Happy New Year

Wishing you a very Happy New Year!!!
(with much peace, love, contentment)

Don't Forget (Reece's Rainbow)

The last few days for the Reece's Rainbow Christmas Tree.

To Grandmother's House We Go (lots of pics)

How we spent our Christmas holiday. It was, as always, the best Christmas ever!

Our Sleigh

Visiting with Family. (2 little ones were not available for pics)

First Christmas!

Santa Paid a Visit

Our Family

Charles Schulz (as rec'd in an email)

The following is the philosophy of Charles Schulz, the creator of the "Peanuts" comic strip.

You don't have to actually answer the questions.


1. Name the five wealthiest people in the world.

2. Name the last five Heisman trophy winners.

3. Name the last five winners of the Miss America pageant.

4. Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer Prize.

5. Name the last half dozen Academy Award winners for best actor and actress.

6. Name the last decade's worth of World Series winners.


How did you do?

The point is , none of us remember the headliners of yesterday.

These are no second-rate achievers.

They are the best in their fields.

But the applause dies..

Awards tarnish.

Achievements are forgotten.

Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners.



Here's another quiz . See how you do on this one:

1. List a few teachers who aided your journey through school.

2. Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time.

3. Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile.

4. Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special.!

5. Think of five people you enjoy spending time with.



Easier?

The lesson:

The people who make a difference in your life are not the ones with the most credentials..

the most money...or the most awards. They simply are the ones who care the most.


""Be Yourself. Everyone Else Is Taken!"

Check out this Video

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Lovely children, just waiting for someone to notice, someone to call Mom and Dad.

Almost Complete!

We had our domestication of foreign adoption appointment today at our local court house. She said the paperwork was in good order. (we filed ourselves) She said we had a very nice family. She asked a few questions and then signed the paperwork.

So, just a couple more steps. Randy is now off to get a copy of Turner's new birth certificate. Then, I'll take it to the Social Security Office and order him a SS card. The final step will be to file for a Certificate of Citizenship, sometime next year.

Whew...deep sigh of relief. BTW, I tried to do a soft focus on the picture. (In order to hide my very flat hair. Didn't work. The fog was as thick as pea soup today. Oh well...)

Saturday

Princess Von Pout Pout

We went to a birthday party today, all 6 of us. The kids had a blast. The people throwing the party had it at a house that has been turned into a giant playhouse. Each room has a different theme. The kids can make a huge mess and they don't have to clean up.

Here are a few pics. I have to say, we're very frustrated with our camera. It hasn't worked well since the Ethiopia trip. (The previous one quit working after the Taiwan trip.)
Luyushu and Ansley playing in the 'house' section. Luyushu and Judson have been friends since they were about 18m old in the same Mother's Day Out. Now Luyushu and Ansley go to Dumplings together. Amelie, the birthday girl, was also in the same Mother's Day Out program that Judson and Luyushu were in and now also attends Dumplings. (Didn't get a good picture of Amelie, thanks to my camera)

While the Cat's Away (keep reading 3 posts in 24 hours)

Randy has been out of town on business all week. So what is a mom of 4 to do while Dad is away? Let's just say a Mom's work is NEVER done.

1) Cut Turner and Ansley's hair on Sunday night. (No, I'm not brave enough to do Sawyer's hair by myself)
2) School for Sawyer on Monday, Wednesday and Friday
3) Karate on Monday night. (Kids weren't in bed until way after their bedtime)
4) Tuesday, we woke up late. Kids were in pj's when OT arrived for Sawyer's therapy. We survived.
5) Tuesday night, basketball practice for Judson. (the other 3 had to tag along)
6) I was brave and took them to eat at our favorite restaurant on Tuesday. That went well. However, on the way back to the car A and J ran out in front of a car. I now have many more gray hairs than I had just a few days ago.

7) Lots of books being read and dress up. Cool to the bone, even in a purple dress and squished Easter bonnet.

