written by Nancy Thomas
Children with broken hearts and wounded minds have special needs. When children have had an early separation, abuse, neglect, or medical intervention they are at high risk for attachment Disorder.
If you had child "A" with diabetes and child "B" standing next to him that was healthy would you look at child "A" and say, "He doesn't look like he has diabetes to me!"? People do that all the time to people with an emotionally disturbed child!! How rude and discounting! What if child A & B were both at a birthday party and were both given a big piece of birthday cake because " all children should be treated the same"? Child "A" could end up in the hospital. It is the same with children who have special needs because of mental illness. If they are both given the same privileges a child with Attachment Disorder will not feel safe and could end up in the hospital (psych hospital)!
Picture yourself as a parent of child "A" that must be given insulin injections to stay alive. Imagining how painful that must be to have to cause pain to a loved one to keep them healthy! What if some well-meaning, clueless person stood by as you had the needle poised to inject your child with life sustaining insulin and said " Oh! Don't do that! It's mean! I don't do that to my children and they turned out fine!" Would it make it any easier to do what must be done for your child? Would it help the child who must endure the injections? Why then do folks then feel it is ok to do it to parents with children who have wounded minds?! Children that are sexual perpetrators or violent with other children. Others parents do not understand how quickly one of these children can grab a crotch or poke out an eye and often judge and condemn parents for keeping their child in close and out of trouble rather than realizing how difficult it is to watch them every second to keep them and others safe. How tacky it is to explain to every intruder that your child has this problem and how humiliating for the child to hear it told to all!
What happened to trusting and honoring each other for our efforts to help our children? Parents love their children and are doing the best they can for them. How about supporting and encouraging those with difficult children! Yes, there are wacos out there, but thankfully they are few. The rest of us parents are doing the best we can. We all make mistakes but we make less when we are supported and understood than when we are judged and condemned. You want to help? Let a parent know what they are doing RIGHT and give them a hug and a smile!
Monday, December 31, 2007
Just for today
"Jesus said, 'By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.'"
Today, as we pass from the Old Year into the new, may we accept the following advice for a worthy New Year resolution and remember to apply these principles every day of the year:
Smile at a stranger.
Listen to someones heart.
Hug a loved one.
Tell someone you're thinking of them.
Drop a coin where a child can find it.
Learn something new then teach it to someone else.
Look a child in the eye and tell them how great they are .
Don't hold a grudge.
Don't be afraid to say, "I'm sorry."
Look beyond the face of a person into their heart.
Make a promise and keep it.
Call someone for no other reason than to just say "hello."
Show kindness to an animal. Stand up for what you believe in.
Smell the rain, feel the breeze, listen to the wind.
Use all your senses to their fullest.
Cherish all your today's.
Suggested prayer: "Dear God, thank you for all your blessings of this past year and help me throughout the New Year to always be a channel of your love to every life I touch, and grant that they, seeing Jesus in me, will want you for themselves. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully in Jesus' name, amen."
Today, as we pass from the Old Year into the new, may we accept the following advice for a worthy New Year resolution and remember to apply these principles every day of the year:
Smile at a stranger.
Listen to someones heart.
Hug a loved one.
Tell someone you're thinking of them.
Drop a coin where a child can find it.
Learn something new then teach it to someone else.
Look a child in the eye and tell them how great they are .
Don't hold a grudge.
Don't be afraid to say, "I'm sorry."
Look beyond the face of a person into their heart.
Make a promise and keep it.
Call someone for no other reason than to just say "hello."
Show kindness to an animal. Stand up for what you believe in.
Smell the rain, feel the breeze, listen to the wind.
Use all your senses to their fullest.
Cherish all your today's.
Suggested prayer: "Dear God, thank you for all your blessings of this past year and help me throughout the New Year to always be a channel of your love to every life I touch, and grant that they, seeing Jesus in me, will want you for themselves. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully in Jesus' name, amen."
Friday, December 28, 2007
adapting!!
Wild Mike has been having a hard time with his asthma. His breathing treatments get in the way of his favorite pastime thumbsucking. Which I love by the way this boy sleeps great!! Anyways he has figured out a fix to this problem he can do both! He was quite proud of himself too!
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
The Christmas Pageant
This one is good! Man can I realate!! Enjoy loved ones!!!
The Christmas Pageant
(annonymous)
My husband and I had been happily married (most of the time) for five years but hadn't been blessed with a baby.I decided to do some serious praying and promised God that if he would give us a child, I would be a perfect mother, love it with all my heart and raise it with His word as my guide.God answered my prayers and blessed us with a son. The next year God blessed us with another son. The following year, He blessed us with yet another son. The year after that we were blessed with a daughter.My husband thought we'd been blessed right into poverty. We now had four children, and the oldest was only four years old.I learned never to ask God for anything unless I meant it. As a minister once told me, "If you pray for rain, make sure you carry an umbrella."I began reading a few verses of the Bible to the children each day as they lay in their cribs. I was off to a good start. God had entrusted me with four children and I didn't want to disappoint Him.I tried to be patient the day the children smashed two dozen eggs on the kitchen floor searching for baby chicks. I tried to be understanding. when they started a hotel for homeless frogs in the spare bedroom, although it took me nearly two hours to catch all twenty-three frogs.When my daughter poured ketchup all over herself and rolled up in a blanket to see how it felt to be a hot dog, I tried to see the humor rather than the mess. In spite of changing over twenty-five thousand diapers, never eating a hot meal and never sleeping for more than thirty minutes at a time, I still thank God daily for my children.While I couldn't keep my promise to be a perfect mother - I didn't even come close...I did keep my promise to raise them in the Word of God. I knew I was missing the mark just a little when I told my daughter we were goingto church to worship God, and she wanted to bring a bar of soap along to "wash up" Jesus, too.Something was lost in the translation when I explained that God gave us everlasting life, and my son thought it was generous of God to give us his "last wife."My proudest moment came during the children's Christmas pageant.My daughter was playing Mary, two of my sons were shepherdsand my youngest son was a wise man. This was their moment to shine.My five-year-old shepherd had practiced his line, "We found the babe wrappedin swaddling clothes." But he was nervous and said, "The baby was wrapped in wrinkled clothes." My four-year-old "Mary" said, "That's not 'wrinkled clothes,' silly. That's dirty, rotten clothes."
A wrestling match broke out between Mary and the shepherd and was stopped by an angel, who bent her halo and lost her left wing. I slouched a little lower in my seat when Mary dropped the doll representingBaby Jesus, and it bounced down the aisle crying, "Mama-mama." Mary grabbed the doll, wrapped it back up and held it tightly as the wise men arrived.My other son stepped forward wearing a bathrobe and a paper crown, knelt at the manger and announced, "We are the three wise men, and we are bringing gifts of gold, common sense and fur."The congregation dissolved into laughter, and the pageantgot a standing ovation. "I've never enjoyed a Christmas program as much as this one," laughed the pastor,wiping tears from his eyes."For the rest of my life, I'll never hear the Christmas story without thinking of gold, common sense and fur.""My children are my pride and my joy and my greatest blessing," I said as I dugthrough my purse for an aspirin.Jesus had no servants, yet they called Him Master.Had no degree, yet they called Him Teacher.Had no medicines, yet they called Him Healer.Had no army, yet kings feared Him.He won no military battles, yet He conquered the world.He committed no crime, yet they crucified Him.He was buried in a tomb, yet He lives today.Feel honored to serve such a Leader who loves us.
