Update:
We made it to Arkansas at about 8:00am and went straight to my Dad's house. He and my sister were heading up to the funeral home to make arrangements. They both seemed in shock. Thanks for your prayers. Please continue to lift up my Dad and Kassey as they are both facing several days of just figuring out what it looks like to live without my step-mom.
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This is Jessica's friend Amanda. I'm posting for her because she is currently on the road with all her crew headed for Arkansas. She received a phone call from her father in Arkansas today informing her that her step-mother had passed away. The details are sketchy at this point. All I know for sure is that she was found earlier today in her bed. She has had a history of heart problems and even had a heart attack a while back. This is very unexpected and is a very trying time for their family.
Jessica has asked me to let you all know what happened. Also, she has requested prayers for her younger half-sister, Kassey. She is 16 and was very, very close to her mother. Kassey is the one who found her mother this morning. She is the only child that her step-mother had, so she has no siblings who live with her.
I can tell you that this will be a very stressful week for Jessica and her family. There is a long road ahead of them and, in many ways, life will never be the same. As Jess has told you in general terms, her relationship with her father has been less than desirable in recent years. The same was true for her step-mother. But, for her sister, Jessica has longed to be the big sister that she knew Kassey needed. Living so far from her has made that difficult, but Jess has tried to be someone she could talk to anyway.
Jessica is hurting mostly for Kassey. Please pray specifically that the Lord protect Kassey's heart in the matters of the things she experienced today. Also, pray for her and her father to find a new sense of normal life in the months and years to come. Her step-mother was very much the glue that held them all together. Pray for Kassey to find the strength and solidarity in God that it will take to go through high school and college without her mother in her life. Pray for mending in these relationships. It is a prayer that Jessica has had for years, and it is now my prayer that God will use this time to heal what has been broken for so long. Finally, pray for Jess, Luke, and the kids to have a safe, smooth trip to and from Arkansas. They threw things together in a hurry and without the clarity of mind needed to adequately prepare for such a trip.
Blessings,
Amanda
Monday, June 29, 2009
Friday, June 26, 2009
Das Not Funny! Friday: He Said, She Said
Yay! Friday already! Our weekend will be busy with Vacation Bible School and sorting our extra "treasures" for a yard sale in two weeks. I hope you will play along with me and create your own Das Not Funny! Friday post. If you'd like the "official rules" simply click here. But, it's super simple and if you read all the way down, I'll give you a brief version of the "rules" below. Plus, I've decided that Mister Linky hates me and so I'm continuing to put your links right here at the bottom of this post manually. But enough of the housekeeping stuff, let's get to the laughs, what do you say?
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I will only tell you the following Das Not Funny! Friday story if you promise not to mention anything of it's nature to Elizabeth. You promise? Good, because this might be the funniest thing one of the kids has said in, well, forever.
This past weekend we were at the pool where my parents are members. Elizabeth and I were taking a potty break when the following conversation took place.
Elizabeth: "Mommy, have you ever been in the pool and pooted? The bubbles go up your back and tickle!"
Me: "Um..I might have done that once, or twice."
Elizabeth: "Yeah, that's fun. And when you pee pee in the pool and feel it get really warm?"
Me: "Well, we aren't suppose to pee in the pool because it's against the rules."
Elizabeth: "Yeah, I haven't done that either. But some kids do."
Me: "Some kids named Elizabeth?"
Elizabeth: "Um, yeah. But just that once."
Seeing as how there were approximately 87 kids at the pool that night, I'm sure that my child wasn't the only one helping warm up the water.
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Ashlee, eating a candy bracelet: "Wook Woocus, I dot candy. Woocus, say 'Ash, I wanna bite of dat!'"
Lucas: "Ashwee I wanna bite of dat!"
Ashlee: "Nope, sorry Woocus, it hurt your tummy."
Lucas: *Sigh* "Ok, Ashwee."
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Ashlee, from the toilet: "Mommy! Come wipe me pweease!"
Me, entering bathroom: "Are you all done, Ash?"
Ashlee: "No! Wait! I'd got three more poops in my butt. Gimme me jus a minute."
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Lucas: "Mommmmmm! Aaron got a poopy biaper!"
Me, changing only a wet diaper, with Lucas' help: "Nope Buddy, it was just a wet one."
Lucas: "Are you shurwe?"
Me: "Yup. See?" (Showing him no poop in the diaper)
Lucas: "Aaron boy, what chu been eatin'? You stink!"
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Okay folks, now it's your turn. Simply type up your own Das Not Funny! Friday post and link it back here to my post. Then, come here and leave a comment and I'll link back to your post right here, just like I did last week. I had a blast reading your posts last week so please, play along! I promise it will be fun and it totally doesn't hurt. Happy Friday!
Peeps who are playing along:
1. Vonda and Jake talk to trees and discuss the importance of annunciation, especially when it pertains to alternate names for "donkey."
Thursday, June 25, 2009
I &hearts Aldi
The kids and I are outside (me on the laptop, obviously) while the kids ignore a perfectly blown up and watered down bouncehouse (RRIAP for those of you who are new around here) and instead all three big kids are pulling around a plastic red wagon filled with water.
At least they know how to make the best of their resources, right?
Baby Girl is upstairs asleep and Aaron boy is devouring 15 Mrs. Freshley's Apple Cinnamon Cereal Bars. What's that? Who is Mrs. Freshley? I'm SO glad you asked. You see, I've wanted to blog for a while now about this little love affair I'm having with a certainsomeone something. But before I tell you about my undying devotion, I'd like to tell you about the time we first met.
This is Aldi. The first time I met Aldi, I didn't like her (him?) very much. You see, they don't provide bags to bag up your food, they rarely carry name brands and, this was the kicker for me, they make you provide a quarter to "borrow" one of their buggys (that's a shopping cart for you'ins that live up nawrth). Yep, you put in your $0.25 then when you return your buggy, you get your quarter back. It was not my beloved Walmart and I did not have an isle by isle chart permanently etched into my brain. It was different and I didn't like it, at all.
But then, I heard that Aldi had milk for $2.39/gallon. I figured another peruse through the store couldn't hurt. And, seeing as how it might be cheaper for our house to just buy a freakin' cow than to continue to pay Walmart's ridiculous price of $4.01/gallon., I figured $2.39/gallon for milk could possible allow us to finally begin contritubing to our kids' college funds, rather than watching them drink away their hope of an undergraduate education. (Plus, Walmart's milk has hormones that make 5 year olds go through puberty, okay not really. I love that you can so clearly tell that this supposed email was written by a southerner. They use the word "fixing" as a verb. You know, she was "fixing" to have surgery.)
Wow - tangent, sorry. Back to Aldi. I went in for milk and saw a few other odds and ends that I needed. The cashier rang up my total and it was something ridiculous like $15.00. Can I just tell you that I have NEVER IN MY LIFE left Walmart with a total as low as $15.00? Ever. Even if I'm going in for just milk, I have never left with less than $30.00 worth of stuff (which conveniently always fits in one bag).
I went to the car and examined my receipt. From that day forward I've been an Aldi fan and we now sport matching BFF necklaces.
Hey! Dont' judge me, you'd be BFF's with Aldi too if it cut your grocery bill by almost $200 a month. I'd say that's worth a BFF necklace anyday.
So the moral of this story? Don't judge your BFF on your first encounter. You never know how much money they will save you.
At least they know how to make the best of their resources, right?
Baby Girl is upstairs asleep and Aaron boy is devouring 15 Mrs. Freshley's Apple Cinnamon Cereal Bars. What's that? Who is Mrs. Freshley? I'm SO glad you asked. You see, I've wanted to blog for a while now about this little love affair I'm having with a certain
This is Aldi. The first time I met Aldi, I didn't like her (him?) very much. You see, they don't provide bags to bag up your food, they rarely carry name brands and, this was the kicker for me, they make you provide a quarter to "borrow" one of their buggys (that's a shopping cart for you'ins that live up nawrth). Yep, you put in your $0.25 then when you return your buggy, you get your quarter back. It was not my beloved Walmart and I did not have an isle by isle chart permanently etched into my brain. It was different and I didn't like it, at all.
But then, I heard that Aldi had milk for $2.39/gallon. I figured another peruse through the store couldn't hurt. And, seeing as how it might be cheaper for our house to just buy a freakin' cow than to continue to pay Walmart's ridiculous price of $4.01/gallon., I figured $2.39/gallon for milk could possible allow us to finally begin contritubing to our kids' college funds, rather than watching them drink away their hope of an undergraduate education. (Plus, Walmart's milk has hormones that make 5 year olds go through puberty, okay not really. I love that you can so clearly tell that this supposed email was written by a southerner. They use the word "fixing" as a verb. You know, she was "fixing" to have surgery.)
