Monday, October 26, 2009
So Much Fun!
I had so much fun this weekend shopping for crib bedding and buying little girl clothes. We planned decor for the room the girls will share. I am going to go and buy paint today and start the makeover this week.
My fabulous friend Roxanne and her hubby Terri are giving us this crib.
Isn't it pretty? They are also giving us the mattress they bought. Neither piece has every been used. I love the drawer underneath for blankets, etc.. What a blessing this is for our family!
I bought this cute ladybug bedding and was so excited when I saw it because Paige has been telling me she wanted her room decorated with butterflies and ladybugs. This is perfect!
My fabulous friend Roxanne and her hubby Terri are giving us this crib.
Isn't it pretty? They are also giving us the mattress they bought. Neither piece has every been used. I love the drawer underneath for blankets, etc.. What a blessing this is for our family!I bought this cute ladybug bedding and was so excited when I saw it because Paige has been telling me she wanted her room decorated with butterflies and ladybugs. This is perfect!
By the way our beautiful baby girl will be named Amelia Tigist. We are keeping her Ethiopian name as her middle name.
Our son will be named Levi Getaneh. Again, both the name his Dad and I picked for him, plus his Ethiopian birth name.
I also did a lot of thinking about Levi this weekend. I almost bought him some clothes but I am waiting for some updated measurements first. I had a very strong urge to buy some trucks and cars but my niece who was shopping with me stopped me. They are giving us an adoption shower next month and I think they want the privilege of buying him a few things first.
Our children are so loved by our entire extended family already. We are all so anxious to get them home so they can be with us forever.
Levi will share a room with Garrett. It is the room that all three boys share right now. We are going to move our two teen boys down to the office and give the two younger boys there own room. I told Garrett we will wait until Levi is home to repaint, etc. so they can pick out decor together. That should be lots of fun!
Unfortunately, I am loosing our office school room but I am trying to think of some creative ways to put the stuff (and when you homeschool you have lots of stuff!) around the house. I definitely need to fit in some more bookshelves around. I'm sure it will all work out.
I am hoping that after the kids are home and settled we can convert our third car garage into the school room/office. That would work out great. I just need to save the $$$$$$ to get that done.
Amelia and Levi, we can't wait until you are home! Praying hard this week to hear about a court date!
Sunday, October 04, 2009
Paige Says Hi
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*she had a great time playing with all the colors and making the fonts bigger and smaller. It was quite a story she was telling. To bad she doesn't know how to spell yet. lol
lmmmnbabbyytrgfgfgfgfgfoiiiiksdewqwsfeswdr
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*she had a great time playing with all the colors and making the fonts bigger and smaller. It was quite a story she was telling. To bad she doesn't know how to spell yet. lol
Labels: kids
Friday, October 02, 2009
It's Just Peachy
A few days ago I gave Paige a picture of her new Ethiopian brother and sister to have for her very own. She was very excited, and yet, she kept looking at the pictures a little skeptically.
I asked her what was wrong.
She very seriously stated to me that she did not think that this could be her baby sister.
Why, I asked?
Well, my sister is suppose to be brown and this sister is peach colored.
I almost fell off my chair laughing.
You see, our children are not real dark. I hadn't really thought about this fact but obviously Paige was concerned.
I explained to her that people in Ethiopia have all different shades of skin. Some of the people have darker skin and some lighter. Her sister just happened to be lighter.
She still wasn't so sure, but then I told her I was sure that this was the sister God was sending her.
She seemed fine after that.
Yesterday during the P.E. class she goes to on Thursday mornings I heard her talking to one of the little boys in the class.
"Do you remember I told you about my new brown skinned sister that is going to come and live with me?"
"Oh, yeah", said the boy.
"Well", said Paige "She isn't brown anymore, now she is peach."
"Cool" said the little boy, seeming to understand exactly what she was saying.
And off they ran to play on the swings.
I asked her what was wrong.
She very seriously stated to me that she did not think that this could be her baby sister.
Why, I asked?
Well, my sister is suppose to be brown and this sister is peach colored.
I almost fell off my chair laughing.
You see, our children are not real dark. I hadn't really thought about this fact but obviously Paige was concerned.
I explained to her that people in Ethiopia have all different shades of skin. Some of the people have darker skin and some lighter. Her sister just happened to be lighter.
She still wasn't so sure, but then I told her I was sure that this was the sister God was sending her.
She seemed fine after that.
Yesterday during the P.E. class she goes to on Thursday mornings I heard her talking to one of the little boys in the class.
"Do you remember I told you about my new brown skinned sister that is going to come and live with me?"
"Oh, yeah", said the boy.
"Well", said Paige "She isn't brown anymore, now she is peach."
"Cool" said the little boy, seeming to understand exactly what she was saying.
And off they ran to play on the swings.
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.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
When The Cats Away The Mice Will Play
Hubby has been gone on business all week and gets back home tonight.
Today the kids and I are scrubbing all day so it will not look like a frat house around here when he walks in the door.
We spent the day at Disneyland yesterday. It was glorious. If you want to visit California and have a nice day at Disney with hardly anyone else around February is definitely the month. Wednesday seems to be the least crowded day of the week.