The Christmas Pageant
(annonymous)
My husband and I had been happily married (most of the time) for five years but hadn't been blessed with a baby.I decided to do some serious praying and promised God that if he would give us a child, I would be a perfect mother, love it with all my heart and raise it with His word as my guide.God answered my prayers and blessed us with a son. The next year God blessed us with another son. The following year, He blessed us with yet another son. The year after that we were blessed with a daughter.My husband thought we'd been blessed right into poverty. We now had four children, and the oldest was only four years old.I learned never to ask God for anything unless I meant it. As a minister once told me, "If you pray for rain, make sure you carry an umbrella."I began reading a few verses of the Bible to the children each day as they lay in their cribs. I was off to a good start. God had entrusted me with four children and I didn't want to disappoint Him.I tried to be patient the day the children smashed two dozen eggs on the kitchen floor searching for baby chicks. I tried to be understanding. when they started a hotel for homeless frogs in the spare bedroom, although it took me nearly two hours to catch all twenty-three frogs.When my daughter poured ketchup all over herself and rolled up in a blanket to see how it felt to be a hot dog, I tried to see the humor rather than the mess. In spite of changing over twenty-five thousand diapers, never eating a hot meal and never sleeping for more than thirty minutes at a time, I still thank God daily for my children.While I couldn't keep my promise to be a perfect mother - I didn't even come close...I did keep my promise to raise them in the Word of God. I knew I was missing the mark just a little when I told my daughter we were goingto church to worship God, and she wanted to bring a bar of soap along to "wash up" Jesus, too.Something was lost in the translation when I explained that God gave us everlasting life, and my son thought it was generous of God to give us his "last wife."My proudest moment came during the children's Christmas pageant.My daughter was playing Mary, two of my sons were shepherdsand my youngest son was a wise man. This was their moment to shine.My five-year-old shepherd had practiced his line, "We found the babe wrappedin swaddling clothes." But he was nervous and said, "The baby was wrapped in wrinkled clothes." My four-year-old "Mary" said, "That's not 'wrinkled clothes,' silly. That's dirty, rotten clothes."
A wrestling match broke out between Mary and the shepherd and was stopped by an angel, who bent her halo and lost her left wing. I slouched a little lower in my seat when Mary dropped the doll representingBaby Jesus, and it bounced down the aisle crying, "Mama-mama." Mary grabbed the doll, wrapped it back up and held it tightly as the wise men arrived.My other son stepped forward wearing a bathrobe and a paper crown, knelt at the manger and announced, "We are the three wise men, and we are bringing gifts of gold, common sense and fur."The congregation dissolved into laughter, and the pageantgot a standing ovation. "I've never enjoyed a Christmas program as much as this one," laughed the pastor,wiping tears from his eyes."For the rest of my life, I'll never hear the Christmas story without thinking of gold, common sense and fur.""My children are my pride and my joy and my greatest blessing," I said as I dugthrough my purse for an aspirin.Jesus had no servants, yet they called Him Master.Had no degree, yet they called Him Teacher.Had no medicines, yet they called Him Healer.Had no army, yet kings feared Him.He won no military battles, yet He conquered the world.He committed no crime, yet they crucified Him.He was buried in a tomb, yet He lives today.Feel honored to serve such a Leader who loves us.
Oh Christmas Tree..
Last night our little angels decorated the tree!! They were very cute and I think this is the first year they did it themselves :) (Q was still in the hospital :(
Monday, December 10, 2007
Thursday, December 6, 2007
Wisconsin Virtual Academy!
Yesterday was a very sad day here as this decision came in and we were reminded of how DPI and WEAC have stated over and over that this is about the money not the children. :( Read on
WCVSF Responds to Court Decision
December 5, 2007
The Coalition just issued this press release:
WEAC Finally Wins a Round in Fight to Close Public School, Kids LoseAppeals Court Gives Teacher’s Union the ‘Win’ They’ve Sought for Years[Madison, WI] A state appeals court today ruled that a successful and innovative public school, which has educated hundreds of Wisconsin children for several years, must close. The decision comes in a case where WEAC, the state's teachers' union, questioned the moral character of the parents who participated in the educational process. "This is a terrible day for Wisconsin parents and we are deeply disappointed. The Court has decided to shut down a public school that is working well. And just think, WEAC is happy today. They have been relentless in their attack on the parents, kids and unionized teachers at the Wisconsin Virtual Academy," said Rose Fernandez, President of the Wisconsin Coalition of Virtual School Families. "They file cases, lose and then appeal. They finally won a round, but even in 'victory' their actions show that they really don't care about the people this is affecting most; the kids."This ruling puts online education at risk in districts throughout Wisconsin. It could result in the immediate closure of several public virtual schools and jeopardizes the use of distance learning programs throughout Wisconsin’s public schools.In January of 2004, the Wisconsin Education Association Council (WEAC) filed a complaint in Ozaukee County Circuit Court in an effort to shut down the Wisconsin Virtual Academy (WIVA). Although the students are taught by licensed teachers, WEAC argued that the parental participation in WIVA was too significant. The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI), although it originally did not object to the Charter school, took the union's side in the dispute. In March 2006, Ozaukee County District Judge Joseph McCormack issued a summary judgment ruling strongly in favor of the school district and rejected WEAC and DPI's arguments. WEAC immediately appealed. The Court of Appeals heard Oral Argument in the case on October 30, 2007."This is the first setback in our long struggle. For nearly four years now families who have made the choice to attend this great public school have been forced to live under the uncertainty of whether or not the school will be open from year to year," said Fernandez. "WEAC is going to extraordinary efforts to close a school staffed by their own union members, and the state DPI and Department of Justice have been their willing accomplice in this crusade."In the litigation, WEAC raised questions about the "moral character" of parents who participate in public education, a legal maneuver that threatens the right of every parent in Wisconsin who seeks to participate in their child's public education. The Coalition filed an amicus brief with the court defending WIVA and the right of parents to be involved in their children's education. Fernandez said this issue is far from over."As long as a parent's right to participate in the public education of their children is being threatened, we will continue to fight for children, parents, and teachers involved in public virtual education in Wisconsin," said Fernandez. "This is the best public school option for thousands of children in Wisconsin in over a dozen such schools. Just because the teacher's union finally found a court sympathetic to their ridiculous arguments, doesn't mean we're going to go away."WEAC has tried to shut down two public virtual schools in Wisconsin. A court dismissed a lawsuit brought against Connections Academy in Appleton in 2003. Although this suit was brought two years ago, the immediate closing of WIVA school was only first sought by Wisconsin Department of Justice representatives during oral argument in October.The Wisconsin Coalition of Virtual School Families consists of hundreds of parents, students, teachers and supporters concerned about the educational opportunities available to Wisconsin families. Wisconsin has many virtual schools whose existence may be threatened by this ruling. Thousands of students from all over the state attend these schools and many other public schools use on-line instruction.
