Questions & Answers

With the announcement of Baby Beaver #6, I figured most of you want to know a few things about our ever growing family. And honestly, God is working on me to be more graceful and humble when I answer common questions.

So, I thought I'd practice using some grace and humility here and go ahead and answer some questions that I'm sure you either a) have or b) are planning on asking.

Below are some frequently asked questions and comments. Yes, we've already heard most of them and I am sincerely praying that as word continues to get out about Baby #6 that I will handle further questions with a cheerful and welcoming spirit.

Q #1. Wow! Are you guys trying to be like Jon & Kate? Or.....Wow! Are you wanting to be the Duggars?

A: My heart just breaks for Jon & Kate's family. The news about their recent separation is hard to digest, especially since I understand that they are believers. As for the Duggars, 6 kids is a far cry from 18. We will just take one day (and baby) at a time.

As for "trying to be like" anyone else? No. We really just want to serve God by obeying what He is calling on our lives. I don't understand why God feels like we are capable of parenting all these children, but we will continue to seek His desires for our family and "try to be like" Christ, as much as possible, like scripture commands.



Q #2. Were you trying or was it an accident?

A: We were neither trying nor preventing. We do not believe that any child created by God is an "accident," even if their conception may have been unplanned.



Q #3. So after this one, you'll be done, right?

A: I don't think any woman should decide on permanent birth control while she is pregnant, especially me. I have said many, many, many times already during this pregnancy (always while hovered over a trash can or toilet or sink) "I NEVER want to be pregnant again!" However, I thank God for the invention of modern medicine and anti-nausea drugs. They help me function at this stage in the game. (I also said I NEVER wanted to be pregnant again when I was pregnant with Elizabeth and with the twins.)

As for after this baby's birth, the answer is I don't know. We will leave it up to God to guide us in whether we have more children.



Q #4: You know how this happens, right?

A: Yes, yes I most certainly do. ;)



Q #5: Wow! That's a lot on your plate. How will you do it all?

A: I have no idea. But, I do know that God would not have led us to this place if He were not going to walk us through the most difficult times. There will be days of intense stress, severe exhaustion and possibly even more mass chaos. However, we know that those days will become fewer and fewer and the days filled with joy, love, laughter, kisses and hugs will become greater and greater. We know that we will most likely forget the bad days after a while and remember the good ones for a lifetime.


All in all, Luke and I don't pretend to be perfect parents. In fact, anyone who has spent any amount of time around our family can testify, with detail, that our parenting techniques and styles are ever evolving. We try new things, hope that they work, then abandon the ones that fail repeatedly. We are eager to hear of new tricks, tips and discipline methods that could help our home and children grow to love the Lord.

We aren't super parents or perfect, nor do we claim to be. We are simply trying to humble our lives before the throne of a merciful Father, allowing Him to guide us as we parent our children and lead our family. Again, I don't know why God chose us to parent all these kids. But I do know that each of them bring into our lives immense blessings, unspeakable joy and a love that makes my heart want to burst. I stand in awe that God loves me and trusts me enough with His treasures and I pray that I do my Father proud.

Now, what burning question do you have that I didn't already answer?

Das Not Funny! Friday: I don't know how to title this one so I don't get freaky search hits.

Welcome to this week's edition of Das Not Funny! Friday. Exactly what is Das Not Funny! Friday you ask? Oh, I'm so glad you did. You see, our second daughter Ashlee (pictured above) often does hilarious stuff (as do most of our children). However, her hilarious comments, actions and mannerisms are usually not intentional. As Luke and I attempt to suppress belly laughs, Ashlee will frown at us (pictured above) and say, Das Not Funny Mommy!

Oh, my little drama queen, it really is so very funny. It was because of my desire to remember these funny antics that I began Das Not Funny! Friday. I sure hope you will join me, or at least read further and see the funny things I wrote down from this week in our home.

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Ashlee, walking out of her room when she's suppose to already be in bed for the evening: "Mommy! I got a hole in my butt!"

While stifling giggles, I naturally think that she means in her pull-up, so I scoop her up and flip her over my knee to inspect.

Me: "Where Ash? Put your finger on it."

Ashlee gingerly places her finger on her, ahem, hole.

Me, trying to supress side-splitting laughter: "Um, Ash. That's suppose to be there. It's where your poo-poo comes out. Were you touching it?"

Ash: "Yeah."

