My mother was at home the other day when the nosepad on her glasses fell off. She searched for a replacement one but the ones on her old pair of glasses were a different size. So, being industrious, she pulled the entire nose-piece off and decided to replace it with the one from the old pair. She carefully glued the piece onto her glasses using some super-duper glue, let it dry and put them back on. The nosepiece fell off immediately and she had to crawl around on the floor to find it. This time she was careful to let the glue fully dry before putting them on. But again, the nosepiece fell off and went skittering across the floor. She decided to wait until my father was home from the store to help her.
He got home, found the nosepiece on the floor and sat down to glue them together. That's when he realized that my mother had been trying to glue them together with a bottle of eye drops. Well no wonder......
A while back my Mom and my Aunt Judy were out having a shopping day. They decided to drive thru a fast-food place and pick up lunch (not wasting any precious shopping time!) They pulled up to the menu, placed their order and drove ahead to the first window. They paid for their lunches and then drove to their next shopping destination. I don't know how long it took them to realize they never stopped at the second window and had driven off without their food. The best part, though, is that this wasn't the first time they had done that! I would have loved to see the look on the guy's face at the second window as they drove right past.
Now you can see where Levi gets it from. Whey, how lucky am I that this is one of those 'skips a generation' type traits!
Friday, November 30, 2007
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Have you ever wondered......
Why kids never flush the toilet? This has nothing to do with potty training and the fear of being sucked down the drain. This is about children who are taller than I am and they cannot flush the toilet to save their lives. Oh, except for last week when they ran out of TP in the upstairs bathroom so someone got the bright idea to use paper towels. (Ouch!) They flushed then, of course, resulting in a clogged toilet. The rest of the time? No flushing.
Or why does a child go bonkers the second you pick up the phone and say Hello? I was talking to my mother one night and Levi went into the pantry, got a box of granola bars and proceeded to systematically chuck them all at my head. Um, Why? I have no clue. This behavior is disturbing on so many levels, but what I really hate is that my conversations are puntuated with stern warnings and random threats. Again, not Mommy of the Year material, sadly.
Why a child has to wait until the night before a project is due to suddenly announce that they need poster board, a picture of Sir Isaac Newton and glue sticks. Or why that night is the night the printer at home goes wonko and you have to scramble madly to figure out how in world you can come up with a picture of Sir Isaac Newton that's not drawn with crayons. I haven't asked yet what grade she got on the project. I'm afraid to....
Why you can spend $300 at the grocery store, come home, put it all away and the kids still stand there complaining that there's nothing to eat. I swear, we could LIVE in the grocery store and there still wouldn't be anything to eat. Moooooooom, we're starving and there's nothing to eat!
How random sticky spots appear out of nowhere? I can walk thru the kitchen and everything is fine. Pour myself a glass of water, turn back around and my foot will stick to the floor with a resounding thwuck sound. What the? I feel like I am living in Amityville and sticky ooze just appears. And what in the world is so sticky and gooey and could have had time to dry onto the floor? Primordial goo? Some day I am going to be home alone and get trapped like a fly on a giant fly-strip and they will find my dead dehydrated body weeks later, still stuck, and when they try and move my body my leg will snap off and stay stuck to the floor.
Why once someone has a child and realizes what they are in for, they still go on to have more?????
Or why does a child go bonkers the second you pick up the phone and say Hello? I was talking to my mother one night and Levi went into the pantry, got a box of granola bars and proceeded to systematically chuck them all at my head. Um, Why? I have no clue. This behavior is disturbing on so many levels, but what I really hate is that my conversations are puntuated with stern warnings and random threats. Again, not Mommy of the Year material, sadly.
Why a child has to wait until the night before a project is due to suddenly announce that they need poster board, a picture of Sir Isaac Newton and glue sticks. Or why that night is the night the printer at home goes wonko and you have to scramble madly to figure out how in world you can come up with a picture of Sir Isaac Newton that's not drawn with crayons. I haven't asked yet what grade she got on the project. I'm afraid to....
Why you can spend $300 at the grocery store, come home, put it all away and the kids still stand there complaining that there's nothing to eat. I swear, we could LIVE in the grocery store and there still wouldn't be anything to eat. Moooooooom, we're starving and there's nothing to eat!
How random sticky spots appear out of nowhere? I can walk thru the kitchen and everything is fine. Pour myself a glass of water, turn back around and my foot will stick to the floor with a resounding thwuck sound. What the? I feel like I am living in Amityville and sticky ooze just appears. And what in the world is so sticky and gooey and could have had time to dry onto the floor? Primordial goo? Some day I am going to be home alone and get trapped like a fly on a giant fly-strip and they will find my dead dehydrated body weeks later, still stuck, and when they try and move my body my leg will snap off and stay stuck to the floor.
Why once someone has a child and realizes what they are in for, they still go on to have more?????
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
My little monkeyfart
What can I say about this child?
Riding in the car the other day he decided to tell us a story. He said it was a 'funny' story and it went like this:
There was a Princess. She was very pretty. A naked Knight came along. He was evil. He made the Princess scream. (at which point he proceeded to scream like a girl) Then the Prince came but he wasn't naked. He rescued the Princess. The End.
Don't you wish you knew what kind of bedtime stories are told in our house?????
I took my mother to Katie's cheer practice on Sunday so she could see part of it. Levi wanted to come along. He already had his coat on so I shoved shoes on his feet and off we went. They have a nice little viewing area for family to watch from and we took our seats on the bleachers with the other parents. Levi was jumping around when his jacket un-zipped alittle and I realized he didn't have a shirt on. (He was wearing a shirt earlier) I asked him what happened to his shirt, and in his loud pipey voice he announced,
"I got POOP on it!"
And I have to see these people on a regular basis......