Wow - tangent, sorry. Back to Aldi. I went in for milk and saw a few other odds and ends that I needed. The cashier rang up my total and it was something ridiculous like $15.00. Can I just tell you that I have NEVER IN MY LIFE left Walmart with a total as low as $15.00? Ever. Even if I'm going in for just milk, I have never left with less than $30.00 worth of stuff (which conveniently always fits in one bag).
I went to the car and examined my receipt. From that day forward I've been an Aldi fan and we now sport matching BFF necklaces.
Hey! Dont' judge me, you'd be BFF's with Aldi too if it cut your grocery bill by almost $200 a month. I'd say that's worth a BFF necklace anyday.
So the moral of this story? Don't judge your BFF on your first encounter. You never know how much money they will save you.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Fatherly Faithfulness
In case you didn't notice, I didn't write a Father's Day post like I did last year. It's not because I think Luke has slacked in this past year and doesn't deserve a whole post devoted to the phenomenal job he does as a father. Actually, it's quite the opposite. I could write post after post, actually daily, on the ways that I see my husband discipling, loving and nurturing our children. He is amazing in this role on so many levels.
But, this year I was overcome with emotion for the ways that I see our children adore their earthly father. And, if I'm honest, I was a little jealous. You see, I have the blessing of having grown up with two Dads. My real Dad and I were incredibly close when I was a child. To say I was a Daddy's girl was putting it mildly. It was not uncommon for me to frequent the deer woods, the hunting club (that would be a deer hunting club for you city slickers), the local fishing pond and early morning fishing trips with my Dad. He was the man I adored and the person I wanted to spend all my time with. I loathed dresses and bows and fru-fru girl stuff (aside from the Barbie and the Rockers bus I got for Christmas one year. THAT girly-fied thing was so cool.). Anyway, you get the idea. Where my Dad went so did I. Even to his hot, sweaty job as a brick layer. I would pile up scrap bricks and steal freshly mixed concrete and lay my own brick walls while my Dad labored in the sun, working hard to provide for our needs. He is a good man and in my childhood he was an amazing Dad. As I grew into adolescence our relationship became strained and now it is virtually non-exsistent.
Then, when I turned eleven I was blessed to gain another Dad. My step-dad married my mom and immediately he and I went toe to toe. We battled for my Mom's attention and I can say that I honestly didn't take it easy on him. But, he took it all in stride and was committed to loving me despite my pre-teen hormones. And, he still does love me, just like I am his natural born daughter. He loves my children beyond a level that I knew he was able. They squeal and scream and run top-speed to the awaiting arms of their PawPaw each and every time he enters their presence. And my "Dad" (because that's what I call him) fills that grandpa role with perfection. In fact, God not-so-subtly revealed to me that my step-Dad is, in fact, the person who showed me exactly what it looks like to love a child that is not your flesh and blood. He showed me that love knows no blood line. He created the ability within me to love Aaron and Baby Girl just like I do. If for only that, I will be eternally grateful.
However, I cannot claim that I have had a sustained relationship with any "Dad" that compares to what my children get with Luke. I have never been discipled by a man in the ways of the Lord. I have never walked in on my Dad reading his Bible or praying over me. I have never had a Dad sit down and explain to me why the choices I made were unbiblical and against God's desires for my life. Oh, how my life might look differently if only I had.
So it is with that thinking that I am jealous that my kids have Luke. You see, I'm still figuring this whole mother/wife/submissive partner role out. I don't have all the answers and neither Luke nor I grew up in a home modeling Godly faithfulness. Yes, we were raised by believers, but neither of us had a mother and father who worked together to exemplify the way to make Godly decisions. My kids see that each and every day in the face of their dad. They see a man who works tirelessly to earn for us. They see a man who loves their mother without condition, even when she's undeserving of that love. They see a man who's heart is so desperate to seek God's desires for his family that he remains humbly submitted to the throne of God. I praise God for this man who fathers our children and I pray that as our children learn from his faithfulness, so will I.
But, this year I was overcome with emotion for the ways that I see our children adore their earthly father. And, if I'm honest, I was a little jealous. You see, I have the blessing of having grown up with two Dads. My real Dad and I were incredibly close when I was a child. To say I was a Daddy's girl was putting it mildly. It was not uncommon for me to frequent the deer woods, the hunting club (that would be a deer hunting club for you city slickers), the local fishing pond and early morning fishing trips with my Dad. He was the man I adored and the person I wanted to spend all my time with. I loathed dresses and bows and fru-fru girl stuff (aside from the Barbie and the Rockers bus I got for Christmas one year. THAT girly-fied thing was so cool.). Anyway, you get the idea. Where my Dad went so did I. Even to his hot, sweaty job as a brick layer. I would pile up scrap bricks and steal freshly mixed concrete and lay my own brick walls while my Dad labored in the sun, working hard to provide for our needs. He is a good man and in my childhood he was an amazing Dad. As I grew into adolescence our relationship became strained and now it is virtually non-exsistent.
Then, when I turned eleven I was blessed to gain another Dad. My step-dad married my mom and immediately he and I went toe to toe. We battled for my Mom's attention and I can say that I honestly didn't take it easy on him. But, he took it all in stride and was committed to loving me despite my pre-teen hormones. And, he still does love me, just like I am his natural born daughter. He loves my children beyond a level that I knew he was able. They squeal and scream and run top-speed to the awaiting arms of their PawPaw each and every time he enters their presence. And my "Dad" (because that's what I call him) fills that grandpa role with perfection. In fact, God not-so-subtly revealed to me that my step-Dad is, in fact, the person who showed me exactly what it looks like to love a child that is not your flesh and blood. He showed me that love knows no blood line. He created the ability within me to love Aaron and Baby Girl just like I do. If for only that, I will be eternally grateful.
However, I cannot claim that I have had a sustained relationship with any "Dad" that compares to what my children get with Luke. I have never been discipled by a man in the ways of the Lord. I have never walked in on my Dad reading his Bible or praying over me. I have never had a Dad sit down and explain to me why the choices I made were unbiblical and against God's desires for my life. Oh, how my life might look differently if only I had.
So it is with that thinking that I am jealous that my kids have Luke. You see, I'm still figuring this whole mother/wife/submissive partner role out. I don't have all the answers and neither Luke nor I grew up in a home modeling Godly faithfulness. Yes, we were raised by believers, but neither of us had a mother and father who worked together to exemplify the way to make Godly decisions. My kids see that each and every day in the face of their dad. They see a man who works tirelessly to earn for us. They see a man who loves their mother without condition, even when she's undeserving of that love. They see a man who's heart is so desperate to seek God's desires for his family that he remains humbly submitted to the throne of God. I praise God for this man who fathers our children and I pray that as our children learn from his faithfulness, so will I.
Friday, June 19, 2009
Das Not Funny! Friday: Totally Tubular Cellular
Wowza. Friday is here once more. Yay for the weekend. Although our kids were insanely funny this week (just as they are every week) most of what they said is sorta inappropriate to post here since it included words that sounded a lot like "Shee..." well, you get the idea (although I'm sure Lucas didn't mean what that sounded like, as he yelled it from the back seat of the van - because we don't say those kinds of words here). Also, there was a lot of yelling "Poopy Biaper!" between Lucas and Ashlee, which would, in turn, cause cackles of laughter from the undiapered duo.
Then, earlier this week as we bathed all 5 kids in our big garden tub, there was Elizabeth's moment of funny when Luke sat Baby Girl into the tub and Elizabeth yelled out "Hey, what's this black baby doing in here?", which she followed with her own insatiable laughter at, well, herself. But really, none of those seem terribly appropriate so I'll just show you some pictures instead.
I have taken all of these with my lovely LG Scoop, complete with the ever impressive 1 megapixel built-in camera. Yes, we live in the lap of luxury folks. At any rate, my kids always seem to do the funniest stuff (well, funniest photoworthy stuff) when I only have the "Scoop Cam." So, it is with terrible photo quality joy that I bring you an entire Das Not Funny! Friday, all in super pixelated imperfection.
First up is Ashlee. We went on a family walk earlier this week, and I turn around to see her doing this:
Me: "Ashlee? What are you doing?"Ashlee: "Making an 'X'!"
