Saturday, March 28, 2009
Thankful For Spring and So Much More
We have had beautiful spring days here and our family has really enjoyed spending some time outside.
We did school outside a few days and it was so enjoyable to sit at the table and talk and take in the sunshine. I know the hot hot hot days of summer will be upon us before I am ready so I intend to drink in every moment of each spring day.
Paige loves the sunshine too because that means she can go outside and ride her bike. I'm sure her Dad will love the fact that she is riding her bike in her baseball uniform, cleats and all.
I love this little girl so much. She has come so far in overcoming her speech, language and developmental delays. When I watch her my heart is filled with thankfulness to a God who listened to this mama's cries and worries over her child and has worked a miracle in her life. We have been blessed with people who care so much about her and her progress. I know this little girl can truly do anything and I am sure God has something very special planned for her. She has such a sweet and gentle spirit. Her teacher's are always commenting to me how kind she is and how she cares about the other kids in her class. That tender heart will probably cause her much pain at times but I wouldn't change it for anything. It truly does make her who she is.
Well, I'm off to take a shower. Garrett has a basketball tournament this weekend. Yes, you read that right. Not baseball, but basketball. This is the big tournament weekend that ends the season and his team is playing for first place today at 11:30. So, I guess I better get moving.
Pictures to follow, I promise grandma.
We did school outside a few days and it was so enjoyable to sit at the table and talk and take in the sunshine. I know the hot hot hot days of summer will be upon us before I am ready so I intend to drink in every moment of each spring day.
Paige loves the sunshine too because that means she can go outside and ride her bike. I'm sure her Dad will love the fact that she is riding her bike in her baseball uniform, cleats and all.
I love this little girl so much. She has come so far in overcoming her speech, language and developmental delays. When I watch her my heart is filled with thankfulness to a God who listened to this mama's cries and worries over her child and has worked a miracle in her life. We have been blessed with people who care so much about her and her progress. I know this little girl can truly do anything and I am sure God has something very special planned for her. She has such a sweet and gentle spirit. Her teacher's are always commenting to me how kind she is and how she cares about the other kids in her class. That tender heart will probably cause her much pain at times but I wouldn't change it for anything. It truly does make her who she is.
Well, I'm off to take a shower. Garrett has a basketball tournament this weekend. Yes, you read that right. Not baseball, but basketball. This is the big tournament weekend that ends the season and his team is playing for first place today at 11:30. So, I guess I better get moving.
Pictures to follow, I promise grandma.
Labels: Developmental Delays, faith, sports
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
More Cuteness
We had another t-ball game tonight. Paige informed me she is a "hitter".
As you can see from the following pictures she is indeed a hitter.
Notice the untucked jersey?
I was informed that she did not have to tuck in her jersey. She is a girl and girls wear dresses. Her jersey is a dress, thus it is not tucked in. Who knew?
Unfortunately she still runs like someone who is 100 years old. We will definitely have to work on that one a little more.
In adoption news our agency received 6 referrals yesterday. That puts us at #45 on the overall list.
I really wish they would get six every day.
I pray every morning for patience. I know God has our children picked out.
Not my time, but His.
Remember that Julie!
As you can see from the following pictures she is indeed a hitter.
Notice the untucked jersey?
I was informed that she did not have to tuck in her jersey. She is a girl and girls wear dresses. Her jersey is a dress, thus it is not tucked in. Who knew?
Unfortunately she still runs like someone who is 100 years old. We will definitely have to work on that one a little more.
In adoption news our agency received 6 referrals yesterday. That puts us at #45 on the overall list.
I really wish they would get six every day.
I pray every morning for patience. I know God has our children picked out.
Not my time, but His.
Remember that Julie!
Labels: Adoption, baseball, Girl stuff
Friday, March 20, 2009
Spring is Here!
I picked up Paige's new bike today and we spent the afternoon riding around the park. She had so much fun and I had so much fun watching her.
I was so upset when I realized I forgot to pick up the camera. So, sorry, not cute shots of her on her new princess bike. You know the one she threw the tantrum about? I'll try and take a few tomorrow and post them for grandma to see.