I had to take Levi to a parents meeting for one of Katie's teams the other night. He was nice and quiet and sat in my lap for the first half of the meeting. Then he began to get antsy. He got down on the floor and rolled around for a while, managing to kick one or two other moms. Then he decided he was going to crab-walk around the living room, at which point I discovered his fly was wide open. I quickly fixed that faux paus. Then he discovered another girl sitting behind us that he knew. He proceeded to make faces at her and blow kisses, which sent the girls into hysterical laughter. Then he announced loudly, while the director was speaking, "Is this over yet? This is boring."
Yeah, I have to see these people again, too.
The other day he was laughing about something and tooted really loudly (and amazingly long for such a little guy) He stopped and loked at me and announced, 'My butt is laughing too!"
Aren't we all, honey, aren't we all. (laughing, that is!)
Riding in the car the other day he decided to tell us a story. He said it was a 'funny' story and it went like this:
There was a Princess. She was very pretty. A naked Knight came along. He was evil. He made the Princess scream. (at which point he proceeded to scream like a girl) Then the Prince came but he wasn't naked. He rescued the Princess. The End.
Don't you wish you knew what kind of bedtime stories are told in our house?????
I took my mother to Katie's cheer practice on Sunday so she could see part of it. Levi wanted to come along. He already had his coat on so I shoved shoes on his feet and off we went. They have a nice little viewing area for family to watch from and we took our seats on the bleachers with the other parents. Levi was jumping around when his jacket un-zipped alittle and I realized he didn't have a shirt on. (He was wearing a shirt earlier) I asked him what happened to his shirt, and in his loud pipey voice he announced,
"I got POOP on it!"
And I have to see these people on a regular basis......
I had to take Levi to a parents meeting for one of Katie's teams the other night. He was nice and quiet and sat in my lap for the first half of the meeting. Then he began to get antsy. He got down on the floor and rolled around for a while, managing to kick one or two other moms. Then he decided he was going to crab-walk around the living room, at which point I discovered his fly was wide open. I quickly fixed that faux paus. Then he discovered another girl sitting behind us that he knew. He proceeded to make faces at her and blow kisses, which sent the girls into hysterical laughter. Then he announced loudly, while the director was speaking, "Is this over yet? This is boring."
Yeah, I have to see these people again, too.
The other day he was laughing about something and tooted really loudly (and amazingly long for such a little guy) He stopped and loked at me and announced, 'My butt is laughing too!"
Aren't we all, honey, aren't we all. (laughing, that is!)
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Ho Ho Ho Aw heck
I love Christmas. I really do, but I am beginning to understand why my mother always seemed so stressed out around the holidays. Let's just take a peek at what it takes to pull off the magic......
Presents. It was so easy when my kids were all small. Anything brightly colored and that made noise was a hit. Even if it was purchased from the dollar store and broke in 2 days, it was perfect. Shoot, the boxes were as much fun as the toys most times. As they have aged, their taste in gifts has changed. My girls went through a real-baby craze, one where they wanted only real-looking dolls and real baby-care stuff to go with them. (What they really wanted was a baby brother or sister but it would be a few years before that wish came true) The gifts were a bit more expensive but easily obtained. Then KT hit the teen years. Suddenly gifts became ultra-expensive, brand mattered, color mattered, everything mattered. It had to be the ipod in the pink case with the quick charger, with the video screen, etc etc etc. The entire gift budget would be blown on 1 item. I tried explaining it, I tried reasoning, I tried everything, but the desire for that special item (just like Brittany has) was too strong. I held out for a couple of years. In fact last year, after being bludgeoned with the request for a laptop for a month straight, I still did not cave in. So her Dad bought it for her. Ugh. Children of divorce really clean up at holidays and my girls know this!
Then there is the challenge of buying gifts for my husband. He is uber practical, buys what he needs/wants when it strikes him, and doesn't really have a hobby or collection I can fall back on. I fail miserably at pleasing him with gifts, not because he is hard to please, but because he is just so content with what he has. There isn't really anything he yearns for that I could buy him. The funny thing is, he is wonderful at giving gifts. His gifts are always thoughtful and well-chosen. Invariably, the gifts I get him sit on a shelf never-touched. If just once I could surprise him with a gift that made his eyes light up or that he actually used....that would be the best Christmas ever.
Decorating. Last year, at the after-Christmas sales I bought new outdoor decorations for our new house. I have icicle lights and candy canes, a blow up Santa and light-up trees. I bought enough that I thought I would be able to create a Griswald-type yard. I have looked forward to decorating our new house all year long. On Saturday we pulled all the boxes out of storage and dragged them into the house, just in time for it to start pouring rain. So now the boxes are piled into the hall closet, the entryway, the upstairs landing, the sunroom, etc etc etc. Small children keep playing with them. Older people keep tripping on them. And the dog started chewing the corners off the boxes. I still can't find the box with the decorations for the tree, although we did find the tree. So far, instead of looking festive, my house looks like a hoarder lives there. Welcome to White Trash Christmas.
Holiday Goodies: I used to bake 20 different cookies and candies, make plates to hand out to neighbors and friends, all wrapped in holiday paper and tied with a bow and full of yummy holiday love. Last night I was informed that I need to provide baked goods for the Cheerleader's bakesale on Saturday, the more the better. I am seriously wondering if I can provide boxes of Little Debbie snack cakes and get away with it. No, that is not Mommy of the Year material (of which I aspire to......in my dreams) so tonight I will hit the store, buy 20 boxes of brownie mix, a couple of extra pans and whatever else I find in the wine aisle and head home to begin doing my duty. This bake sale is for an all-day softball tournament, so vast quantities are expected to be sold. Hey, at least my house will be warm!
So, for the sake of my kids, I push forward. I will decorate (BEFORE the holidays are over) I will bake, I will shop and wrap and be-ribbon. I will play holiday carols and sing along, and I will fill our lives witht he spirit of the holiday. And somewhere, in amongst the stress and the have-to's, I will enjoy it all. Because I really do love the holidays!
Monday, November 26, 2007
Hey Al Gore, are you listening????
