So at dinner tonight, after preparing an inexpensive, yet very good dinner (thanks to http://hishandshisfeettoday.blogspot.com/.... her potato & corn cakes where good!), we had a talk with the kids.
We asked them first if they would like to either adopt or foster another kid, probably a younger one, and of course, Madi answered YES before I even finished the question. She has such a desire to have siblings, and knows that when another kid comes into our home it means a new and better life for them, like it did for her... and she really wants that for others!! Then, almost immedietly she asked if Bubba was coming home. (Sadly, court was continued for him yet again, so still no word.) Then the other two said yes, and actually seemed excited about it!! It seems like what we have tried to teach them about orphans is starting to seep into their hearts too (YAYAYAY!).
We then talked about how another kid means less attention from us, but definitly NOT less love. We told them it means less activities that cost money, but NOT less fun! And less spending, but never being in want. They still all said yes... and then proceeded to come up with tons of suggestions on how to make money, save money, and ways they will step up and help us when the new kid comes! Some of the money making suggestions made me laugh, and the ways they had to save were definitly inventive. But I loved that they all said, we dont need to do this, or that, and we can help you do this more, or complain less.
Made my heart soar with pride for these 3 ladies. 2 who have only been with us for 2 and a half months (seems longer...). I think it was God's way of showing us that by walking this life out and having this heart that we do and letting our hearts be seen, we are impacting a future generation in a BIG way.
We are still praying about domestic/international adoption, instead of going through foster care, and I have been doing some info gathering on it, but we feel ok with where we are now. I know that our agency does all types of adoption, so on that front, all we have to do is say we wanna do it and they can start us on the right steps. I believe we need to pay off the Lawyer from Madi's adoption (they did it on "credit" and we pay them monthly) before we start on a new adoption road.
After dinner, Madi told me she has been praying for a sister from my belly and lots of siblings from God (meaning orphans), then she happily skipped off and worked for almost an hour on her gymnastics.
Seriously. Love the heart.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Adoption??
Man, have I been challanged by some of the blogs I read. Ladies... you have no idea. 3 blogs that I read have recently posted about adopting even tho you dont have the money, the space, the whatever to do it. And another one alluded to it.
God. If your saying its time for us to do international, or even domestic adoption... please Father, prepare us to see it, and then show it to us.
I'm laughing now. Oh, my, I think He is showing it to us. I have that "God moment" feeling in my belly!
Let me just say that financially, we CAN NOT afford an adoption. Truly, the way we are budgeted now... we couldnt really afford another kid without some help. BUT GOD.
I just signed up to sell Mary Kay. I know that I probably wont make a ton of money, but really, how much does it cost to feed a child? http://hishandshisfeettoday.blogspot.com/ Just posted a blog about this. They have 10 (seriously, 10) adopted kids and they spend about $16 a week per person for groceries, and they homeschool (so they have to do 3 meals), and some (all?) of the kids eat a GFCF diet, which is more expensive. I know if I restructered the budget (and learn how to spell restructered, haha), I could make it work. And even more. God would provide.
We have the space, I have the time, we have the love, the heart, the patience... so whats a little money to stand in the way of saving a child? Of allowing God to use us to redeem a child? Of giving a child a future, a life, a family, and LOVE? God's got cattle on a thousand hills. Hes got the money to do it. But are we ready to do it? Are we ready to sacrifice?
Oh thats the key I'm sure. Sacrifice. Oh Jesus... increase the You in me.. and in Mike.. and in Madi so we are ready, willing, able, and EAGER to sacrifice.
When I think about the financial stuff, I think, we need to buy a van first. Right now, we have one car, and are borrowing my moms to have a second one, just so we can make the schedules work. Thats not a permanant solution. So I guess we really need God to provide a way for us to buy a van. Hopefully without going into any debt. But me saying, we get a van, and THEN, we start looking into adoption just sounds LAME.
There is never a perfect time.
There is never a perfect situation.
Our lives are never ready for change.
Change is never easy.
There is never going to be a time when we need nothing.
I really am feeling in my spirit that the time is NOW. And seriously, that scares the CA-RAP outta me!!
Lord prepare us.
Make us ready.
Help us stay in YOUR plans.
All for you Jesus.
All for you.
The other blogs that have posted about this are:
http://arethesekidsallyours.blogspot.com/ (The post titled "Love notes from kids")
http://aplacecalledsimplicity.blogspot.com/ (The post titled "If We Had The Money")
http://imghanaadopt.blogspot.com/ (she alluded to it, but Im sure if you look through her archives you'd find some more about it!!
http://mountaintopmemories.blogspot.com/ (I know its on her blog somewhere, but I cant find it....)
God. If your saying its time for us to do international, or even domestic adoption... please Father, prepare us to see it, and then show it to us.
I'm laughing now. Oh, my, I think He is showing it to us. I have that "God moment" feeling in my belly!
Let me just say that financially, we CAN NOT afford an adoption. Truly, the way we are budgeted now... we couldnt really afford another kid without some help. BUT GOD.
