived in North Dakota. I know things happen for a reason and life goes on but we will miss him every day. Life is so fragile.
I have been reading a lot on health issues this week. When I take interest in a subject I tend to research it to death and this weeks topic has been water. After noticing the cellulite forming on my upper abs (normally pretty flat) I did some research and learned that the cellulite deposits are caused by toxins and the only way to get rid of them is to drink lots of water...which led me to researching water and toxins and I found out about PH balances. This is a very interesting subject and I've learned a tremendous amount about things I didn't know and may never have known. diet books and doctors don't usually mention the one thing that cures many problems....PH balance. I'd never heard of it, have you? I did some research on it and there are a lot of good articles available if you are interested. One quick on to start with is this one http://www.relfe.com/health_natural/pH_human_body_balance_health_level_1.html It's a good read if you are interested in possibly creating a healthier eating plan for your family. Let me know what you think, I'm always interested in your thoughts and ideas.
Friday, August 31, 2007
Friday Thoughts
Jaiden is growing up. FAST. All of her 18 mo clothes are getting too short. Her tops are belly tops and her pants are capris. We took her to Target last night for some new outfits. I usually shop the base thrift store and find a lot of really cute and gently used brand name clothing but I just haven't had time and base is a 30 min drive from us so we don't get out there very often.
There wasn't a great selection but we found some cute pants and jeans and a few tops. Hopefully I will be able to get out and do some more shopping this weekend. The temps are really starting to drop rapidly and it will be winter here before we know it. Fall is cerainly here but I'm not sure how long it will last. Already seeing neighbors with pumkins out on their doorsteps which is really weird for me because growing up we never did pumpkins until the latter part of October. I planted mums a couple of weeks ago and that was weird too because that to me is a fall flower and it symbolizes that fall has officially arrived.
I still haven't had a chance to get that video of our vacation finished. I've just been too exhausted every evening after work and crash early. Plus I started a new diet (visit my blog to follow along) and I'm really grumpy so I don't think it would be my best effort. I will work on it this weekend, along with helping hubs to install a window in the bear's room. Window 2 of 4 that need to be done BEFORE winter sets in. When we bought our house in March the existing windows had about 4 inches of ice on the INSIDE of the windowsill. Not good. Our house is fairly new (built in 04') but the previous owner was a total goober and our house reflects it where it counts. (Remember the unfinished driveway?) In addition to the windows there are numerous other (costly) projects we will have to tackle in the next year. Hubs is a bit stubborn when it comes to hiring good help so he tackles most of the projects himself (me I'd rather hire someone) this is all well and good until you try to take on projects that need more hands...that's when we get recruited. So we will be out doing windows tommorrow. Wish us luck :)
* Update
Hubs installed the window today with our teens help so I am free to go shopping in the am! Yay! We went on a "date" tonight to China Garden and then took a swing by Lowes and then Menards...I scored some new houseplants :) My reward to self for enduring a week without sweets.
There wasn't a great selection but we found some cute pants and jeans and a few tops. Hopefully I will be able to get out and do some more shopping this weekend. The temps are really starting to drop rapidly and it will be winter here before we know it. Fall is cerainly here but I'm not sure how long it will last. Already seeing neighbors with pumkins out on their doorsteps which is really weird for me because growing up we never did pumpkins until the latter part of October. I planted mums a couple of weeks ago and that was weird too because that to me is a fall flower and it symbolizes that fall has officially arrived.
I still haven't had a chance to get that video of our vacation finished. I've just been too exhausted every evening after work and crash early. Plus I started a new diet (visit my blog to follow along) and I'm really grumpy so I don't think it would be my best effort. I will work on it this weekend, along with helping hubs to install a window in the bear's room. Window 2 of 4 that need to be done BEFORE winter sets in. When we bought our house in March the existing windows had about 4 inches of ice on the INSIDE of the windowsill. Not good. Our house is fairly new (built in 04') but the previous owner was a total goober and our house reflects it where it counts. (Remember the unfinished driveway?) In addition to the windows there are numerous other (costly) projects we will have to tackle in the next year. Hubs is a bit stubborn when it comes to hiring good help so he tackles most of the projects himself (me I'd rather hire someone) this is all well and good until you try to take on projects that need more hands...that's when we get recruited. So we will be out doing windows tommorrow. Wish us luck :)
* Update
Hubs installed the window today with our teens help so I am free to go shopping in the am! Yay! We went on a "date" tonight to China Garden and then took a swing by Lowes and then Menards...I scored some new houseplants :) My reward to self for enduring a week without sweets.