I got an email today from our social worker saying that our dossier had been sent to Ethiopia for translation. They had been holding them in St. Louis until it was closer to time for a referral. I was excited to know we had passed another step and hopefully we will get a referral in the next few months.
I spent all morning on the phone with Kaiser trying to talk with a doctor I had found online who had experience treating orphans and stated in his bio that he was a Christian and enjoyed doing mission work any time he could. I thought he would be a great pick for our new child(rens) pediatrician. Then I found out he only works at the hospital and ER and does not have office hours where he sees patients. I wanted to leave him a message and ask him if he would review the medicals for our kids when we got them and also if he had a recommendation for a good pediatrician in the area who understood about the special needs (sometimes) of orphans. Kaiser transferred me 5 times and no one could figure out how to get this doctor a message. It was very frustrating. I finally asked the other kids pediatrician to send this doctor and email explaining what we were looking for and he agreed. Hopefully we will make some progress now.
We are in for another busy weekend of ballgames, BBQing and maybe even some time in the jacuzzi.
Happy first day of spring! I am loving this warm California weather.
I was so upset when I realized I forgot to pick up the camera. So, sorry, not cute shots of her on her new princess bike. You know the one she threw the tantrum about? I'll try and take a few tomorrow and post them for grandma to see.
I got an email today from our social worker saying that our dossier had been sent to Ethiopia for translation. They had been holding them in St. Louis until it was closer to time for a referral. I was excited to know we had passed another step and hopefully we will get a referral in the next few months.
I spent all morning on the phone with Kaiser trying to talk with a doctor I had found online who had experience treating orphans and stated in his bio that he was a Christian and enjoyed doing mission work any time he could. I thought he would be a great pick for our new child(rens) pediatrician. Then I found out he only works at the hospital and ER and does not have office hours where he sees patients. I wanted to leave him a message and ask him if he would review the medicals for our kids when we got them and also if he had a recommendation for a good pediatrician in the area who understood about the special needs (sometimes) of orphans. Kaiser transferred me 5 times and no one could figure out how to get this doctor a message. It was very frustrating. I finally asked the other kids pediatrician to send this doctor and email explaining what we were looking for and he agreed. Hopefully we will make some progress now.
We are in for another busy weekend of ballgames, BBQing and maybe even some time in the jacuzzi.
Happy first day of spring! I am loving this warm California weather.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Sometimes It Is Good To Throw A Little Tantrum
Paige has out grown her bike. I have kept telling her we would get her a new one. I had looked at a couple of garage sales and hadn't found one her size. So, I decided that today was the day and we would go and buy her a new bike.
Anyhoo, we went to Toys R Us and she picked out a cute princess bike. We took it up to the counter and were informed she could not have that bike. They did not sell the display items and they did not have anymore of this particular bike.
My 5 year old did not understand this. She cried and looked at the sales clerk like she was the meanest person EVER. Within minutes we had managers in the back searching the inventory for another bike. They found one but it would take them 48 hours to assemble it. More tears.
The poor manager and sales clerk. My daughter can really lay it on when she wants to.
Long story short, she gets her bike tomorrow morning.
We left the store with free balloons and hugs from the employee's.
Boy, am I sure they were glad to see us leave.
**************************************************************************
The fresh strawberries are at the roadside stands and my family has been thoroughly enjoying them. I am sure I am one of their best customers.
Aren't they pretty?
For the last few weeks I have been making homemade waffles in the morning with fresh strawberry sauce and whip cream on top.
Can you say delicious?
I am generally not one to get my kids a gift if it is not their birthday or a holiday, however, I have decided that anything that keeps them active and outside is a necessity and not a gift. They are much happier (and so am I) when they have lots of outdoor time.
Anyhoo, we went to Toys R Us and she picked out a cute princess bike. We took it up to the counter and were informed she could not have that bike. They did not sell the display items and they did not have anymore of this particular bike.
My 5 year old did not understand this. She cried and looked at the sales clerk like she was the meanest person EVER. Within minutes we had managers in the back searching the inventory for another bike. They found one but it would take them 48 hours to assemble it. More tears.