I just signed up to sell Mary Kay. I know that I probably wont make a ton of money, but really, how much does it cost to feed a child? http://hishandshisfeettoday.blogspot.com/ Just posted a blog about this. They have 10 (seriously, 10) adopted kids and they spend about $16 a week per person for groceries, and they homeschool (so they have to do 3 meals), and some (all?) of the kids eat a GFCF diet, which is more expensive. I know if I restructered the budget (and learn how to spell restructered, haha), I could make it work. And even more. God would provide.
We have the space, I have the time, we have the love, the heart, the patience... so whats a little money to stand in the way of saving a child? Of allowing God to use us to redeem a child? Of giving a child a future, a life, a family, and LOVE? God's got cattle on a thousand hills. Hes got the money to do it. But are we ready to do it? Are we ready to sacrifice?
Oh thats the key I'm sure. Sacrifice. Oh Jesus... increase the You in me.. and in Mike.. and in Madi so we are ready, willing, able, and EAGER to sacrifice.
When I think about the financial stuff, I think, we need to buy a van first. Right now, we have one car, and are borrowing my moms to have a second one, just so we can make the schedules work. Thats not a permanant solution. So I guess we really need God to provide a way for us to buy a van. Hopefully without going into any debt. But me saying, we get a van, and THEN, we start looking into adoption just sounds LAME.
There is never a perfect time.
There is never a perfect situation.
Our lives are never ready for change.
Change is never easy.
There is never going to be a time when we need nothing.
I really am feeling in my spirit that the time is NOW. And seriously, that scares the CA-RAP outta me!!
Lord prepare us.
Make us ready.
Help us stay in YOUR plans.
All for you Jesus.
All for you.
The other blogs that have posted about this are:
http://arethesekidsallyours.blogspot.com/ (The post titled "Love notes from kids")
http://aplacecalledsimplicity.blogspot.com/ (The post titled "If We Had The Money")
http://imghanaadopt.blogspot.com/ (she alluded to it, but Im sure if you look through her archives you'd find some more about it!!
http://mountaintopmemories.blogspot.com/ (I know its on her blog somewhere, but I cant find it....)
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
So Proud!
After Christmas, we decided Madi was doing well enough in school, and life was seeming less stressful and more settled, so we would start her in Gymnastics as well as ballet. Her very first practice, I was in awe of the kid. My very very very easily distracted girl was completely focused on her teacher. For a whole hour, she did what she was told, listened, and didnt look all over the huge gym, as I had figured she would. There are probably 10 different classes being taught in different areas of the gym at the same time as Madi... plenty ways to be distracted. Not only was I impressed by her focus, Mike and I were struck and how much our girl LOOKED like a gymnast. She is pretty graceful, and very athletic. Her little white with red hearts leotard made her look like she belonged. And when her hour was up, her little face was simply GLOWING! I had tears in my eyes just watching the joy and concentration on her face. Her first night, when she received 2 ribbons for mastering techniques (8 total techniques), she was hooked. She checked out gymnastics books at the library, and read them repeatedly.
About 3 weeks ago, she decided she was progressing fast enough for herself (she had only had 2 or 3 classes at this point) so she started to do sit ups, push ups, and running the stairs, almost every night. She was having trouble with her hand stand, so we started working on it home (her handstand is now almost perfect every time!).
Miss Madison has now completed almost all of the techniques and is 2 ribbons shy of being moved up to the advanced level. Last week, she asked her coach what she needed to learn. Her coach said her back bend and her walk over. So all week that kid has worked on it every night. She was afraid of standing up and doing the back bend with no cushion. Admittedly, she still is afraid, but she can do it, she just has to convince herself to just bend! And her walkover. OH man, am I proud. She has worked sooo hard to be able to do it with a step under her feet, which is the first step.
Tonight she had to wait until last to do her back bend and walkover, but when it was her turn, she did it perfect!!! The use a sloped mat and at the top, the easiest one, she did it, then at the bottom, which is harder, she did it again with no help!! I had tears in my eyes and I was soooo close to crying with pure delight!! The look on that kids face.... it said, MOmmy mommy, daddy daddy, did you seee???? I TOTALLY did it!!
Her next step? To do the walkover on the floor with no help! That requires a lot of strength, so I know we have a lot of work, but this kid wanted to start tonight!!
Im so proud. She worked so hard and achieved her goal. Its been amazing to watch her take hold of something so hard and simply decide she was going to do it.
Oh. She decided she was going to be in the Olympics for gymnastics when she is old enough. Look out world!
About 3 weeks ago, she decided she was progressing fast enough for herself (she had only had 2 or 3 classes at this point) so she started to do sit ups, push ups, and running the stairs, almost every night. She was having trouble with her hand stand, so we started working on it home (her handstand is now almost perfect every time!).