Why of course! I don't even know why I asked, because it's so obvious.
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Aaron and I snuck out one morning and hit up the Target. We found this hat, which he clearly liked:
--------------When she gets older, surely Elizabeth will be a fashion designer. She loves picking out her own outfits and "matching" her bows to whatever she's chosen to wear in an attempt to "accessorize" her outfit. Lately, Brinkley (our 6 year old Golden Retriever), has become her latest
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PawPaw's boat is our summertime oasis (well aside from the RRIAP). Naturally, my kids' personalities ring true, no matter what our current oasis of choice. Below you will find, (from left to right) my own
------------Finally, you know how I'm always saying that Lucas is dropping trou and peeing in the backyard? Well, here's your proof that I ain't lyin'. Thank goodness he's finally mastered peeing on to something. Finally.
------------So, won't you join me in this blogapolooza called Das Not Funny! Friday? All you have to do is write your own Das Not Funny! Friday post. Then, somewhere in your post link back here to my blog. Finally, after you've done those previous two things, leave me a comment and at some random time later today I will come back and link my blog back to your Das Not Funny! Friday post. Super simple and just an all around happy-go-lucky linkfest!
Hope y'all have a great weekend!
Here are some other folks who like to play Das Not Funny! Friday:
1. Wendi. Although you might have some trouble reaching her with her spotty cell phone reception.
2. Vonda and her hilarious son Jacob, who has an apparent obsession with Hot Wheels.
3. My BFF Amanda who measures her children's ages in bird years.
4. Anna Gray's Uncle's hairy back (I'm not making this stuff up people!)
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Court Today: UPDATED
Update:
Well, clearly God has a sense of humor. Yesterday Baby Girl's social worker called me to fill me in on some information. She told me that she thought today would be a breeze, the birth mom wouldn't show up and that everything was checked and double checked by her and the DSS attorney.
Well....clearly not. I love how we always try to think that we (humans) have it SO under control and then God assertively reminds us that HE is the One who oversees all things.
Today, Baby Girl's case was called, we moved to the front and we waited for about 10 minutes for the judge to read through the history of the case. Just 20 minutes earlier the judge had dismissed Baby Girl's birth mom's attorney because we had thought that his duties had been fulfilled. Turns out, they had not been. SO, all of that to say, her case has been continued until July 23rd. Most likely, our good friends the Hauts will be in court with us on that day as well and I just love that God always places our court hearings on the same day as theirs...what a nifty guy God is (can I call God nifty?).
So although we were surprised by this change in plans, I know that all of this is no surprise to Him. He knew every court date and continuation before Baby Girl was ever conceived. I know that He already knows His plans, and I rest in that knowledge.
Thank you for your prayers today, I certainly felt them as I felt much more peace than I have in the past.
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Original Post:
We head off to court in just a few minutes for Baby Girl's Termination of Parental Rights hearing. We are praying for a swift hearing with no hang ups. If you feel led, please pray with us. I will update when I can this afternoon.
Thanks!
Well, clearly God has a sense of humor. Yesterday Baby Girl's social worker called me to fill me in on some information. She told me that she thought today would be a breeze, the birth mom wouldn't show up and that everything was checked and double checked by her and the DSS attorney.
Well....clearly not. I love how we always try to think that we (humans) have it SO under control and then God assertively reminds us that HE is the One who oversees all things.
Today, Baby Girl's case was called, we moved to the front and we waited for about 10 minutes for the judge to read through the history of the case. Just 20 minutes earlier the judge had dismissed Baby Girl's birth mom's attorney because we had thought that his duties had been fulfilled. Turns out, they had not been. SO, all of that to say, her case has been continued until July 23rd. Most likely, our good friends the Hauts will be in court with us on that day as well and I just love that God always places our court hearings on the same day as theirs...what a nifty guy God is (can I call God nifty?).
So although we were surprised by this change in plans, I know that all of this is no surprise to Him. He knew every court date and continuation before Baby Girl was ever conceived. I know that He already knows His plans, and I rest in that knowledge.
Thank you for your prayers today, I certainly felt them as I felt much more peace than I have in the past.
-----------
Original Post:
We head off to court in just a few minutes for Baby Girl's Termination of Parental Rights hearing. We are praying for a swift hearing with no hang ups. If you feel led, please pray with us. I will update when I can this afternoon.
Thanks!
Monday, June 15, 2009
A Bunch Of Nothin'
**Be sure to check out Luke's post below this one. It's a good one.**
I don't really have a specific idea for this post, but I felt like blogging because the thoughts in my head have begun to overtake my interactions with my kids. For example, the big kids were "helping" me clean our bathroom this afternoon, and I was thinking about other things, you know, besides the 15 pounds of hair we were wiping off the vanity. (I know that if I had piled up all that hair it would have probably looked like a miniature yorkie terrier, in desperate need of grooming.)
Anyway, Elizabeth asked me something about fixing a broken bangle bracelet she'd found, and my response to her was so baffling that she set down her paper towel, looked at me and then left the room.
My mind is going in a thousand different directions (did I say that already?). Luke and I are praying about some directions that we hope to lead our family. Some of it could be major, some of it is nothing much to talk about, yet all of it seems to be zipping around my mind like a washing machine stuck on the spin cycle. I'm anxious about a few of the things, but the vast majority of it just entertains me to the point that, over the last few days, I've said outloud, "Ha! God, you are really gonna have to work a lot of stuff out if you expect all these things to play out and make sense."
Yes, I know He can, but I can't imagine how and I'm eager to see it all come to fruition. One of the things that I am mulling and thinking through is Thursday. On Thursday we return to court for (hopefully) Baby Girl's final TPR (Termination of Parental Rights) hearing. At that time, our prayer is that the TPR will be completed. But, that's not the end of this waiting game. After the judge orders the TPR to take place, then the DSS attorney has to draft the petition and get it to the judge. Then, the judge has to review it and sign it. Some social workers have said that all of this drafting and signature seeking has the potential to take up to SIX WEEKS. Still, I have heard of other cases (from Aaron's former social worker) that have still not been signed by a judge and the TPR hearing was in 2007. Yes, that's right, 2 years and counting for a judge's signature.
Once the judge signs the TPR petition, then the birth mother has 30 days to appeal. If she chooses to appeal, then it would go to the state Supreme court in Raleigh (I think). Honestly, I'm trying not to think about all the complications that could arise and just focus on what I know to be true.
That is: God clearly orchestrated Baby Girl's presence in our home. He holds her future in the palm of His majestic hand, and He knows every step of this process, none of it will take Him by surprise. Plus, our social worker continues to tell us that she's never seen a family get licensed, placements and potential adoptions so quickly, EVER. (And, I just smile.)
Add that to my thoughts of homeschooling, home management, money management and the general revelations that God presents to me in my quiet time and, well, it's a a lot of thinking.
So, I know this is a bunch of nothing. I know this is a post of rambled words. I know that I should not worry about any of it. But it is, I have and I do. So there you go.
I don't really have a specific idea for this post, but I felt like blogging because the thoughts in my head have begun to overtake my interactions with my kids. For example, the big kids were "helping" me clean our bathroom this afternoon, and I was thinking about other things, you know, besides the 15 pounds of hair we were wiping off the vanity. (I know that if I had piled up all that hair it would have probably looked like a miniature yorkie terrier, in desperate need of grooming.)
Anyway, Elizabeth asked me something about fixing a broken bangle bracelet she'd found, and my response to her was so baffling that she set down her paper towel, looked at me and then left the room.
My mind is going in a thousand different directions (did I say that already?). Luke and I are praying about some directions that we hope to lead our family. Some of it could be major, some of it is nothing much to talk about, yet all of it seems to be zipping around my mind like a washing machine stuck on the spin cycle. I'm anxious about a few of the things, but the vast majority of it just entertains me to the point that, over the last few days, I've said outloud, "Ha! God, you are really gonna have to work a lot of stuff out if you expect all these things to play out and make sense."
Yes, I know He can, but I can't imagine how and I'm eager to see it all come to fruition. One of the things that I am mulling and thinking through is Thursday. On Thursday we return to court for (hopefully) Baby Girl's final TPR (Termination of Parental Rights) hearing. At that time, our prayer is that the TPR will be completed. But, that's not the end of this waiting game. After the judge orders the TPR to take place, then the DSS attorney has to draft the petition and get it to the judge. Then, the judge has to review it and sign it. Some social workers have said that all of this drafting and signature seeking has the potential to take up to SIX WEEKS. Still, I have heard of other cases (from Aaron's former social worker) that have still not been signed by a judge and the TPR hearing was in 2007. Yes, that's right, 2 years and counting for a judge's signature.
