Swim Lessons

Judson and Sawyer are taking swim lessons this summer. Sawyer is a little young but because he has no fear of water and is quite unsafe around water, we decided it would be best to get him started for safety reasons. Judson is at a good age for swim lessons. They both enjoy the lessons, although Judson is a bit timid. The goal is to have Judson swimming on his own this summer. Sawyer's goal is to be able to get to the side of the pool and pull himself out if he were to fall in. (Maybe a more realistic goal would be to keep his mouth closed and not drink in so much water.)

You may wonder how I manage to get Sawyer to stay out of the water when it isn't his turn and then to get out of the water when his lesson is over. It's called a bribe (or reward for those who want to be politically correct). The words I used OVER AND OVER AND OVER again prior to his lesson (Judson went first), "Only big boys get to take lessons. If you scream and cry, you won't get to take lessons". He'd start up and I'd say "No cry. Swim lessons are only for big boys" He'd take a deep breath, snuffle a bit, put his hands out as if to steady himself and say "No cry". Then to get him out without a scene, "Sawyer, time to get out. You can have a 'coke' today because you did so well" Only had to say that one once! (He loves coke and it's a treat)




Yes, I brought the other two. This is where they stayed while the swimming was going on. Ansley was a bit put out (who am I kidding, she was tripping over her bottom lip she was pouting so much) that she was not taking lessons. The truth is, the guy teaching prefers to teach kids around ages 6 or 7. He's doing me a favor by working with Sawyer. The 2nd truth is, she is very scared of water right now. I think she needs another year before she tries lessons.

Win a Computer!!!!

http://chroniclesofhousehold6.blogspot.com/2009/06/giving-away-lap-top.html

Fire Flies

Did you know that fire flies come from glow worms? Just ask Judson, he read it in one of his books.

Cute Idea

http://chroniclesofhousehold6.blogspot.com/2009/06/color-bags.html

Fortitude and Grace

There are very few people who could have endured the wait that THIS family has. They received their referral of twins well over a year ago. They had their first court date a year ago, almost to the day. After MANY, MANY court dates, they are FINALLY bringing their twins home. A true test of faith and they passed with flying colors. BEAUTIFUL is the only word that describes this story and this family. Check it out HERE. Our whole adoption world is celebrating with them.

There is another family, whose blog I follow. They, too, endured a very long journey. They, too, did it with faith and grace. So, check theirs out too. HERE.

I just love happy endings, or is it new beginnings.

Sometimes....

We think we KNOW but we really don't. Sometimes we choose not to see because it hurts. Sometimes it's good to look with an open heart and mind.

A little help from my Friends?

So thanks to his sister, Judson now has a loose tooth. Not ready to pull (without some screaming and blood) so we wait. He's quite happy about it. This is the 3rd tooth to get loose. The other 2 mom pulled. Mom will pull this one. Mom will pull the rest of his teeth plus 20x3 more teeth as it freaks Dad out to pull teeth.

Old Faithful (a.k.a. Our Jumping Place)

Blurry, yes. The smiles still show thru!

Video

Smiley Boy!

Yes, that high. For the most part, all the kids were good about Sawyer and it taking him so long to go up. (If he went up once, he went up 15+times, ALL BY HIMSELF)


Yes, Mom had to go through that tiny space. Nope, they didn't have to use the Jaws of Life to extract me!

3.5 years old *edited*

check it out HERE

Really? How can that be?
BTW, I got this from THIS blog. (they are in Haiti)

Soapbox (guest writer)

OK. So I was going to write this post but Meredith beat me to it. SO, go read Meredith's version and know, I give it a hardy, AMEN.

http://cornishadoptionjourney.blogspot.com/2009/06/patience.html

And to the folks at Walmart who said, "Your hands are full". No they are not. They are busy and they are happy. Full, they are not. To those who say, "I could never do what you do". BU&^ SH*&! Sure you could. You choose not to. THat is fine. Just like it is fine for me to choose to do what I do. Life is about choices. I choose lots of kids with varying abilities and looks and personalities. It's what makes me happy. No need to judge me by what you'd do if you were in my shoes. You are not in my shoes. My shoes make me happy. That's what matters to me. No, I'm not a 'saint', either. Far from it.