Miss Madison has now completed almost all of the techniques and is 2 ribbons shy of being moved up to the advanced level. Last week, she asked her coach what she needed to learn. Her coach said her back bend and her walk over. So all week that kid has worked on it every night. She was afraid of standing up and doing the back bend with no cushion. Admittedly, she still is afraid, but she can do it, she just has to convince herself to just bend! And her walkover. OH man, am I proud. She has worked sooo hard to be able to do it with a step under her feet, which is the first step.
Tonight she had to wait until last to do her back bend and walkover, but when it was her turn, she did it perfect!!! The use a sloped mat and at the top, the easiest one, she did it, then at the bottom, which is harder, she did it again with no help!! I had tears in my eyes and I was soooo close to crying with pure delight!! The look on that kids face.... it said, MOmmy mommy, daddy daddy, did you seee???? I TOTALLY did it!!
Her next step? To do the walkover on the floor with no help! That requires a lot of strength, so I know we have a lot of work, but this kid wanted to start tonight!!
Im so proud. She worked so hard and achieved her goal. Its been amazing to watch her take hold of something so hard and simply decide she was going to do it.
Oh. She decided she was going to be in the Olympics for gymnastics when she is old enough. Look out world!
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Love
Its begining to dawn on me. I have tried to avoid it, saying I would never let it happen. But. It has.
I have begun to treat Madi and the other foster kids differently. Its not a conscious thing, and I certainly am not trying to seperate them. Someone told us that it might happen. That, after adopting her, when it has sunk in that she is truly ours, we may start to view her and the others on different levels, but we always swore we weren't like that.
I knew in some way we loved Madi more than the other two... but she has been with us for a long time, compared with Jay and Kiki... they have only been here for 2 months.
I dont want to treat them differently, but in some ways, I think its inevitable.
We are more demonstrative in showing love to Madi, becuase she is a VERY touchy kid, and the other two arent as much. They always give us goodnight hugs and if we ask for a hug, they will give one, but they never ask. Madi, on the other hand, used to be TOOOOO touchy feely, due to her past and her attachtment disorder, and now has toned it down, but still loves her huggies and lovies!
Since Madi isnt a foster kid, we dont HAVE to give her an allowance, but she does have the opportunity to earn one, like the other girls. Most time though, Madi chooses to earn a prize instead of money. For her, money goes into a bank and gets forgotten about... she much prefers to work for something immediate, like a Littlest Pet Shop Toy, or a new "Jesus Book". But, the other two get a dollar a day whether they earn it or not. (Dont worry, they have chores and we think they earn it!). Now, Jay has more money than Madi in her bank, but she still gets mad when Madi gets a new toy... even though we give her the opportunity to take her money to the store and buy things with it.
Family and friends also treat Madi differently... but not in a mean way. Madi is a ball of charm and if you like kids, you inevitably cant help but love Madi. We went to a party a couple of weeks ago, and the host hadnt met the girls yet, so when he did he said hi and was (of course) nice and polite, but when he saw Madi, he picked her up and said "There's my favorite girl!" (This guy is a BIG kid, and definitly kinda crazy and A.D.D., so he and Madi are 2 peas in a pod). After that, the whole night, Kiki was very angry with Madi and wouldnt play with her, and since Jay does everything Kiki does, Madi had a very sad night.
Its very difficult to find the right way to handle this. I LOVE Jay and Kiki, and even though I know they arent "mine", and will be going home at some point, I feel like they are "my girls" too! But, Madi truly is MY GIRL. There is such a peace and a restful feeling knowing that Madison is our child. For so long and with so many kids, there is no control, it doesnt matter how great of a parent you are, that kid could be taken from you becuase they are not yours! And now I know that if I continue to be a good momma, no one can take her. We make the choices for her life and can make them prayerfully and with HER best interests at heart. It must be what "normal" parents feel... maybe I could call it an easy love? A love without reservations? I know before the adoption, I held a peice of me back becuase I was so fearful of losing her, like we had lost so many others. Like our miscarriages. I feel like I was in mommy self-preservation mode... love as much as you can... but still keep part of your heart hidden so at least that part wont get hurt. But now... my heart is wide open with her. She is my "first born", my heart, my child.
Does that make loving her more ok? Im struggling. I dont want to be Madi's mom, and Jay and Kiki's foster mom. I just want to be everyones Mom. For them to feel loved and WANTED and cared for and important!! I dont want to be just an average whatever foster mom. I want to make a difference in their lives. To show them true love, Christ's love. I dont want them to feel inadequate simply becuase adults in their lives made wrong choices and they ended up being plopped in some random strangers house!
Have any of you been through this in some way... I think I could use some insight.
I have begun to treat Madi and the other foster kids differently. Its not a conscious thing, and I certainly am not trying to seperate them. Someone told us that it might happen. That, after adopting her, when it has sunk in that she is truly ours, we may start to view her and the others on different levels, but we always swore we weren't like that.
I knew in some way we loved Madi more than the other two... but she has been with us for a long time, compared with Jay and Kiki... they have only been here for 2 months.
I dont want to treat them differently, but in some ways, I think its inevitable.