Once the judge signs the TPR petition, then the birth mother has 30 days to appeal. If she chooses to appeal, then it would go to the state Supreme court in Raleigh (I think). Honestly, I'm trying not to think about all the complications that could arise and just focus on what I know to be true.
That is: God clearly orchestrated Baby Girl's presence in our home. He holds her future in the palm of His majestic hand, and He knows every step of this process, none of it will take Him by surprise. Plus, our social worker continues to tell us that she's never seen a family get licensed, placements and potential adoptions so quickly, EVER. (And, I just smile.)
Add that to my thoughts of homeschooling, home management, money management and the general revelations that God presents to me in my quiet time and, well, it's a a lot of thinking.
So, I know this is a bunch of nothing. I know this is a post of rambled words. I know that I should not worry about any of it. But it is, I have and I do. So there you go.
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Head of House?
My wife finally allowed me to have my own profile and be a contributing writer on here, not that I have much to contribute.
I would like to think you have all been eagerly awaiting this post, since my wonderful bride put me on the line for it. But I know that is wishful thinking.
About two weeks ago our oldest daughter Elizabeth and I had a good conversation. First off, let me set the "table" for you. I know it may take some by surprise, but at dinner there is not a lot of time to finish a conversation. (Lucas - "I got to go poddie". Ashlee - "(insert anything in a very loud voice)". Elizabeth - "What all do I have to eat to get a surprise?". Repeat the cycle of children talking, continously) Well this particular evening we ate outside. Elizabeth and I are sitting next to each other and the other children are as quiet as a mouse. Elizabeth begins to ask some questions and pose some very powerful thoughts.
Elizabeth - Daddy. What would the world be like if God didn't rule over everything?
Me - (stumped by my 4 yr old) You wouldn't see good in things, people, or your own life. There would be a lot of hurt in the world.
Elizabeth - What would things be like if I ruled the world?
Me - Well (think, think, think) You know how you have sin in your heart? You would not always make the best decisions.
Elizabeth - I would be very selfish and want things to be done my way and not God's way.
Me - Elizabeth, that is a very honest thought. Have you been thinking about this a lot?
Elizabeth - Yep. I talk to God about it a lot at bed time. When I am trying to fall asleep.
Me - You know God loves it when you ask him questions and think about him.
Elizabeth - Yeah, I know.
So after that I think about things for a solid two weeks. A four year old has thought things about God that I have never thought. How can she have deeper thoughts about God than some grown ups? Is it being innocent to the world? Or is it that she has a one on one personal relationship with the creator of the world. She longs to let God enter everyday.
Then this morning Lucas and I have a conversation:
Lucas - Dad, how is heaven?
Me - (choking on my toothepaste) God made heaven as a perfect place.
Lucas - I take my kitty kitty and show him. (kitty kitty is a night time friend for Lucas, little furry kitten)
Me - They will have the best kitty kitty's for you in heaven. But I bet you could show them yours.
You see up to this point I have been in the comfort zone of knowing I have to lead us to shephard Elizabeth, because she knows God. Well, I was woken up this morning with Lucas's questions. It revealed to me the responsibility I have, as the head of the house, to lead my wife and children in a walk with God. Most of the time it gets really scary. The biggest fear is, What if I miss it and get it wrong? I don't get a second chance at this. It isn't like the game starts tomorrow. I am at the plate in the bottom of the 9th inning. Now is the time to deliver. It gets better. This morning, I had a chance to be reminded that my God is STRONG and through him, I will deliver.
I would like to think you have all been eagerly awaiting this post, since my wonderful bride put me on the line for it. But I know that is wishful thinking.
About two weeks ago our oldest daughter Elizabeth and I had a good conversation. First off, let me set the "table" for you. I know it may take some by surprise, but at dinner there is not a lot of time to finish a conversation. (Lucas - "I got to go poddie". Ashlee - "(insert anything in a very loud voice)". Elizabeth - "What all do I have to eat to get a surprise?". Repeat the cycle of children talking, continously) Well this particular evening we ate outside. Elizabeth and I are sitting next to each other and the other children are as quiet as a mouse. Elizabeth begins to ask some questions and pose some very powerful thoughts.
Elizabeth - Daddy. What would the world be like if God didn't rule over everything?
Me - (stumped by my 4 yr old) You wouldn't see good in things, people, or your own life. There would be a lot of hurt in the world.
Elizabeth - What would things be like if I ruled the world?
Me - Well (think, think, think) You know how you have sin in your heart? You would not always make the best decisions.
Elizabeth - I would be very selfish and want things to be done my way and not God's way.
Me - Elizabeth, that is a very honest thought. Have you been thinking about this a lot?
Elizabeth - Yep. I talk to God about it a lot at bed time. When I am trying to fall asleep.
Me - You know God loves it when you ask him questions and think about him.
Elizabeth - Yeah, I know.
So after that I think about things for a solid two weeks. A four year old has thought things about God that I have never thought. How can she have deeper thoughts about God than some grown ups? Is it being innocent to the world? Or is it that she has a one on one personal relationship with the creator of the world. She longs to let God enter everyday.
Then this morning Lucas and I have a conversation:
Lucas - Dad, how is heaven?
Me - (choking on my toothepaste) God made heaven as a perfect place.
Lucas - I take my kitty kitty and show him. (kitty kitty is a night time friend for Lucas, little furry kitten)
Me - They will have the best kitty kitty's for you in heaven. But I bet you could show them yours.
You see up to this point I have been in the comfort zone of knowing I have to lead us to shephard Elizabeth, because she knows God. Well, I was woken up this morning with Lucas's questions. It revealed to me the responsibility I have, as the head of the house, to lead my wife and children in a walk with God. Most of the time it gets really scary. The biggest fear is, What if I miss it and get it wrong? I don't get a second chance at this. It isn't like the game starts tomorrow. I am at the plate in the bottom of the 9th inning. Now is the time to deliver. It gets better. This morning, I had a chance to be reminded that my God is STRONG and through him, I will deliver.
Friday, June 12, 2009
Das Not Funny! Friday
Unlike the previous two weeks, this week flew by. I can hardly believe it's Friday, already! Here are my Das Not Funny! Friday things that cracked me up this week. Won't you join me?
Upon rejoining her sister and brother in the "treehouse" (which is really just our wooden playset) Ashlee explained to Elizabeth, "Sowwy I was gone. I was in timed out. I frowed durt at Woocas. I was so frustrate."
Me too.
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"Can you give Woocas a 'bankin'?" Ashlee asked me.
"Why?" I responded.
"Because. He's a mean brudder."
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We had movie night on Monday night with the kids. I stopped by the library and picked up Veggie Tales' Jonah for our viewing pleasure. Well, if you know anything about the story of Jonah, you know that he was cast overboard from the ship he was on and in turn, got swallowed by a whale. During this part of the movie, Ashlee is watching intently (unlike her twin brother who was CONSTANTLY SPEAKING). At one point, Ashlee sees that the whale will be swallowing Jonah and as serious as can be she says, (completely monotone)
"Uh, oh."
Okay, maybe you just had to be there for that one.
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Alrighty Friday, now it's your turn. All you's gotta do is write up your own Das Not Funny! Friday post, link it back here to mine (you can see an easy peasy way to do that by clicking here.) Then, leave a comment in the comment section, and since there's only a few of you (when we return from the zoo tomorrow) I'll put a link to your blog right on here myself....because I'm sick of Mister Linky not working. So, please leave the link to your blog right in your comment.
And der you go. We will all laugh
Laugh on, peeps, laugh on.
Other peeps who think Das Not Funny! (But, they really know that it is.)
1. Wendi and her delightfully "showy" sons Caleb & Nathan
2. The Bishop's blog, and their childrens' understanding of anatomy.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
One Year Later
One year ago today, we met our second son. The journey from then to now has been filled with many tears, smiles, diapers, laughs and memories. And just as He knew then, God still knows the plans He has for our sweet boy. In fact, true to His goodness we received some exciting news from the social worker just this morning. I hope to share it with everyone soon. God is so good, truly He is!
You go before me and follow me.
You place your hand of blessing on my head.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
too great for me to understand!
Psalm 139:5-6
I wait for the LORD, my soul waits,
and in his word I put my hope.
Psalm 130:5
You place your hand of blessing on my head.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
too great for me to understand!