We went on all the kids favorite rides and instead of a 50 minute wait, most rides were more like 5 minutes. Pure heaven.
I had a bit of post traumatic stress today, however, while remembering our last visit.
The kids decided they wanted ice cream and I got them all strawberry ice cream bars. It seems these bars had been sitting on the dry ice a little to long and promptly stuck to Samantha's tongue upon contact.
Ever seen the movie A Christmas Story? The pole scene was lived out by my daughter in the middle of Disneyland.
She was SCREAMING. The Popsicle would not come lose. I told the guy at the cart that I needed something warm to pour on her tongue to release the Popsicle and all he did was stare there frozen in terror. I grabbed a water bottle that had been in the display and poured it in her mouth which did then release the Popsicle from her tongue and the screaming stopped.
The people standing around applauded. I don't think they sold very many ice creams after that incident.
Do you want to know what the Disneyland employee said to me after the incident????
Mam, I need that empty water bottle back since you didn't pay for it. I have to account for all my inventory.
And then we walked away into the sunset. With Samantha holding a warm towel on her bloody tongue.
Yes, another wonderful day at the happiest place on earth.
Today the kids and I are scrubbing all day so it will not look like a frat house around here when he walks in the door.
We spent the day at Disneyland yesterday. It was glorious. If you want to visit California and have a nice day at Disney with hardly anyone else around February is definitely the month. Wednesday seems to be the least crowded day of the week.
We went on all the kids favorite rides and instead of a 50 minute wait, most rides were more like 5 minutes. Pure heaven.
I had a bit of post traumatic stress today, however, while remembering our last visit.
The kids decided they wanted ice cream and I got them all strawberry ice cream bars. It seems these bars had been sitting on the dry ice a little to long and promptly stuck to Samantha's tongue upon contact.
Ever seen the movie A Christmas Story? The pole scene was lived out by my daughter in the middle of Disneyland.
She was SCREAMING. The Popsicle would not come lose. I told the guy at the cart that I needed something warm to pour on her tongue to release the Popsicle and all he did was stare there frozen in terror. I grabbed a water bottle that had been in the display and poured it in her mouth which did then release the Popsicle from her tongue and the screaming stopped.
The people standing around applauded. I don't think they sold very many ice creams after that incident.
Do you want to know what the Disneyland employee said to me after the incident????
Mam, I need that empty water bottle back since you didn't pay for it. I have to account for all my inventory.
And then we walked away into the sunset. With Samantha holding a warm towel on her bloody tongue.
Yes, another wonderful day at the happiest place on earth.
Labels: kids
Monday, February 23, 2009
The Computer Hog
Does anyone else have a child who likes to watch Sprout?
It was just called PBS when I was little, but now it has this fancy smancy name.
I am not happy with Sprout.
Oh, sure, I love Barney and Sesame Street just as much as the other guy. I'm not mad at them.
It's the Sprout Management that I need to speak with.
Will you please stop reminding my child every 30 seconds that she can go on sproutonlinedotcom and play fun games, color her favorite characters, and play paper dolls with her favorite Sprout friend.
Aaaaaagggggg!!!!
You see, Sprout Friends, sometimes I actually need to be on my computer and I really really don't like having a 5 year old yell over my should every 10 seconds that it is HER TURN and she has important stuff to do on the puter.
Oh, how she loves her Sprout friends. They have taught her how to manipulate the mouse quiet well. She has even started reading some of the words so she can navigate the whole site ALL BY HERSELF. Words like click here, clear page and print are all a part of her world now.
Aww, nothing like a little computer time with your morning coffee and donut. Oh, I'm sorry, I meant cup of milk and cheerios.
It was just called PBS when I was little, but now it has this fancy smancy name.
I am not happy with Sprout.
Oh, sure, I love Barney and Sesame Street just as much as the other guy. I'm not mad at them.
It's the Sprout Management that I need to speak with.
Will you please stop reminding my child every 30 seconds that she can go on sproutonlinedotcom and play fun games, color her favorite characters, and play paper dolls with her favorite Sprout friend.
Aaaaaagggggg!!!!
You see, Sprout Friends, sometimes I actually need to be on my computer and I really really don't like having a 5 year old yell over my should every 10 seconds that it is HER TURN and she has important stuff to do on the puter.
Oh, how she loves her Sprout friends. They have taught her how to manipulate the mouse quiet well. She has even started reading some of the words so she can navigate the whole site ALL BY HERSELF. Words like click here, clear page and print are all a part of her world now.
Aww, nothing like a little computer time with your morning coffee and donut. Oh, I'm sorry, I meant cup of milk and cheerios.You would think the people at Sprout would at least throw in a few free ink cartridges for all my trouble, wouldn't you?
Labels: kids
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Lego Explosion
We have a huge bucket of Lego's that have been collected over the past 12 years.
We found some really fun stuff. I got on eBay to see how much some of these sets were selling for. I was shocked at how much you could get for one little star wars guy.
I don't have the heart to sell any of it though.
After all, we need Chewbacca to watch over the Star Wars fairy princess castle.
It just wouldn't be the same without him.
Zach, who is now 17, started the collection when he was 5 and his siblings have been adding to it ever since.