We are more demonstrative in showing love to Madi, becuase she is a VERY touchy kid, and the other two arent as much. They always give us goodnight hugs and if we ask for a hug, they will give one, but they never ask. Madi, on the other hand, used to be TOOOOO touchy feely, due to her past and her attachtment disorder, and now has toned it down, but still loves her huggies and lovies!
Since Madi isnt a foster kid, we dont HAVE to give her an allowance, but she does have the opportunity to earn one, like the other girls. Most time though, Madi chooses to earn a prize instead of money. For her, money goes into a bank and gets forgotten about... she much prefers to work for something immediate, like a Littlest Pet Shop Toy, or a new "Jesus Book". But, the other two get a dollar a day whether they earn it or not. (Dont worry, they have chores and we think they earn it!). Now, Jay has more money than Madi in her bank, but she still gets mad when Madi gets a new toy... even though we give her the opportunity to take her money to the store and buy things with it.
Family and friends also treat Madi differently... but not in a mean way. Madi is a ball of charm and if you like kids, you inevitably cant help but love Madi. We went to a party a couple of weeks ago, and the host hadnt met the girls yet, so when he did he said hi and was (of course) nice and polite, but when he saw Madi, he picked her up and said "There's my favorite girl!" (This guy is a BIG kid, and definitly kinda crazy and A.D.D., so he and Madi are 2 peas in a pod). After that, the whole night, Kiki was very angry with Madi and wouldnt play with her, and since Jay does everything Kiki does, Madi had a very sad night.
Its very difficult to find the right way to handle this. I LOVE Jay and Kiki, and even though I know they arent "mine", and will be going home at some point, I feel like they are "my girls" too! But, Madi truly is MY GIRL. There is such a peace and a restful feeling knowing that Madison is our child. For so long and with so many kids, there is no control, it doesnt matter how great of a parent you are, that kid could be taken from you becuase they are not yours! And now I know that if I continue to be a good momma, no one can take her. We make the choices for her life and can make them prayerfully and with HER best interests at heart. It must be what "normal" parents feel... maybe I could call it an easy love? A love without reservations? I know before the adoption, I held a peice of me back becuase I was so fearful of losing her, like we had lost so many others. Like our miscarriages. I feel like I was in mommy self-preservation mode... love as much as you can... but still keep part of your heart hidden so at least that part wont get hurt. But now... my heart is wide open with her. She is my "first born", my heart, my child.
Does that make loving her more ok? Im struggling. I dont want to be Madi's mom, and Jay and Kiki's foster mom. I just want to be everyones Mom. For them to feel loved and WANTED and cared for and important!! I dont want to be just an average whatever foster mom. I want to make a difference in their lives. To show them true love, Christ's love. I dont want them to feel inadequate simply becuase adults in their lives made wrong choices and they ended up being plopped in some random strangers house!
Have any of you been through this in some way... I think I could use some insight.
Monday, February 22, 2010
My Girl.
Madison decided on Sunday that she wanted to wear her new cheetah print skirt. She also wanted to wear her cheetah print shoes and headband.
Oh. My.
After church she said, mommy, I feel so pretty, can you take my picture?
Well.. how could I resist?
My Gorgeous Girl:
Friday, February 19, 2010
It occured to me tonight as Mike went to bed right after we put the kids to sleep, without us exchanging more than 20 words alone, that this has been happening a lot lately.
It didnt make me think that we dont talk ever, or that our marriage is falling apart, or we are drifting away from each other, becuase thats not even close to the truth. Instead, it made me think about how much I love this man, how much he loves me, and more importantly, how we need to start working more on us. No, it wont be easy, work is never easy, and yes it would be 1 million times easier just to let it go and hope it works itself out. But that's not what we promised to do 5 years ago. We promised to love in good times and bad. So that means when life swirls around at an unsteady and dizzying pace, we MUST find time. Take time, make time to be together. To have alone time. To have time to love and hug and talk and pray and just be together.
I wrote this becuase I wanted to encourage anyone who reads my blog that marriage is work, it can be tough, but it is always worth it. I wanted you to think... am I working for my marriage to not only be ok, but to be good! To be a light in a world riddled with divorces, celebrity marriage scandels, and the rate of both of those rising at astounding rates. To show our kids that marriage does work. It is good. And more importantly, that THEY too can have successful marriages!!
Mike and I are blessed. So far in life, we have dealt with a lot. A lot of loss, financial strain, drama with relationships outside of our own, and infertility, but through all of that, marriage has been easy!! We love to be married... to be with each other... and it was easy!! But lately, with 3 kids with crazy schedules, we have found that there just isnt much time to be alone!! I beleive God is taking us down a road where we will have to learn how to work at this. And I'm ready. I KNOW that we will come out of this better. I know that nothing will tear us apart... not even crazy schedules! I'm ready to work at this marriage and make it even better becuase I believe that God will bless us for it, draw us even closer, and make us stronger!!