So there. I'm off my soapbox for a while. You can go back to your regular programming now.

Videos

You may have to IE. I tried Mozilla and it kicked me out but IE worked fine.

Take a look at these videos. Look at the eyes of these children. I've never understood how anyone can look at the eyes of orphans (whether from Ethiopia or Eastern Europe or North/South America, where ever) and turn their backs. All any of them want is a family to call their own, someone to notice, someone to help.

Those Left Behind (Part One):
Those Left Behind (part 2)

Neighborhood Picnic

Our neighborhood had a picnic the other day. We don't do a lot of things with our neighbors. Sadly, 'life' gets in the way. Since most of our neighbors (within shouting distance) are Empty Nesters, we just don't have a lot in common. They are all nice though and we do like speaking with them when we get the chance. So we jumped at the chance to go to this picnic and connect with some of the neighbors. I didn't get many pictures, as my camera batteries ran out. I did get a few.

Ansley and Judson spent 90% of their time in this. (sun beating down and all)
Turner fell out on the concrete, hitting his head. He was done.

They had a water balloon toss. That's Judson's new buddy. He was visiting his grandparents and hopes to visit J again next time he is in town.

This is where Sawyer and Turner spent the better part of the night.
Right in front of the band, jamming.
You could not have made Sawyer any happier than to just sit (and sometimes dance) while listening to the band play. He LOVED it!

Most of the neighbors didn't even know we had adopted Turner. Most were very supportive. Of course, you get the awkward, "You guys are doing such a wonderful thing" type comments. That one always makes me feel weird. You want to say, "we didn't do anything for these kids that they haven't given back to us 10-fold" Alas, sometimes people just don't know what to say. Speaking of people saying weird things, remind me to tell you about my trip to Walmart sometime. Maybe a soapbox post.

The Cost

Click on the picture and read the story, PLEASE.

Happy Birthday Tee!

We LOVE you so much!!!!!

We're Back......

We had a great time on vacation. We....

Shopped (and watched wild life)


Hiked (that walking stick belonged to my Grandfather)



Played (although Turner was NOT happy about it)


Hiked some more

Bowled

Most of all, we got to spend time with family!
We had a GREAT vacation!!!

Pray for Pierce

We know a family who is part of our Down Syndrome group. Their little boy, Pierce, has leukemia. This is his 2nd time to battle this awful disease. He isn't much older than Sawyer. I spoke with his father the other night and they are asking for prayers for their little boy. Not only is he going to have to go through chemo again, he's going to have to have a bone marrow transplant. Lucky for him, his little 3 year old brother is an almost perfect match. They think Pierce will be in the hospital at least until September. He specifically asked for prayers for strength for Pierce. This is such a taxing treatment and Pierce is such a fragile little guy. I would also suggest you pray for strength for the whole family as they balance family life with 2 little boys, one in the hospital and one who is a bit confused as to what is going on.

Special thank you to Chandos from the T21 Traveling Afghan who is making Pierce a special afghan just for him.

The Wall

Here's a picture of one wall in our dining room. It is Ansley's favorite 'wall' in the house. Nearly every time we sit down she says "That MY family wall, isn't it Mom?" So therefore, it's my favorite wall too. Yes, there are lots of pictures. Hey, we're a largish, medium kind of family. If we were any bigger, I'd have to use a bigger wall. The top two frames will eventually house pictures of Randy and me. (yes, I realize the pics are slightly 'off'. I'll get around to fixing it someday)

Reece's Rainbow Story

You all know the special place in our hearts for Reece's Rainbow and our love for children. Here's a story on RR: http://www.mcornish.org/rr/CatholicNews.pdf