###
WEAC Bullies Bar Schoolhouse Doors
By Rose Fernandez
Wednesday, Dec 5 2007, 02:33 PM
I wrote last month about the oral arguments I witnessed before the Wisconsin Court of Appeals in the lawsuit by WEAC and DPI to close my children's public school.
Today, we got the ruling. Here it is for those of you so inclined. WEAC finally found judges who bought their shell game. WEAC won.
A truly great school lost. Over 800 WIVA students lost. Our veteran, stellar faculty lost. Options in public schooling lost.
All virtual public schools are on the chopping block. All charter schools are in their sights. All public schools that use non-licensed staff to help teach are about to have a rude awakening about what it means to have WEAC in charge.
WEAC has bullied its way in. Parents who think they have some amount of say over IEP plans or placement decisions or just about anything in public schools should think twice about that.
Parents are under attack in Wisconsin public schools. WEAC and DPI will talk a good game about quality and standards and their role as supreme judge of both. But it has nothing to do with that. It has to do with WEAC, the bully. WEAC is protecting cash flow.
Well, parents are wiping the spit from our eyes today and seeing things more clearly than ever before. We are not down and we are not out. For WEAC it may be all about money.
For us it is about our children and we aren't about to cower to a bully
As a WIVA parent I am particularly disappointed and angry today. However, I think that all parents should sit up and take notice that WEAC and DPI do not have interest of the child in mind when they make their decisions and formulate their policies. They are not to be trusted. I am especially disappointed that DPI refused to stand by the school that they had chartered. WEAC's officially stated today that "Today’s decision calls upon the Wisconsin Legislature to make virtual schools accountable to the students who use them and the taxpayers who fund them." WIVA has been accountable to the students and the taxpayers. Isn't it just like WEAC to now deflect responsibility for their actions unto the legislature? I agree that the legislature should clarify the laws that DPI has failed to administer
but the bottom line is that WEAC wants to close a thriving, successful school because it threatens their agenda. They want to have absolute control over educational reform. Well, they have had their chance for many years to come up with solutions and options to meet the needs of children and now they resent the fact that they aren't calling all the shots. All concerned parents and others interested in helping each child be able to be truly successful in whatever learning situation is determined to be the best for that child should send a message that it is our tax dollars and our children and our community and they don't get to call all the shots.
WCVSF Responds to Court Decision
December 5, 2007
The Coalition just issued this press release:
WEAC Finally Wins a Round in Fight to Close Public School, Kids LoseAppeals Court Gives Teacher’s Union the ‘Win’ They’ve Sought for Years[Madison, WI] A state appeals court today ruled that a successful and innovative public school, which has educated hundreds of Wisconsin children for several years, must close. The decision comes in a case where WEAC, the state's teachers' union, questioned the moral character of the parents who participated in the educational process. "This is a terrible day for Wisconsin parents and we are deeply disappointed. The Court has decided to shut down a public school that is working well. And just think, WEAC is happy today. They have been relentless in their attack on the parents, kids and unionized teachers at the Wisconsin Virtual Academy," said Rose Fernandez, President of the Wisconsin Coalition of Virtual School Families. "They file cases, lose and then appeal. They finally won a round, but even in 'victory' their actions show that they really don't care about the people this is affecting most; the kids."This ruling puts online education at risk in districts throughout Wisconsin. It could result in the immediate closure of several public virtual schools and jeopardizes the use of distance learning programs throughout Wisconsin’s public schools.In January of 2004, the Wisconsin Education Association Council (WEAC) filed a complaint in Ozaukee County Circuit Court in an effort to shut down the Wisconsin Virtual Academy (WIVA). Although the students are taught by licensed teachers, WEAC argued that the parental participation in WIVA was too significant. The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI), although it originally did not object to the Charter school, took the union's side in the dispute. In March 2006, Ozaukee County District Judge Joseph McCormack issued a summary judgment ruling strongly in favor of the school district and rejected WEAC and DPI's arguments. WEAC immediately appealed. The Court of Appeals heard Oral Argument in the case on October 30, 2007."This is the first setback in our long struggle. For nearly four years now families who have made the choice to attend this great public school have been forced to live under the uncertainty of whether or not the school will be open from year to year," said Fernandez. "WEAC is going to extraordinary efforts to close a school staffed by their own union members, and the state DPI and Department of Justice have been their willing accomplice in this crusade."In the litigation, WEAC raised questions about the "moral character" of parents who participate in public education, a legal maneuver that threatens the right of every parent in Wisconsin who seeks to participate in their child's public education. The Coalition filed an amicus brief with the court defending WIVA and the right of parents to be involved in their children's education. Fernandez said this issue is far from over."As long as a parent's right to participate in the public education of their children is being threatened, we will continue to fight for children, parents, and teachers involved in public virtual education in Wisconsin," said Fernandez. "This is the best public school option for thousands of children in Wisconsin in over a dozen such schools. Just because the teacher's union finally found a court sympathetic to their ridiculous arguments, doesn't mean we're going to go away."WEAC has tried to shut down two public virtual schools in Wisconsin. A court dismissed a lawsuit brought against Connections Academy in Appleton in 2003. Although this suit was brought two years ago, the immediate closing of WIVA school was only first sought by Wisconsin Department of Justice representatives during oral argument in October.The Wisconsin Coalition of Virtual School Families consists of hundreds of parents, students, teachers and supporters concerned about the educational opportunities available to Wisconsin families. Wisconsin has many virtual schools whose existence may be threatened by this ruling. Thousands of students from all over the state attend these schools and many other public schools use on-line instruction.
###
WEAC Bullies Bar Schoolhouse Doors
By Rose Fernandez
Wednesday, Dec 5 2007, 02:33 PM
I wrote last month about the oral arguments I witnessed before the Wisconsin Court of Appeals in the lawsuit by WEAC and DPI to close my children's public school.
Today, we got the ruling. Here it is for those of you so inclined. WEAC finally found judges who bought their shell game. WEAC won.
A truly great school lost. Over 800 WIVA students lost. Our veteran, stellar faculty lost. Options in public schooling lost.
All virtual public schools are on the chopping block. All charter schools are in their sights. All public schools that use non-licensed staff to help teach are about to have a rude awakening about what it means to have WEAC in charge.
WEAC has bullied its way in. Parents who think they have some amount of say over IEP plans or placement decisions or just about anything in public schools should think twice about that.