All that said.. I am going to get on the phone and call some babysitters and take my Mr. out on a date one night this week!! How about you? Even if your marriage is perfect (haha.. thats a funny thought, 2 imperfect people making a perfect marriage... ok, so maybe we will say a "near-perfect-but-only-because-God-is-the-center-and-we-give-everything-of-ourselves-to-Him marriage") how could you make it better? What is something that your marriage is lacking? And how can you turn the lack into abundance?
It didnt make me think that we dont talk ever, or that our marriage is falling apart, or we are drifting away from each other, becuase thats not even close to the truth. Instead, it made me think about how much I love this man, how much he loves me, and more importantly, how we need to start working more on us. No, it wont be easy, work is never easy, and yes it would be 1 million times easier just to let it go and hope it works itself out. But that's not what we promised to do 5 years ago. We promised to love in good times and bad. So that means when life swirls around at an unsteady and dizzying pace, we MUST find time. Take time, make time to be together. To have alone time. To have time to love and hug and talk and pray and just be together.
I wrote this becuase I wanted to encourage anyone who reads my blog that marriage is work, it can be tough, but it is always worth it. I wanted you to think... am I working for my marriage to not only be ok, but to be good! To be a light in a world riddled with divorces, celebrity marriage scandels, and the rate of both of those rising at astounding rates. To show our kids that marriage does work. It is good. And more importantly, that THEY too can have successful marriages!!
Mike and I are blessed. So far in life, we have dealt with a lot. A lot of loss, financial strain, drama with relationships outside of our own, and infertility, but through all of that, marriage has been easy!! We love to be married... to be with each other... and it was easy!! But lately, with 3 kids with crazy schedules, we have found that there just isnt much time to be alone!! I beleive God is taking us down a road where we will have to learn how to work at this. And I'm ready. I KNOW that we will come out of this better. I know that nothing will tear us apart... not even crazy schedules! I'm ready to work at this marriage and make it even better becuase I believe that God will bless us for it, draw us even closer, and make us stronger!!
All that said.. I am going to get on the phone and call some babysitters and take my Mr. out on a date one night this week!! How about you? Even if your marriage is perfect (haha.. thats a funny thought, 2 imperfect people making a perfect marriage... ok, so maybe we will say a "near-perfect-but-only-because-God-is-the-center-and-we-give-everything-of-ourselves-to-Him marriage") how could you make it better? What is something that your marriage is lacking? And how can you turn the lack into abundance?
Thursday, February 18, 2010
What Am I Thinking!?!
So, the other night, I went to a Mary Kay thing for a friend who start selling it a few months ago. Joan is a sweet friend and I really enjoy her, so I decided to go becuase she is cool!!! I have sold a few things... candles, jewelry, knives even... and enjoyed some of it. I especially enjoyed the jewelry. But when I stopped selling it, I pretty much decided I was done selling stuff. Its not that I'm not good at it... I did make some nice money, but I think I'm out of time, out of energy, and out of people who want to buy more stuff from me.. haha!
Anyways... somehow I got talked into staying for the "you know you wanna do this" part. They said, it will give Joan some more points, so, ok. I stayed. I listened. And its all so tempting.
And all I can think then is:
Anyways... somehow I got talked into staying for the "you know you wanna do this" part. They said, it will give Joan some more points, so, ok. I stayed. I listened. And its all so tempting.
And all I can think then is:
WHAT AM I THINKING!?!?!
Do I really want to do this again? The money would be nice... but the fellowship and friendship would be even nicer! The paperwork and the time would be hard to deal with, but half priced makeup (that I already use) would be a big benefit.
If (big IF) I would do this.. I think I would look at it as a hobby. As a fun thing to do... get some cheap makeup, some friends, and maybe make a few extra bucks to buy myself something pretty. Or more likely... to buy the kids something they need. (Ugh... I just got the list of stuff Kiki needs to start soccer... what the heck!! lol... they need a lot to kick a ball around in Middle School!!)
Seriously. I cant believe I'm actually entertaining the notion of selling Mary Kay. I always always snubbed my nose at selling that stuff. Yet... I LOVE pink! I like that they encourage you to put God first, family second, and job 3rd. Why was I always so against it. And why in the world am I even considering this! Ha!
The lady who called me tonight as a follow up said I sounded like I am at war with myself. Darn tootin' I am! :o)
Oh help. lol!
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
New Church...
We have been praying a lot as a family about what church the Lord is leading us to... and we have visited a few.
We made our criterea based on prayers and personal needs and preferences.
They were:
Worship- musically sound, Spirit led, modern and contemporary but with a respect of the older hymns and such.
Little Kids- a ministry that taught kids the value of the Word, fellowship, and GOOD solid friendships, and also knows that kids are powerpacked little prayer warriors and evangelists given the right tools.
Youth- a solid youth ministry for middle school and high school that has fun, Christ-centered events and has astrong emphasis on worship, prayer, and evangelism.
One other thing that we really wanted was a church that could minister to any special needs kids that could come into our family. We knew that was a long shot and probably not something that we would find, but something to look for anyways.