Paige loved playing with the big duplo blocks but had been asking to play with the big bucket of little Lego's for some time. I gave it to her and she quickly started digging through it looking for pieces.
She really liked all the little star wars figures that had been collected over the years.
Both Samantha and Garrett decided to help her sort through all the pieces and organize them a little.
We found some really fun stuff. I got on eBay to see how much some of these sets were selling for. I was shocked at how much you could get for one little star wars guy.
I don't have the heart to sell any of it though.
After all, we need Chewbacca to watch over the Star Wars fairy princess castle.
It just wouldn't be the same without him.
Labels: kids
Monday, February 02, 2009
Peeking Through The Hole
A few days ago I got out of the shower and Paige ran up to me and told me to stop. She leaned her sweet little head against my tummy and seemed to be concentrating on something.
I asked her what she was doing?
"Shhh", she said "I'm trying to look through your belly button and see my new sister in your tummy."
Poor child. Clearly I am going to have to explain the concept of adoption to her once again.
She is very excited and can't wait to be a big sister.
I looked online today for a big map of the world to hang on the wall so we could draw a line from our country to Ethiopia. I'm thinking the visual may help her understand a little better.
I heard her tell one of her friends at school the other day that she was going to get a pretty brown sister soon. And if she is lucky she might get a brown brother too. Her little friend shook her head in agreement at how wonderful that will be. Made me smile.
Our agency had one more referral at the end of last week so we are #57 overall.
We are all getting very excited!!!
I asked her what she was doing?
"Shhh", she said "I'm trying to look through your belly button and see my new sister in your tummy."
Poor child. Clearly I am going to have to explain the concept of adoption to her once again.
She is very excited and can't wait to be a big sister.
I looked online today for a big map of the world to hang on the wall so we could draw a line from our country to Ethiopia. I'm thinking the visual may help her understand a little better.
I heard her tell one of her friends at school the other day that she was going to get a pretty brown sister soon. And if she is lucky she might get a brown brother too. Her little friend shook her head in agreement at how wonderful that will be. Made me smile.
Our agency had one more referral at the end of last week so we are #57 overall.
We are all getting very excited!!!
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Even Our Animals Are Faithful
Paige: Mommy, come look at Pablo (the hamster), he looks so cute.
Me: Hi Pablo, what are you doing? (Pablo seems to be cleaning himself with his front paws)
Paige: Mommy you are so silly. Can't you see he's reading his Bible?
We tend not to argue with Paige to much. She walks around armed with these hulk hands most days.
She has been trained by the best.
These two have been her primary instructors.
They know what they are doing. They are professionals.
Here she is just daring you to say her hamster didn't read his Bible this morning.
Go ahead, I dare you.
Me: Hi Pablo, what are you doing? (Pablo seems to be cleaning himself with his front paws)
Paige: Mommy you are so silly. Can't you see he's reading his Bible?
We tend not to argue with Paige to much. She walks around armed with these hulk hands most days.
She has been trained by the best.
These two have been her primary instructors.
They know what they are doing. They are professionals.
Here she is just daring you to say her hamster didn't read his Bible this morning.
Go ahead, I dare you.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
In A Funk
It's late Friday night and I am waiting for Samantha to get home from the drive in movies. She went with another family and was soooo excited to have her first drive in movie experience.
When ever I want to go the kids look at me like I am some kind of backwards freak. However, it seems, when you are invited by another family it is fun.
Go figure.
My boys are all playing video games, Dave's watching old baseball games (I'm sorry, I guess they are called "classic") on cable and Paige is hanging out with the dogs.
She's trying to get them to dance with her, but she's not having any luck.
You would think since she got all dressed up in her flapper costume someone would take her for a spin around the house.
She gave up. Her family is being a bunch of party poopers tonight.
This evening is full of excitement.
I'm in a funk tonight.
Normally I would be ordering the family to all get together in the living room for a movie night or to play a game.
Tonight I am just leaving everyone alone to do their own thing.
Do you ever have days where you feel so mentally exhausted you just want to crawl under the covers and never come out?
I do.
I'm having one of them today.
To much stress, to much drama, to much of everything.
Uggh.
I'm taking comfort in the fact that tomorrow is a brand new day.
Have a good one my friends.
When ever I want to go the kids look at me like I am some kind of backwards freak. However, it seems, when you are invited by another family it is fun.
Go figure.
My boys are all playing video games, Dave's watching old baseball games (I'm sorry, I guess they are called "classic") on cable and Paige is hanging out with the dogs.
She's trying to get them to dance with her, but she's not having any luck.
You would think since she got all dressed up in her flapper costume someone would take her for a spin around the house.
She gave up. Her family is being a bunch of party poopers tonight.
Did you know that there is now a channel devoted to baseball 24 hours a day? Yeah, me neither. Seems it just started in our part of the woods.
Baseball all day every day.
Really I have no words to express my excitement over this new phenomenon.
Really.
This evening is full of excitement.
I'm in a funk tonight.
Normally I would be ordering the family to all get together in the living room for a movie night or to play a game.
Tonight I am just leaving everyone alone to do their own thing.
Do you ever have days where you feel so mentally exhausted you just want to crawl under the covers and never come out?
I do.
I'm having one of them today.
