Saturday, December 31, 2011

Happy New Year!!!!

Should old acquaintance be forgot,
and never brought to mind ?
Should old acquaintance be forgot,
and old lang syne ?


CHORUS:
For auld lang syne, my dear,
for auld lang syne,
we'll take a cup of kindness yet,                                                                                                                        for auld lang syne.

Auld Lang Syne is a Scottish poem, thought to be composed by Scottish poet and lyricist Robert Burns in 1788.







From our family to yours, 
May this new year be your happiest, yet! 

Creating a Princess Suite!

So we have started working on the oldest girl's room, which we affectionately termed "the princess suite!" We hope she loves it and if she doesn't well I just may move in there myself...just kidding!

We wanted to do something special and unique...something that had a story that we could one day share with our little girl. So we worked on a felt art board together every night and laughed & talked about the future.... We may not have made the best looking picture to go on the wall, but we sure made some wonderful memories!



We also needed a few gifts...for the rooms. So we hit some after Christmas Sales!


I should have pictured what all PawPaw picked out while he was in town as well, but that will have to keep for another day! It was wonderful shopping together for my girls and hearing stories of when I was a little girl...shopping with Mama...and giving little life lessons along the toy isle.  

Thursday, December 29, 2011

Paperwork, Problems, & Pom Poms!



Just some musings of a mommy-to-be...no rhyme, no reason, just all the stuff floating in my exhausted brain.


On this adoption journey there is A LOT of paperwork!!!! Just when you think you are finished with the paperwork..your social worker calls asking for more paperwork! That is when we just smile and get a pen...knowing that the good will out weigh frustration, headache, and the carpal tunnel!

I have heard the term "Paper Pregnant" that one of my girl friends just loves...is a hot-button-topic in the online adoption community. Where as I am a bit more tongue in cheek with it...
 I guess it would explain the swelling in my wrists where some women get it is their ankles. ~Just kidding!

We are also slowly learning to take problems one at a time as our new little family is starting and we are so close to having our girls home... Little things like car problems & home projects will always be part of life. We just stick together & muddle through the best we can... Soon, we will take on their problems too. We are family it is what we do...
I am reminded of what one of my college instructors would always say, starting with the question "How do you eat an elephant?" Answering... "One bite at a time.."


One of the best parts of being in a family is that we are loved unconditionally.. There is always someone in your corner.  We are always there to cheer each other on...pom poms up and screaming at the finish line that you can make it!

Saturday, December 24, 2011

My Christmas Prayer~

I am thinking of you, my darlings & I can only hope that your Christmas is wonderful...
To each of you, I want you to know~ I am praying for you especially at this time of year...


I pray that you are happy. I hope you are sitting around the tree with the people blessed enough to love & care for you till we can bring you home...I pray for them too.


I pray your Christmas is filled with music...songs of a Savior coming to earth that will guide your coming safely home to us. 


I pray that you have gifts to open, but more than that I pray The Greatest Gift Of All comes and holds you close if you are sad this Christmas.  


I pray that you see the twinkling lights, and smile.. I pray that one day you come to know the Light Of The World...I hope I am there to see it! 


I pray that like your stocking ~ you are filled with joy...God gave us you; getting ready for you to come home has already filled our home with joy! 


I pray you feel loved, and wish you knew how much I already love you. More than I, God loves you my darling. 
~He loves mommy too. He knows how much she wanted you home this Christmas. He dries her frustrated tears and comforts her whispering....next year, my daughter, next year. He gave us each of you and even if we have to wait, you are the best gift this Christmas. 


 I will see you soon~ I love you.
 Merry Christmas.


Love, 
Mommy



Saturday, December 17, 2011

Christmas With Cats!!!

So this year we are doing the tree a little later, but I just thought I would share what happens pretty much every year...
Before~


We enjoy the tree, love the twinkling lights...so do our kitties!!
 Then the day comes when....

After!

