Labels: Adoption, Family Fun, holidays

I was so excited this morning when I realized next Fourth of July we will have two new citizens living in our house to celebrate with. We are still praying for a court date before closure. I am having a good feeling about it, but trying not to have my heart set on it so it does not break if it doesn't happen. Maybe we will hear something by the end of next week.


We are going to head on over to a local park for a carnival and fireworks later. This afternoon I am planning on enjoying a book out by the pool for a while.

Have a wonderful 4th with your families!!!

Labels: baseball, holidays

Labels: baseball, holidays, summer time fun

Last night hubby put Paige into bed around 9:00 p.m.. All of the other kids, except Tyler, had already passed out in their beds.

New Years Eve did not end until I ordered everyone to GO TO BED. That was at 5:00 a.m.. (on January 1!) I kept trying to fall asleep but all I could hear was the sound of screaming teenagers (they said they were trying to be quite) playing some sports game on the x-box.

I remember I used to be able to stay up all night.

Now it makes me sick to my stomach. It really is hell getting older.

Anyway, back to my original story.

With all the kids sound asleep by 9:00 p.m. and Tyler (who got a nap) not feeling like he needed to go to bed, hubby and I snuck out of the house for a date at Barnes and Noble.

We searched through all the sale items and they had all their classic books buy 2 get one free.

IT. WAS. FABULOUS.

I love dates like that. We had Starbucks and read through books without any one asking us when we would be leaving.

Pretty close to heaven if I do say so myself.

They stayed open until 11:00 p.m. and I spent way to much money on Christmas books from the 50% off table.

I simply could not resist.

What kind of fun did you have this first day of 2009?

Labels: holidays, hubby

I was watching Samantha today with her little dog Jo Jo that she loves so much. She is such a good mommy to that dog. I must now confess that I figured she would lose interest and the dog would become my responsibility. This could not be farther from the truth.

Samantha sets her alarm at night so she can get up early to let Jo Jo out to go to the bathroom. She cleans up any messes her little doggy might make and diligently bathes and brushes her. They are really sweet together.

I was watching her today as she bathed off Jo Jo's muddy paws in the kitchen sink. She looked like a young mom. She was still in her pj's (just like her mom most days) and was wearing my old pink slippers. The sight really made me chuckle.

I realized also today that I never shared Jo Jo's Halloween costume with you. However, before I unveil the queen bee in our household I should probably show you the other kids also.


Garrett was our football player, Paige was sooo excited to be Little Red Riding Hood (one of her favorite books right now) and Samantha was Strawberry Shortcake. As you can see Jo Jo was a fairy princess. She was the hit of the party at church. The older boys were running around somewhere (now to old they feel to dress up) however I do remember them bringing us food at some point. That was very nice.
Here is Samantha with her sweet little baby. Jo Jo weighs 5lbs now and is getting a little tummy on her. Hard to believe as when we brought her home at 9 weeks from her mama she weighed all of 9 oz's. I'll never forget having to get up every two hours to feed her so she wouldn't go into a hypoglycemic shock. Those were the days!
Just like all the other children in our family, she refused to wear her hat but for only a minute. The little girls in our house don't seem to like them very much.



Watching Samantha with her little dog I can truly see what a loving and nurturing mommy she will be one day. It really is so much fun to watch.



Garrett is now requesting a snake when he turns 12. Somehow that doesn't make me feel quite as warm and cozy inside.

Labels: holidays, Mom Stuff

On Thursday my parents came over and we had a yummy meal together and, of course, played a little cards after dinner.

I am struck more and more by how much my oldest son looks and acts like my father. Now, I love my Dad very much, but their is definitely good and bad in this comparison.

My Dad has never had an opinion that was not expressed. He is very vocal and this can get him into trouble at times. He can also be VERY sarcastic, and if you are not used to this particular form of humor you may get your feeling hurt every once in a while. Our oldest son has many of these same traits. Of course he think his grandpa is fantastically funny and wonderful. They are truly two peas in a pod.

Samantha made a tree with branches out of construction paper and hung it in the window of our dinning room. Everyone traced and cut out a picture of there hand and we were suppose to write what we were thankful for on it and tape it to the tree, thus the hands were the leaves. Here is what it is suppose to look like.

Labels: grandpa, holidays

I am thankful for this family I prayed for as a little girl and which God has provided me.

I am thankful my husband has abundant patience and love for me even when I know he doesn't really want to. (I know you might be shocked to find out that some times I am actually an unlovable individual).

I am thankful that I only paid $1.84 a gallon for gas today.