First, I talked to PBJ's foster family last night. She had an appointment earlier in the week with the neurologist and he said she is 'a miracle of the brain'. He wants them to work with her legs more so he asked them to get a walker for her and have her use it some everyday. They are so good about helping her and caring for her. Although I wish she was here and I was caring for her it helps me to know she is in a great home.
I got Ahren's DNA results in the mail. 99.99% match. Wahoo! In the packet they send a photo of him with his birthmother. In it, he appears to be wiggling trying to get off her lap. She has her arms around him and has her head lowered down by his. Her eyes look lost and flat, no emotion. I cannot imagine what she was feeling. I know how much I ache missing him, but for her it would be almost a physical ache in addition to the heartache. Her huge loss is our gain and I feel a mixture of sadness, guilt and awe for her and her choice. All I can promise is that we will love him with all our hearts and souls, give him every advantage we can, and always tell him what a sacrifice his birthmother made so that he would have a better life.
It has finally turned cold here (for Texas) and we have been in the upper 30's and lower 40's since Wednesday night. That is when we discovered that the furnace (in our brand-new home) does not work. The fan comes on but no heat. Yikes! Luckily we learned that our house is very well insulated. The coldest it got inside was 66 degrees. We don't have a fireplace so we couldn't use that to heat the house. Instead, we baked a lot! We turned the 1-day feast into a 4-day glutton-fest. Of course this was all done in the name of heat-generation and energy conservation. If we needed to turn the ovens on to create heat then we needed to justify it by having something IN the oven. Right?
Speaking of energy conservation and such, I need to figure out how to calculate our eco-footprint or whatever it's called. I spent the better half of Friday planting 24 saplings and 56 strawberry plants and that got me to thinking. Each plant we add to our property should be lowering our overall impact on the ecosystem. At some point, we should be in the positive for eco-credits, creating more than we are using. And what are surplus eco-credits good for? Selling to politicians who want to represent themselves as credit-neutral, that's what! Hey Al Gore, are you listening? I have eco-credits for sale. Come and get'em! Just bring your checkbook and 3 forms of ID. I don't take credit and I don't take crap.
I got Ahren's DNA results in the mail. 99.99% match. Wahoo! In the packet they send a photo of him with his birthmother. In it, he appears to be wiggling trying to get off her lap. She has her arms around him and has her head lowered down by his. Her eyes look lost and flat, no emotion. I cannot imagine what she was feeling. I know how much I ache missing him, but for her it would be almost a physical ache in addition to the heartache. Her huge loss is our gain and I feel a mixture of sadness, guilt and awe for her and her choice. All I can promise is that we will love him with all our hearts and souls, give him every advantage we can, and always tell him what a sacrifice his birthmother made so that he would have a better life.
It has finally turned cold here (for Texas) and we have been in the upper 30's and lower 40's since Wednesday night. That is when we discovered that the furnace (in our brand-new home) does not work. The fan comes on but no heat. Yikes! Luckily we learned that our house is very well insulated. The coldest it got inside was 66 degrees. We don't have a fireplace so we couldn't use that to heat the house. Instead, we baked a lot! We turned the 1-day feast into a 4-day glutton-fest. Of course this was all done in the name of heat-generation and energy conservation. If we needed to turn the ovens on to create heat then we needed to justify it by having something IN the oven. Right?
Speaking of energy conservation and such, I need to figure out how to calculate our eco-footprint or whatever it's called. I spent the better half of Friday planting 24 saplings and 56 strawberry plants and that got me to thinking. Each plant we add to our property should be lowering our overall impact on the ecosystem. At some point, we should be in the positive for eco-credits, creating more than we are using. And what are surplus eco-credits good for? Selling to politicians who want to represent themselves as credit-neutral, that's what! Hey Al Gore, are you listening? I have eco-credits for sale. Come and get'em! Just bring your checkbook and 3 forms of ID. I don't take credit and I don't take crap.
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Nice long weekend
This has been a nice relaxing long weekend, but I still haven't gotten a tenth of the things done I need to. We got out the Christmas decorations but I don't have the tree up yet, it's too rainy to put up any decorations outside and I have only gotten a few things hung up. I swear, long weekends are a time vortex. I should be able to get so many things accomplished and yet I get even less done than on a normal weekend. At this pace I should have all the decorations up by New Years!
On Friday we were talking about Thanksgiving and Levi piped up with, "We aren't Thanksgiving, we are just Thanks Eating!"
I did a little shopping over the past few days, mostly on-line. I hate the crowds and the chaos. I hets them so very, very much! We did venture out to Wally World yesterday and I was practically in a panic trying to get out of there. Why oh why do people think that they can just park their carts right in the middle of the aisle and wander off to look at something? Or better yet, come charging thru as though they are so much more important than anyone else. I swear I want to carry popsicle sticks to stick in the wheels of their carts. Take that you aisle-hogging miscreants!
Tomorrow my parents head out on their journey home. I can't seem to convince them to stay longer or better yet move here. We keep trying to entice them but no luck so far. Maybe once we have a couple more grandkids to keep them entertained.....
I will post pics this week. I am having trouble with our home connection so it has to wait until I/Chris figures it all out.
On Friday we were talking about Thanksgiving and Levi piped up with, "We aren't Thanksgiving, we are just Thanks Eating!"
I did a little shopping over the past few days, mostly on-line. I hate the crowds and the chaos. I hets them so very, very much! We did venture out to Wally World yesterday and I was practically in a panic trying to get out of there. Why oh why do people think that they can just park their carts right in the middle of the aisle and wander off to look at something? Or better yet, come charging thru as though they are so much more important than anyone else. I swear I want to carry popsicle sticks to stick in the wheels of their carts. Take that you aisle-hogging miscreants!
Tomorrow my parents head out on their journey home. I can't seem to convince them to stay longer or better yet move here. We keep trying to entice them but no luck so far. Maybe once we have a couple more grandkids to keep them entertained.....
I will post pics this week. I am having trouble with our home connection so it has to wait until I/Chris figures it all out.