Monday, August 27, 2007
I'm speechless
Daleea has nominated me for my first ever award and I am humbled that it is the Nice Matters Award. I am touched. She is very deserving of this award. She is nice, uplifting, inspirational to others, encouraging and just such a beautiful person inside and out. I would like to give her an oak leaf cluster for this award. (In military terms that means you've recieved the same award more than once) Thank you so much for thinking of me! I would like to share the love with these 7 individuals that have touched my life in very positively uplifting ways.
"This award is for those bloggers who are nice people; good blog friends and those who inspire good feelings and inspiration. Also for those who are a positive influence on our blogging world. Once you've been awarded please pass it on to 7 others who you feel are deserving of this award."
I nominate...
Dusty @ OurFamilyVoyage
Krissie @ 5 Far From Home
Connie @ Somewhere in China
The Princess Diaries ... doesen't disclose her name on blog
Heather @ Journey with Julia
Emmie @ Sister 2 Two
These are some wonderful women that truly deserve this award because they are nice people far beyond the realms of blog world.
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Road Trip
We are going on a little family vacation so we will not be here for a while. In the meantime I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend...I realize it is only Wednesday but I am a bit bored at work today and I am thinking of starting my vacation early and taking off today instead of waiting till Friday...I need to find swimgear for the kiddos, pack, do laundry etc. etc. etc.
We will be staying at the Waterpark of America Lodge. Doesn't that sound fun? I will post a full review upon our return. Our neice Ashley will be singing in the State Fair on Saturday and in addition to that we hope to do some mega shopping at the Mall of America and get a day to go to the Minneapolis Zoo. (I am a zoo freak!) There is also an IKEA across the street from our hotel :) They have .99 breakfast so I think I know where our days will begin!
It will be Jaiden's first time for a lot of this so it will be fun to see her reactions. Stay tuned! And wish us luck!
We will be staying at the Waterpark of America Lodge. Doesn't that sound fun? I will post a full review upon our return. Our neice Ashley will be singing in the State Fair on Saturday and in addition to that we hope to do some mega shopping at the Mall of America and get a day to go to the Minneapolis Zoo. (I am a zoo freak!) There is also an IKEA across the street from our hotel :) They have .99 breakfast so I think I know where our days will begin!
It will be Jaiden's first time for a lot of this so it will be fun to see her reactions. Stay tuned! And wish us luck!
Monday, August 20, 2007
Bringin home a baby bumble bee
Jaiden is learning to sing songs in daycare. She's been clapping her little hands together and I couldn't figure out what she was singing so I asked Miss Liz and she said that they've been learning "Bringing home a baby bumble bee" so I started to sing it and the grin on her face went from ear to ear!!! Now on the way home I can bring home a baby bumble bee :) Jaiden starts clapping her hands together and singing "baby bumbee"
Saturday, August 18, 2007
Prayers Needed
Please say a preyer for my daddy, he's in the hospital with fluid around his heart (congestive heart failure) and according to my brother he's not doing well. He's in his 80s and has been in and out of the hospital a lot this year. I haven't seen him since March and that was only for a couple of days. I am going to try to go down there and see him (he lives in Louisiana) I hope I am not too late but I have been expecting this for a while. We haven't been close since my mom and dad divorced when I was 8 but he will always be my daddy and I hate to have to say goodbye. (He's the inspriration behind the Riley in Jaiden's name, my dad and mom's middle names)
Sunday Update
spoke with my stepmom yesterday and my dad. He was a bit incoherant but otherwise his normal self. I don't think I am going to go down to visit at this time. I am not sure what good I could do to be there. My stepmom said that he could live with this for many years or he could have a spell and not survive it. I just hate to think of him in any sort of pain and know that the Lord is going to take care of him. Thank You for your prayers.
Sunday Update
spoke with my stepmom yesterday and my dad. He was a bit incoherant but otherwise his normal self. I don't think I am going to go down to visit at this time. I am not sure what good I could do to be there. My stepmom said that he could live with this for many years or he could have a spell and not survive it. I just hate to think of him in any sort of pain and know that the Lord is going to take care of him. Thank You for your prayers.