I am thankful that I live in a country where I can go to the grocery store and buy the food I need (and some I don't) to feed my family, and I can be assured the shelves will be abundantly stocked at all times.

I am thankful that my husband has a good job which allows us to have the money to buy groceries, and health insurance, and a home of our very own.

I am thankful that my parents are still living and going strong even though I was there "late baby" being born when my mom was almost 45 years old.

I am thankful that our family will most likely have another family member(s) this time next year with which to share our joys, heartbreaks and love with.

I am thankful for all my bloggy friends which bring such joy to my life and never cease to make me think hard, smile widely or have a good cry over their daily antics and trials.

I am thankful that I do not have an extended family that is feuding or not getting along. We may have our difference's but we are pretty good at agreeing to disagree.

Lastly, I am thankful for my in real life friends who bring me so much joy and love on a daily basis. I love you all very much.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone, enjoy your day!

Labels: holidays

I wanted to take all of the kids to Disneyland today. They are all decorated for Christmas already and it snows every night after the fire works on main street. Truly magical, and I love it.

I had told the older boys that they didn't have to go to school today so they could go with us. Their Daddy didn't like this very much. He thinks I am way to lenient and let them miss to much school for fun days. He may be right, but I can't resist spending time with them. I love it when we are all together.

So, I broke the news to them that they would be going to school and we would make another trip soon (we have passes) when we could all go together. They were not happy and whined that none of their friends would be at school because everyone was headed out of town for the long weekend. I told them that their Dad was right and I do let them miss to much school. They would have to go.

Hubby and I have very different opinions on this subject. Our kids get excellent grades and are blessed with the ability to breeze through school with very little effort. So, I see no reason why they can't miss a day now and then (like once every six weeks) for a fun family day. He thinks I am teaching them bad habits and if it is a school day they should be in school. Lets just say we agree to disagree. However, in front of our children I support my husbands view, and let them know he is the final authority. Then we go into the bedroom where we talk privately and I plead my case because I am the biggest kid of all and want a day off to go and play. lol.

So, last night the older boys were at the kitchen table sulking while doing their homework. I had to laugh when their younger siblings would tease them that IF THEY were homeschooled they could go on our field trip to Disneyland.

A while later I walked through the room again and noticed they weren't looking quite as sad. I thanked them for being good sports about the whole thing when Zach chimed in that Dad had told them that if they did homework for 90 minutes without complaining they could go with us.

What a softy.

Unfortunately when we woke this morning rain was pouring down outside and we had to change our plans. Instead we are spending the day cooking yummy food for tomorrow, playing games together, arguing as only siblings can, and being happy we are all together.

We have the added bonus of having Hubby home with us. I think he is finally seeing the wisdom in my point of view. No work for him today. Just a day of family fun.

Labels: holidays, hubby, kids

is the day before Halloween.

Labels: holidays

Our family had a wonderful weekend. All of my siblings (4 total) but one were able to join us for a few days of fun. We swam, had fireworks, hot fudge sundaes, water gun wars, and several pinochle games where the sisters were victorious. I ate so much I still feel like I might explode. I think it may be water only for me today.

Paige started Kindergarten today. She was very excited to go until she discovered it was at a new school and a new teacher. There were some tears but I think she will do fine overall. I was sad to send her off today because all the other kids are home for at least another month.

I have started researching home school groups in our area and have been pleased to find so many with so many options as well. Dave and I are pretty sure we are going to home school our 4th and 7th grader next year and let the teens continue at the high school. If we do this we can have everyone on the same schedule which will make life a lot easier and more enjoyable for us all.

We haven't told them yet. I wanted to figure out which group we were going to join, etc. before telling them. They won't be happy at first but I really believe they will love it once we get started. I would love to home school Paige as well but she really needs the speech and occupational therapy right now so I am keeping her in her "special" class for at least another year.

We have lots going on with the adoption also but I am out of time. I'll try and update on that subject tomorrow.

Have a great day!

Labels: Developmental Delays, holidays, kids

Our oldest son had two baseball games this morning. My husband happily took him to the games that are about 30 minutes from our house.

When he gets home from the games he has arranged to meet some friends and there children up at a local park for, what else, an informal baseball game.

After the game one of the other wives and I are going to BBQ while the guys lay by the pool and get waited on.

I think this may be my hubby's Father's Day dream come true.

All baseball. All the time.

Who could ask for anything more?

Labels: friends and family, holidays

Eight games in 3 days.

One trophy.

Two happy sons.

Here's youngest son celebrating with his team.
He's the crazy one on the left (front) who looks like he is smelling his arm pit. I'm sure it didn't smell pretty after all those games.

