Sweet C!
Today, you turn 5. I can't imagine our lives without you. You bring such joy to our family, with your big smile. You are full of passion for life, and it's contagious. I love that you are beginning to develop a personality of your own and not just living your life in the shadow of your big brother. You are learning to step up for yourself and voice your opinion. I am so thankful for the gift that you are to our family. We love you, big boy!
Saturday, December 21, 2013
Tuesday, July 9, 2013
Sign-O
Just a quick story from C:
Today we were playing the "Word Game." It's a favorite in our house. Basically, someone says a word... for example "cat". The next person has to pick a word that starts with the ending letter of the previous word. In this case, the second person would need a word that starts with T. Maybe they might say, "Texas" and the next person would need a word that stats with S. Got it?
So, it was C's turn, and he needed to think of an S word.
C- "Oh... I know.... Sign-O."
M-"You could say Sign, but Sign-O isn't a word."
C- "Yes it is... You know from the song.... Jesus loves me this Sign-O."
Still makes me smile. :)
Today we were playing the "Word Game." It's a favorite in our house. Basically, someone says a word... for example "cat". The next person has to pick a word that starts with the ending letter of the previous word. In this case, the second person would need a word that starts with T. Maybe they might say, "Texas" and the next person would need a word that stats with S. Got it?
So, it was C's turn, and he needed to think of an S word.
C- "Oh... I know.... Sign-O."
M-"You could say Sign, but Sign-O isn't a word."
C- "Yes it is... You know from the song.... Jesus loves me this Sign-O."
Still makes me smile. :)
Thursday, June 27, 2013
Library Summer Reading
Today, C spiked a fever out of nowhere, so we laid low and relaxed at home. But we did take a quick trip to the library to pick up some new books. As I was checking out, the guy at the counter asked if my kids were registered for the summer reading program. Such an innocent question, but it made me laugh inside.
Apparently he hasn't noticed that we just returned 38 children's books. And apparently he hasn't noticed that we are in that branch at least once a week, but oftentimes twice. Apparently he didn't realize that I had TWO reusable bags on my shoulders full of books that we are checking out (you know you are checking out a lot of library books when they can't all fit in one bag!).
I smiled and politely responded, "Oh, yes. My kids love to read."
We did join the reading program, and they had both earned all 4 prizes within the first week. Each boy has now read over 100 books in less than a month. And some of those were chapter books. And those are only the ones that I remembered to have them record. They are both trying to earn one of the grand prizes, and I think they are off to a pretty good start!
I LOVE that my boys love to read. It makes my teacher heart leap for joy. And more than that, I love what they learn from reading. They can tell you about state capitals, parts of a map, food chains, Claude Monet or clues to solve a mystery.
Okay... I'll step off of my "reading is a doorway to new worlds" soapbox. For now :)
Apparently he hasn't noticed that we just returned 38 children's books. And apparently he hasn't noticed that we are in that branch at least once a week, but oftentimes twice. Apparently he didn't realize that I had TWO reusable bags on my shoulders full of books that we are checking out (you know you are checking out a lot of library books when they can't all fit in one bag!).
I smiled and politely responded, "Oh, yes. My kids love to read."
We did join the reading program, and they had both earned all 4 prizes within the first week. Each boy has now read over 100 books in less than a month. And some of those were chapter books. And those are only the ones that I remembered to have them record. They are both trying to earn one of the grand prizes, and I think they are off to a pretty good start!
I LOVE that my boys love to read. It makes my teacher heart leap for joy. And more than that, I love what they learn from reading. They can tell you about state capitals, parts of a map, food chains, Claude Monet or clues to solve a mystery.
Okay... I'll step off of my "reading is a doorway to new worlds" soapbox. For now :)
Wednesday, June 12, 2013
A New Adventure
This week, we started on a new adventure... one I never would have guessed I would be on. Ever. Okay, maybe in a million years, but not before that. But here we are on a new path, trusting that the Lord will bless this leap of faith.
Yesterday was the first day of our home school. There are many influences in this decision, but really the biggest is that we feel this is where God is leading our family. And I've learned when the Creator of the Universe asks you to go, it's better to just go.