My little Bag Lady

8) Rain, Rain and More Rain
9) Thursday night, more basketball practice. I put everyone in bed by 7:30 so I could have some silence. LOVE IT!
10) Friday. Pray snow/ice doesn't hit Newark Airport. Meet friends for dinner(YES with all 4 kids. Hey, if the friends are Crazy Nice enough to meet me with 4 kids, who am I to deny them the blessing of being with my kids)
11) Hope Randy makes it in in time to meet us for dinner (or all plans are off and I have yet another night of keeping the littledevils angels all by myself)
12) Saturday, go to Amelie's birthday party!!!!

Honestly, it's all gone very well. They've done well. I, on the other hand, am ready for my dear husband to get home. Can I just say, the "you owe me" card will be played for some time to come. I have 4 very good kids. They do as well as any children their age do.

Check this out

Then go over to Charissa's blog and read her first hand account of the family undertaking this endeavor. Charissa and her husband adopted Ava from the Ukraine after seeing her on Reece's Rainbow. (see how these things keep coming full circle).

Funny Story

Tonight was basketball practice. I had all 4 children with me. I was speaking with the main person in charge of the league/age group in which Judson plays. He asked me if I was a foster parent or if I adopted. I told him that my husband and I had adopted some and birthed some (or something to that effect). The next question out of his mouth was, "Which ones are yours". Now this guy is YOUNG. REAL YOUNG. I have no clue if he's in college, just out of college but YOUNG. So, I chuckle and say, "Why, they are ALL mine". He did acknowledge is error by saying, "OK, really poor wording on my part". His next sentence cracked me up. He says, "Which ones did you adopt". Now, I Know it was a legit question but it just cracked me up. I think I had a smart remark but I didn't mean it to sound as bad as my sharp tongue quiped. I said, "I'll give you hint, my husband is Caucasian". Now, we could have adopted the two Caucasian children too but it just struck me as funny somehow. Of course, upon later thought, I did think I should have said it differently. I was not mad at all as I love talking to anyone about my kids. I was just a bit too sarcastic I think. Go figure, ME, sarcastic. (I promise to do better next time)

Need a Calendar?

Check this out: http://www.cafepress.com/ETAdoptshop

Be sure to check out the June picture. It's very special.

All proceeds from the sale of this calendar go to Miskaye Orphanage Project of Ethio-American Family Services.

Happy Holidays

The kids are enjoying the holidays this year. Turner and Sawyer love the Christmas lights. They all love riding the train, although today, Ansley plugged her ears because it was too loud. Funny how she can be heard OVER the train telling us the train was too loud.

Big Heart

Can I just brag on J for a bit. He has the biggest heart. He really does. He's always wanting to help someone. Today, I was preparing our donation to Reece's Rainbow Angel Tree Project. Judson said he wanted to take money out of his piggy bank and donate it. So, with Daddy's help, he counted out his money and we added it to our donation. He selected the children he wanted the donation to go towards. He picked three older children because "They needed it more". (So maybe someone would adopt them before they were sent to an institution.) He's a treasure!

Needing any other ideas to give? Try MochaClub.org

I read about it from Heather. I'm going to check it out and see what it's all about.

Do You Live with Passion?

I love THIS blog post. Take a moment to click on the highlighted THIS and read it.

A New Charity

A group of moms (2 I know personally) are helping a NGO orphanage/transition center in Ethiopia to get off the ground. Most of the funds will come from private donations. Anyone familiar with Ethiopian adoptions knows that the larger adoption agencies have their own transition centers where kids will be moved once they have a family committed to adopting them. Other, smaller agencies, do not have this. The kids they refer will stay in the orphanage they are in until such time as their family can travel to pick them up. The average time from referral until travel is 3-4 months.

It may not seem like such a big deal to stay in their same orphanage for that extra 3-4 months but sometimes it can be the difference in life or death. I know of 2 families in our local ET adoption group whose babies died in an orphanage while waiting for their family to travel. It was a large orphanage. (TB and pneumonia travel quickly)

The plan for this new center is that the smaller agencies can move their referred kids into this center. The kids will be given plenty of food and good medical care. They will be put on schedule (many larger orphanages cannot do this just by the volume of kids they have).

