Take a Look

Really take a look at her!
She is 5 years old.
She should be in Kindergarten giving the teachers grief.
She should be with her family.
She is not.
She is trapped in an ugly place with no hope of a future.
Did you look at her?
Doesn't she remind you of Mrs Beasley?
Doesn't she tug at your heart strings, just a bit?
You could help.
Click HERE.

Quick Post-Jailbird continues his slide

Since Blogger lost my last post, I'll make this short and sweet until I know Blogger is behaving.

Speaking of behaving, let's talk about Jailbird.

This morning while preparing for school, you could see a spark in the Jailbird's eyes. He was animated. He was excited. He was busy. He was talking. Telling his Dad not to call him 'Saw-man', his name was Sawyer Stricklin. He was headed toward trouble.

His Daddy said, "you sure look and sound like a little boy who is going to get in trouble at school today".

Before sending him to his bus, we admonished him. "No Tweeting. No bad reports. Or NO GROCERY STORE". (That is his reward at the end of hard week of Kindergarten)

He said, "Okay, Mom
(If you have a 20 year old Ethiopian son, you might recognize "OK MOM" as the standard reply when his English fails him and he has no idea what you just said. The same may apply here too)

On the positive side, He did NOT tweet.

Nope. He DING DONGED instead. Along with throwing crayons on the floor and some other things.

This means, Mom gets a trip to the store by herself tonight.
You'd think I'd be doing the happy dance.
However, it's quite fun taking Sawyer to the Grocery store, so I'm a bit saddened.

Randy suggested taking one of our alternates.
I declined the offer.

Lend a Hand

See that button to your RIGHT? The one for IAN?

Check out IAN's Mommy's Blog RIGHT HERE.

If you have never been through an adoption, you have NO idea how stressful and time consuming it can be. It can drain every bit of energy you have. It takes an emotional toll.

So why do it? Look at that face and tell me he is not worth it. That face that has the look of an angel. Put here by God. Deserving of a Mommy and Daddy.

Eastern Europe has some of the most expensive countries from which to adopt. They are also notorious for treating orphans in general, special needs kids specifically, very poorly. Little Ian has a heart defect that needs attention. A heart defect that will kill him if it is not treated.

So I say all that to say, if you have money and wish to donate, I know his mommy would be appreciative. If you click on the IAN button, you can make a tax deductible donation. If you have a kind word of encouragement to leave, please do. (Don't even bother if you have nothing good to say) A simple prayer. Whatever you feel, just show her some love. She's at her darkest moment right now and really needs some encouragement.

It does take a village and we can be her village.

Re: Jailbird

I had to go pick him up at school. He was "Tweeting" in school. Anytime the teacher opened her mouth, He started saying "Tweet Tweet Tweet". Pretty good way to get out of work. On the playground, he ran towards the woods. Not allowed. Sure was funny when the teacher came running after him, I'm sure.

So, Jailbird came home and immediately started working. Writing practice. Math Practice. Letter recognition practice. One and half hours of home work. He is now sitting on his bed.

Yeah, I'd laugh too if it happened to you!
Since he's my Jailbird, I'm trying very hard not to laugh.

Happy Mother's Day 2011

I had a very special day today.

Everyday is special with these four.
From left to right: Fashion Princess; JailBird; Tummy; Little Prof

I received lots of pretty flowers and cards and even lunch at one of our favorite restaurants.

Hope all you Moms had a special day today!

Not so Good Day....

MUG SHOTS

(Profile)

Front

Does this look like the face of someone who spent his day in the principal's office?
Picture coming to a post office near you.

Good Day!

What does $12 buy you these days?

A field trip with the entire Kindergarten...

An almost pint of fresh strawberries....

A good report from the teacher

"Sawyer had a great day!! He loved the strawberry patch. He would not take his hat off, we put it away to eat lunch- he put the hood on. It's so funny how he wants his head covered!"

This is huge. Vegas odds makers were not giving us good odds that a 'good report' was possible.