To say our first day of school was a success is an understatement. The boys LOVED homeschool. They love to learn and soak up knowledge. They both told their daddy that their favorite part of the day was homeschool, which is amazing considering all the other things packed into our day like a park trip with friends, playing on an old cannon statue at a park (yes... this is a highlight for boys), and our first trip to the pool this summer. But out of all of those, they loved school the best. I am documenting this so when the "honeymoon" phase is over, I can remind myself that they said these words.
Since it's summer, we are only planning on schooling 2 days a week. I want to get a head start since we'll probably take a significant break when our kiddos come home (sometime this year?!?). It wasn't in the plans to school today, but plans changed and somethings got cancelled. So we set off on day number two of school. Again, a success. The only problem was I couldn't get it to end. They kept wanting to do more work and learn more and read more. I told P that I need a homeschool room so that I can close the door and declare school closed for the day. A classroom is in the works, but won't be ready for awhile, so for right now, we are taking over the family room and kitchen. Our two hours of lessons literally morphed into four hours as they continued to do work. It was a funny problem to have, but this teacher wanted to be done and students kept wanting to work!
So after two days, I'm exhausted but thankful for this opportunity. For once in my life, I don't have a long-distance plan on this one. I don't know if we are home-schoolers-for life or just this year. But I am trusting that the Lord will continue to lead our family and He will make it clear to us what he wants from us.
Yesterday was the first day of our home school. There are many influences in this decision, but really the biggest is that we feel this is where God is leading our family. And I've learned when the Creator of the Universe asks you to go, it's better to just go.
To say our first day of school was a success is an understatement. The boys LOVED homeschool. They love to learn and soak up knowledge. They both told their daddy that their favorite part of the day was homeschool, which is amazing considering all the other things packed into our day like a park trip with friends, playing on an old cannon statue at a park (yes... this is a highlight for boys), and our first trip to the pool this summer. But out of all of those, they loved school the best. I am documenting this so when the "honeymoon" phase is over, I can remind myself that they said these words.
Since it's summer, we are only planning on schooling 2 days a week. I want to get a head start since we'll probably take a significant break when our kiddos come home (sometime this year?!?). It wasn't in the plans to school today, but plans changed and somethings got cancelled. So we set off on day number two of school. Again, a success. The only problem was I couldn't get it to end. They kept wanting to do more work and learn more and read more. I told P that I need a homeschool room so that I can close the door and declare school closed for the day. A classroom is in the works, but won't be ready for awhile, so for right now, we are taking over the family room and kitchen. Our two hours of lessons literally morphed into four hours as they continued to do work. It was a funny problem to have, but this teacher wanted to be done and students kept wanting to work!
So after two days, I'm exhausted but thankful for this opportunity. For once in my life, I don't have a long-distance plan on this one. I don't know if we are home-schoolers-for life or just this year. But I am trusting that the Lord will continue to lead our family and He will make it clear to us what he wants from us.
Sunday, April 21, 2013
You Shine in the Light
"You alone are the matchless King.
To You alone be all majesty.
Your glories and wonders, what tongue can recite?
You breathe in the air.
You shine in the light."
Lately, I've been hit with the realities of living in a broken world. I know I'm not the only one. It's been a hard few weeks in our country. The Boston Marathon rocked my world. And the trial of Kermit Gosnell in Philadelphia is so atrocious that I can't even wrap my brain around it.
And through it all, I feel like I've heard many people say that God can shine in the darkness. That brings some comfort, but the reality is that God is even bigger than we give Him credit for. Sure, He can shine in the darkness, but what really blows my mind is that He is so good and perfect and glorious, that He can shine in the LIGHT. Imagine shining a flashlight in the middle of a sunny, summer day. It doesn't really shine or add much light. BUT our God is so glorious that on that same beautiful sunny day, His light would actually SHINE! That's the kind of God we serve. May His presence shine in your life today, whether is a day of darkenss or light for you.
To You alone be all majesty.
Your glories and wonders, what tongue can recite?
You breathe in the air.
You shine in the light."
Lately, I've been hit with the realities of living in a broken world. I know I'm not the only one. It's been a hard few weeks in our country. The Boston Marathon rocked my world. And the trial of Kermit Gosnell in Philadelphia is so atrocious that I can't even wrap my brain around it.
And through it all, I feel like I've heard many people say that God can shine in the darkness. That brings some comfort, but the reality is that God is even bigger than we give Him credit for. Sure, He can shine in the darkness, but what really blows my mind is that He is so good and perfect and glorious, that He can shine in the LIGHT. Imagine shining a flashlight in the middle of a sunny, summer day. It doesn't really shine or add much light. BUT our God is so glorious that on that same beautiful sunny day, His light would actually SHINE! That's the kind of God we serve. May His presence shine in your life today, whether is a day of darkenss or light for you.