Psalm 139:5-6
I wait for the LORD, my soul waits,
and in his word I put my hope.
Psalm 130:5
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Sort of Party Pics & Some Everyday Solutions
I still have not managed to get the pictures from my Mom's camera from the twins' birthday. However, my friend Beth took some fabuloso pictures from Aaron's birthday party. Click here to jump over to her blog and check them out. I would have stolen them straight from her blog, but she uses some high-tech anti-photo stealing program called Flicker. Anyway, I know you will love these pictures, and I'm only slightly jealous of her super nice camera. Okay, more than slightly.
Anyway, their "Little Man" is just 3 days older than Aaron, so we had a joint birthday party for our boys. We met the Hauts in our foster parent classes. It was clearly a God thing that both of our families chose to attend that fostering series and our friendship has been the greatest blessing throughout this journey. You can go to her blog by clicking here (But you only have my permission to go there if you promise to check our Aaron's birthday pictures as well. Got that? Okay. Good.)
Moving right along....
I subscribe via email to P&G Everyday Solutions. It's a nifty publication delivered straight to my inbox with coupons and money saving tips in the mix. A mother's dream, right? Well....sometimes.
This past week I received this offer:
While I'm sure the marketing team at P&G is top notch, I'm gonna have to bust them on this one. Click on that pic and make it nice and large, then read the description of Always Infinity Maxi Pads.
Thaaaaaaaats right. This little beauty can absorb up to "TEN TIMES ITS WEIGHT." To top it all off, they even claim that "You might forget you're wearing a pad." Ew. I sure hope that isn't something I'd forget.
I think they missed the mark on this marketing strategy. I'm not sayin', I'm just sayin'.
Anyway, their "Little Man" is just 3 days older than Aaron, so we had a joint birthday party for our boys. We met the Hauts in our foster parent classes. It was clearly a God thing that both of our families chose to attend that fostering series and our friendship has been the greatest blessing throughout this journey. You can go to her blog by clicking here (But you only have my permission to go there if you promise to check our Aaron's birthday pictures as well. Got that? Okay. Good.)
Moving right along....
I subscribe via email to P&G Everyday Solutions. It's a nifty publication delivered straight to my inbox with coupons and money saving tips in the mix. A mother's dream, right? Well....sometimes.
This past week I received this offer:
While I'm sure the marketing team at P&G is top notch, I'm gonna have to bust them on this one. Click on that pic and make it nice and large, then read the description of Always Infinity Maxi Pads.Thaaaaaaaats right. This little beauty can absorb up to "TEN TIMES ITS WEIGHT." To top it all off, they even claim that "You might forget you're wearing a pad." Ew. I sure hope that isn't something I'd forget.
I think they missed the mark on this marketing strategy. I'm not sayin', I'm just sayin'.
Monday, June 8, 2009
Washed By The Water
I admit, when Elizabeth adamantly told us that she had prayed to receive Christ, I was leery. I mean really, how can a 4 year old (actually, she had prayed just about the time she turned 3) understand God? How can a tiny little child "get" what it means to have Jesus Christ pay for your sins? How can she understand with certainty that she has been justified by the Cross and Ressurection? She can't. And, most days, neither can I.
So, we didn't really believe her. We searched her heart time and time again, and each time her answers and understanding of God just blew us away. Finally, we allowed her to make her decision public. And, it was not long ago that she finally took her first communion. She continues to amaze us with her understanding of God's word. She and Luke had a deeply theological discussion just last week (I'll see if I can convince him to blog about it) and afterwords Luke was in shock by the things that she understood. Still, we have never pressured her to understand more than what she has asked about. Yes, we present her with the truths we believe, but we lead her through her questions about who God is, what Jesus did and how that should look in our lives.
We have discussed what it means to be baptized. We have not pushed it on her, but rather brought it up and allowed her to decide when she is ready. For a while now she had maintained that she didn't want to do it and that it was scary. So, we've left it alone. Then, last week I was washing her hair outside with the waterhose (I know, don't ask) and she said it was just like being baptized. Then she said, "Mom, I'm ready. I want to be baptized."
We have talked about what Baptism is, what it means and why we do it. We told her that she was already redeemed by Jesus because of her accepting Him as her Savior. We told her that Baptism is an act of obedience and an outer symbol of her inner commitment to God. We went up to the church, saw the Baptism place and talked with Pister Michael. She was ready and insisted on going through with it at the next baptism, which just-s0-happened to be yesterday.
We arrive and immediately she is fearful. We had told her that it was okay if she changed her mind and after watching 9 other children get baptized she backed out. As we changed back into her dress in the locker room just behind the baptismal pool, she got a burst of confidence. Before Pister Michael could leave the water we rushed around the corner, interrupted the rest of the service and she did it! I don't have one single picture to show you because everyone with behind-the-scenes cameras had left. However, the images of her tiny body in that water, being held up by our wonderful Pastor, her toes not even touching the bottom, are images that will never leave my mind. With tears of joy I watched my eldest daughter get baptized in the same place I did. I remembered that just 5 years earlier I was in that same water, with her tiny body growing in my womb.
Praise God for the abundant faith He has placed within our daughter. She teaches me so much everyday. After she finished, and as we were changing her into dry clothes, I asked her "Bizzy, why did you change your mind?"
"Because, I was afraid but then Jesus told me to not be scared and He helped me do it."
Thank you Jesus for this little girl who makes my heart overflow. I praise You Lord for washing her in the water of Your mercy.
So, we didn't really believe her. We searched her heart time and time again, and each time her answers and understanding of God just blew us away. Finally, we allowed her to make her decision public. And, it was not long ago that she finally took her first communion. She continues to amaze us with her understanding of God's word. She and Luke had a deeply theological discussion just last week (I'll see if I can convince him to blog about it) and afterwords Luke was in shock by the things that she understood. Still, we have never pressured her to understand more than what she has asked about. Yes, we present her with the truths we believe, but we lead her through her questions about who God is, what Jesus did and how that should look in our lives.
We have discussed what it means to be baptized. We have not pushed it on her, but rather brought it up and allowed her to decide when she is ready. For a while now she had maintained that she didn't want to do it and that it was scary. So, we've left it alone. Then, last week I was washing her hair outside with the waterhose (I know, don't ask) and she said it was just like being baptized. Then she said, "Mom, I'm ready. I want to be baptized."
We have talked about what Baptism is, what it means and why we do it. We told her that she was already redeemed by Jesus because of her accepting Him as her Savior. We told her that Baptism is an act of obedience and an outer symbol of her inner commitment to God. We went up to the church, saw the Baptism place and talked with Pister Michael. She was ready and insisted on going through with it at the next baptism, which just-s0-happened to be yesterday.
We arrive and immediately she is fearful. We had told her that it was okay if she changed her mind and after watching 9 other children get baptized she backed out. As we changed back into her dress in the locker room just behind the baptismal pool, she got a burst of confidence. Before Pister Michael could leave the water we rushed around the corner, interrupted the rest of the service and she did it! I don't have one single picture to show you because everyone with behind-the-scenes cameras had left. However, the images of her tiny body in that water, being held up by our wonderful Pastor, her toes not even touching the bottom, are images that will never leave my mind. With tears of joy I watched my eldest daughter get baptized in the same place I did. I remembered that just 5 years earlier I was in that same water, with her tiny body growing in my womb.
Praise God for the abundant faith He has placed within our daughter. She teaches me so much everyday. After she finished, and as we were changing her into dry clothes, I asked her "Bizzy, why did you change your mind?"
"Because, I was afraid but then Jesus told me to not be scared and He helped me do it."
Thank you Jesus for this little girl who makes my heart overflow. I praise You Lord for washing her in the water of Your mercy.
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Happy Birthday Aaron!
It seriously seems like only yesterday we got the call. It's a moment I'll never forget. I had already spoken to our social worker earlier that morning when she called to tell us that we were officially licensed.
"Are you going to be around later?" she asked me.
"Most likely," I responded, assuming she just wanted to chat about our new licensure and stuff.
I'd been anxious about seeing the signature government code of 000-000-0000 on the caller ID of my phone for a few weeks, hoping each time the phone rang it would be DSS calling to tell us that we were official and that they had a child for us. I was busy attending to the needs of our three children and barely looked at the phone when it rang. I answered, "Hello."
"Hey Jessica, it's me," our social worker stated.
"Oh hey, how are you?" I respond, still not even considering that this is THE CALL.
