Our Adventure

Whew! What a wonderful time we had on Rocky Top. We visited with family, ate LOTS of food (Hey, that's what you do here in the south), and saw the sites. The kids had such a blast playing with each other. Judson wants everyone to move there so we can always be together. The only thing we would change would be the location of the cabin. The term the rental agency used was 'secluded'. The term I would use would be 'boonies'. The access road wound its way up the side of the mountain. My brother said it best when he said, "the road was so curvy, he saw his own tail lights". We hope to make it an annual event. Wouldn't my Grandmother be happy!

Sawyer playing with the new sprinkler ball we got. The other is him sitting in the produce bin from the refrigerator.


Judson and Daddy riding GO Karts. The 2nd picture is of him at the Aquarium, inside one of the tanks.

Ansley and Abbey in the fish tank. Ansley, Abbey, and Aidan showing off their matching dresses that Abbey's mom made. Aren't they too cute?

Favorites

Enough 'serious' stuff....let's have some fun. Here are pictures of the kids doing their favorite things:

BUBBLES!!! (That bubble wand makes the BEST bubbles)


EATING!!!! (Fruit is our #1 food)










PLAYING OUTSIDE!!!! (Riding a Big Wheel, helping Daddy, Getting Dirty)










Have a Safe and Happy Memorial Day!

Adoption-1 year anniversary

As we are approaching the 1 year mark of Ansley's Gotcha Day, my thoughts are turning towards adoption and topics associated with adoption. Many folks on my Yahoo Adoption Group say adoption is not for the faint of heart. Truer words have not been spoken. SO excuse me while I ramble abit.

No one asked me for references when I was pregnant. Nor did they ask for FBI checks or police clearance letters. No one questioned my 'parenting philosophy'. No one came into my house to inspect it to verify it was adequate and safe to raise a child. And no one came to inspect my septic system to make sure it was in working order. For adoption, I was asked for all of that and more.

When you make an addition to your family (by birth or adoption), adjustments have to be made. Everyone in the family gets rearranged. Husband and wife, suddenly become parents. Or maybe, they become parents to 2 or 3 kids instead of 1 or 2. Siblings suddenly change in pecking order. And the newbie suddenly has a whole new environment to which they must adjust. (How do you like it when you are the only one that doesn't know all the rules to a game/first day of work where everyone else knows everyone but you?) Adjustments are never easy. For us, child #1 was by far the hardest adjustment. Upside: Usually, once the adjustments are made, everyone says, "I can't imagine it any other way". Downside: Those adjustments don't happen overnight.

Looking back over this last year, I can see how much this family has changed. Three children is a totally different dynamic than two. The stress of trying to make sure 3 children are being nurtured properly is draining at times. I will say, I think this has made communication between the Randy and I, better. Maybe there's less time to communicate, so therefore we've gotten better at being more consise and exact. Who knows? Watching Judson going through such an adjustment has been tough. He's been thru so much in 4 years. But WOW, has he come thru with shining colors. He's amazing. He still gets frustrated but he's handling it better. (Little to no biting now) And Sawyer, what a kid. He figured out Ansley long before his daddy and brother did. He saw through her tantrums and just blew them off. Then there is Ansley. She has issues, as would anyone in her position. Her adjustment has had some bumps and probably has more bumps to come. But she is strong and with the proper guidance and lots of love, I do believe she will overcome these issues.

I say ALL OF THIS just to encourage those who are thinking of adoption or in the process of adoption. What, you're scared instead of encouraged? Sorry. Creating a family is never easy. And there will be trials along the way. So don't go into it with rose colored glasses. Expect there will be issues. Know this, Randy and I would do it all over again. Ansley is bright and sweet and loving. And our family would not be the same without her.

Legacy

Have I ever told you about my Grandmother? (that is her holding Judson when he was a baby) She died less than 2 years ago at the age of 95. What a wonderful legacy she left our family. She always made it clear how important family was. To that end, there was never a time when we were made to feel we were not welcome at her house. Whether she was entertaining or feeling bad, if we showed up, we were LOVED. Luckily when we were young, we lived close by along with my aunts, uncles, and cousins. We gathered at her house for Sunday dinner, birthday celebrations, and holidays. You never wanted to miss the gatherings. One, because you'd miss the food, fun, and festivities. Two, she might heap a good portion of guilt upon you. Because of this legacy, I have grown up to be very close to all my extended family. (as well as my immediate family) I KNOW I can count upon them anytime and they can count on me. So, we are planning a family gathering in Gatlinburg over Memorial Day. This is not our first endeavor but by far the largest coordinated adventure. We are celebrating my nephew's graduation. (Way to go Mack!) There will be my sister and her family, my brother and his family, my mom, aunt, and lots of cousins. I count it as a great blessing to have a Grandmother who taught me the importance of family.