Me: "Okay, please go into the bathroom and get some sanitizer for your hands, okay?"

Ashlee heads into the bathroom and is in there for much longer than needed.

Me: "Ashlee. It shouldn't take you that long. Let's go back to bed, okay?"

Ashlee emerges from the bathroom.

Me: "Are your hands clean now?"

Ashlee, holding up her hands: "No."

Me: "Did you not use the sanitizer?"

Ashlee: "Yep. But I put it on my butt."

Grrrrreat.

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Last night, I heard Ashlee singing as she laid in her bed. I decided it would be some good cuddle time (Ashlee the best cuddler ever) so I crept in and laid beside her for a few minutes. After she serenaded me for 10 minutes, I told her that I needed to go to bed. After many hugs and kisses she wraps her skinny, little arms around my neck and says,

"Mommy. You's a good lay."

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This week has been not-so-good in the "morning" sickness department. One morning I stood draped over my bathroom sink trying to convince my body that I did NOT have anything in my stomach, despite it's persistence. Elizabeth stood beside me and we had the following conversation.

"Hey Mom, what are you doing?"

"Mommy's not feeling well honey." Gurgle....gag....strain.

"Are you sick?" she asked, super concerned.

"Yes baby. My tummy hurts," I replied as I gagged even more.

"Oh Mommy, do you need to go poo-poo?"

No, not at the moment, I do not.

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Well there you go folks! If you'd like to play along it's really super easy. All you have to do is write your own Das Not Funny! Friday post. It doesn't have to be about children, it can include anything that you saw, said, did or heard that was hilarious! Then, somewhere in your post link back here to my post. Finally, just enter your own info into MckLinky so that my blog will link back to yours!

If you don't have a blog feel free to leave your funnies in the comment section.

Hope y'all have a super-ific weekend. Happy Friday!

Legal Beaver!!

Look-ey here what came in the mail yesterday!!!

The cover letter from the clerk:


And the ACTUAL decree that makes him LEGALLY OURS!

Yay! Yay! Yay!

God is so very, very, very good!

What's Goin' On And Some BIG News

You know, around these parts we seem to have a lot going on. Let me give you the run down, just in case you've missed something these last few weeks.

* We are eagerly anticipating the call from the clerk of court's office to say that Aaron, our first foster-child placement, is officially adopted. We had hoped it would be last week. We were told on Thursday that it would be Friday. But as of yet, we've not heard.

* Baby Girl's TPR (Termination of Parental Rights) hearing was last week and we were thrilled with the judge's decision. TPR was ruled for the birth mother. Now, we are back to waiting on paperwork to process and time to lapse and eagerly anticipating our second foster-child placement to become a legal adoption.

* Through God's revelation of us being able to live on less, our house is on the market. It's only shown once but the continual cleaning and picking up is a little taxing.

* We've officially begun homeschooling. Yesterday Elizabeth, Lucas, Ashlee and I started small doing some handwriting, reading and singing. It is going to be so much fun and I can't wait to see all that the three of them learn this year. I remember getting this same feeling when I used to teach public school and it is what made me love my job way back then. Now, I love my job even more.

* Finally, and perhaps the biggest news right now is that we are expecting Beaver baby #6! Yes, I'm serious. I am 12.5 weeks pregnant and we couldn't be more excited! Elizabeth is VERY excited about being a big sister again and Lucas and Ashlee go back and forth from wanting to hold the baby when it comes out of Mommy's tummy and claiming to be pregnant themselves.

Life for us seems to be ever changing. Sometimes I wonder if it will ever slow down! But, I know that slowing down could mean missing out on some of God's greatest blessings. And, if that is the case then I'm going to be content with a house full of chaos, a life full of grace and a heart overflowing with love.

Kindergarten, The Perfect Recipe

Today we venture into our first "official" day of Kindergarten. That's right peeps, I ACTUALLY planned out our ENTIRE week of school, in my planner, on Saturday, with notes and copies made.

In my opinion, it's a recipe for success. Unless you mix in 1 overly enthusiastic five year old, 2 rowdy, easily distracted three year olds, one walking, needy 14 month old and 1 ten month old crawler, who has figured out how to get into everything. Then it could be a recipe for disaster.

What's that? I forgot to tell you that Aaron is walking? Oooooooohhhh yeah. EVERYWHERE. He's pretty good at it too. Unless he wants to get somewhere fast, then he resorts back to his lighting-quick bear walk. He's been clocked at 10 mph. Okay, maybe not but it sure feels that way.