The poor manager and sales clerk. My daughter can really lay it on when she wants to.
Long story short, she gets her bike tomorrow morning.
We left the store with free balloons and hugs from the employee's.
Boy, am I sure they were glad to see us leave.
**************************************************************************
The fresh strawberries are at the roadside stands and my family has been thoroughly enjoying them. I am sure I am one of their best customers.
Aren't they pretty?
For the last few weeks I have been making homemade waffles in the morning with fresh strawberry sauce and whip cream on top.Can you say delicious?
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Unbelievable Cuteness
If you want to put a smile on your face a t-ball game is a good way to start. Their 4 and 5 year old cuteness is just to much to resist.
Paige had her first game yesterday and I loved every minute of it.
Here they are in their team huddle. Can you say cute?
Here is her Dad trying to explain the intricacies of hitting off the tee.
I think this very serious looking fellow behind her made her a little nervous. I think he was scouting for the other team.
She hit the ball and off she went to first base. Look at hubbies face, he was astonished at how far she hit that ball (not really, but it makes a good story).
It cracks me up how slowly she runs. I think she could walk faster. Seriously.
I remember getting a phone call from pre-school one afternoon about another child (who will remain nameless) that had a similar slow run. The school was concerned by how slow he ran. Perhaps there was something wrong with him. It seems funny now, at the time, not so much.
That child outgrew his slow gait and is now an excellent athlete. I'm pretty sure Paige will also out grow her timidness as she gets better at running the base paths.
Until then, it sure is cute to watch.
Yesterday our family had the t-ball game at 8:00 a.m.. Garrett had a 9:00 basketball game which Zach took him to. After t-ball we ran to basketball to see the last few minutes of the game. We grabbed breakfast at i-hop before heading home. I took a little nap and then jumped up to figure out dinner for the kids who did not want to go back to the field for Garrett's 4:00 baseball game. Samantha had a friend sleep over on Friday so they had been happily playing all morning. Her friend got picked up, I got dinner for the kids, and rushed over to the the game. Zach had a game at 2:00 and 4:30 for his baseball team. They were both out of town so he had to go alone. Thank goodness for teenagers who are old enough to drive themselves. After Garrett's game we had a pizza party for his team. Zach joined us there for dinner after his games. One of Garrett's friends came home with us after the pizza party to spend the night. We all fell into bed about midnight.
Are you tired yet???? I am.
So, as a recap. We had 5 games in one day. 4 baseball. 1 basketball. There were 4 victories, 1 loss.
Zach has one game this afternoon at 3:30 which we will all go to.
Baseball season is in full swing, and I must admit, I love every single second of it.
Have a Blessed Sunday my friends.
Paige had her first game yesterday and I loved every minute of it.
Here they are in their team huddle. Can you say cute?
Here is her Dad trying to explain the intricacies of hitting off the tee.
I think this very serious looking fellow behind her made her a little nervous. I think he was scouting for the other team.
She hit the ball and off she went to first base. Look at hubbies face, he was astonished at how far she hit that ball (not really, but it makes a good story).
It cracks me up how slowly she runs. I think she could walk faster. Seriously.
I remember getting a phone call from pre-school one afternoon about another child (who will remain nameless) that had a similar slow run. The school was concerned by how slow he ran. Perhaps there was something wrong with him. It seems funny now, at the time, not so much.
That child outgrew his slow gait and is now an excellent athlete. I'm pretty sure Paige will also out grow her timidness as she gets better at running the base paths.
Until then, it sure is cute to watch.
Yesterday our family had the t-ball game at 8:00 a.m.. Garrett had a 9:00 basketball game which Zach took him to. After t-ball we ran to basketball to see the last few minutes of the game. We grabbed breakfast at i-hop before heading home. I took a little nap and then jumped up to figure out dinner for the kids who did not want to go back to the field for Garrett's 4:00 baseball game. Samantha had a friend sleep over on Friday so they had been happily playing all morning. Her friend got picked up, I got dinner for the kids, and rushed over to the the game. Zach had a game at 2:00 and 4:30 for his baseball team. They were both out of town so he had to go alone. Thank goodness for teenagers who are old enough to drive themselves. After Garrett's game we had a pizza party for his team. Zach joined us there for dinner after his games. One of Garrett's friends came home with us after the pizza party to spend the night. We all fell into bed about midnight.