You know, sometimes, people like to point out the coincidences in situations. For me, I don't see coincidences, I see God. There's a saying that goes "Coincidence is when God chooses to remain anonymous." Actually, I think it should read "Coincidence is when you choose to not see God working."
It's not coincidence that our license went through on his birthday. It's not coincidence that God prompted our hearts to pursue fostering just about the same time his birth mother discovered him growing inside of her. It's not coincidence that he fits so perfectly into our family. No, it's not coincidence, it's God breathing blessings into our lives.
I began to make small talk with our social worker just like I always do when she calls. Instead, she cuts me off, "Um, Jessica. Are you guys ready to take a baby?"
"What?!? Yes!!"
She goes into detail about why he was removed, that he was born that morning and some family history.
"Oh my goodness! I can't believe you're already calling us with a placement!" I stammered.
"Don't you want to call Luke and make sure you want to take this placement?" she asked.
"Uh, I guess. I know he will want to but I guess I probably should just as a formality, huh?"
We hung up and I called Luke at work.
"Hey honey. Guess what?"
(I wish I could remember his side of the conversation, but I don't, so I'll just give you my side.)
"We got the call! There's a newborn baby boy at the hospital, he was born this morning and they asked us to take him!!"
Naturally, Luke said yes. I called our social worker back.
"Hey! Luke said yes, we will take him!" I nearly shouted.
"Well, since he was just born this morning the pediatrician wants to keep him overnight. And since it's a Friday, we won't file the non-secure petition until sometime on Monday. I'll call you Monday and let you know what it's looking like. But, since Monday is juvenile court, it might be hard to get a signature. Don't hold your breath, okay?"
What! I was beside myself. I couldn't believe our first foster baby was laying in a hospital less than 3 miles from my house and I couldn't hold him or love him or anything. It was a long weekend.
On Monday there were some paperwork hold ups and by the end of the day the pediatrician wanted to hold him over another night because of his billiruben levels.
It was Tuesday, June 10th when we finally met our second son. I remember our social worker calling to tell me she was at the hospital about to leave for our house. The kids were all down for their naps and the house was very quiet. Then, I saw them, our social worker and the investigator walking up our sidewalk carrying a tiny baby in a much-too-big infant carrier.
He was tiny and precious. My heart melted.
They brought him in along with a small diaper bag a one change of clothes sized 3-6 months (he was 5lbs 2oz, so they were a little big). I half listened to the social worker tell me, again, all of the information she knew. I couldn't focus on her words because I could not take my eyes off this precious baby boy.
The social workers left and I changed him from his smoke filled clothes into freshly washed preemie clothes that I had dug out of our closet over the weekend. I cuddled him and kissed his fingers. When Lucas and Ashlee woke up (they were still in cribs at the time) I carried him into their room to meet them (they were still sharing a room). Ashlee squealed and Lucas looked confused.
Our life has never been the same.
Aaron Boy,
We love you so very much. You are truly God's blessing poured out on us. I cannot imagine what our life would be like had we chosen not to obey God and proceed with His plans for our family. Everyone around us thought we were crazy, but we knew that living out God's desires for us would mean infinite joy. Little did we know that YOU would become that promise of joy! With each breath you take, each smile, each giggle, God reaffirms His calling upon our family. I love you with my whole heart, sweet boy. You bring our family so much happiness. I pray that God will use your story to reach people who do not know of His grace and mercy. I pray that you will boldly proclaim His love. I pray that you will grow into a man who, just like your earthly father, desires to live in obedience and love with our heavenly Father.
We love you sweet boy. Happy Birthday!
Momma
"Are you going to be around later?" she asked me.
"Most likely," I responded, assuming she just wanted to chat about our new licensure and stuff.
I'd been anxious about seeing the signature government code of 000-000-0000 on the caller ID of my phone for a few weeks, hoping each time the phone rang it would be DSS calling to tell us that we were official and that they had a child for us. I was busy attending to the needs of our three children and barely looked at the phone when it rang. I answered, "Hello."
"Hey Jessica, it's me," our social worker stated.
"Oh hey, how are you?" I respond, still not even considering that this is THE CALL.
You know, sometimes, people like to point out the coincidences in situations. For me, I don't see coincidences, I see God. There's a saying that goes "Coincidence is when God chooses to remain anonymous." Actually, I think it should read "Coincidence is when you choose to not see God working."
It's not coincidence that our license went through on his birthday. It's not coincidence that God prompted our hearts to pursue fostering just about the same time his birth mother discovered him growing inside of her. It's not coincidence that he fits so perfectly into our family. No, it's not coincidence, it's God breathing blessings into our lives.
I began to make small talk with our social worker just like I always do when she calls. Instead, she cuts me off, "Um, Jessica. Are you guys ready to take a baby?"
"What?!? Yes!!"
She goes into detail about why he was removed, that he was born that morning and some family history.
"Oh my goodness! I can't believe you're already calling us with a placement!" I stammered.
"Don't you want to call Luke and make sure you want to take this placement?" she asked.
"Uh, I guess. I know he will want to but I guess I probably should just as a formality, huh?"
We hung up and I called Luke at work.
"Hey honey. Guess what?"
(I wish I could remember his side of the conversation, but I don't, so I'll just give you my side.)
"We got the call! There's a newborn baby boy at the hospital, he was born this morning and they asked us to take him!!"
Naturally, Luke said yes. I called our social worker back.
"Hey! Luke said yes, we will take him!" I nearly shouted.
"Well, since he was just born this morning the pediatrician wants to keep him overnight. And since it's a Friday, we won't file the non-secure petition until sometime on Monday. I'll call you Monday and let you know what it's looking like. But, since Monday is juvenile court, it might be hard to get a signature. Don't hold your breath, okay?"
What! I was beside myself. I couldn't believe our first foster baby was laying in a hospital less than 3 miles from my house and I couldn't hold him or love him or anything. It was a long weekend.
On Monday there were some paperwork hold ups and by the end of the day the pediatrician wanted to hold him over another night because of his billiruben levels.
It was Tuesday, June 10th when we finally met our second son. I remember our social worker calling to tell me she was at the hospital about to leave for our house. The kids were all down for their naps and the house was very quiet. Then, I saw them, our social worker and the investigator walking up our sidewalk carrying a tiny baby in a much-too-big infant carrier.
He was tiny and precious. My heart melted.They brought him in along with a small diaper bag a one change of clothes sized 3-6 months (he was 5lbs 2oz, so they were a little big). I half listened to the social worker tell me, again, all of the information she knew. I couldn't focus on her words because I could not take my eyes off this precious baby boy.
The social workers left and I changed him from his smoke filled clothes into freshly washed preemie clothes that I had dug out of our closet over the weekend. I cuddled him and kissed his fingers. When Lucas and Ashlee woke up (they were still in cribs at the time) I carried him into their room to meet them (they were still sharing a room). Ashlee squealed and Lucas looked confused.
Our life has never been the same.
Aaron Boy,We love you so very much. You are truly God's blessing poured out on us. I cannot imagine what our life would be like had we chosen not to obey God and proceed with His plans for our family. Everyone around us thought we were crazy, but we knew that living out God's desires for us would mean infinite joy. Little did we know that YOU would become that promise of joy! With each breath you take, each smile, each giggle, God reaffirms His calling upon our family. I love you with my whole heart, sweet boy. You bring our family so much happiness. I pray that God will use your story to reach people who do not know of His grace and mercy. I pray that you will boldly proclaim His love. I pray that you will grow into a man who, just like your earthly father, desires to live in obedience and love with our heavenly Father.
We love you sweet boy. Happy Birthday!
Momma
Friday, June 5, 2009
Das Not Funny! Friday: The Birthday & Poop (Of Course)
I only thought last week went by quickly. Surely it's not really Friday, is it? What's that? It is? Seriously? Geesh, where does all the time go? Oooooh that's right, into the diaper pail and onto baby wipes. It gets soaked up by burp cloths and hours of playing in the dirt.
This past week was so awesome. We celebrated Lucas and Ashlee's third birthday on Saturday (and Sunday) and enjoyed making our precious middle children feel like a prince and princess for two straight days. There were quite a few belly laughs along the way, coupled with Ashlee's infamous "Das Not Funny Mommy!" Oh, my tender red-headed drama queen, it is so funny. So here you go, my Das Not Funny! Friday: The Birthday Edition & Some Poop (because what else do you expect from me?).
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Me to Ashlee, at 8:00am on her birthday: "Happy Birthday, Ashey!"