To much stress, to much drama, to much of everything.
Uggh.
I'm taking comfort in the fact that tomorrow is a brand new day.
Have a good one my friends.
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
A Change In Plans
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.
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.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
I Love You, You Love Me, Were a Happy Family....
We pulled out the Christmas boxes yesterday. The kids found the Christmas movies I had packed away last January 1st.
Paige was excited by the large stack of new movies she had no memory of. She quickly picked up the Barney movie "Waiting For Santa". This movie has been much loved by all of our older children. They all went through their Barney stage and the Big Purple Dinosaur was very popular in our household with all but one person.
That person would be the Daddy who lives in this house.
He was very thankful his youngest daughter had skipped Barney and preferred much more sophisticated cartoons like Sponge Bob and The Wonder Pets.
He had to catch a flight yesterday morning at 6:00 a.m. to Arizona for an early morning meeting and flew home immediately after. He walked in the door at 8:30 last night understandably hungry and tired. Paige greeted him enthusiastically at the door where she immediately took his hand and wanted to show him what she was doing in the play room. He was met with the sound of the purple dinosaur singing Christmas songs on our television screen.
We still have this movie, he asked me, with a rather irritated look in his eyes?
Yes, honey, I responded. I couldn't get rid of it, it is part of our Christmas tradition.
How many times has she watched it today, he asked?
Four times.
Oh.
Then an older child piped in with these words.
She really likes Barney Dad so were going to let her watch him tomorrow morning on TV. We already looked up the times.
I'm sorry honey. Maybe her Barney phase won't be as long as the other kids.
We can only hope. Sigh.
Paige was excited by the large stack of new movies she had no memory of. She quickly picked up the Barney movie "Waiting For Santa". This movie has been much loved by all of our older children. They all went through their Barney stage and the Big Purple Dinosaur was very popular in our household with all but one person.
That person would be the Daddy who lives in this house.
He was very thankful his youngest daughter had skipped Barney and preferred much more sophisticated cartoons like Sponge Bob and The Wonder Pets.
He had to catch a flight yesterday morning at 6:00 a.m. to Arizona for an early morning meeting and flew home immediately after. He walked in the door at 8:30 last night understandably hungry and tired. Paige greeted him enthusiastically at the door where she immediately took his hand and wanted to show him what she was doing in the play room. He was met with the sound of the purple dinosaur singing Christmas songs on our television screen.
We still have this movie, he asked me, with a rather irritated look in his eyes?
Yes, honey, I responded. I couldn't get rid of it, it is part of our Christmas tradition.
How many times has she watched it today, he asked?
Four times.
Oh.
Then an older child piped in with these words.
She really likes Barney Dad so were going to let her watch him tomorrow morning on TV. We already looked up the times.
I'm sorry honey. Maybe her Barney phase won't be as long as the other kids.
We can only hope. Sigh.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
The Funny Things Kids Say
Yesterday afternoon I had to run to Sam's Club and pick up a few things before the party last night. Paige enthusiastically spoke up and said she wanted to go to Sam's Club with me, so she did.
Unfortunately, Sam's Club wasn't all she had hoped for. Here is our conversation in the car.
Paige: I can't wait to get to Sam's house to play with him.
Me: Do you mean Sam's Club?
Paige: Yes, Sam's house. He has a Club House were going to play in together.
Clearly, this child was very confused. Poor thing, you should have seen her face when we drove up and parked.
"You mean were going to the grocery store" she asked unhappily.
I almost felt a little guilty for laughing.
***********************************************************************************
My mom's birthday party was a huge success. Lest you think I am unkind please understand that I am not mad at the person who forgot to order the food. I was annoyed, but totally over it now.
The food was great and the company even better.
My sisters in-laws came with her and her husband. My mom was so excited. She would rather play cards than do almost anything and she knew once she saw Bill and Shirley that there was some card playing in her future.
A few mad games of Pinochle followed and the light in my mom's eyes made me so incredibly happy.
I have some wonderful picutes to share but I still havn't gotten a new charger for the laptop so they will have to wait.
You will not believe how incredible my mom looks for being 89 years young!!!
Unfortunately, Sam's Club wasn't all she had hoped for. Here is our conversation in the car.
Paige: I can't wait to get to Sam's house to play with him.
Me: Do you mean Sam's Club?
Paige: Yes, Sam's house. He has a Club House were going to play in together.
Clearly, this child was very confused. Poor thing, you should have seen her face when we drove up and parked.
"You mean were going to the grocery store" she asked unhappily.
I almost felt a little guilty for laughing.
***********************************************************************************
My mom's birthday party was a huge success. Lest you think I am unkind please understand that I am not mad at the person who forgot to order the food. I was annoyed, but totally over it now.
The food was great and the company even better.
My sisters in-laws came with her and her husband. My mom was so excited. She would rather play cards than do almost anything and she knew once she saw Bill and Shirley that there was some card playing in her future.
A few mad games of Pinochle followed and the light in my mom's eyes made me so incredibly happy.
I have some wonderful picutes to share but I still havn't gotten a new charger for the laptop so they will have to wait.
You will not believe how incredible my mom looks for being 89 years young!!!
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Who Parks Their Car In There Anyway?