Friday, November 23, 2007
247 attempts later
Our internet connection is acting up and conspiring to drive me crazy! I realized that I forgot one ultra-special person in my post yesterday. A person I don't see very often but I think of daily. A person who I know I can spill all my inner secrets to and who wil listen and understand as no other can. A person who I always wanted to be just like and couldn't have been more different from. My one and only sister.
D- I love you more than anything!!!! And I miss you like HELL! You just have to come to the 'big event' next summer. Hopefully Joel won't coat us all in yellow mustard this time!
Mom showed me the latest pix of your kiddos and OMG they are gorgeous! Each one shines with their own personality. They must really keep you hopping but so filled with joy. Blessings!!!!
So this is a HUGE shout out to my big Sis........Hugs and kisses and a few ornery pranks just so you know it's me!
D- I love you more than anything!!!! And I miss you like HELL! You just have to come to the 'big event' next summer. Hopefully Joel won't coat us all in yellow mustard this time!
Mom showed me the latest pix of your kiddos and OMG they are gorgeous! Each one shines with their own personality. They must really keep you hopping but so filled with joy. Blessings!!!!
So this is a HUGE shout out to my big Sis........Hugs and kisses and a few ornery pranks just so you know it's me!
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Thankfulness
This past year has been one of many difficult challenges. The challenges of 2 difficult adoptions, the layoffs my company experienced, Katie's accident, Peri Brynn's brain damage, and many smaller trials and tribulations. The blows just seemed to come one after the other throughout the year.
And yet, I am so blessed and so thankful. Here we are on Thanksgiving Day 2007, two of my children are in Guatemala and two more are in another city spending time with their father. Only Levi is here with us, but we also have the joy of having my parents spending the holiday with us. I know that the other kids are all in good places and well taken care and that eases my mind. I was worried about the holidays. You see, last year I swore to myself that would be the last one without all my kids home. Obviously I was wrong, but it feels OK right now. I have so many other things to rejoice over.
Cooking in the kitchen with my Mom. (One of my favorite things to do in the whole world!) We giggle and bump into each other and make messes. The only one missing is Aunt Judy. The three of us used to have day-long cookie baking marathons during the holidays.
Watching my Dad and Levi playing and talking. Levi hasn't seen him in a couple of years but they became instant buddies. (It's becasue they are two goofballs cut from the same cloth!)
Levi. I just love that kid so much!
My dear, sweet husband who is the light of my life and the song in my heart. He would save every child in the world if it was possible. He has a heart bigger than Texas!
Katie and Ashley, my big girls, who have taught me so many things and shown me so much about myself. I miss you two but I now you are having a wonderful time at Greg and Charlene's. They were always my favorites of your father's family and I am jealous you get to see them. Enjoy yourselves and please remember to pick up your dirty clothes!!!!
Ahren, my sweet tempered curly headed bear. Next year we will introduce you to the meal of a lifetime. Your first Thanksgiving. With your appetite you are bound to enjoy that holiday!
And tiny little PBJ, my littlest angel, so fragile and yet so resilient. I wish I had you here where I could protect and heal you. I know you are in a great place but still, I wish you were here. You mightnot be able to eat turkey but I know you love mashed potatos.
My beautiful new home, which is so perfect for us and the way we live our lives. (Family-centered) This is the most perfect place to raise our family.
And a big Thank You to all my bloggy friends. I am in a good place only because I have had the love and support from so many of you at the most difficult times of our lives. I cannot express my gratitude. So many of you reached out and helped me when I was on my own in Guatemala after PBJ was injured. So many have encouraged us and kept us going when our energy was gone. You have laughed with me, cried with me and shared the anger with me.
I am truly blessed.
Happy Thanksgiving everyone and I hope you also have many things to feel blessed about!!!!!
And yet, I am so blessed and so thankful. Here we are on Thanksgiving Day 2007, two of my children are in Guatemala and two more are in another city spending time with their father. Only Levi is here with us, but we also have the joy of having my parents spending the holiday with us. I know that the other kids are all in good places and well taken care and that eases my mind. I was worried about the holidays. You see, last year I swore to myself that would be the last one without all my kids home. Obviously I was wrong, but it feels OK right now. I have so many other things to rejoice over.
Cooking in the kitchen with my Mom. (One of my favorite things to do in the whole world!) We giggle and bump into each other and make messes. The only one missing is Aunt Judy. The three of us used to have day-long cookie baking marathons during the holidays.
Watching my Dad and Levi playing and talking. Levi hasn't seen him in a couple of years but they became instant buddies. (It's becasue they are two goofballs cut from the same cloth!)
Levi. I just love that kid so much!
My dear, sweet husband who is the light of my life and the song in my heart. He would save every child in the world if it was possible. He has a heart bigger than Texas!
Katie and Ashley, my big girls, who have taught me so many things and shown me so much about myself. I miss you two but I now you are having a wonderful time at Greg and Charlene's. They were always my favorites of your father's family and I am jealous you get to see them. Enjoy yourselves and please remember to pick up your dirty clothes!!!!
Ahren, my sweet tempered curly headed bear. Next year we will introduce you to the meal of a lifetime. Your first Thanksgiving. With your appetite you are bound to enjoy that holiday!
And tiny little PBJ, my littlest angel, so fragile and yet so resilient. I wish I had you here where I could protect and heal you. I know you are in a great place but still, I wish you were here. You mightnot be able to eat turkey but I know you love mashed potatos.
My beautiful new home, which is so perfect for us and the way we live our lives. (Family-centered) This is the most perfect place to raise our family.
And a big Thank You to all my bloggy friends. I am in a good place only because I have had the love and support from so many of you at the most difficult times of our lives. I cannot express my gratitude. So many of you reached out and helped me when I was on my own in Guatemala after PBJ was injured. So many have encouraged us and kept us going when our energy was gone. You have laughed with me, cried with me and shared the anger with me.
I am truly blessed.
Happy Thanksgiving everyone and I hope you also have many things to feel blessed about!!!!!