If you'd like to read more, go to this site: www.ethioamericanfamily.org/

How you can help: 1) Spread the word 2) Do all your internet searches through goodsearch.com and name them as your charity 3) Donations (Time/money/Items-they need a laptop)

So, check them out and spread the word.

All I Want for Christmas

Don't forget the Reece's Rainbow Christmas Tree!

That Girl

My conversation with Ansley this morning. (after being told she can not sit in a particular chair because she keeps flipping it backwards)

A: I don't love you anymore. I only love Daddy!
Mom: That's fine.
A: I want another mommy.
Mom: That's fine. I'm the mommy of this house. You need to go outside and look for another house with another mommy.
A: I can't go outside by myself!
Mom: Then you are stuck in this house.
A: This house is too noisy when the boys act silly.
Mom: When you turn 18, you can move out and find anther house that is quiet.
A: I want Daddy to go with me.
Mom: Sorry. Daddy stays with this house. (Whether he likes it or not)

On the Mend

I couldn't stand being in this sick house any longer. I got everyone bathed and dressed and we went out to eat. (Picadilly with the Sunday church crowd) Then we went and rode the Christmas train at the mall. It took all the energy they had. They are now in bed for a long winter's nap, hopefully. *knock wood* Turner never got the yucky-yucks. (Cast iron stomach)

The pictures didn't turn out very well. Turner was so overwhelmed, I couldn't get him to look at the camera. Just too much to see. Plus, the train was moving so they are a bit fuzzy. They had a great time, though.

The Best Laid Plans

Due to circumstances beyond our control, we were at home this Thanksgiving. I (being the planner that I am) had it all planned out. Put up the Christmas tree and go to the Christmas tree lighting at the village. Maybe even go to the Botanical Garden. Alas, my children had other ideas.

Starting Tuesday, while I was at the dentist office with Sawyer (His first trip ever),he proceeded to throw up all over me and him and the waiting room. Not a good omen. Thursday afternoon, Judson began throwing up. Friday afternoon, Ansley did the same. It's coming up on Saturday afternoon, just waiting for the next domino to fall. On top of that, Randy and I have nice little head colds.

Last night, I took Turner over to the village to see the lights and festivities. It started raining, so we headed back to the car and to get something to eat. Just mommy and Tee. Dad stayed home with the sick ones.

Who's next???? Just glad we had a long weekend!

Some managed to put the decorations on the tree.

Some did not.

Finally!

Time To Give Thanks

So much to give thanks for but most of all, I give thanks for:

Him (the one under the pile of kids). He is the best husband and father anyone could ask for. (Heck, he puts up with me. He's bordering on Saint.)
And Him. The one who asks questions like: "Can anyone stop global warming? Who?"
And Her. Who lately says she only loves Daddy, not Mommy. (She lives to frustrate her momma)And Him. Who loves unconditionally and lives life to the fullest.And Him. Who amazes us everyday with his ability to love and laugh and delight. (And Her. Who gave us the opportunity to love Him through her unselfish love and whose eyes I see every time I look at Him.)

Sucker!!!!

That's me. There's one born every second....

Today was Judson's basketball meeting for the parents. Before I left, Randy predicted I'd come back as a coach. For the record, he was wrong. I'm not a coach. AND I'm not in charge of snacks. That was THE one job I did NOT want. So, what may you ask am I. I am an assistant director. Pretty impressive title, huh? Ahhh...but what does an Assistant Director of 5 and 6 year olds do? I get to order people around. Now, you see why I'm perfect for the job. (Albeit, 5 and 6 year old people and I suspect if they are like my 6 year old, they'll ignore me. )

It was funny, no one signed up for that job. No one. So they were asking if anyone would take it. I said, I'm not against taking it but I don't want to lead prayer. You see, it's an interfaith/church league. I don't do public prayer. No problem. As Asst Dir, you get to ask someone else to do that. Cool. I'm the woMAN for the job!