Parents are under attack in Wisconsin public schools. WEAC and DPI will talk a good game about quality and standards and their role as supreme judge of both. But it has nothing to do with that. It has to do with WEAC, the bully. WEAC is protecting cash flow.
Well, parents are wiping the spit from our eyes today and seeing things more clearly than ever before. We are not down and we are not out. For WEAC it may be all about money.
For us it is about our children and we aren't about to cower to a bully
As a WIVA parent I am particularly disappointed and angry today. However, I think that all parents should sit up and take notice that WEAC and DPI do not have interest of the child in mind when they make their decisions and formulate their policies. They are not to be trusted. I am especially disappointed that DPI refused to stand by the school that they had chartered. WEAC's officially stated today that "Today’s decision calls upon the Wisconsin Legislature to make virtual schools accountable to the students who use them and the taxpayers who fund them." WIVA has been accountable to the students and the taxpayers. Isn't it just like WEAC to now deflect responsibility for their actions unto the legislature? I agree that the legislature should clarify the laws that DPI has failed to administer
but the bottom line is that WEAC wants to close a thriving, successful school because it threatens their agenda. They want to have absolute control over educational reform. Well, they have had their chance for many years to come up with solutions and options to meet the needs of children and now they resent the fact that they aren't calling all the shots. All concerned parents and others interested in helping each child be able to be truly successful in whatever learning situation is determined to be the best for that child should send a message that it is our tax dollars and our children and our community and they don't get to call all the shots.
Siberian Husky puppies!
Kiowa had her babies on Sunday! We are having way too much fun with these cute little babies!!
Saturday, November 24, 2007
Vacation, and kidhaps!
Just found this one was never posted so I am going to post it now :) It is interesting timing.. Q has just returned to the hospital again so the doctors are trying to help again.... Keep praying for her!
Sorry for the delayed post, but it seems that may just be how it is as each season of life roars through. Seems everything always hits at once with small lulls in between. I was reminded by my sweet sister-in-law this past week that our family has made several choices against the norm: we teach our kids at home, adopted domestically (infants), then internationally (older kids). She said "even one of those things us normal folks can't understand or grasp and then you put them all together and we outsiders really have no clue." This was so interesting because our vacation turned into an assembly line of accusations and advice from other outsiders. Her words were wise and put so many things we already knew into perspective. We never expected anyone to understand all of this, but hopefully just trust us and support us. We are certain to make mistakes along the way but isn't that why we are all there to help each other? So many of you loved ones have asked what you can do to help us. We have doctors, therapists, psychiatrists, psychologists, a terrific social worker, and other specialists to help with the hard stuff. From you, encouragement, support, love, just knowing you believe in us and support us is great, but mostly PRAYERS! If you have questions, please don't hesitate to ask them, even if they concern difficult topics, or just things not understood! Ask Mom or Dad, not the kids, or in front of the kids!! Please respect our children! All of them!! Respect us as their parents! We know we can't do this alone. Africans say it takes a village to raise a child we now know why. hehe... Anyways, it was a stressful week and there were many hurtful things said that we and the kids need to figure a way through.. We did learn how peaceful our home is for all of us :)
Something else we learned:
Wild Mike gets VERY annoyed when Princess whines on the 4 hour journey home. This happened about 4 minutes into the ride, so Wild Mike used his favorite solution: he slapped her. So the conversation that followed was, "We don't hit you need to use your words (which he knows won't work) we never slap anyone! Say sorry!" "Sawy Won do agan" Quite a while later, Princess is screaming again (I couldn't tell you why) I turn to see what is going on and Wild Mike turns his head around as fast as lightning and yells in her face "SLAP" then turns back around in his seat as if nothing had happened. Of course, I turned around just as quick to conceal my laughter. He listened! Words were used, not hands to solve his problem. Funny thing is, I think she was shocked and she stopped whinning!
Sorry for the delayed post, but it seems that may just be how it is as each season of life roars through. Seems everything always hits at once with small lulls in between. I was reminded by my sweet sister-in-law this past week that our family has made several choices against the norm: we teach our kids at home, adopted domestically (infants), then internationally (older kids). She said "even one of those things us normal folks can't understand or grasp and then you put them all together and we outsiders really have no clue." This was so interesting because our vacation turned into an assembly line of accusations and advice from other outsiders. Her words were wise and put so many things we already knew into perspective. We never expected anyone to understand all of this, but hopefully just trust us and support us. We are certain to make mistakes along the way but isn't that why we are all there to help each other? So many of you loved ones have asked what you can do to help us. We have doctors, therapists, psychiatrists, psychologists, a terrific social worker, and other specialists to help with the hard stuff. From you, encouragement, support, love, just knowing you believe in us and support us is great, but mostly PRAYERS! If you have questions, please don't hesitate to ask them, even if they concern difficult topics, or just things not understood! Ask Mom or Dad, not the kids, or in front of the kids!! Please respect our children! All of them!! Respect us as their parents! We know we can't do this alone. Africans say it takes a village to raise a child we now know why. hehe... Anyways, it was a stressful week and there were many hurtful things said that we and the kids need to figure a way through.. We did learn how peaceful our home is for all of us :)
Something else we learned:
Wild Mike gets VERY annoyed when Princess whines on the 4 hour journey home. This happened about 4 minutes into the ride, so Wild Mike used his favorite solution: he slapped her. So the conversation that followed was, "We don't hit you need to use your words (which he knows won't work) we never slap anyone! Say sorry!" "Sawy Won do agan" Quite a while later, Princess is screaming again (I couldn't tell you why) I turn to see what is going on and Wild Mike turns his head around as fast as lightning and yells in her face "SLAP" then turns back around in his seat as if nothing had happened. Of course, I turned around just as quick to conceal my laughter. He listened! Words were used, not hands to solve his problem. Funny thing is, I think she was shocked and she stopped whinning!
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
We're a team!
Have you every seen the Dora episode where they chant "We're a team!" Well it is one of Wild Mike and Princess' favorites. Princess even has given us each an appropriate character. Of coarse Dad loves this because he is Map, and Mom is Backpack, so Mom gets to carry Dad around! Seems I carry everything else in my purse so seems appropriate hehe.. Well over the past months things have been pretty crazy Dad and Mom often chant to the kids "We're a Team, We're a team" Instead of asking What did your father say? We're a team seems more effective as they quietly walk away. Swipers famous phrase "AWWW MAN" is a common phrase! It has made us laugh instead of cry many times :)
We have also made it a point to sneak in date nights when we could (thanks grandma) and late night cuddle times. A sweet friend reminded me of how important those times are and I am so thankful we have made time for them.
So for all the phone calls I have gotten lately, "What are you going to do with Q?" well we plan to keep trying... See we had a coaches meeting last night hehe And neither the backpack or map are ready to give up yet. You see as a backpack I am not done helping carry her burden and the map has a lot of directions to give her yet...