What's that again? I forgot to tell you that Baby Girl is finally crawling? She is. And she's oh-so-proud of herself. Usually after crawling for a short while, she sits up and gives me a huge grin, squishing her entire face together and showing her two, itty-bitty bottom teeth. Oh yeah, she cut two teeth also. Geesh, I've have been slack, huh?

So that's our day today, in a nutshell. With all my planning it's totally a recipe for success. Unless you mix in all the people I have to take care of, not to mention lunches I have to prepare and naps to be had, bottles to be fixed and diapers to be changed. Then, well, it may look more like chaos. But, it's my chaos and I love it.

Das Not Funny! Friday: Texing, Dog Parts & Kisses

It's already Friday? Is it just me or are the weeks really flying by? No sooner does Monday begin then Zoom! Friday is here! Wow. This week I did much better at writing down some of the funny things that our kids said and did. So, welcome to this week's edition of Das Not Funny! Friday. Hope these give you a belly laugh or a chuckle or maybe just a smile.

Last Friday night the big kids and I surprised Luke at his work and took him out for a "Date Nite." Upon exiting the van Luke told Elizabeth that she would have to leave her "Phone" (read: bright pink fake blackberry from the dollar store) in the car. Her response?

"But Daddy. I won't talk on it, I'll just text."

Remember that time you were FIVE YEARS OLD? Yeah. That's now.

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On Sunday night the big kids spent the night with MeMe and PawPaw. My parents live in the most friendly neighborhood ever and so naturally, when some new neighbors moved in across the street, my Mom took the kids over so they could meet their kids.

Apparently when the new neighbors answered the door, their small dog greeted my kids and Mom as well. Lucas is aprehensive of ALL dogs that are not ours. The new neighbors sensed this and put the dog away. As my Mom chatted with the new neighbor lady (and as their 7 and 9 year old children listen in) Lucas begins trying to desperately get my Mom's attention...

"MeMe?...MeMe....Hey! MeMe....MeMe?...MeMe!"

"Just a moment Lucas."

Lucas waits patiently (or not-so-patiently).

"Yes, Lucas. What did you need?" MeMe kindly asks.

"Um. MeMe. Dat dawg. It has a peenis."

Welcome to the neighborhood folks.

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Lucas and I took Baby Girl to the doctor for her 9 month check up last week. As we waited in the waiting room Lucas began singing...

"If your happy and you know it cwap your hands....If your happy and you know it....kiss a shark!"

Naturally, my shock prompted endless laughter. So, as we walked from the waiting room through the lobby of our Peds office Lucas spotted some ocean life decor and said, "Hey Mommy? Wood you kiss dis dawlphin?"

The ladies at the reception desk eyed me and stifled giggles, unsuccessfully.

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Elizabeth: "Hey Mom, I need to wash my hands because I found a nasty, dead fly in Bubbie's room and I touched it."

Me: "Ok. Here, take this tissue and go pick it up for me and throw it in the trash."

Elizabeth: "Um. He's not there anymore."

Me: "Huh? I thought you said it was dead?"

Elizabeth: "Yeah, well.....I pick it up and put it down the air conditioner vent."

The next day I also found some bandaid wrappers in another air conditioning vent. Awesome. Glad they've found a new hiding place for their trash. Juuuuuust awesome.

Alrighty folks, now it's your turn. I'd love for you to play along and tell me all of the funny things your kids said or did this week. Or, just anything that you saw, said or did this week that cracked you up. Once you've written your own post, link it back here to mine. Then, enter your info into MckLinky and we can all go read your Das Not Funny! Friday post.

If you'd like some help with your linking, or if you want the really super "official" rules you can click here.

Hope y'all have a great weekend!

TPR Hearing: 3rd Time's A Charm: UPDATE

Update:

After finding some incorrect dates on paperwork the judge continued our case until after lunch. At 2:00pm the case was reconvened and at approximately 3:45pm TPR was deemed necessary for the birth mother. HOWEVER, there are some outside circumstances (which I don't feel comfortable discussing here...it's not my story to tell anyway, it's Baby Girl's, should she ever choose) that have caused some other paperwork to not be processed correctly. Therefore, we go back to court for those circumstances on October 28th. Nonetheless, TPRing the birth mother's rights was a HUGE step in the right direction. But, it looks as if my personal goal of Baby Girl being a legal Beaver by Christmas may not be attainable.