Their Characters

Oh goodness, my children are developing quite their own little characters these days. It's fun to watch most days but a little frustrating sometimes too.Sawyer is changing the most. His little personality is really emerging. Anybody know the Stricklin Temper? Multiply that by 47 chromosomes and you have Sawyer, when he gets angry. He doesn't do it very often but when he does, he's a site. Take the nite I wouldn't let him watch TV. He screamed at me for 30 solid minutes. When I asked if he was "mad at mommy", he said, "MAD", crossed his arms and turned his back to me. He's also a little comedian, putting underwear on his head and saying "look", just to get a laugh. And smart, he knows all the sounds the letters make and he knows all the letters via sign language. He's beginning to recognize their symbols too. (Such as "A")Ansley is ever the little princess, expecting to be treated as such. She needs order in her life, almost to the point of being OCD. Probably due to such upheaval in her life, she's just trying to bring order and control to what she can. She goes to bed and has to have 2 covers. The 2nd cover MUST completely cover the 1st. She must have her prized possession. (Changes, recently it's a stuffed rabbit) She is also becoming much more loving as well as bossy. If she sees Mommy fussing at one of the boys, she comes right behind me, waving a finger, looking ever so stern, telling them what they did wrong, and demanding they say 'sorry'. She, too, is very smart. (Can I help it if all my kids are smart? Surely you don't believe I'm biased in anyway.) She knows her letters and their sounds and recognizes her numbers.Judson has become the sweetest and most loving little boy. (He always has been but it's just getting better) I think he's finally come to terms with his new sister. (Not that they don't fight but they are better) He tries to teach the babies their letters and numbers. He reads to them. He still wants to be rocked at night before he goes to bed. He's at such a wonderful age and is such a wonderful little boy.

So those are my sweeties. The pictures are from Physical Therapy day this week. The boys loved riding on the scooter. Ansley was content to ride on her own scooter.

Happy Mother's Day!

We took our annual Mother's Day trip to the zoo today. We thoroughly enjoyed it. We got to see the gorillas (my personal fave). We did not get to see Mei Lan (Baby Giant Panda). The lines were too long. Never fear, we can see her anytime via Panda Cam! Ansley loves birds, so she was excited to see the peacock. She also loved the elephants. Sawyer just loved being out and about. The animals were a bonus.

Soap Box

From time to time, things begin to irritate me and I feel the need to hop up on my soap box and start preaching. I think I've reached that point. I am repeating myself but apparently some folks aren't getting the message. Of course, probably most of them don't read this blog, so I'm not reaching my audience. At least, I feel better and that is important.

Top 5 things people have said to me that get on my last good nerve:

1. " You don't need 3 kids. You've got too much on your plate as it is." (Or maybe it goes "You're too old to have 3 preschoolers") To those folks, I say, Don't judge me by how you would feel in my shoes. Maybe 3 kids would be too much for you but I am thoroughly enjoying myself. Sure I get tired. I got tired when I had ZERO kids. I am having the time of my life.

2. " Why adopt, when you can have children biologically" Yes, someone just asked me that this week. My answer back was 'Why not'. Could she really not see how happy we were? Could she really believe that biology is the only way to create a family? Could she really not know how many children in the world need a mommy/daddy? I was confounded.

3. " God gives special children to special parents " All I can say is we must be EXTRA special because we have 3 VERY SPECIAL children. I wonder if these folks don't think their children are special, else why would they phrase the statement that way?

4. " You must be very special people to open your home up through adoption " Nope, we are not angling for sainthood. It's not a matter of being saints, it's a matter of enjoying life to its fullest. Children are one of the best ways to do that. Those who choose to share their lives with children are the lucky ones. Along those same lines, we actually had a social worker ask: "Where'd you find that one?" (Yes, you'd think she should know better.) My answer: "We were just thumbing thru a catalog and there she was".

5. " I'd go crazy if I were a stay-at-home mom " Yep, somedays you would. Somedays you wouldn't. (Same as you do when you work in a 'real job') The salary isn't so hot but the benefits are wonderful. It sure helps when you are married to a wonderful man, such as my husband. He is a wonderful husband and an amazing father.

You know, most times I take these kids out and we are just in our own little world. I forget that others don't see us the way we see ourselves. We are just having our own little conversations and doing our own thing. (Those who know Judson know how funny these conversations can get. I could write a book on Judsonisms.) Then someone will say something and BAM, I realize that we stand out. In this homogenized world, we are different. And I'm cool with that. Most times, when I realize we are getting stares, I just smile that "Yes, you are right, I'm one lucky lady to have such an amazing family!" smile.

So to all you other lucky ladies out there:
HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

Just a few pics

Good Week

We had a great week! After a week of antibiotics, Sawyer is a new man. He is wound up! He has more energy than the energizer bunny. He's learning the sounds letters make. He's gone backwards in his potty training but I'm hoping since he's feeling better, we'll start moving forward on that again. Ansley is learning her numbers and letters. She even went potty once this week in the big girl potty! (Yes, I know. THat's something only a mom gets excited about.) Judson started learning how to multiply and also about fractions this week. Randy has been sick. Of course, he is much sicker than any of the rest of us have been. (Goes without saying, eh?) And Mom, I got a new washing machine! (Great thing, since 5 people and a dead washing machine make for one unhappy Mom)

Enjoy the pictures. One collage for each of my babies, including my hairy ones, Gracie and Chisum. Nope, Trinket didn't make it into the blog this week.