Nobody Believes Me, NOBODY

Story #1:
Picture it, Stricklin household, 7pm. Time to clean up. Mom says, Ansley go clean your room. Judson, go clean your room. I hear crying. Strike that, WAILING. I go to find Ansley prostrate on the floor and Judson hitting her. (on the back) He says, She hit me first. Mom says, "Judson, go sit down until Ansley is through, then you can clean your room". I close the hall door to allow Ansley to Wail, ahem, clean in peace. After much wailing and little cleaning, Dad enters the picture. Telling her the consequences of more delay. She declares her foot (That Judson hit, whatever) is hurt too bad to work. Again, he tells her to clean or suffer the consequences. She cleans. She opens the hall door, leaning on it. I tell you, Miss Scarlett would be proud. She says to me, "Mom, you need to carry me" I say, "Why". She says, "My foot hurts too bad. I can't walk." I say, "Go sit on Daddy's chair". Next thing I know, she runs across the floor to grab her Peter Rabbit and jumps into Dad's chair. Next time, I'm filming it so you will believe me.

Story #2:
After 2+ hours of playing in the park with friends, I bring the kids home. After about an hour of weather data gathering (every 10 minutes, he's keeping an Excel spreadsheet), Judson declares he's bored. In fact, he says: "I'm bored. I need to learn something" I say, "How bout I get your math workbook". His retort: "No, I want to learn history. Where's my Dangerous Book for Boys. I want to learn about wars"
Me: "I don't know". J: "Great, Just Great. (very exasperated) I guess I'll have to study this book on the body. But I'm only going to study the bones!"

Soon to be TWO!

Guess who's going to be turning 2 soon? It was this time last year we received our referral of a chubby cheeked little boy. We were on vacation and had no idea we would be receiving "The Call" from Mary T. We borrowed my sister's computer and went to the nearest internet cafe. We took pictures of the pictures Mary had sent. How could you not smile at that picture? Two teeth, chubby cheeks and those bright eyes.

We were among the lucky families that were able to bring our boy home within just a few months. However, there are still a few families (who rec'd their call around the same time) who have yet to be able to bring their child(ren) home. Such is the adoption process. A roller coaster of emotions and luck and chance.

So now, our little guy has been home 9 months. How amazing his transition has been. He hit the ground running. His disposition has been cheerful and willing and down right amazing. He has his moments where things scare him or he just doesn't understand. For the most part though, he's just had an awesome transition. In fact, I told someone just the other day, of my 4 children, his has been the easiest by far. Of course, now he is entering the Terrible 2's and there are moments that they are terrible but for the most part, they are mostly comical. We have been blessed beyond measure to have this little boy in our lives.

This is what he looks like 9 months home!
The expression speaks volumes!

Dining Room Picture #1

So, we've been eating in the dining room for several weeks now. I still haven't 'finished' it but I suspect it will be a little while before I have it completed. So I thought I'd show you one wall at a time. The piece to the left of the window in this picture was my Grandmother's. I have loved it forever. Glad to have it in my dining room to remind me of her.

Notice: The globes on top of the china cabinet. (the reality of a home schooling mom living in a 70's ranch without enough ready storage). The flowers are for Sawyer's teachers. I love fresh flowers! The wall sconce is because I LOVE yellow flowers. Doesn't matter which kind. I just think yellow flowers are happy flowers. The table cloth is, well, an acknowledgment to life with 4 small kids.

Hunger

Now this is HUNGER! It's tough read. If you have the courage, check it out HERE.

PicNic

Sawyer's class had a picnic today at a local park. How fun! The kids loved it and the parents got to visit too. Here are some pics. (remember: Click on the pic to make it larger)

His Teachers/Therapists

Re-Run

Rarely a day goes by that we don't speak of Ethiopia. How can we speak of it and not think about the ones left behind? What can 1 person do? Maybe not much but several people joining together can make a huge difference. So, take a look at the video again.