Naughty!!!! 

It's a good thing they are so cute!!!! 

It's Beginning To Feel A Lot Like Christmas~

Because..........................Daddy is here!!!

 I love when daddy come to visit..I've always been a daddy's girl. ;)
We have been having a great time, and hubby loves have someone to talk with for hours on end about all kinds of "man stuff" as I sneak off to blog for a bit...

We are just so blessed to have family visit around the Holidays~

As I write this I hope all of you enjoy time with your family this year, and have a wonderful Christmas while making cherished memories.

Monday, December 12, 2011

Telling The Family!!!

Se we had to tell all of my family the happy news by phone since they are all back east, but we got to tell Hubby's family in person, well, most of them...

So I decide to be a little sneaky...
I wrote up a poems about the "Sweets" that would arrive...

Put it in the ribbon of the little brag-book...

Put that in a little treats bag... 

Offered them some Sugar-Free "Sweets"...............
The REACTION!!!!! 

Tears of joy~ the delayed reaction!!! 

Telling Grandma... She was so happy!!! My phone died right before it sunk in, so I missed the reaction~her sitting up in that bed all smiles and excited!!! 

We ate Panda~talked~laughed!!!  

Holding up the number 3!!! One growing family..happy as can be! 

Saturday, December 10, 2011

Our Many Gifts...


God, not Santa came here this year, 

He brought with Him great joy and cheer. 

He heard our prayers & saw our tears,

He held us close through all of the years.

Now we are as happy as new parents can be...

Not just one daughter; He gave us THREE!!! 

Yes, that is right; we got the call that changed our life: WE ARE MATCHED!!!!  All of our Christmas wishes all wrapped up in a three set bundle!!!

  We are now matched to 3 beautiful little girls... Just when we thought it was out of reach; God moved in and worked a miracle! 

 We will be meeting our little girls~1 year old Baby A.~ 2 year old Sweetie S. ~ & our 5 year old beautiful N. ~ early next year, and bringing them home around the end of January. We are just so excited!!!! 

There are just not enough words...more than thrilled, more than loved, more than blessed, & more than we could ever ask for! 

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Our Christmas Song




Lyrics:Merry Christmas -  By: Third Day

There's a little girl trembling on a cold December morn
Crying for momma's arms
At an orphanage just outside a little China town
There the forgotten are

But half a world away I hang the stockings by the fire
And dream about the day when I can finally call you mine

It's Christmas time again but you're not home
Your family is here and yet you're somewhere else alone
And so tonight I pray that God will come and hold you in his arms
And tell you from my heart I wish you Merry Christmas

As I hang the tinsel on the tree and watch the twinkling lights
I'm warmed by the fire's glow
Outside the children tumble in a wonderland of white,
Make angels in the snow

But half a world away you try your best to fight the tears
And hope that heaven's angels come to carry you here

It's Christmas time again but you're not home
Your family is here and yet you're somewhere else alone
And so tonight I pray that God will come and hold you in his arms
And tell you from my heart I wish you Merry Christmas

Christmas is a time to celebrate the Holy Child
And we celebrate his perfect gift of love
He came to earth to give his life
To prepare a place for us
So we could have a home with Him above

It's Christmas time again and now you're home
Your family is here so you will never be alone
So tonight before you go to sleep, I'll hold you in my arms
And I'll tell you from my heart, and I'll you from my heart
I wish you Merry Christmas

~Our fireplace~
The one in the middle simply says~ Till we bring you home...

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

A Bump In The Road...A Tear In The Eye

Well, today is not the best of days...
All in all I have nothing to complain about and I must admit I feel a little guilty since I have so much to be thankful for, but right now it doesn't quite fill the hole in my heart. This is just a bump in the road on this journey...