I am so thankful to live in a country where my children are free to play in baseball tournaments on this very special weekend.

Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, to all the men and women who gave there lives so my children could live there's.

Labels: baseball, holidays

It seems my blog and I are having some issues with each other. I sit down to post and I have so much going through my mind I just can't focus. My blog, it is begging me to actually type something, but I seem to be letting it down by my inability to focus. I guess you could say we aren't speaking to each other.

So, today I decided to just type everything on my mind in willy nilly fashion. That way I don't really have to think and hopefully my blog and I can become friends again.

Here goes.

1. We had a nice weekend even if we did spend most of it cleaning. The house had been a disaster for several weeks and I just couldn't stand it anymore. Everyone pitched in and got it back into ship shape order. I am very thankful.

2. The highlight of our Easter weekend was Saturday night when Dave baptized Garrett (9) during the Saturday night church service. He was so excited to get baptized and we were all thrilled for him. He loves God and I know great things have been planned for this very special little boys life. He is such a joy!

3. We still don't have resolution about what is going on with Tyler (14). He is feeling OK but still has some of the same symptoms. He goes to the pediatric nephrologist (kidney doctor) on April 4th and we are very hopeful he can figure out what is going on.

4. No word on the adoption front. Our home study is done and has been sent to the notary. Next it will go to Homeland Security where they will review it and then send us our I-100A form stating that we have permission to bring an orphan into the country. I talked with someone there last week and they said it was generally taking about 5 weeks to get the form out. So, we are making progress. Even if it has seemed to be very very slow. I have to keep reminding myself that God is driving this boat and not me. Things will happen in his timing not mine.

5. Four of the kids are home from school this week on spring break. Of course it would be to easy for the High School to have the same schedule as the other kids. Oh no, there spring break is in 10 days. My High Schooler was thrilled to get up this morning and go to school knowing his siblings would all be home having fun without him. Yep, he was in the best mood this morning.

6. Lastly, I have been reading several books on home schooling and am seriously considering home schooling my younger three next year. Having the kids on so many different schedules is really cutting into our family time and is very disturbing to me. Of course, they DO NOT WANT TO BE HOME SCHOOLED. They love there schools and want to stay there. I will continue to pray and read. We have several months before we have to make a firm decision on this. If any of you took your children out of public school and began homeschooling them can you let me know how they adjusted? Did they want to be home schooled?

I will leave you with some pictures of our Egg coloring party. The kids each had 11 eggs to paint and color.



Garrett took a lot of care to make sure his eggs were perfect. (The kid was taken to the barber after this shot was taken.)
Soon we realized that there seemed to be an egg thief. Samantha only had 9 eggs. Who took her other eggs?
Caught in the act! She has no idea how she ended up with fourteen eggs instead of the 11 she started with. Hmmm.
Aren't they pretty?????
No matter how hard I try I just can't get mad at this kid. She is just to dang cute.

I hope you all had a wonderful Easter filled with beautiful eggs, chocolate bunnies, and the celebration of Jesus' Resurection and sacrifice for each and every one of us.

I promise to not be away for so long again. Have a wonderful Spring day!

Labels: Adoption, holidays, kids, Mom Stuff, Wordless Wednesday

My brother called me a few days ago asking what was going on for Easter? I usually don't think about Easter in February so I was a little confused by his question.

I guess I am one of only a few people who were unaware that Easter is actually at the end of March this year.

What the heck?

Then my sister, the adventure girl, calls me from Rio (yes, they went to Mardi Gras) and says they are a little home sick and will be cutting their cruising season a few months short and will be coming home the end of March.

Yippie, I say, maybe you can make it for Easter. Easter, she questions? It seems she was also unaware of this strange occurrence of the early Easter celebration.

Unfortunately, they will not be arriving home until the 30th thus missing all the fun. She did not sound happy.

I was feeling a little annoyed that Easter was happening so early and seemingly messing up every ones plans.

That is until I checked my in box.

And found these fun facts about this years Easter celebration.

I thought I would share them with you. Then you can act all smart and sassy when some one you know comments on how early Easter is this year.

I am here to serve my friends.

Lets get started.

First, Easter is always the first Sunday after the 1st full moon after the Spring Equinox (which is March 20th this year).

What is the Spring Equinox you ask? Well, I will be happy to tell you.

There are two days each year when the daytime and nighttime hours are approximately equal -- each being 12 hours long. One occurs between March 19 and 21 and is called the Spring or Vernal Equinox. The other happens in September.