My Babies are Growing Up

It all started when Sawyer decided he was too big for his high chair. I had to go get another booster seat. Then this week, Ansley climbed out of her baby bed. (It wasn't the first time) She comes running into the den just as happy as a little clam and so very proud of herself. I asked Judson, how did Ansley get out of her bed?

J: She climbed out, Mommy
Mommy: Oh Judson that is very dangerous. She could get hurt.
J: I helped her, Mommy. She didn't get hurt.
Mommy: But what if she fell, that would hurt.
J: No, Mommy. She didn't get hurt when she fell.

Needless to say, Ansley is getting a big girl bed. Randy has gone to pick it up now. I did find something new, I had not heard of before. It was called a Bunky Board (or something like that). It is used instead of box springs. Most twin beds these days do not use slats (I'm dating myself, arent I?) You have to have a box springs for the bed to work. Box springs/foundations are 8 or 9 inches tall. Add that to the mattress and you are pretty high up off the floor. The bunky board does the same thing as the box springs but is only 1-2 inches tall.

Before you know it: driver's license and prom. I just can't take it!

Cute picture at the bottom during one of Sawyer's therapy sessions. The therapist brought 'bug boxes' from Lowe's. They each got to build one. Ansley and Judson really liked using the hammer. Sawyer wasn't so sure.

Spring Pictures

Took the kids for some professional portraits a few days ago. Got them back today. They really turned out well. It was like a switch was thrown. Before I sat them on the table for pictures, they were grumpy and uncooperative. The minute she said "SMILE", they turned it on. She got some really good pictures, I think. The one on the top will be going over my mantel (wild hair and all!).

Just Truckin Along

Not alot going on here. We're still trying to get over the crud. I think Ansley had a mild setback over Easter. I think it had to do with me holding my niece's baby. Ansley's lip poked out and her eyes were closed so very tight. She refused to look at me. She's been very weepy and whiney since then. PTSD? Maybe. Transitional? Hopefully. Sawyer made another leap over Easter. WHile visiting, he was allowed to sit at the table without being in a highchair. Now, he refuses to sit in his highchair. He has to be sitting at the table with the 'big kids'. So, we're a 3 booster seat family! (tight quarters in our little kitchen)

The pics are of Judson, helping Momma paint her bedroom; Ansley, modeling Mom's handiwork; Sawyer, just being Sawyer; and a hawk we have living in our backyard.

Easter in Tennessee

We had a great time in Tennessee over Easter. (Despite the long drive with 3 kids and the cold weather) We all have "The Sinus" now from playing outside. The kids loved playing with their cousin, Abbey. They loved playing with their Great Aunt, Margaret (or Margit). They dyed Easter eggs, jumped in an inflatable 'jumpy thing', actually sat thru Easter service (Yes, All 3!), hunted Easter eggs, and ate LOTS of good food. It is always good to connect with our family.

Here are some pictures from the weekend. I had so many, I made a collage of some, so as to get more on this post. (Remember to click on each individual picture to see an enlarged version)

Happy Easter!

Just for the record, Sawyer and Ansley do NOT like the Easter Bunny. You just can't trust a bunny who is bigger than you are. It was not pretty. So Mom had to get her picture made. (Can you tell, that was NOT the plan? Can you also tell it was extremely WINDY outside?) So, now we know. Don't spend your time or money on Easter Bunny pictures next year. It was too funny. As we were leaving, another family came up. One child was ready to go sit with the Easter Bunny. The other child was screaming and trying to run away. What can you do?

Hope you all have a Happy Easter!

Ready to Go!

Never tell these kids we have to 'get ready to go'. You just never know what they'll come up with. One gets on the phone to coordinate. The other 2 find their own shoes/hats/purses to accessorize. They are a funny lot of kids. Just can't help but smile at them. Okay, maybe those times when they are smearing lotion on the walls/sofa/floor or biting their siblings are not times to smile. By far though, the smiles outweigh the 'what am I doing wrong' times.

Cherry Blossom Festival

We had a wonderful day today. We set out for Macon, Ga for the Cherry Blossom Festival. They have more Cherry Blossom trees than Washington, DC! It was our first visit to Macon but we hope not our last. Macon is a pretty town with an extensive history. We headed to the downtown area where the crafts festival was going on. (You don't take 3 small children thru historical homes, that will be another day) It was outdoors, so we figured they couldn't do too much damage. It was very nice, although hot! The temp displayed on the bank was 91! Ansley's little head was beaded up with sweat. Sawyer was very red from the heat. (Yes everyone did have sunscreen on) Judson handled the heat pretty well but his feet hurt. All in all, it was a great time and we hope to go back to visit the historical sites, perhaps in a year or two.