As many would be fos-adopt parents will tell you there is what is known as the "two week curse" and tomorrow there will be our two week mark for the little girls we wanted so badly to join our family. We really thought this was going to be our match...their social worker called 3 times (this was the first time this has happened! See below.) to ask us questions, we had their TPR date, and even when we would have been able to bring them home which would have been before Christmas. I don't know which question I didn't answer correctly, or how wonderful the woman is that was chosen to be their mom~ I can only pray for them...and once again just let go. 

This is our 5th time going through this and each time it gets a little harder. 
The process: They show you a picture, give you a name, some history, a little special info, ask if you would like to be the child's parent, (if) you say yes, and then you go home and pray~think~pray~dream~pray~hope~pray~prepare~pray~sit by the phone~pray~stay positive~pray~count the days~pray and if two weeks go by and you don't hear anything back from the placing social worker then you just to assume that they went to someone else. You mentally have to let them go... Oh, you call your social worker and she calls the placing worker but they rarely call back, and if they do they just say that they were matched with another family. It is the curse of not truly knowing and not knowing why...

I am trying to keep it together and just go on with all of the Holiday stuff, although it is so hard to be merry with a bump in the road, a broken heart and shattered dreams.

Monday, December 5, 2011

Sometimes On This Journey You Just Need To Be Carried...

...If you are a baby or toddler that is! That's right we are talking about one of my favorite things: Babywearing!!!!!
There are so many cute carriers out there, but more than that; they are a staple in Attachment Parenting. They are great for little ones, and free up mom's hands so she can get more done, like hugging the other little ones.
*I speak about the adoption side because that is where I am, bit but most moms that wear are bio-moms that use natural feeding methods which is so much easier in a carrier, from what I have read, anyway. ;) 


While going through the adoption process I started studying Attachment Parenting and what it could do for my future little ones and I kept coming across baby carriers. I knew I was on to something...so I stared researching. The basic idea is I couldn't carry this little one in my body so I carry them on my body. Thus making for easier for bonding(holding, feeding, nurturing), bonding in napping, and sweet cuddles for special one-on-one time. This is such a gift for little one that come to you through adoption..they are close to that heartbeat that beats with so much love.

Thankfully I was a little ahead of the game:.. I got into babywearing on a much smaller scale a few years back with just one sling, full hands, and an open mind. I work in childcare~ it was a life saver!!! Now another baby is in my care and I have added a few more to my stash, and Baby just loves them (as you can see picture below where is sound asleep on hubby's back..poor little guy, don't worry I pulled up the hood to support his little neck after the picture.)

There is so much great information out there, but I thought I would share a little just to get you started, enjoy!

The 5 Main Styles/Types Of carriers:

Wraps~ A Long piece of Cloth...which can be stretchy (Moby) for newborns, or a nice woven for older babies & toddlers.*I love my wraps!!!




Ring Sling~ An adjustable sling made of fabric with rings to hold it in place..many times the same fabric as the wraps above. I so want one of these!!!


Asian Style~ Mei Tai
Just a side note, Babys knees should have been a little higher..


Soft Pack~AKA SSC  Kind of like the Mei Tai, but with buckles like a backpack, & also called a full buckle.
 * I want a NICE one of these sooo bad!!!

Frame/Hard Pack~ Like a Soft Pack but with a metal from inside, most popular for hiking, camping, & etc.


Those are the basics... I could start listing all of my favorites brands, but I would be typing all day!

Now for the serious stuff...
First off some of you may have heard of the recalled sling a few years back. Yes, these are very dangerous and no longer on the market, so just be careful when shopping for a used carrier. A quick google search is all it takes...

Second, is not all carriers are the same!!! There is a huge difference in cotton and woven...a Mei Tai that has XL straps and one that is standard and not very flattering if you have a little umm..cushioning...a cheap carrier that will hurt your back and something good quality that will last!