Thanks for loving emails and phone calls!! It really means a lot and we will keep you posted!
We have also made it a point to sneak in date nights when we could (thanks grandma) and late night cuddle times. A sweet friend reminded me of how important those times are and I am so thankful we have made time for them.
So for all the phone calls I have gotten lately, "What are you going to do with Q?" well we plan to keep trying... See we had a coaches meeting last night hehe And neither the backpack or map are ready to give up yet. You see as a backpack I am not done helping carry her burden and the map has a lot of directions to give her yet...
Thanks for loving emails and phone calls!! It really means a lot and we will keep you posted!
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Rainbows..
On Wednesday nights I teach rainbows at church. The kids are 3, 4, & 5 years old. I love this age :) Well last night there were 5 kids. A little girl named Bailey had come for the first time, about half way through class she asked me, "Teacher is that your little girl ?" as she pointed at Princess. I said, "Yes, how did you know?". She said, "Because she looks like you!" Princess was closly listening she sighed and said, " Ahh yeah only I'm a little more brownish (great big smile)" How precious they are!!!
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
School anyone...
Well today we are doing school yes school...
Yesterday we had appointments at Children's Hospital (draining) The kids look good and we are left with 3 choices for S's treatment plan.
But the highlight of our day was visiting COSTCO... Yes drum roll please!!! Costco has opened in WI. So any trip to Milwaukee will be blessed by a stop at Costco :) Guess we do not need to move after all Costco came to us hehe...
Q seemed to be doing ok yesterday... Oh yeah she was with my sister all day.. hehe She is doing alright. Each day is a new adventure. A new high and a new low..
I have not been feeling well either.. Is it stress?? Don't think so but will keep you posted... Good news I do have a brain ( I now have a picture of it !! :) But it did not determine how many brain cells I am actually using hehe ..
I am so tired lately.. A mama of 6 can't be tired because....
that is when they (I) put the milk in the cupboard, the toilet paper in the fridge, try to change the 4 year olds diaper (yeah she has not worn diapers in over 2 years...)
Today's Lesson:
Hmmm eggs. Well you don't need to wash them with soap ..ok... and you are not trying to scrub the shell off if you do this the egg is now broken :)
I know this is helpful to you all :)
Yesterday we had appointments at Children's Hospital (draining) The kids look good and we are left with 3 choices for S's treatment plan.
But the highlight of our day was visiting COSTCO... Yes drum roll please!!! Costco has opened in WI. So any trip to Milwaukee will be blessed by a stop at Costco :) Guess we do not need to move after all Costco came to us hehe...
Q seemed to be doing ok yesterday... Oh yeah she was with my sister all day.. hehe She is doing alright. Each day is a new adventure. A new high and a new low..
I have not been feeling well either.. Is it stress?? Don't think so but will keep you posted... Good news I do have a brain ( I now have a picture of it !! :) But it did not determine how many brain cells I am actually using hehe ..
I am so tired lately.. A mama of 6 can't be tired because....
that is when they (I) put the milk in the cupboard, the toilet paper in the fridge, try to change the 4 year olds diaper (yeah she has not worn diapers in over 2 years...)
Today's Lesson:
Hmmm eggs. Well you don't need to wash them with soap ..ok... and you are not trying to scrub the shell off if you do this the egg is now broken :)
I know this is helpful to you all :)
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Isn't this how everyone dresses??
About to take flight!
Wouldn't it be great to be a real pincess!! She sure dresses the part :) Having my own personal cheerleader sure helps out on long days!!
Saturday, September 22, 2007
Friday, September 21, 2007
a little crazy even for us...
So I started this cool blog (hehe) then haven't posted for awhile. I am now receiving emails asking what is going on. How about an update?? Shall I say our fans are restless.... Just remember you asked for it. The last couple weeks have been very hectic, crazy, shall I say stressful even for us... So I decided to post an update so you all can get a glimpse of what we have been up to.
On a grander scale the past year has been a huge adjustment for us ALL. Lets just say pretty much everything we were told about our last adoption, the children we were adopting, and the journey was a BIG FAT LIE. Not siblings, not sweet innocent starving orphans, not 10 & 11, not wanting to work hard for a better life..... We have had the joy :( of talking with many government agencies, we had hoped to never meet in our lifetime... as they are looking into these fraudulent Liberian adoptions. So along with all of this we have been dealing with severe lying and dangerous behaviors from our newest additions.
About 2 weeks ago Q made some very serious life threatening decisions. She returned (yes returned) to the hospital in GB to get help for another week. This was followed by an enormous amount of phone calls: social workers, police, lawyers, uscis.....
In the midst we had 2 volleyball games, 2 football games, daily practice, I teach at church Wednesday nights, 2 babies with 104.4 fevers, a very sick Daddy, Q returning home, A, J, S, Wild Mike, & Princess struggling with her return and fear ( especially after seeing her last escapade). This was also all amidst the beginning of our school year, 3 orthodontia appointments ( yes we need 2 full sets of braces), news that not all our children's immunizations had not formed antibodies so he had to be tested to make sure he had not contracted one of diseases brought home from Liberia (one that we were told neither of our Liberian children had before adopting them, so somewhere on the airplane between the US and Liberia all this sickness grew in their bodies hmmm). He did not contract it (YEAH) so now he is getting his immunizations again. Note to parents just because a child gets the immunization does not mean they are immune...
We also found out one of the illnesses S brought home is now chronic we will go see a specialist at Children's Hospital with in 2 weeks to find out if or what treatments might help him or what options we have.... That is an overview there really were more bumps and bruises along the way.. Believe it or not we actually did get school accomplished to! And i still am blessed with the best husband in the world... We are a team!!!
Now we are trying to just move on and praying Q will actually start really trying so she can stay with us. We do believe in miracles here!! But it is not a good sign when a child really enjoys hurting others and thinks it is funny. Please just pray for us all... Mommy and Daddy are a little tired ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ....
On a grander scale the past year has been a huge adjustment for us ALL. Lets just say pretty much everything we were told about our last adoption, the children we were adopting, and the journey was a BIG FAT LIE. Not siblings, not sweet innocent starving orphans, not 10 & 11, not wanting to work hard for a better life..... We have had the joy :( of talking with many government agencies, we had hoped to never meet in our lifetime... as they are looking into these fraudulent Liberian adoptions. So along with all of this we have been dealing with severe lying and dangerous behaviors from our newest additions.
About 2 weeks ago Q made some very serious life threatening decisions. She returned (yes returned) to the hospital in GB to get help for another week. This was followed by an enormous amount of phone calls: social workers, police, lawyers, uscis.....