Oh well, who cares about my plans anyway? I just need to continue to surrender it to the One who knows all plans, judges all hearts and sees all futures.

Thanks for your prayers today. The were certainly felt. As for our friends The Hauts, check out their blog for an update.


Original Post:

This morning we head back to court for Baby Girl's Termination of Parental Rights (TPR) hearing. If you're new around these parts, let me catch you up to speed. Baby Girl is our 10 month old foster daughter whom we've parented since birth (October 2008).

The judge changed her plan from reunification to TPR back in February. This is the third time we will visit the court room with the hopes that today is the day that TPR is done. We are blessed to share this court date with our good friends the Hauts. They have a foster son (who is 3 days older than our Aaron) whose case is also being heard for a TPR.

So, we are praying that both cases are heard today, that TPR is ruled and that our precious babies will be one step closer to being legally free for adoption.

Won't you offer up just a teentsy, tiny prayer too? Thanks. I'll update later this afternoon to hopefully bring you good news.

In the meantime, enjoy this picture of Ashlee playing Mommy to Baby Girl. Tender, huh?

Her First Day

Today my 16 year old sister begins her first day of her junior year of high school. Just writing that sentence blows me away because in my mind she will always be 5 years old and look exactly like this:

I know. Kids all over the country are beginning school this week so what makes my sister so special? What makes her first day of her junior year more significant than most 16 year old girls?

Today is the first day that she will go to school without her mother alive. Today is the first day that she will realize that she is not like all the other girls anymore. When other 16 year old girls complain about fights with their moms, her heart will feel that twinge of pain and she will be reminded that she doesn't have that luxury. While other girls are reassured by their mothers that their outfit does indeed look great, she will stare at herself in the mirror and have to reassure herself. When she walks down the halls she will surely pass the nurse's office where her mother used to work. She will be reminded that her mom is no longer just a few doors away. Memories of her mom, her best friend, will flood her heart and mind, no doubt.

Today my sister becomes a woman in so many ways. Today she faces giants that seem to loom in the distance. Today she faces fears that I could never imagine. Today she faces life without her best friend.

Please be in prayer for my sister today. I cannot tell you how proud I am of the young woman that she is becoming. However, this year will prove to be the biggest test of her faith. If you have a few moments, won't you beseech the Wonderful Counselor on her behalf?

Thank you friends. Thank you so very much.

But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength.
They will soar high on wings like eagles.
They will run and not grow weary.
They will walk and not faint.

Isaiah 40:31

This Week's Specials

This week will hopefully prove to be a BIG week in the Beaver house. At some point this week the clerk of court should sign Aaron's adoption paperwork and give us a call and say, "Congratulations! I'm so excited for you! Your adoption of this precious child is official. I'm so excited for you that I will personally drive his paperwork to your house myself!"

or possibly a less dramatic,

"Hello. I signed your paperwork today and will mail it to you this week."

Probably the latter but I like living in the land of excitement and drama, clearly.

In other news, we had our first showing on our house last night. The agent's feedback stated that the potential buyers had 4 four year olds and that they were looking for more of a neighborhood setting.

4 four year olds huh? I'm hoping that means they understood the massive stains on our carpet and the fact that there were creepy headless Barbies laying about in the girls' bedroom. I'm also wondering why they didn't drive by our house before they asked to see the inside so that they could get a feel for the neighborhood that apparently does not exist around our house.

I mean, they have 4 four year olds so they've gotta understand that cleaning our house was no small feat. And, the one hour notice they gave us was a little much. But, it's a buyer's market so I guess that means you can be bossy and all.

Whatever.

Finally, we go to court for Baby Girl on Thursday for the Termination of Parental Rights (TPR) hearing. So help me sweet mercy if her case is not heard on Thursday I might just have to be locked up for a indefinite amount of time. Which would probably not aid in us selling our house since our children would be left home alone all day and thus making our house look like a tornado hit it. I do have another reason for wanting the case to be heard on Thursday (you know, other than the fact that I want my youngest daughter to be legally MINE OURS). The roast beef sandwich that I am sure to enjoy afterwards, (at the little deli on Main St, just around the corner from the courthouse) which is God's good and perfect gift to me personally, will surely taste sweeter when served with a side of "Finally sweet Lord, TPR has begun!"