Today I was cleaning my room and Paige (5) told me she would go and pick up her room too.
Great, I thought. Another little girl who likes to clean.
I walked past her room about five minutes later and was pleasantly surprised to find all her stuffed animals and other toys off the floor. The floor was completely picked up.
However, I didn't see them stacked anywhere around the room.
"Paige" I asked "Where are all your things".
"In the garage" she tells me.
"The garage"?
She points to her closet.
I open it up and out tumbles every item that had been sprawled across her bedroom floor five minutes before.
"Paige" I asked again "Why didn't you put your things away where they are suppose to go".
"My room was a mess so I put everything in my garage" she replied.
Something tells me this little girl has heard her mommy yelling at the other kids to "Just throw it in the garage" when we have been in a rush to pick up and company was coming over.
I guess she thought the same technique could work in her own room.
Pretty smart, I guess.
Great, I thought. Another little girl who likes to clean.
I walked past her room about five minutes later and was pleasantly surprised to find all her stuffed animals and other toys off the floor. The floor was completely picked up.
However, I didn't see them stacked anywhere around the room.
"Paige" I asked "Where are all your things".
"In the garage" she tells me.
"The garage"?
She points to her closet.
I open it up and out tumbles every item that had been sprawled across her bedroom floor five minutes before.
"Paige" I asked again "Why didn't you put your things away where they are suppose to go".
"My room was a mess so I put everything in my garage" she replied.
Something tells me this little girl has heard her mommy yelling at the other kids to "Just throw it in the garage" when we have been in a rush to pick up and company was coming over.
I guess she thought the same technique could work in her own room.
Pretty smart, I guess.
Labels: kids
Monday, September 15, 2008
The Family Diner
Last week Zach asked if he and a few friends could come home for lunch on Wednesday. I was thrilled. I don't see my high schooler's as much as I would like. Between school and sports it's pretty much homework and bed when they get home. I would love to have the extra time with him and his friends.
We decided that Wednesday would be the day I would make them all lunch. It was a pretty day so I BBQ'd hamburgers and hot dogs on the grill, made some pasta salad, and threw out some chips and lemonade.
He came home with 5 friends which meant between them and Samantha, Garrett and myself we had 9 for lunch. It was lots of fun (they get 50 minutes for lunch) and we all sat outside to eat. The boys thought it was great to have a hot meal in the middle of the day and asked if we could make this a weekly event? Um, OK, I replied.
My hesitation was not because I did not want them to come back. It was strictly financial. These boys eat a lot of food and I would definitely need to figure out some more economical meals if we were going to make this a regular weekly occurrence.
This is what I figure I spent last week on the meal;
3 lbs. of hamburger 1.29 lb. = $3.87
1 package hot dogs $1.50
Buns $2.49
2 Bags of Chips $3.00
Pasta Salad;
Noodles $1.49
Cucumber .69
Tomatoes 1.25
olives .79
red bell pepper .50
salad dressing 2.29
Total: $17.87
That means lunch was about $1.98 a person.
I didn't add in the lemonade or spices for the pasta because I already had them on hand.
If we are going to do this on a weekly basis I would really prefer to keep the cost at no more than $1.50 per person. Less than that would be fantastic!
This is where you all come in my thrifty friends. Do you have any idea's for me for feeding a bunch of teenage boys? I have already been informed that this week there will be ten boys coming home with Zach for lunch. I had to tell him this would be his limit and no more than ten per week could come along. I had visions of this turning into a soup kitchen type operation once the boys found out there was free warm food around the corner at Zach's house.
So, any ideas? Let me know what you think?
There may even be a prize in it for the person who gives me the best idea.
We decided that Wednesday would be the day I would make them all lunch. It was a pretty day so I BBQ'd hamburgers and hot dogs on the grill, made some pasta salad, and threw out some chips and lemonade.
He came home with 5 friends which meant between them and Samantha, Garrett and myself we had 9 for lunch. It was lots of fun (they get 50 minutes for lunch) and we all sat outside to eat. The boys thought it was great to have a hot meal in the middle of the day and asked if we could make this a weekly event? Um, OK, I replied.
My hesitation was not because I did not want them to come back. It was strictly financial. These boys eat a lot of food and I would definitely need to figure out some more economical meals if we were going to make this a regular weekly occurrence.
This is what I figure I spent last week on the meal;
3 lbs. of hamburger 1.29 lb. = $3.87
1 package hot dogs $1.50
Buns $2.49
2 Bags of Chips $3.00
Pasta Salad;
Noodles $1.49
Cucumber .69
Tomatoes 1.25
olives .79
red bell pepper .50
salad dressing 2.29
Total: $17.87
That means lunch was about $1.98 a person.
I didn't add in the lemonade or spices for the pasta because I already had them on hand.
If we are going to do this on a weekly basis I would really prefer to keep the cost at no more than $1.50 per person. Less than that would be fantastic!
This is where you all come in my thrifty friends. Do you have any idea's for me for feeding a bunch of teenage boys? I have already been informed that this week there will be ten boys coming home with Zach for lunch. I had to tell him this would be his limit and no more than ten per week could come along. I had visions of this turning into a soup kitchen type operation once the boys found out there was free warm food around the corner at Zach's house.