And of course, good solid, bible-based, spirit-led, Christ-centered preaching!! Oh, and not to big, not to small. We like the 250-400 member churches.
This past Sunday, we went to http://www.worshipcenter.org/ and really enjoyed it. It is a large church... I think the average weekly attendance for 3 services is about 2,000... huge to us!
But, the worship was amazing. Oh my goodness... it sounded like it could have been a recording.. the quality was awesome! And it was definitly spirit-led and it felt good. Do you know what I mean? Just being in the congregation, letting the music wash over you, Jesus soak into you... relaxing, refreshing, and intimate. It felt good!! :o) And the Word was good! Not at all boring, the pastor was funny... and real. I had one of those light bulb moments when we was explaining his one point. I love those... and admittedly, I haven't had one in a while... it was so good to have one and go home and read more about it and then share it with Mike and the kids!!
Jay and Madi went to children's church, called Faith Factory, and LOVED it!! They had so many stories to tell and they were so excited to tell us that they sang songs that we sing at home, and they made friends and played games, and just had FUN!
We took Kiki to the middle school level youth group tonight called Go180, and Mike said she talked the entire ride home about how much she loved it!! She made a friend, got some tasty ice cream, got a reallly cool dry erase/magnetic board (pink, of course, in the shape of a cat), and wants to go back asap!! She asked me to sign her up for the girls spa night they are having Friday!! I had to send her to bed, but I'm going to ask her about the worship and teaching too.
To sign Kiki up for the spa night, I had to go to the church's website where I found out about a program in tandem with the Faith Factory called One2One. As I read this, tears formed in my eyes (directly from the website):
One2One Ministry allows special needs children to attend their age-specific classroom along with a special buddy during our weekend services. This includes children from birth through 5th grade. All buddies (6th grade and older) go through the FAITH Factory application process and then are matched with a child. Both buddy and child attend the child's class together, enabling their parents to freely attend the adult service. The buddy's sole responsibility is to involve and assist the child in the classroom activities. Buddies serve one service per month.
One2One also offers PawPals, a group setting where therapeutic dogs are brought in to interact with the children and help teach the lesson. This is offered one service every other month. Fun activities for the children, families, and buddies are also planned throughout the year.
Holy Hannah!! How much more of a "special needs" program could we get!?!?!???
I told Mike that I wanted a big flashing neon sign that said "HOME" when we walked into the "right" church. Well... it wasnt when we walked in... but it seems that maybe it was when I needed to read it the most.
We will go where you send us Jesus.. and it seems that maybe this huge church is it?
The kids say it is. They want to "go there forever mom".
We made our criterea based on prayers and personal needs and preferences.
They were:
Worship- musically sound, Spirit led, modern and contemporary but with a respect of the older hymns and such.
Little Kids- a ministry that taught kids the value of the Word, fellowship, and GOOD solid friendships, and also knows that kids are powerpacked little prayer warriors and evangelists given the right tools.
Youth- a solid youth ministry for middle school and high school that has fun, Christ-centered events and has astrong emphasis on worship, prayer, and evangelism.
One other thing that we really wanted was a church that could minister to any special needs kids that could come into our family. We knew that was a long shot and probably not something that we would find, but something to look for anyways.
And of course, good solid, bible-based, spirit-led, Christ-centered preaching!! Oh, and not to big, not to small. We like the 250-400 member churches.
This past Sunday, we went to http://www.worshipcenter.org/ and really enjoyed it. It is a large church... I think the average weekly attendance for 3 services is about 2,000... huge to us!
But, the worship was amazing. Oh my goodness... it sounded like it could have been a recording.. the quality was awesome! And it was definitly spirit-led and it felt good. Do you know what I mean? Just being in the congregation, letting the music wash over you, Jesus soak into you... relaxing, refreshing, and intimate. It felt good!! :o) And the Word was good! Not at all boring, the pastor was funny... and real. I had one of those light bulb moments when we was explaining his one point. I love those... and admittedly, I haven't had one in a while... it was so good to have one and go home and read more about it and then share it with Mike and the kids!!
Jay and Madi went to children's church, called Faith Factory, and LOVED it!! They had so many stories to tell and they were so excited to tell us that they sang songs that we sing at home, and they made friends and played games, and just had FUN!
We took Kiki to the middle school level youth group tonight called Go180, and Mike said she talked the entire ride home about how much she loved it!! She made a friend, got some tasty ice cream, got a reallly cool dry erase/magnetic board (pink, of course, in the shape of a cat), and wants to go back asap!! She asked me to sign her up for the girls spa night they are having Friday!! I had to send her to bed, but I'm going to ask her about the worship and teaching too.