Or at least that's what I think. Hope y'all have a great day.

Das Not Funny! Friday: Google Me

Wow. I really stink. Our life has been so crazy this past week that I forgot to write down some of the funny stuff that my kids said and did. I know, I know...I stink.

BUT, instead I offer you a new kind of Das Not Funny! Friday. Oh yes people, this will (hopefully) crack your stuff up. You see, I have this thing installed on my blog so that I can *nerd alert* track how people find me, what other sites generate the most hits for this blog, etc., etc., blah, blah, blah.

Well, I hardly ever check it out. But, one day this week I did and what I found was hysterical. There is a way to see what people googled that led them to my blog. Here are some that I found most questionable hilarious. (I kid you not people, these were ACTUAL searches that led people to right here.) I don't know whether to be embarrassed, shocked or perplexed.

Searches that landed people right here on my blog:

"itty bitty boobies"
I'm thinking this person knew me in high school.

"give spankings"
Is this person looking into my windows during the day? Do I really blog about spankings that much? For that matter, do I blog about Itty Bitty Boobies? Um..no. No, I do not.

"her eight pack abs"
CLEARLY this person was directed to the wrong blog. Clearly. Now, if they had googled 8 packs of Oreos abs...totally.

"funny cards for 48 year old moms"
I'm thinking this person has ZERO creativity if they are googling ideas for their mother's 48th birthday. And I'm sure a casual trip to my blog totally shed some light on the birthday gift of their mother's dreams. That, or they got distracted and at 11:30pm the evening before they ran out to the Walgreens and hit the "As Seen On TV" rack and got her somethin' REAL fancy. (Because what mother doesn't want a Grater Plater or a Chamease or a Snuggie? And what woman in her right mind doesn't want to go from flat to fabulous?)

"jessica beaver death"
Creeeeeeeeeepy. Yikes. I'll make sure to double check the locks tonight and ensure that the house alarm is set. Then I'll call up my friend Macaulay Culkin and ask him about some super sweet boobie traps for bad guys. Oh stink, there I go with the boobies again.

"funny story about mother and child in the bathroom pooping"
Hummmm....maybe I should dial it back a bit with the bathroom and poop posts. Oh crap, I probably just upped my chances again. Well, poop. Whoops, there it was again. (Oh come on people, you know bathroom humor is hy-sterical. Well, it is in our house anyway.)

Well, there you go. I'll set up MckLinky for those of you who want to do a real Das Not Funny! Friday post. For all who want to know the "official" fancy schmantshy rules click here. Or if you don't wanna play, but you wanna comment, you can do that too.

Happy Friday everyone!

*Breaking News (Or not-so-breaking news): While going back through my older posts I found this one about Itty Bitty Boobies. I would hope that explains it. But still, 3 different searches for "itty bitty boobies" led someone here. So either someone has an obsession with searching that title or it was a fluke. I'm going with fluke. It helps me sleep better at night.

The Bitter and The Sweet

I've been thinking a lot about my last post, Bittersweet Obedience. And although I've finally come to terms with the fact that we are indeed in the market to sell our house I've begun to wonder if all obedience is not bittersweet.

When Luke and I knew that God was clearly leading us to foster it was a great, big step of obedience and it was also bittersweet. Sweet because we knew that there were precious children that we were going to meet, love and (hopefully) adopt. Bitter because we knew that our birth children would get less of our one-on-one attention and that we were inviting chaos to move into our spare bedroom.

With obedience through adoption, as is the case with our friends Michael and Emily, it too is bittersweet. Sweet because they now know the love God has cultivated in their hearts for a daughter they've never met. Sweet because one day (hopefully very soon) they will hold, love, kiss and cuddle a daughter their whole family has prayed over from a land far away. Sweet because of God's goodness in adding to their family. Yet still, a little bitter with the waiting, the time, the money, the travel, and too, the uncertainty of what a new little person will bring into their already established home.

When Chris and Lindy chose to be obedient to God's call to Kenya the bitter and the sweet of it was very clear. Sweet because of the promise of blessings when you obey God's command. Sweet because of the way they see God working in the land of Kenya, in the people of Kenya and the souls they see being won for Christ. Bitter because of the sacrifice they had to make to move to another continent away from brothers and sisters, nieces and nephews, moms and dads, friends and pets.