So, any ideas? Let me know what you think?
There may even be a prize in it for the person who gives me the best idea.
Labels: High School, kids, recipes
Sunday, September 14, 2008
The Demolition
We have been busy moving bedrooms around the last few weeks. When we first discussed adoption with our children last summer the first question out of all of there mouths was "Where will the new kids sleep"?
Destroying his old bed!
In other words, they were fine with another brother or sister, but how exactly would it effect them?
So, over the last year we have been trying to figure out the best and fairest way to assign bedrooms. The only one of our kids that actually use there bedroom, other than for sleeping, is Samantha (12). She likes to go up to her room and escape her three brothers who think it is there job in life to gang up and torture her on a regular basis. She can often be found upstairs, curled up on her bed, relaxing with a good book. She obviously needs a place to escape at times, the other kids, not so much.
Right now Zach (16) has the downstairs bedroom, Tyler (15) and Garrett (10) share one upstairs room, Paige (5) has her own room as well as Samantha. We have five bedrooms (counting mine and hubbies) and five children, with hopefully two more joining us soon.
I really wanted a play room so we could have all the toys in one place for the younger kids which really keeps there rooms much neater and organized. I threw the idea out to Zach of making his downstairs bedroom into the play room and, naturally, he wasn't to keen on the idea. This kid is NEVER in his room so I wasn't giving up.
Mom, quit taking my picture while I destroy my old bed!
When he was looking for his first car last month he had a pretty strict budget. We had been looking for almost three months and couldn't find anything in his price range that he wanted, or we felt was actually worth the money. We then found this truck that had been used by a dealer to run errands, etc. that had 117,000 miles on it but was only four years old and had been serviced regularly. He fell in love and really wanted it. The bummer was the lowest negotiated price we could get the car for was $800.00 more than he had to spend. That's when we had the idea of trading that $800.00 for his room. He jumped at the chance. He got his truck, I got my playroom. We were all happy.
Now, don't get me wrong. If need be I would have TOLD him he was moving upstairs with his brothers because that was what was best for the family. However, I don't want our new children to come home to siblings who are feeling resentment towards them because they have turned there current lives upside down.
I started emptying Zach's room almost immediately after he got his truck and he has not complained once. He doesn't have a bed upstairs yet and has been sleeping on the couch in the family room. He told me the other day that the couch is really comfy and I didn't even have to buy him a bed. That was sweet, but I already ordered him one. It should be here in a few days.
I totally cleaned out Garrett and Tyler's room and they were thrilled to have everything so organized and sparkling clean. Zach even seems a little excited to be moving upstairs with them and they spent one day last weekend hanging up some of his baseball pictures on his side of the room and he helped Garrett hang some things over his bed to. I will post some pictures of how I organized there room when I get his bed next week.
I am going to order a bunk bed for Paige's room with the double on the bottom and single on the top. We are requesting children 4 or under (our agency won't let us go out of birth order) so we thought if the kids were old enough they might feel more secure sleeping together on the bottom bunk for a little while after they arrive. There is also room for a crib if it turns out we need one. So, Paige will share with two siblings and the three boys will share and that leaves Samantha still with her own room.
Mom, I am getting really annoyed with you!!!
I think she was feeling a little guilty about this fact because she told me a few days ago that she wouldn't mind having someone sleep with her in her room (she has a double bed) she just didn't want them to make a mess. Samantha is my child who likes everything neat and tidy and it would not work for her to be with a messy Marvin type kiddo. My heart was warmed by this offer but I told her I thought we were fine for right now but I might need to take her up on it in a few months. We will see.
So, we are busy moving furniture and cleaning out closets. I had to call for a special pick up this week as I had 15 giant bags full of extra trash. Zachary had fun demolishing his old bed (it was falling apart) and putting it out for the trash man. He and Tyler decided to take a hammer to it and give it a proper burial. Those are the pictures you have been looking at.
On another note; I called our home study agency, again, about the forms we are missing and they told me they sent them out on August 28th. We never received them. I mailed them more money and an overnight air bill to send the forms in. Hopefully I will have them in my hot little hands by Tuesday which will make our dossier FINALLY complete and on its way to Ethiopia. I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. Praise God!
Destroying his old bed!In other words, they were fine with another brother or sister, but how exactly would it effect them?
So, over the last year we have been trying to figure out the best and fairest way to assign bedrooms. The only one of our kids that actually use there bedroom, other than for sleeping, is Samantha (12). She likes to go up to her room and escape her three brothers who think it is there job in life to gang up and torture her on a regular basis. She can often be found upstairs, curled up on her bed, relaxing with a good book. She obviously needs a place to escape at times, the other kids, not so much.
Right now Zach (16) has the downstairs bedroom, Tyler (15) and Garrett (10) share one upstairs room, Paige (5) has her own room as well as Samantha. We have five bedrooms (counting mine and hubbies) and five children, with hopefully two more joining us soon.
I really wanted a play room so we could have all the toys in one place for the younger kids which really keeps there rooms much neater and organized. I threw the idea out to Zach of making his downstairs bedroom into the play room and, naturally, he wasn't to keen on the idea. This kid is NEVER in his room so I wasn't giving up.