Are you tired yet???? I am.
So, as a recap. We had 5 games in one day. 4 baseball. 1 basketball. There were 4 victories, 1 loss.
Zach has one game this afternoon at 3:30 which we will all go to.
Baseball season is in full swing, and I must admit, I love every single second of it.
Have a Blessed Sunday my friends.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Out At Sea
We got up early this morning and drove down to the beach in search of migrating whales and dolphins.
It was cold and my warm home was calling to me but then we spotted the whales. A whole family of them. They blew air out of their blow holes and fanned their tales in our direction. Very exciting.
Here is one of the few pictures we actually got of a whale coming up out of the water. They are faster than my camera and I kept missing the shot. Paige loved watching for the spraying water when they came up for air. She told me last night when I put her in bed that she really liked watching the whales spit.
We saw lots and lots of dolphins. They swam along with our boat for about twenty minutes and it was really thrilling to watch them jump out of the water. It truly is amazing how fast they are.
There is a dolphin under the water here. Again, my camera was just to slow to catch an action shot.
Most of the pictures ended up looking like this. Just wide open water.
This fellow really liked us. Him and some of his friends flew along the side of our boat for quite a while. I finally figured out that these guys were pretty smart and they had figured out that the humans on these vessels often have food they like to share.
I tried to throw him a couple of cheerios but we were going to fast and he couldn't catch it. One of the other passengers threw him a big orange peel and he swooped into the ocean and picked it up. He was very happy with his little treat.
It was cold and my warm home was calling to me but then we spotted the whales. A whole family of them. They blew air out of their blow holes and fanned their tales in our direction. Very exciting.
Here is one of the few pictures we actually got of a whale coming up out of the water. They are faster than my camera and I kept missing the shot. Paige loved watching for the spraying water when they came up for air. She told me last night when I put her in bed that she really liked watching the whales spit.
We saw lots and lots of dolphins. They swam along with our boat for about twenty minutes and it was really thrilling to watch them jump out of the water. It truly is amazing how fast they are.
There is a dolphin under the water here. Again, my camera was just to slow to catch an action shot.
Most of the pictures ended up looking like this. Just wide open water.
This fellow really liked us. Him and some of his friends flew along the side of our boat for quite a while. I finally figured out that these guys were pretty smart and they had figured out that the humans on these vessels often have food they like to share.
I tried to throw him a couple of cheerios but we were going to fast and he couldn't catch it. One of the other passengers threw him a big orange peel and he swooped into the ocean and picked it up. He was very happy with his little treat. Of course there were human friends to hang out with too. Here is Samantha and her friend Nichole having a little private chat.
Daddy and his favorite 5 year old.
Here is Dave trying not to get trampled by the thundering herd of pre-teen girls (plus Garrett who insisted on annoying them every chance he got).
Every night Paige wants to be read stories from the same Richard Scarry book. This book was also Zach's favorite when he was her age so we have been reading the stories in this book for a very loooong time. Anyway, one of the stories has fishermen and a buoy floating around in the ocean on it. She really wanted to see a buoy. She kept looking very intently out to sea in the hopes of seeing one.
Her day was made when we passed by this with these little fellows taking a rest on top.
I think they are so cute.
After 2 1/2 hours our trip at sea was over. Here are Dave and I cuddled up at the front of the boat trying to keep warm. It was only around 50 degrees today and out at sea it felt even colder.
Samantha's day was made when we discovered the little boutique next to the dock was having a 75% off sale on some of their clothing. They boys were patient and let us shop.
Samantha ended up with three new pairs of Capri's and a spring jacket. I got a nice sun hat and Paige got a pretty dress to wear on Easter.
Here is Samantha modeling her new jacket at the Carl's Jr. we stopped at for lunch with friends on the way home.
It was marked down from $89.00 to $21.00. Can't beat that.