Elizabeth to Ashlee: "Wow, Ash! You're three today! You're legs are SO long!"
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Elizabeth asked about 30 minutes into Lucas and Ashlee's birthday party, "Hey Mom. When are we going to hit the piranha?"
Piranha or Pinata. BIG difference.
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All day long, on Saturday, Lucas sang, "Happy Burpbay to MEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!"
All day long, on Saturday, Ashlee sang, "Happy Burfbay to Woocas."
I don't think she totally gets that she's a twin.
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Lucas to our lovely pediatrician at the twins' three year check up: "I am frwee now."
Dr. P: "Oh my I know! You're a big boy, huh?"
Lucas: "Yep. I'm old."
Dr. P: "What kind of birthday party did you have?"
Lucas: "Spirwit." (Click here if you don't know what that means.)
Dr. P: "Oh, Spirit! I like Spirit. He runs fast, huh? Tell me Lucas, what's your favorite color?"
Lucas: "Ummmm....Spirwit."
Dr. P: "Oh, you like the color of Spirit?"
Lucas: "Yep. He's not frwee. Just me."
Uh, and your twin. Her too, remember?
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This week Elizabeth began a new gymnastics class especially for "older" girls, you know because 4.5 years is old. Anyway, prior to this class Elizabeth, Lucas and Ashlee were all in the Preschool gymnastics class together. While explaining to Lucas and Ashlee that Elizabeth was going to gymnastics but they would not be going with her, I made sure to let them know that she got this special class because she was older.
As we are loading up the van to take Bizzy over to the gym, Lucas turns to me and says, "Mom, I'm frwee now."
"Yes Buddy, I know," I respond.
"I'm not big now, but when I'm old, can I go to the bigwer cwass that Bizzy goes to?"
Sure Buddy. When you're old you can hang out at the preschoolers' gym. Actually, I take that back. No. You can't.
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During a 45 minute Wrestle-mania one evening Elizabeth stops dead in her tracks, looks at me and says, "Stop! I gotta poop!"
She takes three steps toward the bathroom then pauses.
"What's wrong?" I ask tenderly.
"Oh, never mind. It went back up."
Funny thing is, I remember saying the say thing to my Mom when I was a kid and she never got me. See Mom! Someone else knows what I mean, never mind that she's my offspring.
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One morning I was sitting in our bedroom, sending a few emails, when Ashlee SPRINTS through toward our bathroom, saying, "I gotta go peuwp. I gotta go peuwp."
I hear her in our bathroom saying to herself, "Get your pants down, hurweee!"
Then she sits on the potty, I hear a grunt and then she says (still to herself) "Whew. Dat was cwose."
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So, don't you want to play along? I know you do. Here's how you can do it. Just write your own Das Not Funny! Friday post. Somewhere in your post link back to my blog. For a super-de-duper easy way to link back here, just copy all the stuff in the box below, then in your "Edit Html" tab (where you usually write your posts) paste what you copied.
It’s finally Friday! How many times this week did you hear or see something and think… <i>“Das Not Funny!”</i> but then realize that it <i>actually was</i> pretty funny? Well, such is the purpose of this blogapolooza known as <i>Das Not Funny! </i>Friday.
Check out <a href="http://themakingofmom.blogspot.com"> this blog </a> to see what else is not funny. Plus, by going <a href="http://themakingofmom.blogspot.com">over here</a> you can see who else has seen or heard something and thought <i>Das Not Funny!</i> then stifled a giggle or even laughed out loud! Come on, you know you wanna…
Check out <a href="http://themakingofmom.blogspot.com"> this blog </a> to see what else is not funny. Plus, by going <a href="http://themakingofmom.blogspot.com">over here</a> you can see who else has seen or heard something and thought <i>Das Not Funny!</i> then stifled a giggle or even laughed out loud! Come on, you know you wanna…
Finally, leave a comment and/or enter your info into Mister Linky so that other people can check out your Das Not Funny! Friday post. It's extra easy, and I can't wait to read all the funny stuff you post.
Have an awesome weekend! We will be partying it up again this weekend since Aaron turns ONE on Saturday!
(Apparently Mr. Linky does not appear on the blog - still - so please leave a comment so we will know you're playing. If you click on the Mister Linky icon below it will take you to the linky page where you can enter your info.)
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Today I...
Mowed while my kids napped so that all those pesky bees would vacate our field of clovers yard.
Watched my children laugh, giggle, play, and run in our freshly mowed yard, and basically get along the entire time.
Saw Baby Girl roll from her back to her tummy, all by herself, for the very first time.
Put kids in time out, gave spankings, bandaids, hugs, kisses and tickles. And more of the latter rather than the former.
Changed poopy diapers, wiped noses and washed a load of laundry.
Let my husband bring home dinner.
Thought about how much my Father loves me, even when I make huge mistakes.
Cuddled crying babies and wiped away tears and spit up.
Giggled with my (almost) 12 month old, over nothing.
Let the kids eat cherrios and candy for snack.
Saw one child console another child who was crying. It made me proud.
Treasured every moment of being a mother.
(Ok, you got me. I actually did all this on Tuesday.)
Watched my children laugh, giggle, play, and run in our freshly mowed yard, and basically get along the entire time.
Saw Baby Girl roll from her back to her tummy, all by herself, for the very first time.
Put kids in time out, gave spankings, bandaids, hugs, kisses and tickles. And more of the latter rather than the former.
Changed poopy diapers, wiped noses and washed a load of laundry.
Let my husband bring home dinner.
Thought about how much my Father loves me, even when I make huge mistakes.
Cuddled crying babies and wiped away tears and spit up.
Giggled with my (almost) 12 month old, over nothing.
Let the kids eat cherrios and candy for snack.
Saw one child console another child who was crying. It made me proud.
Treasured every moment of being a mother.
(Ok, you got me. I actually did all this on Tuesday.)
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Having Your Cake & Eating It Too
Most nights, after Peepaw Luke goes to bed, I stay up and read, blog, read other people's blogs and just enjoy the quiet of the house. Last night I stumbled across a blog that I know God created just for me. For over two hours (don't judge me, okay?) I stifled giggles and feared waking up the sleepers that be with my belly laughs. It is seriously THAT good.
You want the link, don't you? Well first, let me share this little gem with you.
Three years ago this August we celebrated our eldest daughter's second birthday. Now, did you read the cake above? I mean really read it? Go ahead, click on it and make it REAL big.
That's right people. Courtesy of our local superstore bakery, we enjoyed a "Happy 2th Birthday Elizabeth" princess cake. Um, yeah, I couldn't have made that cake if I wanted to (three kids in 22 months, remember?). But the look on my Mom's face when I called her over to check it out was priceless.
At any rate, my friend Sarah and I have always commented on how, er..special this cake was. Not to mention that we've had a few other run ins with the ladies at the superstore bakery and cake ordering from them is always, how should I say it, interesting?
Well people, if you're like me and get serious belly laughs from random junk like cake decor then LOOK NO FURTHER!
Cake Wrecks has catapulted its way into my top 3 favorite blogs of all time. If you'd love a laugh or twenty head over there now and check out the hilarity of her posts. No, this is not a paid promotion, I just seriously spent over two hours laughing and loving several of the cakes she features. And the best part? By in large this is a clean blog, she doesn't allow foul language (or at least I saw none, but I didn't read many of the comments). Here are some of my favorites (that I just found last night):
The Flash Drive
Sexual Harassment (this one should probably be censored from the youngins. But it is one of the few that I've found that is questionable)
Naked Mowhawed Baby Carrot Jockeys
It a Gril
And all of her posts labeled "Literal L.O.L.s" (and, yes I did literally laugh out loud with most of them)
So go! Have your cake and eat it too. I promise you won't be sorry.
You want the link, don't you? Well first, let me share this little gem with you.
Three years ago this August we celebrated our eldest daughter's second birthday. Now, did you read the cake above? I mean really read it? Go ahead, click on it and make it REAL big.
That's right people. Courtesy of our local superstore bakery, we enjoyed a "Happy 2th Birthday Elizabeth" princess cake. Um, yeah, I couldn't have made that cake if I wanted to (three kids in 22 months, remember?). But the look on my Mom's face when I called her over to check it out was priceless.
At any rate, my friend Sarah and I have always commented on how, er..special this cake was. Not to mention that we've had a few other run ins with the ladies at the superstore bakery and cake ordering from them is always, how should I say it, interesting?
Well people, if you're like me and get serious belly laughs from random junk like cake decor then LOOK NO FURTHER!