I'm not alone. Two other parents agreed to do it too. So, we three are all suckers. But I bet we have fun. Plus, the man in charge was like, "you have 3 more kids coming up? Cool. I'll get you for the next 8 years"

Stay tuned as we try to coordinate Daddy's work schedule(Including a week of travel in Dec), Daddy and Judson's karate schedule, Mom's helping with basketball, all of Sawyer's school/therapies, and all the Christmas schedule. I have a feeling my New Year's Resolution/Request/Plea is going to be a week in solitary confinement.

Fun Pics

The kids love love love playing dress up. They hop in the trunk and pretend it is a boat or a car or a train or a flying carpet or whatever it happens to be. Turner absolutely loves hats of all shapes and sizes. (even faux coonskin Davy Crockett hats) As a side note, one of the things I used to hate was seeing kids with snotty noses and dirty faces. I couldn't understand why their mom couldn't get them clean. (Have I told you that already?) Note the snotty nose of Turner and the toothpaste residue of Judson. You pick your battles. Clean faces is one I can't win, so I just don't even try.PS. I haven't taken one of Ansley today. If I did, you'd see a child with 4 (yes, four) short sleeved tshirts on. Now the day started off cool, with the temps in the upper 30's. It's now in the low 60's. So, layering isn't out of the question but really, 4???? All short sleeved??? The other morning, I asked her to remove her pj's to get ready. I told her to take the pj shirt off before putting on her 'day clothes'. (Knowing we'd have too many layers if we didn't) She takes off the shirt and to my surprise, she has another shirt on underneath. She asks if she can wear that shirt. I say "NO" take it off too. THEN, to my surprise, she has on yet ANOTHER shirt. Yes, I made her take that off too. She had worn it for at least 2 days.

Ethiopia

Serenity Now!!!

After reading Meredith's blog (Emma's Hope), I thought I'd share what my house looks like today.

The blue bin in the den that holds books (the kids are very good with their books and they love to take them out read several times a day) spewed books today. Why? Because Sawyer wanted to play 'train'. He hopped in and said "All aboard". Of course, then a fight ensued because EVERYONE wanted to ride in the train.
The 'tea party room' (aka Ansley's bedroom) had a spewing problem today too. Apparently, you must dump out the whole drawer in order to find just the right items for play. I found Sawyer putting his notebook with his 'list' in his tinkerbell purse(apparently hiding in one of the dumped drawers) and heading out to run errands.
At night, we have 'clean up' time and all is well with the house until the morning when it starts all over again.

At the Breakfast Table

Judson: I think we should name Ansley, "Princess of the House von Pout Pout"

Ansley: "That's right, Judson. I am a princess."

Don't Forget

The Reece's Rainbow Angel Tree. Every child deserves a family. Every family deserves a child. Now, I don't believe every person needs to have children. That's something only you can decide. I will say these kids have been through a lot. In many of the Eastern European countries, the kids age out of the baby houses (orphanages) and are placed in mental institutions. Many will not be allowed out of their beds. Many, Many will die within their first year of being placed in the institution.

So many folks are working to change that scenario but until that happens, these kids will suffer. To be perfectly honest, while the US is light years ahead of Eastern Europe, it hasn't been that long since children with disabilities were 'hidden away'. Now, there is a waiting list of people who would adopt a child born with Down Syndrome here in the US. Those same people might just adopt a child internationally if they could afford the cost. Your donation may just sway their decision.

These are tough economic times, so I would not want anyone to donate who is on a tight budget. But there are many who have the means. I want to make a pitch for these little ones. They are all so beautiful and in need. Check out their pictures. You just may find a little one who touches your heart. A couple of families have already found their child in the faces of these kids. Spread the word too. You never know who might want to donate or even adopt one of these sweet children. Check out Miss Liza with a "Z" at the bottom or Mr. Harry with the tux on. Let me tell you about Samson. He's high functioning. (Not sure if he's been moved to the institution or not) You can tell from many of the photos, he is a pistol! All are precious!