If you are ever in California during the migrating season I would highly recommend a Whale Watching trip. Your family will really enjoy it!
You might even be able to catch some great deals on the boardwalk afterwards.
Daddy and his favorite 5 year old.
Here is Dave trying not to get trampled by the thundering herd of pre-teen girls (plus Garrett who insisted on annoying them every chance he got).
Every night Paige wants to be read stories from the same Richard Scarry book. This book was also Zach's favorite when he was her age so we have been reading the stories in this book for a very loooong time. Anyway, one of the stories has fishermen and a buoy floating around in the ocean on it. She really wanted to see a buoy. She kept looking very intently out to sea in the hopes of seeing one.
Her day was made when we passed by this with these little fellows taking a rest on top.
I think they are so cute.
After 2 1/2 hours our trip at sea was over. Here are Dave and I cuddled up at the front of the boat trying to keep warm. It was only around 50 degrees today and out at sea it felt even colder.
Samantha's day was made when we discovered the little boutique next to the dock was having a 75% off sale on some of their clothing. They boys were patient and let us shop.
Samantha ended up with three new pairs of Capri's and a spring jacket. I got a nice sun hat and Paige got a pretty dress to wear on Easter.
Here is Samantha modeling her new jacket at the Carl's Jr. we stopped at for lunch with friends on the way home.
It was marked down from $89.00 to $21.00. Can't beat that.
If you are ever in California during the migrating season I would highly recommend a Whale Watching trip. Your family will really enjoy it!
You might even be able to catch some great deals on the boardwalk afterwards.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
The Gang's Mama posted about this site a few months ago and I have been addicted to it ever since. Here is what she said about it.
This new site exists to be a clearing house of sorts. A place where anyone
interested in adoption, specifically special needs adoptions, can come and gain
insight from other families who have been there, who are there and who are
making it work. A place where you can read helpful information from the point of
view of professionals AND those of us who live with various special needs every
day. Where you can read inspiring and amazing stories of families that God has
knit together from over the world. Where you can be encouraged and make contact
with adoption agencies, specialists, experienced parents and others who can
partner with you at any particular phase of your adoption or parenting journey.
It's beautiful, it's hopeful.
The site was started by Stephanie at Ni Hao Y'all. Click on the button above to visit the site. If you visit the Children Who Wait page make sure you have lots of time to pour over their beautiful little faces. Kleenex nearby would be helpful also.
Many of you who visit this blog have said that you have always thought about adoption but weren't sure how your family could afford it. Many of the children on this site come with a grant to help the adoptive family with expenses.
If you are a Christian and feel God leading you down the path towards adopting a child please listen to Him. There are so many children who need homes. Could your family be the one God has picked out for them? Could you be the answer to their little prayers?
God has stretched our family in ways I never would have imagined when we started on this journey. There have been delays, frustrations and fear. However, I have watched as God has cleared the way and through all of the obstacles His will is being done. Our obedience is being rewarded.
Do you remember when I posted this about moving our middle son to a private Christian school for High School? We used the money we were going to pay our final adoption costs with to pay for his school. We felt God wanted him at that school and he would provide the money somehow for our remaining costs.
Well He did.
Last week hubby received the largest bonus he has ever gotten. I had thought that we might not get a bonus this year due to the state our economy. I should have known that God is so much bigger than that. Not only will this money pay for the remainder of our adoption costs but also for Tyler's schooling next year.
God is faithful if we put our trust in Him.
What is God asking you to do today?
"Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look
after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted
by the world."
Labels: Adoption
Tuesday, March 03, 2009
50
That is what number we should be on the referral list.
There were 3 referrals today, one a sibling group of an 18 month old and a 3 year old.
A boy and a girl.
I am going to confess my jealousy over the family that received that referral.
Congratulations to them and the other two happy families today.
Just think, with one more referral we will be in the 40's.
Oh, happy days!
There were 3 referrals today, one a sibling group of an 18 month old and a 3 year old.
A boy and a girl.
I am going to confess my jealousy over the family that received that referral.
Congratulations to them and the other two happy families today.
Just think, with one more referral we will be in the 40's.
Oh, happy days!