Friday, August 17, 2007
Happy Friday!
Jaiden woke happy this morning. I think those back molars are finally giving her some relief. She is going through this new phase though of wanting to be carried instead of walking. Guess we cuddled her a bit much over the past two weeks and now seeing the reprecussions.
It's Friday!!! Today is another gorgeous day, a bit on the cold side (yes cold) it was 50 this morning when I woke and I had to turn on the HEAT...in Aug! That is rediculous. Then I read about the heat wave so I feel a bit confused as to where I am. Maybe I am on another planet and just don't know it.
Not sure what we are doing this weekend. Hubs wants to work on installing a window but I think I pressured him out of that by saying we never have any fun...waaa waaaa waaaa We did the park last night (Jaiden loves the slide and the swing) so not sure what other fun things are on our agenda. There is not much else to do in this town.
It's Friday!!! Today is another gorgeous day, a bit on the cold side (yes cold) it was 50 this morning when I woke and I had to turn on the HEAT...in Aug! That is rediculous. Then I read about the heat wave so I feel a bit confused as to where I am. Maybe I am on another planet and just don't know it.
Not sure what we are doing this weekend. Hubs wants to work on installing a window but I think I pressured him out of that by saying we never have any fun...waaa waaaa waaaa We did the park last night (Jaiden loves the slide and the swing) so not sure what other fun things are on our agenda. There is not much else to do in this town.
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Watch your back
or backside as the case may be....
Tonight we went out to dinner at Subway (it's always a nice treat when a family of 5 can get a free meal...there was a mistake with the credit card machine so the manager gave us a freebie) We stopped off at the park for a while to let the kiddos play...then we came home and I transplanted some weedy looking plants into another bed. Jaiden "helped" me with this endeavor by putting handfuls of dirt all over the place.
Fast forward a few hours and after I put her to bed I make a pit stop and... what the L??? when I get up to flush I notice potting soil all over the floor and in the toilet. It seems I've been "soiled" by my sweetie. Sometime during that time when she was "helping" me it seems that she got a fistful of dirt down my pants when I was stooped over digging. Aaaaah, quite the little trickster she is turning out to be. That's a good one girlie...it's on baby :) I have a prankster after my own heart it seems.
Tonight we went out to dinner at Subway (it's always a nice treat when a family of 5 can get a free meal...there was a mistake with the credit card machine so the manager gave us a freebie) We stopped off at the park for a while to let the kiddos play...then we came home and I transplanted some weedy looking plants into another bed. Jaiden "helped" me with this endeavor by putting handfuls of dirt all over the place.
Fast forward a few hours and after I put her to bed I make a pit stop and... what the L??? when I get up to flush I notice potting soil all over the floor and in the toilet. It seems I've been "soiled" by my sweetie. Sometime during that time when she was "helping" me it seems that she got a fistful of dirt down my pants when I was stooped over digging. Aaaaah, quite the little trickster she is turning out to be. That's a good one girlie...it's on baby :) I have a prankster after my own heart it seems.
Mamma has the summertime blues
Thanks everyone for your visit and comments! I love hearing from you, it's a real treat to check my mail and see that I have comments posted on my site :)
Yes, I've been in a bit of a funk...I think it started in Sept 04 and I haven't quite been able to shake it off. That is when we moved to Germany, the weather was a big change for me (I love hot weather) and for the first time my family and I was living far from extended family. It wasn't the first time being away from home but back then I was single and stayed very busy with friends and travels. Being in Europe with my family was a lot of fun but not having friends or family to share those moments with makes things a bit lonely. We started our adoption process in Nov 04 and even then I felt very alone, especially since there were not many adoptive families on our base. I did a lot of mass emails to family and friends and had about 5 different websites going with photos, which everyone seemed to love, but no one ever replied to me. It was hard to keep up a one way conversation and I felt like I was being shut out. I joined our agency chat group and that is how I met fellow adoptive families. That led me to our DTC chat group, which led me to find Do They Have Salsa in China and that is how my blogging began. I think without my little world of bloggy communication I would lose my mind. I love reading about everyones daily ups and downs and stories that touch the heart or make me laugh. My blog friends have become a family to me and some days I think you are the only ones that care. I don't hear from family that often and that is really sad. I miss all the fun things we did together. Maybe it is because I chose the life I have and moved away but I still need the companionship of friends. I know I should try harder to make friends here but I know I don't want to live here any longer than I must and that is preventing me from reaching out to others and establishing a relationship with those that try to get to know me better. I know in less than 2 years we will move again and then it will be time to re-establish new