Don't You Believe It

I've heard it a million times, "Oh you home school? Are you worried your kids won't be 'socialized' enough?" I usually just laugh. I think about the years I spent in public school. P.E. and lunch time were the only time I was NOT sitting in a chair listening to lectures. My most social time was either at family gatherings with all my cousins or after school playing with the neighbors' kids. Sadly, this day and age do not lend themselves to allowing your child carte blanche to go play with the kids down the road. Things need to be more 'arranged'. All is not lost though. There are tons of things to do that cost little or no money.

Take Ansley and her 'Dumplings'. What an awesome experience and it cost nothing. She loves hanging out with the older girls, especially if Daddy takes her. (Mom, eh, not so much. Let's just say she has Dad wrapped around her little finger) There are also some dance and gymnastic classes we hope to get her into in the near future. Not to mention swim classes.

Judson and his Dad take karate classes together twice a week. Very cheap because it's through a church but very nice for he and his dad to do it together. This is one time Mom wishes she could do it too. I LOVE LOVE LOVE martial arts. However, my back and knees say NO NO NO. It is our hope the the other kids will join in as they get older. "The family that kicks together sticks together" In addition, Judson is playing basketball this year too. (Stay tuned for pics. Sure to be fun.) On top of that, living in an urban area makes it even more easy to access things. Like yesterday, Judson took a cooking class with his friend Luyushu. They had a good time. (notice the home made oreo cookie crumbs and kool aid on their mouths)


Not to mention, everywhere I go, they go too. Doctor's appointments, grocery, shopping, visiting, even voting. You name it, they do it. It's not like you can schedule appointments while they are in school. They are learning how to act not only with their same age peers but with people older and younger than they are. Let's face it when they grow up, they won't be interacting ONLY with people born their same year but people of all ages. In addition, my kids have great insight into interacting with people of differing abilities. They come with us to appointments where Sawyer is evaluated. They are exposed to medical facilities and treatments that are out of the norm. To them, it's just another day.

So don't believe that kids who are home schooled are not socialized. Parents I know who home school go out of their way to make sure their kids have ample opportunity to socialize with their peer group.

Keeping It Real

So you say to yourself, how does she manage? How does she handle 4 children ages 6 and under? She's amazing! She's wonder woman! You never said that? Hmmm.....Okay, you weaseled it out of me. I admit it. I'm a fruad. I employ tricks such as this one with Judson. "Yes, Judson you can fly your kite in the backyard. You just have to run fast enough and the kite will fly despite the fact there is no wind." Cruel? Dishonest? Maybe. Either way, he ran and ran until he finally said the words no 6 year old likes to say, "Can we stop. I'm tired." (This is the kite we made at the Asian festival so many years ago. Judson and I read the story The Kite Fighter, so flying kites has new meaning.) Or perhaps you have to let somethings go. Such as the laundry piled up in the hall way. Or the books you have to step over or puzzle pieces. Perhaps you even have to dress your 4 year old SON in pink footy pj's belonging to his sister because you have no clean pjs for him. (Maybe they were in the pile of laundry) BTW, Ansley was reading the 'babies' a story because she's a Happy Helper!

An Adoption Story

So, I cannot get this video to upload. (shhh, don't tell anyone I was once a computer programmer in a former life) Ineptitude aside, click on the highlighted button and view this video. It's a good story and worth watching. (Thanks Shelley for reminding me of the story)

Click Here

Do Something/Something to Do

Ok. My cyber friend Lucia is one of the best bloggers. I love reading her stories. She can weave the most interesting story out of everyday things.

She has something that everyone can do. (Hats for newborns made out of tshirts) Go over and read and see if it is something you might be interested in.

Check it out here.

Who's Jesus?

So, my 6 year old asked his Pop-Pop, who Jesus was. Pop's answer was very age appropriate. He said Jesus was God's son. Then last night, Judson asked his Dad, what/who are Christians? His answer, People who follow Christ. The retort to that was, "you can't follow Christ, he is not here!"