Mom, quit taking my picture while I destroy my old bed!When he was looking for his first car last month he had a pretty strict budget. We had been looking for almost three months and couldn't find anything in his price range that he wanted, or we felt was actually worth the money. We then found this truck that had been used by a dealer to run errands, etc. that had 117,000 miles on it but was only four years old and had been serviced regularly. He fell in love and really wanted it. The bummer was the lowest negotiated price we could get the car for was $800.00 more than he had to spend. That's when we had the idea of trading that $800.00 for his room. He jumped at the chance. He got his truck, I got my playroom. We were all happy.
Now, don't get me wrong. If need be I would have TOLD him he was moving upstairs with his brothers because that was what was best for the family. However, I don't want our new children to come home to siblings who are feeling resentment towards them because they have turned there current lives upside down.
I started emptying Zach's room almost immediately after he got his truck and he has not complained once. He doesn't have a bed upstairs yet and has been sleeping on the couch in the family room. He told me the other day that the couch is really comfy and I didn't even have to buy him a bed. That was sweet, but I already ordered him one. It should be here in a few days.
I totally cleaned out Garrett and Tyler's room and they were thrilled to have everything so organized and sparkling clean. Zach even seems a little excited to be moving upstairs with them and they spent one day last weekend hanging up some of his baseball pictures on his side of the room and he helped Garrett hang some things over his bed to. I will post some pictures of how I organized there room when I get his bed next week.
I am going to order a bunk bed for Paige's room with the double on the bottom and single on the top. We are requesting children 4 or under (our agency won't let us go out of birth order) so we thought if the kids were old enough they might feel more secure sleeping together on the bottom bunk for a little while after they arrive. There is also room for a crib if it turns out we need one. So, Paige will share with two siblings and the three boys will share and that leaves Samantha still with her own room.
Mom, I am getting really annoyed with you!!!I think she was feeling a little guilty about this fact because she told me a few days ago that she wouldn't mind having someone sleep with her in her room (she has a double bed) she just didn't want them to make a mess. Samantha is my child who likes everything neat and tidy and it would not work for her to be with a messy Marvin type kiddo. My heart was warmed by this offer but I told her I thought we were fine for right now but I might need to take her up on it in a few months. We will see.
So, we are busy moving furniture and cleaning out closets. I had to call for a special pick up this week as I had 15 giant bags full of extra trash. Zachary had fun demolishing his old bed (it was falling apart) and putting it out for the trash man. He and Tyler decided to take a hammer to it and give it a proper burial. Those are the pictures you have been looking at.
On another note; I called our home study agency, again, about the forms we are missing and they told me they sent them out on August 28th. We never received them. I mailed them more money and an overnight air bill to send the forms in. Hopefully I will have them in my hot little hands by Tuesday which will make our dossier FINALLY complete and on its way to Ethiopia. I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. Praise God!
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
A Day In The Life
Today our little home school was very busy.
Both of the kids did two chapters in there math books. I highly recommend this program for math. My kids both really like it.
We then did Home Economics when mom decided something needed to be done with the banana's rotting on the counter. An hour later the three youngest kids had made there first ever batch of banana bread and were quite proud of themselves.
We then ran out the door to piano lessons. Garrett just started learning piano two weeks ago and he has already completed six lessons. This is Samantha's sixth year of lessons and she is also really growing in her talent. It is so wonderful not to be so busy racing around that they actually have time to practice without me having to nag at them all the time.
While the kids were at piano for an hour I took Paige with me to the grocery store where we bought 30 pounds of ground beef because it was on sale for $1.29 a pound. After piano the kids helped me separate the meat and freeze it into one pound packages.
Then off to the library we went because the kids had already read all the books we checked out last week. Samantha read 5 books this week. I keep finding her under her covers in the morning pretending to be asleep. She is actually reading and hoping I will leave her alone for just a little bit longer.
Tonight Garrett had football practice from 6-8 and I actually had to take a blanket because the weather was so cool. I am so excited to have some cooler weather.
On a totally different topic; Paige went to the bathroom today for the first time in a public place. She has had this fear of public restrooms ever since one of them automatically flushed while she was sitting on it. You know what I'm talking about. Those really loud ones that go off right as you get up from the toilet. Anyway, she really had to go when we were at the library, so I took her in there and she very sweetly had a conversation with herself about how she was a big girl now and could do this. She scooted her little tushy onto the seat and held on tight. She was successful and was so excited to have conquered her fear. She ran out of the bathroom right to the librarian and told her what a wonderful bathroom they had. My five year old is very obviously easily impressed.
I am very happy that little battle seems to have been won for now. Now if she will just sleep in her own bed.
Both of the kids did two chapters in there math books. I highly recommend this program for math. My kids both really like it.
We then did Home Economics when mom decided something needed to be done with the banana's rotting on the counter. An hour later the three youngest kids had made there first ever batch of banana bread and were quite proud of themselves.
We then ran out the door to piano lessons. Garrett just started learning piano two weeks ago and he has already completed six lessons. This is Samantha's sixth year of lessons and she is also really growing in her talent. It is so wonderful not to be so busy racing around that they actually have time to practice without me having to nag at them all the time.