Can Anyone Help? ***EDITED***

This is a long post but this family needs help getting their daughter home. They don't need money. They are caught up in red tape. Any ideas? Any connections you might have? (CDC, Congressman) Read their story HERE and see what you can do. Thanks.

***NOTE*** This issues is affecting many adoptive parents from Ethiopia. Many have already been awarded custody by the Ethiopian govt. However, the CDC is preventing them from bringing their children into the country. While the rules may have been implemented with the best of intentions, the fallout is growing and the children are in limbo. It does not appear the rule is being implemented with common sense. (That's the polite way of saying what is happening) So if you have connections, please put in a good word for the children caught up in this new rule. I'm sure there are other countries involved also.

A Few of My Favorite Things

Happy Mother's Day

Hope all you moms have a great day today. Many thanks to my Mom for being such a great mom. Thank you to Randy's mom. You done good!

Here's a couple of pics of the kids at the mall yesterday. They all wanted to ride the train, UNTIL, it started. Then one little one wanted off.
What am I doing today? Going to my favorite Ethiopian restaurant with my beautiful children and wonderful husband and meeting one of my favorite moms along with her lovely children. Can't wait!

Friday's Flower

She says it better than I

http://anotherespressoplease.blogspot.com/2009/05/look-closer.html

Did It

Got Randy's ticket to Guatemala for the mission trip. Been holding out for fear of strikes and H1N1 flu. Today, we just stepped up and said, "Just Do It". This weekend, I feel a good shopping trip coming up to buy orphanage donations. Hey, I've got to do my part too!

For those thinking, oh boy, here go those crazy Stricklins. They're trying to add to their family, AGAIN. Nope. You can't adopt from Guatemala anymore. They have A LOT of changes to make in their system before/if it will possible to adopt from there. Good thought though.

Happy Reminder

This iris is from my Grandmother's yard. It is now in my yard. I love it when it blooms. It reminds me of her.

In the Kitchen This Morning

Mom: Turner, do you want grits for breakfast?
Turner: Ummmm.......no, no, no.
Ansley: He's going to be mom when he grows up.
Mom: Why's that Ansley?
Ansley: Because he says "no,no,no"

Alas, that is what they remember.

Oh the Things a little man can ask

1. Did God ever raise anyone else besides Jesus from the dead?
My answer, Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead. No Mom, not Jesus, did GOD ever raise anyone else?
oy vey!!!!

2. Did God ever kill anyone? Yes was my answer along with a brief explanation. His comeback, So why doesn't God kill the Somali pirates?

3. Was Leah a hero? Who were other heroes in the bible? So I told him about David and Moses and Noah.

4. Enough about heroes, he interrupted. What about villains. Who were some of the bad guys in the bible?

5. Why were Adam and Eve kicked out of the garden? Where did they live then?

It's HOT already....

But that doesn't stop us from playing outside.

Where does this come from?


Riding her bike, "All by MYSELF"


Needs a new bike soon. Maybe for birthday #7.


The funky coloring on his face is a combination of sticky sunscreen and sidewalk chalk.

Our own little Gene Kelly.

Conversations and Things

#1 A conversation

J: Mom, I want to have a lemonade stand. I want to charge 50 cents per cup. (Using an actual measuring cup, of course) It has to be homemade lemonade. That means we have to grow our own lemons, too.

Mom: Okay

J: Mom, you know what I'm going to do with the money at the end of the day? I'm going to share with you and Dad. (So Dad won't have to work so hard. Gotta quit telling him how hard Dad works)

A: (who is eaves dropping on the conversation) Whoa, whoa, whoa Mr Smartee. Who's making the lemonade? Who's selling the lemonade? (apparently she wanted a cut too)

#2 Conversation

Upon hearing a scream by the baby of the house (as only a baby can do when he wants to get someone in trouble but he's not REALLY hurt), I enter the room. Now, I know what happened but I 'investigate' anyway.

J: Ansley hit Tee. (Yes he tattled. Drives me CRAZY!)
A: No, Judson did.
Mom: (ever so slyly) Ansley, why did you hit Turner?
A: Well....well....he hit me first.
Mom: Ansley, why did you tell a lie and say that Judson hit him?