And this:

A smile as big as the Mississippi.
Animated speech and expression while relating the day's activities.
And a sunburn because Mom forgot sunscreen.

Silly Saturday

Almost Wordless Wednesday

That's chocolate around her mouth, not blood.

(Brother helped loosen the tooth)

It's the Small Things

Two bandannas, some ribbon, elastic and 30 minutes of my day


Makes for 1 happy little girl.

Easter Bonnets

Change of Plans

So, the plan WAS to head to TN for Easter.

Plans change.
So, being the flexible family that we are,
we changed our plans also.

Neighborhood Easter Egg Hunt!!!

Teach a Kid to Fish

It hit me recently. I may not be teaching my kids to fish. I always thought I was. I always try to make them independent and able minded. Yet, maybe in some way I am failing.

Am I letting them help me make dinner when they ask? Or am I too busy to stop and teach them how so I say "Not this time but next time"? When they say, "Can I help", do I say "Certainly" or do I say "Why don't you go play instead"?

That's important. Because at some point, they will stop asking. Of course, that insures that I will always be doing everything by myself. Total control. Deep down inside, I don't want that.

That realization SMACKED me in the face the other day. I was trying to offer help but kept getting told "No thank you. I'll do it myself" or some other variation of the same theme. "You've got 4 kids. You have enough on your plate" "I've got it under control but thank you for asking". "I'll take care of it." yada yada yada

You know what, I'm not inclined to offer again. Their 'rebuff' made me feel like my offer was not adequate and not up to their standards.

Then I started thinking about family dynamics. How many times at family reunions do you hear "Aunt So-n-So is here. Didn't bring a thing. tsk tsk"? Did you stop to think way back when, how many times Aunt So-n-So did offer but was told, don't worry. We have it under control. I'm here to tell you, Aunt S0-n-So gave up. You told her she was not needed way back when and she quit asking. Or what about Cousin Who-zit? Doesn't help clean. Boy is she lazy! Is she really? Or perhaps you told her to go take care of her kids and rest one too many times and now Cousin Who-zits doesn't feel needed or capable of reaching your lofty standards.

So I made myself a promise. I don't want to do that to my children. I am going to make every effort to let them help when they ask. Because if I don't, I will have no one to blame but myself when they stop asking.

Weird how lessons come at the most unexpected times!

And while chess was going on in the city....

In Our House

The Band Played

And The Artist Drew

'Cause that's how we roll!

Chess Tournament

Judson competed in his first chess tourney today. He had a blast!

(In fact, he is so W.I.L.D. Daddy is taking him for a 3K run to calm him down.)

He won 1 game!
He lost 2 games.
One game ended in a tie.

He wants to do it again!
(a true test of any activity)
(Yeah, I know. The orthodontist is going to LOVE my family)

Andrew (China)

It's ez to ignore orphans when you don't look at their faces. Once you look at them, it's much harder to forget them. Just sayin'!

Andrew (China)

OK people. This little guy needs a family. Let's get going and find his family so he doesn't have to wait any longer. Click on his name and it will take you to the picture and write up. Single moms can now apply as can older parents. So spread the word.

Real Live Hero

I Just Melt

When I see this:

I'm Always Amazed....

When kids KNOW the consequences of lying, yet when they receive the punishment are angry with you for it. Not ONE but TWO kids today. Must be the heat!

More Hilton Head

Wildlife

More Wildlife

A few small cottages along the beach.

Salt Marsh

Spring Break in Hilton Head

I have been promising the kids a 'beach' vacation For-Evah! So we went for a short visit to Hilton Head. Such a fun time. The kids enjoyed it and so did everyone else!

Checking out a dead jelly fish.

Judson Island

In the lagoon RIGHT.BY.OUR.CONDO!

Gotta love the lack of crowds!!!