Cake Wrecks has catapulted its way into my top 3 favorite blogs of all time. If you'd love a laugh or twenty head over there now and check out the hilarity of her posts. No, this is not a paid promotion, I just seriously spent over two hours laughing and loving several of the cakes she features. And the best part? By in large this is a clean blog, she doesn't allow foul language (or at least I saw none, but I didn't read many of the comments). Here are some of my favorites (that I just found last night):
The Flash Drive
Sexual Harassment (this one should probably be censored from the youngins. But it is one of the few that I've found that is questionable)
Naked Mowhawed Baby Carrot Jockeys
It a Gril
And all of her posts labeled "Literal L.O.L.s" (and, yes I did literally laugh out loud with most of them)
So go! Have your cake and eat it too. I promise you won't be sorry.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Happy Burfbay Woocas and Ashwee!
Can you believe that this little prince is (almost) THREE?
And, can you believe I let him spend his ENTIRE birthday at the Tiki Hut? (If you don't believe me, just check out that sign right behind him.)
What about this little drama queen? Can you believe that she is (almost) THREE as well? And can you believe I actually let her sassy self look at me in this tone? Pursed lips and all.
I can't believe any of it. It seems like only yesterday they were side by side in the hospital, looking all fresh, and squishy and sleepy (and dramatic).
My, my, my how time flies so fast. It seems like it wasn't that long ago that they were babies, then toddlers and now, well, they're actually kids.
Thank goodness I still have these babies left to cuddle, clean and diaper.
Um, because, you know. Clearly that's my thang. And, they're so much like twins and all.
Anyway, we had a fabulous birthday weekend, complete with three parties (one here at home, one at the pool and one at the Mexican restaurant) and partied hard long into the night. You know, if you consider 8:00pm the night.
All in all it was awesome to celebrate my middle children. What was not awesome was the fact that I took little-to-no pictures of the entire event. Therefore, until I get over to my Mom's house andsteal borrow her memory card, this will be all the party fun you will get. Enjoy.
And, can you believe I let him spend his ENTIRE birthday at the Tiki Hut? (If you don't believe me, just check out that sign right behind him.)
What about this little drama queen? Can you believe that she is I can't believe any of it. It seems like only yesterday they were side by side in the hospital, looking all fresh, and squishy and sleepy (and dramatic).
My, my, my how time flies so fast. It seems like it wasn't that long ago that they were babies, then toddlers and now, well, they're actually kids.Thank goodness I still have these babies left to cuddle, clean and diaper.
Um, because, you know. Clearly that's my thang. And, they're so much like twins and all.Anyway, we had a fabulous birthday weekend, complete with three parties (one here at home, one at the pool and one at the Mexican restaurant) and partied hard long into the night. You know, if you consider 8:00pm the night.
All in all it was awesome to celebrate my middle children. What was not awesome was the fact that I took little-to-no pictures of the entire event. Therefore, until I get over to my Mom's house and
Monday, June 1, 2009
Confused
I have hesitated to write this post many times for fear of sounding unloving, or worse, racist. However, it seems to be a topic I can no longer avoid. It seems to be something that has crept into our common life and one that I have made considerable note of and, quite honestly, it just bugs me.
People stare at us. I know this may not shock some of you, but it did me. Sometimes I think they stare because of the insane amount of young children we have in tow. Other times, I know that is not the only reason. You see, we get stares from all types of people. Hispanics, Whites, Asians, Blacks and any person who takes in breath. The norm is that these people, always strangers, look at us then (almost always) strike up some type of conversation with one or more of our children, usually attracted to Aaron and Baby Girl because they are incredibly adorable babies.
The one thing that I've noticed, the only discrepancy, is that not all people are attracted equally. Most everyone is drawn to Aaron's remarkable blue eyes or Baby Girl's tiny physique. Almost everyone is drawn to the fact that Ashlee and Lucas are twins. Nearly every person comments on Elizabeth's outstanding curls. I say most, because that's the case. Most. More abundantly, however, is the fact that black people are only interested in Baby Girl.
So much so that they often ignore our other children and clamor to get their hands on her. Don't read this wrong, I am not offended that black people would think that our black daughter is beautiful and magnificent. She is and I can only imagine the way that someone seeing her for the first time would be captivated by her. The thing that irks me beyond understanding is the way that, for the most part, black people are ONLY drawn to HER. They outright ignore our other children.
For example, at a recent foster parent gathering we took all five of our kiddos. The big kids were off playing in water puddles and rocks and I was caring for both babies. Several other foster parents came over and asked if they were both foster children. Several families came up marveled at Aaron's big blue eyes and Baby Girls willing smile. A hispanic family came by and spoke to both babies, eager for their attention. A white couple asked to hold each of them, one at a time, and commented on Aaron's stranger anxiety and Baby Girl's willingness to giggle. But the one thing I noticed was how the black families ONLY responded to Baby Girl. They held her and even went to show her off to their families. I wish I could say that this is an isolated incident, but it is not. We experience this anytime we go into public with all of our children. Baby Girl is oodled over by the majority of the black people we encounter, while those same people outright ignore our other four.
It almost makes me feel as if black people see her with us then assume that we could not possibly be giving her the attention she needs, so THEY must fill in that gap.
I wish I could say that I'm being overly dramatic, but I'm not. Luke has noticed this pattern as well. Please do not mistake me for saying that ALL black people are acting in this manner. I am simply recounting OUR experiences over the past few months and the notice we've taken. I can assure you that there have been a few times that black people have loved on and considered all of our children in their interactions with us. I pray that you do not read this as racism, because that is not my intent. I just find it intriguing (and yes, frustrating) that sometimes our other children are flat out ignored when Baby Girl gets the sole attention from another person with black skin.
I'd love your input and/or comments, especially those of you with multi-racial families. Am I being too sensitive? Please remember, let's make this a respectable discussion.
People stare at us. I know this may not shock some of you, but it did me. Sometimes I think they stare because of the insane amount of young children we have in tow. Other times, I know that is not the only reason. You see, we get stares from all types of people. Hispanics, Whites, Asians, Blacks and any person who takes in breath. The norm is that these people, always strangers, look at us then (almost always) strike up some type of conversation with one or more of our children, usually attracted to Aaron and Baby Girl because they are incredibly adorable babies.
The one thing that I've noticed, the only discrepancy, is that not all people are attracted equally. Most everyone is drawn to Aaron's remarkable blue eyes or Baby Girl's tiny physique. Almost everyone is drawn to the fact that Ashlee and Lucas are twins. Nearly every person comments on Elizabeth's outstanding curls. I say most, because that's the case. Most. More abundantly, however, is the fact that black people are only interested in Baby Girl.
So much so that they often ignore our other children and clamor to get their hands on her. Don't read this wrong, I am not offended that black people would think that our black daughter is beautiful and magnificent. She is and I can only imagine the way that someone seeing her for the first time would be captivated by her. The thing that irks me beyond understanding is the way that, for the most part, black people are ONLY drawn to HER. They outright ignore our other children.
For example, at a recent foster parent gathering we took all five of our kiddos. The big kids were off playing in water puddles and rocks and I was caring for both babies. Several other foster parents came over and asked if they were both foster children. Several families came up marveled at Aaron's big blue eyes and Baby Girls willing smile. A hispanic family came by and spoke to both babies, eager for their attention. A white couple asked to hold each of them, one at a time, and commented on Aaron's stranger anxiety and Baby Girl's willingness to giggle. But the one thing I noticed was how the black families ONLY responded to Baby Girl. They held her and even went to show her off to their families. I wish I could say that this is an isolated incident, but it is not. We experience this anytime we go into public with all of our children. Baby Girl is oodled over by the majority of the black people we encounter, while those same people outright ignore our other four.
It almost makes me feel as if black people see her with us then assume that we could not possibly be giving her the attention she needs, so THEY must fill in that gap.
I wish I could say that I'm being overly dramatic, but I'm not. Luke has noticed this pattern as well. Please do not mistake me for saying that ALL black people are acting in this manner. I am simply recounting OUR experiences over the past few months and the notice we've taken. I can assure you that there have been a few times that black people have loved on and considered all of our children in their interactions with us. I pray that you do not read this as racism, because that is not my intent. I just find it intriguing (and yes, frustrating) that sometimes our other children are flat out ignored when Baby Girl gets the sole attention from another person with black skin.
I'd love your input and/or comments, especially those of you with multi-racial families. Am I being too sensitive? Please remember, let's make this a respectable discussion.
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