Now that Luke and I feel like stepping out in obedience and selling our house it is again bittersweet. But my question remains. Is obedience to God's calling always bittersweet? Can it ever be just sweet? Will it ever be just bitter?

As God continues to reveal to us His ways and show us the blessings of acting in obedience to His purposes, I see that the sweetness of a life lived for God's glory far outweighs any bitterness that may tag along.

I know that often the bitter is temporary but the sweetness of God's blessing leaves a lasting taste that keeps you craving it's richness.

What do you think?

Bittersweet Obedience

I love my house. Seriously. It is perfect for our family. The upstairs has 3 bedrooms, a nice sized living room, a dining room and a breakfast area (that we use as our exclusive eating area) and a big kitchen. Our master bath won me over at first sight and I almost fainted when I saw the huge laundry room!

Then, down just one flight of stairs we have what our good friends have dubbed as "The Fellowship Hall." Our basement has a huge great room with a full kitchen plus another bedroom and full bathroom. Again, it is truly perfect for our family.

However, over the last several months, Luke and I have read stories, heard even more stories via skype and witnessed God doing powerful things through the ministry of our dear friends, Chris and Lindy. We've realized that although our house is wonderful we can live with less. Rather than being tied to our overbearing monthly mortgage we have felt convicted that we could indeed do more with our money than we are currently. That, if used for His glory, our income can make a huge impact on God's kingdom, starting with the destiny of our own family.

So, it is with all that said that we decided today to list our home for sale. It's bittersweet for me really. Although I know that this is a step of obedience that aligns with what God has been speaking to us about for months, I'm a little overwhelmed.

How will I manage keeping the house "show ready" and also continue with our daily life, which usually destroys our house by the hour?

If our house sells, how in the heck will we move all the things associated with 2 adults and 5 children? And where else can we find to put it?

Where will we go? Rent house? Buy another, less expensive house?

I don't know the answer to any of these questions (and a few more that I didn't share), but I know the One who does. So, once again, Luke and I are stepping out on faith. Praying that God will lead us and show us where He wants us to be. Knowing that living life in obedience to Him is of the utmost importance and ultimately brings the greatest blessings.

But, it's still bittersweet. Because truly I love my house, but I love my God so much more.

Das Not Funny! Friday: Happy (Shut Up) Birthday

Yes! Friday is finally here! This week flew by and I cannot believe that my sweet, precious, daughter Elizabeth turned FIVE on Monday! At any rate, she was hysterical this week (along with the others). That is really the purpose of this blogopulooza known as Das Not Funny! Friday. Each week I (try to) keep track of a few of the funniest things that my kids say or do. Then, on Fridays I share them with you all with the hopes that you will find them hysterical as well.

But here is the best part.

You can do this too! I love reading your posts about the funny things your kids said or did this week. BUT, you do not have to have kids to play along. Simply tell us something you saw, did or overheard this week that was incredibly funny. Then, follow the directions at the end of this post.

Here, I'll give you a few examples:

Aaron has been significantly more annoying needy lately. At any given point during the day he will decide that he no longer wants to be a content little boy, happily playing with his toys or siblings. Instead, he crawls after me as I go from room to room, CRYING AS LOUD AS POSSIBLE. If I scoop him up, the whining continues for the duration of me holding him. If I step over him and ignore him (which is customary for me if my children are crying for no apparent reason...or just pitching a hissy fit) then his cries escalate as though as thought I have seared him with hot coals.

It is rather frustrating to put it mildly. And, I think the other children are becoming annoyed as well. Here's why I think that:

Aaron, sitting in the middle of the in the living room, screaming his head off for no reason: "WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!"

Elizabeth to Aaron: "Oh, will you shut up!?!"

Me: "What! Elizabeth! We do not say those words!"

Elizabeth bursts into tears.

I continue, "Where in the world did you hear those words?"

Elizabeth, through sobs: "On Snow White! Grumpy said shut up."

Me: "Well, Grumpy does not have a sweet spirit and we do not need to say those words anymore, okay?"

Lucas, who was sitting nearby taking it all in: "Yea, Bizzy, we do not say 'Shut up.' Those is not nice wurds."

Me: "Yes. In fact, let's not even talk about it anymore."

My attempt at squelching "Shut up" conversation fails and for the next 20 minutes Lucas and Elizabeth talk back and forth about when it would not be appropriate to say "Shut up" and inadvertently saying it 16,788 times, more than either of them have ever said in their entire life.