The third is the most important in the Mei Tais & Soft structured packs; and that is that your little one needs a good seat. There are many mainstream (like you would buy at the local babystore) that are considered "crotch-danglers" (don't judge me, I didn't come up with that name..) and basically the fabric just holds under baby's pelvis. The problem with that is that the legs dangle and all of pressure is on the developing lower back and hips.
As a good rule of thumb: baby's knees should ALWAYS be positioned higher than their bum.

So there you have it, just a little taste of babywearing.... Please let me know if you would like to hear more.

Sunday, December 4, 2011

Getting Ready For Winter....With Herbs!

Look what I just got in the mail!!!!!

Some winter health essentials: Chia seeds and Mullein!

I love Mullen!!  I have some Mullein Garlic Oil for those pesky ear infections left over from last year, but this year I am thinking I may try making some...Got to love MYO!!!
I had ordered the Mullein for Hubby's bad cough, but thankfully he is back 100% and cough free!!! It is wonderful to have on hand, and works really well for us. Glad to know we will have it if/when we need it! I hate going shopping when I am sick!

Chia Seeds are awesome for your overall health & immunity!! They are great source of vitamins! So hopefully  I will not get sick to begin with!!!

Saturday, December 3, 2011

Merry Christmas



As many of you, our family has taken time to give thanks unto the Lord for all that He has given, and is now preparing to give back to others the great gifts we have received this year. We anxiously await the look of joy on the faces of those we love while passing out our little tokens of Christmas cheer. The time of year in which we write letters and cards to family and friends, and greet everyone we see with cheerful salutations. We prepare our homes with beautiful decorations, bake warm goodies, sit by a warm glowing fire, and say an extra prayer of peace to all the world. We sing songs that tell the stories of that first Christmas and how our Savior came to save the world. At times it seems the whole world is enveloped in a warm glow as we hold our families just a little bit 
tighter. 


This is also a hard time for many as they look back at all they have lost.. I look back at times with family that have long left this life. I think back to my childhood when I had all of my family with me as precious memories that remind me of how to treasure every moment. Christmas time was so special; my Mother would cook wonderful treats, and my Grandmother would always visit on Christmas day and it would seem that those days would never end… In my simple, childish mind I could never fathom that I might one day have my own family and would never again share those simple joys of having everyone together. Time moves us all forward and at times it moves us further away; it is the memories we take with us as we go … 


Beautiful memories are made every year. As we go about our little traditions that make the Holiday so special we are always adding new ones. Those little things that others will remember about you, and reflect on how much you loved them. Remembering what is important as we also give our gifts unto the Lord. Reading the True Christmas Story every Christmas Eve and sharing God’s love to all that darken our door. Singing in the kitchen till the Carols of Old fill your home with joy. Letting joy shine in our faces as it does in our hearts. 


I pray it is the same with you. Let the magic that seems to fill the air; fill your heart this Christmas. Remember those less fortunate, especially children… Love those around you as we celebrate the day love came in to the world. 


From our family to yours, 


~Merry Christmas~ 

Friday, December 2, 2011

Life In A Sand Storm.







I have been asked a lot lately about the emotional part of the adoption process, and the first thing I would tell you is that it  will change you.

It is like a good sand blasting of the soul...at times it is like living life in a sand storm.
It can be so painful, but it is smoothing off the rough edges and making you the parent your little one so desperately needs.It can cause you to loose your way; not knowing which way to go...so you learn to look to God.It makes the journey harder so you stretch yourself which makes you a stronger person.It will cause you to reach out out and up because simply can't find your way alone. 

It shows you just how small you really are, but in that how great He really is...

When we started this process...I am somewhat ashamed to admit, it was all about me (and still is, but just a little bit) and what I wanted;I wanted a baby, a family, and I wanted it NOW! The longer we have been through this journey~it is less about me and more what God wants FOR me, and what my little one(s) needs FROM me. In that I found so much happiness and joy. 

It is simple~ just another thing revealed through the sandstorm..