Monday, March 18, 2013
Being a mom...
When you choose to become a parent, you know there are some things you are giving up. But, I don't think I was prepared for the total lack of privacy when there are kids around. Yesterday morning, I jumped in for a quick shower. The boys came barging in (okay... the DID knock first) so excited to share a song with me. I tried to explain that maybe we could wait just a few minutes for me to finish. I don't think they heard a word I said. They were too busy getting set up. A plugged in a CD player which he propped up on the toilet. Then he grabbed a guitar while C grabbed another instrument. They seriously set up a band... in the bathroom... while I was taking a shower. I enjoyed my serenade, but did cut them off by song #3 :)
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
Not perfect
There's something that has been on my heart that I wanted to share. Mostly, I'm just sharing it with myself since the purpose of this blog is to document what's going on with our family. But if you happen to be reading this, here's a little glimpse into my thoughts.
When people hear that we are adopting... and even more-so that we are adopting a sibling group of two (or three!)... they so often respond with something like, "That's so great. I mean, we could never do that, but it's great that you are" or "I'm sure you can handle it. We couldn't parent that many kids well, but I am sure you can." And I get this. I totally understand what they are saying. There are certainly times when I think we're crazy. Seriously. Within the next few months, we are doubling (or more than!) the number of kids in our family. Not only that, but the kids that are coming home may have a ton of baggage from being raised in an institution and losing loved ones. When I really sit and think of what is coming, it can be paralyzing. So I get that other people think they could never take on more kids, especially ones that will be so unpredictable.
But here's what's been on my mind so much. We can't do it either. I don't have the energy or the patience to deal with two kids, much less four or five! And Lord help me if we end up with five boys! I'm not a perfect mom. Far from it. There are so many times that I don't do what I know I should do for them or that I respond to them in a way that is not loving or respectful. BUT, even though I am not perfect, I am at least better than nothing. I am convinced that many times I will screw up when it comes to parenting these kids. But I am also convinced that an average mom is still better than no mom. As my sweet friend, E, said the other day, "I may feed them mac and cheese... Kraft, even... every day, but at least it's better than sleeping on a cement floor or not eating anything."
I know that adoption isn't for everyone. But I do know that God commands us to care for the orphaned and widowed (James 1:27) and to speak up for those who have no voice (Proverbs 31:8). For us, that looks like adopting and sharing our story. What does it look like for you? Could it be that God is calling you to adopt, too? Or maybe to help out someone that is? Or get trained to foster kids? Or even mentor a child?
When people hear that we are adopting... and even more-so that we are adopting a sibling group of two (or three!)... they so often respond with something like, "That's so great. I mean, we could never do that, but it's great that you are" or "I'm sure you can handle it. We couldn't parent that many kids well, but I am sure you can." And I get this. I totally understand what they are saying. There are certainly times when I think we're crazy. Seriously. Within the next few months, we are doubling (or more than!) the number of kids in our family. Not only that, but the kids that are coming home may have a ton of baggage from being raised in an institution and losing loved ones. When I really sit and think of what is coming, it can be paralyzing. So I get that other people think they could never take on more kids, especially ones that will be so unpredictable.
But here's what's been on my mind so much. We can't do it either. I don't have the energy or the patience to deal with two kids, much less four or five! And Lord help me if we end up with five boys! I'm not a perfect mom. Far from it. There are so many times that I don't do what I know I should do for them or that I respond to them in a way that is not loving or respectful. BUT, even though I am not perfect, I am at least better than nothing. I am convinced that many times I will screw up when it comes to parenting these kids. But I am also convinced that an average mom is still better than no mom. As my sweet friend, E, said the other day, "I may feed them mac and cheese... Kraft, even... every day, but at least it's better than sleeping on a cement floor or not eating anything."
I know that adoption isn't for everyone. But I do know that God commands us to care for the orphaned and widowed (James 1:27) and to speak up for those who have no voice (Proverbs 31:8). For us, that looks like adopting and sharing our story. What does it look like for you? Could it be that God is calling you to adopt, too? Or maybe to help out someone that is? Or get trained to foster kids? Or even mentor a child?
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