In the midst we had 2 volleyball games, 2 football games, daily practice, I teach at church Wednesday nights, 2 babies with 104.4 fevers, a very sick Daddy, Q returning home, A, J, S, Wild Mike, & Princess struggling with her return and fear ( especially after seeing her last escapade). This was also all amidst the beginning of our school year, 3 orthodontia appointments ( yes we need 2 full sets of braces), news that not all our children's immunizations had not formed antibodies so he had to be tested to make sure he had not contracted one of diseases brought home from Liberia (one that we were told neither of our Liberian children had before adopting them, so somewhere on the airplane between the US and Liberia all this sickness grew in their bodies hmmm). He did not contract it (YEAH) so now he is getting his immunizations again. Note to parents just because a child gets the immunization does not mean they are immune...
We also found out one of the illnesses S brought home is now chronic we will go see a specialist at Children's Hospital with in 2 weeks to find out if or what treatments might help him or what options we have.... That is an overview there really were more bumps and bruises along the way.. Believe it or not we actually did get school accomplished to! And i still am blessed with the best husband in the world... We are a team!!!
Now we are trying to just move on and praying Q will actually start really trying so she can stay with us. We do believe in miracles here!! But it is not a good sign when a child really enjoys hurting others and thinks it is funny. Please just pray for us all... Mommy and Daddy are a little tired ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ....
Thursday, September 6, 2007
Just another day!
Ok, Everyone of you seem to think I am crazy so here is a glimpse into our day! So many times people ask 6 kids and you homeschool how do you get it all done. I don't remember every saying I do. I certainly don't, but there are a few things we got done today. The day started with a tired Mom sneaking in a shower before the natives awoke. I even got to smooch my sweetie goodbye :)
Well I tried to catch up on a few bills before all the craziness began and managed to get the receipts scattered about entered in Quicken and transfer amount ready. Then A woke up, she came right to the classroom to start school. J was awake reading Garfield in his room listening to tunes. Then Princess awoke and insisted Mommy comes to her and gets her dressed in pink clothing. S & Q then followed making sure to argue and cause a few fights along the way. So everyone got some cereal and vitamins. S & Q emptied the dishwasher. J fed the animals and brought the dogs up by the house. A helped with the little ones. Oh yeah Wild Mike hopped (literally) into the classroom.
We then started school at 8:30. Everyone got started and was getting Math done, and I was sure this will be a productive day. I even had kept the ringer off so we could really concentrate. I already have a message flashing... I ignored it to keep this good thing going. A yells Mom," Kiowa is gone! " " Oh no honey she is out there J brought her up." "No she's not!" as she hands me her collar with the tags on! So it appears Kiowa needs a smaller harness. I said “J watch Wild Mike, Q stay in your desk and work, A get dressed.” S was in his room doing school so I walked around outside and I could hear a chicken squawking and knew Kiowa was near. I found her behind the barn eating a live chicken. Ewww! I was just about to grab her and here comes J (trying to help) with Blitzen (our other dog, I don't know maybe to sniff her out) as soon as Kiowa saw them, she took off.
I decided to chase her in the truck, after getting Q and buckling the little ones, while chewing J’s butt (no not literally). I chase her down the road to the neighbors while we watch her almost get hit by a semi in front of us. Princess was screaming, "I love my Kiowa, I don't want her to die!" Kiowa stopped at the neighbors to fight with their dog (just like my kids can't pass by a good fight), so we grabbed her. She has never snapped at us but there is something scary about grabbing a fighting dog by the fur on her neck kind of makes you feel like you just might wet your pants. Pulling her by the fur on her neck J in mob style forced her in the truck, which now needs to be vacuumed. Anyways she is in need of a smaller harness this one she obviously can get out of. So we got her back where she belongs and emailed Dad to please pick up a smaller harness for her. Well now we needed to finish Math, Literature, and Language arts. I also need to get lunch going. Princess wanted to play on her computer, I got A going on the computer she worked until lunch. J found anything to do except school.
During lunch Princess and Wild Mike decided a little music was in order, they drug out all the metal bowls and spoons to start banging. After about 5 minutes A had enough so she convinced them Roo (from Winnie the Pooh) uses wooden spoons they work much better. They agreed with one problem-Wild Mike is a BOY and it is physically impossible for him to hold a wooden spoon (in his mind big stick of wood) and not hit someone. It is like J trying to do home work in a room with the television on; some galactic force causes such a strong force field you physically can not control it. So maybe 10 seconds later Princess is screaming and Wild Mike is walking himself to time out.
After lunch, clean up and more school. I have to send and receive faxes from the orthodontist so no online school (uses the same phone line from our speedy quick Dial-up connection). I have a few teacher conferences to set up and a car pool to arrange. Still teaching! So now I am trying to get A to get ready for Volleyball in the mean time. Wild Mike breaks the child locks in the kitchen to dump out a gallon of oil (yes the whole gallon, along with his red juice). I walk in the kitchen J is crying “my glasses are ruined.” Wild Mike is rolling around like a greasy little pig. Toys are all over!!! This is when I wish those Calgon commercials were real or I really had bonbons stashed somewhere. Ok Wild Mike, time out. J, Mom can get the oil off. Done! Princess and Wild Mike bathe. Kitchen floor washed. Rugs in laundry I started earlier today. Ok A are you ready! Oh you decided to make gatorade and there is red powder all over the table and your hands hmmm. Let’s go, I know Wild Mike will fall asleep on the drive to drop A off at practice :) So we are on our way as I look down to realize I am still covered in oil. And it is not even 3:00 yet. I still have supper to make, laundry to finish, toys to clean, apples to pick, a truck to vacuum, a boy to go to football, ...... You get the picture..
So lessons learned today:
1: Dogs like chicken too. Enough to sneak out of a harness and chase it down
2: Even a dog can't pass up a good fight why should I expect kids to
3: Even with a refrigerator full of food, some children can see there is nothing to eat
4: There is no child lock made that Wild Mike can't break
5: Somehow school gets done
6: There is no lesson like life
7: No matter how many clothes they have, some kids never have anything to wear
8: Carpools are awesome! I now drive 5 times instead of 15 :)
9: Canola oil gives your hardwood floor a nice shine
10: Homemade Gatorade shows the plaque on your kids teeth easy to see who didn't brush
11: Pickles stick to the ceiling a few seconds before falling
12: I need some chocolate!
Well I tried to catch up on a few bills before all the craziness began and managed to get the receipts scattered about entered in Quicken and transfer amount ready. Then A woke up, she came right to the classroom to start school. J was awake reading Garfield in his room listening to tunes. Then Princess awoke and insisted Mommy comes to her and gets her dressed in pink clothing. S & Q then followed making sure to argue and cause a few fights along the way. So everyone got some cereal and vitamins. S & Q emptied the dishwasher. J fed the animals and brought the dogs up by the house. A helped with the little ones. Oh yeah Wild Mike hopped (literally) into the classroom.