To sign Kiki up for the spa night, I had to go to the church's website where I found out about a program in tandem with the Faith Factory called One2One. As I read this, tears formed in my eyes (directly from the website):
One2One Ministry allows special needs children to attend their age-specific classroom along with a special buddy during our weekend services. This includes children from birth through 5th grade. All buddies (6th grade and older) go through the FAITH Factory application process and then are matched with a child. Both buddy and child attend the child's class together, enabling their parents to freely attend the adult service. The buddy's sole responsibility is to involve and assist the child in the classroom activities. Buddies serve one service per month.
One2One also offers PawPals, a group setting where therapeutic dogs are brought in to interact with the children and help teach the lesson. This is offered one service every other month. Fun activities for the children, families, and buddies are also planned throughout the year.
Holy Hannah!! How much more of a "special needs" program could we get!?!?!???
I told Mike that I wanted a big flashing neon sign that said "HOME" when we walked into the "right" church. Well... it wasnt when we walked in... but it seems that maybe it was when I needed to read it the most.
We will go where you send us Jesus.. and it seems that maybe this huge church is it?
The kids say it is. They want to "go there forever mom".
One of those days.
Ever have one of those days when it seems the sun will never shine?
Ever have one of those days when it seems like nothing you do is right?
I'm having one.
I'm having one.
Ever have one of those days when you are trying to figure out how to purchase groceries?
I'm having one.
Ever have one of those days when you know your supposed to be trusting God for the necessities, but can't seem to find the trust?
I'm having one.
Ever have one of those days when you cry every time the kids walk out of the room, and then put on the magic happy face when they walk back in it?
I'm having one.
Ever have one of those days when you know you did everything you were supposed to, but you still can't figure out how to make ends meet?
I'm having one.
Oh. Today. I don't like today. I don't like feeling this way. I just want to trust God. But even more, I don't want to be here again. I know I did what I was supposed to. Its days like these that I wish I had a job, or even still sold Premier Designs (though I know that I simply dont have the time or the inclination to deal with all the paperwork anymore). I'm trying to trust God. I'm trying to remember all the times He has come through before.... just in time.
Jesus be the center
Be my source be my light Jesus
Jesus be the center
Be my song Jesus
Be the fire in my heart
Be the wind in my sails
Be the reason that I live
Jesus Jesus
Jesus be my vision
Be my help
Be my guide Jesus
Be my source be my light Jesus
Jesus be the center
Be my song Jesus
Be the fire in my heart
Be the wind in my sails
Be the reason that I live
Jesus Jesus
Jesus be my vision
Be my help
Be my guide Jesus
(Michael Frye)
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Yay for a Blog Award!
I just recieved a blog award!
Mama K @ Daily Life: Sanford Style nominated me for the Sunshine Award!
Thanks a ton... made me smile in the midst of a very busy day (one where my kids finially went back to school after a whole week off due to snow)!!
Thanks a ton... made me smile in the midst of a very busy day (one where my kids finially went back to school after a whole week off due to snow)!!
The rules are:
1. Post picture on your blog or in your post.
2. Link to the person who gave you the award.
3. Spread the sunshine to 12 blogs.
1. Post picture on your blog or in your post.
2. Link to the person who gave you the award.
3. Spread the sunshine to 12 blogs.
1. http://hishandshisfeettoday.blogspot.com/ This family continues to inspire me every single day!! They have adopted 10 kids and managed to do it all while remaining positive and Jesu-focused. They are such an inspiration to Mike and I!!!
2. http://imghanaadopt.blogspot.com/ Laurel and her family have a CRAP TON of kids (haha... technical termof measurement, I assure you), 2 of which were adopted from Ghana. This amazing family has and is walking through an adoption disruption and doing it with the Grace of God just covering them. They are truly beautiful as they, and all their crazy kids go through this with heads held high, knowing beyond all knowing that the Divine Creator is guiding them!!!
3.http://www.getright.org/blog/Crystal is a wonderful, kind, and caring friend who is walking the path of chronic illness and infertility with grace and a Godly heart. Her and her hubby are also feeling led to foster to adopt and I know that when they get through it all, they will be amazing parents!!
4.http://mountaintopmemories.blogspot.com/ Sean & Lisa have added to their family by adopting some pretty cute kids... they are working on treating their kids in some natural therapies, like chelation and gluten and casein free diets.... the diets have been working for their kids, and thats super encouraging. Lisa seems a bit like a super mom to me... in a way that makes me want to be the best I can be for my kids, like I believe she tries to be. She is also a super Godly woman and you can tell she truly loves the Lord!!
5. http://arethesekidsallyours.blogspot.com/ Oh this family. As my heart aches for them, my heart is also encouraged and blessed by them!! They have 7 (i think!!) adopted adorable kids and were trying to adopt a little girl from africa, but were denied becuase she would have been #8... and someone said it was to many. I dont know what will happen.... It seems Little Naomi is not coming home to them, but they are still believing God for her or another child... and Dawn is real and honest and a woman full of faith and love and hope and I believe God has something GREAT in store for them. I love those "Then God" moments, and I believe they will have one of those soon... a true breakthrough!!!
I know it says 12.... but these are my 5 favs right now!!