Gooooooood job Mom. Good job.

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On Monday morning while Lucas, Ashlee and myself were wishing Elizabeth a Happy Birthday Elizabeth turned to me and said,

"Hey Mom, now when I get in trouble you will have to spank my 5 year old butt instead of my 4 year old butt, huh?"

Yep Baby, I sure will.

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Also on Monday, Lucas proceeded to sing "Happy Burpbay to Wizabets" 4,259 times all before 9:00am. She had finally had enough when she turned to me and said,

"Mom. Please make it stop."

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On the way home tonight from our MeMe's house Lucas and Ashlee began a back-of-the-van altercation. How two 3 year olds can fight, while tightly strapped into their car seats is beyond me. But they do. Regularly.

At any rate, Elizabeth finally looks at them and half-says, half-whispers, "Guys. Shut up."

Immediately I cut off the radio and begin quizzing her to make sure that I heard her correctly. She confesses and tears stream down her face. I told her her punishment was 5 minutes in time out when we arrived home.

When we pulled in our driveway our friends Girlfriend (Brittany), Matt and Jett were already there waiting on us (with dinner, none-the-less!). We all climbed out and began playing with some new boomerangs. I remembered Elizabeth's need to pay up on her time out. While she sat I decided I wanted to play with her boomerang.

With one swift motion I rocketed her precious boomerang onto the roof of our house.

So there you go. Say "shut up" at our house and I'll put you in time out and throw your toy on the roof. I'm the best Mom ever.

So there you go. It's quite simple really. After taking last week off, I'm sure you people have some funny stuff to share. The rules are quite simple really. First, if you have a blog, simply post your own Das Not Funny! Friday post (if you don't have a blog, feel free to leave yours in the comment section). Somewhere in that post link back here to my blog. Then, come and enter your info into MckLinky so that my blog can link back to yours!

See? Easy peasy! Hope you all have a fabuloso weekend!

A penny for your thoughts or A dime for your pancakes

This morning Elizabeth gave me a dime because I was "A real good Mom and made pancakes for breakfast."

A few more days weeks years of pancake makin' and I'll be rich!

Oh wait, I already am.

Fostering and Adoption Update: Filing Paperwork!

Yesterday, on Elizabeth's birthday, we not only celebrated our precious girl BUT we also got to file Aaron's adoption paperwork! Woooo hooooo!

The usual proceeding is that the county clerk's office will hold his paperwork for 10 days, then the clerk gives it his signature and Aaron is considered legally adopted. However, the clerk is out all next week at a clerk's conference so we are hoping to have the paperwork signed the week of August 17th. Once it's signed, we will receive a copy of the adoption decree in the mail that will act as his birth certificate until the State can issue him an official birth certificate. The current wait time for the official birth certificate is ONE YEAR. (Isn't our government so efficient?)

I'm praying that the week of August 17th will be OUR WEEK as we also head back to court for Baby Girl on August 20th. Hopefully, the judge will grant the Termination of Parental Rights at that hearing and her case will move smoothly into adoption proceedings. Our good friends The Hauts will also be in court that day for their Little Man's Termination of Parental Rights hearing, so needless to say, it's a big day. And one that I am growing increasingly anxious about.

Happy 5th Birthday Elizabeth!

She...

loves to laugh,
has a head full of curls,
is a devoted big sister,
is my biggest fan,
makes friends easily,
enjoys life,
has an incredible memory,
is desperate to learn to read,
works hard,
forgives freely,
loves Africa,
is accepting of others,
is nurturing,
gives great hugs,
makes me laugh,
sleeps on the top bunk,
helps me when I need an extra hand,
loves her Daddy,
is silly,
loves without reservation,
enjoys an audience,
is so much more than I could ever explain,
is five years old today
and loves her Jesus.

On this day five years ago I knew none of those things about my sweet Elizabeth. Today, I cannot imagine my life without her. Her conception drew me to my knees and brought me before a forgiving King. Her birth changed me in ways that I am still discovering. Her life is a living, breathing example of God's grace and love poured upon me.

I never, in a bazillion years, deserved to be the mother of this precious, little girl. But I praise God each and every day for allowing me this blessing.

I love you Elizabeth, so very, very much! Happy Birthday!

(You can read more about our amazing Elizabeth by clicking here or here.)