friendships all over again. I can usually make friends quickly wherever I go but I have always been a one best friend kinda girl. I am pretty adament about who that one friend is going to be and one established, they are my friend for life. I guess I should try being a better friend to everyone I meet instead of trying to find that perfect someone because until I am settled somewhere, we will not be close enough to establish a true friendship that lasts. I don't know why but I've always wished that I'd had a sister. Someone to share secrets with, someone to be there for, to laugh with, cry with, or just to pester and annoy. I think when you have a sister, you'd never be lonely...you may want to be sometimes but you never are. You can be yourself and they love you, even when they don't like you very much. That is why I am so torn right now. Should I, in the current situation that we are in, push for another adoption? Shouldn't Jaiden have the experience of a sister? I don't want to deny her of this and I really want to bring more children into our home. What is it that holds me back? Fear? I think it's fear, not sure of what but something. I've never been afraid of anything except dying without making a difference and as the years have ticked on I reflect and wonder what I've accomplished. Where's the brood that I dreamed of? When did I lose that focus? Where am I going? When did having a nice home and finacial security become that much more important than my dreams? Why can't we have it all? What is the price of happiness? I don't know the answers but my heart tells me that I am not compete yet. I sit here in a nice job and look out the window at a perfect summer day and wonder "why in double hockey sticks am I not out there enjoying this day with my children?" I don't think there is any place I'd rather be.
Yes, I've been in a bit of a funk...I think it started in Sept 04 and I haven't quite been able to shake it off. That is when we moved to Germany, the weather was a big change for me (I love hot weather) and for the first time my family and I was living far from extended family. It wasn't the first time being away from home but back then I was single and stayed very busy with friends and travels. Being in Europe with my family was a lot of fun but not having friends or family to share those moments with makes things a bit lonely. We started our adoption process in Nov 04 and even then I felt very alone, especially since there were not many adoptive families on our base. I did a lot of mass emails to family and friends and had about 5 different websites going with photos, which everyone seemed to love, but no one ever replied to me. It was hard to keep up a one way conversation and I felt like I was being shut out. I joined our agency chat group and that is how I met fellow adoptive families. That led me to our DTC chat group, which led me to find Do They Have Salsa in China and that is how my blogging began. I think without my little world of bloggy communication I would lose my mind. I love reading about everyones daily ups and downs and stories that touch the heart or make me laugh. My blog friends have become a family to me and some days I think you are the only ones that care. I don't hear from family that often and that is really sad. I miss all the fun things we did together. Maybe it is because I chose the life I have and moved away but I still need the companionship of friends. I know I should try harder to make friends here but I know I don't want to live here any longer than I must and that is preventing me from reaching out to others and establishing a relationship with those that try to get to know me better. I know in less than 2 years we will move again and then it will be time to re-establish new friendships all over again. I can usually make friends quickly wherever I go but I have always been a one best friend kinda girl. I am pretty adament about who that one friend is going to be and one established, they are my friend for life. I guess I should try being a better friend to everyone I meet instead of trying to find that perfect someone because until I am settled somewhere, we will not be close enough to establish a true friendship that lasts. I don't know why but I've always wished that I'd had a sister. Someone to share secrets with, someone to be there for, to laugh with, cry with, or just to pester and annoy. I think when you have a sister, you'd never be lonely...you may want to be sometimes but you never are. You can be yourself and they love you, even when they don't like you very much. That is why I am so torn right now. Should I, in the current situation that we are in, push for another adoption? Shouldn't Jaiden have the experience of a sister? I don't want to deny her of this and I really want to bring more children into our home. What is it that holds me back? Fear? I think it's fear, not sure of what but something. I've never been afraid of anything except dying without making a difference and as the years have ticked on I reflect and wonder what I've accomplished. Where's the brood that I dreamed of? When did I lose that focus? Where am I going? When did having a nice home and finacial security become that much more important than my dreams? Why can't we have it all? What is the price of happiness? I don't know the answers but my heart tells me that I am not compete yet. I sit here in a nice job and look out the window at a perfect summer day and wonder "why in double hockey sticks am I not out there enjoying this day with my children?" I don't think there is any place I'd rather be.
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