Secondly, the dating of Easter is based on the lunar calendar that Hebrew people used to identify Passover, which is why it moves around on our Roman calendar.

I have to admit that I had no idea that this is how the date for Easter is picked each year.

I found out some other fun things on my Easter quest.

This year is the earliest Easter any of us will ever see the rest of our lives! Only the most elderly of our population have ever seen it this early (those 95 or older).

The next time Easter will be this early (March 23) will be the year 2228. That is 220 years from now people!

So, I guess I should just go buy my Easter bonnet and quit belly aching. It seems this years Easter will be a once in a lifetime opportunity.

Labels: holidays

Apparently I am Mother of The Year. I know. I know. You thought you were.





Sorry. It is actually me.

How do I know this you may ask?

Well, there was an award ceremony and my name was called. Mommy is the winner. Thats my name.
See, here is the proof. The actual pencil that was used to scientifically calculate all of my wonderful qualities. The one's that sealed the deal for Mother of the Year.
Here is a self portrait of our announcer for the evenning.
You'd think if she had such a great mom she would actually have her hair brushed and the proper attire for the evening on.

You may want to demand a recount. I think the whole thing was rigged.

Happy Valentines Day my friends.

Labels: holidays, kids

I am sitting on the couch wrapped in a blanket willing it to be midnight so I can send the kids friends home and go to sleep. I'm sure their friends parents are already counting sheep. Lucky them.

Well, really, I don't mind the kids having friends over. It just seems harder this year to actually stay awake.

I hope everyone had a great Christmas. We have had a wonderful time just hanging out as a family. Dave has two weeks off and the idea of going no where sounds fantastic. We have been watching lots of movies and playing with our new toys.

This is a favorite.Paige has been playing with this everyday, definitely a huge hit.

I was thinking today about 2008. I love a new year because it seems like a wrapped package with lots of surprises inside to discover. I always pray my surprises are happy ones, but even the sad ones can be a blessing in disguise.

I hope to be able to visit you all in the next few days. My computer charger pooped out on me AGAIN and all of my favorites are stored on it. I am borrowing the kids computer right now to get my few minutes of bloggy time. Aren't they sweet to let me borrow the computer hubby and I bought for them? They truly are sweet and generous children.

Well, thats atleast what I keep telling myself as they stand over my should asking if I am done yet.

Happy 2008 my friends.

Labels: holidays, stuff

Grandpa: What were those crunchy things in the cranberry salad you made?

Grandma: You mean the walnuts?

Grandpa: You put Walnuts in the Cranberry salad?

Grandma: Yes, dear, for 30 years now.

Grandpa: Hmm, I guess I never noticed because I always had my teeth in before.

Yes, for some reason, Grandpa didn't put his teeth in yesterday. Which made him talk kind of funny.

Our youngest son asked me if Grandpa was drunk.

No, I told him, he just isn't wearing his teeth.

Really? Cool! he responded.

Any funny stories come from your dinner table last night?

Labels: friends and family, holidays

Tuesday night our junior high kids had a Halloween party with their church youth group. They had a great time. Here is Samantha trying to win the donut eating contest. Donuts were hung from the patio cover and the kids had to eat the whole thing without it falling on the ground. She did a great job. Unfortunately, when she was down to her last bite the donut fell to the ground. Drats!



















Wednesday morning Garrett got busy carving his pumpkin. He was really concentrating on what he was doing and did a great job. He is off track this month and I am really enjoying having him home with me.

























Here are Paige, Samantha, Garrett and their friend Hannah. I couldn't get Paige to look at me because she was afraid of Garrett. He was Bill Clinton with an Afro. Don't ask, the kids got an interesting sense of humor. Samantha made her Bumble Bee costume (she was the queen bee) and Paige was her little worker bee.






















I had a hard time getting Paige to stand still for a picture. She was more interested in twirling around in her costume.



















Here are some pics of trick or treating. Garrett couldn't see out of his mask and had to keep leaning over to see out of the eyes. It was pretty funny.



















Here's Paige trick or treating at our friend Janine's house. She not only said thank you but also gave hugs. Such a sweet girl.



















The girls taking a little break. They spotted our oldest and some of his friends running down the street with toilet paper. Wonder what they were going to do with that????


















When Paige tuckered out I brought her home to pass out candy. Can you tell we live in California? She sat outside in her little summer pj's until almost nine o'clock and was so sad when it all ended.



















She even offered to share her candy with me. I of course gladly excepted her kindness.




and no, I did not sit around all day in my pj's and eat candy with the kids. Nope. I would never do that. Not in a million years.

How many pieces have you had????

Labels: holidays, kids