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
An Honor
Both Starfish and Esther have granted me this award for perseverance. I am totally humbled and honored that others think our struggle is noteworthy. To us, there just isn't any other choice. It's not the road we envisioned nor the one we would have ever chosen but it is the hand we have been dealt. At the end of the road are two very precious children, the ultimate reward and worth every tear and every heartache. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!!
"You are receiving this honor because you have embodied perseverance in the face of difficulty and shared the journey of your experiences with others proving that a single voice can both be a light of support and a source or humor for those in the midst of their struggle. You are acknowledged here today for allowing others to share in your personal story and providing camaraderie through the power of your words.
Each of you has faced a struggle that seems insurmountable to others and you have persevered. For some of you this resiliency was always a part of your character and for others, it was your struggle with infertility that awakened it from deep within you. Regardless of passion, stubbornness, a calling to a greater purpose or a refusal to admit defeat, you are an eternal flame of commitment. You are a veteran of your circumstances and you deserve recognition for your journey."
"You are receiving this honor because you have embodied perseverance in the face of difficulty and shared the journey of your experiences with others proving that a single voice can both be a light of support and a source or humor for those in the midst of their struggle. You are acknowledged here today for allowing others to share in your personal story and providing camaraderie through the power of your words.
Each of you has faced a struggle that seems insurmountable to others and you have persevered. For some of you this resiliency was always a part of your character and for others, it was your struggle with infertility that awakened it from deep within you. Regardless of passion, stubbornness, a calling to a greater purpose or a refusal to admit defeat, you are an eternal flame of commitment. You are a veteran of your circumstances and you deserve recognition for your journey."
Monday, November 19, 2007
Flailing Appendage Syndrome
Ashley is amazingly creative. She intuitively understands color and fashion and design. (She definitely does NOT get that from me) She is artistic and loves things like sewing and crafts. She is also very smart. In the last 3 years she has missed maybe 2 questions total on the state basic skills tests. Last year she had the highest score of her entire school. Last year one of her teachers was presenting a lesson to the class and Ashley informed the teacher she had one thing wrong. The teacher argued with her and they ended up going to another teacher to settle it. Ashley was right, the teacher was wrong. Scary smart.
But.....Ashley is not coordinated. The child trips over her own feet. We lovingly deemed her to have 'Flailing Appendage Syndrome' after she nearly put out Katie's eye in a fit of glee one day. It probably doesn't help that her older sister is very athletic. Ash has always wanted to try everything Katie did but she just never found her niche there. This year she tried out for the volleyball team but didn't make it. Another big disappointment but she keeps trying. She decided to try for the basketball team (a sport Katie has never tried) She practiced hard, spent hours in the driveway shooting hoops and learning to dribble. She ran drills and passing patterns and took up jogging. That child threw her heart into it (not to mention a few flailing appendages!) and she MADE IT! She made the team! Her coach said she is very good at stealing the ball, and I can only imagine those long arms waving around and confusing the opponent long enough for her to snake out and snag the ball. They probably never knew what hit them! I'm so proud. Not because she made the team or that she is the best player, but that she never quits. She never, ever gives up. Let's just hope she doesn't put anyone's eye out.....
But.....Ashley is not coordinated. The child trips over her own feet. We lovingly deemed her to have 'Flailing Appendage Syndrome' after she nearly put out Katie's eye in a fit of glee one day. It probably doesn't help that her older sister is very athletic. Ash has always wanted to try everything Katie did but she just never found her niche there. This year she tried out for the volleyball team but didn't make it. Another big disappointment but she keeps trying. She decided to try for the basketball team (a sport Katie has never tried) She practiced hard, spent hours in the driveway shooting hoops and learning to dribble. She ran drills and passing patterns and took up jogging. That child threw her heart into it (not to mention a few flailing appendages!) and she MADE IT! She made the team! Her coach said she is very good at stealing the ball, and I can only imagine those long arms waving around and confusing the opponent long enough for her to snake out and snag the ball. They probably never knew what hit them! I'm so proud. Not because she made the team or that she is the best player, but that she never quits. She never, ever gives up. Let's just hope she doesn't put anyone's eye out.....
Sunday, November 18, 2007
How I keep my sanity (what little is left...)
The constant entertainment provided by one pint-sized tow-head. This child is a gift of laughter.
Knowing that my daughters behind is too small to have 'Ghetto Barbie' tattoed across it!
Gardening.....sigh. I love plants. I am building strawberry beds now and have ordered 50 plants by mail. Yum yum, homegrown strawberries. I still can't quite get used to the growing season here. Planting strawberries in Nov? Tomatoes in Feb???
Watching my kids learn. This is one of our old computers we set up as a kid-station. It takes a beating and keeps going. Especially the CD drives. I don't know what all has been stuffed in there but I'm pretty sure I pulled part of a fruit chew out of it the other day. We are also on mouse #3. Levi learned to take them apart so he could play with the ball. We now have an optical mouse....no ball!
Watching my two girls getting along. There were times when they were little I wondered if they would both survive to adulthood. The battles were fierce and constant. Watching them now, at ages 15 and 12, making each other laugh, talking make-up and clothes, Katie helping Ash with her hair, wanting ot be together, I never would have imagined it!
My kids playing together. Their laughter is the best sound in the whole world. Itmakes my heart swell with love and pride.
A big storm blew thru last night and this morning this is what I saw out back. Graceful deer wandering thru and a crane (look closely) out at the pond. A little dose of nature's beauty.
Knowing that my daughters behind is too small to have 'Ghetto Barbie' tattoed across it!
Gardening.....sigh. I love plants. I am building strawberry beds now and have ordered 50 plants by mail. Yum yum, homegrown strawberries. I still can't quite get used to the growing season here. Planting strawberries in Nov? Tomatoes in Feb???
Watching my kids learn. This is one of our old computers we set up as a kid-station. It takes a beating and keeps going. Especially the CD drives. I don't know what all has been stuffed in there but I'm pretty sure I pulled part of a fruit chew out of it the other day. We are also on mouse #3. Levi learned to take them apart so he could play with the ball. We now have an optical mouse....no ball!