The look on her face was priceless.

#3 A brag.

We (Judson, Turner, Sawyer and I) were walking out of the grocery store tonight. We passed a landscaped area that was littered with trash. Judson yelled, "wait, wait we HAVE to pick up this trash" So I tell him he can pick up while I get the groceries loaded. He gets the vast majority picked up. I tell him how proud I am of him. He says, "Mom, if we don't pick up the garbage we'll soon be up to our knees in trash" How come a 6 year old gets it but the rest of us don't?

The other three are doing great too. Ansley had her first REAL visit to the dentist. She did so well, the hygienist said she'd do a fluoride treatment next time. Turner is making huge strides in language. He amazes me how fast he is learning. Sawyer's language is also coming along. He's really taking off too.

Thursday (Post #400, man I talk a lot)

Going to the Dentist!

Eating in the "new" dining room. (Even though it's not finished yet)
The kids LOVE it! (as does Mom)

How Is It....

That girls come up with the 'eye roll, head wag, hand on the hip' sassiness but boys do not. (Or maybe it's just delayed as it hasn't come out in my 6 year old boy yet) Is it a learned action? From whom do they learn this behavior? No one else in the house does it. Is it inborn? Do they outgrow it?

I have to confess, I do know where Tee gets his "finger point, eyebrows raised, lecturing" pose. I'm working on changing that behavior, in him and in me.

A Mission Trip

These teens 'get it'. Awesome to see. Randy is going to go with them this year to help out. What a blessing that will be for Randy. More when the details become available. The video is long but worth watching.

We're Addicted *UPDATED*

Hello, we're the Stricklins and we are addicted to this:
http://www.sheppardsoftware.com/braingames/castledefense/castledefenseAS2.htm

HELP!!!!!

Update: Judson finally beat the game. Now maybe we can get back to normal. We LOVE the Sheppard Software. They games are great. We especially love the geography games on there. To top it off, it's free!

Way Cool!

Only the best feel good story of the year!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lp0IWv8QZY

Great Cause

http://www.kidmia.org/

Love This (stole it off someone's FB)

Security is mostly a superstition. It does not exist in nature, nor do the children of men as a whole experience it. Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than outright exposure. Life is either a daring adventure, or nothing. Helen Keller

Easter 2009

Love Spring!

Azaleas

Dogwoods

Oh yeah, and snow! (You have to look very hard but it's there)

Don't Bother

If you are glaring at me because my 4 year old is throwing a fit in public, don't bother. I'm immune. I am aware my son is throwing a fit. I am aware if it were you, you'd take care of it.

Are you aware that I know my son better than you? Do you know that my son is only screaming because his stroller stopped rolling? (while you may think that is a bad excuse for crying, he happens to think that is a perfect excuse for screaming) Are you aware by talking to my son in a very soothing voice (as opposed to threatening him or 'yanking him up' or taking him 'out') IS the best way to handle him? I know this through trial and error many times over. You don't because you do NOT know my son.

Next time you're out and someone's child starts throwing a fit, give them the benefit of the doubt. Perhaps they do know how to handle their child. Don't glare. Besides not being effective, they (like me) probably do not give a hoot what you think.

Dumplings

Serenity Now!!!!!!!!!!

So, I emptied the contents of the china cabinet out and they are ALL OVER. The plan was to move the china cabinet from the kitchen to the dining room while the kids were napping yesterday. However, a plumbing emergency took over. No problem, just do it today. Right? Nope. The plumbing emergency has now taken a life of its own and is still being worked on.

Now, I have a bathroom that is a shambles. (truthfully, it isn't much different than most days) No hot water. An empty china cabinet. A dining room table and floor that is covered with china cabinet contents.

I have 3 kids and a mommy who need a bath but not much inclined to until the hot water is back on.

What to do? Come up with a Plan B!

Pollen

Nuff Said!