God loved me...so I love~Psalm 68:5-6a 
He came for me...so I go to them~John 14:18 
God defended me...I will defend them~Deuteronomy 10:18 
And most of all He commanded me...I obey Isaiah 1:17, & James 1:27. 
It is here in His Word that His peace sustains me...

With that peace, there is also love, and I have even more joy coming!! I have little ones coming! Now not to worry...I am not so naive as to believe that there will not be problems, stress, and even heartaches down the road but I follow this path knowing that I am not alone.. 
I know that the love and joy is worth the pain.
 I have a purpose in this life; that is the lesson learned in the sand storm.

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

My New Toy...

I got a cool new homemaking toy!!!! It is so super cool!!!
So I can't remember wear I saw this...for the first time, but I bought it at Ikea!

I just about squealed with delight with all of possibilities!!!

The main thing is all of the cloth diapers that can enjoy some sun time, and I don't have to stand out at the clothes line to hang them up...that means more time in the nice warm heat this time of year!!!

So cute~so cheap~my cute little octopus toy!!!!

~Our Adoption Reading List~

So we have been doing a lot of reading to get ready for our adoption... I thought I would share some of the books on our list. 

~Our Adoption Book List~

   Pre-Adoption
The Bible~ Our Guidebook Of Life!
The Adoption Decision: 15 Things You Want To know Before Adopting,  By: Laura Christainson
Successful Adoption: A Guide For Christian Families By: Natalie Gillispie
Your Guide To Adoption,  By: Focus On The Family
     
  Fostering/Mid-Adoption
Our Bible~ Training them up in the way they should go...
Handbook On Thriving As An Adoptive Family,  By: David & Renee Sanford
The Connected Child,  By: David Cross, Wendy Sunshine, & Karyn Purvis
Twenty Things Adopted Kids Wish Their Adoptive Parents Knew, By: Sherrie Eldridge 
Parenting the Hurt Child, By Regina Kupecky

Post-Adoption
Our Family Bible~ Devotions together as a family! 
After the Dream Comes True,  By: Michelle Gardner
Before You Were Mine, By: Susan TeBoss, & Carissa Woodwyk 
Talking To Young Children About Adoption,  By: by Ms. Mary Watkins and Dr. Susan Fisher M.D

 For Friends & Family
Wrapping Around Adoptive Families,  By: Focus On The Family

Saturday, November 26, 2011

Poor Kitty.....

It is November that means it is time for the fur-babies to go to the Vet's office for a check-up and shots...pout!  For us humans, stress!
 So we are off....

Time to see if all of the teeth brushing...

Bathing & brushing....okay so not that much anymore, LOL!

Warm cuddles, vitamins, and heathy cat food...

Hours of de-shedding so they don't get hairballs....is really paying off?

And with one poop in the car, a 6.7 mile drive there and  6.7 miles back with NON-STOP MEOWING,  a super sweet new Dr. (even though we still love our old one, and kinda missed her),  a huge bill, and one puked-on kitty later.......


we have 2 cats in perfect health!!! 


Friday, November 25, 2011

Getting Ready For Christmas!!!!

Well, Thanksgiving was amazing!!!! Now we are on to Christmas....family, friends, lights, food, carols, sweets &  treats, the tree, decorating, and most of all a Savior.




We as a family are putting off getting the tree just in case we have little ones to help us decorate...just praying that our social worker is really Santa Claus in disguise! We shall see and we have a date in mind and we will get a tree, that is if we don't hear anything, but it is looking really good right now! More to come about that later... 
The rest of the house is mine.....the mantel, the walkway, and pretty much every counter-top in the house is in need of some decoration!!!! That of course means lot's of Disney stuff!!!! We try to go to Disneyland every year and usually at Christmas time so I add a piece every year...hoping to add another piece soon, maybe a few! 
So lets bust out the box of decorations, put on the carols, and beautify everything with the joy of Christmas!!!! 
....and for those of you that get snow; make a snowman for me! Because for now mine only comes by way of a snowglobe.