Watching my two girls getting along. There were times when they were little I wondered if they would both survive to adulthood. The battles were fierce and constant. Watching them now, at ages 15 and 12, making each other laugh, talking make-up and clothes, Katie helping Ash with her hair, wanting ot be together, I never would have imagined it!
My kids playing together. Their laughter is the best sound in the whole world. Itmakes my heart swell with love and pride.
A big storm blew thru last night and this morning this is what I saw out back. Graceful deer wandering thru and a crane (look closely) out at the pond. A little dose of nature's beauty.
Saturday, November 17, 2007
Updates all around
Levi is in love! Baby Holly comes to our house and nanny watches her. Levi is head-over-heels for this little girl. He has asked me several times if we can keep her! The other day after she came in he sighed and said, 'It's so nice to have a baby come to our house.' I have to admit I am pretty smitten with her myself.
Katie had another competition today, a large one. Ashley came along to cheer her sister on and keep me company. Ashley cheers for her school but isn't competing this year. Katie's team was first up so we had to be at the arena at 6:30 am, meaning we had to leave the house at 5am. Insanity, I tell you! The good news is they won again.
Well, it seems that Big Chunky has not only embraced her name but she has had it tattooed on her ample behind. All the better to sit on you, my dear! (Now, granted, this is all heresay as I nor anyone I know has actually seen the BC tat) I can just see skinny Katie's stick arms and legs poking out from under the Big Chunky caboose. I am sure that any girl who has to have her nickname written out for her everywhere she looks will soon forget about terrorizing my daughter and move on to fresh meat. My sister has now picked up the BC theme and has threatened to go 'All Big Chunky' on me! Hah! Visions of childhood with an older sister.... (OK, so the reality is I terrorized my older sister growing up so she probably has good reason to BC me a few!)
And finally, just for you Ellie, we got the results of Ahren's DNA test. It's a MATCH! Twenty-two months to the day after we accepted his referral this first very important step is done. We are finally on our way. I had good reason to doubt it would match. Things that have worried me for a very long time. To know that it does match and we can move ahead is unbelievable.
My little curly headed teddy bear is on his way.
Katie had another competition today, a large one. Ashley came along to cheer her sister on and keep me company. Ashley cheers for her school but isn't competing this year. Katie's team was first up so we had to be at the arena at 6:30 am, meaning we had to leave the house at 5am. Insanity, I tell you! The good news is they won again.
Well, it seems that Big Chunky has not only embraced her name but she has had it tattooed on her ample behind. All the better to sit on you, my dear! (Now, granted, this is all heresay as I nor anyone I know has actually seen the BC tat) I can just see skinny Katie's stick arms and legs poking out from under the Big Chunky caboose. I am sure that any girl who has to have her nickname written out for her everywhere she looks will soon forget about terrorizing my daughter and move on to fresh meat. My sister has now picked up the BC theme and has threatened to go 'All Big Chunky' on me! Hah! Visions of childhood with an older sister.... (OK, so the reality is I terrorized my older sister growing up so she probably has good reason to BC me a few!)
And finally, just for you Ellie, we got the results of Ahren's DNA test. It's a MATCH! Twenty-two months to the day after we accepted his referral this first very important step is done. We are finally on our way. I had good reason to doubt it would match. Things that have worried me for a very long time. To know that it does match and we can move ahead is unbelievable.
My little curly headed teddy bear is on his way.
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Big Chunky Update
Katie made it through yesterday without any Big Chunky sightings. Of course she said she sneaked around all the back hallways and hid out during lunch. Today and tomorrow BC has suspension so she will be out of the mix.
My phone rang this morning and it was my friend. She was so excited because she knows who Big Chunky is! Apparently the girl lives in her neighborhood. She sees her all the time and Katie's description of her is spot-on. Big and mean! So what is her name? My friend doesn't know. She just knows who she is because she drives a jacked-up pickup that has Big Chunky written across the tailgate.
Yup, we live in Texas. Yeehaw!
My phone rang this morning and it was my friend. She was so excited because she knows who Big Chunky is! Apparently the girl lives in her neighborhood. She sees her all the time and Katie's description of her is spot-on. Big and mean! So what is her name? My friend doesn't know. She just knows who she is because she drives a jacked-up pickup that has Big Chunky written across the tailgate.
Yup, we live in Texas. Yeehaw!
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Big Chunky Vs Ghetto Barbie
My friend asked me the other day why it always appears that katie is throwing gang signs in her photos. Well, that would be because she thinks she is Ghetto Barbie.
Yesterday she comes home from school and she tells me this story. Some older girl was picking on her friend Britt, who is a tiny little thing, so Katie stood up to her and told her to shove off. Well, the older girl went and got her very large and mean friend who then declared she was going to mess Katie up good. All Day Katie avoided her but towards the end of the day the bigger girl caught up with her and started chasing her thru the school. Katie, screching I'm sure, high-tailed it to the office where the administrator saw what was going on and ordered the opther girl to 2 days of in-school suspension. So now, the girl is really pissed and Katie is really scared. Ghetto Barbie can talk like she's all that but fight? No way! So Katie wants me to call the school today and be sure that they watch out for this girl trying to murder her. I ask Katie what the girls name is, and she says........
Big Chunky
That's what everyone calls her and she doesn't know her real name. So I am supposed to call the school and tell them Big Chunky wants to kill my daughter. Riiiight...
Yesterday she comes home from school and she tells me this story. Some older girl was picking on her friend Britt, who is a tiny little thing, so Katie stood up to her and told her to shove off. Well, the older girl went and got her very large and mean friend who then declared she was going to mess Katie up good. All Day Katie avoided her but towards the end of the day the bigger girl caught up with her and started chasing her thru the school. Katie, screching I'm sure, high-tailed it to the office where the administrator saw what was going on and ordered the opther girl to 2 days of in-school suspension. So now, the girl is really pissed and Katie is really scared. Ghetto Barbie can talk like she's all that but fight? No way! So Katie wants me to call the school today and be sure that they watch out for this girl trying to murder her. I ask Katie what the girls name is, and she says........