Hitchin' a ride

Good News

Remember the story of Kirill? The one that has made it's rounds around the internet and social networks? Turns out that on Thursday (and again on Friday) the HOOK family went before the very same judge who DENIED the Davis family's request to adopt Kirill. The Hook family was requesting to adopt baby Evan. Guess what? THE JUDGE said YES!!!! I do not have details of yet but here's hoping that means the Davis' appeal for Kirill will have a positive outcome!!!! And here's hoping that the Moreno family's request for Baby J (again with the very same judge) will also have a positive outcome. How exciting! How wonderful! What a way to start the day!

Tim Shriver on the Colbert Report

"I didn't say you cannot use the [r] word: I don't want to be a cop; I want to be a teacher. You're allowed to be humiliating, degrading, and hurtful. I'm allowed to petition you to at least recognize what you...say and be aware of the option you have to stop...I'm asking you for...social awareness for a forgotten population."

Random Pictures

Don't be fooled. They are NOT that nice to each other very often.

Don't mess with these 2!

Clarification on last post. Kiril's family will be submitting their appeal this week, hopefully. Another family goes before the same judge and is hoping to adopt a child with Down syndrome this Thursday. So lots going on in that region. And if you are on Twitter, if you will become a 'fan' (I'm not Twitter literate) of Reece's Rainbow, Patricia Heaton (of Everybody Loves Raymond) will donate $1 to RR. 10,000 'likes' = $10,000!

Very Real

There is a very real situation going on across the globe in Eastern Europe this week. One that will not make the newspapers. One that most people will miss. For one family though, it's very real and very sad and very scary. You see, they put their heart and money into an adoption. This adoption is for a little boy who has Down syndrome. They have spent nearly 2 years trying to adopt this little boy. They have visited him. They have fallen in love with him. He is theirs. At least in their eyes. But there is a catch.

You see, the judge in Eastern Europe told this family after 5 hours of hearings that she believed due to this little boy's 'condition' she did not feel he was suitable to be adopted. She (the judge) thinks this boy is better suited to living the rest of his life in an orphanage and denied their request to adopt this little boy. She told this family if they were interested in any other child, she'd be happy to approve the adoption. You see, this judge has nothing against the family.

So this week, (after filing an appeal) this family will go before the very same judge and plead with her to allow them to adopt the same little boy. This little boy's life literally is in the hands of this judge. Not only that, there are several other children in this same region, who have Down syndrome, who are being pursued for adoption. Families that will go before this very judge and ask the same question: "Can we adopt a specific child from this region".

So this very real drama is playing out in Eastern Europe this week. It may not make the nightly news but you can bet those of us in the 'know' are paying attention. We are sending up lots of prayers and good karma and all sorts of good vibes in hopes that this judge will be swayed to allow these families to adopt the children of their hearts.

If you would like to follow along, here is the blog: http://oureyesopened.blogspot.com/

The Bully

No one likes a bully.

Ever seen a bully up close and personal?

Take a look.

He is by far the smallest kid in his class.
Yet, the last 2 days he's been acting out.
Throwing baskets of crayons on the floor.
Hitting people.
Pushing people.
Grabbing them around the neck.
Before you ask,
No we do not watch wrestling!
I'm pretty sure the teachers are so looking forward to Spring Break.

Saying Goodbye

I lost a friend this past week. She was young. Only 54. It should not have happened, yet it happened so quickly. One day she was fine. The next she was fighting for her life. They say it was a blood infection. In 4 short days, she was gone.

Yes, I am saddened.
I cannot imagine this world without her.
She was such a force of nature.
Always planning something.
Always working on something.

She leaves behind a husband and an 8 year old daughter.
We actually met at Mother's Day Out.
Her daughter was in the same class as Judson.
Her daughter was Judson's first non-family playmate.
I have no pictures of my friend.
You see, it's an unwritten rule,
You don't take pics of other mothers.
Only the kids.
(And aren't they adorable kids!)

Truly, while I'm sad for me.
and I'm sad for her husband.
Mostly,
I'm sad for her daughter.
Why does an 8 year old have to go through such a loss?
It makes no sense to me.