We then started school at 8:30. Everyone got started and was getting Math done, and I was sure this will be a productive day. I even had kept the ringer off so we could really concentrate. I already have a message flashing... I ignored it to keep this good thing going. A yells Mom," Kiowa is gone! " " Oh no honey she is out there J brought her up." "No she's not!" as she hands me her collar with the tags on! So it appears Kiowa needs a smaller harness. I said “J watch Wild Mike, Q stay in your desk and work, A get dressed.” S was in his room doing school so I walked around outside and I could hear a chicken squawking and knew Kiowa was near. I found her behind the barn eating a live chicken. Ewww! I was just about to grab her and here comes J (trying to help) with Blitzen (our other dog, I don't know maybe to sniff her out) as soon as Kiowa saw them, she took off.
I decided to chase her in the truck, after getting Q and buckling the little ones, while chewing J’s butt (no not literally). I chase her down the road to the neighbors while we watch her almost get hit by a semi in front of us. Princess was screaming, "I love my Kiowa, I don't want her to die!" Kiowa stopped at the neighbors to fight with their dog (just like my kids can't pass by a good fight), so we grabbed her. She has never snapped at us but there is something scary about grabbing a fighting dog by the fur on her neck kind of makes you feel like you just might wet your pants. Pulling her by the fur on her neck J in mob style forced her in the truck, which now needs to be vacuumed. Anyways she is in need of a smaller harness this one she obviously can get out of. So we got her back where she belongs and emailed Dad to please pick up a smaller harness for her. Well now we needed to finish Math, Literature, and Language arts. I also need to get lunch going. Princess wanted to play on her computer, I got A going on the computer she worked until lunch. J found anything to do except school.
During lunch Princess and Wild Mike decided a little music was in order, they drug out all the metal bowls and spoons to start banging. After about 5 minutes A had enough so she convinced them Roo (from Winnie the Pooh) uses wooden spoons they work much better. They agreed with one problem-Wild Mike is a BOY and it is physically impossible for him to hold a wooden spoon (in his mind big stick of wood) and not hit someone. It is like J trying to do home work in a room with the television on; some galactic force causes such a strong force field you physically can not control it. So maybe 10 seconds later Princess is screaming and Wild Mike is walking himself to time out.
After lunch, clean up and more school. I have to send and receive faxes from the orthodontist so no online school (uses the same phone line from our speedy quick Dial-up connection). I have a few teacher conferences to set up and a car pool to arrange. Still teaching! So now I am trying to get A to get ready for Volleyball in the mean time. Wild Mike breaks the child locks in the kitchen to dump out a gallon of oil (yes the whole gallon, along with his red juice). I walk in the kitchen J is crying “my glasses are ruined.” Wild Mike is rolling around like a greasy little pig. Toys are all over!!! This is when I wish those Calgon commercials were real or I really had bonbons stashed somewhere. Ok Wild Mike, time out. J, Mom can get the oil off. Done! Princess and Wild Mike bathe. Kitchen floor washed. Rugs in laundry I started earlier today. Ok A are you ready! Oh you decided to make gatorade and there is red powder all over the table and your hands hmmm. Let’s go, I know Wild Mike will fall asleep on the drive to drop A off at practice :) So we are on our way as I look down to realize I am still covered in oil. And it is not even 3:00 yet. I still have supper to make, laundry to finish, toys to clean, apples to pick, a truck to vacuum, a boy to go to football, ...... You get the picture..
So lessons learned today:
1: Dogs like chicken too. Enough to sneak out of a harness and chase it down
2: Even a dog can't pass up a good fight why should I expect kids to
3: Even with a refrigerator full of food, some children can see there is nothing to eat
4: There is no child lock made that Wild Mike can't break
5: Somehow school gets done
6: There is no lesson like life
7: No matter how many clothes they have, some kids never have anything to wear
8: Carpools are awesome! I now drive 5 times instead of 15 :)
9: Canola oil gives your hardwood floor a nice shine
10: Homemade Gatorade shows the plaque on your kids teeth easy to see who didn't brush
11: Pickles stick to the ceiling a few seconds before falling
12: I need some chocolate!
Friday, August 31, 2007
Seriously!
So we went to run errands the other day. One of the kids had a doctors appointment so since we live 20 minutes from town we get all our other errands run on those days. So we had 4 hours and 10 stores to go to. These are the days that seem like you have run the Boston Marathon with out the endorphine high. So 6 kids (2 in car seats, 2 that argue if they even look at each other, and 2 that HATE shopping), 10 stores, and a tired Mom off we went. We did get it all done and even got home in time for J to eat and get ready for football practice. One of our last stops was The health food store. With 4 celiacs and 4 who have a hard time digesting wheat, we buy things by the case (I LOVE saving money) and they give you a discount. So I stopped and ran in to get my order. Yes, I left the 6 tired kids in the car for 5 minutes and they all survived :) While inside they were adding up my order, so I ran to the bathroom quick (hadn't gone since before the kids got up when a mom sees opportunity she runs, I even got to shut the door!!) When I came back it was all added up and I gave her my credit card, but the computer was down so I asked how much $39.43. Ok no big deal I paid cash took my goods and ran to the car, everyone still breathing....Whew! We continued home where I discovered I was charged $3.77 for 1 box of crackers not 1 case (24 boxes). OOPS! So I called the store the owner wasn't in until yesterday so I called back I told her what happened and I owed her some money. she almost started crying Thanking ME?! She said this is such a blessing from God! Hmmmm. Seems to me I just owed her money which we agreed I would pay when I pick up my next order. But this all got me thinking?? This is seriously a sad state we folks are in when we are surprised if someone does the right thing.... I love saving money not stealing or reaping from another's misfortune. I have been dubbed the deal lady, I like to find good deals and save my family money... Come on 6 kids this is a good thing.. But never at someone else's EXPENSE (sorry couldn't help it!) Lets all make a deal to return to integrity be honest with each other, give others what we owe then (this means the other cheek, not revenge), go directly to whom we want information about, but most of all love and encourage each other. The past 2 times I went to Wal mart there were some very impatient women in line (no not me this time) with NO CHILDREN (see really not me).. I know it seems surreal to me but they really were at the store with no kids. seriously! . Any ways they were so impatient and rude they both left the line yelling at the teenager working , whom was trying to help them (one lady's credit card was rejected hmmm). I stood there in shock praying Lord (if I ever do make it to the store by myself (hehe) ) never let me be like that. I even apologized and encouraged the young workers who had just been attacked for things out of their control. They both laughed and said don't worry that happens all the time..... AGGGG!
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Smiles please..
Q is the one with the big smile. I remember before she even came home everyone I talked to that had been to the orphanage in Africa knew Q. When she smiles even the fish will smile back. hehe (couldn't resist that one) She is also 12 so we won't even talk about when she isn't smiling. (pre teen girls AGGG!) She couldn't believe she has been home for a year already. She has learned so much! (and is still learning so much) She played softball this summer and turned out to be an AWESOME catcher. Who ever said "chunking rocks in Liberia" wouldn't be helpful in life he he. That girl can throw!! ( as long as it is not aimed at a sibling life is good)
Soccer superstar...