Big Chunky
That's what everyone calls her and she doesn't know her real name. So I am supposed to call the school and tell them Big Chunky wants to kill my daughter. Riiiight...
It's hard to tell in the pictures how sick PBJ was and how much better she is doing. The damage to her brain was much more evident in her physical movements or lack there-of. One thing I see in these pix is that she is holding her upper body up while the FM holds her. That was impossible in October. It does look like she is still slouching in the stroller but it's only been a month. One thing Chris and I both noticed is her eyes look so much brighter and her skin is a much better color. Here is a pic from October to compare.
No word yet on Ahren's DNA results. The samples were sent with a batch of samples to the lab on Friday. They would have been logged in on Monday and then the work starts. I would guess by the end of the week we should hear something, or maybe early next week.
Unbelievably, next week is Thanksgiving. Say WHAT? How in the heck did that happen? I usually have all my Christmas shopping done by now and am beginning to dig out all the decorations. This year all of the decorations are in a storage unit from our move and somehow I lost the key to the lock. I started shopping yesterday. I don't know who is going to be at my house for Thanksgiving dinner so I don't know how much to buy or what to plan for. Can we just skip the holidays this year and maybe pretend they don't exist? I remember being so sad last year but cheering myself up by saying that would be the last Christmas without the kids. That darn Reality Fairy just keeps smacking me upside the head. Ouch!
No word yet on Ahren's DNA results. The samples were sent with a batch of samples to the lab on Friday. They would have been logged in on Monday and then the work starts. I would guess by the end of the week we should hear something, or maybe early next week.
Unbelievably, next week is Thanksgiving. Say WHAT? How in the heck did that happen? I usually have all my Christmas shopping done by now and am beginning to dig out all the decorations. This year all of the decorations are in a storage unit from our move and somehow I lost the key to the lock. I started shopping yesterday. I don't know who is going to be at my house for Thanksgiving dinner so I don't know how much to buy or what to plan for. Can we just skip the holidays this year and maybe pretend they don't exist? I remember being so sad last year but cheering myself up by saying that would be the last Christmas without the kids. That darn Reality Fairy just keeps smacking me upside the head. Ouch!
Monday, November 12, 2007
All fattened up
She must be eating everything in sight! She's back to being a little butterball just in time for the holidays. These were taken yesterday. She looks so good! Her skin and hair look better, her cheeks are fat and I can see dimply thighs thru her sleeper. This just brings such joy to my heart!!!!!
Sunday, November 11, 2007
Sweet Hope Candy Time
The wonderful Elle is once again selling her fine hand-made candies (truffles and caramels) to raise money for adoption. Each time she takes on this Herculean task, she donates proceeds to a family who is struggling with the costs of adopting. You have got to try these candies. They are to die for. They make the perfect gift, come in beautiful little holiday boxes and will tell those special people that you love them enough to send them the very best.
And if you don't beleive me, just ask Levi.
Please go to http://www.lifeofelle.com to purchase your share of the Sweet Hope goodness.
Friday, November 09, 2007
Anger Management
Sorry about deleting the last couple of posts. Let's just say that I was advised by someone in the legal field that I should remove them.
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This little face started it. All 5 pounds of him then, spit on his chin, pursed lips and peach fuzz hair. He turned 22 months old this week. He walks and talks and has a personality now. He doesn't know us. I am angry.
When it became apparent that his case was a disaster and we knew we wanted one more, we found this little face. Her case flew! Before we knew it we were in PGN (less than 3 months and we weren't even paper ready when we started) Then the bumps in the road began to slow our process. Slower, slower, slower. Then, less than a week before her 1st birthday someone hurt her. I thought for sure we would bring her home since she needed us so badly. But no, our government was all ready to help, but the Guat gov't won't let her go. I am angry.
Then it seemed that a miracle was droppinginto our hearts. This little guy who I had met last year was suddenly going to be part of our family. In a matter of a couple of months he would be living with us. I got to enjoy that thought for almost a week. Then everything changed. If we want him we have to start over from scratch. Re-file our INS paperwork, get a new homestudy, pay the complete fees and suffer through the whole long, unbelievably complicated process again. I am angry.
I am not angry at anyone in particular. I am angry at the situation. I am angry that all of our good intentions and hard work just bring us more pain. I am angry that nothing is easy. I am angry every time I see another family rejoicing that they are bringing home their 7 month old baby. I am angry that my friend's little girl just spent her 3rd birthday in a row without them because a judge won't sign one document. I am angry that politics and money are held in much higher esteem than the life of a child.
I am angry.
.JPG)
This little face started it. All 5 pounds of him then, spit on his chin, pursed lips and peach fuzz hair. He turned 22 months old this week. He walks and talks and has a personality now. He doesn't know us. I am angry.
When it became apparent that his case was a disaster and we knew we wanted one more, we found this little face. Her case flew! Before we knew it we were in PGN (less than 3 months and we weren't even paper ready when we started) Then the bumps in the road began to slow our process. Slower, slower, slower. Then, less than a week before her 1st birthday someone hurt her. I thought for sure we would bring her home since she needed us so badly. But no, our government was all ready to help, but the Guat gov't won't let her go. I am angry.
Then it seemed that a miracle was droppinginto our hearts. This little guy who I had met last year was suddenly going to be part of our family. In a matter of a couple of months he would be living with us. I got to enjoy that thought for almost a week. Then everything changed. If we want him we have to start over from scratch. Re-file our INS paperwork, get a new homestudy, pay the complete fees and suffer through the whole long, unbelievably complicated process again. I am angry.
I am not angry at anyone in particular. I am angry at the situation. I am angry that all of our good intentions and hard work just bring us more pain. I am angry that nothing is easy. I am angry every time I see another family rejoicing that they are bringing home their 7 month old baby. I am angry that my friend's little girl just spent her 3rd birthday in a row without them because a judge won't sign one document. I am angry that politics and money are held in much higher esteem than the life of a child.
