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 :)
Monday, March 18, 2013
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?
Thursday, February 28, 2013
Happy Birthday, A!
I can't believe you are six!! You are growing up so fast. This has been a year of growth for you. For one thing, you are a reader! Oh, how this has opened doors for you. You read everything you can get your hands on, and I am daily amazed at your innate ability to decode words and understand what they mean. I love seeing your passion for learning. Your daddy and I actually considered the need to limit the time you spend reading to spread your time to other things (we didn't). I also love how you teach me something new everyday. Whether it is the true color of polar bears' hair (clear) or the distance from the sun to the earth (93 million miles), I love the wealth of knowledge that you have and so excitedly teach others.
This has also been a year of growth as you have started kindergarten full-time. It's been an adjustment and is still hard for you to be gone all day, but you have been so brave and never complain about going to school (okay... maybe every once in awhile, but not often). You have proven that you can make good choices whether or not your momma is there to watch. I love hearing from your teachers how you are kind to your classmates and respectful to everyone.
And I've loved watching you grow as a brother. You teach C what you learn at school and have helped him learn to start spelling words. I love seeing you cuddled up together with you reading books to him. You are a great big brother, and I know you will continue to be a great brother as the number of siblings grows.
I also love the passion you have for all things Bulgarian. You chose to celebrate the culture of Bulgaria at International Night at school instead of celebrating your birthday. Whenever you see a globe or a map, you immediately look for Bulgaria and glow with excitement when you find it. I know you are excited for your new brothers or sisters to come home, and I also know that when they do, you will do such a great job of loving them, as you already do.
Happy Birthday, sweet boy! I can't wait to see what God has in store for you this coming year. Just don't grow up too fast, okay :)
This has also been a year of growth as you have started kindergarten full-time. It's been an adjustment and is still hard for you to be gone all day, but you have been so brave and never complain about going to school (okay... maybe every once in awhile, but not often). You have proven that you can make good choices whether or not your momma is there to watch. I love hearing from your teachers how you are kind to your classmates and respectful to everyone.
And I've loved watching you grow as a brother. You teach C what you learn at school and have helped him learn to start spelling words. I love seeing you cuddled up together with you reading books to him. You are a great big brother, and I know you will continue to be a great brother as the number of siblings grows.
I also love the passion you have for all things Bulgarian. You chose to celebrate the culture of Bulgaria at International Night at school instead of celebrating your birthday. Whenever you see a globe or a map, you immediately look for Bulgaria and glow with excitement when you find it. I know you are excited for your new brothers or sisters to come home, and I also know that when they do, you will do such a great job of loving them, as you already do.
Happy Birthday, sweet boy! I can't wait to see what God has in store for you this coming year. Just don't grow up too fast, okay :)
Sunday, December 30, 2012
Quote-worthy
Last blog for tonight...I wanted to blog before I forget the hysterical things C has been saying lately.
-His version of Deck the Halls: "Troll the ancient Mary holds him."I guess yuletide carol was too confusing so he made up his own words.
-He got a new CD for Christmas that puts Bible verses to music. One of the songs quotes Psalm 55:22 "Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you." C's version: "Cash your cay on the mole and he will a stay you." Hysterical!
-December was a confusing month for C. We celebrated his birthday on Dec 1st (three weeks early) since it's so hard to find time as it gets closer to Christmas. After that, he was convinced he was already 4. It took me awhile to get him to realize he wasn't 4 yet even though he had a party. Then the day before his birthday, he brought in a birthday snack to school and got to wear a birthday crown since they didn't have school on his actual birthday. Again, he was convinced that he was 4. So the next day (his actual birthday), Nonno called to wish him a happy birthday.
Nonno: Happy Birthday, C! How old are you?
C: (in an exasperated voice) 'sigh' I don't know if I'm 3 or if I'm 4.
-His version of Deck the Halls: "Troll the ancient Mary holds him."I guess yuletide carol was too confusing so he made up his own words.
-He got a new CD for Christmas that puts Bible verses to music. One of the songs quotes Psalm 55:22 "Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you." C's version: "Cash your cay on the mole and he will a stay you." Hysterical!
-December was a confusing month for C. We celebrated his birthday on Dec 1st (three weeks early) since it's so hard to find time as it gets closer to Christmas. After that, he was convinced he was already 4. It took me awhile to get him to realize he wasn't 4 yet even though he had a party. Then the day before his birthday, he brought in a birthday snack to school and got to wear a birthday crown since they didn't have school on his actual birthday. Again, he was convinced that he was 4. So the next day (his actual birthday), Nonno called to wish him a happy birthday.
Nonno: Happy Birthday, C! How old are you?
C: (in an exasperated voice) 'sigh' I don't know if I'm 3 or if I'm 4.
More Holiday Traditions
A trip to the Festival of Lights at our local zoo. It was barely drizzling. Enough that we needed rain jackets, but not enough that we actually got wet. It was a perfect night to go because it was not very crowded at all. I think the weather kept the crowds away.
On the last day of school before break, C had a Christmas Program. I loved seeing the difference between our boys. When A had his preschool programs, he barely sang. He just watched the crowd and the other kids. Not C. This kid loves to sing, and he sang every song and knew every hand motion. He wasn't obnoxiously loud, but I could certainly hear him singing each song. It was adorable. AND he had lines that he had to memorize. He did a great job as he and three other kids said,
"Mary holds him close and warm. Joseph keeps him safe from harm."
Holiday Tradition!
Every year, my sisters, mom and I have a Christmas Cookie Making Marathon! It is always one of my favorite holiday traditions. This year was no exception. I love, love, love this girl time without the kids running around.
This year, the daddies and kids joined us towards the end. The boys helped frost sugar cookies and decorate Nonno and Grandma's Christmas tree. Then we celebrated P and C's birthdays with dinner and an ice cream cake. It was a long day, but such great family time.
Some Fall Pics
So much has been happening around here! This is our busy time of year. P's job is crazy busy. He's not allowed to take any time off in October, November or December because it is such a busy time of year. Add in there Thanksgiving, C's bday, our anniversary, 5 Christmas celebrations and a handful of yearly holiday traditions, and our fall flies by!
C had a Thanksgiving party at his school. I loved getting to be there with him and to see him interact with his teachers and friends. He really does a great job at school and is learning a lot! Although if you ask him, he isn't learning anything. He told me, "Mom, all we ever do at school is learn about letters." I figured for a three-year-old class, that's exactly what he should be learning!
I'm just including these because they are cute pics of my boys :)
And a great picture of Granddad reading to the boys. Oh how they love books! They'll sit for hours and hours listening to books. I love it!
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