I saw the daughter tonight at visitation.
You could tell she was still processing.
There were clouds in her eyes where twinkles used to be.
But she was holding it together.
I was sitting there talking to her while she ate.
She said, "You know, I like chicken tenders.
My Mom liked them and I guess I got that from her"
There was one tender left on the table.
She said she was not supposed to get it.
(I'm sure someone had told her that but they hadn't told me)
So I said, "you want me to go get that tender for you"
She smiled very sheepishly.
So I said, "Don't tell anyone and I'll sneak it over here for you"
That was all I could do for a little girl who lost her mom.
Cop the last chicken finger.
It made her smile.

Cardiology Appointment

Took the Saw-man for his cardiology follow up. They are tracking a blood clot that he has inside his heart. They suspect it is from his PICC line from his open heart surgery when he was 9-10 months old.

Since our cardiologist works for a 'teaching' hospital, there is always another doctor/student shadowing him around. He always goes over Sawyer's case with the 'newbie'. Always tells them what an unusual case he is. What a miracle he is.

He also has a wonderful bedside manner with Sawyer. Doesn't mind it when Sawyer grabs his glasses or stethoscope or pen or whatever. Today Sawyer was in rare form. Mimicking the doctor's actions. Saying the words. Pointing to the paper and pretending to know what was written there. Telling the new doctor where to place the stethoscope. (He is a seasoned veteran after all)

After all is said and one, Sawyer still has the blood clot. It's relatively the same size as before. It is very stable and at this point, the doctor does not want to go in and surgically remove it. So we continue to watch it. Even better than that, we do NOT have to go back for a follow up until the Summer of 2012. He has no physical restrictions. So, all in all, a very good report!

Good News and Bad News

A Conversation

Turner: I've got good news and bad news.
Mom: Okay.
Turner: I'll start with the bad news first.
Mom: Okay (it's always good not to distract him while he's communicating)
Turner: The bad news is: I had wet pants this morning but I changed them.
Mom: So the good news is you changed your pants yourself.
Turner: Yep.
Mom: That makes me happy!
Turner: Yeah

Did I Ever Tell You....

I Hate 1970's decor!!!!

No seriously....what were they thinking? Brown paneling? Shag carpet? (usually brown or green) brown...brown...brown.....

So, you ask, Why did you buy a house built in the 1970's? Ummm...because the price, location and yard were awesome.

So after 12 plus years of living with brown...I've taken the bull by the horns and finally formulated a plan. (Okay...and yes, I twisted my husband's arm to spend just a few bucks to do so)

My plan...THE DEN. Brown walls, brown brick, very worn carpet...going...

Still looking for just the right paint to cover the paneling. While I wait, I decided to attack the fire place. Research upon research led me to a white washing technique. 5 parts hydrated lime with 1 part salt and water to the consistency of pancake batter. That's it. It's manipulative-able (Hey, it's my blog, I can use whatever words I want) for several days. Slap it on and wait for it to dry. Took less than 1 hour to mix and paint. It went on beige but as it is drying, it is getting to that chalky white color for which I was looking.

Just started

When I went to bed last night
This morning

I wanted something more casual. Something that could stand up to four children.
Here's hoping!

They Make Me Smile

Not a day goes by that these kids don't make me smile, at least once!

Like this kid, who puts on a pair of pants that I had out for Sawyer. "But Mom, they are my favorite pants!" So he wears the pants ALL DAY. They are no less than 6 inches too short. I'm thinking maybe he can start a new 'capri style for boys'.

Or maybe it's when he swings. He swings and there is a sense of peace and pure happiness on his face as he tries to escape the earth's gravitational pull. Nothing matches this look.
And this kid. Who has started just crawling up in my lap to snuggle lately. Not sure why but I love it. Most of the time, the kids are moving at such a rapid pace, there is 'no time for snuggling'.