While the kids were at piano for an hour I took Paige with me to the grocery store where we bought 30 pounds of ground beef because it was on sale for $1.29 a pound. After piano the kids helped me separate the meat and freeze it into one pound packages.
Then off to the library we went because the kids had already read all the books we checked out last week. Samantha read 5 books this week. I keep finding her under her covers in the morning pretending to be asleep. She is actually reading and hoping I will leave her alone for just a little bit longer.
Tonight Garrett had football practice from 6-8 and I actually had to take a blanket because the weather was so cool. I am so excited to have some cooler weather.
On a totally different topic; Paige went to the bathroom today for the first time in a public place. She has had this fear of public restrooms ever since one of them automatically flushed while she was sitting on it. You know what I'm talking about. Those really loud ones that go off right as you get up from the toilet. Anyway, she really had to go when we were at the library, so I took her in there and she very sweetly had a conversation with herself about how she was a big girl now and could do this. She scooted her little tushy onto the seat and held on tight. She was successful and was so excited to have conquered her fear. She ran out of the bathroom right to the librarian and told her what a wonderful bathroom they had. My five year old is very obviously easily impressed.
I am very happy that little battle seems to have been won for now. Now if she will just sleep in her own bed.
Labels: Home Schooling, kids
Friday, August 22, 2008
A Day At Disney
We had a fun day yesterday at Disneyland. Well, actually, California Adventures. For some reason my kids really like this smaller Disney park better.
We went to Play House Disney and saw the show. Paige was thrilled to see her friends Mickey, Minny, The little Einsteins, Handy Manny and Pooh and all his friends in person. Samantha and Garrett were good sports and we all sang along to the songs and had fun.
The older boys stayed home so this was all about the little people which was kind of nice. We watched the parade and went on the carousel. Garrett and Samantha went on the roller coaster together and Garrett braved the 200 foot tall Maliboomer all by himself. He is a brave boy.
This is what you look like when you still need to grow an inch before you can go on the "fun" rides with your brother and sister.
However, a nice lolly pop always makes things a little better.
The lady bug "tea cup" ride was a big hit in A Bugs Land.
Every ride is themed around the movie A Bugs Life and the area is made so that you feel the size of a small bug walking around in the grass. Very fun for all ages.
We had a blast and I think we will go again on Sunday after church. I'm planning on getting my money's worth out of these year long passes.
Adoption Update: Our home study agency was closed today so I was not able to talk to anyone about the missing paperwork. However, I spoke with our adoption agency social worker and she calmed me down and let me know this would probably only delay our dossier going to Ethiopia by a week. I am feeling much better. I just hope our home study agency can get there act together and produce the paper work quickly. Thanks for all your kind words.
Labels: Adoption, kids, summer time fun
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Brother and Sister
One of the things I love about having a 9 (almost 10) year old son is that he still likes having me take his picture. He will pose and then enthusiastically ask if I am going to put his picture on my blog? Unlike his brothers, the teenagers, who flinch every time I point the camera at them and say something like "this better not end up on your blog".
Garrett was such a sweet older brother last week and spent a day hanging with his little sister.
They did PlayDoh together.
Practicing his Barber skills.
She is very proud of her doggy.
This guy was definitely having a bad hair day.After PlayDoh he had lunch with her and even watched Little Bear without complaining.
After lunch they went in the pool. Unfortunately I don't have any pictures of that.After I took the pictures he asked "Your going to put these on the blog right"?
Yes son. Here they are for all to see what a wonderful big brother you are.
*********************************************************************************************************
See this puzzle?
Samantha and I started this puzzle last week. It is driving me crazy. Between all the Olympic watching and puzzle construction its amazing that the house isn't falling down around me.
This is what it is suppose to look like. Note to self: Never buy a round puzzle again. The pieces will DRIVE YOU CRAZY.Update: That one little piece of paper came in the mail yesterday. Yeah!!!! I'm going to Fed Ex our dossier to the adoption agency this afternoon. WE ARE SO EXCITED!!!!!
Saturday, August 02, 2008
Ouch!!!
We got a quote to add Zach (16) to our car insurance policy. The insurance agent told me it would be $240.00 a month. He actually said that with a straight face. After I fainted he said he would try and get it down a little lower and call me back. $204.80 is what he came back with.
Is it just me or does that sound ridiculously high for a kid who is suppose to be getting the good student discount?
Dave called another insurance company and they gave him a quote of $130.00 a month. After the first quote, that sounded like a real bargain. However, that is still a lot of money. Of course if he was a female child I am told the price would be a third of that.
That ice cream truck idea is sounding better and better.
I know that California is pricey for everything but this just seems ridiculous. Anyone out there know of a cheap insurance company for teens with good grades?
Please help!
Is it just me or does that sound ridiculously high for a kid who is suppose to be getting the good student discount?
Dave called another insurance company and they gave him a quote of $130.00 a month. After the first quote, that sounded like a real bargain. However, that is still a lot of money. Of course if he was a female child I am told the price would be a third of that.
That ice cream truck idea is sounding better and better.
I know that California is pricey for everything but this just seems ridiculous. Anyone out there know of a cheap insurance company for teens with good grades?
Please help!
Labels: High School, kids