I am angry.
Sunday, November 04, 2007
A Very Cheery Saturday
First competition of the season. It was small compared to some of the regionals and nationals we have been to, but a great season opener. You can't imagine what it is like to be in a large convention center with 4000 cheerleaders, super-loud music, and constant flipping, tumbling and flying girls everywhere.
So Congratulations Legacy Hot Pink to your first 1st Place trophy of the 2007-2008 season!
Friday, November 02, 2007
Info
I was completely mystified about this unknown person suddenly filing a document protesting PBJ's adoption. The Birthmom is supportive and cooperative, she isn't a minor, no other family member ever came forward, etc etc. Then the lovely Krystal told me that a certain area in Guatemala had recently decided to fight all adoptions of kids born there. So I checked. Yep, PBJ was born there. Figures.
I don't know what impact it will have on our case. The agency doesn't seem worried. The document doesn't want to claim her to parent, just fight the adoption (?) There is a deep seated belief, especially in the rural areas, that Americans adopt Guat babies to sell their body parts. The government down there sees this all the time.
So I am breathing a sigh of relief, partially, that this is just an oddity and to be ignored. The lawyer down there insists that they had the hearing in front of the judge to convince them the birthmother is not a deaf/mute and the judge indicated he/she was ruling in our favor. We just need the judge to sign the case and hand it back to PGN so we can get out. I know, from one of our friend's cases, that the judges in Minor Court can sit on a case for a very, very long time. Months, more months, many many months. Maybe they have a game....the one with the most files wins!
I don't know what impact it will have on our case. The agency doesn't seem worried. The document doesn't want to claim her to parent, just fight the adoption (?) There is a deep seated belief, especially in the rural areas, that Americans adopt Guat babies to sell their body parts. The government down there sees this all the time.
So I am breathing a sigh of relief, partially, that this is just an oddity and to be ignored. The lawyer down there insists that they had the hearing in front of the judge to convince them the birthmother is not a deaf/mute and the judge indicated he/she was ruling in our favor. We just need the judge to sign the case and hand it back to PGN so we can get out. I know, from one of our friend's cases, that the judges in Minor Court can sit on a case for a very, very long time. Months, more months, many many months. Maybe they have a game....the one with the most files wins!
Thursday, November 01, 2007
Halloween chaos
Our little man was a pirate for Halloween last night. Here he is trying to do a scary-pirate pose while trying to keep the parrot on his shoulder and the too-small hat on his head. His Dad pulled him around the neighborhood in a wagon and I handed out candy. 
The parrot didn't make it out of the driveway, the eye patch was gone moments later and the hat too. He still was a cute pirate!
Of course, it couldn't be a holiday without some chaos thrown in. Katie's cheer practice got moved to 5pm, which meant I had to get off work early to get her to the gym on time. Then, because of construction, the trip to the gym and back took an HOUR.....for a 5 mile trip. By the time I got home I was scrambling to get everything set before the 6:30 pm Trick-or-Treat kickoff. I washed out the muddy wagon and dried it off, found the big black candy cauldron in the garage, washed it and filled it with candy, set up our 'station' at the end of the driveway to hand out candy (pumpkins lit up - check, lanterns - check, chairs - check, sweatshirt - check) got some food into Levi and then got him into his costume. Placed a blanket in the wagon, attached glow sticks all around the wagon for visibility, handed him off to Chris and just barely headed out with the candy as the first hay-ride full of kids arrived.
Exactly one hour later, Chris and Levi returned, I grabbed Katie's too-small cheer skirt and headed back to the gym to pick her up. They swapped out her skirt for one that fits much better and we then headed off to pick up some friends of hers so they could now go trick-or-treating. I am sure the neighbors were amazed, astounded, shocked, thrilled, laughing (pick a word) when a gaggle of long-legged, 15 yr old girls came begging for candy. Katie was a Dallas Cowboy cheerleader, the other girls were similarly clad. They weren't the only high schoolers, either. I guess here you go trick or treating until you get your HS diploma.
After everything settled down we began to talk about how it will be next year. We will have to use the little tractor and pull the small wagon full of hay and kids. No simple wagon will fit them all. At least I hope that is the case......
The parrot didn't make it out of the driveway, the eye patch was gone moments later and the hat too. He still was a cute pirate!
Of course, it couldn't be a holiday without some chaos thrown in. Katie's cheer practice got moved to 5pm, which meant I had to get off work early to get her to the gym on time. Then, because of construction, the trip to the gym and back took an HOUR.....for a 5 mile trip. By the time I got home I was scrambling to get everything set before the 6:30 pm Trick-or-Treat kickoff. I washed out the muddy wagon and dried it off, found the big black candy cauldron in the garage, washed it and filled it with candy, set up our 'station' at the end of the driveway to hand out candy (pumpkins lit up - check, lanterns - check, chairs - check, sweatshirt - check) got some food into Levi and then got him into his costume. Placed a blanket in the wagon, attached glow sticks all around the wagon for visibility, handed him off to Chris and just barely headed out with the candy as the first hay-ride full of kids arrived.Exactly one hour later, Chris and Levi returned, I grabbed Katie's too-small cheer skirt and headed back to the gym to pick her up. They swapped out her skirt for one that fits much better and we then headed off to pick up some friends of hers so they could now go trick-or-treating. I am sure the neighbors were amazed, astounded, shocked, thrilled, laughing (pick a word) when a gaggle of long-legged, 15 yr old girls came begging for candy. Katie was a Dallas Cowboy cheerleader, the other girls were similarly clad. They weren't the only high schoolers, either. I guess here you go trick or treating until you get your HS diploma.
After everything settled down we began to talk about how it will be next year. We will have to use the little tractor and pull the small wagon full of hay and kids. No simple wagon will fit them all. At least I hope that is the case......
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