Did I tell you, he and I have a ritual on Friday nights? He and I go to the grocery store. We go through the same conversation every Friday night. He'll say, "Grocery store. No Judson. No Ansley. No Turner. No Daddy. Just Me (Pointing at himself) and Me (Pointing at me)". I reassure him that is indeed the case. He gets all giddy and grabs my purse and the bags and heads to the car. He meets and greets everyone at the store. First stop, bakery. He starts asking (very loudly) "Where's Donut Lady". He gets a donut and coke. Rides in the buggy that looks like a car. Says Hello to EVERY ONE. I smile the entire time. How could you not?
This one makes me smile and shake my head at the same time. I believe she may have gone to the Cindy Lauper school of fashion design. You just never know what she is going to wear. Perhaps the pink faded flowery pants, underneath the red/white/blue stars and stripe skirt. Top it off with a yellow top and a blue leopard print pullover. Accent it with pink m&m crocs. You are set to go. (That's for when it's warm) In cool weather, we have the sleeveless sheath and same pink crocs. It's anyone's guess as to whether it is going to be old wrapping paper ribbon tied in her hair, 6 or 7 barrettes, or just the all natural, hair in our eyes look on any given day. She'll tell you she is 'designive' just like Gigi. (Her grandmother)

She is also the one who has to be organized. Let me qualify that. Her things must be organized. You ask her to go clean her room. When you go back in and check it, her bed is made quite nicely. Her stuff is stacked very neatly in bins beside her bed. Books lined up better than any library. Ribbons tied neatly together. Not a scrap of paper (that is hers) out of place. Look around the rest of the room, stuff is piled in heaps. Books thrown in the shelves with no order or precision. Stuff PILED on the other bed in the room. You get the point.

So I shake my head and smile.

Not to be left out. This guy. NEVER. STOPS. TALKING. Even when you send him to his room to sit on his bed for timeout. He's in trouble. Doesn't stop him. He starts singing. Not a sad song. Nope. A happy, perky song. You go in and say, "Turner, you're in trouble. Stop singing and sit quietly". His comeback. "Sorry Mom. I can't help it. I just love that song".

He can't say his 'r' sounds yet. Cute! Makes me smile. Can't say his 'L' sounds either. *smile*

Taught himself how to swing. Three years old. Decided he wanted to be like his big brother and sister. What can you say? Sometimes he does pick up the good stuff from them.I caught one of the VERY RARE times he was not smiling. Maybe that very teeny tiny scrape on his knee was bothering him. They are called 'bleeds' and need much attention.

Enough Already

Can't you think of something better to say? Why use the "R" word?

Today is the day to forever end the use of the word Retard(ed) as a derogatory term.
It's not funny. It's hurtful.We love him. Do not use that word.

World Maths Day

Did you know there was such a thing? There is. On March 1st (anywhere in the world), kids participate in a math competition. They are scored on 100 timed tests across 5 levels of difficulty. Each test lasts 60 seconds. The system usually pits the participant against 3 other kids across the globe. Judson competed for the first time, this year. He played kids from South Africa, Pakistan, Malaysia, China, Canada, Cayman Islands,UK, Australia, etc. There were over 5 million participants divided into 5 age groups. Judson was in the 8-11 year old category.
He finished with a 99.05% accuracy. He answered 3325 questions correctly out of 3357 presented to him.

To give you some point of reference, the person currently in 1st place in his age group has answered over 6000 questions correctly. That's right, more than 1 a second. The person currently in place 100 has answered over 3900 questions correctly. So there are a lot of sharp kids out there.

A little more perspective:
Level 1 (addition): his avg was 35/game
Level 2 (more difficult addition): his average was 34/game
Level 3 (subtraction): his average was 25/game
Level 4 (multiplication): his average was 43/game
Level 5 (combination of all of the above): his average was 33/game

Let me tell you, Judson is fast. If his fingers could type as fast as his brain works, he'd definitely be in the 4000-5000 level range. Amazing to watch him work. I dare anyone out there to try this competition. It is a great challenge. The difficulty factor increases with the age category. The 18 and above age range get to answer questions such as the cube root of 2197. (in 60 seconds)The Human Calculator