His dad responded by saying, Christians follow Christ's teachings: Don't hurt people, Treat people nicely, don't lie, etc. Judson pondered this and decided he was about 50% christian because he fought with his sister. Of course, his sister is only 48% Christian because she fights AND she lies!

Only from the mouth of a child.

This is a child who is rooting for Obama. (not because of who his parents are voting for because we have made it a point of not talking politics in our house) He's seen the commercials for both candidates and sees the polls. He doesn't see color or gender or age. Mostly he roots for Obama because the polls say Obama is going to win and he always sides with the 'winner'. (If the polls said McCain was going to win, then his allegence would likely change) There are several candidates we are not allowed to vote for because of their negative campaigning. Their commercials almost make him cry because of the negativity. He will always say "Why do they say that about this person. That's not nice" His innocence lets him see past the things that stop adults. I love that about him. I hope he never sees through the eyes of hatred and fear. I hope he can always see past the lies. I love the world he sees!

National Adoption Month

November is National Adoption Month. Adoption has touched my life since I was a little girl. It's something that I always knew I wanted to do. I was lucky to get to grow up in a family with a loving mom and dad and brothers and sister and cousins and aunts and uncles and grandparents. Not everyone has that opportunity. It's not fair. Plain and Simple. Sure life is not fair. That doesn't make it right for a child to go to bed (if they are lucky enough to have a bed) without someone to tuck them in and kiss them good night. It's not right that they have no one to hold them and rock them when they are sick and scared. It's not fair that they have no one to share the happy times with either.

That's why I tell you about Reece's Rainbow. That's why I tell you our story. And that's why I share with you this story/observation. That's why I point out posts like this one, too. Nothing extraordinary. Just what goes on in the world around us.

Reece's Rainbow Angel Tree

From Andrea at Reece's Rainbow:

Our Angel Tree is the perfect gift opportunity for your friends and family, and the GIFT OF A FAMILY for an orphaned child with Down syndrome this Christmas. From today until December 31, you have a very special opportunity to view all of our waiting children and offer them gifts in the form of adoption grants, so families can afford the high cost of rescuing them!

With your sponsorship gift of $35 or more, you will recieve a beautiful porcelain ornament with your child's photo on the back. This is a very meaningful and personal gift, and life-saving at the same time! We have almost (100) children on our Angel Tree this year, all waiting for families and eligible for grant donations.

OK. So my heart is rooting for Francesca from China. And that is where our donation will go this year. Check out the pictures. (Click on one of the highlighted phrases and it'll take you to the site) I'm sure one (or more) kids will tug at your heart strings. If you'd like to read more, click on Emma's button to the right and read what Meredith has to say.

Trick or Treat

The kids have looked forward to this day for a week. The neighborhood party and trick or treating were all they'd talk about. This morning they woke up ready to put on their costumes. I took Sawyer to school, only to be called to come back and get him. He was sick. He came home and took a nap along with Ansley and Turner. When it came time to get ready he refused to dress up. You could tell he felt miserable. I dosed him up with Motrin to see if that would help. He was going as Phil Fulmer (I mean, The Great Pumpkin). He began to feel a bit better but still refused to put on the costume. So the best I could do with him, was to get half of a cow costume on. Once he got to the party, he perked up and had a good time. All the kids did! Then Ansley and Judson went to a few houses on the way home and trick or treated. They were ready to come home. Alas, Dad was not ready. So he took them to several more houses while I brought Turner and Sawyer home. They still are not home at the writing of this post.


After
before



**Special note on the Cat and The Hat**
Judson was scared when we went to get him a costume. He, literally, would not go down the aisle. So I asked what he'd like to be and I'd make him a costume. He said he wanted to be a bunny. I told Randy and his response was, "Absolutely not! Haven't you ever seen The Christmas Story". So Judson and I got online and looked around and finally decided we liked the Cat and The Hat. I think he's quite the handsome Cat with his Hat.