S is our soccer superstar. He is always showing us new tricks and can't wait until he can be on a real soccer team. He got a very cool rebounder net for his birthday.. Lots of soccer now!! Looks like he has to wait until spring to join a team though... sniff sniff In the meantime he played baseball and discovered he is an AWESOME pitcher. He was very excited to celebrate he had been home for 1 year at the beginning of August!!
Horse Camp
A is the oldest and looks me in the eyeball. Yes soon she will be taller than me!! sniff sniff She went to horse camp this summer and had a blast! She LOVES HORSES! She is daily asking, trying to figure out how to sneak a horse in the barn. She does realize fencing first but she has the patience of a 2 year old (or her mother). She is 12. My favorite part of the week was at Kohls the gal at the register went on and on about how much this beautiful young lady looks like her mother (me). I just smiled as she repeated it at least 10 times, "I mean it she like looks exactly like you!" Imagine my joy to think that means in some way I look like this beautiful girl!! Then as Wild Mike was screaming in the background and reality hit... (poor kid) I so wanted to say thats strange I have never seen her before! And quickly before A's eyeballs would be stuck in her head forever from her rolling them. But A said, " we sure have heard that before right Mommy!" with a smile.
His first game...
His legs have now turned a strange shade of purple. And his name was the first one announced as he had the first take down in their first game of the season. Yes this means my baby was at the bottom of the pile! AHHH! He walked off the field with a SMILE!
J : " I am in pain Mom!"
Mom: "So do you want to stop playing?" ( I'd be fine with that) (he he)
J " ARE YOU KIDDING ME NO WAY, I LOVE FOOTBALL"
sniff sniff.... When both legs are the shade of the blueberry girl from Willy Wonka and he is smiling proud... I will tell him how proud I am of him! What an amazing guy he is becoming....
P.S.
When we got home I saw him go to the shower. I even heard it running and noted he changed clothes. Later I sat down (briefly) to chat this is how it went:
Mom: " I thought I told you to take a shower!"
J: "Mom I did."
Mom: "Why are your legs so dirty then?"
J: " It's all bruises Mom don't worry I don't even know when they all happened. this one is from practice, this one I remember feeling pain but don't know when? It's just part of the game."
Ok then...............................
J : " I am in pain Mom!"
Mom: "So do you want to stop playing?" ( I'd be fine with that) (he he)
J " ARE YOU KIDDING ME NO WAY, I LOVE FOOTBALL"
sniff sniff.... When both legs are the shade of the blueberry girl from Willy Wonka and he is smiling proud... I will tell him how proud I am of him! What an amazing guy he is becoming....
P.S.
When we got home I saw him go to the shower. I even heard it running and noted he changed clothes. Later I sat down (briefly) to chat this is how it went:
Mom: " I thought I told you to take a shower!"
J: "Mom I did."
Mom: "Why are your legs so dirty then?"
J: " It's all bruises Mom don't worry I don't even know when they all happened. this one is from practice, this one I remember feeling pain but don't know when? It's just part of the game."
Ok then...............................
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Wild Mike & Princess time out what?
AHH the babies of the house. Wild Mike is a self proclaimed nut. If you ask he will tell you , "I A nut!" We joke he starts pro football next week, he can move faster than the roadrunner on speed, and could take down ANYONE! Princess is always in pink or purple, wearing a tierra, holding a magic wand, wearing sparkly silver shoes, and singing a sweet song. She is also the worlds best whiner. Last night at supper she proclaimed, " My mom spoils me". I did just buy her a t shirt that says, " It is no secret I am my Daddy's favorite (on front) And everybody else's too! (on back)". So maybe I do feed into it a LITTLE.... So he is 2 and she is 4 (going on 20) and they are best buddys as long as he is not trying to beat her down. They are also my ONLY children to ever put themselves in time out for being naughty! At the doctors office Wild Mike SHOCKINGLY hit Princess for no apparent reason. I turned to look at him as he walked himself over to sit in the corner to do his time. The poor nurse about lost it. He then stood up and came to tell his sister gave her a hug and kiss and said, "Sowey". All I said was he has a lot of practice. Then today Princess walked over to sit on her time out step. A asked her what she was doing and she said, " I was not nice to Wild Mike I need a time out." What planet are these kids from? A child not only accepting their punishment but taking it themselves. Is this what God meant when he said, " Lest you be like little children"... doubt it but for today I am laughing. Now if we could just get the 11 & 12 year olds onto this...
Link to ebay...
I have recieved several emails about my creative ebay post. It was not mine.. I just thought it was great... And yes it does sound like my life but I did not draft that one :) The gal who wrote it has her own blog http://mom2my6pack.blogspot.com/ I do think she has somehow hidden a camera in my house.. check it out she is a hoot!!
Monday, August 27, 2007
Are you ready for some football...
Have you ever noticed how quickly time goes by? My mother always told me as you get older it only goes faster. I now know she is right. You see a few months ago (11 years ago) I gave birth to the most handsome baby boy. He adored his Mommy and loved to sleep. Here in lies the problem. I think I made him get far too much sleep.. I fought with him to just go to sleep and he kept growing. Then I was blessed with more children, maybe if I got less sleep their growing would some how slow down. Nope! Even though I am more tired they still grow faster and each one seems to move a little faster than the last one too... Believe me nothing helps keep these precious ones small, they will all grow into these pre teens. Believe me I know, there are 4 in my house right now! (sniff sniff) Anyway here is a picture of my precious baby hehe.. Whom I tried so hard to protect from every owie, and I am now allowing out in a field to intentionally be pummeled by other (maybe even bigger) boys... he is now in tackle football AHHHH! He was TRYING to read a magazine last week when he said, " Mom I don't know what it is I just can't get football out of my head, I LOVE IT!" Guess this one is all boy!! Games start Wed. Here is the schedule: Wed. Aug. 29, Tues. Sept. 4, Sat. Sept. 8, Tues. Sept. 11, Tues. Sept. 18, Tues. Sept. 25, Tues. Oct. 2, Tues. Oct. 9 I know he would love it if any of you could make it :)
Thursday, August 23, 2007
This is hilarious! Shopping with 6 kids!!
Not Sure but I think this lady was following me last time I went shoipping??
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=130144061675
read the description....
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=130144061675
read the description....
Getting started..
I had meant to create a family web page this summer. I had a blog to chronicle our adoption from Liberia but then the site shut down and I have kept everyone wondering when I would reemerge into the land of the computer connected again. Well here I am. I decided getting a new blog up and running was my best bet for now. Adjustments have been HUGE this past year and the thought of summer ending makes me realize how fast time flies. So beloved friends and family I will do my best to keep you informed. Just remember you may be sorry! Things get pretty exciting around here. As I am typing our 2 year old is reading a book I am sure it is just about ready to take flight. Caught mid air... Now to figure out how to post pictures.... Off to help get football pads ready for practice tonight. Glad it is not my night for car pool! More to share soon!
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