Monday, February 15, 2010
Madison's Adoption Day Pics!
This is the little note we gave to Madison the night before her adoption day! It was such a great moment... in our favorite resturant, El Serrano's, just us and our little girl. We knew it would be a night she wouldn't forget!!
She was so excited... she actually asked the waiter to take the picture... and thats a true and genuine smile from her!!
The next day, Madi, Mimi and I went shopping for a new dress and Mimi also bought her new shoes and a new coat!! Madi was on cloud nine... that kid loves dresses!!
Ok... for some reason blogger is making this difficult for me to type in between pictures, and its super late, so basically these are pics at the Court House, with the Judge, Aunt Shell, and Mimi, and also her lovely polar bear from Build-A-Bear. The bear was from her caseworker and it also came with a tshirt with her new name printed on it and the date! We also got a bunch of chocolate bars with her name and her adoption date printed on them!! It was sooo special!! And I got flowers.. all of it made the day even more special for our girl!!
Sorry for the poor quality of pictures... it was very dark in the court room and I didnt have my good camera.. and since my computer was blown out, I havent loaded any of my photo editing software on here yet. But you can still see the joy... and thats the important part!
Ok... for some reason blogger is making this difficult for me to type in between pictures, and its super late, so basically these are pics at the Court House, with the Judge, Aunt Shell, and Mimi, and also her lovely polar bear from Build-A-Bear. The bear was from her caseworker and it also came with a tshirt with her new name printed on it and the date! We also got a bunch of chocolate bars with her name and her adoption date printed on them!! It was sooo special!! And I got flowers.. all of it made the day even more special for our girl!!
Sorry for the poor quality of pictures... it was very dark in the court room and I didnt have my good camera.. and since my computer was blown out, I havent loaded any of my photo editing software on here yet. But you can still see the joy... and thats the important part!
Madi & The Medicine Man
Last tuesday we took Madison to the doctor to start her on ADHD meds. I have been avoiding this since she first came to live with us, so I was very nervous about this tranistion. We picked up her meds, just as the second blizzard in less than a week started. This blizzard has actually served us well on this front. We started the Concerta on Wednesday morning and the kids have been off school since then! (Driving this mama a lil batty!) The first day, Madi colored a picture that looked YEARS more advanced than one she did the day before! That evening she went and sat with Mike on his lap for over 5 mins. If you have any experience with an extremely adhd kid, you know that they cant sit still for 30 seconds, let alone 5 mins with no TV to watch. Not only did she sit there, she sat still. I could tell that for Mike it was a dream come true. A true bonding moment. And he isnt the only one who has had some this past week!! I held her in my lap for a long time the other morning just holding her. She also sat with me while I read my book. She just sat and was content to just be. That was definitly not how Madi acted before!! She was never happy being still. We also have not had any fits until today! There has been so much peace in this house since starting this medicine, it makes me wonder why I waited! (She threw 2 fits today... but she threw up this morning only an hour after she took her pill and we had to get up super early for Kiki's tooth extraction!)
Im seeing parts of my little girls personality emerge through the hyperness and we are truly enjoying it! She is soooo much more pleasant to be around and is a lot (LOOOTTTT) less volitile! YAY for the Medicine... and the wonderful counselor who talked me into trying it!! Shes out Medicine Man. And praise Jesus for helping us come to this conclusion with the peace of knowing we tried all the other methods to treat ADHD! And Praise Jesus for bringing out the best parts of our baby girl! :o)
Im seeing parts of my little girls personality emerge through the hyperness and we are truly enjoying it! She is soooo much more pleasant to be around and is a lot (LOOOTTTT) less volitile! YAY for the Medicine... and the wonderful counselor who talked me into trying it!! Shes out Medicine Man. And praise Jesus for helping us come to this conclusion with the peace of knowing we tried all the other methods to treat ADHD! And Praise Jesus for bringing out the best parts of our baby girl! :o)
Friday, February 12, 2010
IM BAAAACK!!
Hallelujah... Im back!! Im sooo happy to be blogging from my very own laptop again! Thank you Jesus for small miracles!!!
So much has happened since December 19th when the computer bit the dust.. so stay tuned for lots of blogs!
So much has happened since December 19th when the computer bit the dust.. so stay tuned for lots of blogs!
Little Praise Report:
Yesterday morning Mike was out shoveling the 20 feet of snow surrounding his car (not to much of an exageration). His back was majorly hurting him and he still had a LOOONG way to go. As the sun began its ascent over the snowy landscape, Mike said "God, I cant do this, you have to do something!" And BAM, his back was perfectly fine!! He finished his shoveling and even helped out neighbor!
God is SOO Good... to heal him for something as simple as shoveling out the car.
AHHH-MAZING God we serve!!
Well... I'm off for now... theopening ceremonies are pretty cool... the tap dancers are rockin' it!!
Well... I'm off for now... theopening ceremonies are pretty cool... the tap dancers are rockin' it!!
Madi is enthralled!!!
(Ok, ok, ok, so am I!)
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